One Of Us Us Next (One of Us is Lying, #2) by Karen McManus

One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the LAST sentence! I really liked the previous characters from the Bayview Four and also the new ones too. McManus knows how to write mysteries, to keep readers turning the pages. The friendships, the families, the high school drama and social media were all so realistic, heart pounding, and sinister!

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Frankly In Love (Frankly In Love #1) by David Yoon

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this debut book, debut author and main character Frankly!!! Awesomely Narrated by Raymond J. Lee, Frankly (Frank Li) is a Korean American senior, nerd, good kid who falls for a white girl (strictly forbidden by his parents- since his sister is banished for marrying Black Miles)Brit Means. Since his family still meets with others who went to the same college together- their kids are called Limbos, Frank and Joy Song have grown up as Limbos- now Joy is dating a Chinese guy (unbeknownst to her parents) and as Joy and Frank lament their love problems they come up with a great solution---they will ACT like they are dating to fool the parents. This book is about so much more...but Frankly is such a believable character, stuck between the Korean immigrant parent wishes and stuck between his California upbringing---he is honest, compelling, mouthy, and sincere. There is so much to love about this novel, definitely a MUST READ! Loved it!!

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I Am J by Cris Beam

I am J by Cris Beam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book for #yearofYA and the May topic of Crossovers---this book was recommended by Book Browse as an Adult/YA Crossover. J is a teen who has known for a long time she is not a girl but a boy. Now as a teen, J makes a concerted effort to show everyone who he truly is---and it is not easy at all. Many subjects are explored in this transgender book; taking testosterone, binding breasts, haircuts, deep voice, feeling alienated from family and friends. As J explores and obsesses over girls, girlfriends, he makes a choice to move out of his house, get into a shelter, see a therapist while exploring future options with his life. He was so brave yet so conflicted and it was through friends (old and new) accepting J that helps propel this book to a hopeful ending.

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Puddin' (Dumplin' #2) by Julie Murphy

Puddin' by Julie Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Julie Murphy's 2nd book in the Dumplin' series- the story, the characters all resonated as real and authentic. Humorous, serious and containing the drama of high school students- Millie & Callie are 2 very different girls- one fat and one a cheerleader and one act of anger and damage brings them together and oh what a great story! You will root for Millie's dreams and the way she can bring together people by her niceness. A feel good book, so enjoyable!

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Leah on the Offbeat (Creekwood #2) by Becky Albertalli

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to Shannon Purser's spot on narration of Becky Albertalli's awesome book about Leah, who is a drummer in a band) but we never actually see her in concert or really practicing- she is much better at pencil sketches, and they are on her blog, on her bedroom walls and really, really good! Leah has a great, close group of friends, she speaks her mind and is kind of gruff, she has come out to her mom that she is bisexual (but none of her friends know) and she is looking forward to going to college. As her year progresses Leah has a guy in their group asking her to prom (and really likes her, according to their friends) but Leah just maybe liking someone she crushed on a year ago...where will this take Leah? Albertalli has written a very relatable teen book dealing with LGBTQ issues, social class, single parents, race and teens will gobble Leah (Simon and Bram- love them!!!) and her drama and root for her---to put her heart out there, no matter what! Highly recommended!

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Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Dear Martin by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s and Crown Books for Young Readers, for the ARC, Dear Martin by Nic Stone. Debut author, Nic Stone, has crafted a realistic fiction and urban fiction novel all teens will be clamoring to read. With the ripped from the headlines news of teens being shot by police and police violence, Stone has written a powerful, hard hitting novel I could not put down. I ached for Justyce, a black teen in a mostly white prep school who is unjustly judged by a white cop; roughed up and handcuffed, as he tries to help his drunk, white girlfriend. The title, Dear Martin, comes from the letters Justyce writes to Dr. King as a project to himself, as he tries to emulate King’s style and words to sort through racism, oppression, and injustice he encounters. Justyce’s problems intensify as he becomes more and more embroiled in incidents that involve him, his school friends, and his neighborhood acquaintances. As Martin leans on friends, his debate teacher, and debate partner (love interest), he becomes more and more disillusioned. Stone’s writing, her characters, and plot were all powerful reminders that there is still a great divide in our world and she raises many valid questions about problems our society needs to solve. Justyce’s world and struggle brings many needed diverse voices and issues to all readers. Today’s teens care about the heated, frustrating questions and concerns Nic Stone tackles in her haunting debut novel. Highly recommended!

Review of AudioBook
I listened to this wrenching book for the #2jennsbookclub twitter chat to take place Thursday, April 12 at 8PM EST and Dion Graham's narration of the book, plot and character's was just authentic, moving, and once again plunged me to awful depths with Justyce's confusion and despair after he is arrested. Nic Stone has penned a book ALL must read- there is still so much that needs to be done - African American teens must not be profiled, violated, assaulted and killed...they deserve much better.

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Winner Take All by Laurie Devore

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the advance reader copy Winner Take All by Laurie Devore in exchange for an honest review. Devore’s analysis of teen girls and how they are judged differently versus teen boys who get it all in high school, sports, academics, and life when they want it was gripping; if you love Courtney Summer’s books, you will not be able to put this intense, authentic look at teens battling to become WINNER take all. Before Nell became a student at the private school, Prep, she was a happy public middle school student. But when her mother becomes dean at Prep hired to make the status quo more equitable, Nell becomes so focused on always being the winner in every aspect of her life. But Nell will never be rich like most of the students at Prep. And Devore uses Nell’s flawed character perfectly as she butts heads daily for years with perfect, rich, smart athlete, Jackson Hart. I found Nell, Jackson, their friends and family all real flawed characters each dealing with life in messy ways. I was mesmerized by the Nell-Jackson relationship, I could not stop turning the pages as Nell takes on Jackson; she blasts him with her honesty and winner take all credo, while Jackson maintains his status, ego, and sick secrets. This is a book that will speak to so many teens; the cover was perfect too. The reader doesn’t have to always like Nell or Jackson all the time, but these two teens are scathingly explored as victims too of their parents, power, and identity. Will they find their true selves, a must read. Highly recommended!

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Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book!!! Jade and her friends Lee Lee, Sam, mentor Maxine, her mom are all such authentic, real characters living in a challenging world, trying to face it the best way they can. I was not a fan of the cover, but as I read the book Jade's world on the cover was one of color, brightness, showcasing her hope but also the power and beauty of art made me fall in love with this colorful cover, a mosaic of Jade's life and aspirations! I have been hearing about this book since it was published in February 2017, and after reading THUG, Long Way Down, Dear Martin, ShadowHouse Fall, The Education of Margo Sabchez, Patina & Ghost, and I am sorry it took me so long to get to reading it, but so happy I read this powerful novel about friendship, finding oneself, hardship, heartbreak, the power of love and hope and honesty---a must read for all especially those who like urban fiction, adversity, diversity, and making a difference. Such a powerful book and ending- highly recommended!

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I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I totally enjoyed Goo's funny book about super achiever, Desi - she is a great soccer player, student body president, involved in after school clubs and activities and very close with her dad, Appa. It is only when it comes to guys that she has ALL Flairures (love that made up word by Desi's friends)!!! When she meets new guy, Luka Drakos, Desi decides to plan her path to this her first boyfriend. By watching Korean dramas with her Dad, she crafts The K Drama Steps To True Love, which entails binge watching the Korean RomComs, taking notes and presenting to her friends Fiona and Wes how she will "catch" Luka. What the reader sees from the get-go is that Luka really likes her from the first moment they meet and despite the many steps she achieves (many with disastrous results) on her list - she and Luka, kiss, fall in love, etc. But, Desi is her own worst enemy and I enjoyed seeing her learn from her many disasters. I rooted for Desi & Luka (oh is he swoon worthy) loved her Dad and stalwart best friends. Goo has crafted a funny novel filled with good drama teens will enjoy, see themselves in and want to pass on to their friends!

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Girl (Girl #1) by Blake Nelson

Girl by Blake Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the #yearofya August twitter chat to read books from the 1980s and 1990s (written during that time or SET in that time period) for the 8/30 chat at 8pm EST, please join us! Blake Nelson's book (taking place in the 90s) chronicles sophomore Andrea Marr for her last 3 years of high school. She is a teen so many will understand with her insecurities, love of music, bands, and thrift store clothes. Blake's writing was a little unnerving for me (run on sentences about all she thinks, sees, believes, etc.) but I understood that the reader was in Andrea's head as she saw and thought all things in her life, her high school days, and her night life. She experiments with sex, smoking, stays out late, and lies to her parents. I liked Andrea's growth, her dark side (Brad at camp seemed the most real relationship she has in the book), her insecurity (but she never does ecstasy), her friendships (and her friends like Cybil, Amy, Nathan, Todd) and her life as she grows, learns, and struggles toward finishing high school and going to college. I definitely want to read the other 2 Girl books, I love Blake Nelson. I read his latest book, Boy, FIRST and really liked that---writing style was different and I really related (I did not relate to Andrea- I felt like I was just an observer) to Gavin Meeks! So much so, I have already downloaded the next book in the series about Marisol. I guess I wish I had read Girl 1st, then Boy, oh well. Still love all the Blake Nelson books, my teens in the library did too!

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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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AList of Cages by Robin Roe

A List of Cages by Robin Roe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this wrenching book for my monthly twitter chat book club #YAbookchat and oh was it powerful, crushing, and spoke deeply of the power to wound and try to thwart goodness. Julian is young when his parents are killed in a car accident. Julian is a sweet child who was loved deeply by his parents. When they die, Julian ponders just what their death means, where do they go, and what is his mission in life - but since he does not ask anyone these questions but himself, he has no answers. In shock, he is a foster child living with Adam and his mother and slowly begins to heal until his uncle comes to claim him and claim him he does. Russell is a monster who mentally & physically tortures Julian with lies, fists, and a VERY warped way to make Julian be a man. For anyone to do what he does, Russell has to be mentally ill and the fact that he is able to take Julian's sweet fragile life and make Julian believe he is worthless, a problem that no one wants is abhorrent until the day Adam comes back into Julian's life. Adam is popular, loved Julian like a brother until 5 years before when Julian was taken away, never allowed to visit Adam and his mom and now is skipping school on a regular basis. Will Adam be able to rescue Julian? It can't come quickly enough. Taut, psychologically unnerving, Julian needs the beautiful person Adam JUST is. Adam has the ability to be happy, kind, and positive. Along with his huge gang of friends I rooted for Adam to pull Julian in with all his love, friendship and brotherhood!!!

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Crash and Burn by Michael Hassan

Crash and Burn by Michael Hassan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow what a book! Steven Crashinsky is a teen with ADHD, a tough father, nasty older sister and wonderful younger sister. He narrates his life as a struggling student (son & friend), and then also as an author writing the story for his editor and his readers of how he thwarts a school shooting by one of his so-called friends David Burnett. It was at times funny, heartbreaking, and so easy to become one with Crash as he views his life both before and after "the incident" and also see his metamorphosis from youngster to teen (experimenting with drinking, alcohol, girls). This was a recommended read from one of my twitter book clubs #YearofYA during the month we explored tragedy theme books.

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Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick

Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored the character of Nanette O'Hare; she was strong but vulnerable and took the pains to try to figure out who she really is (with disastrous results), more than once, in this authentic, character driven YA novel. Quick's Nanette reminded me of Amber Appleton from Sorta Like A Rock Star - plucky, rebelling, and trying to find out who she really is... While Nanette is an accomplished athlete, best friends with Shannon, good daughter, and she likes to eat lunch with her favorite teacher every day. Once he gifts her with his favorite book, Nanette tumbles into a whole new world, falling in love with everything exquisite thing in the book, especially, the character of Wrigley. Nanette even gets to meet the author, Booker and he introduces her to another teen who loves his book as much as Nanette, Alex. I rooted for Nanette, Alex, and Oliver as they endeavor to grow up, navigating bullies, life, and love. Such an insightful book with a strong female protagonist, delving into choices and consequences. Highly recommended- another winner by Matthew Quick!

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Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit, I liked Parker Grant more and more as I read this book. Losing your sight and mother at age 7 is very difficult for any child and as Parker grows up she creates The Rules and these rules govern her friendships, family, and relationships. Fast forward to high school where Parker has just lost her father, runs every morning, and reunites with the guy she blames for ruining her life. Lindstrom deftly portrays Parker's feistiness to the world but he does a superb job of fleshing out her insecurities, which make her wretchedly question many things she was so so sure about. How will Parker deal with her new reality of Scott, Jason, Molly, Trish, Sarah, and Sheila? Loved this book and the cadre of teen characters, the fierce friendships, the importance of friends and finding oneself!

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Read Between the Lines by Jo Knowles

Read Between the Lines by Jo Knowles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't remember who recommended this book to me, but this is a book all teens should read! Jo Knowles takes something that happened to her in real life as a child ad uses one incident in each chapter of the book to perfection. Teens at a school are just trying to make it one day at a time, surviving bullies and mean girls, parents, teachers and even next door neighbors. Each character spoke to me (my favorite was Claire) and I think teens will see themselves or others on these pages. Even better is Jo Knowles' plea to "tell it true, even if it means, read between the lines."

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