Books, books and more books. These are some of my favorite books that I read this year. Including suggested grade level and a summary

This is a story about an intelligent boy in high school, in uses his photography to remember his mother who passed away. In turn he makes friends in school, he hasn't had many friends since the time his mother became sick. And this is about how he was recovering from loss and healing by photography (art)

This is a story of a teenage girl growing up in a Nigerian town/village. She connects the idea of teachers having a "loud" voice, and learning and wants to be a teacher. She wants an education. She learns how to speak up for herself. Her father forces her to marry an older man, for food and rent money. This is her story.

 Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma.  Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED. Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either. Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds history, memories, and, most important, the way home.

NYC 1956 19 year old Marion Brooks is not trilled on the fact that her life is being set up for her, without her voice.  She boldly breaks away from the traditional path, and auditions for the Radio City Rockettes. Marions life takes on a different path. 

This a nonfiction book studying how artists and scientist were able to put a dinosaur together again, and again. To figure out how they looked. Perfect for Prek-2nd grade and a good read along book

A fun science book. It is a fascinating story of Charles Darwin and the groundbreaking discoveries that resulted from his love of the humble worm in a fun interesting way that children will love.  Who doesn't like to talk about poop! Perfect for grades Prek--5

Historical fiction. Enter the lush world of 1950s New York City, where a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors live side by side in the glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women while trying to claw their way to fairy-tale success. Over half a century later most of its long-ago guests are forgotten. But rumors of Darby's involvement in a deadly skirmish with a hotel maid back in 1952 haunt the halls of the building as surely as the melancholy music that floats from the elderly woman's rent-controlled apartment. It's a combination too intoxicating for journalist Rose Lewin, Darby's upstairs neighbor, to resist

​A memoir of a young boy/man who is black and afraid of the Boogeyman. He sees the Boogeyman at random times. He comes to figure out that he sees the Boogeyman when he is confused, and lost. But he figures out next steps in his life, the life he is meant to follow, not the prescribed path. I didn't know it was a memoir, as I just liked the name of the book. A very good story, and if you listen to it, it is more enjoyable.

Huda is junior in high school, getting ready for her year, than her parents Mama and Baba announce they are getting divorce. Huda struggles with the thought of the divorce. Her life feels out of control.

Discover Marlene's world, where she treasures three things above all: her favorite books, her vibrant Tía Ruby, and her best friend Camila. Yet, her mother, Paola, insists that her focus should be on school and "growing up." Join Marlene on her journey of self-discovery and cultural identity in a story that celebrates individuality and the bonds that shape us.

Sal was excited about starting first grade, but her excitement quickly turned to disappointment. Thankfully, with the support of her understanding parents, a terrific teacher, and empathetic friends, Sal adjusted and felt like herself again after a few days.

 This is a story of a blue bison, who likes his hair cut and looking extra special.  The book takes place during the time when all the stores and shops are closed. And he can't get a haircut. A good book for grades PreK-2nd grade.and a good read along book

A heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel about being the new kid. This is a story of a little girl who rides horses. But she moves, and has to move her horse to a new barn, and attend a new school.,This is a story making new friends, and learning to trust yourself through the power of horseback riding . A good book for grades 3-5.

Hishe complex, decades-long friendship between two women, Elena (Lenù) and Lila, from their childhood in a poor Naples neighborhood in the 1950s through their adolescence and into adulthood. The book explores themes of female friendship, rivalry, social class, education, and the societal pressures on women in post-war Italy, all while chronicling the transformation of a city and a country.