Book Reviews Courage

Discover the extraordinary, life-changing novel about the power of words to bring light into the darkest of times. The year is 1939, and Nazi Germany is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and he is the one telling this unforgettable story. When young Liesel Meminger is sent to live with a foster family outside of Munich, she has nothing to her name. But after finding a hidden book in the snow, she discovers something she simply cannot resist: the magic of reading. With the help of her kind, accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and soon begins stealing books from wherever she can find them. As the war escalates and bombs begin to fall, Liesel shares her stolen treasures with her terrified neighbors in the bomb shelter, and with the Jewish man her family is bravely hiding in their basement. Beautifully written and deeply moving, this modern classic explores how friendship, courage, and a love for books can help you survive when the world is falling apart.

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when his small plane suddenly crashes into the remote Canadian wilderness. The pilot is dead, and Brian is completely alone. You will feel his intense fear and hunger as he realizes that his survival depends entirely on his own wits. His only tool is a small hatchet his mother gave him as a parting gift. For fifty-four grueling days, you will learn alongside Brian as he figures out how to build a shelter, start a fire, and hunt for food. Beyond the physical challenges, he must also find a way to navigate the emotional pain of his parents' recent divorce. This thrilling, iconic classic is the ultimate test of human endurance.

Meet Trinity Shwartz! Moving to a brand new state means being the new kid in school, which can feel a little scary. Trinity has always been a quiet girl who likes to keep to herself. But this year, something feels different. She's starting at Greenport Middle School, and it’s a big chance for her to try new things and make new friends. Join Trinity as she navigates the hallways, classrooms, and new experiences. Will she stay shy and let others decide things for her, or will she find her own brave voice? This story is all about discovering who you truly are, even when everything around you is new. You'll laugh, you'll feel, and you'll cheer for Trinity as she learns to speak up and chase her own dreams. Get ready for an exciting journey of friendship and finding your courage!

Starr Carter is a teenager who lives in two different worlds. At home, she is part of a close-knit community, but at school, she attends a fancy prep school far away. Everything changes one night when Starr witnesses a terrible event: her childhood best friend, Khalil, is shot by a police officer. Khalil was unarmed, and his death quickly becomes a huge news story, causing protests and strong feelings everywhere. Starr is the only one who knows exactly what happened, but speaking out is incredibly difficult and dangerous. Some people want her to stay silent, while others pressure her to tell her truth. Her decision could affect her family, her friends, and her entire community. This powerful story explores what it means to find your voice and stand up for what is right, even when it's scary and difficult.