Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick

Tai, another “recruit,” uses his streetwise survival skills to help them both survive. Soon Chiko is commandeered by the army, trained to hunt down members of the Karenni ethnic minority. There is never enough to eat, and his family lives in constant fear of the military regime that has imprisoned Chiko’s physician father. For Chiko, their Burmese counterpart, there are no good choices. Well-educated American boys from privileged families have abundant options for college and career. Her dad's stroke serves as both a main source of anguish and a backdrop against which Claire explores all the relationships in her life, including the ones she has with her brother, her two best dance friends, her best school friend, and others she never knew were friends (including Latina Regina, who calls Claire “Starbuck” because, she says, “all white girls love Starbucks”). But he's still there-isn't he? With humor, grace, and an ear for middle school nuance, Sonnenblick navigates the tricky waters of eighth grade and manages to convey the heartbreak of a major tragedy alongside the more mundane, but no less horrifying, problems, such as getting your period while wearing white marching-band pants. Her father's stroke means even more changes: the house is different, the looks of pity she gets are unfamiliar, and her father has changed. But these problems fade in significance when her novelist father keels over during breakfast one morning. Are forced to apologies to Mrs.When Claire's family is turned upside down, her friends-and enemies-become a surprising source of support.Įighth grade is tough enough for Claire without new problems, including a prominent zit appearing on the first day of school and watching her friends at dance school move into advanced levels while she stays behind.Claire gets a text from her mom about her dad.Walked out of class when she wasn't alowd.Selinsky have an argument in class because A song about how several explorers died.A song about the history of the alto sax.He starts walking and talking with no problems.When Claire's dad comes home from the hospital,.Took Claire's phone during the lockdown.

Has a daughter who supposedly behaved perfectly in middle school.

Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick