Checking in With TAB: 10 Books They Recommend

Each of Arlington's Middle Schools has a Teen Advisory Board Book Club that meets (often during lunch) with both a school librarian and one of our public librarians. If you're in middle school and love books you should think about joining us. Katherine and Ms. Schuler run the TAB at Swanson and today, Katherine is stopping by with ten books students there think are worth a second look!
 

Since September, Swanson TAB (we call it Talking About Books) has been meeting once a month to discuss the merits of the books on the TAB list (as well as our all-time favorites and school-issued reading). Below are 10 books we recommend.

10. Otomen by Aya Kanno

"Greatly portrays how a guy can be sensitive and a bit girl-like but still be cool." -Katherine, Grade 8

9. Warp Speed by Lisa Yee

"This book is unbelievable from the beginning to end. I just think this book is amazing in every way! I really recommend this for kids who want to read a story about a boy who wants to be heard." -Kayla, Grade 6

8. The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie

"This book is a very classic type of book. It is about a boy "Larkin Pace" who desperately wants a camcorder to fulfill his dream as the next great filmmaker. But to do this he needs money. His father either can't or won't [help him]and his sister is determined to prove she's boss. Will Larkin Pace become the next great filmmaker? Or will he never fulfill his dreams? Read the book to find out." -Nate, Grade 7

7. Threads and Flames by Esther Friesner

"This book's historical aspect is meaningful, refreshing, and the basis for a story of beautifully flawed characters." -Julia, Grade 8

6. Hurricane Dancers by Margarita Engle

"It was a good and fast read. I loved the historical truth behind it and I liked how the author used poems to bring out the characters' traits and personalities." -Adam, Grade 8

5. The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

"There is so much adventure and secrets. People fly or do magic. This all takes place on islands that literally float using magic. There are girls who want to do more, then just sit around, and boys wanting to belong. I don't really know how to explain it, but this book is amazing!" -Erika, Grade 6

4. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (see our full review here)

"It had a good mix of action, romance, and character development. It was well-rounded and covered all the bases for a good book. The character development of Aria was well done." -Julia, Grade 8

3. Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulburg

"This book explains how difficult high school can be and the complex friendships that take place. It's a phenomenal story about following your dreams and achieving your goals." -Lucy, Grade 7

2. Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney

"When Tory's magic is revealed, she is sent to a reform school to control your magic. She joins a group of kids to protect England." -Francis, Grade 6

"All I can say without giving it away…It is an AWESOME FANTASTICAL ME WORTHY THE BEST AWESOME GREAT EXCELLENT BEAUTIFUL ROMANTIC MAGICAL GORGEOUS SUSPENSEFUL WELL WRITTEN book. :)" -Maddy, Grade 7

1. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (see our full review here)

"Cate has to protect her sisters. Why? Because she and her sisters are witches!" -Jiayi, Grade 8

"Even for someone not a huge fan of witchcraft, this novel pulls you right in for a fast and amazing read." -Maggie, Grade 8

"There is magic and it is a very enchanting story about three girls who either live to use magic, or die because of it." -Francis, Grade 6


If you'd like to play along at home, Katherine has created a bookmark with our TAB titles. Take a look and see which book's you've already read and which one's you might want to check out.