February 2022

A novel version detailing the life of Rosalind Franklin – the woman whose contributions to discovering the DNA double helix were despicably upstaged by her male counterparts. Read this, and you’ll hunger to learn more about the real story.

The fun-loving NFL Insider on Fox NFL Sunday bravely shares his fight through depression and anxiety, his successful careers in NFL journalism and business, as well as his work with military vets struggling with PTSD. Glazer’s ability to laugh at himself and take on his mental struggles and share them in order to help others makes this an inspiring read.

Want to make this a great year? Well, this is just the book for you. Subtitled “Practical Thoughts for Better Decisions in Life,” this is a book you can read quickly on a brief flight that you will want to return to again and again to chart your growth in various parts of your life. Essential reading for anyone looking to improve.

Graphic novel about choice and responsibility that will be a hit with any of your teens interested in DC comics (the characters were originally developed by legendary cartoonist Jack Kirby) or graphic novels. Excited that this is the first in a series.

In this pulse-pounding tech-thriller, Heath creates a world where everyone knows when you lie – and telling the truth doesn’t always set you free. First book in a series of five.

Forgive me for not having put this book on a previous list. Shame on me, as Draper is one of my favorite young adult authors and I love this trilogy about life at Hazelwood High. After the death of his longtime friend in a car accident, Andy, the driver, blames himself and cannot get past his guilt and pain. While his other friends have managed to work through their grief and move on, Andy allows death to become the focus of his life. In the months that follow the accident, the lives of Andy and his friends are traced through a series of letters, articles, homework assignments and dialogues, and it becomes clear that Tigers do indeed need to cry.

Ideal book for Black History Month. In this essential autobiographical account by one of the Civil Rights Movement’s most powerful figures, Melba Pattillo Beals of the Little Rock Nine explores not only the oppressive force of racism, but the ability of young people to change ideas of race and identity.

Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature, this is a “tweener” that upper elementary and middle school school students must have. A timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real. Another great discussion starter for Black History Month.

Ali was the leading heavyweight boxer of the 20th century and a charismatic, beloved public figure. His objection to the military draft during the Vietnam War made him an icon for a generation, and his impact in sports and the Civil Rights movement is still felt today. In this friendly, fun biography series (the inspiration of the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum), kids are encouraged to “dream big.” Each book includes: a timeline of key events in the hero’s history; photos that bring the story more fully to life; comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable; childhood moments that influenced the hero; facts that make great conversation-starters; and a character trait that made the person heroic and that readers can aspire to. Must-have series.

You are made for greatness! Isn’t that something every child should hear EVERY day? Nacera’s wonderful little tale about the benefits of diving into one’s creative juices should be read by all decision-makers looking to make learning fun for kids rather than the compulsory chore it too often becomes. Includes beautiful illustrations by Cheryl Mendenhall.