January Reads 2022

 This month I came across two very different books that hooked me in. Both titles are for middle school readers and hold different topics for this age group. 

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life by Nelson

On a lighter note, I also read another title from the beloved Wish series. Nadine and Daniel have been best friends since they were little and have a love of creating coffee concoctions. Daniel, the barista and Nadine the cello star who loves to sample his delights. Just as  her feelings for him are starting to surface, Daniel falls in love with the new coffee shop owner's daughter Kiya.  At first, Nadine starts to help him woo over his crush as she plans her audition for an important music summer camp. Then things start to crumble as her mom resurfaces again into her life . Just when Nadine needs him the most he starts to focus all his attention on this new girl, while she must struggle to map out her feelings before its too late. Readers will be taken for an emotional ride with this touching story of first love and friendship. 

When You Know What I Know by Solter 

One day, afterschool Tori's uncle does the unforgiveable and touches her inappropriately. She tells her mom immediately, but her mom does not believe her. As Tori learns to find her voice, goes through therapy and feels her emotion and pain; she learns that he has done this to other children too. The author gives us a look at the emotional trauma of abuse through prose and careful imagery. This is such an important book. I loved that the author included resources at the back of the book for families experiencing trauma and abuse.