May Reading List
Minutes to Kill by Melinda Leigh
Minutes to Kill is the second book in Melinda Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. After main character, Hannah Barrett, attempts to save a girl from a human trafficking ring in Las Vegas, she is followed home to Scarlett Falls by a killer bent on revenge. Once again, Melinda Leigh delivers with a novel filled with action and suspense.
Secrets of Our Country’s Capital by Susan Shader Lee
If you read the reviews on Amazon, you’ll never buy this book. However, it was perfect for my needs. I wanted short facts about different sites and monuments in Washington, D.C.–facts that I could read to my students over the bus microphone system as we drove past or visited each place. Secrets of Our Country’s Capital is definitely not a tour book, but it does contain interesting information. I read bits and pieces over a three month period, finally finishing up the book the beginning of May. I will say that I was disappoint that Arlington, Virginia, was not included.
Speak: The Graphic Novelby Laurie Halse Anderson and Emily Carroll
After reading Laurie Halse Anderson’s new memoir, I felt drawn to go back and reread her most acclaimed novel, Speak. While at the YSU English Festival, I purchased the graphic novel version for my classroom and decided to read it before loaning it out to students. All I can say is “Wow!” I’m not a fan of graphic novels, but I think I prefer this version to the original.
Melinda, the protagonist in Speak, calls the police after being attacked at an end of summer party and as a result, is ostracized at her high school. She tells no one about her traumatic experience and experiences PTSD and depression. Melinda finally starts to express her feelings through her art, giving herself a new voice.
Girl in a Bad Place by Kaitlin Ward
One of my students was dying to read this book, and another said it was her favorite. So, I picked it up at our Scholastic Book Fair. What’s it about? Two girls, a longtime friendship, and a cult. Will Mailee be able to save Cara in time?
The Last Trial by Robert Bailey
This is book 3 in the McMurtrie and Drake series by Robert Bailey. If you haven’t tried this series yet, please do. If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, you won’t be disappointed. This is one series that you should definitely read in order. The first book is The Professor. I read the entire series in less than four weeks–check out my April Reading Roundup to read about the first two books.
In book 3, Jack Willistone is found murdered right after his release from prison. All the evidence points to Wilma Newton, widow of a truck driver who was killed in an accident while driving for Jack’s company. Wilma’s daughter Laurie Ann begs the Professor to save her mother, and after meeting with Wilma, the Professor believes in her innocence. Now, he’ll have to prove it.
I love Bailey’s novels. There are so many twists, turns, and subplots. I can definitely say that the ending in this one surprised me. I just didn’t see it coming. Read this series–you won’t be disappointed.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
When I saw that Jason Reynolds had a series about track, I knew I had to have it for my classroom. Several of my students enjoyed Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, and the track team at our school is huge. This was a no-brainer–give the kids something to read about something they can relate to. Plus, it was a good book.
Castle Cranshaw, a.k.a. Ghost, is a loveable main character readers will enjoy. He doesn’t plan on joining the track team until the coach sees him run. Ghost doesn’t always make the best decisions, and Coach has to bail him out of some sticky situations. However, in the end, he finds that being part of a team where everyone supports one another is a great gift.
The Final Reckoning by Robert Bailey
In the last book of the McMurtrie and Drake Legal series (check out my April list for the first two books), Tom McMurtrie must fight to save his friends and family from escaped killer JimBone Wheeler. Full of action and suspense, this book was the perfect ending to the series.
The President Has Been Shot by James L. Swanson
If you’ve been following what I’ve read this year, you’ll see that I read much more fiction than non-fiction. This book about the assassination of John F. Kennedy has been on my reading list for quite a while. I’m not sure what finally made me pick it up, but once I did, I was hooked. I read the entire book in a little over two hours (from 10:30 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. on a school night). I couldn’t put it down even though I knew I should be sleeping.
The President Has Been Shot starts with an overview of JFK’s life leading up to the election of 1960 before delving into his presidency. However, the main part of the book focuses on the day of the Dallas shooting and the subsequent events, including the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald, Johnson’s swearing-in ceremony, and President Kennedy’s funeral. Written for young adults, this book contains photos, maps, and diagrams to help the reader visualize what happened. This is a great choice for history lovers!
The Freedom Summer Murders by Don Mitchell
I’d heard of the three civil rights workers killed by the KKK in Mississippi in 1964, but didn’t know much about what had happened. This event was a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It illustrates a dark time in our history, one that should never be forgotten as we strive to be better.
The Baby Scandal by Layla Valentine and Holly Rayner
Mistaken identity and an unplanned pregnancy…What’s better than that? This is a book that you really don’t have to think about–it’s plain entertainment.
Prince Baby Daddy by Layla Valentine and Holly Rayner
An incognito prince…an everyday girl from Texas…a one-night stand… All of these lead to a secret pregnancy and a possible scandal. A bit of fluff, but I liked it. What can I say? I’m a sucker for royalty and secret babies.
Lucky Daddy by R.S. Lively
Lucky Daddy is the first book in the Unexpected Daddies boxed set available at Amazon for only 99 cents. Gwen returns home after losing her job and reconnects with Reilly, her brother’s best friend. Sorry, not sorry–I do read fluff books sometimes (okay, a lot). This set had great reviews, and for 99 cents, it was a steal.
Not Over You by R.S. Lively
Not Over You is the second book in the Unexpected Daddies boxed set. Fiona and Cade are brought back together by her Grammie’s faked injury. Grammie asks Fiona to come home and take care of her while requesting that Cade make some repairs to her dilapidated house. Will Grammie get her way and bring these two back together? (Hint: It’s a romance novel–of course she will.)
In Harm’s Way: JFK, World War II, and the Heroic Rescue of PT 109 by Iain Martin
After four fluff books, I went back to a little nonfiction. In Harm’s Way was a book I picked up at book fair. Many middle school students are fascinated by World War II. This is the true story of John F. Kennedy’s PT boat’s collision with a Japanese destroyer in the Pacific on August 2, 1943 . Marooned and believed dead, JFK and his crew must overcome the odds to survive.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Written by the best-selling author of The Hate U Give, On the Come Up is the story of a sixteen year old wanna-be rapper. The daughter of underground rap legend Lawless, Brianna wants to make it big. Her talent leads her to win her first battle in the ring, but she’s impulsive and headstrong. Bri tries to help her family, but her decisions don’t work out the way she plans. She has to decide whether to portray herself as the thug she really isn’t or stay true to her own beliefs.
Conclusions about my May reading list
In conclusion, I hope you’ve enjoyed my May reading list. I’ve finished fifteen books this month, including a few on our 24 1/2 hour/1550 mile drive to Denver via Laramie, Wyoming. My list has a variety of genres and styles because I’m always searching for ideas for my classroom and learning about new things. Plus, sometimes you just need a little fluff in your life.
Today is the first official day of summer vacation for me! Do you have any book suggestions for me to add to my summer reading list? I actually spend more time reading over the summer because I don’t have papers to grade.
Happy reading!
My hat goes off to you! I can’t even get through one book let alone 15! I so wish I loved to read. I read nonstop as a kid, but as an adult, I can’t recall sitting down to read. I did just buy a Kindle and loaded it up, so maybe once I get my blog off the ground and stop writing so much, I can actually start reading! At least I’ll know where to come to look for reviews and content!
I’m interested in the graphic novel, Speak the most. I don’t mind reading “fluff” especially in the summertime on the beach
Tracy, I am impressed. 15 books, of different genres, in a month’s time. I think that your students are lucky to work and discuss books with you.
So, what would I recommend for your summer list? Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières. Set and shot on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, it is a creative bridge over love and death.
Nice round up of books to add to my summer reading list! Thank you for the ideas.
Some great picks this month! I’m interested in the follow up to The Hate You Give!
Lauren | https://www.laurelandiron.com/
I am always in if the story includes anythign to do with a cult! I will be checking out the book called the last trial. Thanks for this list. 🙂
The list here is so overwhelming! I may have to get few just for the summer travels
Great selection of books – I’ll have to check out our local library for Robert Bailey. I like a good legal story. I’ve just finished reading Catherine Ryan Hyde’s Walk Me Home and really enjoyed it.
So many that I need to add to my list!! First, I had no idea that their was a comic book version of Speak! Such a powerful book…I bet the graphics add a ton! And I was just recently told that I need to read On the Come Up…I loves The Hate U Give, so I’m sure this one is just as good.
I wish I could as fast as you do catch up with you! Alas! SO many books out there but I am so slow to read. Thanks to you my to read list is long enough to have me handled till retirement.
I have been looking for some good summer reads. I need to check some of these out.
I woudl love to read Secrets of Our Country’s Capital. My wife and I always watch those types of shows on television where you see interesting facts about cities in the country. Worth checking out for sure as are a few others for me, like In Harms Way. I am more of a nonfiction, biography readers so this one interests me. Thanks for the suggestions.
15 books in May?! I’m impressed! I couldn’t read that many books, simply because I don’t know if I could find the time. The President Has Been Shot sounds like a great book, and one I am very interested in reading myself. It is going to be added to my reading list, for sure! I am currently reading Wicked from Gregory Maguire.
I’m going to have to check out the Unexpected Daddy series! They sounds really good and that really is a steal!
Wow! I have to say, 15 books is more than I read in a year. I’m usually stuck in research papers or school work. I do hope to try reading at least one book on this list before my summer ends. They all look super interesting!
Love all suggestions. I’ll look into these!
Great list some of these sound hot…. for summer…. whoohooo. I may need to pick up the summer reading list. LOL
Must say you are very good reader. 15 books a month very high target if I would have to do it. I could hardly do one. By the way nice list. I will add one to my reading list. Thanks for sharing.
Heena.
I’m really into political stories right now so definitely adding the Freedom Murders to my list.
Impressed that you are such an avid reader. I love these suggestions and will add them to my summer list!
Totally going to add these to my list! I’ve only ever read the original Speak.
You always share such good books!
Great reading list. Reading will pass the time when waiting to travel & on those lazy summer days too.
This is a good list of books here !
Thanks, Tracy, I love book reviews written by someone I know and teaches the same subjects. Great job! And jealous that you have your traveling shoes on! Jann
Tons to pick from for my next book club! Thanks for reviewing!