Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Synopsis: Jamie is a gung-ho ARMY brat growing up during the Vietnam War.  When her brother goes to war and begins sending home pictures of his life in Vietnam, Jaime begins a journey of growth.  Her perspective of ARMY life is influenced by a your Pvt. Hollister  she works with i n the Rec Center and a Sgt. who teaches her how to develop the film that her brother sends her.  Through it all Jamie realizes the effects of war on a family and friends. 

 

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

 

Synopsis: Ha is a Vietnamese girl whose family flees Siagon as the US removes its forces and the city comes under the control of the Communist regime.  Ha and her family's journey to the US via boat and her subsequent relocation in Alabama paint a poignant picture of the life of a refugee and the challenges of transitioning into a new culture and life.  

 

Death by Black Hole by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Synopsis: An informative look at mysteries of the universe, the physics that orders the known universe, and historical look at how we've come to know what we know about the universe.  Neil deGrasse Tyson uses his wit and extensive knowledge to make this a fun and informative read.