A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee'

 Shayla just wants to stay out of trouble.  She doesn't want to cause any problems or make any waves.  She wants to lay low.  But, as things happen around her, she has to make a decision.  Her sister is involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, but Shay just doesn't think that she is that passionate about the movement.  

Then, there is a protest, and she realizes very quickly that she cannot stand by and stay silent.  Some rules are worth breaking when there is injustice.  It's time for her to get into some "good trouble".

This was a very good book, and it really explores what is going on in the news in a very accessible way.  I highly recommend this book.

If you would like to see a book trailer for this title, watch below.

Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper

 Melody wants to go to summer camp just like her friends at school.  She has done her research, and she has found a camp that is close to home and affordable.  But, Melody has never been away from home even though she is in middle school.  Melody has cerebral palsy, and she must be pushed in a wheelchair and communicate with a machine.  

Melody wants to have some independence.  She believes it would be good for her and for her parents as well.  Her parents agree, and Melody gets a spot at the summer camp of her choice.  Now, that she all signed up and everything is ready to go, she is beginning to have second thoughts.  Can she really be away from her family?  Will she REALLY be able to do all of the things that they claim in the brochure?

Find out in Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper.

When I read Out of My Mind years ago, I was taken with Melody.  She was such a strong character, and I learned so much about what Melody was thinking.  Now, this goes into feelings and the desire for independence even in the face of fear.  Draper does a wonderful job of continuing Melody's story.  This is a MUST READ!

Below...listen to Sharon Draper read right from the first chapter.

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

 Donte and Trey are brothers.  Donte has darker skin, and Trey has lighter skin.  In fact, many people do not believe that they have the same parents, but they do.

Donte is wrongly accused by the school's fencing captain, and he is suspended from school.  Donte is determined to beat the bully at his own game, so he enlists the help of a champion fencing coach.  But, Donte must listen to all of the lessons that the coach is trying to teach him in order to understand how best to win.

Rhodes does a marvelous job of explaining both sides of an issue as she presents how both brothers feel when they are treated differently based on the color of their skin.  This book made me think as I consider how people are treated differently based on appearance.  I highly recommend reading this one.

If you would like to see a book trailer, check the one below.  Then, get to the library and check this book out to read.