Are You in the House Alone? by Richard Peck

Are You in the House Alone? by Richard Peck

Sixteen-year-old Gail is living the upper-class suburban life when she begins receiving terrifying phone calls and notes in her locker. And the calls keep coming. When she's attacked by the town's golden boy everyone refuses to take action against him and his powerful family. A frightening drama that deals with heavy teen issues and the idea of justice (or lack thereof) from bestselling author Richard Peck.

Are you in the House Alone? is so well written. Richard Peck is a talented author who eliminates any unnecessary words and uses phrases that flow so well. I was immediately drawn into this horrifying story and couldn't even put the book down. Gail is the target of a psychotic rapist who is following her every move. He watches her with her boyfriend, Steve and calls her when she is babysitting. When she starts finding threatening notes in her locker, Gail is at a loss about what to do. There is mature content in this book, but adolescents can learn so much about what to do or not to do if found in a similar situation.

Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns by John Green

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew...

I had high expectations for "Paper Towns", but it didn't quite meet them. The beginning of the book is very entertaining. I love Quentin's friends; Radar and Ben. They are absolutely hysterical and their jokes about the male anatomy had me laughing out loud.....truly crude humor. The story really starts to drag when the mystery around Margo's disappearance begins. Green's use of Walt Whitman's poem, "Song of Myself" is creative, but the clues surrounding it are quite a stretch. The metaphors abo I had high expectations for Paper Towns, but it didn't quite meet them. The beginning of the book is very entertaining. I love Quentin's friends; Radar and Ben. They are absolutely hysterical and their jokes about the male anatomy had me laughing out loud.....truly crude humor. The story really starts to drag when the mystery around Margo's disappearance begins. Green's use of Walt Whitman's poem, "Song of Myself" is creative, but the clues surrounding it are quite a stretch. The metaphors about the meaning of life and our ability to connect with others is touching, but not exactly memorable. This book is better suited for a mature high school audience, as middle schoolers would fail to understand the symbolism and allusions used. Just a so-so book. I'm glad I read it, but it just didn't make a lasting impression.

The Missing Girl by Norma Fox Mazer

The Missing Girl by Norma Fox Mazer

He could be any man, any respectable, ordinary man.

But he's not.

This man watches the five Herbert girls—Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy, and Autumn—with disturbing fascination.

Unaware of his scrutiny and his increasingly agitated and forbidden thoughts about them, the sisters go on with their ordinary everyday lives—planning, arguing, laughing, and crying—as if nothing bad could ever breach the safety of their family.

In alternating points of view, Norma Fox Mazer manages to interweave the lives of predator and prey in this unforgettable psychological thriller.  

This book rotates among multiple perspectives which include; Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy, Autumn, and the abductor. The five sisters are being watched by a dangerous stranger who is obsessed with them. He fantasizes about abducting one of the girls and taking care of them. When one sister is separate from the others, the abductor's fantasy comes true. This book is written in a completely school appropriate way while still getting across the dangerous and threatening situation which befalls one of them. Some parts were interesting while others dragged a bit. "The Missing Girl" would appeal to female readers.

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

Typically I love anything by David Leviathan, but this book was just too slow moving and very predictable. Stephen is invisible and his new neighbor, Elizabeth is the only person who can see him. Together the two characters try to uncover the mystery behind his curse, as well as fall in love. I enjoyed the fantasy this story created, but the story really went nowhere and the characters were very two-dimensional. Adolescents may enjoy the love story, but the lack of action may be a turn-off.                  

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Another highly engaging Rainbow Rowell book. I still preferred "Eleanor and Park", but this book was very good. Cath's description of dormitory life brought me back to my college days. While I think some junior high girls would like this book, it is better suited for a high school audience. Cath and Wren are twin sisters who head off to college and start living their own separate lives. Cath must deal with her first love, first writing disappointment, and possibly meet her mother who left when she was 8. The fan fiction writing about Simon Snow and Baz was fine, but really didn't add much to the general plot.  

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

The terrifyingly prophetic novel of a post-literate future.

Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.

The classic dystopian novel of a post-literate future, Fahrenheit 451 stands alongside Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World as a prophetic account of Western civilization’s enslavement by the media, drugs and conformity.

Bradbury’s powerful and poetic prose combines with uncanny insight into the potential of technology to create a novel which, decades on from first publication, still has the power to dazzle and shock.

For such a short book, I took my sweet time reading reading it. Fahrenheit 451 is a classic, must-read book for everyone. A book written in the 1950s, really does foretell the way our society is today and what it may turn out to be in the future if we stop reflecting on what literature can tell us about ourselves. Things like reality TV, social media, cellphones, etc. actually cause us to connect less with our world and the people in it. We need time to talk with others face to face, reflect on the situations characters in books face, and determine the type of people we want to be. Books, movies, plays, etc are the words and stories we relate to as human beings. They are the common texts which bind us together as a civilization. If we lose these stories.....we lose ourselves.

Guy Montag begins to question the actions of his world when he meets a teenage girl named, Clarisse McClellan. Clarisse takes the time and effort to talk to him and actually sees him as an individual. Montag begins to wonder why firefighters are told to start fires as opposed to stopping them. Why do the firefighters want to destroy books? The fire captain, Beatty shares with Montag why books are dangerous, but this makes Montag question even more why he should not be allowed to read them. When he recruits the help of a former professor named Faber, Montag finally begins to change the mundane world he was used to.

I can't recommend this book enough! Wow!!! Bravo Bradbury!

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

We Were Liars is a very enjoyable, quick read. Cadence was easy to connect with and the mystery surrounding her migraines/head injury kept me perplexed until the very end. The map of the island at the beginning of the book was helpful in visualizing the various homes and characters. One aspect of the book that will be challenging for adolescent readers is the sheer number of characters to remember and the switching between flashbacks and present day. There are some curse words as well. This book should be recommended to adolescent girls who like reading and realistic fiction. I'm definitely glad I read this title.

Life Happens Next by Terry Trueman

Life Happens Next by Terry Trueman

Stuck in Neutral, a Printz Honor Book, introduced the world to Shawn McDaniel, a fourteen-year-old kid with cerebral palsy. But what happens next?

Shawn's got a new perspective on life. But no one has a clue. That's because they can see only his wheelchair, his limp body, his drool. What they don't see? His brain, with perfect auditory memory. And his heart, which is in love with a girl. And his fierce belief that someday someone will realize there's way more to him than his appearance.

How do you connect with others when you can't talk, walk, or even wave hello? In the sequel to Stuck in Neutral, which ALA Booklist called "an intense reading experience," Shawn McDaniel discovers a new definition of "normal" and finds that life happens next for everyone.  

I loved Terry Trueman's "Stuck in Neutral" and was thrilled to discover the sequel. Shawn McDaniel is a fantastic protagonist with great insight into the world and people around him. Even though he has severe cerebral palsy which immobilizes him, he is still able to think and enjoy the world he lives in. At 15, he is starting to wonder what his purpose in living actually is and if anyone will really know that he is able to think. When his mother's cousin, Debi moves in, Shawn's small world expands even more. Debi is mentally retarded and yet is able to connect with Shawn in a way he never thought possible. A beautiful and thought provoking book. A must-read for everyone no matter your reading level!  

The Fall by Bethany Griffin

The Fall by Bethany Griffin

She has spent her life fighting fate, and she thought she was succeeding. Until she woke up in a coffin.

Ushers die young. Ushers are cursed. Ushers can never leave their house, a house that haunts and is haunted, a house that almost seems to have a mind of its own. Madeline’s life—revealed through short bursts of memory—has hinged around her desperate plan to escape, to save herself and her brother. Her only chance lies in destroying the house.

In the end, can Madeline keep her own sanity and bring the house down? The Fall is a literary psychological thriller, reimagining Edgar Allan Poe’s classic The Fall of the House of Usher.  

I loved that The Fall was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's, "The Fall of the House of Usher". Any book which helps adolescents get reacquainted with the classics is outstanding. I started this book with high expectations and was ultimately disappointed by the end. The book switches back and forth from the present day of the characters to their past childhood. The flashbacks are identified at the start of each chapter by stating Madeline's age. Madeline and her brother, Roderick are heirs to the Usher fortune and house. Unfortunately the house is possessed and has the ability to control their actions and make them go mad. Madeline must figure out a way to break the Usher curse or ultimately be killed or go insane herself. There are lots of twists to this tale and I can foresee some students becoming frustrated or confused. I would recommend this book to more advanced readers and especially for those students who already like Edgar Allan Poe.   

The Murmurings by Carly Ann West

The Murmurings by Carly Ann West

Everyone thinks Sophie’s sister, Nell, went crazy. After all, she heard strange voices that drove her to commit suicide. But Sophie doesn’t believe that Nell would take her own life, and she’s convinced that Nell’s doctor knows more than he’s letting on.

As Sophie starts to piece together Nell’s last days, every lead ends in a web of lies. And the deeper Sophie digs, the more danger she’s in—because now she’s hearing the same haunting whispers. Sophie’s starting to think she’s going crazy too. Or worse, that maybe she’s not….

The Murmurings was a good one-time read. I will definitely be recommending it to some of my more advanced female readers who like the horror genre. Sophie's twin sister Nell is found hanging from a tree by just her big toe after she escapes from a mental institution a few days prior. Most people believe that Nell committed suicide, but Sophie has her doubts. When Sophie begins seeing a fellow classmate, Evan the two begin to investigate the mental institution where Nell was housed. Sophie learns that there are people known as "seers" and "takers" and that maybe her sister was not "crazy" after all. There is nothing inappropriate in this book other than the use of the "F" word a few times. The plot moves slow in a few parts, but there is still enough action to keep adolescents' attention.  

Yours Truly by Annabel Pitcher

Yours Truly by Annabel Pitcher

Secrets, romance, murder and lies: Zoe shares a terrible secret in a letter to a stranger on death row in this second novel from the author of the bestselling debut, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece.

Fifteen-year-old Zoe has a secret—a dark and terrible secret that she can't confess to anyone she knows. But then one day she hears of a criminal, Stuart Harris, locked up on death row in Texas. Like Zoe, Stuart is no stranger to secrets. Or lies. Or murder.

Full of heartache yet humour, Zoe tells her story in the only way she can—in letters to the man in prison in America. Armed with a pen, Zoe takes a deep breath, eats a jam sandwich, and begins her tale of love and betrayal.

Very rarely do I give a book 5 stars, but this one was outstanding! Zoe lives in Britain and confesses to killing someone through a series of letters to a man named Stuart on death row. Zoe hides her identity by using a false name, but reveals the events that led up to the terrible murder. The story goes in multiple directions and the outcome is completely surprising. Zoe is a likable character and one that I feel many adolescent girls would be able to relate with. The plot moves quickly and the chapters are the perfect length. I can't recommend this book enough. There are a couple of "sexual scenes" described, so it would be better suited to a more mature adolescent audience.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Today is Leonard Peacock’s birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather’s P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate, Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school’s class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

In this riveting look at a day in the life of a disturbed teenage boy, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.  

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is a definite must read! I loved the book. It touches upon such important topics like; depression, suicide, inadequate parents, bullying, etc. Leonard has decided that on his 18th birthday he is going to kill his former best friend, Asher Beal and then himself with his grandfather's P-38 handgun from WWII. Before doing this, he wants to give 4 gifts to the people in his life who mattered the most. Two of my favorite characters in the book are Walt (the 70-year-old next door neighbor) who likes watching old Humphrey Bogart films with Leonard and also Herr Silverman (Leonard's caring and compassionate Holocaust teacher). The characters are so well developed and although I dreaded Leonard's actions with the handgun, I couldn't help sympathizing and connecting with him. He points out the challenges of every day life including how difficult and disheartening it can be being an adult. His narration is wise and heartbreaking. The book truly demonstrates the need for people to find others in the world with whom they can relate and connect with. Those who are the most different or unique are the ones who sometimes need the most care or understanding. The ending is positively beautiful. Definitely read this one!

Flip by Martyn Bedford

Flip by Martyn Bedford

Alex, 14, goes to bed in December, and wakes in June, in a strange house to a strange family. In the mirror, he sees Flip. Unless Alex finds out what's happened and how to get back to his own life,  he may be trapped forever inside a body that belongs to someone else. What is identity, the will to survive, and what will we sacrifice to survive?

I anticipated "Flip" to be a good read-aloud book during tutorial, but unfortunately the plot moves too slow and the excessive descriptions are a bit tedious. "Flip" is about a 14-year-old boy named Alex who wakes up in the body of a 14-year-old boy named Phillip. Alex is flabbergasted as to why this occurred or how. In the meantime he must pretend to be "Phillip" including getting along with his sister Teri, balancing two girlfriends, and playing sports. When Alex meets Rob, he starts to get so I anticipated Flip to be a good read-aloud book during tutorial, but unfortunately the plot moves too slow and the excessive descriptions are a bit tedious. Flip is about a 14-year-old boy named Alex who wakes up in the body of a 14-year-old boy named Phillip. Alex is flabbergasted as to why this occurred or how. In the meantime he must pretend to be "Phillip" including getting along with his sister Teri, balancing two girlfriends, and playing sports. When Alex meets Rob, he starts to get some explanations, but no answers on how he can try and get back into his own body. Some students may enjoy reading this book independently, especially if they enjoy mysterious plots. Otherwise, I wouldn't use this book for any instructional purposes.

Empty by K.M. Walton

Empty by K.M. Walton

Dell is used to disappointment. Ever since her dad left, it’s been one let down after another. But no one—not even her best friend—gets all the pain she’s going through. So Dell hides behind self-deprecating jokes and forced smiles.

Then the one person she trusts betrays her. Dell is beyond devastated. Without anyone to turn to for comfort, her depression and self-loathing spin out of control. But just how far will she go to make all of the heartbreak and name-calling stop?

Empty is a heart wrenching, yet captivating book which details the cruelty and harm bullying can have on a person. Dell is a 17-year-old girl who has gained a tremendous amount of weight after the divorce of her parents and her mom's dependency on prescription medication. The only solace Dell finds is in the food she puts in her mouth. Her best friend, Cara is determined to become part of the "popular" group and wants the same for Dell. She is constantly trying to drag her along to different parties and school events. When Dell s assaulted by one of the popular boys, Brandon it becomes more than Dell can handle. I was drawn into this story from the very first page. Dell's voice is relatable and her use of humor to cover her pain is so realistic and heart breaking. This is a must-read for any girl. The ending of the book stays with you long after you finish reading.

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel.

Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand.

As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.  

I'm going to have to be a bit harsh with my review on this one. The reviews I read said "Playlist for the Dead" was similar to Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why......it is NOT!!!! Sam's friend Hayden commits suicide after a horrible incident at a house party the night before. Sam is bewildered as to why his friend would take his own life. Fortunately, Hayden leaves behind his playlist of music for Sam to decipher and come to some conclusion as to why he died. The set up for this book was perfect and then......NOTHING! Every chapter starts with a song title and artist.....but the playlist is never really worked into the mystery surrounding Hayden's suicide. Sam discovers some secrets surrounding Hayden's hidden life, but not much else. Some students may like the story, but the structure of the book and ending were a real disappointment.

Hidden by Helen Frost

Hidden by Helen Frost

When Wren Abbott and Darra Monson are eight years old, Darra's father steals a minivan. He doesn't know that Wren is hiding in the back. The hours and days that follow change the lives of both girls. Darra is left with a question that only Wren can answer. Wren has questions, too.

Years later, in a chance encounter at camp, the girls face each other for the first time. They can finally learn the truth—that is, if they're willing to reveal to each other the stories that they've hidden for so long. Told from alternating viewpoints, this novel-in-poems reveals the complexities of memory and the strength of a friendship that can overcome pain.

"Hidden" is written in verse and told by two girls, Wren and Darra. When Wren was 8-years-old, she was unintentionally kidnapped when a man steals her mother's vehicle while she was hiding in the back. She finds herself trapped in the car thief's garage and must find a way to escape. Darra is the car thief's daughter who leaves food in the garage for Wren. When the two girls meet up years later at a summer camp, they start to learn the whole story of what actually happened. The two perspectives Hidden is written in verse and told by two girls, Wren and Darra. When Wren was 8-years-old, she was unintentionally kidnapped when a man steals her mother's vehicle while she was hiding in the back. She finds herself trapped in the car thief's garage and must find a way to escape. Darra is the car thief's daughter who leaves food in the garage for Wren. When the two girls meet up years later at a summer camp, they start to learn the whole story of what actually happened. The two perspectives are written in free verse and a unique format created by the author. The story does move a tad slow, but it would be a great choice for apprehensive readers.

No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale

No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale

Small towns are nothing if not friendly. Friendship, Wisconsin (population: 689 688) is no different. Around here, everyone wears a smile. And no one ever locks their doors. Until, that is, high school sweetheart Ruth Fried is found murdered. Strung up like a scarecrow in the middle of a cornfield.

Unfortunately, Friendship’s police are more adept at looking for lost pets than catching killers. So Ruth’s best friend, Kippy Bushman, armed with only her tenacious Midwestern spirit and Ruth’s secret diary (which Ruth’s mother had asked her to read in order to redact any, you know, sex parts), sets out to find the murderer. But in a quiet town like Friendship—where no one is a suspect—anyone could be the killer.

"No One Else Can Have You" was set up to be a perfect mystery, mixed with humor about living in Friendship, Wisconsin. Picture an adolescent's version of Fargo. Kippy Bushman is determined to find the killer of her long-time friend, Ruth. Ruth is discovered in a corn field, attached to a stake, with straw jammed down her throat as if she were a scarecrow herself. Only someone truly disturbed could commit such a heinous crime. Kippy must rely on the help of her father, Dom, friend, Ralph, and Ruth's brother Davy to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal. With the use of Ruth's diary, Kippy is destined for some outrageous surprises.
The plot does move somewhat slow and I found myself skimming certain parts that were not relevant to the story. The book could probably have been shortened by 100 pages. Every curse word imaginable is also used, so only mature adolescent readers should read this title.  

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Sold by Patricia McCormick


Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small hut on a mountain in Nepal. Though she is desperately poor, her life is full of simple pleasures, like playing hopscotch with her best friend from school, and having her mother brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all that remains of the family’s crops, Lakshmi’s stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family.
He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid in the city. Glad to be able to help, Lakshmi journeys to India and arrives at “Happiness House” full of hope. But she soon learns the unthinkable truth: she has been sold into prostitution.
An old woman named Mumtaz rules the brothel with cruelty and cunning. She tells Lakshmi that she is trapped there until she can pay off her family’s debt—then cheats Lakshmi of her meager earnings so that she can never leave.
Lakshmi’s life becomes a nightmare from which she cannot escape. Still, she lives by her mother’s words— Simply to endure is to triumph—and gradually, she forms friendships with the other girls that enable her to survive in this terrifying new world. Then the day comes when she must make a decision—will she risk everything for a chance to reclaim her life?
Written in spare and evocative vignettes, this powerful novel renders a world that is as unimaginable as it is real, and a girl who not only survives but triumphs.
"Sold" is a powerful, thought-provoking book, which illustrates the horrors of being sold into sex slavery. Lakshmi is from the mountainous area of Nepal. Lakshmi and her mother(Ama) struggle to survive with very little money. Lakshmi's stepfather takes most of what is earned and gambles it away. When their rice crop is destroyed, Lakshmi's stepfather sells her to a sex-slave brothel. Lakshmi is taken to India and forced to face the horrors which await her. The book is written entirely in verse and reads very easily. This would be a great read for adolescent female students who struggle with reading. Definitely a must-read!  

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, and drugs with excruciating side effects, Tessa compiles a list. It's her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of "normal" life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa's feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, are all painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time runs out.

Before I Die is the heartbreaking story of Tessa coming to terms with her own looming death from leukemia. Tessa is only 15-years-old and wants to complete her bucket list before dying. One of her goals is to fall in love, and fortunately finds this "love" in the boy next door, named Adam. The story is told in 1st person, so the reader gets great internal dialogue of how Tessa really feels about her mortality and what life will be like for her family and friends without her in it. This book tries to accomplish what I think "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green did much more successfully. The plot moves slow and some of Tessa's actions seem a bit far fetched and frankly outrageous. For example, when Tessa decides to throw all of her possessions including her TV out her bedroom window. That action paints her out to be self-centered and selfish. Tessa is a difficult character to connect with and understand.

Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Teenagers at Wisconsin's Nottawa High School are drawn deeper into a social networking site that promises to grant their every need . . . regardless of the consequences. Soon the site turns sinister, with simple pranks escalating to malicious crimes. The body count rises. In this chilling YA thriller, the author of the best-selling Testing trilogy examines not only the dark side of social media, but the dark side of human nature.  

Need is a fast-paced, action packed book, but has issues with story continuity. There are so many characters, connections, and viewpoints that it was hard to keep the stories straight. Because of this, certain conflicts never get fully resolved and some characters' motivations to do things did not make sense.
My team is going to try using this book as a read-aloud 2nd semester. I think the storyline and premise will attract our 7th graders' attentions, but I worry the multiple viewpoints and lack of explanation will cause them to become confused and lose interest.
Kaylee is the main protagonist. She joins a social website called "NEED". On the site people can ask for something they need, but in return they will have to complete a task. "Nobody gets something for nothing". Kaylee says that she needs a new kidney for her sick brother, DJ. Her friend Nate as well as all the other high school students in her Wisconsin town find themselves being put in to trouble, with a few actually dying because of NEED.   

Bystander by James Preller

Bystander by James Preller

Eric is the new kid in seventh grade. Griffin wants to be his friend. When you're new in town, it's hard to know who to hang out with—and who to avoid. Griffin seems cool, confident, and popular.

But something isn't right about Griffin. He always seems to be in the middle of bad things. And if Griffin doesn't like you, you'd better watch your back. There might be a target on it.

As Eric gets drawn deeper into Griffin's dark world, he begins to see the truth about Griffin: he's a liar, a bully, a thief. Eric wants to break away, do the right thing. But in one shocking moment, he goes from being a bystander . . . to the bully's next victim.  

Is "Bystander" a well written book? The answer is "no". Is it a book middle schoolers will like, appreciate, and learn from? The obvious response is "of course". This book is meant to be read-aloud to whole classes. There is lots of action, dialogue, and opportunities for students to discuss if the characters did or did not do the right thing. The premise of the book is Eric, a new student who just moved to New York, meets a rough group of boys. The leader of this group is Griffin. Griffin is charismatic, a quick thinker, and has many adults fooled into thinking he is an innocent, nice kid. In reality, Griffin is a bully who picks on students, especially a curly haired kid named David Hallenback. Eric becomes friends with Griffin and quickly becomes a bystander to these cruel incidents.....until he takes a stand against Griffin and quickly becomes the next victim. This book reads very fast and would be a good recommendation to any middle schooler.  

How They Met, And Other Stories by David Levithan

How They Met, And Other Stories by David Levithan

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes a confection from David Levithan that is sure to appeal to fans of Boy Meets Boy. Here are 18 stories, all about love, and about all kinds of love. From the aching for the one you pine for, to standing up and speaking up for the one you love, to pure joy and happiness, these love stories run the gamut of that emotion that at some point has turned every one of us inside out and upside down. What is love? With this original story collection David Levithan proves that love is a many splendored thing, a varied, complicated, addictive, wonderful thing.  

There is so much I can say about these beautifully written stories, but ultimately they just have to be read. Levithan describes the pain, beauty, and magic that can all be found when one searches and ultimately finds love. All the characters and their stories are truly relatable and cause readers to reflect on their own love stories. I can't recommend this collection enough.

True Grit by Charles Portis

True Grit by Charles Portis

Mattie Ross, 14, from Dardanelle, Arkansas, narrates half a century later, her trip in the winter of 1870s, to avenge the murder of her father. She convinces one-eyed "Rooster" Cogburn, the meanest available U.S. Marshall, to tag along, while she outdickers and outmaneuvers the hard-bitten types in her path. Basis of John Wayne movie and re-make.

After watching the remake of "True Grit", I wanted to read the original book and see how it compared. The book is fantastic, a definite American Classic. Mattie Ross is determined to avenge her father's death after he is killed by his own ranch hand Tom Chaney. She hires US Marshall Rooster Cogburn to track him down. With the help of Texas officer LaBoeuf, the three go on a western adventure that will not soon be forgotten. This book would be a great recommendation for more advanced adolescent readers. I want to watch the John Wayne version of the story next!

Forget Me Not by Carolee Dean

Forget Me Not by Carolee Dean

Ally is devastated when a scandalous photo of her is texted around school. With her reputation in shambles and her life essentially over, she hides out in a back hallway, trying to figure out where Forget Me Not" is written in verse as well as script format. Ally is a freshman girl who is used to being the center of attention. She loves the stage and frequently got cast in the lead roles over her friends Elijah and Bri. In high school all of that changes when she joins the Ravenettes Dance Squad. Ally begins secretly dating Bri's brother Davis behind his girlfriend Darla's back. When Darla discovers this, she makes Ally's life a living hell. So much so, that Ally is faced with the decision of taking her own life.
While the story becomes a bit extreme, I did like the author's use of multiple writing genres in telling the story. She varies the perspectives as well and switches between Ally, Elijah, and 3rd person script format. This would be a great book suggestion for apprehensive adolescent female readers.   everything went wrong.

Elijah has spent time in that hallway too. He landed there after taking a whole bottle of sleeping pills. Now he can see ghosts, and he knows what Ally has yet to suspect that she's already half dead, and one choice away from never coming back. Elijah has loved Ally for years and would do anything to save her from the in-between place. But if she's going to live, Ally must face her inner demons and find the will to save herself.
Forget Me Not" is written in verse as well as script format. Ally is a freshman girl who is used to being the center of attention. She loves the stage and frequently got cast in the lead roles over her friends Elijah and Bri. In high school all of that changes when she joins the Ravenettes Dance Squad. Ally begins secretly dating Bri's brother Davis behind his girlfriend Darla's back. When Darla discovers this, she makes Ally's life a living hell. So much so, that Ally is faced with the decision of taking her own life.
While the story becomes a bit extreme, I did like the author's use of multiple writing genres in telling the story. She varies the perspectives as well and switches between Ally, Elijah, and 3rd person script format. This would be a great book suggestion for apprehensive adolescent female readers.  

"Sources of Light" Book Talk Presentation by Avery 6th hour

"Framed" by Gordon Korman Book Talk Presentation by Mihir (4th hour)

Backlash by Sara Darer Littman

He says: You're an awful person.
He says: What makes you think I would ever ask you out?
He says: The world would be a better place without you in it.

Lara just got told off on Facebook.


She thought that Christian liked her, that he was finally going to ask her to his school's homecoming dance. They've been talking online for weeks, so what's with the sudden change? And where does he get off saying horrible things on her wall? Even worse - are they true?

It's been a long time since Lara's felt this bad, this depressed, this ugly. She's worked really hard to become pretty and happy - and make new friends after what happened in middle school.

Bree used to be best friends with overweight, depressed Lara, but constantly listening to Lara's issues got to be too much. Secretly, Bree's glad Christian called Lara out. Lara's not nearly as amazing as people think. But no one realized just how far Christian's harsh comments would push Lara. Not even Bree.

As online life collides with real life, things spiral out of control, and not just for Lara. Because when the truth starts to come together, the backlash is even more devastating than anyone could have ever imagined  

I thought the premise for this book was fantastic. A 15-year-old girl named Lara is friended by a senior boy named Christian. They begin corresponding back and forth on IM. While Lara has never met Christian in person, she is immediately drawn to his good looks and caring personality. When Christian suddenly turns on Lara it shocks. He writes on her wall that the world would be a better place if she were not in it. This devastates her and she tries to to commit suicide by overdosing on pills. Th I thought the premise for this book was fantastic. A 15-year-old girl named Lara is friended by a senior boy named Christian. They begin corresponding back and forth on IM. While Lara has never met Christian in person, she is immediately drawn to his good looks and caring personality. When Christian suddenly turns on Lara it shocks. He writes on her wall that the world would be a better place if she were not in it. This devastates her and she tries to to commit suicide by overdosing on pills. The ramifications of Lara's suicide attempt affects many people around her including; her sister, Sydney, parents, her former best friend, Bree, Bree's parents, and Bree's brother, Liam. While, I think the message about cyber bullying is important, I thought the book was slow moving, dull, and predictable. Nothing new is ever revealed from the middle of the book on. Ultimately, it is a big whine fest by all the different characters about how everything got so out of control. There is nothing inappropriate in the book, so it is fine to recommend to female adolescents.

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

 I’ve known it since last night:
It’s been too long to expect them to return.
Something’s happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor’s Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it’s hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May’s memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she’s determined to find her way home again.

Caroline Starr Rose’s fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

"May B" is a fantastic historical fiction book for adolescents. It is written in verse and tells the tale of a 12-year-old girl who finds herself alone on the Kansas prairie in a sod home. May is sent to work for a young married couple. When the wife runs off, the husband chases after her. Neither of them return and May is left alone and trying to survive. For such a simple story, it has enough suspense and flashbacks to keep the plot interesting. There are also plenty of new vocabulary words that students can look up and learn. A definite must-read!

This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

A debut middle grade novel about a girl named Ratchet and her quest to make a friend, save a park, and find her own definition of normal. Ratchet tells her story through the assignments in her homeschool journal.


If only getting a new life were as easy as getting a new notebook.
But it's not.

It's the first day of school for all the kids in the neighborhood. But not for me. I'm homeschooled. That means nothing new. No new book bag, no new clothes, and no friends – old or new. The best I've got is this notebook. I'm supposed to use it for my writing assignments, but my dad never checks. Here's what I'm really going to use it for:

Ratchet's Top Secret Plan
Project Goal: turn my old, recycled, freakish, friendless, motherless life into something shiny and new.

This year, I'm going make something change.

I gave this book 4 stars not because I personally found it entertaining, but because I think apprehensive struggling readers will definitely like it. "This Journal Belongs to Ratchet" is about a girl named Rachel...aka Ratchet, who is homeschooled by her eccentric mechanic father. The two of them are always moving into fixed users and because of this, Ratchet has never had a true friend. Through a variety of different writing assignments ranging from poetry , to essays and even freewrites.......Ratchet lays out a plan in which she learns about her late mother, makes a real friend, and tries to save Moss Tree Park from being cut down and turned into a strip mall. The variety of writing styles makes the book flow very quickly and the plot will keep readers hooked.

 Three Times Lucky by Shelila Turnage

A hilarious Southern debut with the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime

Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.

Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee.  

All in all this was a fun book to read because of the quirky characters, unique voices, and wide variety of humor. Moses....aka Mo, is a 6th grader who lives with her "adoptive" parents; the Colonel and Miss Lana. They found Mo floating in the river after her mother sent her down river as a baby. Mo's friend, Dale helps her try to solve the case of who killed Mr. Jesse. The more the two discover, the more complex the case becomes and other people start to go missing. I would recommend this title to more mature adolescent readers due to the dialects and description of Southern culture. Definitely a fun setting.....but the plot starts to drag about half way through.  This book can be found in the Evans IMC.

 Head Games by Mariah Fredericks

Reality? I'd give it a C-.

That's what fifteen-year-old Judith Ellis thinks, anyway. Reality is her former best friend not talking to her this year. Reality is her dad living three thousand miles away. Reality is what happened outside 158 West Seventy-first Street, New York City.

To Judith, fantasy rules. Particularly in the Game, which she plays online with a bunch of strangers she knows only as the Witch, the Drunken Warrior, and Irgan the Head Case. In the gaming world it's strictly alternative identities. No one knows who you are, no one gets too close.

But one player in the Game is coming after her -- and he's a lot closer than Judith guesses.

Close enough to see her, close enough to talk with her.

Close enough to like her.

"Head Games" started very strong and I was intrigued by Judith's ability to live in reality and in her virtual world online. When she is almost killed off in her virtual video game, Judith becomes intrigued and curious about the player who almost took her out. Surprisingly this "online player" is actually quite close in proximity in Judith' real world. Later in the book, we discover more about Judith's background and why she lost a close girlfriend. The book just has too many problems and internal struggles for the protagonist. It became difficult to buy into Judith's issues. We also are left very confused as to whether or not she has really worked through them. The ending felt very rushed. This book can be found in Mrs. Brown's classroom library.

 Ghostly Gallery by Alfred Hitchcock 

"Good evening, and welcome to Alfred Hitchock's Ghostly Gallery..." So begins the introduction to this marvelous book for young readers presented by none other than the master of the macabre himself, Alfred Hitchcock. Following his invitation to "browse through my gallery", readers will find ghoulish ghost stories "designed to frighten and instruct" -- instruct, that is, about the strange existence ghosts must endure! Stories include Miss Emmeline Takes Off by Walter Brooks; The Valley of the Beasts by Algernon Blackwood; The Haunted Trailer by Robert Arthur; The Truth About Pyecraft by H.G. Wells; The Isle of Voices by Robert Louis Stevenson; and more. Parents and kids can't help but chuckle at Hitchcock's comment, "I don't want to appear disloyal to television, but I think reading will be good for you." Contains some very spooky two-color illustrations by Fred Banbery.  

I positively loved this collection of haunting ghost stories compiled by the one and only Alfred Hitchcock. Some stories were better than others, but all were written superbly. Some of my favorites included "The Haunted Trailer" by Robert Arthur, "The Truth About Pyecraft" by H.G. Wells, and my favorite...."The Waxwork" by A.M. Burrage. What I especially like is how the book introduces students to classic authors from the literary cannon. Each story can be read in one sitting or class period. There are creepy drawings to go with some of the scenes as well. I highly recommend this book!

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

Ten-year-old Zoe Elias has perfect piano dreams. She can practically feel the keys under her flying fingers; she can hear the audience's applause. All she needs is a baby grand so she can start her lessons, and then she'll be well on her way to Carnegie Hall.

But when Dad ventures to the music store and ends up with a wheezy organ instead of a piano, Zoe's dreams hit a sour note. Learning the organ versions of old TV theme songs just isn't the same as mastering Beethoven on the piano. And the organ isn't the only part of Zoe's life in Michigan that's off-kilter, what with Mom constantly at work, Dad afraid to leave the house, and that odd boy, Wheeler Diggs, following her home from school every day.

Yet when Zoe enters the annual Perform-O-Rama organ competition, she finds that life is full of surprises--and that perfection may be even better when it's just a little off center.

A positively adorable book about an 11-year-old girl named Zoe Elias who dreams of playing the piano at Carnegie Hall and being labeled a prodigy. When her dad goes to buy a piano, he ends up purchasing a D-60 organ instead. Nothing ever goes quite perfect for Zoe because she must deal with girl-drama at school and the harassment of a boy named Wheeler. Lots of humor in this quick read. I would highly recommend this title to apprehensive female readers.  This book can found in Mrs. Brown's classroom library.              

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Kek comes from Africa. In America he sees snow for the first time, and feels its sting. He's never walked on ice, and he falls. He wonders if the people in this new place will be like the winter - cold and unkind.

In Africa, Kek lived with his mother, father, and brother. But only he and his mother have survived, and now she's missing. Kek is on his own. Slowly, he makes friends: a girl who is in foster care; an old woman who owns a rundown farm, and a cow whose name means "family" in Kek's native language. As Kek awaits word of his mother's fate, he weathers the tough Minnesota winter by finding warmth in his new friendships, strength in his memories, and belief in his new country.

Bestselling author Katherine Applegate presents a beautifully wrought novel about an immigrant's journey from hardship to hope.

"Home of the Brave" is about a young boy named Kek who is brought to the United States to live with his aunt and cousin, Ganwar. Kek must leave his home country of Sudan after his brother and father are killed in a vicious attack. Kek is unsure if his mother is alive or dead and is overwhelmed by the sheer vastness and fast-paced world of Minnesota. When Kek sees an old cow at a nearby farm he starts to feel more at home and realizes that helping others may be just what he needs to escape the nightmares from Sudan. It is a fast paced book written in free-verse. It will appeal to both male and female students who are apprehensive about reading or just looking for a quick read.  

The Prank by Ashley Rae Harris

By the time I looked up, he had already fallen off the roof. And then I heard this wailing sound. It sounded like a girl crying. Pranks make Jordan nervous. But when a group of popular kids invite her along on a series of practical jokes, she doesnt turn them down. As the pranks begin to go horribly wrong, Jordan and her crush Charlie work to discover the cause of the accidents. Is the spirit of a prank victim who died twenty years earlier to blame?

"The Prank" is targeted for struggling adolescent readers. I still had to give the book one star because the writing was so poor. The characters are underdeveloped, the explanation behind the apparent "ghost" is unclear, and the reactions from the adults and students to death are unrealistic. Jordan is a junior who wishes she were part of the in-crowd. When Briony invites her to help take part in some Homecoming pranks against a rival school, Jordan can hardly resist. Unfortunately, horrible things start to happen to the teens and it may be because of a ghost. A corny book to say the least, but still one that I will recommend to lower level students because of its short length and lower Lexile.

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List:
1. Run for pep club secretary
2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree
3. Sew a dress for Homecoming
4. Find a steady
5. Do something dangerous
But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.

When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy has been cheating on her with a girl online she is devastated. Mallory thought Jeremy really cared about her, but had actually been carrying on a secret romance on the side. So Mallory decides to follow a list that her grandmother wrote in 1962. Some things on her list include: starting a pep club, sewing her own homecoming dress, finding a steady, etc. In addition, Mallory decides to abandon ALL technology that did not exist in the 1960s. This means no computers, Internet, cellphones, microwaves, and modern clothes. Throughout this process, Mallory discovers more about herself and the people around her than she ever thought possible. This is a fantastic book recommendation for adolescent females. The story idea is original, funny, and really makes you think about whether technology has been helpful or hurtful to our society. Fun book, but could have been a little bit shorter as the plot development drags in some parts.  

Kerosene by Chris Wooding

A novel of rage, confusion, and release from an extraordinary young author.

"Kerosene" is about a high school boy named, Cal. Cal is shy, awkward, and ignored by his peers. His only friend is Joel, who he has known since childhood. Unfortunately, even Joel is pulling away and hanging around with a tougher group of young men. When the school's most popular girl named Emma and a new girl named Abby play a trick on Cal, it becomes more than he can bear. In fact, Cal turns to fire as a way to cope with his problems. His obsession with fire starts to get out of control. I liked how the plot left me guessing about what would happen next. The "fire" themed chapters provide the reader with an opportunity to predict about what will happen in the plot. The theme of the book also illustrates how people can be pushed to their limit with devastating results.  This title can be found in Mrs. Brown's classroom library.

Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Greg Gaines is the last master of high school espionage, able to disappear at will into any social environment. He has only one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time making movies, their own incomprehensible versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics.

Until Greg’s mother forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel.

Rachel has been diagnosed with leukemia—-cue extreme adolescent awkwardness—-but a parental mandate has been issued and must be obeyed. When Rachel stops treatment, Greg and Earl decide the thing to do is to make a film for her, which turns into the Worst Film Ever Made and becomes a turning point in each of their lives.

And all at once Greg must abandon invisibility and stand in the spotlight.  

Where do I even start???? This book made me laugh, cry, and held my attention the entire time. "Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl" is about Greg who is a senior in high school. Throughout his entire educational career, Greg has tried to remain invisible. He doesn't like excessive attention, he doesn't want to be labeled as part of any particular social clique, and dislikes school. Greg has always struggled when it comes to girls and ultimately makes a fool of himself in front of them by talking about alien barf or something of that nature. Greg's only "sort-of" friend is a black student named Earl. The two boys discovered the art of film-making after watching a German foreign language film that belonged to Greg's dad when they were in elementary school. As kids, Greg and Earl start re-making some of these films as well as creating new films of their own. When Greg's mom tells him that a fellow classmate of his, Rachel, is dying from leukemia he is coerced in spending time with her to make her feel better. Ultimately, spending time with Rachel is going to change Greg's life forever......and possibly not in a good way.
Don't confuse this book with John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars". There is no real deep revelation or sappy scenes to endure. The subject of death is handled in such a unique and comedic way by author, Jesse Andrews. The F-word is used multiple times and there are some crude sexual jokes, but they are necessary in helping to build the characterization of Greg and Earl. I LOVED this book and will definitely be seeing the movie ASAP. This book will be recommended to my more mature students. Definitely a great high school title.