Born With Erika & Gianni by @lornasn @ClockwisePress

Born With Erika & Gianni
Lorna Schultz Nicolson
Clockwise Press

The is the second novel in the One-2-One series by Lorna Schultz Nicolson and it does not disappoint!  Just like her Fragile Bones novel, this story revolves around another pair of students from the Best Buddies program in a fictional high school.  I really enjoyed how the novel alternated between the first hand experiences of Erika a student with Down Syndrome and Gianni a student struggling with his sexual identity.   The characters lead complicated but realistic lives and the supporting characters are also well developed.   I learned a lot more about adolescent life from these first person perspectives. I have more empathy and understanding about how it might feel to be a student in high school today.  This book portrayed teenage angst in a hopeful way and I hope there is a third book on the way!?
I feel this book should be on the shelves of all high schools to encourage inclusiveness and understanding for all.

We Are All Made of Molecules by @susinnielsen @randomhousekids

We Are all Made of Molecules
Susin Nielsen
Random House

I once again really enjoyed Susin's use of humour when she tells stories that are full of angst and emotion. The blending of families is never easy and Susin describes the coming together of two very different families in a sensitive and entertaining way.  I think that many students would enjoy the read and also learn more about the hardships that some kids go through at the expense of their parents's actions.  As a fan of Susin Nielsen I always enjoy how she manages to add a few cameos of past characters into her books. For a moment I forget that the characters aren't real people!
I feel that students in Grade 7 and 8 would enjoy this book and also be able to make some deep personal connections to their own lives.  Susin creates empathy for her characters with her writing style that is not lost on her readers of any age.

Wonder
R.J. Palacio
Knopf

Well it came highly recommended and this book now has my thumbs up too! August has incredible courage as he faces countless middle school problems. I really like how the author flipped from August's perspective and then to his family and friends who care so much about him. The writing is outstanding. I haven't cried in a long time over a book but this one made me shed a few. Classes of grade 5-8 students would relate to and enjoy the story and teachers will be able to engage in meaningful class discussions as the content is rich and beautifully written.