Books Like...

'The Crossover' by Kwame Alexander is a novel written in verse that tells the story of twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, who are basketball stars in middle school. The book explores the challenges the brothers face as they navigate family dynamics, basketball championships, and personal struggles. Through the use of poetry, the author captures the emotions, excitement, and rhythm of the sports world while delving into themes of love, loss, and the importance of family relationships.

The book's narrative follows Josh Bell's journey as he copes with his twin brother's growing distance due to a new romantic relationship, his father's health issues, and the pressures of school and basketball. As the brothers face obstacles and changes in their lives, the story highlights the bond between them and the impact of their choices on their family. 'The Crossover' blends elements of sports, family dynamics, and personal growth in a unique and engaging format that resonates with readers of all ages.

Other Words for Home follows the story of Jude, a young Syrian girl who, along with her pregnant mother, flees war-torn Syria to live with her uncle's family in the United States. The book portrays Jude's journey of adjusting to a new country, new culture, and new language, while dealing with the challenges of being labeled as different and facing prejudice. Written in novel verse, the story offers insights into the life of a refugee trying to find a place to call home and keep her identity amidst the backdrop of immigration and cultural representation.

This middle-grade novel beautifully captures Jude's struggle to discover her identity and find her place in a new world, all while honoring her family and heritage. Through Jude's eyes, readers witness the raw emotions and challenges of modern immigration, shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of moving from one place to another, and the importance of finding acceptance and understanding in a new environment.

Brown Girl Dreaming is an autobiographical account of Jacqueline Woodson's childhood experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. The story is told through a series of free verse poems that highlight the challenges, joys, and growth of the author as she navigates different environments in the North and South, grappling with issues of racism, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Woodson's writing style beautifully captures the essence of her journey, providing readers with a poignant and insightful glimpse into her life.

Through the lens of poetry, Woodson delves into themes of identity, family, heritage, and the impact of historical events like the Civil Rights Movement on her upbringing. The book offers a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of a young girl coming of age in a time marked by racial tensions and social change, ultimately portraying a powerful narrative of resilience, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of storytelling.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Korea, following the story of Tree Ear, an orphan boy with a dream of becoming a potter. The book explores themes of determination, honor, and perseverance as Tree Ear navigates challenges and works towards achieving his goal. Through his journey working for the town's finest potter, Min, Tree Ear learns valuable lessons about craftsmanship, friendship, and cultural traditions.

The writing style of A Single Shard is described as beautifully written, with simple yet emotional descriptions that effectively convey the characters' feelings and relationships. The story is praised for its detailed portrayal of 12th century Korea, the development of the characters, and the exploration of themes such as poverty, friendship, and cultural immersion.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia follows eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, as they travel from Brooklyn to California to spend the summer with their estranged mother, Cecile. Expecting a fun-filled summer visiting Disneyland, the girls are instead sent to a day camp run by the Black Panthers, where they learn about their family, their country, and themselves. Through Delphine's perspective, readers witness the girls' journey of self-discovery and understanding during a tumultuous time in American history.

Castle, known as Ghost, has had a challenging childhood with his father in jail for a violent act. He struggles at school and in his neighborhood, but finds solace in running. Joining a track team brings a sense of belonging and mentorship from Coach, helping Ghost navigate life's obstacles. The book delves into themes of teamwork, overcoming fears, and personal growth, all narrated with a conversational and authentic voice that draws readers in.

A Long Walk to Water is a powerful and moving story that intertwines the lives of two individuals, Nya and Salva, from different time periods in war-torn Sudan. Nya, a young girl in 2008, embarks on a daily journey to fetch water for her village, while Salva, a boy in 1985, becomes one of the lost boys of Sudan, enduring hardships as he searches for safety and family. The book expertly weaves together the struggles faced by both characters, highlighting themes of resilience, survival, and the importance of clean water.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a powerful novel written in verse, exploring the cycle of violence and revenge within inner-city communities. The story follows Will, a young man who embarks on an elevator ride armed with a gun, seeking to avenge the murder of his older brother Shawn. Throughout the elevator journey, Will encounters ghosts from his past, each representing a different aspect of his life and the consequences of following the rules of the street - no crying, no snitching, get revenge. The narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, and the impact of gun violence, presented in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.

Reynolds' writing style, characterized by short, poignant verses, creates a fast-paced and impactful reading experience. The use of free verse allows for a raw and emotional exploration of Will's inner turmoil and the complex decisions he faces. Through the concise yet evocative language, Reynolds captures the intense emotions and struggles of the characters, inviting readers to reflect on the consequences of violence and the choices we make in the face of tragedy.

"Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of the author's grandmother, depicting the life of a young girl named Esperanza who goes from living a life of luxury in Mexico to facing the harsh realities of the Great Depression in California. After her father's tragic death, Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee to America and work as migrant farm workers, struggling to adapt to their new circumstances. The story follows Esperanza's journey of growth, resilience, and determination as she navigates through challenges, racism, and discrimination, ultimately learning the true value of family and perseverance.

Refugee by Alan Gratz is a powerful and poignant historical fiction novel that alternates between three children fleeing their homelands as refugees. The story follows Josef escaping Germany in the 1930s, Isabel seeking refuge in Miami in 1994, and Mahmoud's family aiming for safety in Germany in 2015. Each child's journey is filled with hardships, sacrifices, and tragedies, portraying the harsh reality faced by refugees. The book interweaves the lives of these characters, showcasing the commonalities in their experiences despite the different time periods and locations.

Through alternating viewpoints and interconnected storylines, Refugee sheds light on the struggles faced by refugees seeking safety and security. The book provides a raw and emotional portrayal of the refugee experience, highlighting the pain, fear, and sacrifices endured by the families. Alan Gratz skillfully connects the three main characters' journeys, creating a compelling narrative that educates readers on the challenges faced by refugees across generations and geography.