A Dose of Lucky by Marthe Jocelyn @scissorhouse @orcabook

A Dose of Lucky
Marthe Jocelyn
Orcabook

I really enjoyed Marthe's contribution to the Secrets series because she chose a very interesting topic to discuss.  This book takes place in small town Ontario in 1964. It follows the fictional character, Malou as she traces her family history.  She has the most unique beginnings of all of the seven books!  Malou discovers that she is part of a much bigger family when she learns about a secretive experiment.  I learned a lot by reading this novel.  It was interesting to think about the small town attitudes of 1964.  I feel that Grade 7 or 8 students will enjoy the genuine and realistic nature of the characters. Many great questions will percolate from the minds of the readers after reading this book.

The Unquiet Past @KelleyArmstrong @orcabook

The Unquiet Past
Kelley Armstrong
Orca Book

I received this advanced reading copy of Kelley's newest novel to preview. This book is part of the soon to be very popular Secrets series about seven orphans who must leave their orphanage after a fire.
Tess decides to follow up on an address written on an old wrinkled piece of paper.  It is the only clue to her past.  She hopes that she will be able to find someone who knows her birth story.
I have always enjoyed the way Kelley develops rich believable characters in her novels. I immediately liked Tess and wanted to know more about her family history.
I think students in grades 7-8 will enjoy the story and quickly connect to the characters. The hint of romance always makes the story more appealing. I also think they will want to know how Tess finds a new supportive family.
This would make a great read aloud as it would stimulate discussions and questions around mental health and medical ethics. Learning a little about the past in this historical fiction may help students understand the need for effective well-being initiatives today.

Shattered Glass by @TTotenAuthor @Orcabook

Shattered Glass
Teresa Toten
Orca Books


I received the ARC (advanced reading copy) of Teresa Toten's latest novel to review.  This novel is part of the seven author collaboration series called the Secrets.

The protagonist Toni is an orphan and discovers the truth about her biological family at the age of 16 after she has left the protection of an orphanage in a small town Hope.  The setting is 1964 Yorkville, Toronto. 

I enjoyed the way that Teresa writes an adventurous story of a naive girl with a sense of humour and with great sensitivity.  Her description of her last moment with her mom is very emotional. (Yes I cried)
I enjoyed the pace of the novel and the way that Toni creates her new family when she is invited into a circle of eclectic friends.
This book would make an interesting read aloud as students would see the equity issues Toni faces and rich discussion about society then and now could be encouraged as readers gain some background into life in the 1960's.

Small Bones by @VickiGrantYA @orcabook

Small Bones
Vicky Grant
Orca Books

I really enjoyed this Secrets book as I found the characters engaging and I connected with them immediately.  I received an advanced reading copy to preview and I was not disappointed.  Dot is an orphan that must leave the quiet sleepy town of Hope, Ontario in 1964.  She obtains a few hints about her birth parents and decides to investigate.
I enjoyed the way the hints are interspersed throughout the book to keep the reader guessing about Dot's father's true identity. I also appreciated that the character is reasonable and doesn't jump hastily to conclusions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the small town summer resort setting.  Vicki provides the reader enough details to see the resort without slowing down the pace of the story.
This book would be enjoyed by students in Grade 6-8.
I think students would gain a better sense of some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a teenager in the 1960's. I feel it would generate some discussion around teenage life then and now.

My Life Before Me by Norah McClintock @orcabook

My Life Before Me
Norah McClintock
Orca Books

I was given an advanced reading copy of Norah McClintock's novel in the latest Secrets series.  As one of  the seven authors in this YA series she created a likable character in Cady who is determined to make something of herself despite the obstacles she faces. I feel that this book would be a great way to introduce many societal issues such as racism and prejudices both against African Americans and women.
I would enjoy reading this to a grade 7/8 class as they would notice the inequities that teenage girls faced in the 1960's.  I also couldn't help but make real life connections to today's news headlines.  I know students would also be able to ask better questions about racial relations after reading this novel as it helps to provide background knowledge.
The mystery Cady solves is expertly written.  It is well paced and there are enough details to engage readers.  I now have to find out more about Nellie Bly!  Once again I thoroughly enjoyed Norah's talent as a writer of mysteries.

Stones on a Grave by Kathy Kacer @orcabook

Stones on a Grave
Kathy Kacer
Orca Books

I received an advanced reading copy of Kathy Kacer's newest novel.  It is part of the seven author team of the Secrets series.  I have read and enjoyed many of Kathy Kacer's novels and this one did not disappoint.  Kathy's ability to develop believable characters quickly engaged me to learn more about the protagonist's family history.  As an orphan Sara must leave her meager but comfortable home in an orphanage and face her past.
This novel would be great way to introduce the Holocaust to Grade 7/8 students.  When I reflected back on my reading of this novel I realized that there are several "ripple effects" that war can have on society and individuals long after peace is declared.  Kathy helped me to be more empathetic to those who must live on after suffering great losses. I also made the connection to the current Syrian crisis and suffering even though this novel was set in the past.
Grade 7/8 students will relate to the characters and be able to make real life connections to the issues woven into the novel.