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Mrs. Massey Recommends...
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In the Hall With the Knife
by Diana Peterfreund Year Published: 2019 MysteryA murderer could be around every corner in this thrilling YA trilogy based on the board game CLUE! This is a quick, fun read for mystery lovers. It's a classic whodunit that pulls inspiration straight from the class Clue movie. While there's more to come for these characters, there's no need to worry about irritating cliffhangers. This one wraps up the mystery of the book by the end.
Rayne & Delilah's Midnight Matinee
by Jeff Zentner Year Published: 2019 Contemporary FictionA contemporary novel about two best friends who must make tough decisions about their futures--and the TV show they host--in their senior year of high school. This book is full of heart and humor. It's laugh-out-loud funny, but it's also earnest when it comes to portraying female friendship on the brink of change. As with all Jeff Zentner books, it's well-written and contains some quotable moments.
Educated
by Tara Westover Year Published: 2018 Nonfiction, MemoirTara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag." This is the story of her journey to getting her education. Tara's story is riveting and an emotional journey. This is a great nonfiction pick for those who don't read as much nonfiction.
The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo Year Published: 2018 Contemporary FictionA young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. This book is about finding a voice when you feel like no one is hearing you. It’s about discovering your own passions and beliefs. Acevedo writes in achingly beautiful poetry. The audiobook version is wonderful and Acevedo gives a true slam poet performance.
In the Shadow of Liberty
by Kenneth C. Davis Year Published: 2016 Nonfiction, HistoryThoroughly and authoritatively researched, Kenneth C. Davis writes of the lives of five enslaved people owned by American presidents: Billy Lee, Ona Judge, Isaac Granger, Paul Jennings, and Alfred Jackson. Davis compares the lives of these enslaved people to the words their owners wrote and spoke about freedom and lays bare the complexities of life during slavery. This is a dense but worthwhile read that I believe should be required reading for early U.S. History lovers.
Scythe
by Neal Shusterman Year Published: 2016 Action, Science FictionA world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control. This is a nearly perfect, action-packed science fiction novel. This is the first in an thrilling action trilogy. You'll want the next one immediately.
Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein Year Published: 2012 Historical FictionOct. 11th, 1943 - A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun. This book is packed with astonishing twists and revelations. It's a moving account of friendship set in the midst of World War II and Nazi occupation. This is one of my all-time favorite books!
Throne of Glass
by Srah J. Maas Year Published: 2012 FantasyAfter serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. This is an engaging and action-packed fantasy with fantasic world-building. It's the first in an epic series.
Sabriel
by Garth Nix Year Published: 1996 FantasySent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. This is one of my favorite books of all time and a fantastic high fantasy novel. The world-building is immersive and the action is truly gripping.
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