Do you like sports? History? Poetry? We've got you covered!
All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg
1970s. After being abandoned by his American father, given up for adoption by his Vietnamese mother, and airlifted out of war-torn Vietnam, Matt Pin has a lot to think about: where does he belong? Who is he? Should he feel guilty for escaping the chaos of his childhood? Haunted by these questions -- and nightmares -- Matt turns to baseball and music for comfort. All the Broken Pieces is a beautiful story about healing and self-acceptance. Historical fiction, sports fiction.
1900s. Inspired by a true story. Clara Lemlich has just emigrated to New York from Russia with her family, and despite the disapproval of her family has just gotten a job at a garment factory. The factory workers are treated terribly, and told that they don't have rights... but Clara refuses to accept this, and decides to stand up for what's right. Clara ends up inspiring the largest woman-led workers' strike in United States history, forcing the factories to treat their employees with dignity and respect. Historical, narrative non-fiction.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
1960s and 70s. Inspired by the author's own experiences. Jacqueline's parents have split up, and now she feels split in two, as well. On one hand, Jacqueline spends time in South Carolina with her grandparents, where she experiences the evils of Jim Crow firsthand; on the other hand, she gets to spend time in New York, where things aren't as bad. Jacqueline must learn how to bridge the gap between her vastly different experiences and find her place in the world. Historical, autobiography/memoir.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
2010s. Josh Bell loves basketball. He lives for basketball. So does his twin brother, Jordan. Despite being star players on the basketball court Josh and Jordan face a lot of new obstacles: they've just started middle school, they both have feelings for the same girl, their father is ignoring his failing health... and, despite their love for the game and each other, the brothers are starting to drift apart. Will things ever be the same? Will Josh and Jordan ever see eye-to-eye again? Read and find out! Sports fiction.
Under the Broken Sky by Mariko Nagai
1940s. Natsu and her little sister Cricket live with their father in Japanese-occupied Manchuria. Their happy, quiet life is shattered when their father is recruited by the Japanese Army. Things get even worse when the Soviet Army invades and forces them out of their home. Orphaned, homeless, and desperate, Natsu and Cricket embark on an adventure across China. A beautiful story about remaining strong even when it feels like the whole world is against you. Historical fiction.
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Youth Services Librarian Chris