Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

15 year old Will is heading down the elevator from his eighth floor apartment. With a gun stuck in his pants, Will is intending to revenge the murder of his brother Shawn. He has to play by the rules: 

     • No. 1: Crying - Don't. No matter what. 
     • No. 2: Snitching - Don't. Now matter what.
     • No. 3: Revenge - If someone you love gets killed, find the  

       person who killed them and kill them.

As he goes down, the elevator stops at each floor, with a person from Will's past stepping in. The first person on is Buck, a best friend of his brother who also had been murdered. His message to Will was  You don't got it in you. Each new person enters the elevator with a different message.

Told in free verse, the words are powerful and direct, communicating Will's anger, grief and pain in a way that a regular narrative could not. The entire novel spans 60 seconds, 60 seconds that will impact Will forever.

Jason Reynolds has created a powerful commentary on the endless cycle of murder and revenge, gun violence, and its effects on inner city youth and families. He has dedicated the book to All the young brothers and sisters in detention centers around the country, the ones I've seen, and the ones I haven't. You are loved.

An unforgettable read. Perfect for all, but especially reluctant readers. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4.5

Reading Level: 4.3 • Interest Level: 7-12 • AR Points: 2 • Lexile Level: 720 • Publisher: Simon & Schuster • Pages: 306 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-481-43826-1 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Young Adult

All We Have Left by Wendy Mills

The date is September 11, 2001. High school junior Alia is torn between the professional expectations of her family and the graphic artist she longs to be. While she tries to maintain traditional Muslim customs she is at constant odds with her parents. After a particularly bitter blowup, she is grounded and won't be allowed to attend a special art program at NYU. Rather than talking to her mother, she decides to talk to her father to convince him to let her go. That morning, she skips school and heads over to the World Trade Center where her father works...

Fast forward to 2016. Jesse is a bright high school junior. Her dysfunctional family hasn't come to terms with her older brother Travis's death in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Her father is angry and bitter for something Travis did, and has deep hatred for all Muslims. Her mother tries to move on, but will not talk about the details. Her older brother can't deal with his parents, and leaves the country. Jesse feels like she doesn't exist. Becoming attracted to classmate Nick, she gets caught up with the wrong crowd, a racist group of taggers. Tagging the wall of the Muslim Peace Center, she gets caught and arrested. She now has to perform community service at the Peace Center. To make amends, she needs to face her past, motivating her to search for the truth about her brother's death.

Alternating the voices of Alia and Jesse, the story peels away Alia's experience, her connection to Travis, and the truth that tore Jesse's family apart. The start was a slow one. The character building takes us through the teenage angst of Alia, and the misguided romance for Jesse. Once the real story of the two girls gets started, you will not put the book down. There is much to learn here in terms of tolerance, understanding, and the human spirit.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4.5

Reading Level: 5.6 • Interest Level: 7-12 • AR Points: 12 • Lexile Level: NA • Publisher: Bloomsbury • Pages: 362 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-1-681-19432-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Young Adult

Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan

 

Chocolate; sweet, delicious and satisfying. Yet, we have no idea at what cost this delicacy comes to us.

The Bitter Side of Sweet tells us the harrowing story of two brothers, Amadou and Seydou, who are abducted into forced child labor harvesting cocoa at a plantation in the Ivory Coast. Amadou is Seydou's older brother and does all he can to protect his brother and keep him safe, until a young girl, Khadija, is brought into the work camp. Khadija is wild, fierce and uncooperative, doing anything she can to escape the forced labor. To give any more away, would spoil this heart wrenching and violent story of survival.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 5.1 • Interest Level: 7-12 • AR Points: 12 • Lexile Level: 810 • Publisher: Penguin • Pages: 299 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 0-14-751509-2 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Young Adult

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Honestly, not what I expected. I expected a sweet story with a lot of heart following two close friends. Yes, it is sweet, yes, it has a lot of heart. But, instead of a tight knit relationship between two friends, we get a story about two diverse individuals whose paths cross, but each are dealing with their issues independently.

Lily McGrother, a 12 year old transgender, is concerned about puberty, getting hormone blockers to limit the effects of testosterone, a father that is not accepting, and dealing with bullying at school. She has the support of her mother, sister and a good friend. Her father on the other hand, is worried about the way she will be treated by an ignorant unforgiving world, and to be safe, would prefer Lily to be her former self, Timothy.

Norbert Dorfman just moved to Florida from New Jersey because his father has been institutionalized. He and his mother have moved in with his fitness/health nut grandmother. He loves Dunkin Donuts, and happily takes on the nickname Dunkin, hating the name Norbert. Going to a new school, Dunkin just wants to fit in. He is very tall and lanky for his age, and when the basketball team approaches him to become their secret weapon, he can't refuse. The issue is, he is an uncoordinated mess and has never played basketball.  He is on medication to stabilize him emotionally, but the meds bring down his energy, getting in the way of basketball.

Lily is bullied by Vasquez, a basketball star at school. Dunkin has been recruited by Vasquez, and doesn't want to disappoint him, as Vasquez provides Dunkin an opportunity to fit in. Lily and Dunkin cross paths occasionally. Lily would like to have Dunkin as a friend, while Dunkin would like to be friends, but is conflicted because of pressure from Vasquez.

There is much conflict for Lily and Dunkin, both internally and externally. The story is told in alternating voices of Lily and Dunkin. There are a few unexpected twists, some humor, and some tears. The characters are endearing, but it is the warmth and love with which the story is told that will instantly connect you to Lily and Dunkin.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 5

Reading Level: 4.3 • Interest Level: 5-9 • AR Points: 11 • Lexile Level: 680 • Publisher: Random House• Pages: 338 • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-0-533-53677-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Middle School

Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

Eleven-year-old Wavie Conley just lost her mother to cancer. Never knowing her father, Wavie is now an orphan. A caseworker for the state, Mrs. Chapman, informs Wavie that her mother's sister, Samantha Rose, is now claiming Wavie. Not ever being told that she even has an aunt, and whether she likes it or not, Wavie is uprooted and will have to be under the care of  Samantha Rose, who lives in a small town called Conley Holler in the Kentucky Appalachian back country. The memory of her mother is what keeps her going. Her mother left Wavie a list of instructions before she died, including  "Be brave, Wavie B! You got as much right to a good life as anybody, so find it!"

Samantha Rose, her son, Hoyt, and disabled uncle Philson, live in a ramshackle, unkempt  house. Wavie's typically organized world is turned upside down when she moves in. Samantha Rose is nothing like her giving mother; self-centered and motivated by what works for her. Wavie is soon ordered to cleaning the filthy house, both inside and out. She soon meets Gilbert, who fills her in on the way the Holler works, and Camille who is the smartest girl in school and whose family fills the void left by Samantha Rose. Wavie needs to find a way out of the Holler before Samantha Rose is granted permanent guardianship by the courts.  Along with her new friends, she uncovers mysteries of the Holler and eventually reveals a dark Conley family secret that could save her from the wrath of Samantha Rose.

A very sweet. simple story. Probably will be of more interest to 4-6th grades. Good discussion points are life as an orphan, living in intolerable circumstances, and living in poverty. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 4.3 • Interest Level: 5-7 • AR Points: 7 • Lexile Level: 660 • Publisher: Penguin • Pages: 212 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-399-54632-7 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Middle School 

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Victorian London's skyline was that of chimneys. Homes and buildings large or small had one to several of these smoke stacks. Fireplaces burning dirty coal or wood, their chimneys had to be cleaned. Small to fit inside, orphaned children were indentured to a meager life of cleaning the sooty, filthy chimney stacks.
Nan was cared for lovingly by the Sweep. Together they lived a meager, but warm life. The Sweep taught her all there was to know about cleaning chimneys, telling her stories, giving her the shirt off his back. Nan's life changes when the Sweep disappears, leaving Nan his hat, and a warm piece of charcoal. 

Nan, now an orphan, is indentured to the stern Wilkie Crudd, who's team of young children are forced to clean chimneys in exchange for a meager sustenance. Nan is his best sweep, jealously teased by deceptive Roger, rated second best sweep. When Nan is cleaning a private school's chimney, she gets stuck. When the school calls for help, Roger comes to her rescue, deciding this is his opportunity. Rather than rescue, he performs "The Devil's Nudge." Setting a fire in the fireplace below, guaranteeing Nan's death.

Everyone believes Nan is dead, but Nan doesn't die. She discovers herself in the school's attic, breaking through the chimney's stone. The small piece of charcoal the Sweep gave Nan saved her life. The piece of charcoal grows. It grows arms and legs. It has personality, it talks, and desires a name. Nan names him Charlie, an appropriate name for a monster made of charcoal. Nan learns that this "monster" is her Golem, her protector. They stow away in an abandoned house and life gets better, until they are discovered.

This fantasy is warm and full of heart. The text is lyrical. The story is told with love and compassion. Imagine sitting by a warm fire, with blanket and hot chocolate, and then totally entranced by the voice of the storyteller. I loved this one.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 5

Reading Level: 4.5 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 10 • Lexile Level: 630 • Publisher: Harry N. Abrams • Pages: 344 • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-419-73410-2 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Middle School 

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

Ravi and Joe are as different as night and day. Ravi is starting school recently immigrating from Bangalore, India. He lived a very privileged life in India, going to a private school, was an outstanding student, great athlete, and very popular. Joe on the other hand, a New Jersey native, is a is a large lanky kid with a huge heart,  learning disabilities, and few friends. It is unlikely that these two would ever be friends, except for a common enemy, class bully Dylan Samreen.

Told in Ravi's and Joe's alternating voices, by the two authors, we feel the frustration and pain of being an immigrant starting a new school in a new country as well as the intolerance and insensitivity (as well as frustration and pain) of a student with learning disabilities. Both boys come from loving families who try to support what they are experiencing, but ultimately get in the way. A touching, but light, sometimes funny, story. Excellent for discussion of the immigrant experience, the experience of learning disabilities, and tolerance.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 4.8 • Interest Level: 3-6 • AR Points: 5 • Lexile Level: 780 • Publisher: Scholastic • Pages: 216 • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-0-545-84661-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Intermediate

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

A sentimental, sweet story revolving around a family that is being forced to leave their beloved home, a brownstone on 141st street in Harlem. The building's owner, reclusive Mr. Beiderman who lives upstairs but has never been seen, has decided not to renew their lease. The five Vanderbeeker children feel that it is their fault because of the noise and chaos they create. They brainstorm to come up with ways to make him like them and change his mind. Their methods are heartfelt, but often turnout to be hilarious disasters. There is a mystery behind Mr. Beiderman, and his story starts to unfold as they recruit their neighbors' help in convincing Mr. Beiderman to let them stay.

Kids' tastes in literature has changed, with much of children's contemporary realistic literature focusing on issues, problems and are often sad or depressing. This is a throwback, where the adults are role models and the kids have an innocence, that makes for an uncomplicated, pleasurable read. I would recommend to grades 4-6, but you might just get that kid that wants a stressless read.
Mark's Picks Rating: 4

Reading Level: 5.3 • Interest Level: 3-6  • Lexile: 810L• AR Points: 7
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-544-87639-2 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Intermediate

Restart by Gordon Korman

Chase Ambrose is an eighth grade stud, a star football player, and very popular. He's also a feared prankster and school bully....only Chase doesn't know his past history. Falling from his roof, he gets a severe concussion and has amnesia blanking out all of his notorious past. He has a lot to sort out, wondering why a girl dumped frozen yogurt on his head, why kids at school move out of his way looking at him in fear, and least of all, bullying a kid at school so severely that the boy's parents have sent him to boarding school. 

Slowly, Chase is able to show people that he is not the same. He can't play football, he joins the video club, and volunteers at an assisted living facility. He eventually makes amends with many he has bullied...until everything falls apart.

Told in the voice of Chase, one of his friends, and those he has bullied, the story moves quickly with a few twists and surprises. There's plenty of humor, but the affects of bullying on its victims play the center role here. My only issue is that the story would have seemed better placed in a high school. The role of football, and the behaviors of Chase and his buddies just didn't ring middle school to me, having taught in a middle school for 40 years.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 5.1 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 9 • Lexile Level: 730 • Publisher: Scholastic • Pages: 243 • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-338-05380-7 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Intermediate

Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero by Patricia McCormick and Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

The incredible true story of a brave horse, who during the Korean War, contributed to battle and saved many lives. Promoted to sergeant, Reckless is the only animal to hold official military rank, receiving two Purple Hearts as well as retiring with full military honors. 

During the Korean War, U.S. Marines needed to haul ammunition up a steep hill. An officer felt a mule would help, but none was available. There was a small mare from a nearby farm and the officer, having worked with horses, started to train the horse. They named her Private Reckless, Reckless being the type of gun she would be carrying ammunition for. During her training the men discovered that Reckless had an insatiable appetite. Her favorite foods  being Coca-Cola and scrambled eggs. Once Reckless was on the battlefield they also discovered her determination and bravery.

An incredible story of the bond between humans and animals and how the bond is sometimes so strong each become selfless in the protection of the other.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 951.904 • Reading Level: 4.6 • Interest Level: P-2 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 780 • Publisher: Harper Collins • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-06-229259-9 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Picture Books for Older Readers

Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman, Illustrated by Daniel Minter

William Key was born into slavery. He had a gift for woking with animals, able to tame and train them by befriending them and treating them with kindness. Learning everything he could about treating illness for both people and animals, he became known as Doc. After the war and gaining his freedom, he began selling his treatments. Visiting a rundown circus, he bought a sickly horse, Lauretta. Doc nursed her back to health and eventually she had a colt, which he named Jim Key.

Through his knowledge, kindness and patience, Doc eventually recognized how smart Jim Key was. The remainder of the book is absolutely incredible. Jim was taught to read, write and calculate numbers. The two eventually became a famous pair, traveling through out the country, performing in front of sold out crowds, displaying how intelligent Jim Key was. While Doc had his doubters, Doc proved what can be done with patience and kindness. Horse lovers will gravitate to this one, but also an interesting biography and topic for reports.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 921 • Reading Level: 5.3 • Interest Level: 2-5 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 910 • Publisher: Lee & Low • Pages: 48 • Copyright: 2016 • ISBN: 978-1-620-14148-9 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Picture Books for Older Readers 

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

The story behind the young Louis Braille, the inventor of the raised dot alphabet enabling the blind to read.

An inspirational story, drawing from the strong will and determination of Louis Braille.  Young Louis was blinded when attempting to use his father's leather working tools. An awl went into one eye and the wound got infected. The infection eventually spread to both eyes, blinding young Louis. His family and town were extremely supportive, but the one thing the couldn't provide him were books. Louis's desire to read books was strong but none were available. A noble lady wrote in a request for Louis to attend the Royal School for the Blind. At the age of ten, Louis was accepted. Louis's family loved him and resisted him leaving for a boarding school, but Louis's will was strong and his family let him go. Louis discovered that the books at the school used raised letters. The books were large, cumbersome, and extremely abbreviated. One sentence took most of a page! Louis felt he needed something more efficient and faster to read. Introduced to a code system of raised dots invented for the military, Louis soon learned the system, but it too was cumbersome. Spending a full year experimenting, with hundreds of attempts, Louis finally developed a simple raised dot system that only used a combination of six dots!

An accessible story for the younger students, but one that all will appreciate. A true example of how 'need is the mother of invention" and how failure, time and determination can lead to success. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 921 • Reading Level: 3.3 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 590 • Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2016 • ISBN: 978-0-449-81337-9 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding
CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Picture Books for Older Readers