VVMBookBlog

This third book is the conclusion to the Sharon Draper trilogy beginning with The Battle of Jericho and November Blues.  While I didn’t read the first two books, I still liked this story about a group of students who have survived a lot together and now just need to get through their senior year and get on with the rest of their lives.

Much of the story is told from the perspective of Arielle who, along with her mother, must deal with an abusive stepfather, and Kofi, who must be the adult to his irresponsible parents while dealing with a growing addiction to prescription drugs given to him for an injury to his arm.  Added to seeing how they all deal with major issues in their lives is the mystery of who is committing thefts of money and electronic devices, and who keeps pulling the fire alarm in the middle of winter!  Lots of action leading up to a dramatic ending!

Fire from the Rock

(Originally posted by Ms. Moeller)

Fire from the Rock is a historical fiction novel that weaves a fantastic story and supplies information about the fight to desegregate American schools. This is the story of the Little Rock Nine. The main character, Sylvia Patterson, is a typical high school student concerned with friends, boys, and music. She is also a strong willed girl who needs to make difficult choices. Although this book is fiction, the incidents are based on reality. Sylvia is chosen to be one of the few black students to go to the all white Central High School. Her choice is not an easy one as many white people in the community are against desegregation.

Violet is 11 and looking forward to going into 7th grade with her next door girlfriend, Lottie, and her friend-who-is-a-boy, Eddie.  Then Violet’s world gets shaken up when Melissa’s family moves to the neighbor from the big city of Detroit.  When Violet sees that Lottie and Melissa are becoming friends, too, Violet gets threatened and comes up with some sneaky and not-so-sneaky ways to remind Lottie about their friendship and show Melissa she isn’t welcome there.  A thunderstorm produces a bolt of lightning that strikes Lottie’s house, bringing changes to all their worlds.  How will Violet handle this event?

Violet is full of heart and all the qualities that make people human.  Knowing how hard it can be for three girls to be “best friends,” I enjoyed reading to see how the author tells the story of these four friends.  Great book for girls who enjoy reading about girls!

Looks by Madeleine George

Meghan and Aimee both have weight issues although no one would compare the two. Aimee is anorexic although no one seems to be helping her.   Meghan is overweight although no one seems to see her. These two are not friends, in fact in many ways they are opposites, but they are brought together by one girl who has done mean things to both girls.  Although the cover would lead the reader to believe that this is a book about weight, it is more.  A variety of issues such as popularity, family dysfunction, cliques, and school in general are covered in this book.

Boost by Kathy Mackel

Savvy and Callie are sisters and like many sisters are a bit competitive with each other. Although they’re somewhat competitive with each other, they are more competitive in their given sports. Callie is a cheerleader and Savvy is a basketball player. As the title would suggest, this is a book about steroids and sports. It is not, however, the typical book about steroids in sports. When drugs (steroids) are found in Savvy’s locker, many people are asking questions. The answers to these questions are probably not what the reader will expect. Boost takes a new look at steroids and the reasons young athletes use them while engaging the reader in a story about the competitive spirit, friendships, and family.