Just Another Hero

by Sharon Draper
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

This is the third book in the Battle of Jericho series so the adventures of Arielle, November, and Jericho continue.  Douglass high school is still recovering from the tragedy that occurred form the hazing incidents during the Warriors of Distinction pledging week.  November is trying to move on as she rebuilds her life with her daughter, Jericho still misses his cousin, and Arielle is happy that her former circle of friends are willing to give her another chance.  But strange things are happening at school.  The fire alarms are being pulled, someone is stealing items out of people's backpacks, and one student is being severely bullied.  Arielle, November, and Jericho will have to step up and help get their school back on track.

November Blues

by Sharon Draper
Lexile:  770
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Jericho and November are two teenagers struggling with grief after the death of their cousin and boyfriend, Josh.  Jericho used to love the trumpet, but can no longer play so instead turns to football as a way to work out his anger.  November has learned that in addition to the loss of Josh, her life is going to change forever, as she is pregnant and has to face the fact that she will be raising her child alone, without Josh.  Jericho has promised to be there for her in every way he can.  But will he be ready for this challenge?

The Infinite Sea (Book Two in the 5th Wave series)

by Rick Yancey
Lexile: ???
Genre:  Science Fiction/Dystopian

Cassie has lived through the destruction that eliminated most of the world's population.  She and a few of the survivors have a decision to make.  Do they find a location to curl up in and try to survive the winter, or do they venture out to find other groups of survivors?  The group has mixed feelings on what they should do.  Cassie wants to wait it out in hopes that Evan will find them.  Ben thinks that there is little to no chance that he survived the destruction of Camp Haven and wants to move.  The one thing that is certain is that their lives as humans will never be the same.

I am Malala

by:  Malala Yousafzai
Lexile:  810
Genre:  Memoir

I am Malala tells the story of how one girl decided to take a stand and speak up for the right of all girls to have an education.  Malala was growing up in Pakistan and attended her father's school until the Taliban took over and declared that all girls over the age of 10 would no longer be allowed to go to school.  Malala spoke out against this injustice to anyone who would listen and soon began to be recognized as an international spokesperson on peace and educational rights.  This attention brought awareness to the plight of many young people in Pakistan, but it also drew the attention of the Taliban who were willing to go to great lengths to silence Malala's message.

Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand
Lexile:  850
Genre:  Biography

As a boy, Louis Zamperini was known as a troublemaker, but as a teenager he was able to channel his energy into running which gave him the chance to compete in the Berlin Olympics.  But then the war came and in May of 1943, Louis Zamperini’s plan crashed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  He is left stranded in the ocean in enemy territory with only a life raft and his desire to survive.  This is the incredible true story of how Louis was pushed to the brink of death and yet somehow managed to remain unbroken.

The 5th Wave

by Rick Yancey
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Science Fiction

Cassie and Sam are living happily with their parents.  And then the world ends and 7 billion people are dead.  Cassie thinks it is quite possible that she is the last human being on Earth.  She has survived the first four waves...but has no idea what the 5th wave will be and when it will happen.  All she knows is that she made a promise to her little brother that she would come and get him just as soon as she could.  Is Sam still alive?  And if so, can she find him before the 5th wave comes?

When My Name was Keoko

by Linda Sue Park
Lexile:  610
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Sun-hee and her family are proud of their Korean heritage, but they are living under Japanese occupation during World War II so they are forced to learn to read and write in Japanese.  One day it is announced that all Koreans will have to change their names and are no longer be able to fly the Korean flag.  Suddenly Sun-hee becomes Keoko and then the real sacrifices begin.  Her uncle is working for the resistance and suddenly disappears.  Next, Keoko's brother volunteers to fight in the Japanese army in order to protect their uncle and get their family more food rations. Keoko wants there to be a happy ending for everyone...but every day that possibility seems farther and farther away.