Young
Adult
Novels
Young Adult
Literature Fall 2010
Wendy West
Title/Author: Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
#of Pages: 192
ISBN: 978-0-375-83531-5
Genre: Fiction
Themes: rock musicians, teenage romance, second chances
Summary: One night in NYC, Nick and Norah meet while searching for their
favorite band “Where’s Fluffy”. Told in alternating chapters, you get both Nick
and Norah’s perspective of what goes on that night. Nick, the straight bass player
in a gay band is trying to get over his girlfriend. Norah is the straight laced
daughter of a music executive who seems to take care of everyone but herself. A
music connotation runs throughout the story line and helps you weave your way
through the up and down relationships of these teenagers.
Opinion: There is a lot of foul language in this book, but it is a good story about
both the female and male perspectives on relationships and how girls and boys
approach dating. I think this book will speak to a lot of teenagers. The music
aspect only enhances its appeal.
If you like this you might like:
Born to Rock by Gordon Korman
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Beige by Cecil Castellucci
Recommendation: Grades 10-12
Awards: none
Bibliography: Cohn, Rachel, and David Levithan. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.
New York, NY: Knopf, 2006. Print.
Title/Author: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
#of pages: 304
ISBN: 978-1-4391-5696-4
Genre: Nonfiction
Themes: dysfunctional families, growing up, child neglect
Summary: This is a memoir of Jeanette Wall’s life. It begins with a trip to the
hospital because she was burned at age 3 while cooking a hot dog. This is a window
into her dysfunctional childhood and how she and her siblings find their way out of
poverty and abuse. Her father is an alcoholic with big dreams. It is obvious that
he loves his children, but he can’t overcome his disease to provide for his family.
Her mother is an educated woman with a teaching degree, but chooses to pursue
her art. The family moves from place to place therefore the relationships she
makes are never concrete. She helps her sister and brother raise enough money to
get away from the family. Her younger sister is taken care of by neighbors. In
the end, the youngest child is the only one that lives like her parents.
Opinion: This book was difficult to read at times, because as a parent, I always
put my children’s needs above my own. These parents put their needs before their
children. I don’t think that teenagers would get the same feeling. I think
teenagers would identify with Jeannette and her struggle to make more of herself
than was expected by her parents.
If you like this you might like:
Finding Fish by Antwone Quenton Fisher
Borrowed Finery by Paula Fox
A Child Called “It” by David J. Pelzer
Recommendation: Grades 9-12
Awards: American Library Association ALEX Award, 2006;American Library
Association Notable Books, Nonfiction, 2006;The New York Times Notable Books
List, Nonfiction, 2005;King County Library System, Evergreen Young Adult Book
Award
Bibliography: Walls, Jeannette.The Glass Castle. New York, NY: Scribner, 2005.
Print.
Title/Author: Knights of the Hill Country by Tim Tharp
#of pages: 240
ISBN: 9780375836534
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: high school football, teenage boys, small town life
Summary: The Kennisaw Knights of Oklahoma have a tradition of a winning
football team, and Hampton happens to be one of their star players. He knows that
football is his ticket to college. His best friend, who used to be a star player
before a knee injury is hot headed and is pissed at the world because he thought
that football was his ticket out of the hill country. He is ready to drag Hampton
down with him. Hampton likes a smart but unpopular girl, Sara. You will want to
continue reading to find out if Hampton stays loyal to his friend or goes out with
Sara.
Opinion: I liked this story, because I grew up on football. I can see how teens
may relate to the social group that Hampton is in and how he tries to break free. I
think boys and girls alike would be interested in this book.
If you like this you might like:
Keeper by Mal Peet
City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Recommendation: Grades 8-12
Awards: ALA Best Books for Young Adults- Winner 2007
Bibliography: Tharp, Tim. The Knights of the Hill Country. New York, NY: Knopf,
2006. Print.
Title/Author: Heartbeat by Sharon Creech
#of pages: 208
ISBN: 100060540249
Genre: Poetry
Themes: running, family relationships, friendship
Summary: This is the story of a twelve year old girl told in stanzas. She is a runner. She
finds peace in running barefoot. Her mother is pregnant and her grandfather, who lives
with them, is dying. Her friend and the track coach encourage her to join the track team.
They don’t understand that running is her way to find peace and she could never imagine
competing because she feels it may ruin the special magic she finds when running.
Throughout the story, Annie learns to be excited about the new baby and accept the
passing of her beloved grandfather.
Opinion: This is a touching story told in a few words. You really get to know Annie and
feel the rhythm of her life and her passion for running. It would be good for students
trying to find out who they are or accepting themselves for who they are.
If you like this you might like:
Blue Heron by Avi
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Pate
Recommendation: Grades 5-9
Awards: Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2004
Bibliography: Creech, Sharon. Heartbeat. New York, NY: Harper Collins, 2004.
Print.
Title/Author: The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
#of pages: 384
ISBN: 9780060766184
Genre: Fiction
Themes: witches, good vs. evil, supernatural
Summary: This is the first book in a series about the Last Apprentice. This first
story introduces you to Thomas Ward, the seventh son of a seventh son. The
youngest son of a farmer, he must leave home to find a job and make his own way in
the world. His mother believes that he has a special gift and releases him to Old
Gregory who is the local Spook that rids the county of evil. Tom passes the first
test of the Spook, but can he become the next Spook? His first encounter with a
young girl in pointy shoes, might be the end of this apprentice. Tom must learn
quickly how to fight the forces of evil, or he will surely die.
Opinion: This is a great scary book without being too scary. Boys and girls will
both enjoy this tale of witches, boggarts, ghosts and ghasts. It is good versus evil
at its best. Students will enjoy the extra pages in the back that is Tom’s journal.
If you like this you might like:
The Pinhoe Egg by Dianne Wynne Jones
Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones
The Seer of Shadows by Avi
Recommendation: Grades 5-8
Awards: ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
Bibliography: Delaney, Joseph. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch. New
York, NY: Harper Trophy, 2006. Print.
Title/Author: Gathering Blue
#of pages: 240
ISBN: 9780618055814
Genre: Fiction
Themes: dystopias, futurism, girl with disability
Summary: After Kira watches her mother’s spirit float away at the Leaving Field,
the guardians decide that she has something to contribute to the people. Kira
becomes a weaver of the singers robe. Kira must learn to dye threads from an old
woman, and her friend Matt comes along on her walks to see the old woman. Kira
makes a friend in her new home, who is the carver of the staff. As the story
unravels, Kira finds that what she thought was true, may not be. Will she leave her
important position as the weaver?
Opinion: This book was slow building, but I wanted to continue reading to see
what would happen next to Kira. It would be a great book to use if you are teaching
dystopias, or utopias.
If you like this you might like:
Madapple by Christina Meldrum
Truesight by David Stahler
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Recommendation: Grades 5-9
Awards: Booklist Editors’ Choice: 2000
America Bookseller “Pick of the Lists”: 2000
NY Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading: 2000
Bibliography: Lowry, Lois. Gathering Blue. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 2000.
Print.
Title/Author: The Twilight Graphic Novel
#of pages: 224
ISBN: 9781905654666
Genre: Graphic Novel
Themes: vampires, first love, secrets
Summary: A graphic telling of the popular “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer. This
story follows Bella as she moves to Seattle to live with her dad as her mother
begins a new life with her stepfather. As Bella makes her transition in Seattle she
meets Edward who is not what he appears. The tension that grows between the
two is palpable. This graphic novel only covers part of Twilight.
Opinion: Twilight is a very popular series for middle and high schools students.
This is a great alternative for young middle school readers. If you are a Twilight
fan, you will like this graphic depiction and you’ll want to know when Vol.2 will be
published.
If you like this you might like:
The Remaining Sunlight by Andi Watson
The Turning by Terry M. West Love Roma by Minoru Toyoda
Recommendation: Grades 5-10
Awards: none
Bibliography: Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight The Graphic Novel Volume 1. New York,
NY: Yen Press, 2005. Print.
Title/Author: American Born Chinese
#of pages: 240
ISBN: 0606144846
Genre: Graphic Novel
Themes: misfits, racism, stereotypes
Summary: American Born Chinese is three stories that come together at the end
to make one cohesive story. The first story is about the monkey king. He feels he
has to prove himself to the people in heaven. He studies many levels of kung fu and
no longer believes himself to be a monkey. The second story is about Jin Wang.
Jin Wang moves to a new neighborhood where he is the only Chinese-American. He
is picked on by bullies because he is different. He falls in love with an American
girl. The third story is about Chin-Kee. Chin-Kee is the epitome of the Chinese
stereotype. He goes to visit his cousin Danny. Danny is totally embarrassed by his
cousin. The three stories come together to tell the truth.
Opinion: This was a quick read that made me laugh. The stereotypes came out
loud and clear. Teenagers will relate to the social situations.
If you like this you might like:
Fagin Jew by Will Eisner,
Drawing a blank, or, How I tried to solve a mystery, end a feud, and land the girl of
my dreams by Daniel Ehrenhaft
Queen Bee by Chyna Clugston-Major
Recommendation: Grades 7-12
Awards: 2007 The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult
Literature
Bibliography: Yang, Gene. American Born Chinese. Saint Louis, MO: San Val, 2009. Print.
Title/Author: Milkweed
#of pages: 240
ISBN: 9780786261468
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: ghettos, Poland-Jews, Nazis, orphan boys
Summary: Milkweed is about an orphan boy in Warsaw in 1939. He doesn’t know
his name, but he survives on the streets by stealing food. Uri helps the boy survive
and stay safe from the jackboots and names the boy Misha. Misha travels to a
ghetto with a family that he has attached himself to.
Opinion: This is a poignant story of the life in Warsaw during the Nazi reign.
Since it is being told through the eyes of a child, most of the details of the
horrors of that time are not as graphic.
If you like this you might like:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Run Boy Run by Uri Orlev
The Man From the Other Side by Uri Orlev
Recommendation: Grades 5-12
Awards: Booklist Editors’ Choice 2003
Carolyn W.Field Award (Pennsylvania), Golden Kite Award: Fiction
Bibliography: Spinelli, Jerry. Milkweed. New York, NY: Random House, 2003. Print.
Title/Author: Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn
#of pages: 192
ISBN: 9780618665457
Genre: Ghost Story
Themes: family secrets, ghosts, family relationships
Summary:
Opinion:
If you like this you might like:
The Secret of Laurel Oaks by Lois Ruby
Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood
The Spendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Recommendation: Grades 6-8
Awards: Georgia Children’s Book Award: Children’s Book Award 2010
Golden Sower Awards(Nebraska): Grades 4-6 2010
Grand Canyon Reader Award(Arizona): Intermediate Book
Indian Paintbrush Book Award (Wyoming)
Land of Enchantment Book Award (New Mexico): Young Adult category
Mark Twain Award (Missouri)
Bibliography: Hahn, Mary Downing. Deep and Dark and Dangerous. New York, NY:
Houghton Mifflin, 2007. Print.
Title/Author: Look for me by moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn
#of pages: 208
ISBN: 0547076169
Genre: Ghost(vampire) story
Themes: blended families, haunted hotels, vampires
Summary:
Opinion:
If you like this you might like:
Someone Else’s Ghost by Margaret Buffie
Haunted by Meg Cabot
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Recommendation: Grades 6-10
Awards: YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 1996
Bibliography: Hahn, Mary Downing. Look For Me By Moonlight. New York, NY:
Houghton Mifflin, 1995. Print.
Title/Author: Breath by Donna Jo Napoli
#of pages: 260
ISBN: 9780689861741
Genre: Historical Fiction (folktale)
Themes: witchcraft, cystic fibrosis, suspicion
Summary: This is a twist on the Pied Piper. The main character, Salz is not much
help on his family’s farm due to a strange illness that makes him have
uncontrollable coughing fits. After their animals become sick, many of the villagers
become sick as well, almost mad and no one can figure out why. The village is then
infested with rats. Salz has no symptoms and the villagers aren’t sure if he is
immune because of his coughing sickness or he is the cause of the sickness. To
prove himself, he travels to Turkey to find the piper who is said to be able to get
rid of the rats. The piper does come and plays a tune to remove the rats from
Hameln. When the villagers refuse to pay the piper what they offered he plays a
tune to dance the children away from the village. When Salz realizes it is the grain
that has made everyone sick, he refuses to eat it and goes on a quest to return the
children of Hameln.
Opinion: I love folktales and fairytales told with a twist. This story especially
touches my heart because the main character has cystic fibrosis. I do wish that
this was stated before reading instead of the end of the book. Students might be
able to understand Salz’s difficulties, if this was known upfront. Throughout the
story I was trying to solve the mystery with Salz, what was causing the sickness.
This might be a good read for a health class.
If you like this you might like:
The Ratastrophe Catastrophe by David Lee Stone
Scarlet Moon by Debbie Viguie
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Recommendation: Grades 8-12
Awards: Golden Kite Honor Book
YALSA Best Books For Young Adults 2004
Bibliography: Napoli, Donna Jo. Breath. New York , NY: Atheneum Books for Young
Readers, 2003. Print.
Title/Author: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
#of pages: 368
ISBN: 9780446567329
Genre: Fiction
Themes: military service, long distance romance, special education
Summary: John is home visiting his father during time off from the army, when
he meets Savannah. They fall in love. Savannah promises to wait for John while he
finishes his tour of duty. After 9/11, John decides he must re-enlist. Savannah
tries to wait for John, but falls in love and gets married to another man. When
John leaves the army, he feels he must see Savannah to find some closure. He is
shocked to see who she has married and what her life is like.
Opinion: This is a love story and a heartbreaker as well. It is interesting because
you learn from John how he has learned to cope without a mother and a father
that may have Aspergers. It deals with growing up, learning about yourself and
your parents and making decisions. It was made into a movie in 2009.
If you like this you might like:
Losing Julia by Jonathan Hull
All You Need Is Love by Emily Franklin
Recommendation: Grades 10-12
Awards: none
Bibliography: Sparks, Nicholas. Dear John. New York, NY: Warner Books, 2006.
Print.
Title/Author: Briar Rose by Jane Yolen
#of pages: 224
ISBN: 0-765-34230-8
Genre: fantasy/historical fiction
Themes: holocaust survivors, heroes, family secrets
Summary: Becca’s Gemma(grandmother) often tells her and her sisters the story
of sleeping beauty. On her death bed, Gemma claims to be the princess. With a
few clues, Becca sets off to find out if she is royalty. When she gets to Poland
she meets some key players that can tell her the true story. Gemma did stay in a
castle. It was where the Nazis brought the Jews to die. Becca learns of the
courage of those that survived the holocaust and learns about her own strengths.
Opinion: I really liked this book. I love the way the author weaved the story of
sleeping beauty throughout the story. It is a touching tale of the true heroes of
war. It would be a great story to share if a class is studying the holocaust.
If you like this you might like:
Snow White, Blood Red by
Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip
Jack the Giant Killer by Charles DeLint
Recommendation: 9-12
Awards: Mythopoeic Award:1993, YALSA 100 Best Books(1950-2000),
YALSA Outstanding Book for the College Bound: Fiction 1999
Bibliography: Yolen, Jane. Briar Rose. New York, NY: MacMillan, 2002. Print.
Title/Author: Breathless by Pam Withers
#of pages: 101
ISBN: 1435293541
Genre: Realistic Fiction Hi/Lo
Themes: self-esteem in teenage girls, scuba diving, dieting, first loves
Summary: Beverly is spending her vacation with her uncle in Hawaii where he runs
a diving shop. Beverly promises herself that she will lose 10 pounds and find a boy
while on vacation. In order to lose the weight, she chooses not to eat. Lack of
food leads to lack of energy which affects her diving ability. She does meet a boy,
but he moves a little too fast for Beverly. How does she say “no” without looking
stupid.
Opinion: I thought this book was a little predictable. It was a good quick read. I
can see how many girls could relate to Beverly and her desire to lose weight quickly
to attract a boy. Since in the end, she decides that she needs to be true to
herself, this would be a good book to share with young girls dealing with self
identity issues. There is a romantic scene that would cause me to only share it
with high school students.
If you like this you might like:
Sewer Rats by Sigmund Brouwer
I am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak
Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares
Recommendation: Grades 9-12
Awards: none
Bibliography: Withers, Pam. Breathless. Newton, KS: Paw Prints, 2008. Print.
Title/Author: Hurricane Song by Paul Volponi
#of pages: 136
ISBN: 9780670061600
Genre: Fiction Hi/Lo
Themes: hurricane Katrina, survival, family relationships
Summary: Miles leaves Chicago to live with his father in New Orleans.
His father, who is a jazz musician, pays little attention to Miles’ aspirations to play
football. When the mayor of New Orleans calls for an evacuation, Miles and his
father and uncle go to the Superdome to wait out Hurricane Katrina. What takes
place in the Superdome is unreal, just like the pictures we saw coming out of New
Orleans at the time. Miles and his father learn a lot about each other and become
closer during their journey.
Opinion: I liked this book, even though the events that take place were
disturbing. Even though it is fiction, it brings to light some of the real events that
took place before and after Hurricane Katrina. The relationship between Miles and
his father was believable. There is violence in this book; therefore I would only
share it with mature 8th graders and high school students.
If you like this you might like:
Tyrell by Coe Booth
Memory Boy by Will Weaver
Recommendation: Grades 8-12
Awards: YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults: Hard Knock Life 2010
Bibliography: Volponi, Paul. Hurricane Song. New York, NY: Viking, 2008. Print.
Title/Author: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
#of pages:
ISBN: 9780316013680
Genre: Fiction (recorded book)
Themes: Native American teenage boys, race relations, identity
Summary: Junior is a Native American Indian that decides to leave his
reservation school and attend an all white farm town high school. Kids on the
reservation see him as a traitor. Junior is determined to succeed throughout this
dark humor tale.
Opinion: I had a very difficult time finishing this recorded book. The author is
the person reading the book, and he has an unusual voice. It was very distracting.
I had to go back and read part of the book, because I had a hard time focusing to
the content. I would recommend that you read this story and not listen to the
recorded version.
If you like this you might like:
Looking for Alaska by John Green
One Hundred Demons by Lynda Barry
Fat Kid Rules the World by Kelly L. Going
Recommendation: Grades 8-12
Awards: New York Times Notable Books-Children’s Books: 2007
School Library Journal Best Books: 2007
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2008
YALSA Outstanding Books for the College Bound- History and Cultures: 2009
YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults: Hard Knock Life 2010
Bibliography: Alexi, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York,
NY: Hatchette Book Group, 2008. CD-ROM.
Title/Author: Foiled by Jane Yolen
#of pages: 160
ISBN: 9781596432796
Genre: Graphic Novel
Themes: fencing, teenage girl misfits, imaginary creatures
Summary: This is Jane Yolen’s first attempt at the graphic genre. Aliera is an
outcast who isn’t sure where she fits in. Her passion is fencing. When a cute boy,
Avery, shows interest, Aliera is sure what to do. Their planned meeting in Grand
Central Station turns into a huge surprise for Aliera. She sees things she doesn’t
believe and the yard sale foil that her mother bought her holds the key to her new
future.
Opinion: I was quite surprised by the turn of events in this story. It started as a
teenage misfit story to a fantasy. The reason I like to read is because it takes me
to another place, and this book delivers that for teens.
If you like this you might like:
The Book of Ballads by Charles Vess
W.i.t.c.h. :Power of Friendship by Elizabeth Lenhard
The Merchant of Death: A Pendragon Graphic Novel by D.J. MacHale
Recommendation: 6-12
Awards: none
Bibliography: Yolen, Jane. Foiled. 1st ed. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press, 2010.
Print.
Title/Author: The Redheaded Princess by Ann Rinaldi
#of pages: 224
ISBN: 9780060733742
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Queen Elizabeth I, teenage girls, rulers
Summary: This story follows young Elizabeth as she learns how to become a ruler
of men. Although this is fiction, the people and events are true. Young Elizabeth
lives in fear, but must negotiate her way to become Queen.
Opinion: I loved this peek into the life of the young princess. I think teens will
relate to Elizabeth as she tries to fit in and show her strength without be
censored by her father. Rinaldi writes other historical fiction about famous girls.
I can’t wait to read more.
If you like this you might like:
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan
Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli
Recommendation: Grades 6-9
Awards: none
Bibliography: Rinaldi, Ann. The Redheaded Princess. New York, NY: HarperCollins,
2008. Print.
Title/Author: All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn
#of pages: 182
ISBN: 9780618854677
Genre: Fiction
Themes: haunted houses, child abuse victims, practical jokes
Summary: Travis, a thirteen year old boy, tells this story about his summer
vacation. Travis and his sister, Corey, self proclaimed “bad ones” go to live with
their grandmother at the Fox Hill Inn. When their grandmother bought the inn, it
was suppose to be haunted, but grandmother does not believe in ghosts. In order
to attract more guests, Travis and Corey decide to show the guests that ghosts
are at the inn. Corey dresses all in white and tricks guests into thinking that the
ghosts have returned. But, the real ghosts are awakened by all of the commotion.
Travis and Corey learn from the “bad ones” that the inn was once a poor farm.
Sixty-seven people died at the hands of the evil owners especially Miss Ada who
beat and punished the boys horribly until they died. Miss Ada eventually hung
herself in the grove behind the inn. Travis and Corey must complete three tasks
before the “bad ones” can rest. They must find the book with the names of the
deceased, label their graves with grave markers and exorcise Miss Ada. Travis and
Corey must go from being mischievous kids to socially responsible in one summer.
When they understand the injustice that the “bad ones” have gone through, they
realize they must help them. This understanding changes Travis and Corey
forever.
Opinion: Hahn
If you like this you might like:
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Something Upstairs by Avi
Jade Green by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Recommendation: Grades 4-7
Awards: Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Choice Book Award (Illinois)
Bibliography: Hahn, Mary Downing. All the Lovely Bad Ones. New York, NY: Houghton
Mifflin, 2008. Print.
Title/Author: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
#of pages: 304
ISBN: 9780525421580
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: homosexuality, depression, friendship
Summary: This is the story of two teenagers with the same name. One will
Grayson is straight with a best friend named Tiny. The other is gay and is trying
to discover who he is when a close friend betrays him. The two Will Grayson’s
meet by chance in Chicago where their lives intertwine. Tiny is working on a
musical based on his life and ensnares both Will Grayson’s into his world.
Opinion: I thought this book was funny but insightful. I think a lot of teenagers
will relate to the characters.
If you like this you might like:
Freak Show by James St. James
Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Totally Joe by James Howe
Recommendation: Grades 9-12
Awards: none
Bibliography: Green, John, and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York, NY:
Penguin, 2010. Print.
Title/Author: Marcelo in the Real World
#of pages: 312
ISBN: 9780545054744
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Autistic teenagers, injustice, interpersonal relationships
Summary: Marcelo, who has Asperger’s is working in his father’s law firm for the
summer. If he does well in the “real world” he will be allowed to continue school at
Paterson, a special school. Marcelo wants to go to Paterson, because he feels he
fits in and is allowed time to think and indulge in his topic of choice which is
religion and he can listen to his inner music. Marcelo works in the mailroom and
gets to know Jasmine. Marcelo learns how to get along in the “real world” and has
feelings and thoughts he doesn’t know how to handle. In the end, Marcelo learns a
lot about himself and the world.
Opinion: I liked the first person perspective. It is an insight in to how a person
with Asperger’s might think and act. My nephew has Asperger’s and I could relate
to Marcelo’s fears and perseverations. I think students will relate to Marcelo as
well.
If you like this you might like:
Livve Owen Lived Here by Sarah Dooley
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Recommendation: Grades 8-12
Awards:
Booklist Editor’s Choice-Books for Youth-Older Readers Category: 2009
Schneider Family Book Awards(Teens-ages 13-18)
School Library Journal Best Books- 2009
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults- 2010
Bibliography: Stork, Francisco X. Marcelo in the Real World. New York, NY: Scholastic,
2009. Print.
Title/Author: Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
#of pages: 326
ISBN: 9780060734091
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Themes: self-acceptance, self-perception, deception
Summary: Aza lives in a land where beauty and singing is all important. Aza has a
beautiful voice but is not considered beautiful. She finds a way to throw her voice,
a skill she calls illusing. She meets a duchess at her family owned inn, who asks her
to go with her to the King’s wedding at the palace. While at the palace she meets
and falls in love with the prince. The queen to be involves Aza in her plan to fool
the king. She threatens the life of Aza’s family, so she has no choice. When they
are discovered Aza must flee the palace to save herself. Throughout her
adventures, Aza learns the importance of self confidence.
Opinion: Many young girls will be able to relate to Aza’s self conscious behavior.
If you like this you might like:
Beastly by Alex Flinn
The New Policeman by Kate Thompson
Mira, Mirror by Mette Ivie Harrison
Recommendation: Grades 6-12
Awards:
Booklist Editor’s Choice-Books for Youth-Older Readers Category:2006
School Library Journal Best Books: 2006
Bibliography: Levine, Gail Carson. Fairest. New York, NY: Scholastic, 2008. Print.
Title/Author: Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch
#of pages: 250
ISBN:
9780805066869
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: immigration, Irish Americans, Early 1900’s workers
Summary: Ashes of Roses is the story about Rose Nolan. She and her family
arrived on Ellis Island in 1911 from Ireland. Her younger brother is turned away
due to an eye infection. Her father decides to go back to Ireland with him and
return as soon as the boy is better and he can earn enough wages to pay for
passage. Rose, her mother and he two younger sisters go to live with their father’s
brother in New York. Unfortunately, their uncle’s new wife and daughters do not
like them living with them. Rose’s mother and youngest sister return to Ireland
and leave Rose and Maureen in New York to fend for themselves. Rose sees
America as a land of opportunity and is happy she does not have to return to
Ireland. She goes to work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company sewing women’s
clothing. There is a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company; Rose and Maureen
barely escape with their lives. Even though Rose is scared and penniless, she
decides to stay in New York and start over. Rose learns a lot about herself and
her strength of character.
Opinion: I really enjoyed this story about Rose and her family. Rose had to work
against adversity to make her way in America. The work at the Triangle Shirtwaist
Company and the working dynamics was interesting. This book would be great to
use when discussing unions and the early 1900’s.
If you like this you might like:
Dragon’s Gate by Laurence Yep
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The Escape From Home by Avi
Recommendation: Grades 6-12
Awards: Amelia Bloomer Lists- Young Adult Fiction: 2003
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2003
Bibliography: Auch, Mary Jane. Ashes of Roses. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company,
2002. Print.
Title/Author: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
#of pages: 192
ISBN: 9780316125581
Genre: Fiction
Themes: teenage vampires, boy/girl relationships
Summary: Bree Tanner is a new vampire that is searching for ways to quench her
new thirst for blood without causing trouble with the other young vampires. Bree
is not sure who to trust, but finds a friend in Diego. Diego and Bree discover that
they don’t need to hide in the basement with the other vampires, but they can’t run
around in the sun either. Their leader Riley has lied to them about the sun causing
death, so what else is he lying about. Bree finds out too late and pays the price
with her life.
Opinion: Since I am a big Twilight fan, I really enjoyed this back story of what
was happening with the vampires that attack the Cullens in Eclipse. I think it will
resonate with teens too. I think teens struggle with who to trust and finding a
group to fit into.
If you like this you might like:
Bone Dance by Martha Brooks
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
Recommendation: Grades 9-12
Awards: none
Bibliography: Meyer, Stephenie . The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. New York, NY:
Little, Brown and Company, 2010. Print.
Title/Author: Famous Firsts by Natlie Rompella
#of pages: 48
ISBN: 9781897073551
Genre: Nonfiction
Themes: sports, recreation
Summary: This book covers how unconventional sports and recreation got started.
It includes surfing, skiing, BMX biking, skateboarding, snowboarding and more.
Each sport/recreation is covered in a four page spread. “Learn the Lingo” is
included so the reader can talk the talk. In the end, there is a section on how to
create your own “first”. It inspires readers to be creative.
Opinion: I think student that like record books and the Guinness Book of World
Records would like this book. I also think students that are into alternative sports
will find this interesting. I like that it encourages students to create their own
“first”.
If you like this you might like:
Skateboarding: Legendary Tricks by Steve Badillo
Pretty Good for a Girl: The Autobiography of a Snowboarding Pioneer by Tina
Basich
Hawk: Occupation skateboarder by Tony Hawk
Recommendation: Grades 4-8
Awards: none
Bibliography: Rompella, Natalie. Famous Firsts: The Trendsetters, Groundbreakers & RiskTakers Who Got America Moving! Montreal, Quebec: Lobster Press, 2007. Print.