School Librarian and MEA member Meg Rooks recommends the following books for your students this school year.
Smart slow-burn of a novel told in the alternating perspectives of two black students at an elite and mostly white prep school. Devon and Chiameka are being targeted by anonymous texts (from “Aces”) which reveal their secrets to the whole student body. As they join forces to try and uncover Aces’ identity, the situation goes from disturbing to terrifying with a twist ending that I did not see coming. Definitely high school YA but I would recommend it to some 8th graders.
Grade Level: 10-12
Reading Age: 14-18
Clever story that tackles the subject of domestic violence through magical realism. Samantha and her sister Caitlin are sent to live with their aunt after their father’s abuse has torn apart their family. Their aunt introduces Samantha to a childhood card game (fox and squirrels) that comes to life, and Samantha’s relationship with the characters parallels her family struggles.
Grade Level: 5-9
Reading Age: 10-14
This story, told in verse, follows Ellie, an overweight middle-schooler who is being bullied by almost everyone: her classmates, strangers in restaurants, even her own siblings and mother. After her father brings her to a counselor, Ellie begins to find her voice and assert her right to take up space in the world. This is an important book that I will recommend to everyone.
Grade Level: 5-6
Reading Age: 10 and up
See additional NEA recommended books at nea.org
