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.

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.

Give a Boy a Gun

Title: Give a Boy a Gun
Author: Todd Strasser
Published: Aug 2000
ISBN: 0689811128
Price: 16.00
Genre: realistic fiction
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 7-12th grade
Awards: 
Plot Summary: Gary and Brendan attend Middletown High and are the victim of relentless bullying. The football players are especially cruel and no one seems to care what they do as long as they win the game. Well Gary and Brendan have had enough, they don't want to be the victim anymore. The boys are plotting revenge and they can't wait to make everyone pay. They decide that on the day of a school dance to come in, barricade the doors and hold everyone hostage. They have especially cruel plans for one particular football player Sam. He had been the cause of much of the bullying and they wanted him to pay. They planned to have him die slowly and painfully. They had everything planned, they had booby trapped the doors to explode if anyone tried to get out and even wrote their own suicide notes. What they didn't plan for was Emily. Why was Emily there?
Review: Todd Strasser tackles a big issues, school shootings. There are many ways he could have written this book but his multi-view point style makes this story standout. The story is told through different viewpoints, interviews, text messages and news articles. I thought this might make the story confusing or too scattered but instead this really showed the different emotions and feelings happening during the shooting. The one aspect I did find distracting was the footnotes during the story. I wanted to read the information because it was very interesting but I felt it took me out of the story. I think you almost have to read the footnotes afterwards instead of trying to read them as you read the story. The information at the back of the story was also very powerful. To see the shootings that happened while he was writing the story and the brief history of school shootings was sobering. The story really acts as a talking point or a way to open up dialogue about these issues of violence, bullying and gun control. Strasser doesn't offer answers but instead poses questions about how America handle's these problems. Though it is obvious that Strasser supports gun control since the back of the book states that portions of the profits from the book go to support gun control.
Reader's Annotation: Gary and Brendan are what you would call outcasts and they are the victims of bullying. But no one expected they would seek revenge with guns.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: This story not only gives insight into the thoughts and feelings of the school shooters but the victims as well. Strasser provides a wealth of information on gun violence and school shootings that might make readers stop and think about how we interact with people and how we deal with guns in society. Sadly, school shootings are something that effects teens, whether it happens at their school or they hear about it on TV, these tragedies effect us all. This story provides a way to open up dialogue and perhaps start to think about solutions.
Issues: The book touches on a very controversial topic of school shootings and gun control. There are many that feel gun control is not the answer and would feel that this book is anti-gun, therefore treading on second amendment rights. The story also depicts violence, especially in the case of Sam who they shoot in the knee caps. There is also the issue that Strasser tries to make Gary and Brendan seem human and at times they come across as the victims, which may upset some people. They may feel that the story glorifies what the boys did or that we shouldn't feel sorry for people who commit violent acts like this.
Book Talk Ideas: For the book talk I think I would read snippets of the story, some of the eyewitness accounts. I could also list some of the most recent shooting tragedies to highlight this issue and it's relevancy today.
Main Themes: school shootings, bullying, violence
Read-alikes: Endgame by Nancy Farmer, Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia
Author Website: 
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: The book was written over 10 years ago but it still feels very timely and current. The issues in this book have not gone away and in the wake of such tragedies like Newtown this book is even more relevant. Also, Strasser way of handling the material is unique and I think it really shows the story in a new way.

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. 

City of Bones

Title: City Of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Other Books in the Series: City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Published: March 2007
ISBN: 1416955070
Pages: 485
Price: 12.99 (paperback)
Plot Summary: Clary Fray is just an average New York City teenager till one night when she witnesses a crime the goes unseen by everyone else. Clary can see Shadowhunters, which is both a surprise to Clary and the Shadowhunters. She witnesses the shadowhunters killing a person at a club, which Clary finds out is a demon. Shadowhunters are humans with angel blood and they protect the world from demons, vampires, werewolves and other downworlder creatures. Usually, the shadowhunters can go unseen by humans as they carry out their jobs but somehow Clary can see them. Clary soon finds out that she isn't as normal as she once thought as she finds more about her life and family and the world of the Shadowhunters. Clary soon joins the world of the Shadowhunters as they try to find out why so many demons are finding their way into the human world. Though joining the Shadowhunters also puts her in danger and her mother disappears after Clary is attacked by a demon. No one knows why she was attacked, or where her mother went or why Clary can see the shadowhunters.
Review: The story features well developed and diverse characters as well as a plot that is full of twists and mystery. The world of Shadowhunters and Downworlders has been well developed by Cassandra Clare with great back stories and a rich history that slowly comes out through the series. There is plenty of action and fighting to appeal to boys reading the series and of course there is romance. I like that Cassandra includes Alec and Mangus who are both gay characters, but she treats them just like all the other characters and their sexuality isn't a big focus but rather them being gay is just a part of who they are. There is also some obvious sexual tension between Clary and Jace that is engrossing. Jace is a bit of the typical bad boy, with a constant need to walk on the edge. The story is extremely addicting and a fun read.
Reading Annotation: What if demons walked among us and the ones who fought them were hiding in plain sight.
Main Themes: angels, demons, secret worlds, identity
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Clary struggles with her identity and finding her place. This will appeal to teens who feel that they may not fit in or don't know their role in society. The story also is a battle of good vs evil. Teens can use the fantasy battles against demons as inspiration to battle their own real life demons. The book also provides an imaginative and fun escape from the real world.
Book talking ideas: City of Bones has the great ability to make the fantasy feel part of everyday life. For book talking focus on the idea of a world that is existing all around us that no one sees, the world of Shadowhunters. Of course there is great action, adventure and romance to pull in teens.
Issues: The series does have teen drinking and risk taking behavior. There is a lot of focus on romantic relations that may be inappropriate for younger teens. The main challenge may be the idea of vampires, werewolves, and humans with angel blood. Some religious parents may feel it's sacrilegious or have objections to the idea of fantasy being weaved into everyday life.
Author Website: http://www.cassandraclare.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why included this book?: The Mortal Instruments series is a New York Bestseller and is being turned into a movie that is being released this summer. It is book that combines both vampires, angels and werewolves and has huge appeal to fantasy fans.

The Sandman, Vol. 1

Title: The Sandman Preludes and Nocturnes
Author: Neil Gaiman
Other books in the series: The Sandman series contains 9 titles.
Publication Info: DC Comics, 1998
ISBN: 1563892278
Pages: 240
Price: 19.99
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Plot Summary: A group of dark magicians get a hold of a book that they believe will help them capture death. They hope to capture death and therefore control it but things do not go as planned and they capture Morpheus, also known as Dream. Morpheus, the brother of death, is then imprisoned by the magicians for 75 years. Morpheus finally frees himself only to discover that his absence has changed the world and it is no longer how he left it 75 years ago. His world has fallen into ruins in his absence and Morpheus looks to make it right again. But he need his tools in order to do this. He finds that his three tools: his helm, his bag of sand and his ruby have been stolen from him. The story follows Morpheus on his quest to locate and take back his three tools and regain is strength and power that he lost from his long imprisonment. 
 Review: The story weaves in many other characters, like the Justice League and John Constantine but Neil Gaiman does it in a way that the reader doesn't feel lost. Rather the pieces fit together quite nice. The story line is dark but the artwork is beautiful and captures the story well. Morpheus is in interesting character who walks the line between good and evil. He provides both dreams and nightmares and has no problem using his power to seek revenge. The story will appeal to DC comic fans since it references well known DC characters but it will also appeal to fans of folklore. Like much of Gaiman's writing his story is based of some well known folk tales, this one focusing on the Sandman. Of course the story has Gaiman's dark and magical twist.
Reader's Annotation: Morpheus was held captive for 75 years. But now Morpheus, or Dream, is out to seek revenge on those who held him captive.
Main Themes: dreams, death, revenge
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: The story is based on myths and legends that teens will be able to lose themselves in. The story also exposes the dark sides of human nature that teens can explore through the story.
Book Talk Ideas: For the book talk it might be good to introduce the folklore and myths that the story is based on like the Sandman. This will give the reader an idea of what is in storm for them with the story and perhaps get them interested in folk lore and legends.
Issues: The novel is graphic in it's story and it's artwork. There is sex, death, Satan and demons, dark magic and violence. While beautiful written there is likely to be some objection to the material due to it's mature content.
Read Alikes: Sandman: Endless Nights by Neil Gaiman
Author Websites: http://www.neilgaiman.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Why chose this book? Sandman is considered groundbreaking for its time. The story is quite complex for a graphic novel and it shows that just because something is a graphic novel doesn't mean it can't have intricate stories and well developed characters.