msjamgochian'sinfinitebooklist

A brilliant, beguiling and beautiful book set in Depression-era Seattle in the 1930s, TGOLAD tells the at once heartbreaking and hopeful love story of African American chanteuse Flora Saudade and adopted wealthy white boy Henry Bishop. Forever foes Love and Death are playing a game: Flora and Henry are their unknowing pawns. A pitch-perfect Seattle setting, an indelible ensemble cast of characters, and a hefty dose of high-stakes legerdemain all come together in a mesmerizing cacophony that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Ms. Brockenbrough read at the Washington State Book Awards; the notes of her voice floating through the air were every bit as gorgeous as her words on the page. Not to be missed! Click here for a trailer and here for a full review . Grade 8+

Seventh-grader Suzy Swanson is in the unenviable position of losing her childhood best friend Franny twice: once when said best friend becomes popular, leaving Suzy behind, and again, after their friendship has ended, when Franny drowns during summer vacation. When she is told about Franny's death, Suzy sets aside her tears, stops talking, and sets herself to the task of proving that Franny, an excellent swimmer, was in fact killed by a jellyfish. Ali Benjamin's debut bestselling National Book Award nominee perfectly captures the agony of being a middle school girl who loses her closest companion to the dark side (in this case, the mean girls crowd). A fair dose of funny bits and a decidedly human supporting cast make TTAJ an exceptional read. A sweet, cozy, thoughtful book perfect for middle school readers who enjoy realistic fiction. Click here for Ali Benjamin's intro to the book . Grade 6+

Living in Delhi is an unforgettable experience. Although I spent only two years of my life there, the memorable mix of scent, sounds, and suffocating yet spellbinding strangeness of the city simmers right under my skin, and delving into The Association of Small Bombs brought me right back. Unsurprisingly, the novel sets off with a bombing at Lajpat Nagar - the explosives themselves tucked into the innards of a Maruti 800 - and the resulting repercussions drive the story, centered around two Delhi families, one who loses a son in the blast and one who does not. TAOSB is a gripping novel, and its contemporary connections between poverty and terrorism make it the perfect read for our times. Give it to fans of The White Tiger, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and A Case of Exploding Mangoes. Click here for a full review . Grade 11 +