Written in the Stars

Summary

17 year-old Naila is forbidden to date or even be friends with any boys her age. Her parents have always told her that she can choose how she wears her hair and what job she has, but they will choose her husband. They will plan a traditional arranged marriage for her when they think the time is right. So, naturally when Naila falls in love with Saif her parents are infuriated. To help Naila “remember her culture and who she truly is” her parents hastily plan a trip to Pakistan to meet her relatives and explore her family’s home. But not all is as it seems in Pakistan, and Naila’s parents have decided on a suitable husband, who they want Naila to marry right away. As Naila is forced into a life she doesn’t want, she begins to wonder if her old life is even possible anymore. Will Saif figure out what has happened and find Naila in time?

Review

Written in the Stars is an intense, suspenseful, yet beautiful novel about culture, love and family. A couple of reasons why I enjoyed Written in the Stars so much were the inspiring characters and the cultural references that made up most of the plot. I hope you love Written in the Stars as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 14 and up
• Author: Aisha Saeed
• 277 pages
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Buy for $14.99 here

Wonder

Summary

August Pullman is just an ordinary kid. Except no one else seems to understand that. August was born with a facial difference that prevented him from going to a regular school. But now August is starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep middle school. It’s hard enough just being a new kid. But with August’s unusual appearance being the new kid is even more challenging. Can August convince his new classmates that he’s just like them?

Review

Wonder is an incredible book with strong characters and a great storyline. I loved reading Wonder because it’s a touching and memorable book with a great message. The characters were very interesting to read about and I really liked how detailed their personalities are. I hope you enjoy reading Wonder as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 10 and up
• Author: R.J. Palacio
• 310 pages
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Buy for $17.59 at Russellbooks.com

  

No Ordinary Day

Summary

Valli is a young Indian girl who lives with her aunt and uncle in the coal town Jharia. One day Valli finds out that her “aunt and uncle” are not actually her family and she runs away, hitching a ride in the back of a truck carrying coal out of Jharia. Eventually the drivers of the truck find out they have a stowaway and dump Valli in Kolkata. Valli begins living on the streets, borrowing things she needs and passing them on to someone who needs them more. Valli lives contentedly on the streets of Kolkata until a chance meeting with a doctor reveals to Valli that she has a disease called leprosy. Valli has always been terrified of the “monsters” with leprosy, so she rejects help and treatment and continues to live on the streets of Kolkata. But can Valli survive without treatment?

Review

I really liked No Ordinary Day because it is inspiring and interesting. I also think that the characters in No Ordinary Day are very realistic and interesting. One last thing that I’d like to mention is that the author did a great job of creating an interesting storyline that makes you want to keep reading. I hope you enjoy No Ordinary Day as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 10 and up
• Author: Deborah Ellis
• 155 pages 
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Governor General’s Litereary Awards winner
• Buy for $9.95 at Russellbooks.com

  

Kira-Kira

Summary

Katie’s older sister Lynn has always taught Katie to see the wonderful things in the world. But when Katie and her Family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to South Georgia, it’s Lynn who teaches Katie to see the best in everything even when times are hard. Lynn means everything to Katie. But then Lynn becomes severely ill, the whole family slumps into hard times. Medical treatments are expensive, and Now it’s up to Katie to pull the family back together and show them that there will always be something wonderful to look forward to.

Review

Kira-Kira is a touching story about two Japanese-American sisters going through tough times. I liked it because it had positive messages and touching characters. All in all a wonderful story about sisters. I hope you enjoy Kira-Kira as much as I did!

Info

• Ages 9/10 and up
• Author: Cynthia Kadohata
• 244 pages
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Newbery medal winner
• Buy for $7.99 at Russellbooks.com

  

Wonderstruck

Summary 

Ben wishes his life was different. He wishes he knew more about his father. One day Ben finds a clue to his fathers disappearance and he sets out on his own to find answers. Rose thinks constantly about a mysterious and famous actress. Finally Rose leaves home on a quest to find out more about the world. Their two worlds soon collide. Ben’s story is told in words and Rose’s in pictures.

Review

I think Wonderstruck is an amazing and touching story about two deaf children who journey out on their own to find out more about themselves. Also I think it is very interesting that Rose’s story and Ben’s story are set fifty years apart. Definitely one of my favourite books.

Info

• Author: Brian Selznick
• Ages 9 and up
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Buy for $29.99 here

Out of My Mind

Summary

Melody is a 11 year old girl who can’t talk or move the lover half of her body. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school! Except nobody knows it. Most teachers and doctors think she’s just some kid who doesn’t have feelings or thoughts. But soon Melody discovers a device that will allow her to talk for the first time in 11 years.

Review

Personally I think this is one of the best realistic fiction book that I have read this year. I love Melody and her strong opinions. Out of My Mind is a touching story about friendship and belief, I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

Info

• ages 9 and up
• author: Sharon M. Draper
• 295 pages
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Buy for $8.79 at Russellbooks.com