High School Reads!

by Elizabeth Acevedo Lexile:  800 Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse Xiomara and her Twin are growing up in New York.  They are trying hard to live up to their parents' expectations for them, but as a result, neither of them can be honest about who they are and what they believe in.  Xiomara especially is struggling to get along with Mami, who spends all her time at work or at church.  She finds escape by writing poems in her journal. Poems that until now, no one else has seen.  But lately, this boy, Aman, in her science class, is showing interest in getting to know her better.  She knows she is not allowed to date, but she is curious about him and wants to get to know him better.  Lying to her parents doesn't feel right, but how else is Xiomara supposed to experience life outside of school, her apartment, or her church?

by Katrina Leno Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Fantasy Georgina and her twin sister Mary have always known that magic existed amongst the female members of their family.  They are supposed to discover their gifts before their 18th birthday.  Mary can float and is trying to learn how to control it.  So far Georgina hasn't figured hers out...and their birthday will be here soon.  The girls are growing up with their mother on a mysterious, slightly magical island, where every summer a bird named Annabella returns to delight the town and tourists who come to visit.  But this summer is different...Annabella hasn't returned on time and their are new visitors to the island.  Neither Georgina or Mary is anticipating the big changes that this summer will bring...