Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth was raw and gritty. Dealing with sensitive issues like mental health, foster care, homelessness and child abuse it is for the mature reader. That being said, the author weaves a realistic picture of life in the inner city of Newark, NJ. One of this year's RICBA nominees, Kinda Like Brothers tells the story of Jarrett, an 11 year old boy who lives with his mother. She is a foster mother and takes in babies who need special care. When she decides to foster 12 year old Kevon and his baby sister Treasure it is a new situation for Jarrett. He's gotten used to his mother caring for babies, but sharing his room, his school, and his friends with Kevon proves more than he can handle. Jarrett's blood is boiling and his temper is pushing him out of control.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Asylum by Madeline Roux

Asylum, by Madeline Roux, is a wonderfully scary book. Dan, Abby, and Jordan meet each other at a summer program at New Hampshire College, but unfortunately, the dorms are being redone. The replacement dorms are in an old, abandoned asylum called Brookline. Abby decides to go exploring in the closed off main office and drags the boys with her. This is where the mystery starts to unfold. What happens next I shall not tell you, you must read the book to find out.

I guarantee that you will love the photos the author includes. They add a more realistic feel to the book. The photos make the book scarier just like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. If you love scary mystery books you will love this book.  (This book is not in our school library.  It is recommended for grades 7-10, but if you check with your parents you can get it at the public library.)

Reviewed by smarticles_t