Bang by Barry Lyga

Bang by Barry Lyga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved this heartbreaking book for #yabookchat June 4 at 9pm EST (join our twitter chat). Sebastian was 4 years old when he shot and killed his infant sister- ever since then - he has felt guilty - his mom is always sad, his dad left, and no one talks about it. Ten years later Sebastian is still suffering, has one friend (his family does not like Sebastian for the obvious reason) and he leaves for summer leadership camp. While Sebastian talks/listens to the voice he plots when he will end his life - but with a new girl Annesa moving in - many many things change for Sebastian - he can talk to her, he loves her and her family - will Sebastian's life, and outlook with this new friend change? Another powerful read Right Behind You by Gail Giles will shock you and rock you.

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Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik

Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Doris Heise, my librarian hero, for recommending this read!!! First of all I LOVE the cover with the hashtags turning the title to read Things I Know, how brilliant! Claire LaZebnik has a great voice- her dedication to her husband is totally awesome and main protagonist, Chloe is such a real voice- she is popular, dates & kisses lots of guys, doesn't like to complain about many things BUT just look how her mood changes when her autistic sister, Ivy is involved in any way. Chloe's love, concern and aggravation for her autistic sister unfolds in so many wonderful ways in this MUST READ YA novel. Then the very annoying David Fields also has an autistic brother, Ethan - Chloe thinks Ivy and Ethan should date, and get out in the world more. Together Chloe and David share many harrowing dates with Ivy and Ethan and together they find out many things about their families, themselves, and what really matters. This book did really steal my heart and it will steal your too! Highly recommended.

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Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this for the #2jennsbookclub twitter chat being held Thursday 6/8 at 8pm EST (join the chat!!!)& like her other books, Roth had me spellbound with Cyra and Akos' drama - their families, their gifts, their feelings of not being in control as their worlds splinter, explode, and maime. We see the good and bad in their worlds; the love and hostility between them and their cultures. I could not put this book down, I can't wait for the 2nd book and more more more on Cyra and Akos- rooting for them! There is horror, adventure, drama, politics and so much more!

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Mighty Jack and the Goblin King (Mighty Jack #2) by Ben Hatke

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke. What a spellbinding read! Ben Hatke has done it again with a super charged graphic novel middle school and teen readers will totally enjoy. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King continues expanding the fairy tale begun in the first comic, Mighty Jack, with bright, electric illustrations crafting an action filled horror adventure story with Jack and Lilly with their swords and daring racing to save Maddy, with help from Phelix and goblins. Highly recommended for those who love fantasy, building tension, thrilling plot twists and fierce characters.

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The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I could not put this book down, I loved (and hated) all that happens with Lucy. Lucy is strong, a leader, and daughter of a pastor. Her mom is a school nurse and her cancer re-occurs. Lucy is devastated, she is angry at God, her faith is blindsided, and so she struggles big time. Add to this- her boy friend, Lukas wants them to PAUSE for the summer (jerk), her mother wants her to work at the next door camp (rather than the one her parents own and run) for high risk kids and Lucy does not want to be away from her mother now but she also wants to grant her mom's every wish. So she does it, and from the first day at camp with her 3rd graders and the other camp counselors, she is challenged, questions herself constantly, worries about her mom BUT she also begins to change her mind about the campers and the counselors and very soon, she is finding herself completed by these kids & teens. I loved the way Emery Lord dealt with the faith issue- it was so real and believable from Lucy, her mom and dad's POV. She lived her faith, loved her faith, practiced her faith but she also questioned, railed, and anguished about/over her faith. The other counselors have all attended this camp as kids and now as counselors and they all have "a checked bag" (their issue) - they too are real and thoroughly supportive. Anna quickly becomes Lucy's best friend and confidante, Henry wears his heart on his sleeve - settles Lucy with his trumpet and his conversation and caring. Keely and Tambe round out this group and they all SAVE Lucy with their honesty, inclusion, and friendship (weekly discussion of "highs" and "lows") but through it all the reader sees such much inward and outward change in Lucy and an acceptance of what life is going to throw at Lucy and her family as long as there is love. I thought Emery Lord could not top When We Collided, but this book is such a gem with diverse characters, kids dealing with tough lives due to illness, death, sickness and learning coping skills at this camp from the counselors. Highly recommended!

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Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great ending to a series I thoroughly enjoyed! I love Jenny Han's way of writing, her characters, and the senior year & college application process for Lara Jean and Peter Kavinski. Lara Jean & Peter as a couple continued to make me fall even MORE in love with them. Lara Jean's family ties, baking of chocolate cookies, getting into college, and through it all, growing even deeper in love with Peter had me turning the pages...Peter, loved him because he was the real deal-- nice, kind, attentive, thoroughly into Lara Jean, pleasing her and her family, putting on face masks (haha), chowing down on her chocolate cookies all made him perfect to me. My son played lacrosse in high school & college, played against UVA for 4 years - so I really enjoyed Peter's love of the game, getting a scholarship, and working hard to be a better lacrosse player. Peter's page in Lara Jean's yearbook was awesome & Lara Jean's scrapbook of memories for Peter were very, very special.

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Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED listening to this amazing audiobook by one of my fave romance authors, Jennifer E. Smith. The idea of a girl, Alice (in love with her best friend, Teddy & he of course does not know) buying a lottery ticket and using Teddy's favorite numbers and a few of Alice's as a gag gift for his 18th birthday made this a phenomenal listen (but also a great book). The narrator, Tonya Cornelisse, was great! She had a breathy kind of deep voice so Alice's voice was perfect but the raspy sound for Teddy & her cousin made for good guy voices. The evolution of Alice as she grows during this time made me ache for her often (ahe lost both parents 9 years before, she was afraid of change, holding back with her cousin and aunt and uncle - and of course, Teddy) but Smith knows how to grow her characters and GROW Alice & Teddy she does - PERFECTLY!!! The family dynamics were absorbing, the drama of winning the lottery and the ups & downs afterwards for Alice and Teddy were gripping, but through it all their friendship manages to bear the pitfalls & highs. Highly recommended as an audiobook and/or book, great YA read!

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The Good Braider by Terry Farish

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

I re-read this popular paperback as part of the 2017 Hub Challenge & loved it even more that when I read it in 2013!!! 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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Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to my wonderful reader & twitter friend, Maureen Wehmeier for our shared reading and discussion of Julie Murphy's second totally awesome book (loved Dumplin' too!!!). Ramona Blue was such a great read- I loved Murphy's writing, her characters, and what a plot. Ramona has a lot going on in her life. She is proudly lesbian (great summer romance with Grace) lives in a double wide since Hurricane Katrina wiped out their home & her mother left. Her sister, Hattie, is pregnant and Tyler has been kicked out of his home and now has squeezed into Ramona and Hattie's very small trailer. She works two jobs, feels totally responsible for her sister, and will not even think of applying to college because of all of the above. Enter, Freddie and his grandmother Agnes who Ramona grew up with during her summers. Now Agnes has retired, bringing Freddie back to Ramona. I can't say enough about Freddie (he is a romantic, honest, kind) because his return brings happiness to Ramona but as time goes on with swimming, hanging with Freddie at school and at home - Ramona finds Freddie has become all important to her everyday happiness in her dysfunctional life. I rooted for Ramona- that she would rise above her own restrictions, deal realistically with happiness, Freddie, and her future. Choices were very important to Ramona and the way she expresses herself each time as she chooses was exquisite. A must read about family, friendship and finding the very special in your life. Highly recommended!

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Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love Mighty Jack a graphic novel with a swashbuckling take on a classic fairy tale- I read this as part of the 2017 HUB Reading Challenge. I loved Ben Hatke's vibrant illustrations, 3 main characters - Jack, Maddie & Lilly. I loved Jack's & Lilly's fearlessness even when they are afraid- loved the sword fights & Maddie's belief in the garden. Lots of fun, I already have #2 on my TBR shelf!!!

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Death's Fool by Sophia Whittemore

Death's Fool by Sophia Whittemore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sophia Whittemore’s Death’s Fool, The Impetus Rising, Book 2 was a tantalizing mix of horror, romance, science fiction, and fantasy, as the worlds of mortals and immortals clash for control. Diana and Isak are at odds as they try to find their way back to each other. There were many nail biting moments as characters and circumstances changed due to the treachery of Gods such as Wisdom, Fear, and Death. I rooted for Diana and Isak to break the bonds of magic, shadows, and dark forces. Two other notable characters were Knott and Basel and their support of Diana was deep but also filled with concern. The story is told in the past and the present, with suspense and action around every corner.

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Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston

Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this awesome audiobook as part of the 2017 Hub Challenge & the narration by Ashley Eckstein was tremendous- she nailed Ahsoka's many chracter traits, used the right inflections, voices & character personalities to portray the Ahsoka before and after the Jedi wars. Uoltimately triumphant, I loved this audiobook and highly recommend it!

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Traitor to the Throne (A Rebel of the Sands Novel #2) by Alwyn Hamilton

Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my! What a gripping, adventure filled 2nd book that twisted my insides (the Sultan, the imprisoned Demdji, Amani's imprisonment) and I could not stop reading this heart-stopping story of the Blue-Eyed Bandit and her Foreign Prince & Rebel Prince and their continued machinations to obtain freedom for those in her desert. In this book, Amani is thoroughly enmenshed with her comrades Ahmed, Jin, Shazad, Delila, Hala, Imin, Izz & Maz in constant plans to thwart the Sultan. When Amani is captured by the Sultan I was truly afraid. Her aunt received a lot of money to give the Sultan a Demji so that he could further his deadly plans. What he makes Amani do after he inserts copper & iron his skin was hair-raising & her time in the harem was truly desperate. I can only say this is a must read- the whole series so far has had me laughing, crying, wringing my hands & rooting for Amani & her comrades. Could not stop turning the pages & oh do I love Amani - she is strong, always thinking, honest (we know why), has a temper and will run when she can't handle things - and where does that get her???

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The Journey by Francesca Sanna

The Journey by Francesca Sanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this amazing picture book for #yearofya May book chat dealing with immigration/refugees. The author decided to write this book after she met 2 refugee girls and with this impetus she began to gather true stories of migration from many many people the book is a collage of all their stories of hope, strength, determination and possibilities. So glad I OWN this treasure & will be sharing it with all my friends, readers, and family.

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Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 by Ta Nehisi Coates

Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 by Ta-Nehisi Coates
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the 2017 HUB Challenge & graphic novel winner. There was really no story other than Wakanda is in trouble because it's leader will not adapt and it goes over and over and over this again and again. The illustrations by Brian Stelfreeze were good but the story needed a lot more in terms of a workable story, characters including a bad ruler, his sister who has been taken from his side and brutalized as part of punishing him and his mother won't listen to his sister, keeps deciding on the side of RULES and that doesn't work. So I am not a fan of this graphic novel, sorry.

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Plutona by Jeff Lemire, Emi Lenox, Jordie Bellaire

Plutona #1 by Jeff Lemire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the 2017 HUB Reading Challenge & graphic novel winner. I loved the art work by Emi Lenox but the story of teens finding a superhero dead in the woods and undecided on what to do about it - did not bring out the best in this group. Mei has a younger brother and is selfish (to her bestie), mean (to her brother), and drops everything for a loser guy. Loser guy, Ray, comes from a broken home with alcoholic dad but Ray is not nice to anyone, especially Teddy and Diane. Teddy is into superheroes (capespotting) and is involved in a club that tracks superhero sightings. As they walk home from school they discover Superhero Plutona (supposedly dead) in the forest. As they wrestle with how to handle the situation (they do not agree at all) the reader also sees Plutona the Superhero balance her day job as Mom working double shifts. What will these kids do to help Plutona and each other?

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Orange: The Complete Collection, Vol.1 by Ichigo Takano

Orange: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 by Ichigo Takano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the 2017 HUB Reading Challenge and this award winning graphic novel which is really manga was so enjoyable to read but I still don't have the answers after Volume which consists of teens, specifically one girl, at first, who gets a letter from her future self telling her to change the way she is doing things/handling things with a new student, Kakeru. Ten years from now, Kakeru is no longer around and through a series of letters from someone in the future Naho and then everyone in their group is receiving these letters. I liked the premise, the teen insecurity, the friendships & relationships. I also loved the art, it told so much in black & white about these kids, their wants, desires & innermost fears. I will definitely be reading Volume 2 because I need answers!!!.

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A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns & Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this 3rd book in the series! Maas' world building had me enthralled, I read 707 pages in 2 days & loved every minute of it. Fayre & Rhys were just so strong as the The High Lord and The High Lady together! Fayre grew to be so much stronger in this book; her bond with Rhys allowed her to feel she mattered, she could do anything, she could repair herself and she could forgive herself. I loved the tight knit group of Mor, Amren, Cassian and Ariel - but Elain & Nesta becoming involved in Fayre's world, helping with the Cauldron & trying to find their abilities was awesome. Lucien became very important once again as Feyre's friend and I was glad he fell in love with her world (among other things). I hated Hybern, Eris, and Ithane - evil, evil, people! There were many surprise characters like the Bone Setter & The Suriel- readers will love them. The war scenes were always brutal, bloody, took so much out of them all. Alliances were made & forged- friendships were strengthened & there were many romantic moments (Feyre & Rhys's bedroom scenes were scintillating). Can't wait for #4 - I so enjoy this SERIES!!!

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The Shadows We Know by Heart by Jennifer Park

The Shadows We Know by Heart by Jennifer Park
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this title for our May #yabookchat with discussion to be held Sunday 5/7 at 9pm EST. I fell into the Leah's two worlds immediately and I did not stop to question anything; debut author, Jennifer Park's forest, the sasquatch family, and wild boy were rich, mysterious, scary as was Leah's restrictive real life which came all undone 10 years ago when she lost her brother, his best & father to death in the forest. Leah and her brother, Matt have barely survived their mother's drinking, her preacher father's restrictive, harsh rules and their marital relationship that seems to no longer be there. Ever since her brother, Sam died 10 years ago, Leah has been drawn to the forest, by its richness, and the Sasquatch that she sees (but tells no on about) until one day, there is a wild boy. Instantly, Leah is overcome by his beauty, and his pull on her. Leah tells no one about him but there is also something familiar about him too... All too soon, her 2 worlds collide and the sasquatch family and her wild boy are in danger. When Leah and Matt learn the truth of what their parents withheld from them over the years---there is so much anger. This world is believable, I loved Matt, Leah & the wild boy and Bee. Definitely a story worth reading about forbidden secrets, tragedy and coping. Even more it is a story about hope and believing, making good decisions & bad decisions. I loved the beauty of the forest and rooted for Leah, Matt & Ashley.

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Be True to Me by Adele Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the Sneek Peek, Be True to Me by Adele Griffin. I read the few chapters provided and was completely hooked by the premise of this historical fiction summer beach read. Two teens, Jean Custis and Fritz O’Neill approach another Fire Island summer with excitement and a little dread as they vie for a guy, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are social classes, resentments, and many other drama going on in this delicious read. I have pre-ordered my copy of the book as soon as it comes out in June and I can’t wait to read it!!!

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