The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
Arnold Spirit, who goes by Junior, lives on a Spokane Indian reservation. Born with water on the brain, he has tons of medical problems - including a huge head, tiny body, and size 11 feet - not to mention the ugly, black plastic glasses that he has to wear. He's basically a walking target for everyone else on the rez. The only person who doesn't beat him up is his friend Rowdy. That is, until Junior decides to transfer to a white school off the rez, where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
Alexie's book deals with the extreme poverty and alcoholism on the reservation, as well as the racism that Junior experiences off the reservation, in a way that will make you laugh while breaking your heart. Junior's cartoons, his way of dealing with the world, are just as powerful as his words.
Caution: Rated young adult for language, violence, adult issues, and some sexual situations.
by Sherman Alexie
Arnold Spirit, who goes by Junior, lives on a Spokane Indian reservation. Born with water on the brain, he has tons of medical problems - including a huge head, tiny body, and size 11 feet - not to mention the ugly, black plastic glasses that he has to wear. He's basically a walking target for everyone else on the rez. The only person who doesn't beat him up is his friend Rowdy. That is, until Junior decides to transfer to a white school off the rez, where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
Alexie's book deals with the extreme poverty and alcoholism on the reservation, as well as the racism that Junior experiences off the reservation, in a way that will make you laugh while breaking your heart. Junior's cartoons, his way of dealing with the world, are just as powerful as his words.
Caution: Rated young adult for language, violence, adult issues, and some sexual situations.
The Chocolate War
by Robert Cormier
"They murdered him.
As he turned to take the ball, a dam burst against the side of his head and a hand grenade shattered his stomach. Engulfed by nausea, he pitched toward the grass. His mouth encountered gravel, and he spat frantically, afraid that some of his teeth had been knocked out..."
Jerry Renault is a freshman at Trinity, a private school ruled by a secret society called the Vigils, who control students and teachers alike. What starts as an "assignment" from the Vigils - refusing to participate in Trinity's annual chocolate-sale fundraiser - becomes an all-out war when Jerry goes against orders. Some see him as a hero, some as a scapegoat for all of their pent-up hatred, and there's no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control.
Cormier's writing is fluid and beautifully descriptive, even when detailing bloody, violent events. The novel follows three major characters: Jerry, Archie (head of the Vigils), and Goober (another student and pawn in the power game). The story is violent and dark, but the characters feel real. The reader gets drawn into the train-wreck, watching everything spiral out of control, and not being able to stop reading.
For those who have read and enjoyed The Chocolate War, there is a sequel: Beyond the Chocolate War, which deals with the aftermath of the events in the first book.
Caution: rated young adult for violence, intense situations, and language
-Ms. A
by Robert Cormier
"They murdered him.
As he turned to take the ball, a dam burst against the side of his head and a hand grenade shattered his stomach. Engulfed by nausea, he pitched toward the grass. His mouth encountered gravel, and he spat frantically, afraid that some of his teeth had been knocked out..."
Jerry Renault is a freshman at Trinity, a private school ruled by a secret society called the Vigils, who control students and teachers alike. What starts as an "assignment" from the Vigils - refusing to participate in Trinity's annual chocolate-sale fundraiser - becomes an all-out war when Jerry goes against orders. Some see him as a hero, some as a scapegoat for all of their pent-up hatred, and there's no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control.
Cormier's writing is fluid and beautifully descriptive, even when detailing bloody, violent events. The novel follows three major characters: Jerry, Archie (head of the Vigils), and Goober (another student and pawn in the power game). The story is violent and dark, but the characters feel real. The reader gets drawn into the train-wreck, watching everything spiral out of control, and not being able to stop reading.
For those who have read and enjoyed The Chocolate War, there is a sequel: Beyond the Chocolate War, which deals with the aftermath of the events in the first book.
Caution: rated young adult for violence, intense situations, and language
-Ms. A
Socially awkward teen Charlie is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two charismatic students become his mentors. Free-spirited Sam and her stepbrother Patrick help Charlie discover the joys of friendship, first love, music and more, while a teacher sparks Charlie's dreams of becoming a writer. However, as his new friends prepare to leave for college, Charlie's inner sadness threatens to shatter his newfound confidence.
Other recommendations:
- The Perks of being a Wallflower
- A Walk To Remeber by Nicholas Sparks
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- Thicker Than Water by Kelly Fiore
- The Word For Yes by Claire Needel
- Down With The Shine by Kate Karyus Quinn
- The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks
- Ask Me How I got Here by Christine Hepperman
- The Fall Of Butterflies by Andrea Portes
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
It’s that magical time when the whole extended family gets together. Sophie is ready for one of the classic family get togethers, with many small incidents along the way the family recreates the laughing, playing in the surf, eating saltwater taffy. And even though things some things change it’s ok because it summerhouse time! Jerry Spinelli created a sweet, easy read for enjoyment of all.
by Lucy Galyean
by Lucy Galyean
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Paper Towns by John Green
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Looking for Alaska by John Green
The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
The Hush, Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Steven Chbosky
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
The Selection Series by Keira Cass
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Maximum Ride by James Patterson
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Are You There God? It's me, Margaret by Judy Blume
The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Every Rick Riordan book
Paper Towns by John Green
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Looking for Alaska by John Green
The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
The Hush, Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Steven Chbosky
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
The Selection Series by Keira Cass
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Maximum Ride by James Patterson
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Are You There God? It's me, Margaret by Judy Blume
The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Every Rick Riordan book