Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli

When we think of racism and the south we automatically think whites against black. Other ethnicities seem to fall through the cracks. This book is based on the true story of Italian immigrants in Tallulah, LA. Calogero is a fourteen year old boy who lives with his cousins and uncles. As a whole they run a successful produce business, but are caught in the struggle between the blacks and whites. Since they don’t fit into either category of race, they are constantly harassed and eventually it must come to an end. This was a very powerful book and it really brought into perspective the fact that racism affected anyone who was different. The author made Calogero very real and likeable. Not only was the book a good read, but the afterward was very interesting. Napoli explains how she came across this obscure story, her research and how she was able to weave fact and fiction together. This would be a good choice for 5th graders on up.

The Orange Houses by Paul Griffin

Nik is deaf, Fatima is an refugee and Jimmi is a homeless vet, but what do they all have in common… New York. I will be honest I wasn’t sure how the author was going to make them all intertwine, but I was intrigued, hence why I chose this book. Basically the three aforementioned characters have their own personal demons/ struggles that they are trying to deal with. When all of their paths end up crossing they learn about friendship, trust and how harsh the world can be, while trying to survive on the streets of New York. The main thing I noticed about this particular book and what I would consider a strength is that it’s told from three different perspectives. Each chapter represents the point of view of one of the three characters. Therefore, the chapters are fairly short and it keeps you reading. This was a good, quick read and I would suggest it to struggling or reluctant readers in 6th grade on up.

The Demon's Lexicon- Sarah Rees Brennan

This is the first book by Sarah Rees Brennan and is considered Book 1 in “The Demon’s Lexicon” series. Though it wasn't the best book I've ever read I would still pick up the next one in the series. It's basically a fantasy book about good vs. evil, with demons and magicians who live among humans. Nick Ryves and his brother Alan are being hunted by a specific group of magicians, who are after their mother because of something she stole many years ago. Along there journey they meet Mae and Jamie, who have questions about a mark that Jamie received from a demon. In the course of their hunt things come to light for the Ryves brothers. Overall, there is a lot of action, including battles between Nick and the magicians, calling demons through dance, etc. Combine this with the plot twists, and I know why this was one of the Best Books for Young Adults in 2010. Mrs. Brennan did a good job at keeping the story moving along until the very end, which I personally didn't see coming. I would recommend this book to reluctant readers of the male persuasion!