Favorite Books in 2019

By AUDREY YAEL SMITH | Junior Reporter

This year I started middle school at Paul Revere. Having the most incredible teachers and several close friends in my classes made the transition to middle school such a positive experience for me.

I have had a tremendous amount of homework this year, but in my spare time, I love to read. These are some of my favorite books I read this year:

“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell is a classic novel set during the American Civil War. The main character, Scarlett O’Hara, is rebellious, headstrong and independent. Reading this historical fiction, I learned more about a dark time in this country’s history.

In my sixth-grade English class, I read the book “Freak the Mighty” by Rodman Philbrick. This is a moving story about two outsiders that become best friends. One boy is a giant and super strong and the other is a handicapped genius. The boys go on a series of adventures together.

I also enjoyed reading “Finally” by Wendy Mass, a funny story of a girl named Rory looking forward to turning twelve and gaining more independence.

I took a Shakespeare class at Paul Revere and we had to memorize the balcony scene in “Romeo and Juliet.” I decided to read the entire book. I absolutely loved this tragic romance and think this book is a great introduction to Shakespeare.

In “Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah Blues” by Ferida Wolff, thirteen-year-old Alyssa had to choose between ballet rehearsals for “The Nutcracker” and attending her temple’s confirmation classes. I can relate to the main character in this story because I also love ballet and recently had to choose between two other activities that conflicted.

“The Pearl” by John Steinbeck is a short story about a poor pearl diver named Kino who finds a huge pearl in the ocean. After discovering the pearl, Kino changes and tragedy strikes his family.

In “Nerd Camp” by Elissa Weissman, a ten-year-old boy named Gabe attends a sleepaway camp for gifted kids. He loves the camp but does not want to be thought of as a nerd.

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies and I look forward to reading many more great books in 2020.