I'd Know you Anywhere by Laura Lippman

4.5/5

Eliza is a mom of two. Perfect house, loving husband, normal kids. No one even knows that she is the only surviving victim of a serial killer. She'd like to keep it that way.

The novel alternates between present day and 1985 - the summer Eliza was 15, the summer she was kidnapped and held captive for six weeks, the summer she saw another young girl get murdered. This book explores the many relationships effected by these events, including the one between Eliza and her kidnapper. Due to be executed for his crimes, Walter Bowman reaches out to Eliza. Can she finally get the answers she needs from him? Does she even know the questions to ask?

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

4/5

How do you build suspense when your readers already know the main character survives the horrific ordeal that is the basis for your story? Just ask this debut author. In Still Missing, Annie O'Sullivan is telling the story of her year in captivity to her shrink - so we know she makes it out alive. Still, you will cringe and squirm with each new atrocity her captor inflicts upon her.

Alternating between the present and the past, this is a story that will make you double check your locks at night. Even though the ending seems just a little far fetched, readers will root for Annie to reclaim her old life at the same time they hope she finds a way to accept her new normal.

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

2.75/5

This book is pretty gut-wrenching. It is about "Alice," a child kidnapped at the age of 10. She is now 15 and has outgrown her kidnapper's, Ray, tastes. Still she is subjected to daily physical, sexual and psychological abuse which is detailed pretty graphically. The chapters are short, usually lasting no longer land a single abusive episode. Alice (the name given to her by her kidnapper)has given up the hope of ever returning home. The only thing she looks forward to is the day Ray finally kills her because at least her pain will then be over. However, soon, even that hope is taken from her when he reveals his newest plan - to have Alice help kidnap a new little girl.

There is no happy ending. Despite the horriffic abuse and feeling incredibly sorry for the main character, I would not describe the book as character driven. Some of the violence felt gratuitous. Overall, it's a realistic and horrifying picture into a world no one should have to live in.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

4.5/5

The much-anticipated final book in The Hunger Games Trilogy packs quite a punch. I was literally exhausted at the end, even though there is probably a little less action in this book than in the previous two. In Mockingjay, Katniss and her friends embody the phrase, “War is hell.” We meet new characters, some of whom we love and many we despise immediately. We are reintroduced to old friends and enemies and are no longer certain who falls into which category. Be careful not to get too attached to any one character – there’s a fair chance he or she will die.

Overall, this entire series, including Mockingjay, is outstanding. War changes people, Katniss is no exception. The author does an excellent job of revealing exactly how people’s willingness to watch the suffering of others is a dangerous and slippery path. You never know when you may go from watching to watched.

How to Train Your Dragon by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III; Translated From the Old Norse by Cressida Cowell

3.5/5

I am no longer a teen librarian. I am now a youth librarian. I still read a lot of YA lit but now I also read many books targeted toward younger children. How to Train Your Dragon is one of those (It's the first book I selected for a new 4-6 grade book club).

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a ten year old member of an ancient viking tribe. To become a warrior, he must train a dragon to do his bidding - no small feat when you are, as Hiccup points out, not a natural hero. Clearly aimed at boys but with just enough appeal to keep girls reading too, the book is filled with clever references, disgusting names, inappropriate bodily functions, gross foods, and poor hygiene. Luckily there is quite a bit of love, cleverness, adventure, loyalty and humor to balance everything out quite nicely.

Hiccup learns that it takes more than muscles to make a hero, yelling is not always the best way to solve a problem - even if you are a viking, and friendship goes a long way. Overall, this is an excellent read for 4th grade plus, especially for male reluctant readers. I should probably add that the Disney movie of the same name veers drastically from this plot but that shouldn't deter anyone from either the book or the film.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

3.5/5

This was an interesting book told from the point of view of Mia, a teenager who has none of the issues that plague many female characters in YA novels. Her parents are happily married, she loves her little brother and her self esteem is healthy. Her boyfriend's only flaw is that he is successfully following his dream. Her own dreams are about to come true after a stellar cello audition for Juilliard. All of this is a refreshing change from the typical dysfunction found in the genre.

Of course, happiness does not make for a very compelling story. So this book centers around idea of what happens when such a perfect life is shattered. When her family is in a horrific car accident, Mia must decide whether she wants to live or die as a result of her injuries. She narrates both the past and present as she watches doctors attempt to save her life and her friends rally around her hospital bed. Her out-of-body experiences reveal how such an accident has rippling effects on the loved ones left behind. How can Mia possibly choose a life that her parents and beloved baby brother have left? How can she face the uncertainty of death and leave behind the loved ones already overwhelmed with grief? Is the choice really even hers to make? The answers are compelling and believable.

September Sisters by Jillian Cantor

3.5/5

"I hate you."
"So what? I hate you, too."

This is the last conversation 12 year old Abby Reed has with her younger sister, Becky. The following morning Becky has disappeared, seemingly into thin air. September Sisters chronicles the aftermath of that disappearance. Abby's mother falls into a suicidal depression at the same time she is considered the prime suspect. Her father tries desperately to keep the family together by endlessly searching for Becky while at the same time restricting Abby's life. Abby reflects on her relationship with Becky while dealing with her new normal - lifelong friends completely ignore her, she is not allowed out of the house unaccompanied, and neighbors she has known forever suddenly seem suspicious.

What I liked most about this novel is the honesty of Abby's thoughts and emotions. She was always jealous of Becky and her dislike went unabated after the disappearance. Readers will pick up on the fact that her memories reveal far more happy times with her sister than sad ones, something Abby herself realizes by the end of the book. Her relationships with her mother, father, and the new boy next door are well-told and believable. While it could probably have been shortened a bit, overall this is an above-average book that looks at family dynamics, friendship and grief through the filter of tragedy. Abby's memories provide the perfect "before" while readers are immersed in an often sad, occasionally humorous and always honest "after."

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

3.75/5

Brown's debut novel contains many layers because Valerie Leftman, the narrator, is many things. She is the daughter of parents who fight constantly, a teenager who loved the color pink as a little girl but now only wears black, a high school victim who deals daily with an onslaught of insults from the popular group, an above average student with her eye on college, and much more. All of that changes one May morning when her long time boyfriend walks into school and opens fire killing six people and injuring several more including Valerie. Nick ends his massacre by taking his own life leaving Valerie to deal with the aftermath of his crime and answer for the Hate List - a written inventory of all the people and things they had wished to destroy. Throughout the story, Valerie maintains that she never knew Nick took the list seriously but she is still overcome with guilt about the shootings.

In many respects, I really liked this book. Nick and Valerie's history is told beautifully. The bullying descriptions are authentic. Valerie's psychological struggles after the shooting are told in an unflinching manner. As far as school-shooting books go, this one is top-notch. Still some things seemed a bit unrealistic. The school does nothing to remodel the cafeteria where the shooting take place, physical security precautions such as locked classroom doors and bullet proof glass are not installed until well into the following year, the principal and guidance counselor are stereotypical characters not at all fleshed out. Still the book shines in its ability to reveal all of the relationships in Valerie's life and how they change after the incident. I'd definitely recommend for grades 8 and up.

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler

3.5/5
Tangled begins with four teenagers at a Caribbean resort. At first only tangentially interconnected, this novel reveals how actions we consider inconsequential can impact others. Told from four different viewpoints and taking place in four consecutive months, YA readers will enjoy the varying characters and how each one grows.

It can be argued that the four main characters are simply stereotypical shells of common YA literature personalities. Jena is the shy girl who would do anything for a boyfriend; Skye is the poor little rich girl whose beautiful looks, endless bank account and acting talent are not enough to make her happy; Dakota is the jock with no regard for the people around him; and Owen is the nerd who is more comfortable in virtual reality than actual reality. Mackler, however, does a very good job exploring these personalities and explaining how each character came to be the way they are. The events, dialog and interactions are descriptive and believable. This book tackels depression, suicide, self esteem, divorce, parenting, sibling rivalry, grief and more. Yet, it never comes off as misdirected, heavy-handed, or confusing.

With each main character getting one fourth of the book to tell their story, I initially thought things were ending rather abruptly as we moved on to a new narrator. This problem resolves itself through the minor interactions the characters have with each other. I think it’s telling that I cannot pick a favorite among the four. Each one’s problems are different, but I ended up rooting for all of them.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

4/5

The Giver is the story of Jonas, a 12 year old boy who lives in the perfect world. Disease, disagreement and dissent have been eradicated – along with colors, individualism and love. The community elders decide who will marry who, what career each person will have, and even what word choice is appropriate.

When Jonas is named the community’s memory keeper, he is quickly exposed to a past that existed before all of the elders' rules. He absorbs emotions, triumphs and tragedies. He learns exactly how control is maintained and must decide what perfection truly means - is the joy of love worth the heartbreak of war?

Lowry excels in providing a vivid contrast between the perfect world and the memories passed on to Jonas. YA readers will enjoy the subtle suspense that builds throughout the story. Euptopia vs. dystopia is a common theme in the YA genre and it is nice to read a book in which the author does not feel compelled to blatantly reveal why one should fight for individuality. By creating a society that can actually be seen as appealing, Lowry lets readers decide for themselves between the safety of the elders's world and the freedom of the real world. The ending is open to interpretation, but personally, I think Jonas made all the right choices.

On a completely side note, the cover picture of an old man (The Memory Keeper training Jonas) seems to turn a lot of kids off. The cover alone often gets the books labeled as boring. I often have to convince them to give the book a try and I have not yet had one tell me they dislike it.

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson

3/5

There is a lot happening is this book but at the same time very little actually takes place. Siblings Whit and Wisty are on the run after escaping from the New Order, an evil government agency. They are searching for their parents, trying to stay alive, and discovering their burgeoning magical abilities.

Patterson seems a little desperate to create a world as fantastical as the one in the Harry Potter Series - but he falls short. There are ghosts, incredible magical abilities, gruesome (in a good way) action scenes. However, there is very little back story. How did the New Order come to power? No idea. Who are the supporting characters? One dimensional archetypes. What direction do the authors intend to go with all of this? I am not positive they know. The teenage main characters often fall into dialog that is at best contrived and at worst totally hokey.

Overall this is an action packed book where not a lot happens (weird, I know). I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. I am hoping the next title in the series continues the excellent action sequences but also gives us a little plot.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone 4.5/5
Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets 4/5
Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban 5/5
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire 4.5/5
Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix 4/5
Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince 4.5/5
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows 5/5

I was a tiny bit late to the Harry Potter bandwagon. The first title in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was released in the U.S. in 1998. I didn’t pick it up until mid 2002 at the suggestion of my then boyfriend (now husband) who had it lying around his apartment. Let’s be clear – I mocked him for both owning a children’s book and suggesting that I read it. But, since he has always been far more responsible than me, he began writing his paper for whatever graduate class had a deadline looming and I was left to choose between staring at the ceiling, going home, watching bad TV, or reading this ridiculous children’s novel. I chose the book. I think I may have finished it in one sitting. I also think it may be the reason why I am a librarian today. I always loved reading growing up but I somehow fell out of the habit of turning to a good book to cure boredom somewhere along the way, probably because debate and college in general dictated reading material. Harry Potter reminded me why I love books.

The Sorcerer’s Stone was the charming tale of a down on his luck English orphan who finds out he is a wizard on his 11th birthday. This knowledge brings with it a host of other information including why he is an orphan – his parents were killed by the most evil wizard of all time who also tried to kill Harry when he was just a baby leaving the lightning shaped scar on his forehead. There is a lot of set up in this book - a lot. In fact, the plot is sometimes lost in Rowling's need to prepare us for the rest of the series. Readers are exposed to the wonder that is Hogwart's School for Witchcraft and Wizardry - ghosts inhabit the castle's hallways; portrait subjects move among the various canvases; there is a marvelous and dangerous sport known as quidditch which requires players to fly on brooms; and much, much more. These details are the delight of the book as is Harry's friendship with Ron and Hermione, two of his classmates at Hogwarts. The three are determined to learn what is hidden on a forbidden floor of the castle, convinced that mean Professor Snape is up to no good. Together they discover that Lord Voldemort, the very wizard that killed Harry's parents, is trying to acquire the Sorcerer's Stone which will grant him everlasting immortality. Can these three friends stop him in time to save the wizarding world?


The second book in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is my least favorite. That doesn't mean I don't like it, only that compared to the others, it is not as captivating. In this installment, Harry returns to Hogwarts and resumes his friendship with Ron and Hermione. Readers learn more about the school's four houses -Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Each is named for one of the original founders of Hogwarts. Not long after the start of the school term, strange things start to happen in the castle. Students are being attacked by an unknown enemy. Strange messages announcing the return of Slytherin's heir are left on the walls. Most ominously, students are told that the Chamber of Secrets will be again be opened. A bit of research by the main trio reveals that 50 years ago a monster that lives within the Chamber killed a student at the school. The plot continues, Harry eventually saves the day, all is right in the world. CoS introduces us to new characters, new spells, and more back story. It is funny, imaginative and charming. Readers learn more about Harry's tie to the ominous Lord Voldemort. It is is excellent but simply my least favorite out of an all together extraordinary series.

Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban is the third in the series. If forced to pick a favorite, this would probably be it. Rowling hits her stride and the action is virtually non-stop. The book opens with Harry, now 13, spending another miserable summer with the Dursley Family where he is mistreated and often ignored. When Aunt Marge visits, her verbal abuse is enough to cause Harry to accidentally use magic in retaliation. This illegal act (underage wizards are forbidden to use magic outside of school)sends him on the run. He boards the Knight Bus, a phenominal piece of public transportation available to witches and wizards, and learns a prisoner recently escaped from the wizard prion, Azkaban. Sirius Black is a known mass murderer and supporter of the evil Lord Voldemort. Officials at the Ministry of Magic are very concerned - so much so that they overlook Harry's misuse of Magic in favor of getting him safely back to Hogwarts, where the adventure, of course, continues. It is difficult to write about the plots of these books without giving too much away. Suffice it to say Harry, Ron and Hermione are very busy! This book really serves as a transition in the series. The plot is darker, the kids are more mature, the subject matter is at times ominous. It's excellence stems from the way Rowling reveals the complexity of this world in which she has immersed readers. Plot points that seemed inconsequential in the first two books are suddenly fraught with meaning. Readers cannot help but wonder which new details in this book will have significant consequences in future installments. All of this and we are introduced to Sirius Black and Remus Lupin - both of whom I LOVE! It doesn't get much better.

Dragons and Danger and Death, oh my! Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire carries on the precedents set by the first three books - more magic, new characters and a lot of action. From the Quidditch World Cup where Lord Voldemort's supporters crash the party, to the Tri-Wizard Tournament, an event that brings competitors from three different magical schools together to compete for fame and glory, Harry and his friends face new and more difficult challenges. In addition to the threats these events bring, the kids, now 14, must deal with many of the same issues facing adolesents everywhere - including crushes on the opposite sex. Ron realizes it's not always easy being the best friend of someone as famous as Harry. Harry learns that mediocrity may be more desreable than fame. Hermione learns that being in the middle is the worst place of all. The kids are growing up and so are the readers - which means Voldemort returns in a horriffic way, we see our first deaths in the plot and the challenges our fearless trio face are far more dangerous.

Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix sees 15 year old Harry on an emotional roller coaster. Not everyone believes the events of last year. Some, including the Minister of Magic, outright accuse him of lying about Voldemort's return. When he and his muggle cousin are attacked by Dementors, the Ministry tries to expel him for using magic out school. These events precipitate his being moved to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization of witches and wizards determined to fight Voldemort. The headquarters also happens to be the familial home of his godfather, Sirius Black. While there, Harry, Ron and Hermione learn more about Voldemort's tactics, which include infiltrating the Minsitry. When he returns to Hogwarts there is a new teacher on staff who also happens to ba a ministry official. She refuses to allow any students to learn defensive magic and repeatedly punishes Harry for his "lies." It is now up to Harry to prepare his friends to fight. Throw in the fact that he goes on his first date, has regular nightmares that seem to be coming true, and is facing end of year exams that will determine his future. It all adds up to a thrilling ride with a heart-breaking conclusion as Harry discovers he cannot save everyone.

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince keeps with tradition by getting progressively darker, revealing more surprises and increasing the stakes for Harry and his friends. Dumbledore takes Harry under his wing and continues to groom the sixteen year old wizard for his inevitable fututre. Previously minor characters leap to center stage. The war between good and evil is in full effect which, of course, means more people die. Rowling begins to reward readers' infinite patience by revealing more secrets than ever before. Relationships take priority as Harry falls in love with Ginny, Ron gets a girlfriend and Hermione gets her heart broken. Harry takes several trips into Dumbledore's penseive (think pool of memories) and is asked to seek out another person's memories of a young Voldemort. The action ramps up in the final chapters as Harry and Dumbledore travel to a cave full of Voldemort's traps and return to another ambush at Hogwarts. We see the first real battle as students and Deatheaters alike fight for their lives within the castle. Harry must again face the death of a loved one and this time, readers will cry too.

I know a lot of people did not like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Quite frankly, I really believe those people would not have liked any conclusion to their beloved series. I admit that I was terrified to read it. What if Rowling got it wrong??? I should have had more faith. I think think the most apt description of this book is, "Satisfying." I think all required answers were given. I think all the necessary characters were fleshed out. I think justice was served. I cried on at least three seperate occasions in the story. The complaints I have heard most often are:

1) The three main characters were on the run for too long.
2) (Insert character name here) died.
3) (Insert character name here) did not die.
4) It's all just one big Christ allegory.

To which I respond:

1) No one, including Dumbledore, said Harry's job was going to be easy. I don't understand this complaint, they weren't just sitting there. They were always planning even when they had zero idea what was going on. Also, SOMETHING had to happen to move Ron and Hermione's relationship along.

2) Yes,(Insert character name here) died. It's war, that happens.

3) Correct,(Insert character name here) did not die. I commend Rowling for never being gratuitious. Everything happens for a reason. I expected certain people to die too. I'm glad I was wrong.

4) If you didn't recognize the Christ allegory until this book, you obviously skipped the first six books.

There was action, love, death and huge battle of good vs. evil. I know why people did what they did. I learned that redemption can be found in the oddest of places. I understand a little bit better what true friendship really means. I am satisfied.

When You Reach Me by Rachel Stead

4/5

I usually don't like books aimed at the youngest of young adult readers. Not because they are bad but because they often just don't appeal to me. When I try to read these books, I often feel like I'm the big jerk in a relationship...you know the one who says, "It's not you, it's me!" There are exceptions of course (a certain boy wizard leaps to mind) but, generally, I am more entertained by plots aimed at older teens. For that reason, I am always excited to find books intended for my youngest patrons that I can say I truly enjoyed. When you Reach Me is one of those.

WYRM is set in late 1970s New York and follows 12 year old Miranda during a turbulent time in her life. Her best friend is ignoring her completely, she begins receiving strange notes that seem to predict the future, and she is developing her fisrt crush on a boy. Her activist mother is preparing to compete on the $20,000 Pyramid, the social pressures of school are building, and she has to contemplate complex issues of race and class that didn't seem to matter in elementary school. On top of all of this, she is trying to wrap her brain around the concept of time travel, a theory that plays a prominent role in her favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time, and keeps coming up in conversation with the strange boy who lives above a shop in her neighborhood.

This book captures both time and place magnificently. Stead’s descriptions of Miranda’s neighborhood and the people in her life are vivid. Readers can easily picture everyone from the crazy homeless person who lives on the corner to the friendly old grocer who feeds Miranda vitamin C to the thugs who hang out in front of a car shop cat-calling to all the girls who walk by. Despite its realistic vibe, the ending is truly a surprise that will please fans of the fantasy genre. To be quite honest, I always can guess the ending (I knew Bruce Willis was dead long before he figured it out in the Sixth Sense) but the ending of this one was not only a surprise but the perfect conclusion to a great story. I will for sure be recommending this for grades five and above.

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Ummmm/5

I wanted to like this book - mainly because so many other people seem to. I had a really hard time getting into it. I'll admit that I didn't give it much of a chance, maybe 30 pages, but it usually doesn't even take me that long to get drawn into a story. On a snowy, February day I actually put this down and started re-reading The Hunger Games. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood, perhaps I needed the comfort of a tried and true favorite, possibly I was distracted by real life...whatever. The fact of the matter is that reading this book felt like a chore. No thanks.

I used to feel guilty if I didn't finish a book I started. That is no longer the case. I refuse to waste time reading things that don't appeal to me...I had to do that for too many years in college. That said, there's a fair chance I will revisit this title at a later date because I still feel like I should like it. Maybe. Maybe not.

Copper Sun by Sharon Draper

4/5


Copper Sun is a work of historical fiction chronicling one girl’s journey from her African village through the stark realities of slavery. Fifteen year old Amari lives an idyllic life – she loves the handsome, hardworking boy she is supposed to marry; adores her little brother; and works hard to learn the ways of her tribe. All of that changes when white strangers attack. She soon finds herself in chains, forced to walk for days toward the coast. Anyone with even the basest knowledge of history can guess the general plot that follows but Draper manages to make Amari’s story heart-wrenching, suspenseful and endearing.

An interesting twist is that once purchased by the highest bidder, Amari meets Polly, a white indentured servant who belongs to the same farmer. The author gives Polly her own narrative and begins alternating sections of the book between the girls. This technique forces readers to acknowledge just how significant race was during this era. While Polly endures many of the same abuses Amari does, her skin color does indeed influence her treatment and outlook on life. Eventually the girls escape together which presents an entirely new set of obstacles but I’ll leave those for readers to discover.

The above description is a pretty tame version of the book. The truth of the matter is Draper does not sugar coat the atrocities that were slavery. Her description of the conditions slaves were forced to endure on the boats to America actually made me physically ill. The acts of violence and emotional abuse she reveals made me put down the book and walk away on more than one occasion. That said, I really think this book is appropriate for teenagers. The graphic descriptions are never gratuitous; they are tempered with moments of tenderness and even humor. I usually don’t like YA historical fiction as if often feels like the author is trying to force the lessons of the past down readers’ unwilling throats. Draper’s lesson is an easy if bitter pill to swallow.

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

4/5
I have to admit, I am afraid to post this entry. I have a sickening feeling that no matter what I write, people will be angry (assuming anyone ever reads this blog). Rarely do books come along that stir such strong feelings in both fans and detractors…but that’s exactly why I think writing about them is important.

In case you live under a rock, the Twilight Saga is a four book series that follows high school student Bella Swan as she moves to the tiny town of Forks, Washington to live with her father. She soon learns that fairy tales and the monsters that inhabit them are not always make-believe as she becomes the central figure of a love triangle involving a vampire and a werewolf. Can Bella survive in their supernatural world? Will true love really conquer all? Do fairy tales always have a happy ending? The Twilight Saga answers these and many more questions.


Let me start out by saying I KNOW I should not like these books. I accept, even embrace, that fact. But I do. And I don’t just like them, I puffy heart them (if you know me, you know that’s saying something)! I freely acknowledge the many faults of the series – the writing is often terrible and the editing is even worse; the star-crossed lover story is not at all new and Meyer does nothing to reinvent an age-old theme – in fact she often just borrows plot lines from the classics; the ending is far too perfect – EVERYONE gets exactly what they want, even if they didn’t know they wanted it; the final book, Breaking Dawn, takes so many sharp turns, the reader is in danger of getting whiplash. The list of problems could go on and on. Guess what? I DON’T CARE. Here’s why:

1) It is a series for today’s teens. Many of them had never even heard of, let alone read, Romeo and Juliette or Wuthering Heights before devouring this series. Now they are fans of these classics because they wanted to read what Bella and Edward read.

2) The characters are extremely well-developed. Each book reveals more of the history of each character and allows readers to understand why they behave the way they do.

3) I disagree with the scholars. I know several academics have published learned papers as to why Bella Swan is the anti-feminist. She is often seen as the damsel in distress. I think these interpretations are the easiest reads of the text. Personally, I think it makes sense that the only non-mythical creature in the story occasionally requires saving – not because she is female but because she is human. One need only look at Alice, Esme and Rosalie to recognize that not all women are weak.

Other scholars say her happiness is dependent on having a man which is a serious blow to feminism. She centers her entire identity around the male(s) in her life. If she is not Edward’s girlfriend, who is she? Oh, she’s Jacob’s best friend. I really find this laughable…the boys are equally as dependent on her! Both Edward and Jacob are willing to die rather than lose Bella. Call it a story of co-dependency if anything, but I like to think of it as a tale about the power of true love. It’s easier to see Bella’s weaknesses because the story is told from her point of view, but that doesn’t mean hers are the only ones worth examining.

Finally, these scholarly arguments can be applied to just about any star-crossed lover novel in existence. If you are truly concerned about the effect such tales have on young girls’ identity and self esteem, I would hope you are actively attempting to provide a counter example for them to model in real life. Quite frankly, if a girl is old enough to read the Twilight Saga, she is old enough for you to have conversations with her about the very issues mentioned above. Learning moment anyone?

4) Edward Cullen is awesome. Personally, I am still waiting for my husband to leave a note on my pillow saying, “Take care of my heart, I’ve left it with you.” And, before any of you say anything like he’s a stalker, over-protective or anything else, let’s try to remember he always tries to act in Bella’s best interest – not a trait one finds in most abusive relationships.

5) Lastly, can we please stop taking everything so damn seriously??? At the most basic level this is a series for teens about vampires and werewolves. Maybe we should stop reading into it and just read it! I find it difficult to be overly-critical of any titles that get millions of young people to put down the video game controllers and pick up a book.

By The Time You Read This I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

3.5/5

Really, Julie Anne Peters? Really?? I give you three hours of my life, devour every word on your 224 pages and you pay me back with that ending???...Sigh...SIGH! Ok, I won't spoil it for everyone else.

Daelyn Rice has tried to kill herself in the past. She doesn't consider those suicide attempts, she considers them suicide failures. She plans to be successful this time with the help of a website dedicated to helping "completers." As she navigates the various message boards on the site, Daelyn reveals to the reader the reasons behind her desire to die. We are also given glimpses into the effects her previous suicide attempts have had on her physically and mentally.

BTTYRTIBD is one of many books out today that deals with the consequences of bullying. Daelyn's past is indeed heartbreaking. Her parents' attempts to save her are both heroic and frustrating. Her whole-hearted commitment to completing is complicated by relationships old and new. Should she kill herself when the boy with cancer fights so hard to live? Should she die and leave another girl as the next victim for the bullies? Does her parents' failure to understand deserve a life sentence of grief?

What makes this book stand out is the subtlety the author uses in revealing the methods and consequences of Daelyn's past suicide attempts. It would have been easy for the author to reveal too much too soon. Her restraint is impressive and reinforces the belief that Daelyn is truly willing to walk away from this life. The ending is not delivered in a pretty package. Resolutions do not come easy. The reader will have many questions to ponder...just like the friends and family of completers everywhere.

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

3.5/5

Anna has been best friends with Matt and his sister Frankie since the girls were two. When Matt kisses Anna on her 15th birthday they wonder how Frankie will be affected by their changing relationship. They decide to wait until the right moment to reveal their feelings for each other. When Matt dies suddenly, Anna promises herself she will never reveal the secret. A year after the tragedy she heads off on a summer vacation with Frankie and her parents, all of whom are still grieving their loss.

When reading YA books, I am often struck by dialog. Authors either get it really right or really wrong. When it’s right, it makes the story believable and relatable. When it’s wrong, it makes the story laughable and hokey. Ockler gets it exactly right. The reader gets to see the depth of each charater’s grief without ever being overwhelmed. Anna and Frankie’s interactions contain just the right amount of teen angst, comedy and competition. Let’s face it, teen girls often hate their very best friends as much as they love them. This book demonstrates those feelings perfectly.

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

3/5

Teen pregnancy from 4 different perspectives: Ellie is a teenager looking for someone to love her since her parents are far too busy to be up to the task. Her pregnancy is so inevitable it’s almost cliché. Corinne is Ellie’s best friend who stands by her side through everything despite developing a crush on Caleb, who has loved Ellie since first grade. Caleb not only loves Ellie, he is best friends with Josh – the father of Ellie’s baby. Josh lost his virginity that night in the van with Ellie and now just wants the entire “problem” to go away.

Chapters switch perspectives among the four main characters. Each one obviously feels very differently about the pregnancy. The text is engaging if a little obvious. In the end, you feel for all four of these young people.

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury

2/5

Best friends Chris and Winston take a cross-country bicycle ride from West Virginia to Washington State the summer after high school graduation. What is supposed to be one last adventure before they leave for different colleges turns into a mystery when only Chris returns home.

Chapters alternate between recounting the events of the trip and the investigation into Winston's disappearance. Chris soon realizes he is the prime supect and must do everything he can to find his friend.

Shift is an easy and predictable book. Readers will identify with the main characters and the realistic events of the journey. The chapters that describe the trip are filled with interesting scenery, remarkable locals and believable anecdotes. The chapters devoted to the investigation often seem contrived and silly. The author would have been better served by simply writing about the changing friendship revealed by the journey. The mystery aspect of the book just ruins it.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

4.5/5

After her return from the Hunger Games, Katniss has become the unwitting spark of a revolution in Panem. Her defiance in the arena places all of her loved ones in danger as the leaders do everything they can quiet the unrest. She soon realizes they will do whatever necessary to eliminate the threat she poses to their power, including sending her back into the Games.

Catching Fire maintains the excellent pacing of it's predecessor. Its rating only suffers based on the book's position in the middile of a trilogy - there is no new plot and nothing is resolved. However, the characters continue to grow as twists and deceptions are revealed. Katniss is faced with tougher decisions and the fight for her life is even more dangerous.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

5/5

Katniss has taken care of her family since her father's tragic death. When her younger sister is selected to compete in the Hunger Games, an annual competition with only one survivior, she volunteers to take her place in the arena. She begins training believing she has only herself to rely on but soon learns that may not be entirely true. Can she learn to trust the people who claim to be on her side? Will she have the strength to survive the horrific obstacles she must face? Will there even be a home worth returning to if she does win?

Set in a dystopian future, this novel is equal parts adventure, love story and thriller. The book's broad appeal lead to a third place finish in the Most Popular Young Adult Books of 2009 competition held by the American Library Association. It is the first of a planned trilogy. The Hunger Games has a fast-paced plot, well developed characters and manages to contain just the right amount of humor despite it's stark premise.

Personal note: I love this book! My favorite YA book that I read in 2009.

Team Gale (despite my love for Peeta too).

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

3.5/5

This novel tackles the controversial topic of teen suicide in a unique and insightful way. Clay Jenkins receives a package in the mail containing 13 cassette tapes. He soon discovers that each tape contains one of the reasons why his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker, committed suicide only a few weeks earlier.

The author deftly alternates between the present, which includes Clay’s heart wrenching reaction to the tapes, and the past, which follows Hannah’s journey from popular freshman all the way to her decision to narrate the reasons behind her suicide. Young adult readers will identify with many of the characters including Hannah; however, they will also notice the many times she failed to help herself.

Thirteen Reasons Why does not gloss over the often harsh realities of being a teenager. Every one of Hannah’s reasons is believable. Clay’s reactions are as authentic as they are sad. Asher does an excellent job of detailing how someone’s actions and words can have unforeseen effects on other people. Readers will find themselves thinking about this novel long after they finish reading.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

3.5/5

Melinda Sordino is a high school freshman with a terrible secret, no friends, and a newly acquired habit of remaining mute whenever possible. She is ostracized by her classmates for calling the police to break up a summer party. Gradually, readers will realize that the events of that party are the catalyst that sent her spiraling out of control. Will she find her voice in time to save herself?

Anderson does an excellent job of writing realistic teen dialog and creating believable settings and scenarios for her characters to interact. Date rape, which is the trauma Melinda experienced, is thinly veiled and easily predictable; however, there is still an interesting build up to the final scene.

The conclusion of the book may be considered a bit too perfect for more mature readers but, overall, Speak navigates the inner mind of a traumatized teenager with impressive insight. Melinda’s use of art to express herself, her parents’ detached attitudes, and the utter sense of despair she feels will have readers rooting for her.