In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth

Erin lives at home with her father and two older brothers. Erin's mother died when she was a baby. Her only connection to her mom is a picture with her mother holding her. She feels disconnected to her father and brothers because they are interested in sports, and she does not share their interest. Erin discovers a novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird", in their attic. The novel belonged to her mom when she was in high school. Erin reads the novel several times trying to have a piece of her mother.

The day before her sixteenth birthday, Erin's father informs the family he will remarry. Erin is upset, but her brothers are excited. Seeing Erin's reactions, the father goes to comfort her. He gives her an item that belonged to her mother. Instead of being grateful, Erin questions the timing of her father's generosity. Erin's devastation leads her to taking a trip to Monroeville, Alabama to seek answers about her mother. During her journey, she meets several people who are key to her development. Does she get answers?

"In Search of Mockingbird " is a feel good book. The text moves at a good pace, details are vivid, and it covers more than one theme. It is an easy read for fifth to high school. Prior knowledge about "To Kill a Mockingbird" is needed.

Bloodsong by Melvin Burgess

Bloodsong is the long awaited sequel to Melvin Burgess’ award winning book "Bloodtide." With characteristics of a Viking culture from the 1300's, it is a Science-Fiction story set in the future landscape of London. Sigurd, the son of Sigmund from the previous book, now finds himself in a war-torn England in which he must fight for his life against futuristic half-flesh and half-robotic creatures whose only goal is his ultimate destruction. As the last surviving member of the Volson clan, Sigurd must use Odin’s eye and a sword forged from the remains of his father’s sword, to help him in his quest. With the goal of reuniting his people and his father’s kingdom to its former glory, Sigurd must learn to align himself with many groups of people, some good, some bad. Having to complete several daunting and dangerous tasks, Bloodsong is a story of torment, tribulations, and even love as he struggles to reclaim his rightful place in society through war, politics, and even love.

In reading this book, I found it a perfect match for middle and high school students. Melvin Burgess successfully intertwines real historical places and events with a science fiction twist. It is assuredly a story that will peak the interests of boys and science fiction fans alike. It is a story that will undoubtedly be on every teenager's reading list.

The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks

Trust your instinct....

Everyone has it. It could be in the form of a mother's gut feeling, a strong urge to protect something, or even just a gut reaction to a situation. In this novel, two teenage boys struggle with trusting their instinct and solving a murder.

The Road of the Dead is a bit of a whimsical story with psychic connections and gypsies, and two teenage boys trying to solve the rape and murder of their older sister, hundreds of miles from home. The family wants nothing more than to bury Rachel, but the police will not release the body until her murder is solved. Cole and Rueben end up unwelcome in the town where his sister lived. Relying on their own "gypsy intuition" and the help of their sister's roomate, they retrace her steps on the night of the murder. The same people that are suspected of killing Rachel are now trying to hide the truth from Cole and Ruben. The boys end up fighting for their own lives.

This book would appeal to middle-high school boys more than girls. The language is a bit too strong for anything under 8th grade. There is a lot of violence and gore and it will not be a good choice for animal lovers. The author's choice of making the boys half-gypsies is very interesting and entertains as a background story throughout the book. Their decisions and actions are controlled by their psychic connections, which is possibly a down-side to the story. High Schoolers may not find it believable, and may struggle through the 368 pages. This was a good book but perhaps too fictional for some students to take any real meaning out of it. The message that I took: trust your instinct.

http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/0439786231.asp

Fragments by Jeffrey Johnston

The main character Chase was in a car with three other friends after a night of drinking and partying. The car was driven by his ex-girlfriend Angela(who was not drinking). Chase is the only survivor of the crash, but is left with amnesia.He starts having thoughts of suicide and ends up in the hospital twice.

Throughout the book, Chase is secretly in contact with his "estranged" brother who urges him to steal from his parents. Chase is followed by Angela's boyfriend Kevin, who is begging to talk to him about what happened. Kevin's questions turn to violent behavior as he and his friends believe Chase is lying about his memory loss. The memories start coming back in pieces, as Chase's psychiatrist tries to talk the memories to the surface. Chase befriends a new girl, who is teased at school. This turns into a more romantic relationship which brings up more memories of Angela and the accident. There is a twist and a surprise ending that you will not expect.

This book is a bit predictable, and the message is unclear. It is clear that the author disagrees with underage drinking, and promotes the use of a designated driver. It is also important to note the importance the author puts on seeking professional help for mental disorders, and the benefit they have (even though Chase often did not want to go to his therapy sessions). This book is aimed at teenagers and covers everything from high school classes, romance, family interations, suicide and psychology.

http://jeffrywjohnston.com/

The Wall: Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis

The Wall is a graphic memoir that centers around the Cold War, and what life was like for Peter Sis growing up in The Soviet Union. What I did not expect was how much the story was related to art and expression of "American" hobbies.

Peter loved art and music, particularly the Beatles. As a child he drew constantly. Often about the war. The book encloses pictures by the author that depict the constraints on the Soviet people and the dictatorship oppression around them. If anyone was caught with drawings (unless otherwise supervised and approved by a teacher) they would be punished. Books and music were burned by the government, seen as bad influences on the Soviets. Peter and his friends secretly formed a band, and Peter secretly drew in his journal religiously. Anyone with long hair(inspired by the Beatles) would be punished and have their hair cut. People were killed at a Beach Boys concert. People beaten for drawing the Soviet flag facing the wrong way. With all these limitations Peter continued to do what he loved until the Cold War ended.

This graphic memoir is really interesting. Younger children would like the drawings (they are very cartoon-y and immature). Children and teenagers alike can learn from this book. Whether you simply gain courage to do what you love, or learn about the Cold War and oppression, every age group can learn something. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. It alternates between pages of journal entries, some long, and full-page pictures with a few words describing them. I would recommend this book to middle-school students. It is not as violent or detailed as other books about wars, but it certainly detailed the life of one boy growing up in The Soviet Union, bravely breaking the rules.

http://www.veryshortlist.com/lists/pick.cfm?email_key=04bc6e64-aab7-4c98-aa0d-e0d938408d05

A Long Way Gone: Memoris of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

When I first decided to read this book, I had no knowledge really of what was going on in Sierra Leone. However, I had just recently watched the movie Blood Diamond and was curious to learn more. I am absolutely facinated by other cultures, whether their history is violent and tumultous (like many African and Middle Eastern countries) or successful. This book really helped my understanding of what it is like to live under a dictatorship, and reminded me a lot of the situation in Rwanda.

Ishmael was only twelve years old when rebels invaded nearby cities and he was forced to flee for his saftey. He became separated from his family, but met friends along the way. The group of pre-teens was forced to steal from abandoned homes, and do all they could to go unnoticed. If the rebels caught them they could be killed or forced to fight against their own people. One by one the boys Ishmael was with were shot or captured by enemy forces. All this time he was trying to protect himself and search for his family. Rumors spread that his city was burned and that the inhabitants either died or were forced to fight. Ishmael is eventually captured himself and forced to join the rebels. At camp one night, Ishmael sees his father, and is angry and pretends not to know him. He is forced into a world of heavy drug use (as it was a way to get the children to kill and not show emotions/judgment) and murder. But through all that the reader still feels a strong connection to Ishmael (although he has become disconnected from himself) and still believes that his life will turn around.

This memoir is powerful and emotional. The reader watches as Ishmael goes from an innocent boy caught up in a civil war, to a soldier forced to fight and kill his people, to a young man that uses his experiences to give understanding to others. I was not pleased in how the book ended but was completely engrossed in the book from the first page. I could not put it down to do anything besides eat. I have recommended it to many, and the feeback I have gotten from them is excellent. The book may be too violent for some young adults, (you do hear graphic accounts of the war, dead bodies, limbs being cut off, druge use etc.) but with a mature audience (perhaps simply high school kids) and a responsible teacher, I do not see a problem with teaching this book in classrooms. It will open your eyes to the atrocities of war (which many of us have been lucky enough to NOT have seen firsthand) and the potential for goodness and change within us all. This has turned into one of my favorite books of all-time!

http://www.alongwaygone.com/

Best book of 2008 nominee*

Just Listen By: Sarah Dessen

"The best way out is always through!"

--Robert Frost

The New York Times Best-Selling Author, Sarah Dessen, wrote a novel that captivates many readers.

Sarah Dessen's "Just Listen" tells the story of Annabel Greene who is a lonely isolated girl that has nothing. Ironically she stars as a top student, popular cheerleader, and dazzling prom queen surrounded by friends in a commercial for Kopf's Department Store. Dessen's 300+ page novel expresses the insights and experiences of Annabel and takes the reader into her world, the world of a sheltered, shy, and sometimes anxious young girl. Since Annabel's friendship with mean--but exciting Sophie ended with malicious rumors flying and no peace at home while her older sister's eating disorder (anorexia) preoccupied the family Annabel had no ability to speak what was on her mind.

It isn't until later in the novel when Annabel met Owen Armstrong, a boy that was intense, obsessed with music, and determined to always tell the truth--no matter what the consequences. As the introduction asks, "Can a girl who hates confrontation find a way to connect with a guy who thrives on it?" Dessen's readers are intrigued especially when the topic at hand involves Annabel and Owen.

Annabel's family life is as follows: she is the middle sister, Kirsten, the oldest is the drama queen (p. 22). Whitney is the middle sister who has the eating disorder (p. 28) and continuously loses an excessive amount of weight until she becomes deathly ill. Their father is an architect and attached to his work, while their mother especially after their grandmother passed (Annabel was 9years old) she was severely depressed. Annabel continues each day trying to pull through somewhat better than the previous. She wants to reconnect with Sophie and tries to be there for her family, but can she please herself?

Sarah Dessen's novel would definitely relate to females in either junior high or high school. Students tend to feel isolated during school if they had a fight among friends, as well as feel isolated in their family (Annabel being the youngest of three, a family of five people)--girls just want to be heard, they want someone to just listen...

www.teenreads.com/reviews/0670061050.asp - 26k

*Teens Top Ten Books, Nomination for 2007.

Almost Home by Jessica Blank

"For seven teens in Los Angeles, the street is their home."

Jessica Blank's 2007 "Almost Home" introduces her readers to seven unforgettable teens who form their own dysfunctional family, complete with love and belonging, abuse and betrayal. Once the hard cover book is open the reader is introduced first to the story and life of a twelve year old girl named Eeyore and the life and obstacles she faces.

Each chapter is divided amongst different tales and life stories of each teen. After Eeyore we are introduced to Rusty, then Squid, Scabius, Critter, Laura, and last but not least Tracy. These girls and boys each search for someone/some family to love and care for them.

Without giving too much information away about each teen, I would like to include in Blank's Author's Note at the end of the novel, she states that "all of the kids in Almost Home are fictional, but unfortunately, their situation isn't. More than 1.5 million "throwaways," kids who are kicked out or abandoned by their parents." Blank's novel includes resources of programs to serve young teens and help them in times of need.

Blank's young adult novel could be geared toward students as young as middle school to high school students. Living on the street is not what these teens wanted, but to live normal lives, this novel introduces the life of each teen and the obstacles they face.

www.psychpage.com/family/library/dysfunparents.html

http://www.teenstroubled.org/ : Browse resources and treatments for troubled teens.

*Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2008 Nominations

Grief Girl: My True Story By: Erin Vincent

" I am just like you. I am bored with school. I goof off with my friends. I fight with my family. I love my family. I have big dreams. I am just like anyone else. And then, in a split second, I'm not. This is my story."

As this quote entails Erin Vincent was an ordinary young teenage girl, experiencing life to the fullest--being normal as far she knew it, until her world changed. Vincent's narrative begins in the future tense and then travels to the past into present tense once read. Vincent wrote about her true story possibly to clarify her own thoughts as to what occured in her life and if it was all real and/or if she might've left anything out.

"Can thinking something make it happen?"

Erin Vincent often questions herself throughout her narrative, constantly questioning her actions and thoughts, as if they were a partial cause in the tragedy...were they? There is only so much to state about Vincent's amazing and triumphant novel without giving away too much. I can state that her novel, personal autobiography, could relate to any young child/teen, or simply anyone that experiences a tragedy similar to Erin's. Erin feels like she's to blame for actions occured based on her thoughts, is she? In order to answer this question, you should read Erin Vincent's "Grief Girl: My True Story."

www.myspace.com/griefgirl

www.pagesetc.wordpress.com/2007/05/04/review-grief-girl-by-erin-vincent

*Best Books for Young Adults, 2008 Nominations

Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder By: Nadia Shivack

"EVERY DAY, MEAL BY MEAL, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE SUFFER FROM EATING DISORDERS. I AM ONE OF THEM."

" I FIRST BECAME AWARE OF FOOD WHEN I WAS SIX YEARS OLD. I WOULD HOARD CANDY IN MY SOCK DRAWER. I ONLY SHOWED SPECIAL PEOPLE MY HIDDEN TREASURE. I NEVER TOUCHED ANY OF IT. IT WAS SACRED."

--Nadia Shivack

Throughout Nadia's childhood to her adulthood she fought with her eating disorder, which resulted in a lifelong struggle, something she'd forever have to work at.

At the age of fourteen Nadia Shivack met ED, her eating disorder. At times ED was an alien inside Nadia's body while other times he was like a lover, but he always tended to be dangerous and destructive. Nadia as a young teen felt isolated and alone compared to everyone else in her family. Being the middle child of three girls Nadia was always self-conscious of herself and ashamed of herself, not making her family proud of her, especially her father. Nadia's eating disorder began when she began to swim competitively in school. Since the coach favored the slender and attractive girls Nadia began to restrict her food, she made up for it with wild binge eating. She would skip meals and make up for them later, starving in the cafeteria at school. As ED began to take over Nadia she began to loose her personality and life to him, she quit swimming and never laughed again.

"I MUST ACCEPT MY PAST, NOT DENY IT, NOT DISCARD IT AND LEARN TO FORGIVE MYSELF."

Nadia's novel is her personal autobiography of ED and how he controlled and fought against her. This short narrative could be read as a series of diary entries and viewed similarly to a comic, although it definitely is not one! This novel could not only relate to elementary students as young as sixth graders, primarily young girls, to as old as college students. All girls regardless of age tend to have negative views about themselves and admire and favor models and their bodies.

www.teensreadtoo.com/InsideOutEatingDisorder.html

www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/eating_disorders.html --This site identifies how eating disorders are increasing among young kids and teens, especially women. This site can help parents understand how an eating disorder can affect their child.

*Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2008 Nominations.