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On the Bookshelf

For some people the words “summer reading” conjure up the guilty pleasure of reading exactly what you want, when you want.  With summer rapidly coming to an end, take advantage of this time and enjoy these last few weeks getting lost in a good book. While we all have our go-to genres—fantasy, mystery, or realistic fiction -- try something new this month by changing up your reading list. Try alternating between fiction and nonfiction or check out new genres.

Need help picking a book? The Barnes & Noble Teen blog, BarnesAndNoble.com includes new books categorized by genre, along with peer reviews.  Goodreads GoodReads.com  has reviews, recommendations based on past selections, and a handy tool to keep track of your reading. In addition, the Johnson County Library is a valuable resource where you can get recommendations online or in person from a librarian. Listed below are selections of both fiction and nonfiction to get you started.

 

FICTION

Refugee

By Alan Grantz  

Although separated by continents and decades, three characters embark on dangerous journeys in search of refuge:  Josef, a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany; Isabel, a Cuban girl trying to escape poverty and unrest in her country in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 whose homeland is torn apart by violence and destruction. This thought-provoking book will help its readers understand today’s refugee crisis. Gr. 5-7

Moxie:  A Novel

By Jennifer Mathieu

In a small Texas town where high school football reigns supreme, sixteen-year-old Viv starts a feminist revolution using anonymously written vines. At first, only a few girls get involved, but as the school year goes by, more and more girls join in. This is a fun read for anyone looking for a teenage take on modern feminism. Gr. 9-12

NONFICTION

Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary

By Martha Brockenbrough

This well-researched book looks at the life of Alexander Hamilton - American statesman, lawmaker, author of the Federalist Papers, and first Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington. The author uses both primary and secondary sources to give the reader a complete picture of Hamilton, both his strengths and flaws. Gr. 7-up

Training the Best Dog Ever

By Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz and Larry Kay

This book shows its readers how to train a dog using love, kindness and positive reinforcement. With step-by-step photographs, the book covers everything from crate and bathroom training, basic cues, to correcting typical problems such as barking and leash-pulling. The author used these techniques to train the White House dog, Bo Obama, and many others.