Book: House of the Scorpion

This book is also on the 8th grade reading list and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about possible futures with our real life scientific advances. The story centers on a boy, Matt, who is a clone of a very powerful drug leader, El Patron. This will be a longer, and harder book to follow than Stargirl, the other 8th grade reading list book I reviewed, but encourage your child to make this effort. Don't let them pass up this book because of the 380 pages. They will be rewarded by a great story with lots of things to think about after each chapter. A great book to discuss with your parents: If everything was the same about me, but I found out I was a clone, would that make me different? Does how others treat you change the way you see yourself? Will all the scientific advances lead to a better life? These are just a few of the many interesting ideas written into the house of the Scorpion.

Grade: A

Book: Stargirl

This is one of the books on the reading list for incoming 8th graders. First, I recommend that parents read the books on this list: they are chosen for a reason. If you can't read them all, read the one your child picked so you can enjoy it together. This book is a wonderful look at the way kids treat a child who is different. Stargirl will inspire kids to be themselves and to look more closely at why they react so negatively to someone who acts different. There have been plenty of books written on this subject, but the A is because Jerry Spinelli writes so light and fresh and fun you enjoy the story as you contemplate the meaning of all that is happening.

Grade: A