Mrs. Behl's Booklist

Genre: Historical Fiction Kristen reviews this riches-to-rags story of the author's real grandmother, who fled unsafe conditions in Mexico and became a migrant worker in 1920's California.

Genre: Historical Fiction, but based on author's true experiences One of Kristen's favorite middle school reads yet, this story is about the thousands of children fleeing to Florida without their parents during Operation Pedro Pan and the Cuban revolution.

Genre: Historical Fiction (GRAPHIC NOVEL!) Kristen reviews a continuation of Julian's story (the bully from her prior book, "Wonder") as he hears his grandmother's account of her years of hiding during the Nazi occupation of France in WWII.

“Sheltering is different than guiding and protecting. Pretending things don't exist or aren’t real isn’t necessarily helpful to them, but guiding and protecting as they learn about it is the goal.” Kristen interviews Christian mom and teacher Rachel Richart to unpack this controversial question. As Christian parents, teachers, and school librarians, where should we draw the line on inappropria...

Genre: Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews this heartbreaking and heartwarming story of perseverance and hope through the eyes of homeless children in India.

Genre: Fantasy/Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews this heart-warming tale for younger readers that teaches the power of love through the eyes of a china rabbit.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews this tale of mystery, bravery and compassion with a touch of magic. Lots of parallels to refugees in our world today.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, multigenerational Kristen reviews a novel-in-verse about a girl who must find her voice after moving to a new town and coping with her beloved grandfather's stroke.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Animals Kristen reviews a touching story of mutual love and benefit between an elephant and the humans who rescued her as the main character waits for her mother's return to America.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Disabilities Kristen reviews an inspiring, modern story of overcoming mental and physical barriers after a high school runner loses her leg.

Genre: Science Fiction/Thriller Kristen reviews a humorous moon-based murder mystery, the first in a trilogy. A particularly popular pick for boys.

Genre: Graphic Novel/Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews this delightful graphic novel about the strength of sticking together as part of a great big chaotic family.

Genre: Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling Kristen reviews this dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews this thought-provoking modern look into the life of a child growing up with a parent in a minimum security prison.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews a thought-provoking story on Mrs. Behl's Mature Readers Booklist.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance Kristen reviews this sweet, self-published contemporary romance that landed on Mrs. Behl's Booklist for Mature Readers.

Genre: Graphic Novel/Non-fiction/Historical Fiction Kristen reviews an inspirational graphic novel about the author's true experiences in a Somalian refugee camp.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Historical Fiction/Science Fiction. Kristen reviews this mystery/surprise science fiction story that will stretch the mind a little while spreading positive messages against bullying. Explicit rating only for mild language present in the book, which is verbalized in this episode.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction Kristen reviews a novel-in-verse about the pieces of us that make us whole, through the eyes of a middle school Indian-American girl facing her mother's leukemia diagnosis.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews a story of friendship and the power of breaking the mold in this lovable story for middle grade readers.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Humor Kristen reviews this funny anti-bullying middle grade novel.

Genre: Historical Fiction-- Korean War Kristen reviews "My Brother's Keeper" as a tough but important read for middle school and high school children.

Kristen explains who she is and how this project got started. In this podcast she will share middle school/high school book recommendations for readers wanting "clean" or appropriate content from a Christian perspective, and share snippets of her own writing updates along the way. Great for school librarians, parents and teachers!