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Cobra Kai 

Netflix, TV-14 Out Now

In this reboot of the 1984 Karate Kid movie, Johnny Lawrence has grown up and opened his own dojo to train Miguel Diaz. The show originally appeared on YouTube Red but was acquired in 2020 by Netflix, which released the third season this January. Teen and nostalgic adults are watching.

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Becoming Muhammad Ali by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson. Gr. 4-8

Written in both verse and prose by two superstar authors, this biographical novel focuses on Muhammad Ali's childhood and his drive to become a champion. Middle school readers who enjoy character-driven sports fiction will like this spotlight on a boy challenging himself to rise to the top.

The Berlin Boxing Club by Rob Sharenow. Gr. 7 & up

In pre-WWII Berlin, 13 -year -old Karl Stern takes up boxing after being beaten up by a group of pro-Nazi students at his school. A compelling historical read for young people who relate to the characters in Cobra Kai taking up martial arts as a means of self -defense.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina. Gr. 7 & up

When Piddy Sanchez discovers she has become the target of her school's toughest bully, the threat of a beat down follows her everywhere she goes. Readers who identify with the bullying themes in the show may want to check this one out.

Chaos Walking

In theaters, PG-13, March 2021

In a world without women and men, teens Todd and Viola, a lone girl who has crash-landed on New World, search for answers about the true nature of the colony.  This adaptation of The Knife of Never Letting Go, the first book in Patrick Ness's "Chaos Walking" trilogy,   stars Tom Holland, from the Spider-Man franchise.

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Feed by M.T. ANDERSON. Gr. 8 & up

In a future America where everyone has an implant in their head connecting them to a constant stream of information, teens Titus and Violet begin to comprehend the many downsides to the feed- and that they can fight back. Readers drawn to dystopian fiction with imaginative tech will enjoy the compelling read, also fantastic on audio. 

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. Gr. 8 & up

In this dystopian novel, teen French is on the run from government agents who want to kidnap him and other Indigenous people for their dream-carrying bone marrow. A fast-paced story set in a gritty, bleak world. 

Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Gr. 8 & up

In a future world where different races no longer exist and disease has been eliminated, the population is controlled by "scythes" who choose who will die in order to cull the population. As two teens compete to be scythe appointees, they learn about the politics behind the Scythedom.  Part of a dystopian trilogy with stellar world-building and smart things to say about the world today.

Shadow and Bone

Netflix, not yet rated, April 2021

READ-ALIKES

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown. Gr. 9 & up

Refugee Ziran and Crown Princess Karina meet at court where they each secretly have plans to murder the other in this West African- inspired page-turner. Plot twists, courtly collusion, and romance abound in this fantasy.

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye. Gr. 8 & up

In an alternate 19th-century Russia, two teens with magical abilities face off in a high-stakes duel to compete for the role of enchanter. Combining a richly detailed setting with romance and intrigue, this work will please fans of riveting fantasy novels.

The Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia. Gr. 9 & up

17-year-old Ai Ling refuses to marry the widower chosen for her, instead setting off on a quest to find her missing father and rescue him from his captor. A Chinese-influenced fantasy with strong female protagonists, magic and plenty of action.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik. Gr. 9 & up

Miryem, takes over the family moneylending business from her compassionate father, gaining wealth for her family and attracting the attention of the nearby Staryks, fairylike creatures who desire gold above all else.  An immersive fantasy novel with strong heroines and vibrant settings, this Alex Award winner is published for adults with high teen crossover appeal.


by Abby Johnson, SLJ, March 2021













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