Smackdown Books 2021

Ordinary Hazards
We Dream of Space
If These Wings Could Fly
We Are Not Free
The King of Jam Sandwiches
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team
The Companion
Punching the Air
Show Me a Sign
Land of the Cranes
Furia
Dragon Hoops
When Stars Are Scattered
Snapdragon
The Radium Girls: The Scary But True Story of the Poison That Made People Glow in the Dark
American as Paneer Pie
Tune It Out
The Gilded Ones
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
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Monday, January 9, 2017

Farewell to Goodbye Stranger



Goodbye Stranger takes on the complexities of junior high. Bridge is in seventh grade, and she vows to never fight with her two best friends, Emily and Tab. Intermixed in this saga (okay saga is a bit strong) are plot lines of teen romance, the woes of social media and the difficulties of making strong moral choices.  For some of our group (Mighty Team Seven - an eclectic group of readers) we found Goodbye Stranger an intriguing read but for some the magic to continue to finish the book was not there.  We could see how teen readers would be interested but worthy of a strong recommendation we think "maybe not".


Gospel Truth, written in free verse, interweaves the narratives of six separate characters.  Phoebe has strength and compassion in her soul. Many readers will experience disbelief, tears, and outrage as she takes us on a journey that few can imagine.  This story is elegantly written and shines a light on the power of inner strengths, the will to survive and a portrayal of a time that deserves our attention.  Team Seven is unanimous in our decision Gospel Truth moves on to the next round!

Submitted by: Team Seven (Lisa, Chris, Shelley, Chelsea and Maureen)

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