History lovers need to read this book! Bomb: The Race to Build-- and Steal-- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon follows the sometimes overlooked scientists, spies, and resistance fighters of World War II and the Manhattan Project. I loved getting a detailed look at what all went into making the bomb and keeping that secret, as well as some of the operations that took place that I had never heard about. Sheinkin recounts history in a way that if you didn't know, you would think you were reading a fiction novel. This book is a must read.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier is truly eye-opening. Following the life of Ishmael Beah, it tells the story of a young boy forced to run from war and eventually become apart of it, until UNICEF steps in. Children being made into soldiers is a very real problem in the world that I'm afraid many of us do not think about. A Long Way Gone sheds light on issues in other parts of the world and will no doubt inspire everyone who reads it.

Lois Lowry's Messenger is about a boy named Matty who lives in the seemingly utopian society called Village. Matty and his guardian Seer notice that something has gone wrong in Village and in the surrounding, dangerous Forest. It may be up to Matty, the town's messenger, to make everything right again. The twists of special powers and the danger of trees that come to life keep the reader's attention, while the novel reveals truths about the world and human nature. Great, quick, and easy read!

Monster is a powerful story that follows a young man named Steve Harmon who is on trial for felony murder. Harmon is also a film student and tells his story as a screenplay. This, along with the wonderful black and white graphics, is captivating. Monster will have you questioning the judicial system and continuously evaluating your definitions of truth and innocence.

Author Christina Baker Kline sends her readers on an emotional journey in her novel, Orphan Train. The book follows the lives of two orphans, one beginning in the early 1930's on an orphan train headed west and one taking place within the modern day foster care system. You will be captivated by the intertwining stories and each girl's search for belonging. Orphan Train will have you both smiling and crying and wanting justice. It is a must read for any lover of historical fiction.