The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Published: May 1st, 2018
Publisher: Random House
Recommended Age: 8+
Pacing: Normal/Fast
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Middle School, Contemporary, Friendship, Adaptation, Community

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Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test — middle school! Lucy’s grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook!). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy’s life has already been solved. Unless there’s been a miscalculation?

Defy the Stars (Constellation, #1)

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: April 4th, 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Space Adventure

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She’s a soldier — Noemi Vidal is willing to risk anything to protect her planet, Genesis, including her own life. To their enemies on Earth, she’s a rebel. He’s a machine — Abandoned in space for years, utterly alone, Abel’s advanced programming has begun to evolve. He wants only to protect his creator, and to be free. To the people of Genesis, he’s an abomination. Noemi and Abel are enemies in an interstellar war, forced by chance to work together as they embark on a daring journey through the stars. Their efforts would end the fighting for good, but they’re not without sacrifice. The stakes are even higher than either of them first realized, and the more time they spend together, the more they’re forced to question everything they’d been taught was true.

Sky in the Deep – Adrienne Young

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
First Published: April 24th, 2018
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Fantasy, Family, Honor, War Setting

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Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient, rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago. Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family. She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

Petra – Marianna Coppo

Petra by Marianna Coppo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Publication Date: February 6th, 2018
Publisher: Tundra Books
Genres & Themes: Picture Book, Existentialism, Personification

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Petra is a little rock who believes she is a mighty mountain . . . until a dog fetches her for its owner, and she is tossed into a bird’s nest. A mountain? No, Petra is now an egg! An egg of the world in a world of possibility. Until she’s flung into a pond, and becomes an amazing island . . . and, eventually, a little girl’s pet rock. What will she be tomorrow? Who knows? But she’s a rock, and this is how she rolls!

Tyler Johnson Was Here – Jay Coles

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
First Published: March 20th, 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Recommended Age: 13+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Racism, Social Issues, Family, Romance, College

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BLURB:

When Marvin Johnson’s twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it’s up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.

Baby-Sitters Club #2: The Truth About Stacey

Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #2: The Truth About Stacey by Raina Telgemeier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2015
Publisher: Graphix
Recommended Age: 10+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Friendship, Family, Diabetes, Competition, Forgiveness

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Poor Stacey. She just moved to a new town, is still coming to terms with her diabetes, and is facing baby-sitting problems left and right. Fortunately, Stacey has three new friends — Kristy, Claudia, and Mary Anne. Together they’re the BSC — and they will deal with whatever’s thrown their way… even if it’s a rival baby-sitting club!

Someday, Somewhere – Lindsay Champion

Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: April 3rd, 2018
Publisher: KCP Loft
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Slow
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Romance, Music, Professional Career, Mental Health

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When Dom’s class is taken to hear a concert at Carnegie Hall, she expects to be bored out of her mind. But then she sees the boy in the front row playing violin like his life depends on it — and she is transfixed. Posing as an NYU student, Dom sneaks back to New York City to track down Ben Tristan, a magnetic genius who whisks her into a fantasy world of jazz clubs and opera, infatuation and possibility. Each sees something in the other that promises to complete them. As Dom’s web of lies grows, though, so does Ben’s obsessive need to conquer Beethoven’s famous Kreutzer Sonata. But Ben’s genius, which captivates Dominique, conceals a secret, and the challenges of her life may make it difficult to help him.

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: June 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, Romance

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Love is in the air in Jersey City as Valentine’s Day arrives! Kamala Khan may not be allowed to go to the school dance, but Ms. Marvel is! Well sort of–by crashing it in an attempt to capture Asgard’s most annoying trickster! Yup, it’s a special Valentine’s Day story featuring Marvel’s favorite charlatan, Loki! And when a mysterious stranger arrives in Jersey City, Ms. Marvel must deal with…a crush! Because this new kid is really, really cute. What are these feelings, Kamala Khan? Prepare for drama! Intrigue! Romance! Suspense! Punching things! All this and more! The fan-favorite, critically acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala Khan proves why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Plus, see what happens when S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jemma Simmons goes undercover at Kamala’s school!

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, Villains

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Who is the Inventor, and what does he want with the all-new Ms. Marvel and all her friends? Maybe Wolverine can help! If Kamala can stop fan-girling out about meeting her favorite super hero, that is. Then, Kamala crosses paths with Inhumanity — by meeting the royal dog, Lockjaw! But why is Lockjaw really with Kamala? As Ms. Marvel discovers more about her past, the Inventor continues to threaten her future. Kamala bands together with some unlikely heroes to stop the maniacal villain before he does real damage, but has she taken on more than she can handle? And how much longer can Ms. Marvel’s life take over Kamala Khan’s? Kamala Khan continues to prove why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is!

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2014
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, High School

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Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey!