Ollie in Between by Jess Callans

Read: August 2025

Rating: 4.5 stars

Format: audiobook

When I first started reading Ollie in Between, it felt like I was eavesdropping on a tween's scattered, internal thoughts. It was a little messy and, at times, hard to follow, but the more I read, the more I was completely drawn in by Ollie's raw honesty. Not since Judy Blume's Margaret has an author so perfectly captured the inner workings of a young mind navigating the complex world of middle school.

Meet Ollie, a twelve-year-old living with their dad and older sister, Lila, after the death of their mom. Ollie finds solace and a way to connect with their mother by sharing their deepest thoughts with a special tree, much like how Margaret had her diary. But middle school brings new challenges, and even Ollie's two best friends are struggling to understand what's going on with them.

In their stream of consciousness, Ollie reveals an inquisitive, curious mind with a deep knowledge of nature, especially mushrooms and fungi. Ollie's reflection that "fungi are way cool, too" is a powerful moment, showing that while some people may "bloom," others have their own unique, beautiful way of growing. Once I adjusted to the book's rhythm, I fell completely in love with Ollie and their journey.

Ollie's story is a powerful exploration of a child questioning their gender and finding themselves. From the awkwardness of receiving a dress they don't want to the struggles with daily life, readers, especially those who may be on a similar journey of self-discovery, will find a friend in Ollie.

Ollie in Between is a book that needed to be written and deserves to be read by every tween and teen. It provides a compassionate look into the challenges of questioning one's identity, offering understanding to some and a sense of belonging to others.

A solid 4.5 stars for Jess Callans' amazing Ollie!

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

Read: March 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars
Format: Audio

Gloria Steinem. Betty Friedan. Shirley Chisholm. All women who plowed through the politics of the 1960s in order to help women find their voice, their passion, their power... their place in society, beyond the home. Add to that list Margaret Ryan. You don't know her yet, but once you read The Book Club for Troublesome Women, you won't be able to forget her.

Four upper-middle class suburban housewives in 1960s Virginia live perfectly mundane, 1960s lives. They cook for their husbands, take care of the house, take care of the kids, and outwardly, are perfectly poised women of the decade. Until they aren't. The newest member of the suburban community, Charlotte, brings a new layer of life to the women's group, drawing the reader into the group to the point where a fifth chair is needed for the book club meetings.

Dealing with the masculine mindset of the decade, each woman faces her own personal challenges as they grow beyond the everyday housewife and into incredible women you won't forget. A solid 4.5 stars!

The AI Incident by J.E. Thomas

Read: July 2025

Rating: 4.25 stars

Format: Audiobook

Picture it. Everything is going as smooth as possible as you transition into 7th grade. You know you have the state assessment coming up, but your teachers are pretty great about preparing you (except for that one language arts teacher who drones on and on.) Yeah, there are situations outside of school that you have to deal with, like being in foster care as you approach your 13th birthday, but that, at the moment, is manageable.

Then your school district signs a contract with a new AI in education company that is supposed to majorly boost test scores in your building on the state assessment. (Note, the contract being signed is a BIG deal.) Next thing you know, Francis, an AI powered robot-thingy joins your school. You volunteer, along with a new friend, to be the robot's handler. As the days pass, the robot, er, Francis, becomes more and more aware of things going on everywhere, not just at school, but in your life, too. But, it's a robot, how can it become more aware of things?!

That's where things go off the rail. Francis declares that it's better than a teacher, and its goal is to take over as superintendent of the district. And the hopeful adoption deadline of 13? Francis decides to take care of that, too.

What ensues in the AI Incident by J.E. Thomas may seem really far out there, but in today's reality, with AI encroaching on all areas of life, a robot like Francis isn't as out there as it may seem. I love how this story appeals to students who are at that age where they may be diving into AI, and excited about all it can do. The early adolescent brain (As Malcom often refers to his pre-frontal cortex) isn't yet able to discern reality from fiction, and doesn't quite yet have the questioning capability needed to utilize AI in a safe, and educational way. The audiobook narrator does a lovely job telling the story, though personally, I'm a fan of narrators who use different voices for different characters (hence four stars instead of five.)

Thomas does a masterful job of teaching a critical lesson - you can't believe everything you read online, including what AI provides - in a way that will reach kids and teachers alike. He also explores the dangers of schools and districts letting AI take over tasks that don't seem that big of a deal. Opening the door a little to this amazing technology, without fully understanding all aspects of how it works, can lead to quite the messy adventure!

I really enjoyed this read, and am eager to bring it to my students and colleagues this fall!