PAGE 23 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com ey middle schoolers, looking for a good book to immerse yourself in? Here are our recommendations as avid readers in 8th grade! If you’re a person who wants to cuddle up with a book that will warm your heart and have you kicking your feet in the air, then we have an impeccable selection for you! Don’t Be in Love is a classic enemies-to-lovers that centers on two college students who make a deal that sends them down the path to love. The Fault in Our Stars will shatter your heart when the main characters face serious illnesses, but then it will put it back together one piece at a time with the love that connects them. If you enjoy being captured by mythical worlds that you can only find in your imagination, then these fantasy and dystopian books are for you! The Hunger Games series tells the story of a futuristic country in which each year twenty four kids are forced to fight to the death in order to entertain the wealthy and powerful. The Powerless series tells the tale of the kingdom of Illya, where there are Elites and Ordinaries who are categorized by their magical powers. In this ruthless kingdom, to be powerless is to be nothing and to be powerful is everything. The Percy Jackson series is a story twisted with thrilling ancient Greek quests making the book enjoyable and an energetic read. If you’re interested in a good mystery, then make sure you check out these books! A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has tints of romance with deep mysteries that keep you hooked from the start. We Were Liars and One of Us is Lying are two books with dark themes and plot twists that make your mind turn. Now, you may ask, what if I barely read? Well, this section is for you! These are easy reads for middle schoolers who don’t love to read but would like to start! Ground Zero by Alan Gratz holds the reader’s attention with the intricate plot while the book follows two different characters’ points of view during and after 9/11. A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass is about a girl who struggles to embrace her synesthesia with an ending that will touch your heart. Wonder by R.J. Palacio brings the reader through a journey of ups and downs as the story is told from Auggie’s eyes. It is sure to keep you on your feet! So next time you’re bored, consider picking up one of these great reads! Here’s a nice, concise list to take with you to shop or order online. Consider a local bookshop. They frequently have finds not always available in larger stores, too! Romance • The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenContains mature themes. • Don’t Be in Love by Liana CincottiContains mature themes. Fantasy/Dystopian • Powerless series by Lauren RobertsContains mature themes. • Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins • Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan Mystery • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson • We Were Liars by E. Lockhart • One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus Easy Reads • Ground Zero by Alan Gratz • A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass • Wonder by R.J. Palacio Both girls are 8th grade students at Warren Middle School. Isabella Santos loves to read & volunteer at the Warren Library. She is currently working on her Girl Scout Silver Award. Her favorite show is currently Brooklyn 99 & her favorite food is spicy tuna rolls! Sonia Prabhakar is an avid reader & does charity work for Summit Health Cares: Fresh Start Initiative! Her favorite subject is language arts & her favorite dessert is vanilla cake with strawberry frosting! Teen Book Club Recommendations By Sonia Prabhakar & Isabella Santos SHELF AWARENESS H Save $25 with code MYCAMP25 PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE Secure your spot and save today at • Activities spanning Sports, STEM, Art, & More! • Swim Lessons • Caring, Well-Trained Staff • Weekly or Full-Summer Options • Financial Assistance Available REGISTRATION OPENS JAN. 12 ONLINE REGISTRATION RECEIVES 10% SIBLINGS SAVINGS! RESTRICTIONS APPLY. SUMMER SMILES AT THE YMCA’S DAY CAMPS BRIDGEWATER YMCA I SOMERVILLE YMCA Branches of Greater Somerset County YMCA gscymca.org/camp
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