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. 

Unwind

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Published: Nov 2007
ISBN: 9781416912040
Price: 17.99
Other books in the series: Unstrung, UnWholly
Genre: dystopian, horror
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Awards: YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Plot Summary: In a futuristic America the issue of abortion was battled over in a bloody civil war. The sides finally agreed on a compromise. Babies can no longer be aborted but instead parents have the option to retroactively abort their child when they are between the ages of 13 and 18. This retroactively abortion is known as unwinding. Teens that are sent to be unwind are harvest for their body parts and their parts go to other people in need. The idea is that the person lives on through someone else.  No one seems to mind this, except for those being unwind. Connor, Lev and Risa are three teens who are all being sent to be unwound but through a set of coincidences the three teens end up on the run together in an attempt to avoid being cut into pieces. But with the police determined to find them the chances of them surviving are low.
Review: The story is an interesting with the idea of UnWinding. How would society be different if organ donation was no longer and issue because unwanted teens supplied all the transplants you could ever need. The story also focuses on issues of the soul and what makes us human. While the story was suspenseful with elements of creepy horror I found the overall plot to be a bit unbelievable. I had a hard time seeing how Unwinding would somehow be a compromise for the two sides on the abortion issue. I also couldn't imagine a parent who loves their child all of a sudden sending them to be unwound because they were suddenly difficult. I can see how the story can be gripping and interesting to some but for me it just seemed to far outside of reality to be believable.
Reader's Annotation: In future America teens can be unwound, a process that harvest their body parts. Three teens being sent for unwinding are determined not to be harvest but can they survive.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story explores issues of what happens when we die and the soul. Teens can explore these issues through a fictional story. Teens can also relate to Connors, Isa and Lev's struggle to survive and battle against a society gone wrong. 
Issues: Lev is sent to be unwound as a religious tithe, basically his family is sending him to his death because of their religious beliefs. This may offend some religious people. There is also the issue of teens being sent to be harvest for their organs by their parents. The story may offend some parents who feel that it places parents in a negative light. There is also a very gruesome scene in which the author describes a teen being taken apart bit by bit as part of the unwinding process.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk could focus on the idea of harvesting someone for their organs, does that person's soul still live on? 
Main Themes: survival, souls, organ harvesting, abortion,
Read-alikes: Eve and Adam by Michael Grant
Author Website: http://www.storyman.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: This book was a part of the Oregon Battle of the Books for 2013. The book has received rave reviews and presents some interesting issues of death, souls, and abortion.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Author: Carrie Ryan
Published: March 2009
ISBN: 9780575090859
Price: 16.99
Pages: 310
Genre: fiction, zombie apocalypse, dystopian
Other books in the series: The Dead Tossed Waves, The Dark and Hallow Places
Reading Level: 7th grade
Interest Level: 9-12th grade
Awards: Junior Library Guild Selection
Plot Summary: Mary lives in a village that is fenced in from the surrounding woods to protect the people from the Unconsencrated. The Unconsencrated are the living dead that seek human flesh and Mary is pretty sure her father is one of them, out there wandering the woods. Her village is run by the religious Sisterhood. They protect the village from the death that awaits them outside the fences. For women in Mary's village they have two choices, they may either get married and have children or they will join the Sisterhood. But things go wrong for Mary when her mother wanders too close to the fence and is bitten and will soon change to one of the Unconsencrated. Mary is forced into the Sisterhood and is not happy with restrictions that are now placed on her life. Then one night Mary discovers that the Sisterhood is hiding a strange visitor to their village. Does this mean that there is life outside the village? Mary must find out what is beyond the fences and she is willing to risk her life for it.
Review: I was interested in Carrie Ryan's interpretation of the zombie genre. She approaches it in a different way with referring to the zombies as Unconsecratred. Ryan also has religion overtaking society in order to protect people from the zombies. Society seems to have gone backwards in the sense that modern technology is gone and the manner in which people live is reflective of a simpler time. But the story seems to never get going. There is only spurts of action and the lulls in the story make it hard to get through some parts. Mary is an extremely selfish and angsty character who seems to only be concerned with her well being. The story has lots of potential but it just seems to fall short. 
Reader's Annotation: Mary's mother said there was once an ocean so vast and blue. But now all that exists outside the fence are the Unconsencrated, wanting the flesh of the living.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: Mary wants to see the world outside of her fenced in village. She refuses to live under the strict rules of the Sisterhood. Readers will connect with her struggle to be independent and be free.  She is also in love with Travis who is engaged to her best friend. Teens can relate to Mary's unrequited love. Mary also deals with the death of her mother, the loss of her father and the betrayal of her brother. It allows teens to understand the feelings of losing a family member or having a family member disown you.
Issues: The Sisterhood, which is a religious group, are portrayed as manipulative and controlling. Some religious people may find that it is trying to portray religion in a bad light. There is also zombies in the story, including Mary's own mother. There is even a zombie baby that they drop outside a window to kill. Mary's brother also has to kill his own wife and there is many other grotesque zombie killings throughout the story.
Book Talk Ideas: Zombies are huge right now but this book focuses much more on the struggles of Mary as she lives in a world over run by zombies. This book can attract some readers that may not be huge zombie fans. I think for the book talk it should focus more on Mary's struggle and the need for her to see what it outside her village.
Main Themes: romance, freedom, survival, independence
Read-alikes: Ashes by Ilsa Bick
Author Website: http://carrieryan.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: I have never been a huge zombie fan but this one seemed like one that I could be interested in. The story is more character focused, rather than being focused on the zombies. 

Going Bovine

Title: Going Bovine

Author: Libba Bray

Published: Sep 2009

Pages: 480

Price: $17.99

Reading Level: 5th grade

Interest Level: 9th-12th grade

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice

Genre: fantasy, humor

Plot Summary:16 year old Cameron is a self declared slacker who is happy just skating by in life and school. But it turns out his life is going to much shorter than he expect. It turns out that he has contracted mad cow disease and is going to die, which he isn't too thrilled to find out. I mean who dies of mad cow disease? The doctor tells him the disease will slowly attack his brain and he will go crazy and then die, not the best outlook. But then a combat wearing punk angel Dulcie shows up at the hospital and tells Cameron that he can save himself and the world by finding Dr. X. So Cameron and his video game loving dwarf friend Bonzo set off on an adventure across the country to save the world. During their travels they pick up a talking yard gnome and hilarity ensues. This is like no road trip, quest you've ever seen. But one begins to wonder if Cameron's crazy journey is just hallucination induced by his illness or if he really is on a road trip to save the world.

Critical Review: The plot is absurd and filled with strange and quirky characters and absolutely insane scenarios, but Libba Bray has a way of making it work. It's an epic road trip/quest story with sarcasm, wit and a bit of magical fantasy thrown in. Though the book is also slightly dark as Cameron faces his death. The reader starts to realize that his hilarious adventure might not be more than just Cameron's very sick brain hallucinating as the mad cow disease takes over. Cameron goes through a sort of coming of age growth as he nears his death. It really adds to the complexity of the book that without would just make the story too silly, too out of control. The reality of Cameron dying allows for the story to have more impact on the reader. Only Libba Bray could write something so tragic that seem lighthearted and fun till the end.

Reader's Annotation: Cameron just found out he is dying of mad cow disease. Which he didn't even think was possible. But then a crazy angel shows up and convinces him to save the world and possibly himself.

Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Cameron goes through a great deal of growth through the book. He starts his quest as a complete slacker who never does anything to someone who is out to save the world. While teens won't have such epic adventures it does show that you can change your life and that you don't need to sit on the sidelines of life. Teens will also be able to contemplate death and what it means when you are very young and facing your own death.

Book Talk Ideas: A book talk can't go wrong with a talking yard gnome, which would make for a great hook in the book talk. Maybe even see about bringing a yard gnome as prop. Ask what does a yard gnome, video games and mad cow disease all have to do with saving the world? Ask Cameron.

Issues: There some foul language in the story including a lot of the word fuck and shit. There is also the issue of Cameron dying which might be seen as too mature. Cameron also has sex, with an angel who wears combat boots and has pink hair. Not exactly what most people think of when it comes to angels.

Main themes: death, coming of age, friendship, love, quests, road trips

Read Alikes: The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork

Author Website: http://libbabray.com/

Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly

Why include this book? This book is a unique take on the road trip novel. Libba Bray has an amazing wit and humour in her writing. It's also a book that will have great appeal to male readers because of it's male protagonist, sarcasm and video game loving character.

The Fault in Our Stars

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-0-525-47881-2
Price: 17.99
Pages: 313
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Awards: YALSA's Top Ten Teen Books Nominee, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice-Books for Youth-Older Readers, School Library Journal Best Book, Goodreads Choice Award
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Plot Summary: Hazel Grace has terminal cancer and despite medicine that has shrunk her tumor Hazel is dying. For now the medicine has prolonged her life for the foreseeable future. Hazel spends her days attached to a breathing machine at home. She occasionally leaves to attend cancer meetings with other teens. But for Hazel she believes that it's best if she interacts with as few people as possible. She is afraid of hurting people with her death so she chooses not to interact. Then Hazel meets Augustus Waters, or Gus as she calls him. Gus lost his leg to cancer but with his cancer currently in remission and and 80% survival rate Gus has a different outlook on life than Hazel. Soon, Hazel finds herself falling for Gus despite her attempts to not get attached to people. Hazel and Gus bond over Hazel's favorite book An Imperial Affliction which ends mid sentence. The two then get the opportunity to travel overseas to finally ask how the story ends. But things don't go as planned and when you have cancer you can't really afford to be optimistic.
Critical Review: This book is on almost every Top Ten Book list for 2012 and it's easy to see why. John Green has written a touching, somber and simultaneously humorous story on what it means to love and lose. Like John Green's previous work, his teen characters are far more developed and insightful than most teens in YA fiction. He doesn't sugarcoat cancer or how it is to be sick, but rather he tells and honest and poignant story that leaves the reader heartbroken at the end. There are few books that could be compared to this one and the appeal of this book will reach beyond just teen readers. The parents in the story are also well developed and so human in their emotions. They aren't just one dimensional characters like some parents tend to be in YA fiction. Rather Hazel's parents show the heartbreak and struggles that parents of teens with caner go through. For a teen this might give them some insight into the view of a parent. This book could have easily become an after school special about cancer but Green's writing brings about layers to the story and great insight into the issues facing those who face death terminal illness.
Reader's Annotation: Hazel is dying, she has terminal cancer and has prepared herself for short future. What she didn't prepare herself for was Augustus Waters.
Book Talking Ideas: There is so many wonderful quotes in the book from Hazel and Augustus that I think using one of them to open up a book talk would be a great idea. For instance Hazel and Gus talk about cancer perks, the things you get because people feel bad that you have cancer. This list would highlight the sarcastic humour of the story. Also, the book is about cancer but it truly is a love story and I think using that to appeal to teens would draw in a lot of readers.
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: The story deals with death, loss, grief, cancer, disappointment, and love. Teens who are struggling with grief or loss will be moved by the story. The story also provides and honest look at cancer and dying that teens will connect with. Green doesn't sugar coat the problems but instead shows them honestly.
Issues: The book details some graphic cancer related health issues. There is also some mild language and Gus and Hazel engage in premarital sex. Some may take issue with the books dealings with death and dying and the jokes about cancer and there is some religious jokes as well.
Author Website: http://johngreenbooks.com/
Read Alikes: Just One Day by Gayle Foreman, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why include this book? This book has been on the New York Time's best seller's list basically since it's release. It has been included in almost every Best of 2012 book list and has received glowing reviews from readers and critics alike. John Green writes with an honest wit that resonates with teen readers and at times get's parents feathers ruffled. His work is a must have for ever library because of it's perspective and the connection that Green has with his readers.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-TIme Indian

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
Published: Sept., 2007
ISBN: 0316013692
Page number: 230
Price: $16.99
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 7th grade and up
Awards: National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2007), School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2007), American Indian Library Association Award (2007)
Plot Summary: Junior lives on an Indian reservation in Washington with his parents and sister. Like much of the reservation his parents are alcoholics living in poverty. His sister, who had great promise, now hides away in the basement. Junior is an awkward but intelligent teen who stutters and has health issues due to being born with water on the brain. He is often picked on by the other kids on the reservation but his best friend Rowdy always comes to his defense. But when Junior decides that his only hope for his future is to go to school off the reservation his best friend turns on him, along with the rest of the reservation. Things are too great at his new school either since Junior is the only Indian in a see of white faces. As he tries his best to fit in he starts to feel that he is betraying his Indian heritage.
Review: This has been a book I've wanted to read for a while. It's had its fair share of controversy and it delivers with course language, talk of masturbation, alcoholism, racism and abuse. But the story is wonderfully told with humor, sadness and honesty. Junior is struggling with his choice to attend school off the reservation at a nearby school where everyone is white. He is treated as an outcast at his new school and a traitor back home. But Junior is resilient, he doesn't give up, even against all odds and great tragedy.   It is Junior's wit and humour that keeps the book moving and from becoming too depressing. Alexie manages to deliver a lot of heavy subject matters with a healthy dose of humor. The story itself gives a glimpse of how life hopeless life on the reservation can be for young Native Americans. This feeling could easily be translated to poor areas across the country. While many will criticize the story, saying it is a negative portrayal of Native Americans, I feel that Sherman Alexie has told a story that has frank honesty but manages to touch the reader in an emotional way.
Reader's Annotation: Junior lives on a reservation in Washington with his parents and sister. He may be the smartest person on the reservation but in a place that lacks opportunity and hope there isn't much of a future for Junior. So when Junior decides to leave his reservation to go to a white school a town over his decision is not well received by the kids at his new school or the people on his reservation. Can Junior still be an Indian even if he's turn his back on his reservation and will his new school ever accept him?
Book Talk Ideas: Junior loves to draw, so it would be interesting to use sketches or drawings to introduce the story.
Issues: The book has foul language, discussion of masturbation, alcoholism, racism and abuse.
Main Themes: racism, alcoholism, abuse, friendship, family, identity, poverty
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story is very relatable for those dealing with poverty, alcoholism, abuse or racism. For many minorities who live in poverty the struggles that Junior faces when he decides to try and get out of the reservation are very relatable and real life issues. It can help others realize the many problems that plague the Native American population and others living in extreme poverty like Junior.
Read-alikes: Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S King, Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury
Author Website: http://www.fallsapart.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: The book not only features a Native American as the main character but the author is Native American. So often YA lit does not represent diversity so this story is not only great because the author is Native American but because the story is unique in it's honest telling of Native American struggles. It is also a book that has received great praise from critics and readers.

Wintergirls

Title: Wintergirls
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Publishing Info: March, 2009
ISBN: 067001110X
Pages: 278
Price: $16.99
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 7th grade
Interest Level: 9th grade and up
Awards: ALA/YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers (2010), Cybils Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction (2009), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2010)
Plot Summary: Lia and Cassie are best friends and eating disorder buddies. The two of them are trying to become the thinnest girls in their grade. But soon Lia is hospitalized for her eating disorder and when she comes home the two girls drift apart. The book starts with the Cassie being found dead in a hotel room. Soon Lia is haunted by Cassie and struggles to deal with her death. Lia also struggles with her own personal demons that cause her eating disorder. Can Lia find out what really happend to Cassie in the hotel room? Will Lia ever be able to defeat her demons are will she succumb to her eating disorder.
Critical Review: Wintergirls is a dark and haunting story of Lia and Cassie and their struggle to overcome their eating disorders. Lia goes to great lengths to hid her issue from her parents to she can get thinner and thinner. The book gives an insight into what is going through Lia's mind and she starves herself to death. It also shows her parents struggle with Lia and how they don't really know how to deal with their daughter's disease. The story can be difficult at times to read because it is so real and honest. You find yourself wanting to yell at Lia to eat and to stop her destructive behavior.
Reader's Annotation: Lia and Cassie are best friends and are both fading away as they starve and binge themselves to practically nothing. But when Cassie dies alone in a hotel room Lia struggles to deal with her death. Haunted by Cassie and her own personal demons, Lia slips even further into her eating disorder.
Book Talk Ideas: For a book talk I would focus on the difficult relationship between Cassie and Lia and their destructive path that their friendship leads them.
Issues Present: The book deals very graphically with eating disorders. It also discusses death and drinking.
Main Themes: eating disorders, death, friendship, guilt
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: The book is a frank and at times very dark story of a teens struggle with anorexia. Despite her friends death and her failing health Lia still can't stop her anorexia and is determined to get thinner and thinner. Teens struggling with an eating disorder will relate to Lia's struggle. For others it will give them an idea of how those with eating disorders feel. The story also deals with losing a best friend and the guilt that Lia feels for not helping Cassie.
Read alikes: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, How to Be Popular by Meg Cabot
Author Website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why Include this book? Laurie Halse Anderson writes honest stories about very difficult and often tragic teen issues. This book focuses on the destructiveness of eating disorders which is important for teen girls to be exposed since many teen girls struggle with eating disorders.

Looking For Alaska

Title: Looking for Alaska

Author: John Green

Publication info: March, 2006

ISBN: 0142402516

Pages: 221

Price: $15.99

Reading Level: 10th grade

Reading Interest: 9th grade and up

Genre: realistic fiction

Awards: Printz Honor, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, ALA's Top Ten Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Plot Summary: The story exists in two parts: before and after. The before is the story of Miles, who lacks friends and anything very exciting except for his obsession with people's last words. He enrolls in a boarding school in Alabama where he meets Alaska Young. Alaska is beautiful, quirky and unbalanced and Miles falls for her. The before story focuses on how Miles who has never had an exciting life is sudden drawn into the crazy and always exciting world of Alaska. Though Alaska's self-destructive is bound to catch up with her and when it does Miles is left to deal with the after.

Critical Review: Looking For Alaska counts downs to an event that you aren't aware of while reading and this countdown stirs interest, what could possible be the after, what is the before? The reader finally discovers that the book is based on the before and after of Alaska's death. The tragedy that rocks Miles world also rocks the reader. Despite Alaska's faults and her destructive behavior she is an enjoyable character. Her quirky behavior adds to her charm. John Green has the ability to write teen characters that are intelligent and full of depth. He also presents real life teen issues in a way that teens find relatable and believable.

Reader's Annotation: When Miles meets Alaska he finds himself attracted to her despite her obvious unstable mental state and destructive pattern. Alaska is the type of girl who drags you into her crazy world and you find yourself not wanting to leave, or at least that's how Miles felt. But when Alaska's destructive behavior reaches it's tipping point will Miles be dragged down with her?

Book talk ideas: Miles is obsessed with people's last words so I think it would be great to introduce the book by quoting some of the famous people's last words mentioned in the book.

Issues Present: The book as many controversial teen activities such as sex, smoking, drinking and foul language.

Main Themes: friendship, romance, loss, death

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Many teens can find Miles and his so called boring and loner life relatable. He falls in love with a girl who is involved with someone else and whose self-destructive behavior leaves Miles heartbroken. The book is a great coming of age book, in which Miles deals with first loves and loss and experimenting with drinking and smoking and other risk taking.

Read alikes: Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard, A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Author Website: http://johngreenbooks.com/

Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews

Publisher's Weekly

Why include this book? The book has received critical praise and John Green is known for not speaking down to teens and writing smart, witty and honest books centered around the lives of teens.

13 Reasons Why

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why 
Author: Jay Asher
Published: 
ISBN: 9781595141712
Pages: 288
Price: $16.99
Genre: realistic fiction
Awards: New York Times Bestseller, YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults
Reading Level: 6th grade
Reading Interest: 9th grade and up
Plot Summary: Clay Jensen is left with a series of audio cassette tapes by a fellow classmate, Hannah Baker. Hannah Baker recently committed suicide and left behind tapes that contain the 13 reasons why she killed herself. The 13 reasons are connected to 13 people and each person is suppose to listen to the tapes and pass them along to the next person on the list. Clay isn't really sure why he is on the list, since he doesn't know Hannah very well. They had worked together one summer at a movie theater and he even kissed Hannah once but things never went anywhere. Clay never got the chance to tell Hannah that he liked her and now he struggles with the fact that he is part of the reason Hannah killed herself. With the tapes is also a map that Hannah has placed stars on to mark different places where things took place. She instructors the listener to go to the places as she discusses her reasons why. As the tapes go along each person on the list is brought up, along with what they did to put them on the tapes. Clay listens to the tapes on a walkman as he travels around town reliving Hannahs life as she talks on the tapes.
Critical Review: The story is told from a unique perspective, in that Hannah, who is dead, tells most the story from the tapes she left behind. The reader also gets to see how Clay reacts to Hannah's story with his thoughts breaking up the tapes. The plot draws the reader in as Clay goes through tape after tape, trying to find out how he plays into Hannah's suicide. Jay Asher does a great job at giving a bit of incite into the mind of Hannah and of Clay. As a reader I wondered, why would a teenager want to kill themselves? While it seems that nothing truly horrible happens to Hannah the story shows how multiple issues combined lead to Hannah feeling depressed and hopeless. I think that the story provides the reader with some great talking points. A teen might not think their one act can impact a person but in the story the one act of many people lead to Hannah's suicide. This idea may prompt teens to think about their interactions with others and how their actions can impact another. I feel this story stands out from other stories on suicides because it feels real. Jay Asher does a great job of not coming across as an after school special or too preachy. The story seems very believable and natural. Also, the uniqueness of a dead character playing such a large role in the story through the tapes is something new and it adds to the realism factor. The reader is able to hear Hannah's voice and thoughts despite her being dead. However, there was times when I found myself frustrated with Hannah. I kept thinking that her suicide could have been prevented and that it was unneccesary, which I think was part of Jay Asher's messsage. All the things that happened to Hannah were things that I think she could have dealt with and moved on. As an adult it was frustrating to read, but I feel that a teen might relate to Hannah's feelings of hopelessness. Often times, teens can't always see that there is more to life than what happens in high school.
Reader's Annotation: Clay Jensen has a crush on his fellow freshman student Hannah Baker, problem is Hannah killed herself and soon after left Clay tapes which contain the 13 reasons why Hannah committed suicide. Why did Hannah send the tapes to Clay? And what secrets are hidden in these tapes?
Book Talking Ideas: A great book talk idea would be to give "13 reasons why you should read this book". The reasons would focus on the great story line, the mystery surrounding why Hannah killed herself and the great characters made by Jay Asher.
Issues: The book deals with a teen suicide, drinking and sex which some may find to be too mature for teens.
Main themes: suicide, friendships, death
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Suicide is a very real thing for many teens and it is one of the leading causes of death for teenagers. Because of this many teens may have thought about suicide or know someone who has committed suicide. This story can shed some light on why teens commit suicide and how it can be prevented.
Read alikes: Stay with Me by Garret Freymann-Weyr, Looking for Alaska by John Green, Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Author Website: http://jayasher.blogspot.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why Include this book? For me personally I have dealt with 2 teen suicides since I started working at my library 3 years ago. The book deals with teen suicide, which is the second leading cause of teens death in the U.S. In Oregon, where I live, teenage suicide is much higher than the national average. Many teens can relate to Hannah's feelings and her issues with school and her thoughts of suicide. 

Before I Die

Title: Before I Die
Author: Jenny Downham
Publishing Info:  Sept. 2007
ISBN: 0385613466
Pages: 326
Price: $18.99
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 10th grade and up
Awards: AlA's Teen's Top Ten (2008), ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults(2008)
Plot Summary:Tessa is dying from leukemia and is given only months to live. So Tessa decides to make a "Before I Die" list with the help of her friend Zoey. The list includes some risky behavior and the number one thing on Tessa's list is to have sex. Tessa's parents are not too thrilled with Tessa's new quest to engage is what they see has negative and risky behavior. Tessa starts a new romance with her neighbor Adam and seems to be living life before it ends. But as Tessa's health starts to deteriorate her list becomes harder to fulfill and the importance of it comes into question as other things become more important.
Critical Review: Jenny Downham gives an honest look at a teenager dying. Because Tessa knows she is going to die she is able to show the emotions that come with facing your death at a young age. Tessa's anger comes across as a real emotion and the book doesn't seem contrived or overly sappy. The idea of Tessa creating a bucket list really helps drive the story and reflects what is important to Tessa. Risk taking and many of the things on Tessa's list are considered rights of passage for many teens and the story shows how much Tessa wants to experience all these things despite the consequences. As Tessa's health really starts to fail you start to struggle with the idea that you will loose Tessa. Even though the book doesn't hid the fact that the main character is facing death it is still emotional when the time comes. It is an ending that has you crying and leaves you emotional after it is over.
Reader's Annotation: Tessa's battle with cancer is ending with the news that she only has months to live. Tessa decides that she must live life in the short amount of time she has left and she compiles a "Before I Die' list. Though, her list is full of risky behaviors and as her health fails will Tessa be able to finish her list or will somethings be left undone.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk could center around Tessa's obsession with marking things off her bucket list despite some of those things not being the best thing for Tessa.
Issues: The book deals with Tessa engaging in risk taking behaviors including drinking, drugs and sex.
Main themes: Cancer, death, sexuality, friendship, family
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: The story will help teens deal with death and loss. It gives a very honesty look at a dying teen and her emotions. The idea of death at such a young age can be very difficult and many books may not have the honesty that Downham delivers in her story.
Read alikes: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Author Website: http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/authors/jenny-downham
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why Include this book? The book deals with themes of death, family relationships, sickness and dealing with loss.