raethereviewer's reviews
825 reviews

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

5.0

This was such a spectacular novel in verse. I read it alongside a student and it’s such a great book for bridging empathy and giving students a more global perspective. Highly recommend!

The Everybody Experiment by Lisa Moore Ramée

5.0

This was such a well told story of friendship, growing up, and figuring out what it actually means to be mature. It’s done in such an age appropriate manner where it truly is perfect for that upper elementary, lower middle school age range. This is definitely one I’ll be recommending to tweens.

Onyx & Beyond by Amber McBride

challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The amount of talent that Amber McBride has needs to be studied which is why this book should be in every middle school classroom. I devoured it in an afternoon and was left to fend for myself against my own tears. Onyx & Beyond is a masterpiece.

The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D. Collier

5.0

I was not expecting the conflict to hit so hard but this was so excellent. It covers parental expectations and what it means for kids to make their own decisions about their passions. There’s also the tension of parents and how that feels for a kid to go through. I love the way the friendships were shown.

Definitely a great addition for upper elementary classrooms and 6th grade. 

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

3.75

This is such a fun gothic novel and great for introducing students to the genre when you’re looking for something other than Edgar Allan Poe.

Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh by Joseph Conrad

1.0

I have nothing but hate for this novel.

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

4.25

This was such an engaging read. I really enjoyed the narration style. It was experimental in a way that I felt like really served the story well. Margo is by no means perfect and that’s part of the point of this novel. Messy main characters are my bread and butter.

A Split Second by Janae Marks

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

I think this is a very timely book in the way it addresses anxiety and loneliness in adolescents with a magical plot line that helps relieve some of that tension. This is one I’d recommend to upper elementary and sixth graders.

The Most Famous Girl in the World by Iman Hariri-Kia

4.0

I’ve been seeing this everywhere lately and decided to dive in. This book has one of the most unhinged main characters I’ve ever read. I see why it’s so polarizing and there were times I wanted to shake Rose to make her see what was staring her in the face.

Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex by Justina Ireland

4.25

This was a fun horror that’s perfect for fans of R. L. Stine. It’s one I’d definitely recommend to upper elementary schoolers, especially reluctant readers.