The Boy in the Black Suit

Title: The Boy in the Black Suit
Author: Jason Reynolds
Publication Date: Jan. 2015
Age Level: 7th grade and up
Genres: realistic fiction
Review: As soon as I saw this book I was excited about it. I had heard wonderful things about Jason Reynolds and his last book "When I was the Greatest". Plus, a YA book featuring a black teenager dealing with the emotions of losing his mother was refreshing. Sure, there is lots of YA books dealing with grief but I was happy to see a non white male protagonist. What is even better is that the story is wonderfully told and well written. The story centers around Matt Miller, who is 17 and just lost his mother to breast cancer. Matt and his mother had a wonderful relationship that he reflects on throughout the story. The love for his mother is obvious and so is the emptiness that she leaves behind. Add to the story that his father, who had not drank for 20 years, is suddenly a drunk without his wife, and you have a teen struggling to grow up fast. Matt takes on a job at a funeral home, that is run by the caring Mr. Ray. It is through this job that Matt is able to deal with his grief as he watches others suffer through loss. He also meets a girl named Love, who like Matt, has her own profound loss to deal with. What I love about this story is Matt. He is character that I connected with immediately. I lost a close friend my senior year of high school and so much of the emotions and feelings that Matt has are what I went through. I also enjoy that the books shows the grief of others as well. As the story goes along Matt discovers that many of the people in his life are dealing with their own pain and loss. While no one will know the pain that Matt feels over the loss of his mother, they do understand what it is like to grieve. Overall this is a great story about loss, grief and growing up. An excellent read for a teen dealing with their own loss. 

Mortal Heart

Title: Mortal Heart (His Fair Assasins #3)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publication Date: Nov. 2014
Age Level: 9th grade and up
Genres: Fantasy, historical fiction
Review: I have been a fan of this series since book one, Grave Mercy.  Each book in the series has told the story of a daughter of Mortain, the god of death. The series is based around the country of Brittany, which is trying to save itself from political strife. In the midst of all this is three strong females who each have a different story to tell. Annith is the last of these stories. She spent the first two stories at the convent of St. Mortain, taking care of younger girls, much to her dismay. She wanted to be out in the field doing Mortain's work. She learns that the head sister has plans for her to remain at the convent permanently which Annith is against. Annith begins a journey to discover herself and where she came from and unravels other mysteries along the way. Of course it has a love interest but I won't give too much away. What I love about this series is the women themselves. Each character has such great strength and personality it's easy to become attach to each of their stories. This has the feel of Kristin Cashore's stories. I would give this to any teen who likes historical fiction blended with fantasy. The book doesn't have swearing but does contain some violence, sex, and of course it deals with the idea of old gods. I know that some of the more conservative of my patrons at my library would take offense to some of the content. Otherwise its a wonderful end to a series that features strong female leads, political intrigue, a bit of a magical/fantasy element, and some romance.
Read Alikes: Kristin Cashore's Fire, Graceling

Dreamland

Title: Dreamland
Author: Sarah Dessen
Published: Oct 2000
ISBN: 9780142401750
Page number: 250
Price: 17.99
Reading Level: 7th grade 
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Awards: Booklist Editor's Choice, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
Genre: fiction, realistic fiction
Plot Summary: Caitlin has always lived in her older sister's perfect shadow. Then Caitlin's sister runs away and instead of Caitlin's parents finally focusing on her they instead fret and stress over Caitlin's sister. Caitlin fights for her parents attention and finally gets some why she makes the cheerleading squad. The Caitlin meets Rogerson, an older high school with a bad reputation and access to drugs. Caitlin is more than willing to venture down this road of bad boy boyfriend and drugs because she is finally feeling like she is living outside her sister's shadow. But when Rogerson becomes abusive Caitlin can't seem to escape the dreamland she has fallen into. She makes excuses for Rogerson's abuse and starts to feel that she brings it upon herself. Can Caitlin ever come back from Dreamland or will she live in this new reality forever.
Review: Sarah Dessen writes emotionally charged and heartbreaking stories. Dreamland explores the downward spiral of one teen as she embraces drugs and falls victim to abuse. The story really shows Caitlin's inability to get out of the abusive relationship. Dessen is able to show how one can become a victim of abuse and then blame themselves or make excuses for their abuser. This topic is one that many girls fall victim to and Dessen tells an intriguing and heartfelt story that will keep a reader interested till the end.
Reader's Annotation: In attempt to escape her sister's shadow Caitlin dives into drugs and an abusive relationship. But Caitlin might never be able to escape her new reality.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: Many victims of abuse blame themselves or make excuses for their abuse like Caitlin does in the story. It also shows the effects that drugs have on Caitlin and how they leave her unable to stay in reality. Teens may also connect to Caitlin and her sister's dynamics. Caitlin feels inadequate when compared to her sister and believes that her parents don't care for her. Teens with similar feelings will connect with Caitlin.
Issues: Caitlin engages in drug use and an abusive relationship. 
Book Talk Ideas: The story themes of abusive relationships and drug use should be focused on for the book talk. 
Main Themes: identity, abuse, drugs
Read-alikes: Nothing to Lose by Alex Finn
Author Website: http://sarahdessen.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: Sarah Dessen's books are always touching, heartfelt and compelling. This story deals with tough issues of drug abuse and relationship abuse.

The Golden Compass

Title: The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Published: April 1996
ISBN: 9780679879244
Price: 20.00
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 8th grade
Interest Level:  8th-12th grade
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books, Booklist Editor's Choice, Carnegie Medal, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
Plot Summary: Lyra is an orphan who lives among the scholars at Jordan college. But when Lyra's uncle, Lord Asriel , visits the college it sets everyone at ease. Lyra sneaks into the closet and is able to not only see some one attempt to poison her uncle but she also gets to hear about his discovery up north of dust and a city beyond the clouds. Lyra is then taken by Mrs. Coulter and while things start out okay Lyra soon starts too feel that Mrs. Coulter is not as kind as she appears on the outside. Then there is the issues of children going missing. Even her playmate Roger is a victim of this mysterious disappearance. Lyra soon sets off on a quest up north to save Roger. Her quest leads her to amazing adventures and terrifying discoveries.
Review: Philip Pullman has created an amazing and magical world. I really enjoy the creation of the animal daemons in the story. Pullman is able to create a complex story with many twists and turns and mysteries without overwhelming the reader. The story is an epic magical quest lead by a smart, witty and at times stubborn Lyra. She is far wiser than her years and acts very bravely for a girl of only 11 years old. The story also weaves in scientific and religious elements that are embattled in an epic battle for power and access to the world in the sky. It's often times difficult to know who you can trust in the story since both sides seem out for their own well being. Meanwhile Lyra is caught in the middle trying to do what she feels is best.
Reader's Annotation: Lyra is an orphan living a carefree life at Jordan College. But when Lyra learns about the dust and world in the sky up north Lyra sets on an epic quest.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: Lyra's epic quest challenges her innocence as she learns that not everyone is trustworthy. Lyra must use her own smarts and gut feelings to decide who she can trust. She also learns that she must take chances and battle against evil. 
Issues: The story has offended many in the religious community for being ant-religious, anti-god and sacrilegious. Philip Pullman has been very outspoken about his atheist views and some feel he is trying to force them on his young readers.
Book Talk Ideas: There is many intriguing aspects to this story like the daemons that everyone poses, or the idea of dust that lives in all living things. These can be used to hook readers into the story.
Main Themes: Quests, friendship, heroes, religion, science
Read-alikes: Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve
Author Website:  http://www.philip-pullman.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: This particular book was formally challenged at my library by a religious group who wanted the book removed. The story is very popular with teens despite its controversy. The book has also gained popularity due to the movie based on the book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Published: Feb. 1999
ISBN: 0-671-02734-4
Price: 14.00
Pages: 213
Genre: realistic fiction, LGBTQ
Plot Summary: Charlie narrates the story through letters addressed to Dear Friend. Charlie is an introvert about to enter his freshman year of high school. He feels very much alone since his best friend committed suicide only a few months earlier. Charlie soon makes friends with Sam and her step-brother Patrick. They introduce Charlie to sex, drugs and the Rocky Horror Picture Show and bring Charlie into their circle of friends. Charlie starts to fall for Sam but Charlie is afraid to take a chance. Charlie is also struggling with his own personal demons. His mental health is slipping and Charlie seems to be struggling even more with the death of his aunt. The book deals with Charlie struggling to find happiness and deal with the demons of his past. Charlie can't seem to step off the sidelines and really live his life.
Critical Review: Since the book is told in letters from Charlie is feels very personal, as if Charlie is expressing his hidden feelings and thoughts. Charlie deals with a lot of heavy issues in his letters, from depression, anxiety, sexuality, drugs, sexual abuse and his struggle to find out who he is. But the story never feels dragged down by these issues due to the characters in Charlie's life. Sam and Patrick are wonderful characters who despite their own faults and struggles support Charlie and help pull him out of his shell. While Charlie is not gay, Patrick is and his struggle with dating a football player who is still in the closet is a well told story. Charlie watches Patrick as he deals with rejection and the fallout from Brad's dad finding out. The scene in which Charlie stands up for Patrick is one of my favorites because I think it really shows that Charlie is no longer a passive observer but rather he is an active participant. This is very much a coming of age story with complex characters and an engaging plot line.
Reader Annotation: Charlie has always been a wallflower, living life on the outskirts. But Charlie can't escape reality forever.
Main Themes: suicide, sexual abuse, LGBTQ, coming of age, love, friendships
Book Talking Ideas: The book talk should be done in letter form, perhaps a letter from Charlie like in the book. There is something very personal about a letter that reader's will gravitate towards.
Issues: The book deals with lots of hot button topics: sex, drugs, homosexuality, sexual abuse and it contains swearing. Patrick is involved in a gay relationship with a closeted teen football player. Charlie was sexually abused by his aunt when he was very young. He feels that he is responsible some how for her death because she was died in a car accident while trying to get his birthday present.
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Charlie is a loner who was sexual abused and struggles with his mental health. The story brings up some difficult issues that teens may face. The story also shows Patrick's struggle with being in a gay relationship with a closet teen. Teens will connect with Charlie as he grows and tries to deal with his issues.
Read Alikes: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Author Website: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Stephen-Chbosky/1843916
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why choose this book? This book handles difficult issues of suicide, sexual assault, mental illness and friendship. The story has become very popular due to the recent release of the movie based of the book.

Endgame

Title: Endgame
Author: Nancy Garden
Published: April 2006
ISBN: 9780152054168
Price: 17.00
Pages: 304
Genre: fiction, realistic fiction
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 8th-12th grade
Summary: Gray Wilton has a history of violence. His family moved to Greenfield High School after Gray got in trouble for bringing a knife to school. But Gray is convinced that things will be different at his new school, but they aren't. Gray soon becomes the victim of merciless bullying by the jocks at school. The bullying brings out Gray's violent streak and he start to imagine killing his bullies and even jokes about it to his friend. Gray become even  more incensed when his dog is killed and Gray reaches his breaking point. Armed with his dad's gun he shows up to school and fires at his classmates. Now Gray is on trial for murder.
Review: Nancy Garden's school shooting story is told from the point of view of the shooter an unstable 15 year old boy with a history of violence. Gray's unstable mental state is no match for they bullying he endures at school. While Garden does not excuse Gray's behavior she does show how the bullying contributed to Gray's mental breakdown. The teachers at the school also failed to act at all. They instead turned a blind and eye and just thought it was normal high school boy behavior. The story is disturbing in that Gray is obviously unstable and there many signs that could have prevented the shooting had someone intervened or perhaps got Gray some mental health care.
Reader's Annotation: Gray is trying to have a fresh start at his new school but when he gets bullied Gray's violent side returns and Gray brings his dad's gun to school.
Main themes: violence, school shootings, bullying
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: The story shows how when you look at some one's behaviors collectively it can point to an unstable individual who might then commit a senseless act of violence. It might help people understand why sometimes school shootings happen. The story doesn't condone Gray's actions or not put the blame on him but it does show that an unstable individual who is not receiving proper care can be very dangerous and deadly.
Issues: The story contains come very upsetting violence, bullying and scene in which bullies try to get Gray and his friend to perform oral sex on each other. All the bullying is overlooked by teachers who don't seem to care or take much issues with Gray being bullied.
Book Talk Ideas: The story could very easily be a real life situation. You could perhaps read off some of the things that Gray went through to show while horrible most people would not think this is reason to kill people. That Gray had far bigger issues than just being bullied.
Author Website: http://www.nancygarden.com/
Read Alikes: Shooter by Walter Dean Meyers
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why chose this book? Nancy's book touches on some very current and tough issues like mental health, violence, school shootings, and bullying.

Across the Universe

Title: Across the Universe 
Author: Beth Revis
Other books in the series: A Millions Suns, Shades of Earth
ISBN: 9781595143976
Publication info: Jan 2011
Price: 17.99
Pages: 398
Genre: fiction, sci-fi
Plot Summary: Amy and her parents are being frozen and stored on a spaceship called Godspeed. The ship will travel 300 years to another planet and when they reach their destination her family will be unfrozen to help start a new civilization. Though somehow Amy is woken up 50 years to soon to find that things are not how they should be on Godspeed. What she finds is a disturbing society controlled by an all powerful Eldest. She also learns that her accidental unfreezing may not have been an accident. It seems that someone is unfreezing the frozens and allowing them to die and she fears that her parents may be next. She is weary about trusting, Elder, the next in the line of power, but what choice does she have? Everyone on the ship thinks she is some sort of freak because of her pale skin and bright red hair. Everyone on the ship is the same tan color with dark brown hair. Amy is stuck on a ship lightyears away from everything she knows. Can she save her parents or will they die without ever reaching the new planet?
Critical Review: Amy Revis has written a sci-fi with a bit of dystopian twist. The book has many twists and turns that leave you wondering and it ends with more questions than answers. The plot is complex and at times it can be a bit confusing. But the dynamics between Elder and Amy makes for an interesting story. They grow from completely distrusting each other to relying on each other for survival. Their romance builds up slowly doesn't feel forced. iI enjoyed the fact that the story is told from both the perspective of Amy and Elder, it gives the reader a better idea of how both the characters feel and deal with certain situations.
Reader's Annotation: Amy is being frozen for a 300 year journey through space to another planet. But then Amy is woken 50 years to soon and she can't believe what she finds when she awakes.
Main Themes: space travel, romance, murder, mystery
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Amy faces many challenges from thinking she will die before her parents will wake, to almost being raped by one of the space borns. She is also trying to track down who is out to kill all the frozens, including her parents. Teens can use these themes to deal with their own challenges.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk can focus on Amy's choice to leave Earth in hopes of a new world.
How does one deal with leaving everything they know behind for something unknown? What will Amy find and what if it isn't what she expected, can she live with her choices. Would you make the same choice?
Issues: The ship borns use chemicals in the water to control the population and keep them docile. The ship also decides when people will mate in order to control the population. This means that during mating season there is almost an animal like quest for people to have sex. There are some graphic scenes of Amy witnessing ship borns having sex. Amy is also almost raped by one of the ship borns.
Author Website: http://www.bethrevis.com/
Read Alikes: Matched by Allyson Condie
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Publisher's Weekly
Why Chose this Book? Amy Revis's trilogy has become very popular with the release of the 3rd book in the trilogy. It is an interesting book on spacel travel that explores human nature.