Keeping Faith by Jodi Piccoult

Review by Catherine Walker, 9th grade English Teacher @ FHS.

The story and characters really draw you in to their lives, loves, and troubles. The story revolves around a little girl named Faith. Her parents separate and divorce. Faith then begins to develop what many people think of as an imaginary friend. But this is not a regular kind of imaginary friend – this friend is God. It must be rather nice to have friends in high places, don’t you think? The book keeps you going until the very last page.

Shooting Star by Fredrick McKissack, Jr.

If only, that is all Jomo Rodgers hears from his coach and fellow teammates during his first year of varsity football. They say his talent on the field is easy to spot, and local papers and college recruiters are taking notice. But reality is, recruiters have his best friend on speed dial and he is treated like a king at football-crazy Cranmer Academy. Deciding he wants to be the real deal, he decides to step things up and pronto!

Taking his coach's lecture about commitment to heart, Jomo dives into a new workout regimen that will make him strong and faster. But will it be enough and in time? Will juicing be the difference between being good and being great? It seems like an easy choice, but one that is about to make his life a whole lot harder.

This is a fascinating look from the viewpoint of a student athlete.