The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz

The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read The Hired Girl as part of my YA twitter chat with #2jennsbookclub to be discussed 3/7 at 8pm, join us for an exciting chat about a young girl in the early 1900s who barely escapes harsh farm life, caring for her family and their house, and enduring her father's ire after her mother's death. After her father pulls her out of school (FOREVER) Joan runs away and is able to find work as a hired girl with a Jewish family. I liked Joan; she was dramatic, funny, forthright, and writes daily in her diary. She is 14 but tells the Rosenbach family she is 18; she wins over the obstinate cook, Malka with her hard work ethic and begins an eventful life with this Jewish family that owns a department store. I admired Joan's pluck (she calls herself Janet as part of her new life) her constant drama (much of which she brings upon herself) and her wish to be educated. She also strives to better herself by reading, attending classes to become a Catholic, and reading books suggested by kind Mr. Rosenbach. A great coming of age book as this hired girl works hard to better herself, to better understand herself and be a positive addition to the Rosenbach family as friend and servant.

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Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to this book (1) because I like Karin Slaughter mysteries and (2) mysteries are being discussed with my twitter chat book group #YearofYA in April. That said, I was so sickened by this mystery...it was very disturbing, too much detail on torture (mental & physical), too much sick pathology of many who are interested in viewing rape, torture & death on internet pornography. The Carroll family lost Julia 20 years ago and it is the angst and grieving of all the members of their family that are labored over and explored with much detail and mental anguish. Chapters are told by Lydia, her father, and Clare. Julia's disappearance tore the family apart and it is through dogged determination and cunning maneuvers that the Carroll sisters (and father) uncover the sordid, grisly details of unspeakable horrors that have been visited upon young girls for over 30 years. I loved the narrator, Kathleen Early, but this was a tough read for me.

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The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read/listened to this audiobook as part of the Hub Challenge (Amelia Bllomer YA, Top 10 List) and oh was it good. I could not stop listening to actress, Linda Lavin's beautiful retelling of her life as Addie Baum to her granddaughter. I learned so much about the 1900's in Boston as Addie was born and raised by immigrant parents from Russia who argue incessantly, the turbulence of the times with illness, death & war and the strong personality of Addie and her sister while her oldest sister has a very sensitive constitution. Addie's view of the world is humorous, honest, and forward thinking. I so enjoyed this vibrant novel; highly recommended!

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Faceless by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Faceless by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this novel as part of #yabookchat twitter discussion. When we meet Maisie, she is enjoying a morning run, loves being on the track team, loves her boyfriend, Chirag and best friend, Ellen. As she finishes her run, she stops to enjoy the morning when a lightning storm hits, and that is all she remembers until she wakes in a hospital and part of her face is gone. Together with her parents she accepts getting a face transplant; the many pills and routines that will become part of her life FOREVER. It is during this time, summer and school is out, that I really started not liking Maisie. She did/did not want to see her boyfriend (who she thought about ALL the time) and best friend. She withdrew further and further, became insolent, angry, and lashed out at her parents and friends. It is was only in the final part of the book (I thought it should have happened much sooner) that Maisie joins a therapy support group- BOY did she need it; that she finally started coming around, figuring things out (lots of discussion) with her support friends, then slowly with her best friend and even slower with her ex-boyfriend and I really thought Maisie was a good person once again like she was at the beginning of the book. Teens will love this book, but I wished Maisie had sought out help MUCH sooner, thankfully she had tight, loyal friends.

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Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the Hub Challenge and it is a finalist for the Michael Printz Award. All is have to say is WOW; it was gut wrenching; I had to keep putting it down because it was so sad and rife with racism, but I also had to keep picking it back up to read and find out what was going to happen to Naomi, Wash and twins Beto and Cari. The story begins with the shocking but true story of a school explosion in 1937 in New London, Texas. But the author then weaves back in time and pieces together the story of Naomi, a Mexican girl who has moved with her very light colored siblings (their mother is dead) and her stepfather, Henry who is the most evil man- he gave me the creeps throughout the book to this oil town. In a town where racism is ripe, Naomi and the twins meet and become friends with African American, Wash. That is the only GOOD part of this story. The rest made me cringe, ache, sob and wish for redemption. All I can say is "it is a must read" but it is not an easy read. Perez's characters, the town, and the times are all too REAL and I agonized as I read every word.

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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of The Hub Challenge and March's #YearofYA twitter chat topic of graphic novels. Astrid is a normal, likable 12 year old with an awesome best friend, Nicole. On one of her mom's ECE's (Evening of Cultural Enlightenment) Astrid and Nicole to a roller skating derby. Astrid is hooked, wants to learn more and signs up for summer camp. It is around this time things with Nicole begin to shift, Astrid begins to lie to her mom about many things, and Astrid begins to "awaken" with her new found sport, friends and competition. Victoria Jamieson did such a great job with the characters, teaching me ALL about roller derby, and each illustration and pane did a spectacular job of moving the plot along, sharing Astrid's ups & downs with roller derby and showing Astrid's insecurities, anxieties and complexities. I loved all the crazy player names and Astrid's growth as a player and friend, highly recommended!

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Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this spectacular audiobook as part of The Hub Challenge and for a virtual book chat with the #2jennsbookclub. Having read the book first on my kindle, it was a real treat to listen to Michael Curran-Dorsano's narration! He had the timing, the voices, and Caden's thoughts down in his flawless delivery! Caden's descent into schizophrenia came alive with the spot on narration and the dive of Caden to Challenger Deep, his day by day recovery and self-realization about his illness will have teens and adults wanting to read & learn more.

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A Silent Voice Volume 1 by Yoshitoki Oima

A Silent Voice, Vol. 1 by Yoshitoki Ooima
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this manga as part of the Hub Challenge; I normally read graphic novels & love them, but I have to admit, I found it difficult at times to follow this book on bullying. The black & white illustrations were good but there was not much dialogue and I couldn't get enough information on the characters, thoughts and movement forward of the story line. I am going to read the next 2 in the series since they are also on The Hub Challenge and will let you know what I think.

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Pushing the Limits (#1) by Katie McGarry

>Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had this book on my TBR shelf forever, because I read other Pushing the Limits books before I read this one, which is #1 in the series. I also made this series (and author) a FAVORITE because I can't put them down- reluctant readers, guys and girls will LOVE these books- they move fast and furious, lots of drama and yearning, fights, secrets and lies- what more could you want! In this book, Echo is a "broken" girl just looking to go back to normal- before her family was shattered by so many events. She was once popular, dating the jock, loving life - now she can't remember a life altering event, has mandated therapy sessions, has to tutor bad boy, foster child Noah Hutchins. Noah has lots of problems too and it is these issues that have them conspiring to get some much needed secret information in the counselor's files at school. I loved the build-up in their friendship, the snarky comments, the increasing love interest, and the drama of everyday high school and home life. I read the book after this FIRST but it did not stop me from turning those pages at all hours of the night or wee early morning. I am now going to make sure I read every book by Katie McGarry because they are just so real, teens will see themselves in Noah, Echo, their friends or they will learn a little bit more about themselves from this world of riveting world of angst, love, and loss. If you like Simone Eckeles, Perfect Chemistry series, you will LOVE Pushing the Limits, highly recommended.

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The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Vol 1 Squirrel Power

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power by Ryan North
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the Hub Challenge; Doreen Green is her name but she is superhero, Squirrel Girl, and she works with her pet squirrel, Tippy Toe, to keep the world safe. As she begins college, Doreen/Squirrel Girl has a roommate who is spunky and also has a cat, Mew that she loves. Squirrel Girl is very determined to rid the world of Kraven the Hunter and Galactus and with a little help from her squirrel friends, she will win!

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Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this fairy tale as part of the Hub Challenge and Dashti, the servant girl of Lady Saren is the protagonist who stole my heart. She was down to earth, loyal, loved animals, and used music as a way to heal. Saren & Dashti are sealed in a tower for 7 years by Saren's father because she refuses to marry this evil man, Khasar. As they settle in, Khan Tegus is the ruler Lady Saren promised herself to and as he sneaks & visits them, Saren makes Dashti talk to Tegus as Lady Saren. This arrangement is uncomfortable to Dashti but she took and oath to obey her Lady and she continues to do what Lady Saren does throughout the story. What an engrossing tale Shannon Hale weaves, complete with animals Dashti & Saren love and depend on. The ending was my favorite part! Highly recommended for those who enjoy fairy tales and retellings and great storytelling.

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ShadowShaper by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of The Top 10 Best Fiction of Young Adults for the Hub Challenge and I finished in 2 days. Sierra Santiago's voice, personality, spirit grabbed me from page 1- she is from Brooklyn, a muralist, and she is noticing the murals around Bed-Stuy are changing, get less distinct, and she even sees one tear drop out of a person's eye on the mural! What is up? Daniel Jose Older has written a book that is diverse, funny, magical, mystical, and urban - from Sierra's family, friends and community- the reader is treated to a book that tells a story about a teen protagonist you will not soon forget. Not only do we have Sierra's world of painting and friends but the reader is treated to magic, evil monsters, shadowshaping, and a girl who will stop at nothing to figure it all out. Highly recommended!

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The Girl I Used To Be by April Henry

The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co. for providing an advance copy of The Girl I Used To Be by April Henry. Mysteries by April Henry were always read and enjoyed by my students in my library. The Girl I Used To Be is a thriller and a winner for teens. Olivia/Ariel is the calm, smart, determined protagonist who has been in foster care for too many years after the death of her mother at the hands of her father. Fast forward fourteen years and Olivia has returned to her home town and learns her father’s jawbone has been discovered. Olivia needs justice for her parents’ murders and begins clandestine sleuthing with Duncan, her old friend and neighbor, for clues to the real murderer. With methodical attention to detail and building suspense, Olivia hopes to find the murderer before the murderer realizes Olivia/Ariel has returned. Teen readers will relate to Olivia as a vulnerable teen, as a foster child whose life was not easy, and root for her as she searches for clues while keeping her identity a secret. Recommended for those who love mysteries and suspense and for the reluctant reader as well!

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The One (Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved the drama, intrigue and rebels in this 3rd book of The Selection! Amy Rubinate did not disappoint as she continued to be the most awesome narrator America Singer. As with the first 2 books Maxon & America do not take the easy way into LOVE! Although the reader always knows Maxon wants America---America always has other reasons to doubt Maxon's caring & herself-such as the other girls, the King hates her, the caste system still guides all her decisions an reactions, feelings for Aspen, and the rebels continuing and increasing ambushes. Loved the ending and I am definitely going to listen to the heir- but I will miss Amy Rubinate's narration, darn!

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Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Nonfiction Book Award Winner as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge. I have read and loved all Sheinkin's nonfiction books and Most Dangerous does not disappoint!!! Sheinkin's thrilling narrative and thorough research brought the Vietnam War and it's atrocities alive. The government's role was riveting and heinous. Daniel Ellsberg was a dedicated government employee who was passionate in everything he did and Sheinkin's portrayal was moving and convincing. I could not stop turning the pages and it is Sheinkin's engrossing narrative that sucked me in and kept me glued to the final page! I recommend Teachers and students of American history read this- as well as adults and teens. Highly recommended!!!

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The Elite (Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

The Elite by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 of the Selection was wonderful to listen to- I Love narrator Amy Rubinate, her tone and inflections really wisk me along with America's insecurities, wants, convictions and concerns. The drama has increased as America still cares for Aspen and grows closer to deeper feelings for Maxon. I am listening to The One now and it is riveting.

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The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook because my friend, Tiff Emerick highly recommended it and also as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge. What a great book about friendship, battling OCD, first love and the crushing feelings/lies/secrets have on teens. Adam is the main character struggling with OCD and we meet him as part of an OCD support group (loved his therapist!!!) and I especially enjoyed their nicknames as a way of working through their discussions, therapies, and life. There is so much humor to help level the angst that these teens grapple with. Robyn and Adam's growing friendship totally sucked me in, loved them, their support for each other, and their love for each other. The hoarding and letters Adam's mom received are examples of the lies/secrets I hated that Adam felt he could not share...It was good to see Adam's other family where his little brother, Sweetie totally idolized him and his Dad and Stepmom loved and worried about him. I wish there had been another ending...but this a book I highly recommend for teens.

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March Book One by John Robert Lewis

March: Book One by John Robert Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read March for 2 reasons; the Hub 2016 Challenge and Twitter Book Club for Feb (Social Justice) and March (graphic novels). This graphic novel touched me deeply, I loved the character of John Lewis, the way illustrations made you sick but also honored so many who fought/marched/demonstrated/served so ardently for civil rights then and now. It was so important to find out about the man who had so much to tell- his life in Washington, DC, his beginnings in Pike County Alabama as he loving raised chickens & practiced preaching to them and his pivotal role in the civil rights movement. A must read!

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Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Book 2 of Throne of Glass- riveting, revolting, drama continue as Celaena kills those the King give them, Chaol and Celaena's attraction grows and Dorian still cares for Celaena but gives up his feelings for her and, Princess Nehemia's friendship deepens with Celaena. I could not put this book down and I can't wait for Book 3! I am happy that I can read all these books at once, waiting for series to come out is very agonizing.

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Ms Marvel: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson

Ms. Marvel, #8: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge and Ms. Marvel is one kick ass heroine living in Jersey City fighting to keep the bad guys out of her neighborhood. She fights against the Inventor alone but is aided by Lockjaw, a dog with super powers. As an inhuman she fights to protect and I can't wait to read more about this superhero (but also just a plain old teen in high school).

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Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Magarita Engle

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge and Margarita Engle's book ripped my heart apart for her loss and longing for Cuba, her mother's homeland. While Magarita remembers her younger years, her poetry weaves a life between 2 worlds that she embraced - horses, gardens, food and relatives of Cuba and her American life that she loves but does not understand why relations are so strained between the two countries she loves. Highly recommended as all Margarita Engle's books are- but this book is her memoir and is very special in verse, memories, and history.

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