Fun stories for the younger teen, or the young at heart

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Mia is adjusting to life with her mom and stepfather.  She is learning a lot about her Jewish heritage from her school and her family but she years for a connection to her father and her Native heritage.  When her mother refuses to allow her to visit, Mia sneaks off and goes to meet her father and his new family.  She finds herself learning all sorts of things about the other side of her family and their traditions.  Now she just needs to convince her parents to allow her to continue to be a part of both families and not just ignore half of herself.

This was a really interesting story that tackles some heavy issues but remains grounded in what knowledge (or lack of it) means to Mia and how she handles figuring it out.  Prejudices and racism are discussed but are not overshadowed by the joy of finding ones' self through ones' heritage and family connections.



Maisie is super excited to be going to Fancon.  She meets Ollie, a Fancon volunteer, and sparks gently fly.  This new crush helps blunt the blow of not being able to meet her favorite TV star, a fellow amputee, who has to cancel her appearance due to illness.  

The story follows Maisie, as she explores the con, finds a crush, and just has an amazing time at her her first con.  The author also shows us through the story, how a quiet room can help when someone is overstimulated; how proper accommodations for those who have different physical needs are not just "helpful" but necessary......but all of this is sweetly placed as just parts of Maisie, not the focus of the story, making this story all the better.



This was such a fun story but with some strong undercurrents that just added to the tone and the feel of the story.  Malcolm loves music but his father feels it is a waste....so when Malcolm finds a haunted keyboard, he is scared but also intrigued at the story of the man trapped inside.  Can he figure out how to free the spirit and also help himself show his father how much music means to him?

This story of family and friendship was really well told and the addition of the ghost just added ambiance and helped give a twist to the ending.


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