Spectacle by Recommended by former ASD teacher, Mr Hoiseth: "Great for Grade 8 who enjoy History."
The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book by Recommended by Mr. Kumbier: "This is a comic strip that will have you laughing, thinking, and, at times, deeply moved. It captures the essence of childhood while tackling very adult problems."
Ender's Game by Recommended by Ms. Hammonds: "Love this book because it immediately draws you into the futuristic world and shows the capabilities of teens who are often underestimated. Great characters and plot twists. Also is a series and has a great movie to follow! Long time favorite and a book that you end up re-reading! Perfect for these times!"
Ink and Bone by Recommended by Ms. Woods: "I think it is so fascinating! The book is basicially set in the future but it is so different than what our future will look like. I think fans of dystopian novels as well as sci fi or fantasy readers will really enjoy this."
The Hate U Give by Recommended by Mrs. Jones: "This is a powerful novel about a young girl who is witness to the shooting of her friend by a police officer. What I liked about the book is that it explores so many themes that are not only important, but very current. I recommend this book because there are so many ideas and issues presented that we grapple with everyday. The novel has mature themes and some use of profanity, so it would appeal to a more mature reader."
Orbiting Jupiter by Recommended by Mrs. Jones: "The story is for a more mature reader because of the subject matter, but it is not inappropriate, and the reading level is easy. It is a book that most students end up finishing in one night because it is a short read and because the story is compelling. Keep a box of tissues handy - it's a tear jerker."
Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Recommended by Mrs. Franks: "This book is funny, relevant, and heartwarming. It may be relatable to people who have family members with disabilities and kids who navigate living in multiple cultures."
Cinder by Recommended by Mrs. Franks: "This series is full of action and adventure. It's an interesting take on what the future of earth could look like and how power dynamics could change as technology advances. At first, I thought the incorporation of familiar fairytale characters (Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White) would be cheesy, but it wasn't! If you like fantasy, the future, courageous characters, political relations, and social equality, you'll love this series!"
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by Recommended by former ASD teacher, Mrs. Robertson: "Very fun and interesting read, well paced and realistic interaction between siblings. Easy to read because it was well written and not a complex story."
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket by Recommended by former ASD teacher, Mrs. Robertson: "Kids who want an easy read would enjoy this book, and appreciate a few laughs and smiles while reading."
A Confederacy of Dunces by Recommended by Mrs. Olsen: "This is a fairly intellectual book, probably best appreciated by advanced readers. It seems to be an indictment on modern life and the pursuit of money and meaning. Sadly, the author Toole committed suicide, but was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1981."