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12 Angry Men

This is a powerful stage production that invites the audience to consider the importance of jury trials and our justice system, the unconscious biases we may have, our willingness to listen with an open mind and consider changing our mind when presented with new information, and having the courage to stick to your sincere beliefs even if it means standing alone. It would be great to watch in conjunction with reading the memoir The Sun Does Shine. Highly recommended for high schoolers and adults. (No objectionable material, but younger audiences may not have enough understanding to really follow it.)

Healing Hearts

 Book by Sarah Eden. Very fun historical romance audiobook that will also shock you in regard to the lack of rights for women and those diagnosed with mental illness. A clean read suitable for teens. Note: this is technically the 2nd in a series, but it totally works as a standalone.

Mockingbird

Book by Kathryn Erskine. This novel is written from the POV of an 11 year old girl with Asperger’s, which was eye opening. IMO, the audiobook really helps to solidify her voice. It is sad but hopeful. TW: school shooting, death/grief

The Doughnut Fix

 Book by Jessie Janowitz. This was a charming middle grade contemporary fiction novel about a boy who deals with moving to a small town by starting a doughnut business. Along with a good story, the book includes business tips and recipes.

The Afterlife of Holly Chase

 Book by Cynthia Hand. This was a fun YA modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, with a bit of clean romance thrown in. The protagonist is very worldly and selfish but finds redemption in the end. Note: there was a bit of profanity

Lakeshire Park

 Book by Megan Walker. A fun and squeaky clean regency romance.

Uprising

 Book by Jennifer Nielsen. Compelling historical fiction (Polish resistance in WW2) based on a true story! (Definitely read the author’s note at the end.)