Secondary SBCUSD Reads - February
Theme of the Month
Middle School Recommendations
A story about a young boy named Jackson and his imaginary friend, a giant black and white cat named Crenshaw, who returns to help Jackson and his family when they are struggling financially. Readers will be entranced by the ease and comfort of the friendship between Jackson and Crenshaw. Crenshaw is able to use his giant paws to give Jackson a hug to make his worries subside. Even Jackson’s dad had an imaginary friend while growing up. Jackson learns the importance of acceptance, love and trust.
This is the fourth and final book in the award-winning One and Only series. It follows Ivan, a silverback gorilla, and his mate Kinyani as they become parents for the first time and navigate the challenges of parenthood. Ivan struggles to overcome his past trauma and be a good dad and leader, while also dealing with the twins' constant challenges. The book explores themes such as the plight of animals in the wild, climate change, and animal abuse, and also questions how humans can preserve the natural world.
High School Recommendations
The story follows Ana, a 16-year old from Argentina who recently moves with her mom to New Jersey to reunite with her father. As Ana, who does not speak much English, struggles to speak and understand the new language, she forms friendships with other teens at school and even falls in love. It’s an inspiring story about fitting in and finding one’s voice.
A story about a thoughtful, quiet, and observant teen named Charlie and his relationships with his friends, a teacher, and his family as he begins his freshman year in high school. It’s a beautiful and relatable story written in the form of letters that Charlie writes to an unnamed friend.