Parched by Melanie Crowder

Parched by Melanie Crowder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an apt title, Sarel's family life has been decimated with the arrival of men looking for water. They murder Sarel's parents and set their home on fire with Sarel terrorized thereafter with the recurring fire nightmare. If she did not have her father's dogs (Rhodesian Ridgebacks)I know she would have perished from grief. Each night Sarel would lock the herself and the dogs kennel and they would drape themselves across her body. For awhile there was water but it became evident that the water was drying up. There is a boy, Musa, who is in shackles and being held against his will because he can find water just by dowsing sticks. Musa escapes his captors and walks across the desert and finds Sarel and her dogs. The mother dog, Nandi, knows Musa is the boy who will find them water. Melanie Crowder's plot, characters, and their exhaustive, painful search for water is a must read. It will make readers aware of how many throughout the world are losing their water source and how we must work on conserving this natural resource before it is too late.

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Saving Gracie by Carol Bradley

Saving Gracie: How One Dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills by Carol Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that should be read by everyone; animal lover, teen, and adult. If you are an animal lover; this book will sadden you and outrage you. If you are a teen, hopefully it will create empathy for these poor defenseless dogs (mostly) who are treated so badly, some dogs forever bear the scars of their captivity in cages, without water and food, living in their own excrement. If you are an adult, many of you will remember these cases of animal abuse because they were widely reported on the news and in newspapers and magazines. This book has thoroughly researched the puppy mill business, targeted the abusers and worked through the law and government to put an end to puppy mills and educate the public to the widespread use of raising dogs in kennels in deplorable conditions only to sell sick dogs to people and stores. It also shows how one woman; the woman who adopts Gracie,and how she changes as a result of saving Gracie. This is a must read, but a very difficult read. Many times I wanted to put it down, but I knew this story needed to be told. Now I will be sharing this compelling book with my friends and hopefully opening their eyes to the horrendous practices in American puppy mills.

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Champion by Marie Lu

Champion by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I loved the ending to this series! Marie Lu has written a moving novel where there is heartbreak, pain, suffering, plague(s)in a dystopian world where the Republic (once mighty) fights against time with the Colonies exhorting Day to come to their side or else everyone he loves (Eden, June, etc.) will be executed. If Day will tell the people of the Republic to surrender, there is hope, but Day and June and others concoct a FAKE surrender, fighting against time for a cure, and seeking military aid from Antarctica. What I liked about this final book was the way characters like Anden, June, and Day worked together (throw in Eden, Pascao and Tess) against evildoers like Thomas and Commander Jameson who escape right before they are due to be executed--thriller!!!June and Day's relationship is still strained but they are deeply committed to each other; it was gripping when Day begs June to either tell him she loves him or just release him of all his heartache and nightmares by revealing she doesn't love him. But we all know they love each other and once June finally speaks from her heart, what follows is awesome. This book is a wild ride that will not disappoint and the ending is hopeful, redemptive, and all those positive things we sappy readers want to see between June an Day.

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TheGravity of Birds by Tracy Guzeman

The Gravity of Birds by Tracy Guzeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my GMA friend, Mimi for recommending this book! Tracy Guzeman's book about family, sisters and the art world was mesmorizing. Sisters Natalie and Alice Kessler are on a summer vacation when they first meet Thomas Bayber who is a young artist in his early thirties. This fateful meeting and vacation will irrevocably change their lives. Once close, Natalie, the oldest sister, is controlling, vindictive but compelling beautiful. Alice is also good looking also but she is kind, compassionate and saddled from a very young age with rheumatoid arthritis, prohibiting her from pursuing her career in ornithology. After their parents die, Natalie controls Alice with lies, subservience and away from the public eye once they move away from their home. Fast forward to Thomas Bayber, in his seventies, commissions two art experts to find his earliest never seen before painting, titled The Kessler Sisters. Only problem, it is nearly impossible to find the sisters. If you love lies, romance, family dysfunction, and the thoroughly evil sister against the backdrop of the beauty in and around the art world, you will not be disappointed with this sweeping novel.

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Unsouled by Neal Shusterman

UnSouled by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can't wait for Book #4! In this 3rd installment of the Unwind Dystology, Connor has been captured by Argent who wants to show him off to the world but Argent is thoroughly disgusting as a character. He has a sister, Grace, who he is so nasty, angry and rude to- she is labeled "low cortical" which means she is lacking in her mental capacity (boy do they get that wrong) but it is Grace who ends up helping Connor escape and goes with him and Lev to find out answers to the unwinds, Proactive Citizenry and try to find Jansen Reinschild's wife, Sonia (they invented unwinding). Argent meets up with Nelson, the parts pirate who is consumed with finding Connor and they are both detestable characters, along with Starkey who thinks he is the God of the Storks and has no moral compass. I enjoyed the parts involving Risa, I can't make up my mind about Cam; I like him sometimes and I don't like him other times. I know he really loves Risa and wants to prove it by taking down Proactive Citizenry and his creator, Roberta but so far he hasn't really escaped Proactive Citizenry. When Connor, Lev and Roberta go to the Indian reservation to be protected things begin to test the friendship of Connor and Lev. Lev is trying to recuperate after being hit by a car driven by Connor and Cam comes to the reservation hoping to find Risa and how Cam knows to go to this reservation is the result of his having some of the "parts" (like the hands) of an Indian who was rewound, yuck! I am looking forward to seeing more development of Grace as a character; she is definitely making herself very useful to Connor and Risa. The whole idea of unwinding and the unscrupulousness of the world towards teens make me cringe---Shusterman has done a fantastic job of creating a dystopian world at odds with teens, life and identity. Couldn't put this book down!

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Reality Boy by A.S. King

Reality Boy by A.S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me introduce you to Gerald Faust. He is now 17 years old, works at a concession stand, sees an anger management counselor, has no friends and why? When Gerald was five, his family was part of a reality tv series and Gerald would poop (on the table, in shoes, etc) when he became really angry. As you read Gerald's story you find out why Gerald was expressing his rage in this very bizarre way. No one in his family, or on the show, or even the Nanny who was supposed to help them become a functional family tried to save Gerald and his other sister, Lisi, from their psychopathic older sister, Tasha. She tried to drown them, kicked them, punched them, strangled them, all while she called them gay and many other horrible names. Now his older sister has dropped out of college, is living at home and still being very inappropriate. As a result, Lisi, has flown the coop for college as Gerald feels so abandoned. His mother firmly sticks up for his oldest sister, and made sure Gerald was placed in special ed classes at school (Gerald has normal intelligence, but feels safe in spec ed classes). His father seems to be at work all the time and doesn't do anything when psycho sister, Tasha acts up. This book was difficult to read; you will see what I mean, but you root for Gerald and his search for love, happiness and acceptance. I couldn't put it down; I loved when he becomes friends with the girl at Register 1, talks to Snow White and goes to Gersday (have to read the book) in order to deal (insulate himself from his anger and fears). Gerald really believes he will never go to college, or hold a job; that he will end up in prison. I was so angry at the adults in this book and their disregard for a little boy who grows into an insecure, angry teen with little self worth. The only adults I liked were Beth, his boss, and the hockey lady who sticks up for Gerald and gives him big hugs. Until Hannah (girl at Regiser #1), no one has hugged Gerald, no one. A.S. King's book is a study in total family dysfunction, the harm of reality tv shows, and escapism in all its many facets.

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Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Rainbow Rowell- her characters, her plot, her dialog and all the dysfunction in families, with friends, etc. I LOVED Eleanor and Park and I Loved Fangirl!!! They both have an insecure main character in Eleanor and Cather. They both have an adorable male protagonist in Park and Levi. But Rowell has crafted a totally different story and gratifyingly absorbed me the whole time I read this engaging, humorous, and ultimately GREAT, GREAT, GREAT story of growing pains, tremendous insecurities, and fearsome love (for family and friends and boyfriends). Cather is a freshman in college and her twin, Wren (who has been her staunchest ally up to freshman year)is not her roommate and out partying hard and drinking and not returning Cath's calls. Cath has a scary roommate, Reagan (I loved her- she totally grows on you)and with Reagan comes her boyfriend, Levi. Cath has so many hangups and they are even more pronounced since Wren has ditched her and Cath isolates herself in her room, writes fan fiction about Simon and Baz (and has a huge readership). Rowell reveals all of Cath's insecurities in her dealings (or not) with her roommate and Levi, not eating in the cafeteria, and not going to parties. But the reader likes and roots for Cath- that she will throw off the blanket of fears and anxieties she has cocooned herself in and participate in life, college, and love. I love how characters don't give up on Cather, how Levi and her Professor work with Cath at her halting pace and how, in Cath's own crippling way- she achingly blooms. Please read this book; it is great writing, dialog, and characters trough and through. If you have not read her other book, Eleanor and Park - then read that after- I promise, you will not be disappointed. Her books and characters ring true (she gets family dysfuction, teens, and best of all romance)

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To Be Perfectly Honest by Sonya Sones

To Be Perfectly Honest: A Novel Based on an Untrue Story by Sonya Sones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am rally not a fan of unreliable narrators and in this novel in verse, Colette is an unreliable narrator, liar, fibber; it is just a part of her personality. She can't help it, and when you are the daughter of a famous movie star, well, many people just want to be your friend because your mom is famous, good looking, funny, etc. As Colette look forward to spending her summer in France with her friends, her hopes (and friendships) are dashed when her mom takes her on the set of her latest movie and makes her babysit her little brother, Will. She meets Connor and falls for him especially when he really seems to be interested in her....only problem, she has to babysit Will often. Colette (who is only 15) does have problems with consummating her relationship with Connor and it is only when "illness" becomes involved that Colette "almost" changes her mind. I love Sonya Sones; her characters are real and the games Colette plays may just catch up to her...Read this book and see what you think of Collette's problem with telling truth- she really does have an imagination!

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The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie Stiefvater has pulled me in once again with her wondrous world of the Raven Boys searching still for mythic King Glendower through ley lines. But oh this story has added depth with the dream thieves, that is right- dream thieves are able to take things "out of" their dreams like keys, boxes and did I mention- "night horrors" can escape from thei dreams into the real world. They are scary, big and black apparitions with beaks and teeth and claws that can and will kill. Ronan's dreams have shaped his life, his personality, and his outlook. If you remember Ronan from the first book, The Raven Boys, he was not really likable, mean, but very handsome. I like his bird, Chainsaw and his brother, Matthew. Blue Sargent's family of seers is much more involved and expanded in this 2nd book. The Gray Man is a new character (and Kavinsky) and I will not say too much about them other than to say - read the book!!! The characters of Blue, Gansey, Adam, Noah, and Ronan experience much, grow a lot and the reader just really revels in their trials and tribulations. As the search continues for Glendower, the world of Henrietta and the living quarters of the Raven Boys and Blue's home of 300 Fox Way become entangled in solving the mystery of the Cabeswater and what is sapping its strength. It requires many of the characters working feverishly
toward the stunning climax. I can't wait for Book 3!!! An incredibly, gripping read---love, love, loved it!


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Smore - My Summer Reads

The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller

The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have gotten so many great ideas from Donalyn's book which emphasizes letting students read what they want and they will read more. She has her tried and true methods, students' reviews and conversations and just a wonderful way of children reading lots of great books. BUT!!! She stresses you must be a reader too; modeling reading in the classroom and constantly sharing books with book talks and a large classroom library and visiting the school library. So if you love to read, keep on reading and sharing your love of new books and tried and true books with you students. Highly recommended!!!

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The Archived by Victoria Schwab

The Archived by Victoria Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tiff recommended this so long ago; now that I finally read it, I wish I had read it sooner! It was so good; action-packed all taking place within an old hotel, The Coronado. Mackenzie has a grandfather with special powers and as she grows up, he passes on his knowledge so one day she can take his place as a Keeper, one who returns histories (dead people) who have slipped back to The Archive. There are Keepers, Librarians, and Crew, and Mac is such a tenacious, tough, yet sensitive character. It is the death of her little brother, Ben that sends and keeps Mac in an inconsolable state, while still returning the histories. I loved Wesley; he lives in her hotel as well with his little sister. There is so much to his character---you have to read the book. I also enjoyed Owen and Roland. There is a mystery taking place in The Archive and MacKenzie wants to solve it but she can't really tell anyone about it. As she helps her parents get ready to open their coffee shop (maybe this will help them move on without Ben) Mac has too much work to do with the names appearing on her list that she must return to The Archive. Something is not right within the walls of the hotel and MacKenzie's abilities as a Keeper are sorely tested as she lies her way to answers. Schwab's book was so visually appealing and loved where Keepers could touch others and read/feel their thoughts and their past. MacKenzie works hard to try to trust and with living with the noise that is the job of a keeper. One good thing about reading this so late after I got it, I only have to wait until January for Unbound #8!!!

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The Good Braider by Terry Farish

The Good Braider by Terry Farish
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Viola's harrowing journey with her family from the war torn country of Sudan to Portland, Maine. Before laving Juba, Viola is raped by a soldier; her self worth and her bride price are stripped. Farish does a superb job painting the fear, anguish and despair of Viola and those in her community in fear for their lives while trying to flee a country gripped in civil war. Once Viola, her mother and little brother escape, Juba, they begin a long perilous journey to Khartoum. Once Viola arrives in Portland, Maine settling into a community of African immigrants, attending school and working a job there is the clash of the new American culture and preserving the Sudanese culture. This novel in verse achieves the beauty of Viola's new American world and harsh reminders of the brutal civil war, Viola's voice is strong, happy, conflicted, scared, and hopeful. I loved the braiding title, which symbolized Viola's African world of beauty and how once in the US, she does not braid anymore and will not have her own hair braided. It is through her friends and family from the Sudan as well as her American friends that Viola finds her place in her new world of Portland, Maine. This is a must read for young adults; they will learn about the genocide the Sudanese suffered through, they will appreciate the customs and community that are so important to Viola. What is even more important for teens is to see the world through Viola's eyes and the positive and negative impact of American culture on immigrant communities. Powerful, this book is beautiful!


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The Hypo: The Melancholic Young Lincoln by Noah Van Sciver

The Hypo: The Melancholic Young Lincoln by Noah Van Sciver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really had no idea Lincoln suffered from depression and this graphic novel did an excellent job with the character of Lincoln, the people he lived with and his relationship with Mary Todd. She was also depressed but it was manifested in the form of migraines. I wanted this for the high school library but thought better when one of the first chapters deals with Lincoln being set up with a prostitute. The author was impressive in his rendering of Lincoln, his southern personality and respect for others, and delving into the depths of despair Lincoln sunk to; alarming many who came to his aid.

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Forgive Me, Leonard Peacok by Matthew Quick

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Matthew Quick's book . It was difficult, funny but always hopeful; definitely a 5 star book. I couldn't really warm up to Leonard Peacock. Quick shows us a boy who is determined to end his self loathing and a tormentor, but Leonard also likes his neighbor who smokes too much but has shared his love of Bogart movies and now Leonard sees Bogart and Bacall as a way to express himself. He tries but doesn't maintain a relationship with a Christian girl, Lauren. Leonard absolutely looks forward to his Holocaust English class because of his teacher, Herr Silverman. While he has made some decisions about what he is going to do if no one remembers his birthday; we see that Leonard was normal with a best friend as a child. It is only when he is in 6th grade that his world ends and his horrible life begins and doesn't really ever change. Furthermore, his mother is awful (leaves him and moves to NY to follow a fashion merchandising dream) and his father is never around. I didn't really like the resolution of Leonard's problem. He reaches out to his teacher but he doesn't stay around the next day for Herr Silverman to help him and him on a path to healing.
I am not sure if young adults will like this book; it is difficult material and not really hopeful.

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Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final installment of The Infernal Devices by C. Clare was an awesome read! The addition of new characters to further the plot was a welcome addition and the love triangle of Jem, Tessa and Will was oh so good:) The author put depth into these characters and I think the teen readers of The Mortal Instruments will love this series as well. Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters and the automotons were just downright creepy and scary, but you will have to read the book to find out why:) For a sweeping love story, supernatural elements and lots of suspense, this book does not disappoint.

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When ItHappens by Susane Colasanti

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy Susane Colasanti books. Sara is a smart girl and doesn't mind being nerdy but does have a few acceptance hang-ups. When new student Dave acts interested, Sara waits all summer for him to ask her out, which he never does. Now it is senior year and Dave does ask her out but Tobey, band geek slacker really thinks Sara is someone special and without telling Sara what a jerk Dave is; Tobey makes his own plan to get Sara's attention and show her he is something special. I really liked characters Sara and Tobey; they have a nice group of friends and get each other. When Sara was seeing Dave; she had to choose between her friends at lunch but Sara liked being at the popular table. It was over time she realizes she is not connecting with Dave. When Tobey tells her best friend, Laila his feelings for Sara; Sara begins to see Tobey in a new and different light. A good romance and I enjoyed the band and songs aspect of their friendship/relationship.

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My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Backderf's graphic novel about his high school years and "friendship" with serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer is truly creepy. Dahmer was an outcast and made fun of his whole life. He was bullied in school (but never retaliated)had no friends, drank to cover his to cover his torment. Dahmer was gay in a time when it was kept a secret. His parents fought constantly and bitterly. It was this horrid life that propelled Dahmer to satisfy his urges and begin to kill. The black and white comics, the climate of his high school life and Dahmer's isms are perfect Derf Backderf. The Sources contain even more information and notes on a sick, twisted Dahmer.

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Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Requiem by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The third and final book in the Delirium trilogy does not disappoint. Lena is shocked to find Alex is still alive and in alternating chapters Lena and her childhood friend, Hana. With each viewpoint, Lena takes us deeper into the world of the uncureds, betrayal and rebellion. Lena has a face to face with Alex and he tells her he never loved her making her turn to Julian for solace and continuing their blossoming relationship. Hana is three weeks away from marrying Fred who is truly frightful. He takes great pleasure in hurting Hana but this does not deter her from trying to find answers to her questions. Oliver's worlds of Lena and Hana collide and oh what a ride, loved this book!

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The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Trilogy was awesome!!! Sage/Jaron has been accepted as the long lost prince and has become the King of Carthya. Jaron is not out of the woods yet because there are still those (the pirates, Devlin and even some of the regents in his court) who want him out and replaced with a steward until he reaches the proper age. As we all know what Jaron is capable of; he listens to no one and sets out to kill the pirates so that there will be no war in his kingdom. Jaron will not listen to Mott, Imogen, or Tobias. He is convinced he must do it alone. Once again Nielsen's plot is filled with suspense, deceit, and Jaron's wit, mind, and heart realize too late he will not be able to accomplish this on his own. He fools the pirates into making him a pirate and he is branded with a hot iron. Jaron's anger and hatred continually push him forward with his agenda but with catastrophic effects when the pirates find out who he really is. Hold onto your heart; it is going to be palpating overtime with the Runaway King. New characters are introduced and where the pirates live, no one ever leaves!I can't wait for Book 3!!!

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The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is more middle school but oh is it GOOD! I think my high school boys (and girls) would love Sage's story. Imagine you are an orphan, busy trying to make ends meet and you are purchased away from the orphanage and you are told by this noble, Conner, you will compete with 3 other orphans to impersonate the supposedly dead prince of Carthya who really was not dead? Nielsen's descriptions of Sage, the other orphans, and Conner grip the reader from the first page and you are in Sage's head and heart as this wild ride of a story unfolds. As I read it I was reminded of The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman and I really enjoyed that book too. Sage was so real as an orphan who is prickly, nasty, honest, the best pickpocket, a faker, a thief but he is also compassionate and will do anything to help someone who is being taken advantage of. The events in the book hurtle along and I was quite content to be surprised, happy, then anguished, then filled with horror. Readers will want to read the next book in the series, The Runaway King.

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Game by Barry Lyga

Game by Barry Lyga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, I couldn't put down this 2nd installment from Barry Lyga's I Hunt Killers. Jasper and Connie go to New York where murders are taking place and they are mimicking some of Billy Dent's and since he has escaped, Jasper is hoping to catch the killers and his father. But what he doesn't ever suspect is that there seem to be a few killers at work; each taking their instructions via throw away cell phones. When they are both sent home; Connie is forbidden to ever leave town and Jasper is now getting to know his aunt who came to take care of Jasper's grandmother while Jasper was in NY. When Jasper returns to NY; Connie is contacted by text and begins to sort out clues about Jasper's dad. When he finds out alarming information about Jasper's father; she returns to NY without her parents' permission. Things spiral out of control and the ending is crazy and I can't wait til the next book comes out; it is so not fair to have to wait to find out what happens. Read it and you WILL agree with me!!! The same sickening mind games; just when Jasper thinks he has it figured out-----he so doesn't!

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The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily Danforth

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cameron Post is a lesbian when her parents die in a car crash and she is sent to live with her born again Christian aunt, Ruth. After being involved in several relationships, her aunt finds out and sends her to “be fixed” at a Christian camp. Cam’s compelling journey brings forth her challenges, her authentic voice, and her resolute resolve that she is who she is. A moving coming of age story.

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Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh what a wonderful read, I am still smiling! Thanks to Mary Eileen for recommending this book and then giving me her ARC. I just loved Park and I grew to understand and love Eleanor. Eleanor is big, awkward with bad clothes and bright red hair. She is the oldest of a very large family. Her mother makes bad choices with men and her latest stepdad is a drunk who beats his wife and when Eleanor expressed her hatred of him, her mother sent Eleanor away for a year to live with her brother and his wife. Now Eleanor and her brothers and sisters all sleep in one bedroom; there is no door on the bathroom and Eleanor doesn’t even own a toothbrush. Park comes from a family that is the opposite of Eleanor’s; always enough food, and love and support. It is Park and Eleanor who slowly, but surely find one another first through comic books, then music, then conversation. None of their relationship and then their romance is easy, but they find each other and hold on. I didn’t want to put this book down; I loved both of their voices and I especially loved how Park protected and fought for Eleanor and how he saved her through his actions and words. I want to read this book over again and again and I don’t ever say that.

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Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Rory and the Goodreads Group, YA Reads For Teachers (And Any Other Adults) for this MUST read book, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick your Ass by Meg Medina. From the first sentence, “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick your Ass” (just like the title) to the last sentence, “And I’ve found my rhythm at last-strong and simple, constant and mine,” I was riveted and sickened by Piddy Sanchez’s plight of being in a new school and being threatened by a bully on the first day. Piddy doesn’t know Yaqui and therefore is clueless about why Yaqui is out to get her. Yaqui has a group of girls who terrorize Piddy at school and at her after school job. Worse to come is the brutal fight when Yaqui and her terrorists surprise Piddy on her way home from school, beat her to a pulp, and film the fight as they tear off her shirt. Piddy never tells her mother what has happened (she tells her mother she fell on the steps) but she does confide in her aunt and makes her swear not to tell anyone. As a result of this fight, Piddy loses herself. She begins to fail her classes, cut school, and her personality begins to change. What will happen to Piddy? This is a book for all high school students; one girl’s life was drastically changed as a result of the continued harassment she endured. I highly recommend it for all readers (plus reluctant readers and those who enjoy urban fiction), teachers, and parents. The author suffered through something similar in junior high and this book reaches out to teens and helps them find their dignity again.

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Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Drama by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Callie is the set designer in her middle school’s stage production of Moon Over Mississippi and with her can do attitude she will not let budget woes and squabbles between the crew members hold her back. This graphic novel takes the reader into the world of the school play; the fun, long hours and companionship leading up to the school play. A thoroughly enjoyable, funny look at middle school friends, crushes, and everyone “ behind” and “on stage” pulling off plays to entertain and inspire. I loved tis book and even though it is middle school; Callie is in 8th grade; I know my students who enjoy graphic novels will love this book!

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The Office Of Mercy by Ariel Djankian

The Office of Mercy by Ariel Djanikian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Natasha has grown up in America-Five in a world that does not want anyone to suffer. She lives in a sterile, clean environment. There are many different offices in her world and the Office of Mercy is a coveted promotion Natasha enjoys as well as her relationship with Jeffrey who has been her friend since childhood and shown her special attention. But Natasha has always had tentative thoughts about the people outside the walls of America-Five and questions why those people are targets of the nova(s) that will take away their suffering; in other words, kill them. There are others in America- Five who are opposed to putting these tribes out of their misery (they are reviled) and when on a fact finding expedition outside the dome of America-Five, Natasha makes a mistake and is taken hostage by the clan. It is while she is their captive that she learns they think she will help them continue to live “free” and not be vanquished as “suffering” and to make things more difficult, Natasha sees they love their life and are not hungry, suffering, and in need of America-Five’s novas. Natasha is challenged throughout by her beliefs, her feelings, and her empathy towards these settlers; what will this mean for her future and her happiness? I couldn’t put this dystopian novel down.


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Endangered by Eliot Schrefer

Endangered by Eliot Schrefer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

American Sophie is visiting the Congo and her mother's Bonobo preserve when she rescues a terrified baby bonobo from a smuggler. As war breaks out, Sophie and Otto, her bonobo, must battle all kinds of horror (no food and water, child soldiers, AIDs) in order to survive. Schrefer's characters, setting, and the Congo culture are rich in description, superstition, as well as the poverty that crushes the people and animals in an overpopulated, undereducated community. Sophie experiences growth and compassion for her mother, her preserve, and the bonobos who share 98% of our DNA. A must read for animal lovers and world civilization social studies classes.

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Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The classic tale of Cinderella takes a different twist with the protagonist, Cinder, as half robot and human in a world where her evil stepmother makes Cinder work in a mechanic booth at the market to earn money that benefits her stepsister. Will Prince Kai ask her to dance at the formal ball?

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Curveball: The Year ILost My Grip by Jordan Sonneblick

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jordan Sonneblick has done it again combining humor and heart break as Peter has to say good-bye to his beloved baseball due to a major injury. What he gains freshman year is a cute girl partner who is an ace photographer, his grandfather’s photography equipment, and a prize spot as the yearbook sports photographer. A great read for guys, girls and reluctant readers.


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Lincoln's Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin

Lincoln's Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The year is 1865 and counterfeiting is rampant. Master engraver Ben Boyd has been arrested and this affects business in a very bad way. In order to spring Boyd, his buddies hatch a plot to steal Lincoln from his grave, hold his body for ransom and collect $200,000. Will this scheme work? Follow the conspirators, the Secret Service, and an undercover agent while learning about the Lincoln Monument,grave robbing,and the Presidential Election of 1976. This is a must read for junior and senior high school social studies classes. Includes photographs and glossary.

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Kids of Kabul by Deborah Ellis

Kids of Kabul: Living Bravely Through a Never-Ending War by Deborah Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have so enjoyed Deborah Ellis' fiction titles but this book really resonated with me. The many children who are now living in Kabul have lost so much; many have no parents, poking through garbage dumps for food or any item to sell. But these kids stories told to Deborah Ellis show resilience, hope and a yearning for a better life that does not consist of war, the Taliban, and fear. I highly recommend this for all junior and senior high school social studies classes.

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Tilt by Ellen Hopkins

Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The young teens in Hopkins’ novel, a companion to Triangles, make decisions for love that alter their lives. In this engrossing novel in verse; teens deal with issues gripping and devastating such as HIV, pregnancy, sexting, and the death of a family member. The book uses profanity and graphic sex in order to drive home the reality that love/sex is harsh and reminds teens to be more deliberate and smart. Fans of Hopkins will LOVE this book


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We've Got a Job: The1963 Birmingham Children's March by Cynthia Levinson

We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March by Cynthia Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cynthia Levinson's book is just such an awesome read about such a difficult and horrible time during the civil rights movement. Four African American teens' stories are re-told concerning the fateful year of 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama when thousands of children are jailed while marching peacefully for segregation in stores, lunch counters, fitting rooms, and bathrooms. The research is very thorough and riveting; while photographs and side bars show how difficult it was to remain nonviolent with racist police, fire hoses, insults and attack dogs. With the support of their parents, these children marched for their freedom, fairness and self esteem for equal opportunities for future generations of African Americans. This is also a great addition for high school collections as a nonfiction title for Common Core Social Studies; students will be spellbound.

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Zom-B Underground by Darren Shan

Zom-B Underground by Darren Shan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

B has really redeemed herself in Zom B Underground. When she wakes up and realizes she is a zombie; B accepts it and really criticizes and berates herself about throwing Tylor to the zombies when he father commanded her. B makes a pact with herself to be a much better person; someone she herself would like since she has such self loathing for killing Tylor. There is a doctor and a guard who interact with B and answer very few of her questions. At some point she is “fed” and given drops for her very dry eyes. She has a hole where her heart was and she becomes a part of the “revitalizeds” or zom-heads who are different from zombies. B is introduced to other teens like her and they hang out, get to know each other, and at some point are placed in a room where they are given their choice of weapons and are then let loose to torture other zombies. When B refuses; her “food” is withheld and the doctor and guards likewise withhold food from her friends. B watches them become more hungry, anxiety-ridden, and undependable. When there is an attack from outside; a weird frightening clown leads and terrorizes with spiders, bugs and torture. B and her friends flee and when cornered in a room realize that one of them is human. B struggles mightily to defend him but the zom-heads smell blood and let loose killing him; all the while B pleads with them that he is their friend.
I enjoyed this second book was so much better than the first; there was internal growth on B’s part; and very little racism and slurs. B becomes a leader who can think for herself and is willing to make and stick with decisions that no one else will. Will this save her? I am looking forward to the third book and more of B!


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Girlchild by Tupelo Hassman

Girlchild by Tupelo Hassman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I will admit that this was a very difficult book to wade through; Rory Hendrix’s life in a Reno trailer park with a mother who tries to do her best is disturbing. As we see this awful history through Rory’s eyes, through letters from her grandmother, files from the county social worker, her mother’s arrest records, and memories and lies she learns as she grows up; there definitely will be many troubles and hurt for Rory because we find out early on that comes from a family with a very bad history. This is a story about what it is like to live a dead-end life as trailer park trash; to be smart and live with alcoholics, gamblers, and bad decision makers. Rory is strong and determined like her mother and grandmother; will she break the cycle of abuse, and poverty and make it in a world that seems destined to go nowhere?

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When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A student gave me this book to read and I loved the rich description of the southern town, river,and the many wonderful people who would do anything for little seven year old Annie. Told by Reese, the reader knows he has suffered and shut himself off from almost everyone due to losing his wife, Emma. Emma and Annie both have bad hearts and it is the story of the loss of Emma and meeting Annie that leads Reese to confront his painful past in order to move forward with his future. Martin weaves a story full of deep characters; Charlie who is blind, Georgia, his dog who looks after Charlie and Reese, CeCe is Annie's aunt, and Termite will creep into your heart and have you enjoying their friendship.

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Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At age 22, Cheryl Strayed’s mother is diagnosed with cancer and very quickly dies; Cheryl is devastated. Her mother loved all of her children very much and Cheryl couldn’t deal with her illness and all too quickly her death and departure from Cheryl’s life. In the four years after; her family disintegrates and her marriage ends. An idea forms and Cheryl works and saves money to hike to Pacific Crest Trail. She reads guide books and consults with REI about her clothes, boots, and all the essential gear she will need to accompany her on the 2,663 mile long trail. She mails money and supply boxes to lodges along the way. The 1200 miles that she traverses takes her from California, through Oregon, Nevada and Washington. She meets people along the way, battles all kinds of problems on her way to rediscovering herself. Readers will be thoroughly engaged in Cheryl’s story, each step she took, each monumental moment she encountered along the trail. I laughed with her, I cried with her but most of all I cheered with her.

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Stev Jobs; The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blumenthal has crafted an exciting, can’t put it down biography revealing Steve Jobs as a complicated man compassionate about computers but searing in his dealings with family, friends, and employees. Beginning with his commencement speech to Stanford University, the reader will be hooked while reading about Jobs’ life from adoption to dropping out of college after one semester, from his inventions to his freakish eating habits and from his vision of technology to his being fired by Apple and how each of these life lessons framed him as the legend of ipads, iphones and ipods. Side bars, B&W illustrations, Notes, Bibliography, Glossary and Index provided.

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Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This follow-up to Delirium has Lena struggling in the Wilds with little food, stamina, and the only way she survived is by keeping her memories of Alex alive. In The Now chapters, Lena is a resistance fighter spying on Julian and later imprisoned with him. Lena survives the lies, the torture, and falls into forbidden love with Julian (who has not received the cure). Oliver’s writing was lush, fast paced, and totally suspenseful; I already have the third book, Reqiuem, on order!

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All the Right Stuff by Walter Dean Myers

All the Right Stuff by Walter Dean Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paul DuPree is a teen who has lost his hardly present dad to a shooting that is commonplace in Harlem. Working in a soup kitchen just to get by, he is forced to listen to the soup man, Elijah talk about “the social contract” and how to feel good in a world that isn’t fair for everyone. A gripping, extraordinary Myers book will save lives with Paul’s learned lessons.

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Zom B by Darren Shan

Zom-B by Darren Shan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

B is a teen living in England with a racist, abusive father who drinks too much and beats B and her mother on a daily basis. Weird thing is, B loves her father and hates him at the same time for his despicable bias. She has molded her personality to be able to deal with her father, love him and hate him while also becoming a teen who is a trouble-maker, fighter, and racist herself. When zombies attack, B and her friends are racing to get out of the school and stay alive and B quickly becomes a leader. With spare black and white illustrations, Shen’s first zombie book will have your heart racing til the next book arrives.

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Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Marc Aronson

Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beginning with the spy Harry Gold and expanding out to Germany, Great Britain, Norway, the Soviets and U.S. secret location of Los Almos, Bomb is a wild ride as the race to build the first atomic bomb is waged. Sheinkin provides interesting, exciting, detailed research, primary sources, photographs, and delivers a riveting heart pounding, page turner. This nonfiction title about the creation of the hydrogen bomb, has so many important characters that bear mentioning: Robert Oppenheimer, Tony Hall, Leslie Groves, Norwegian Knut Haukelid, and President Truman. Bomb has aptly earned its award as 2012 National Book Awards finalist for Young People’s Literature.

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I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow, what a heart-stopping thriller; imagine you are the son of a serial killer who has claimed 124 victims before being jailed. Jasper Dent’s father, Billy, made sure he schooled his son from a very young age in his evil inclinations. But the reader sees Jasper as a truly likable hero who is tortured by what his father did only wants to help law enforcement when it looks like serial killer is on the loose mimicking his father’s first victims. A true YA psychological thriller that is very, very disturbing, but oh so good.
Serial Killers, Fiction


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Call the Shots by Don Calame

Call the Shots by Don Calame
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this third humorous boy book, the hilarious trio of Cooper, Matt and Sean have come up with another wacky idea to gain notoriety with girls (they think) of producing a scary movie to win the prize money and help Sean who has to give up his bedroom since his mother is pregnant. Worse than living with his twin sister is listening to her call him gay, which he is not; he is just sensitive and a little bit weird. Calame is at his best with characters like Uncle Doug, Nessa, crazy Nick and Evelyn. Crude, lots of boy humour (sexual) and lots of laughs.

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Beat the Band by Don Calame

Beat the Band by Don Calame
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the 2nd book, Cooper and his friends decide to enter a contest to win a Band competition and the laughs continue as one thing after another goes wrong beginning with Coop's father and then spreading out to include Uncle Doug, Nick and so much more. Try it, you will love this book if you enjoy boy humor!

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Trafficked by Kim Purcell

Trafficked by Kim Purcell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hannah is a seventeen year old from Moldova who has lost both her parents in a bombing. She is brought to the United States by an “agent” and believes she will make $400 per week watching children and going to school to learn English and finish her education. This book shows slowly but surely how Hannah learns the real truth behind her trip to the United States. She toils long days doing housework and watching Maggie and Michael while their mother studies to become a doctor. Her husband Sergey is involved in some kind of shady business. Hannah is not allowed outside, she must speak only Russian to the children and the family is not paying her. As Hannah remains isolated, she uses her inner grit and determination to survive this slave existence.

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Ripper by Stefan Petrucha

Ripper by Stefan Petrucha
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks Sally for reviewing this for me for PSLA 2013! Carver Young, Finn Walker and Delia Stephens are all orphans living at Ellis Orphanage in the 1800s when they learn the orphanage is closing. All three are adopted, Delia by a New York Times reporter and his wife, Finn by the District Attorney and his wife and Carver by Albert Hawking of the New Pinkerton Agency. Finn finds himself living in an insane asylum with his mentor searching for his father. The only information he has is a letter sent to the orphanage that throws Carver into the middle of mayhem. Jack the Ripper has surfaced in New York and is killing wealthy socialite women, and scaring all New Yorkers. The New Pinkerton Agency is trying to solve the crimes. Carver realizes the letter from his father looks an awful lot like the notes Jack the Ripper is sending to the police and New York Times; a suspenseful adventure begins involving Carver, Delia, and Finn.

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Master of Deceit: J. Edgar Hoover and America in the Age of Lies

Master of Deceit: J. Edgar Hoover and America in the Age of Lies by Marc Aronson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aronson’s portrait of J. Edgar Hoover during his 40 year reign as the head of the FBI was riveting and to quote the author, “scary.” I didn’t really know much about Hoover and I was sickened by his tactics. Hoover blackmailed “everyone” by keeping secret files; he poisoned his staff with his directives and took advantage of his position whenever he felt the inclination. There was meticulous period research but this did not read like a history book but a superb thriller you can’t put down. This period in US history was certainly tainted with the likes of J. Edgar Hoover and Joseph MacCarthy. As I rooted for those “few” who took on J. Edgar Hoover with right and might; I cried for the many like the Rosenbergs, the Scottsboro Boys and Martin Luther King. Illustrated and Includes bibliographical references (p. 198-219) and index. Highly recommended for high school students.

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The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katherine Applegate’s book has been recommended to me by students and I see it is on the SLJ Best Books of 2012 and I so agree. Ivan is a Silverback gorilla who lives in a rundown mall at the end of Exit 8 where he is billed as the one and only, Ivan. Ivan has lived here his whole life and has a few friends in Stella, the elephant and Bob, the homeless dog. He has been raised by Mack, who owns this rag tag show and is not happy that profits are down. George cleans the stalls and his daughter Julia, does her homework and draws. When Stella falls ill and Mack brings in a baby elephant, Stella exacts a promise from Ivan that he will make sure Ruby has a safe place to spend her life. Ivan loves to draw and he is able to communicate to Julia through his pictures that Ruby needs to spend her life in a zoo. Based on a true story, Ivan and Ruby’s plight will pull at your heart. Animal lovers will enjoy this beautiful, brave book.

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