12 Major World Religions by Jason Boyett

Have you ever been curious about Buddhism? What about Judaism? Islam? Christianity? 

12 Major World Religions by Jason Boyett gives an overarching history and brief explanation about the most popular religious beliefs around the world. Each religion has its own chapter containing a timeline, major figures, beliefs, major texts, practices and sub-divisions. The book also includes a variety of side notes and images that break up what would otherwise be large blocks of text. Without overwhelming readers, the book provides a satisfying amount of information about each of the religions. 12 Major World Religions is a great starting point for students who are curious about religion but don’t know where or how to begin.--Claudio Leon

Boyett, Jason. 12  Major World Religions. Berkeley: Zephyros Press 2016. Print.

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

Marvin Johnson thinks it will be a night out like any other when he and his twin brother Tyler leave for the party.  But they run into Johntae who they know from school and who they know sells drugs.  

Suddenly, things go from bad to worse when shots ring out.  Panic ensues and afterward Marvin realizes his brother Tyler is missing.  Johntae is caught up in a sweep and taken to jail.  Marvin, desperate to find Tyler,  calls Johntae and reaches him in jail.

Johntae agrees to help find Tyler but only if Marvin can get Johntae’s girlfriend to bail him out.  Marivn will do anything to find his brother, but does Johntae really know where Tyler is?  

Topical and heartfelt,  this novel will be appreciated by confident readers who enjoy realistic fiction.  Recommended for fans of The Hate U Give. --Jessica Fenster--Sparber

Coles, Jay.  Tyler Johnson Was Here.  New York:  Little, Brown and Company, 2018.

The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera

The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera

When Margot was caught stealing from her father,  her family decided to teach her a lesson.  Instead of partying with her new friends, she is forced to spend the summer working in her family’s south Bronx  supermarket with her father and her brother.  

Longing to reunite with her friends,  Margot steals again and has to face the consequences and repair the damage she causes.  Along the way she receives an education that can’t be found in a classroom.  Recommended for confident readers looking for a protagonist who learns from their mistakes.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Rivera, Lilliam.  The Education of Margot Sanchez.  New York: Simon and Schuster, 2017.