Media Matters

 Book by Jacqueline Woodson. This is a book about family and friendship and supporting each other. It also highlights the dangers of tackle football and other concussion causing activities. Written in free verse, it’s both beautiful and heartbreaking. I listened to the audiobook (one of the shortest audiobooks I’ve ever listened to) and it was very well done. No objectionable content. Highly recommended for ages 10+.

 Book by Laura Dave. This was a quick read, a mystery with interesting twists and enough thrills to keep me invested and nervous for the characters. It’s aimed at adults, but it doesn’t include any of the violent or sexual content this genre sometimes falls into, which I really appreciated. There is a small bit of profanity, but I would feel very comfortable with teens reading this.

 Book by Adam Rex. This is a book unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. It’s got a buddy road trip vibe mixed with hilarious aliens, people, and plot lines. Although I saw the big reveal a mile away, it was very entertaining. I listened to the audiobook and honestly doubt I would have liked it as well in book form. The narrator, Bahni Turpin, was simply spectacular at doing all the character voices. Note: there were a few mild profanities, but IMO this was appropriate for ages 12+. Would be a great road trip listen with teens.

 Easy chapter book by Gloria Whelan. Cute short story set in fairly modern day Alaska revolving around a dog musher family.

Book by Barbara O’Connor. This was a fantastic contemporary fiction novel about a 10 year old girl whose dad leaves, causing the family to become homeless. She is tired of being homeless, so she comes up with the brilliant idea to steal a dog, then return it for reward money. I really liked the glimpse into the realities of homelessness: the disruption to schoolwork, food insecurity, the difficulty of basic hygiene, and the social stigma, to name just a few. And there were sweet lessons learned about doing the right thing, and having the courage to admit when you’ve done wrong. Highly recommended for ages 10+.  Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was great!