Here is the list of 2016 nominees for the Louisiana Young Reader’s Choice Award. The following books are for grades 6-8.
- Athlete vs. Mathlete by W. C. Mack – Twin brothers Owen and Russell may share the same genes, but that’s where their similarities end. Owen loves sports and is the star of the school basketball team while Russell is the academically-minded captain of the math team. The two have always gotten along together without overlapping interests, but when their father and new coach encourage Russell to join the basketball team, tension arises.
- The Boy on the Wooden Box: how the Impossible Became Possible…on Schindler’s List by Leon Leyson – Holocaust survivor Leon Leyson was only ten-years-old when World War II reached his home in Poland. In this memoir he straightforwardly recounts his memories of his life before, during, and after the war. He attributes his survival to the brave efforts of Oskar Schindler, a Nazi who recognized the value of his life and the lives of other Jews working in his factory.
- Counting by 7s by holly Goldberg Sloan – Willow Chance has always known she doesn’t quite fit in with others her age; she’s hyper-intelligent and has unconventional hobbies and interests, but she has always had an accepting and loving home to support her. When her adoptive parents are killed in an accident her perfect world is shaken. This event leads her to form a new, unique home community for herself consisting of high school student Mai Nguyen and her family, a taxi driver and a school counselor.
- The Darkest Path by Jeff Hirsch – In this futuristic dystopia, a militant cult called the Glorious Path has begun a rebellion in the southern states that is threatening to overthrow the US government completely. Using violence and brainwashing, the organization is constantly recruiting new members against their will. Callum and his brother James have survived for years in the environment, but Cal finally seizes an opportunity to escape, attempting a dangerous mission to return home with a stray dog as a companion.
- Dogs of War by Sheila Keenen – Incorporation the history of three different wars and showing dogs in variety of situations, this graphic novel tells the tale of soldiers and their service dogs through short stories. It highlights the heroic, life-saving acts of these soldier and dog teams as well as the importance of companionship, particularly in the midst of war.
- The Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance – Quentin wants nothing to do with dating; he’s only in middle school after all, and he’s already seen the trouble it can cause. That doesn’t mean he can’t be involved as an impartial third party in the relationships of other people though, right? When a one-time opportunity to deliver a message to end the relationship of high school guy who doesn’t know how to break-up with his girlfriend in person turns into a profitable business, Quentin become the Heartbreak Messenger. He encounters tears, anger and even some good advice in a series of hilarious break-ups for hire.
- Jack Strong Takes a Stand by Tommy Greenwald, illustrated by Melissa Mendes – jack Strong is expected to do everything: sports, music, foreign languages, public service, extra-curricular activities, attend school, do homework and make good grades. He barley has a moment of anything that could be considered free time. His parents just don’t understand that he has too much in his schedule so he stages a peaceful protest by refusing to leave the couch. His attempt to win some personal relaxation time surprisingly gains the attention of the local media team, and the situation grows beyond his expectations.
- One Came Home by Amy Timberlake – Neither Georgie no Agatha is a typical girl of 1871; Georgie is a sharpshooter with no desire to marry, and her sister dreams of higher education. Agatha runs away with a group of men who are passing through the area to hunt the record-breaking gathering of passenger pigeons in the area, and the remain of her body are soon returned to the town with little explanation. unable to accept her sister’s death, Georgie goes on a mission to discover what really happened.
- QB 1 by Mike Lupica – Jake Cullen has big shoes to fill if he wants to follow the football legacy of his father and brother, both successful quarterbacks and celebrities in their hometown, Jake enjoys football like the other men in his family, and he has the talent and leadership skills to be great. At the same time though, he’s still just a high school kid. he feels that that he must fight the extra pressure of living up to his family’s reputation in order to be himself and make his own name.
- SYLO, The SYLO Chronicles Book 1 by D.J. MacHale – Amidst suspicious quarantine orders for a seemingly nonexistent virus, a martial takeover by an organization called SYLO, and a new drug that gives dangerous strength to the user, everyday life is suddenly turned upside down for high school football player Tucker Pierce and his entire island community. Tucker makes the risky decision to escape to the mainland state only to find that the mysterious situation is even more extensive than he imagined.
- Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner – After suffering various head injuries that leave them unpleasent aftereffects, four strangers seek treatment at a distinguished, isolated, neurological clinic that promises to restore their lives to mornal in record time. Wehn they begin to experience strange side-effects and grow wary of the mysterious final treatment stages, they discover a misguided plot involving their brains and those of historically significant scientists.
- Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills – Star student Sierra Shepard accidentally brings a paring knife to school when there is a lunch bag mix-up at home, but she knows the school policy and immediately brings it to a school official. She doesn’t expect to face expulsion, but a zero tolerance rule for weapons applies to all situations, even accidents made by model members involved in every aspect of the school community.
The voting polls haven’t opened yet for 2016. However, we will post an update on the front page when they have, and we’ll also provide rules and a link to the online voting ballot on this page. Happy reading!
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