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.

The House of the Scorpion

Title: The House of the Scorpion
Author: Nancy Farmer
Published: Sep 2002
ISBN: 9780689852237
Page number: 380
Price: 19.99
Reading Level: 4th grade
Interest Level: 7th-10th grade
Genre: fiction, sci-fi, dystopia
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books, National Book Award, Booklist Editor's Choice, YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, Printz Honor Book
Plot Summary: Matt is the clone of 142 year old drug lord  El Patron. El Patron runs the country of Opium, the land that now runs between Mexico and the United States. El Patron has sustained his life by harvesting the organs of his clones. Clones are treated like animals and hated by society. Matt is kept in a hut and treated like an animal until he smashes the window and breaks out. It is then that El Patron demands that Matt is treated with respect and care. After all El Patron views Matt as himself since he is his clone. But Matt struggles with his role as El Patron's clone because he knows his role is to provide El Patron with a new heart. Matt's days are numbered as El Patron falls sick and Matt knows that his only hope is to escape. Matt fears that he will never be accepted by society because his not seen as human, but rather a worthless animal with no soul.
Reader's Annotation: El Patron plans to live forever with the help of the organs he gets from his clones. Matt, El Patrons clone has dreams of escaping and having a chance at his own life.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story poses many ethical question on the what makes us human, identity and the idea of a soul. Teens can explore these ethical questions through a thought provoking sci-fi noel
Issues: Matt is treated like less than human and is told that he does not have a soul. El Patron has humans on his property that are called "eejits" they are basically humans who are controlled by brain implants. They do whatever they are told and don't do anything without being told to do so. This means that some die because someone forgets to tell them to stop working or to get a drink. The "eejits" are seen as disposable.
Book Talk Ideas: Clones are very real issues ever since the cloning of a sheep. The book talk could start by asking what people's opinions about clones are. This book may questions people's assumptions and ideas about what makes us human. 
Main Themes: human cloning, ethics, survival, souls, humanity
Read-alikes: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson, Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Author Website: http://www.nancyfarmerwebsite.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: Nancy Farmer is a well known author whose books are very popular. This story deals with many ethical issues that not many books address or deal with.

American Born Chinese

Title: American Born Chinese

Author: Gene Luen Yank

Published: Sep 2006

ISBN: 9781596431522

Pages: 233

Price: 9.99

Reading Level: 3rd grade

Interest Level: 7th-12th grade

Genre: graphic novel, fiction

Awards: Printz Award, National Book Award Nominee, ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults. 

Plot Summary: The comic has 3 story lines, one of a monkey king who wants to take work his way up to the gods, Jin Wang who moves to a new neighborhood and is the only Chinese-American student and Chin-kee who is the embodiment of Chinese stereotypes and is ruining his cousins life by embarrassing him at school. The stories go back and forth with no real connection other than they all deal with some part of Chinese culture. While the stories seem unrelated they are far more related then believed at the beginning.

Critical Review: Often times graphic novels don't have a serious meaning but American Born Chinese focuses on issues of identity and culture. It explores how complex being different can be, especially when it comes to race and ethnicity. It really explores issues of stereotypes and how our culture and race influence how we see ourselves and others in society. I enjoyed how the three separate story lines came together in the end and create one cohesive story built upon the three story lines. The artwork is also wonderful with bright bold drawings. Also each story line has a different feel. The monkey king is a myth while Jin Wang is a straight forward realistic story line and then Chin-kee is presented as a tv comedy with the audience laughing at his stereotypical behavior. It was a short read with some complex themes.

Reading Annotation: An action filled modern Fable the story includes three separate story lines that culminate to create a unique twist ending.

Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: This story will have big appeal to teens who deal with racism or stereotypes. It focuses on culture identity and many teens can relate to that struggle. It also shows how stereotypes can be hurtful and wrong. 

Main Themes: racism, identity, culture

Book Talking Ideas: The story centers around trying to fit in and stereotypes, those would be good themes to focus on for the book talk.

Issues: The story contains racial stereotypes about the Chinese community which some may find offensive. 

Author Website: http://geneyang.com/

Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly

Why include this book? This book is a perfect example on how graphic novels can tackle complex issues. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.