IF YOU'RE READING THIS by Trent Reedy

Mike Wilson's dad was killed in the war in Afghanistan when Mike was a boy. Now he's almost 16, and he has a lot of questions. His life has been difficult and platitudes about how his dad was a "hero" are empty when Mike doesn't know how his dad died. Then the letters start coming - letters Mike's dad wrote to him from Afghanistan in anticipation of Mike's 16th birthday and offering advice and challenges in case his dad never made it home.

This was lovely. Mike is a great character - hard working, responsibly, with deep questions. He's trying to figure out life without his dad around and with his mom facing her own struggles. I've never been part of a family walking through deployment or losing a loved one to war, but the description seemed reasonable and realistic. The story is intense and emotional but not so detailed as to be too much for teen readers. Themes include racial tension, a budding romance, bullying, team, identity, family and responsibility.

4.5 out of 5 stars
AR Reading level of 4.6
AR Interest level of Middle Grade + (Middle school and up)

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

NON-FICTION FOR KIDS: Dogs on Duty by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Fantastic non-fiction book about how dogs have historically been used to help soldiers in war, as well as information on how dogs are chosen and trained to serve today. Includes side bars of dogs who've served their country in war.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about using animals in war, but setting those questions aside, this was a fascinating book about how animals have helped save lives, have served their caretakers, and how they are trained. I think my favorite story was about how a dog who developed PTSD was cared for and what treatment the dog received as a valued member of the armed services. I can think of several students who will love this book! I will have trouble keeping it on the shelf. [This was another book in my Scholastic preview pack for our spring fair, but with a different cover than the one pictured here.]

4.5 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 7.1