Historian Ruth Behar, inspired by her ancestors, tells the stories of four Sephardic Jewish girls in three vastly different time periods and locations. As the story unfolds, the reader sees the intergenerational connections among these four distinct stories. Benvenida, along with her family, is facing expulsion during the Spanish Inquisition from the only home she has ever known. She leads the reader out of Medieval Spain on an arduous journey to 20th century Turkey, introducing Reina.
Not your typical coming-of-age novel, All I Know begins with Kai Martin as a playful 9-year-old and takes us through the next three decades of her life. Kai shares an inextricable relationship with her brother, Kade, and her childhood crush, Josh Taylor, throughout the book. These relationships drive decisions that affect Kai’s life, even during years she is not physically with either of them. The author does not shy away from some tough topics. Alcohol and drug abuse, child abuse, and suicide are all dealt with as Kai moves from childhood into adulthood.
Our Lives in Between follows a young woman named Veronica…until she dies. Next thing she knows, her name is Harmony. As her mind floods with the thousands of lifetimes she has lived, a pattern begins to surface. Veronica’s boyfriend, Seth, or as Harmony knows him, Kaleb, appears to be a catalyst for tragedy in each life. For Harmony, what had begun as just a hypothesis has spiraled into much more. As she incidentally begins to pull back the curtains of her world, newfound love, extreme fate, and budding conspiracy slowly worm themselves out of the shadows.
Sam is just about to enter her senior year of school, when she finds out that because the past few months while her dad’s promotion has called for him commuting longer hours daily, it has taken its toll on the family. So, her parents have decided to move closer to his job causing Sam to have to switch high schools during her last year. She’s beyond mad at her parents for not considering her feelings.
Girl in the Ashes is a captivating book centered on the life of Odette, a young woman with a scarred past. At a very young age, Odette Lefebvre saw her mother die in the hands of a vile man. Since then, she made it her duty to rid Paris of it's corrupt men. Not women. Not children. Men only. She lured her victims into her cellar where she administered the only justice she knew: death.
Ruby's List by Mary Mager is a story about 12 year-old Ruby Denton and her family, and the trials and triumphs of a sixth grader. However, Ruby is not just a regular sixth grader. Her mom is an Army nurse stationed in Afghanistan, so along with the constant worry for her mom, she also has the anxieties of sixth grade. She, her brother, and her father have moved in with her grandmother while her mother is away. Ruby has lists for everything: prayers, homework, shopping, and a journal her mom gave her before she was deployed.
Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait follows dual protagonists, who both feel isolated from their peers and rely on Pictapost (a popular picture-posting and chat app) to feel connected. However, both teens cope by using Pictapost differently. Behind one side of the screen is Cherry, Helton Manor’s “New Girl”, seeking validation. Her validation comes from creepy fans’ likes, comments, and direct messages on her risky photos and flirtatious captions.
Zadie is a little witch with a big heart. She often finds herself being a smart witch and kind sister, even when her two older sisters act selfishly and unkindly. Her greatest wish is to be the best witch she can be. So, Zadie is thrilled when an invitation to be picked at the Witch's Tea party to become an assistant to the most powerful witch in the land arrives at her house. At least she is thrilled until her older sisters tell her that she is not good enough and is too small to go to the party.
Adoriana Marik is a tattoo artist and merchandiser who lived in Mariupol during the Russian-Ukrainian War. She described her background and some history about Ukraine’s relationship with Russia before the current war seen through her perspective. Before the war began, there was tension in the air because of Putin’s threats of Ukraine. Marik put her documents in order and prepared for a hasty escape from Ukraine for herself and her dog, Yola. On February 23, 2022, Marik woke up to the sounds of explosions and the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Frannie and Willie look forward to their summertime visits at Aunt Bea’s cottage. When they arrive, they are greeted with a smile from good friend Miss Minnie and Aunt Bea’s delicious treats. With the promise of the best game they’ll ever play, the children roll colored stones hoping to find good fortune. Aunt Bea is hopeful that the children find value in her special game and encourages each of them to share what they’ve learned.
