Kids Book Index
Catherine Barter
Fifteen-year-old Alena was raised in East London by her half-brother and his partner after her mother died when she was three. As she investigates her mother’s life and tries to learn the truth about her, Alena makes a serious mistake that has unexpected consequences. Her search takes place in an area being targeted by a lone bomber, adding danger to a story about family history and discovery.
This book appears on 1 reading list across 1 edition.
DrivingStarlight by Anat DeracineIn Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sixteen-year-old Leena faces censorship, religious police, an arranged marriage, and other restrictions. As these pressures shape her life, she seeks both an education and greater independence. The story centers on Leena’s efforts to pursue her own future within a setting where social and religious rules limit her choices. Her situation brings together questions of personal freedom, schooling, family expectations, and religious authority.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
American PandaGloria ChaoSeventeen-year-old Mei is a freshman at MIT after skipping fourth grade as part of her parents’ plan for her future. Her traditional Taiwanese parents expect her to become a doctor and marry a Taiwanese Ivy League student, but Mei dislikes germs, falls asleep during biology lectures, and has feelings for classmate Darren Takahashi. Reconnecting with her estranged brother Xing leads her to question whether her family’s secrets and expectations are worth preserving.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Unpunished Murder: Massacre at Colfax and the Quest for JusticeLawrence GoldstoneThis history examines the Colfax massacre during Reconstruction. On Easter Sunday in 1873, white supremacists entered Grant Parish, Louisiana, and killed more than one hundred unarmed African Americans. The violence terrorized an established Black community, and the resulting court case reached the Supreme Court. Despite the killings, no one was convicted. The book includes archival photographs and extensive back matter while tracing the event and the failed pursuit of justice.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details