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. 

The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
ISBN: 978-0-547-42477-4
Published: 2011, originally 1993
Price: 19.99
Pages: 208
Genre: fiction, dystopia
Other books in the series: Gathering Blue, Messenger, Sons
Awards: Newbery Award
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 6-9th grade
Plot Summary: Jonas lives in a society with very strict rules of conduct and behavior. At a certain age they are allowed certain privileges. Jonas has reached the age that he will be given his assignment. Each child when they reach a certain age are give their job assignments after careful observation. Jonas has been assigned a job that few are given, one with great stature and pride. Jonas is to be a recorder. The last recorder, who now no one is to speak of was released. People are released, or so they are told into another world. What Jonas doesn't know is that being released is not what he told, instead is something quite horrific. Jonas is to be trained by a very old man, the current recorder. Jonas doesn't really know what a recorder does, he just knows he is responsible for holding memories and information. But what Jonas learns may change the way he sees his society and their way of life. Will Jonas be able to live in this world after he learns all the secrets?
Review: This classic is a great dystopian novel for younger readers. There are some disturbing scenes in the story, especially the scene in which Jonas' father kills the newborn baby. But that scene really shows just how disturbing the society in which Jonas lives has become. The story poses a lot of questions on human nature, suffering, emotions and choice. You also see Jonas grow from an innocent child to an adolescent that sees the faults and horrors of his society. He is forced to make very difficult choices and leave his family behind in order to save baby Gabriel. The story examines what it is that makes us human and how important emotions, even the hard ones, are important. The society in the story live without emotions and color and really have no choice. They do this to protect people from pain but as Jonas learns pain is a part of life.
Reader's Annotation: Jonas lives without hunger, without pain and without fear. When he is assigned the job of recorder Jonas doesn't know what to expect. What he finds is the dark secrets his society tries to hide.
Main Themes: emotions, dystopian, death, family
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: The story shows how a society without emotions and things that can cause pain is not a full life. Jonas deals with learning of what his society has kept from him and how their quest to have a perfect society is not right or okay. Jonas struggles to go against what he was grown up believing. Readers will connect with Jonas as he fights against his oppressive society.
Issues: The society in which Jonas lives is very controlling and oppressive. They send people off to be released but actually they are being killed. There is a scene in which Jonas witnesses his father killing a newborn baby because the society only takes the stronger of a set of twins.
Book Talk Ideas: The story focuses on memories so the book talk could start by having teens focus on their favorite memory, then their least favorite memory. Then you could ask teens if they would be willing to erase their least favorite memory in exchange for never experiencing their favorite memory. This will give insight into what is going on with Jonas and his society.

Read-alikes: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Author Website: www.loislowry.com
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: The Giver is a classic and has created controversy for it's content. Many people think the material is too mature for the age group. But the story has some important thoughts and ideas on memories, emotions and what makes us human.

White Cat

Title: White Cat
Author: Holly Black
Published: March 2010
ISBN: 9781416963967
Price: 17.99
Pages: 310
Other books in the series: Red Glove, Black Heart
Genre: fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 9-12th grade
Summary: Cassel comes from a family of very powerful curse workers. Curse workers have magical powers that allow them to touch people and do things like manipulate their thoughts, change their luck or even kill them. Curse working is outlawed and most people where gloves that cover their hands to protect themselves. Cassel's family secretly engages in various illegal curse working jobs but Cassel with no powers is kind of left out of the families illegal business. But Cassel isn't without his own secrets. In fact Cassel is hiding a very dark and painful secret of his own. He isn't sure how but he is convinced that his secret has something to do with the mysterious white cat that keeps showing up in his dreams. And it might have something to do with why Cassel finds himself on top of the roof of his school dorms in the middle of the night, with no idea how he got there. Cassel knows something is right but what could it be?
Review: Holy Black is known for her urban fantasies and White Cat does not disappoint. The story has a very dark and edgy feel. The story is almost like a magical version of the Sopranos with Cassel's family coming across as magical mobsters. Between Cassel's family drama and his own secret there is a lot of action and story to get into. The secret of what Cassel is hiding and what actually happens slowly unfolds and when it is finally revealed what actually happened it is extremely surprising. The story takes many twists and turns and keeps the reading interested all the way to the end. Though the story can get a bit confusing because of the amount of betrayal and manipulating that goes on. It's hard to keep all of it straight. But readers will be so caught up in the story that they will not be put off by the complexity.
Reader's Annotation: Cassel hides a dark secret. He killed his girlfriend a few years ago. Now he is being stalked by a white cat. What Cassel doesn't know is that his past may not be what he thinks it is.
Main themes: family, magic, corruption, mobsters, secrets
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Cassel struggles with trust issues due to his families manipulative background. Cassel is led to believe one thing by his family but it is not the truth. The story shows readers how family can be manipulative. The lie that Cassel was told completely changes how Cassel behaves and acts. He believes he is a terrible person who killed his own girlfriend. The reader will see how one's own perceptions of self can impact your actions and feelings.
Issues: The story has violence, manipulation, and illegal activity. Cassel is actually the school bookie and often times engages in less than legal activities. Cassel is also accused of killing his girlfriend.
Book Talk Ideas: The mobster aspect of this book is what will draw the biggest appeal. The book talk should focus on Cassel's family and their powers as curse workers and how they use them to engage in illegal activity.
Author Website: http://www.blackholly.com/
Read Alikes: Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman, The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why chose this book? Holly Black writes amazing dark urban fantasies that are very popular. This series features a male protagonist and a unique story line that will have wide appeal to teen readers.

Rainbow Boys

Title: Rainbow Boys
Author: Alex Sanchez
Published: Oct 2001
ISBN:0689841000
Price: 17.00
Genre: realistic fiction, LGBTQ
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Awards: YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 
Plot Summary: The story is told by 3 teen boys; Nelson, Kyle and Jason. Jason is convinced that he is straight, he has a girlfriend who he has sex with so he can't be gay. But then why did Jason show up to a meeting for gay teens and why does he find himself attracted to men. Jason isn't sure what his sexuality is but he isn't ready to risk everything to find out. Kyle on the other hand nows he is gay and he has been in love with Jason since he first met him. Kyle can't believe his luck when who walks into the Rainbow Youth meeting but his huge crush Jason. Could Jason really be gay? Kyle may know that he wants but that doesn't mean he is ready for his family to find out. Kyle is pretty sure his family wouldn't understand, especially his dad. So for now he keeps his sexuality hidden from his parents. Nelson on the other hand is out and proud. His mother heads up a support group for parents of gay youth and always new Nelson was gay and has no problem supporting her sons lifestyle. This doesn't make life any easier for Nelson though. Being an openly gay high school student makes you a prime target for homophobic bullying and harassment. Nelson's biggest issue is that he's in love with his befriend Kyle but Kyle doesn't seem to notice or care. Being a rainbow boy isn't easy but maybe the three of them can make changes in not only themselves but other too.
Review: Sanchez chose to present this story by using the viewpoints of all three boys which great insight into the thoughts and feelings of all three boys. It's interesting to see how the boys all view a situation differently. When Kyle rejects Nelson he doesn't think much of it while for Nelson it's a heartbreaking interaction. The viewpoints also allow for the readers to experience the different struggles of each of the characters. Jason goes through a lot of inner turmoil over his sexuality throughout the story. You also see Kyle's own issues of coming out to his family and having his first gay relationship. Nelson's story line shows the dangers of casual and unprotected sex. While they never really resolve the HIV issue when it comes to Nelson they do talk about the impact especially as Nelson starts dating an HIV positive man. The story doesn't become to dark or preachy but it does present an honest representation of what a gay teen might go through with his family and at school and with his relationships.
Reader's Annotation: Kyle and Nelson see a lot of people at their Rainbow Youth Support Meetings, but they never expected to see Jason; he's a jock and as far as ever knows, straight.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: This story could be supportive to those questioning their sexual identity. The story also shows the issues that gay teens face and it may help to create understanding, empathy and acceptance for other gay youth. The story also addresses important issues about sex and relationships, especially the dangers of unprotected sex. Not many teens books talk about HIV or show how despite being HIV positive a person can still engage in a relationship as long as they are open and safe.
Issues: The books focus on the lives of 3 gay teens will make it a target for censors. There is also sexual scenes, teen drinking and smoking. Others might take offense to Nelson's casual sexual encounter with an older man he barely knows and then his subsequent AIDS scare. The presentation of an HIV positive character in a positive light and also one that engages in a relationship might also bring about controversy. 
Book Talk Ideas: For the book talk I would focus on the relationships of the 3 boys. You have Kyle who is in love with Jason, Jason who wants to like Kyle but is dating a girl and Nelson who wants more than anything for Kyle to see him as more than a friend. Teens can relate to this types of relationship dynamics whether they are straight or gay which makes the story more accesible to all readers.
Main Themes: Identity, LGBTQ, friendship, love, relationships
Read-alikes: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan 
Author Website: http://www.alexsanchez.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: This book was groundbreaking when it came out in 2001 because it address the issues that faced many gay youth at that time. While there have been many books released about gay youth since then this book still stands the test of time.

The Chosen One

Title: The Chosen One
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Published: May 2009
ISBN: 0312555113
Price: 16.95
Genre: realistic fiction
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 8th-12th grade
Awards: Amelia Bloomer List- Young Adult Fiction, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults: Sticks and Stones, YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Plot Summary: Kyra is part of a religious polygamist cult called The Chosen Ones. Their community is isolated from the real world so Kyra spends most her time with her family. Being part of a polygamist family means that Kyra has 1 father, 3 mothers and 20 siblings, with 2 on the way. Kyra is the second oldest sister but due to development issues with her older sister Emily, Kyra acts as the oldest sister. Their cult is overseen by the Prophet, whose word is law. The Prophet that proceeded him allowed families to venture out of the community and allowed more freedom. But things things have changed a lot since the new Prophet took over and not in a good way. Kyra uses books, which are banned, to escape. She meets the book mobile out on the road and gets books from the library that she hides and reads in her favorite tree. One day the Prophet tells Kyra she is to marry her much older uncle who already has many wives. Kyra can't understand how this can be. She is in love with a young boy her age and thinks it's wrong for the Prophet to force her to marry not only a much older man but her uncle as well. Kyra can't hide from this problem nor can she go against the Prophet. But what will Kyra do, what can she do?
Review: I found Williams story to be a fast and engaging read. It could have easily been written as a one sided story that condemns polygamy but Williams really presents the topic in a more dimensional and complex matter. You are able to see the love and support that is in Kyra's family. Kyra loves her father, siblings and mothers. The story shows that her religious cult was not always so oppressive. Kyra talks about how they used to read together and venture into the real world. The story focuses more on how the current Prophet becomes cruel, manipulative and corrupt. I think Williams points out how these types of religious groups can easily become oppressive and dangerous to those involved. The fear that the members feel is obvious by Kyra's father who struggles with protecting his daughter and then risking the safety of the rest of his family. I think the most difficult part of the story was the death of Patrick. It is then in the story that the absolute corruption is obvious. 
Reader's Annotation: Kyra has never questioned her families religion but when her religious leader demands that she marry her much older uncle Kyra feels trapped. 
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story exposes the dangers of religious cults and following a leader blindly. It shows just how easily these families were manipulated into allowing a religious leader to control every aspect of their lives. While most teens will never be exposed to such a cult it they may gain some insight into the importance of freedom and choice.
Issues:  Some may feel that the story is trying to slander certain religious beliefs or practices. While the story never says anything about Mormomism some may feel that it could be attributed to the Mormon religion since some sects of the religion do practice polygamy. The book also has some intense violence such as Kyra being beaten by the Prophet. There is also the issue of the cult killing and abusing babies. The scene in which they hold Kyra's babysitter under water for crying may be very upsetting to some. The cult leaders killed members of the community and even kill non members like Patrick. The portrayal of a polygamy family as loving might also bother those who feel that polygamy is wrong.
Book Talk Ideas: 
Main Themes: polygamy, religious cults, family, corruption, violence, abuse
Read-alikes: Leaving Fishers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Author Website: http://www.carollynchwilliams.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: This book has huge appeal to reluctant readers with it's gripping and emotional storyline. The reading level is not difficult but the themes and issues presented in the book allow for lots of discussion and reflection. Also, this book presents the issues without being slanderous or one dimensional.

Ask the Passengers

Title: Ask The Passenger
Author: A.S. King
Published: Oct 2012
ISBN: 9780316194686
Price: 17.99
Genre: realistic fiction, GLBT
Reading Level: 8th grade 
Interest Level: 10-12th grade
Awards: 
Plot Summary: Astrid Jones hates living in her small town. Years ago Astrid's mother decided to move them from New York City to Unity Valley into their mother's childhood home. Astrid's mother is too busy working from home or being best friends with Astrid's younger sister, Ellis, to care much about Astrid. Astrid's father is just trying to survive Astrid's mom and spends most his time getting high in the garage. So Astrid spends her time laying on the picnic table in the backyard staring up at the planes overhead. Astrid sends all her love to the passengers flying overhead. She knows that they can't reject her love or love her back, instead she can just send all her love to them. In school she spends time with her friend's, the school couple, Kristina and Justin. Everyone thinks Kristina and Justin are the cutest couple but Astrid holds on to their secret. Astrid also has another secret, one that she isn't even sure herself. Astrid might be gay, and even though she enjoys kissing Dee, the girl she works with, she still isn't sure if she's gay. Astrid struggles to find her identity, to feel like she is loved. Instead Astrid would rather send her love to strangers, because at least they won't reject her.
Review: A.S. King has an amazing talent of writing characters that feel raw and honest. Astrid Jones is one of these honest characters. I felt like I got to know all of Astrid's fears and feelings and that she felt like a real person. Astrid's struggles to love herself or feel like she is loved. When you see how Astrid's mom treats her you can see why Astrid might struggle with acceptance. The part of the story I think that is the most honest and well written is Astrid's struggle with her sexuality. Often times books with gay teens have them knowing they are gay since they were young, where Astrid isn't sure. Even when confronted about being in love with a girl Astrid can't say she's gay. Astrid doesn't want to put herself into a box or to label herself, she just wants to be Astrid. She asks a lot of honest questions about sexuality and what it means. This story focuses on love and acceptance and what it all means. By the end of the story you can't help feeling like staring up at planes and send your love to passengers.
Reader's Annotation: Astrid sometimes feels like she isn't loved so she gives her love away. Astrid sends her love to the passengers in the planes that fly overhead.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: This story is so very honest about love and acceptance and relationships. Astrid struggles to love herself and to feel love from those around her. Readers will connect with Astrid's honesty. Teens that may be confused about their sexuality will find comfort in Astrid's personal struggle. Her family isn't exactly the most accepting about her possibly being a lesbian, especially her sister who feels her reputation has been ruined. The story also deals with gossip, especially in a small town, and how hurtful the words of others can be. An aspect of the story that I also think is useful is that Astrid doesn't just engage in sex without thought. She actually stops her girlfriend Dee many times and they talk about dealing with being ready to have sex. I think teens need to see that you should have a discussion about having sex with your partner, unlike in most books where it just happens is seems without much thought or discussion.
Issues: The main issue is that of Astrid's sexuality and the other gay teens in the story. You have Kristina and Justin who are pretending to be together but are both gay and use their relationship as cover. There is some people in the town who are quite negative about the gay community and the terms used can be upsetting to some. There is also some sexual scenes between Astrid and her girlfriend. The story also includes teen drinking and lying to get into a gay club. While there isn't a lot of foul language there is some, there is one particular scene when Astrid finally comes out by screaming the f-word and announcing she is gay at school.
Book Talk Ideas: Some of the most powerful parts in the book are the reactions by the passengers when Astrid sends her love to them in the plane. The passengers feel a sudden feeling of love. For the book talk I would start by reading one of these passages out loud and then talking about Astrid's way of sending love to strangers because she doesn't feel loved.
Main Themes: sexual identity, love, relationships, family, small towns
Read-alikes: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Author Website: http://www.as-king.com/
Professional Reviews:  Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: I have been a fan of A.S. King since Please Ignore Vera Dietz. I really enjoy how her stories are very character driven and emotional. I think she rights in a way that appeals to fans of Sarah Dessen and John Green. When I heard that she had written a book about a girl who was struggling with her sexuality I knew I had to read it because I knew she would handle the topic very well. 

Ironman

Title: Ironman
Author: Chris Crutcher
Published: April, 1995
ISBN: 0060598409
Page number: 288
Price: $4.99
Genre: realistic fiction, sports fiction
Reading Level: 10th grade 
Interest Level: 9th grade and up
Awards: 
Plot Summary: Bo can't seem to please his father or his former football coach and now teacher. Ever since Bo quit football both father and his former coach can't seem to forgive him. Now, Bo is training for the grueling Ironman in which he will have to run, bike and swim his way to the finish line. He trains, maintianes good grades and even holds down a job but still can't seem to earn the approval of his father. Bo is sent to anger management after calling his former coach and asshole and is now forced to spend his mornings with what Bo thinks are the crazy kids of his school. But soon Bo learns that he isn't the only one with some issues in his past or less than perfect relationship with their father. It isn't long before Bo starts to realize that he has a lot of unresolved issues with his father that drive his anger. Will winning the Ironman finally get the approval he needs from his father or will he always be at odds with him?
Review: Ironman is far more than a sports story. While the story does feature Bo training and struggling to prepare for his race the bigger issues is that of his relationship with his father. Bo and his father struggle to communicate and as Bo gets older it only get worse and this manifests itself into anger for Bo which has him sent to anger management. It is here that the story shows how abuse, and difficult pasts can haunt and change a person. Each of the students has had a rough time and struggles to deal with their anger. The characters stories is what draws you into the story and become invested in what happens. The story also features letters written from Bo to Larry King about his life and current struggles. The letters act as a diary of sorts as Bo lays out his struggles to Larry. The ending of course is the race in which Bo has been training for and the support he receives from his anger management classmates is heart warming. I appreciate the fact the story doesn't end perfectly for Bo and his dad but instead ends with things far from perfect but improving. Bo and his dad can't fix their relationship over night but the story shows that things can get better if you work on it.
Reader's Annotation: Bo is training for a triathalon like no other, the Ironman. It will push him to his limits in running, biking and swimming. Bo manages to balance school, training, work and even helping care for his younger brother but none of that seems to make his father happy. Bo and his father have never seen eye but when Bo quits football it only gets worse. Then Bo flips out on his former football coach and gets himself sent to anger management. But does Bo really belong in a class with the schools delinquents? While winning the Ironman finally get Bo the approval he's always wanted? Or will Bo always be at odds with his father?
Issues Present: The book has foul language, ethnic slurs, violence and abuse. It also features a gay teacher.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story deals with Bo's strained relationship with his father and also the abuse issues with other characters. They all have had parents that have not always been loving and supporting and for some of them their parents have been abusive and neglectful. Readers with similar struggles can relate to the anger that the characters struggle with.
Book Talk Ideas: The letters to Larry King play a large role so I think the book talk should be in a letter format.
Main Themes: father and son relationships, anger, abuse, training, triathlon 
Read-alikes: Keeper by Mal Peet and Bullyville by Francine Prose
Author Website: http://www.chriscrutcher.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: The book while sports related is more about relationships with friends, family and even romantic relationships. It shows how the past can affect your present but also that it doesn't have to define you. 

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.

Crank

Title: Crank
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published: Oct 2004
ISBN: 9780689865190
Page number: 537
Price: $6.99
Genre: story in verse, realistic fiction
Reading Level: 8th grade
Interest Level: 8th grade and up
Awards: Abraham Lincoln Award (2009)
Plot Summary: Crank is the story of a teenage girl name Kristina, who loses herself to her alter ego Bree and the world of meth. Kristina goes to visit her father who hasn't been a part of her life after her parents divorced. Her mother reluctantly allows her to visit her father and Kristina soon learns that her father is still the alcoholic druggie that her mother divorced. Kristina starts calling herself Bree and falls for a troubled boy in her father's apartment building. Her decent into meth is fast and soon "Bree" finds herself hooked on the monster she calls crank. Kristina returns home a different person and it isn't long before she finds a new group of friends that help feed her addiction. Bree has taken over and it seems that Kristina is no more. But as her world starts to fall apart and her mother becomes worried will Kristina finally turn her back on the monster or will she continue her downward spiral.
Review: The story is told in verse, which at first can be difficult to follow. But it doesn't take long to adjust to the style of writing. The writing style actual helps reflect the stream of conscience of Kristina which is often jumbled and scattered as she falls further into addiction. The story itself is a gritty and honest look at meth addiction. Kristina is what seems to be a very typical teenager who falls into the wrong crowd. She isn't a teen living in poverty but rather has a supportive mother and all her basic needs are filled. This makes Kristina's fall even more bleak because she gives up so much for her addiction. As Kristina become more addicted an engages in more risky behavior the reader finds themselves engrossed in her life hoping for a happy ending. By the end of the story the reader is left with the reality of how meth can change your life forever, which in Kristina's case she finds herself pregnant and dealing with withdraw.
Reader's Annotation: Kristina was a good girl, always did as she was told. But then Bree came along and took over. Bree may look just like Kristina, but Bree has invited the monster in; meth. Kristina will never be the same because once you let the monster in, it may never leave.
Issues: The book deals with drug use, addiction, drinking, sex, rape, teenage pregnancy and foul language.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The book is an honest reflection of the very real problem of meth addiction. It shows just how quickly and easily a smart teenager girl from the middle class can fall victim to meth. I think that often people associate drugs with poverty, but in Kristina's case she was very well taken care of. Her story is not sugar coated as she lies, steals and falls prey to rape in order to feed the monster. For teens dealing with addiction, either personally or with a family member or friend, the story is one they can relate to. It can help bring awareness to the issue of drug addiction among teens.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk should reflect the style of the writing, so perhaps a book talk in verse or stream of conscience.
Genre: books in verse, realistic fiction
Main Themes: drug addiction
Read-alikes: Beneath a Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson
Author Website: http://ellenhopkins.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: The book is highly controversial and very popular. At my library it is often stolen or checked out and never returned. The story connects with many teens and has huge appeal to reluctant readers due to its quick and tumultuous storyline.