“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson looks at people, even teenagers, on death row. He has made it his job to make sure justice is served. The dignity and respect with which Mr Stevenson speaks about his clients provide the rays of hope we need to work to change the system. This nonfiction book may be represented on the screen soon. Definitely worth a read!
“The Boy in the Black Suit” by Jason Reynolds.
Reynolds is a good writer. His characters seem to escape the page. He captures the grief and poignancy of being lost in a wilderness of pain after the death of a loved one. However, the ending seems a bit rushed.
“The Doughnut Fix” by Jessie Janowitz.
An imaginative story showcasing how determination and creativity allow a family moving from the big city to a small town to make it their home (albeit unwillingly in some cases). Using a light touch of comedy, the author shines a soft light on each character’s flaws while also emphasizing their strengths. Entrepreneurship and the stress children are sometimes under due to academics and changing friendships are also issues laid bare.
“Home in the Woods” by Eliza Wheeler
This gorgeously illustrated picture book looks at a family living in the country and trying to survive during the Great Depression. This is a wonderful way to introduce the topic.