Book Nook

Dr. Seuss once said: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” It might sound simple – and that’s the beauty of it. It really is.

Books can open up a whole new world for you to explore; the topics are endless! Knowledge is power and is at your fingertips through limitless reading choices. Don’t think of reading as a chore or homework. If you choose a book you’re interested in, you will WANT to read it!

Some of the most successful people on the planet read a lot – and we mean a lot! Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the richest men alive, both have said they spend hours reading every week. Bill Gates has actually said he reads one entire book a week. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, said he aims to read one book every other week. In a Facebook post, he said, "Books allow you to fully explore a topic and immerse yourself in a deeper way than most media today. I'm looking forward to shifting more of my media diet towards reading books." Oprah has said "Books allowed me to see a world beyond the front porch of my grandmother's shotgun house.” It’s no coincidence these successful people all happen to read a lot. Reading impacts you so much! From learning about new places, to learning new words, to even just sparking creativity in your mind – a book can change your life.

You don’t have to read a book a week – start with just finding a good book you’re interested in and try and read a few pages or a chapter at night before bed. Watch how much you change and grow!! Here’s our Rae Of Hope Connection ‘Book Nook’, where we will keep adding some great book ideas! Developing a reading habit will enlighten and educate you, serving you throughout your lifetime. Happy Reading, and keep checking back for new suggestions!

1. Wringer (Fiction Novel) by Jerry Spinelli

Young boy Palmer learns to deal with peer pressure and forms an unlikely bond with a pigeon.

2. The Benefits of Being an Octopus (Fiction) by Ann Braden

Seventh-grader Zoey balances middle school and taking care of her younger siblings in this novel that delves into topics on poverty, gun ownership, bullying and more.

3. Monster (Drama Novel/Black Stories) by Walter Dean Myers

This 1999 novel written in the form of a diary owned by 16-year old, imprisoned Steve Harmon, has themes of identity, race,crime, teenage masculinity and more

4. Piecing Me Together (Fiction/ Black Stories) by Renee Watson

Jade is striving for success outside of her neighborhood. This book explores race, privilege, and identity through the lense of a young woman.

5. Out of My Mind (Realistic Fiction/Disability) by Sharon M. Draper

Follow Melody go through life frustrated and stuck in her own head. Unable to speak due to Cerebral Palsy, she isn’t able to communicate with those around her.

6. The Skin I’m In (Fiction Novel/ Black Stories) by Sharon G. Flake

Maleeka struggles with body image due to the society and colorists around her.

7. Seedfolks (Novella/Illustration) by Paul Fleischman

A diverse group of characters tell their point of view on the transforming of a vacant lot, into a community garden, while finding their own transformations.

8. Chains: The Seeds of America Trilogy (Black Stories/ Historical Fiction) by Laurie Halse Anderson

The first book of “The Seeds of America Trilogy”, follows Isabel, a young slave fighting for her and and her sister’s once promised liberty. 9. The Poet X (Novel/Verse) by Elizabeth Acevedo

The story of an Afro-Latina going through changes of early teenage life learns to cope and understand her mother and community through creative outlet, slam poetry.

10. The Secret Garden (Children’s Novel) by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The classic tale of the orphaned child Mary is one of growth, similar to that of her new found secret, a hidden garden.

11. Island of the Blue Dolphins (Children’s Novel) by Scott O’Dell

This 1960’s novel is based on the true story of Juana Maria, a Native American stranded alone on an island for eighteen years.

12. Invisible Differences (Illustrated Novel) by Julie Dachez and Mademoiselle Caroline

The newly translated graphic novel follows Marguerite, an awkward and sensitive teen who learns she has Aspergers.

13. Felix Ever After (Young Adult/ Black Trans Pride) by Kacen Callender

Felix copes with anonymous bullies who use his deadname after transitioning to his true self. A Stonewall Honor awarded book is about self-discovery and love. 14. Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey (Illustrated Novel) by Erin Entrada Kelly Follow shy, unseen Marisol in the first book of this NY Times recommended, illustrated series. 15. Ivy & Bean (Series) by Annie Barrows Vibrant and very, very different characters, Ivy and Bean never thought they would find friendship with each other. This fun series takes you along on the unlikely pair’s adventures and proves you can be friends with anyone, no matter how different.

16. Pumpkins (Uncanny Icons) (Halloween) by Kevin Miller

Jeremy Fisher is an outsider who finds himself as an unlikely hero of his small town on Halloween night.

17. Jumbies (Halloween) by Tracey Baptiste

The first installment of the Jumbies Series, young Corrine explores the forbidden woods and discovers an ancient magic.

18. Coraline: The Graphic Novel (Halloween) by Neil Gaiman

An imaginative take on Gaiman’s creepy classic featuring illustrations by P. Craig Russell.