The Breadwinner

Summary

In Kabul, Afganistan, an eleven-year-old girl named Parvana lives under the control of The Taliban, who forces women and girls to stay inside their houses and forbids them from going to school. Her family survives from the money her father makes reading letters for illiterate citizens. But one day he is arrested by The Taliban, leaving Parvana and her family without money, food or anyone who can even venture outside. Although Parvana cannot make money as a girl, she could if she was a boy. So, only one hope for her family remains. Parvana must disguise herself as a boy and continue her father’s business. But how long will it be before The Taliban discover her secret?

Review

The Breadwinner is a incredible story of survival and war that will give you a new perspective on life in the middle east. There are so many things to love about The Breadwinner, from it’s strong female characters to it’s important messages. I would recommend this book to middle grade readers who are interested in Afganistan’s history and or wan to learn more about living conditions in other countries. I hope you enjoy The Breadwinner as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 10/11 and up
• Author: Deborah Ellis
•  145 pages
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Buy for $9.95 here

Moxie

Summary

Vivian is a high school student at a small town Texas high school. And she is sick and tired of sexist dress codes, inappropriate comments from boys who never get in trouble and all the rules. As things get worse, Vivian follows in her feminist mother’s footsteps and secretly distributes a zine that encourages her fellow students to stand up for themselves and make change. At first Viv was just venting, but girls start taking charge, and Vivian is uniting girls from all cliques and classes to create a feminist movement that will impact her entire town.

Review

Moxie is a exciting, funny, powerful and empowering book that every teen girl should read. It has lovable, realistic characters and is an engaging read I couldn’t put down. Moxie is filled with passion and is sure to inspire girls everywhere. I hope you read and enjoy Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 13 and up
• Author: Jennifer Mathieu
• 326 pages
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Buy for $21.99 at Munrobooks.com

Paper Towns

Summary

Quentin has lived beside the incredible Margo Roth Speigleman for almost his entire life, and he’s spent just about the same amount of time falling in love with her, while barely speaking to her at all. That all changes when Margo climbs through his bedroom window in the middle of the night to lead him on a strange and remarkably planned string of revenge plots. Quentin is on top of the world the next day, until he learns that Margo has disappeared, seemingly into thin air. But Quentin soon discovers that Margo left subtle clues where only he could find them. Quentin and his friends must now embark on an exciting journey to find Margo. But along the way elusive Margo begins to seem like a different girl than the one Quentin thought he knew.

Review

Paper Towns is a exciting mystery with interesting characters and plot lines. I really love how the mystery of Margo’s clues plays out, it kept me glued to the page, and excited for what would happen next. I also love the touch of humor in this book, which keeps the story fun to read. Paper Towns will definitely be enjoyed by fans of John Green’s other books and modern mysteries. I hope you read and enjoy Paper Towns by John Green as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 13 and up
• Author: John Green
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 305 pages
• Buy for $14.99 at Munrobooks.com

The Way Back Home Book Review

Summary

Zoe is angry and lonely, with her forgetful grandmother as her only friend. Zoe is completely fed up with her life and the people in it. Her insufferable cousin Madi, who seems to have her heart set on making Zoe’s life miserable, and Zoe’s parents who never believe anything Zoe says and are trying to put her beloved Granny in a care home.

If You Could Be Mine

Summary

Seventeen year old girls are supposed to be in love. In Iran, they are supposed to love a man who will make a suitable husband. Except Sahar isn’t in love with a man. She’s in love with her best friend Nasrin. This is exceptionally dangerous in a country where Sahar and Nasrin could face terrible consequences if anyone ever found out about their relationship. While Sahar carries hopes and dreams of moving away and living with Nasrin, Nasrin’s parents are arranging an engagement for their precious daughter. There seems to be no way to avoid the marriage, until Sahar discovers possibly the only way for her and Nasrin to legally be together. A gender reassignment. The government of Iran will pay for gender change surgeries to fix what is viewed as nature’s mistake. If she were a man, Sahar would be able to marry Nasrin. But is love really worth Sahar’s true self?

Review

If You Could Be Mine is an emotional love story that is both inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. This book offers an important message about the challenges people in other countries face. If you enjoy books about other countries or LGBTQ stories, then you will probably enjoy this book. I hope you enjoy If You Could Be Mine as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 14 and up
• Author: Sara Farizan
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 247 pages
• Buy for $11.99 at Munrobooks.com

Saints and Misfits

Summary

Janna has three types of people in her life. Saints, Misfits and Monsters. Saints are people like her brother’s new girlfriend. People who can simply do no wrong, who float on clouds of perfection. Misfits don’t belong anywhere. Like Janna. She doesn’t belong in her Dad’s new family, with Jeremy, her crush with a perfectly proportioned forehead or even with her mother and brother. And Monsters. Like the monster at Janna’s mosque. The one disguised as a Saint, a perfect citizen in every way. Nobody knows the truth about him except Janna. But will she have the strength to speak up for herself and reveal her secret?

Review

Saints and Misfits is a much needed novel with a relatable and original protagonist. This book offers a realistic and interesting perspective on Muslim customs and traditions. Saints and Misfits is an important book that anyone who is interested in other cultures and likes books with complex, unique characters should read. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 13/14 and up
• Author: S.K. Ali
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 325 pages
• Buy for $25.99 at Munrobooks.com

 

Goldfish Book Review

Summary

Lou Brown was on her way to the Olympics, she was off to training camp with her best friend, she was a top swimmer. Until she wasn’t. After failing time trials Lou Brown is stuck in school, and 100% aware that she has no friends and no life aside from swimming.

Optimists Die First Book Review

Summary

Petula is a pessimist. A family tragedy has taught her that even the most benign objects pose a threat, and she will take every precaution to keep herself safe from the dangerous world around her. Then, in her horrible art therapy support group, she meets a boy with a bionic hand named Jacob.

Unbecoming Book Review

Summary

Mary is losing memories faster than she knows, and her past is about to be the centre of attention. Caroline is perpetually exhausted, worn out and high strung from work and stress. Katie is afraid to come to terms with her own feelings and needs to make some vital discoveries about herself before the situation becomes any worse.

We Are All Made of Molecules Book Review

Summary

Ashley Anderson has it all: popularity, a perfect life and a group of friends. But her grades are atrocious. Stewart Inkster has brilliant grades but is completely clueless when it comes to social matters. So, when Stewart and his father move in with Ashley and her mom, naturally Ashley is completely horrified.