In England in 1995, fifteen-year-old Tamar, grief-stricken by the death of her grandfather, slowly begins to uncover the secrets of his life in the Dutch resistance and the climactic events that forever cast a shadow on his life and that of his family.

Liz says:

“Tamar is a story of espionage, betrayal, and love. Even when the action is somewhat predictable the results are not. This is a tremendous example of historical fiction, mystery and intrigue. The novel is told from 2 perspectives and switches between 1944 and 1995. This is not for someone who wants a fast, easy read. If you’re willing to give it the time it deserves, you will be justly rewarded by this exceptional book.”

Eleven-year-old Irish Catholic Michael Devlin and Rabbi Judah Hirsch form a wonderful, if unlikely, friendship in Brooklyn in 1947, but the actions of a group of anti-Semitic thugs soon have them trapped in a spiral of hate and hoping for a miracle.

Jacob Green, an adolescent boy with an over-active imagination, learns about life, love, religion, sex, and growing up from his brother and his nanny.

Liz says:

“This is an uproariously funny and tragically sad story of Jacob who is simply trying to grow up. Suburban New Jersey in the 1970s seems harmless enough of a setting, but when Abram Green is your father, nothing is benign. Abram is a narcissistic, control freak who demands perfection of his wife and 4 children. Jacob relates his story with candor and humor so that even in the face of great emotional turmoil, you may find yourself laughing (and then crying). I want to mention that Jacob does have a lot of sexual fantasies (like all teenage boys) and his focus is his nanny. Just thought you might like the heads up!”

The story of the Garcia family’s adjustment to life in the United States.

Liz says:

“I read this more than 15 years ago and I still consider it as one of the best books that I have ever read. Told from the 4 sisters’ perspectives, we gain a glimpse into the immigrant experience. We learn about each girl’s upbringing in the Dominican Republic under the Dictatorship of Trujillo and their subsequent coming of age stories in New York. Though the finer details escape me now, their stories and their voices still resonate.”

Despite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, Autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor’s dog and uncovers secret information about his mother.

Cara says:

“Great insight into the mind of a teenager with Autism. Riveting scenes with suspense and humor make it an entertaining and meaningful read.”

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel–a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Liz says:

“This is a must read for high school students and adults. Savvy eighth graders could handle this masterpiece. This compelling, unique look at World War II, narrated by death, is layered with symbolism and harsh reality. Prepare for a life altering experience.”