Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

                                                       Inside Out & Back Again
                                                       By: Thanhha Lai


             The story authored by Thanhha Lai is a wonderfully written story in verse. The story is about a young Vietnamese girl name Ha and her family. She is living in the war torn country of Vietnam. The war has taken her father and hopefully not the rest of her family. Ha is learning that she may not like hat is going on, but must obey what her mother ask. She is learning that war is a horrible thing, and must flee to America with her family on a boat during a Communist strike. The boat she is on is finally rescued by Americans. The family is taken to Tent City in Florida. There her family hopes to find a sponsor so they can get to live the American life. The American Cowboy sponsors the family, and life for the family becomes on of transition and change. Ha must learn that things are not always happy and great. She learns that she hates everything and hopes things will change. Luckily for Ha she is introduce to a few friends Steven, Pam, and her English tutor Miss Washington. Will Ha learn to love America and take advantage of everything that is offer. Will Ha make it through life in America?

        I would definitely recommend this to students who love to read stories in verse. The story is a cute coming of age in America story. The author shares in her notes that part of it is related to her experiences, which makes this very believable.

           

Bluford Series

So I have been reading the Bluford series with my READ 180 students. These books have been in my room for several years. I finally broke down and decided to read the series. Let me tell you it was the best decision I made. Now I can really tell all my students now and in the future about these books. They are really great books. Students can relate to some of the issues that each book portrays. The characters in the books all have contact with one another. Darcy is one of the main characters that definitely represents many of the students in school. I would call this the Sweet Valley High of the 2010. I would say this series is definitely a must for struggling readers who are into high school drama or just trying to find something to connect to, I would say read this series. I luckily have several students reading the series. One told me why did you wait so long to tell me about these books. School is almost out and I don't have the books. Well luckily for them I do have an answer for them. Bluford has the audio books online. It is free and anyone who loves these books can have access to them without having the book. A definite must for all those who are looking for books for their struggling middle school or high school students.

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass is one of the best series I have read in a long time. The series reminds me of "The Bachelor." The story about a young girl who applies to be put into a pool of women to be courted by Prince Maxim. As she goes through this process she is not wanting any part of this. She is trying to get over her first love Aspen. As the process goes on in all three books you learn to love the America Singer. She is a rebel in her own right. During the story you find out a lot about all the girls. They all have different ideas of how things will be if they are princess. They also learn that not everyone is nice, and that there are other agendas out there. The love triangle of Maxim/America/Aspen tears America's heart in tow. She finds it hard to decide where her heart belongs. She likes the friends she has made in Maxim, but she misses her love Aspen. As time goes on and a surprise visit from Aspen that doesn't go away makes life at the palace difficult at times. She titter totters between her love loyalty. I would recommend this to those who love stories about a strong female character. America is a modern day heroine.