Lynda M. Hunt's Fish In A Tree - A must read!

Lynda Hunt follows up her wonderful "One for the Murphys" with another great modern realism story. Ally Nickerson has kept her problem from a lot of people over the years. Her family, her teachers and anyone else. No one knows she cannot read. Artistic, creative and bright, Ally thinks she is dumb. And she is sure no one can fix that, ever! Along comes Mr. Daniels her new teacher who sees past the seemingly stubborn, impulsive girl and begins to understand the real issue that Ally is so determined to hide. Back at home, Ally has a wonderful relationship with her mom and her big brother while her military dad is deployed in the Middle East. Even they don't know the true story. As Ally continues to struggle with her academic life she begins to make some real friends: Keisha who stands down to no one and knows her mind; Albert who is brilliant with science and facts. These three form a bond of people who do not quite fit the mold. They will come up against popular and mean Shay. They discover that they are up to the challenge.
If you ever felt like you did not fit in for any reason, this story will ring true for you. This is a story of acceptance and perseverance.

Sharon Draper's new historical novel is a hit!

Based on her own father and grandmother, Sharon Draper weaves a story of personal strength, family, friendship and faith in 1932 North Carolina. Stella and her family live in the segregated South. One night she and her little brother Jojo observe a frightening scene: a cross being burned at a Ku Klux Klan meeting right across the pond in their rural town. Soon the whole black community is on alert since white citizens of Bumblebee are clearly members. Stella, a 5th grader, wants to be a writer but she struggles with the process. Soon there are many things to write about not the least is the decision by her dad and two other men to register to vote despite the clear threats to everyone's safety.
This gripping tale of life under segregation during the Depression brings to life a young person's, her friends' and her family's determination to stand in the face of prejudice and ignorance.