Mosquitoland by David Arnold

I really wanted to like this book, but I found that the part I liked the best was the end (maybe because it was over?). While Mim (the female MC) has relatable problems (new, evil stepmother; relocated to a new, crappy state) and some interesting problems (father who wants to medicate her and worries she's crazy), Mim's thought processes were often confusing and rambling. As other reviews have stated, it seemed like this book was trying too hard. The wit was heavy handed and I don't like to be slammed over the head. The best moments were after Walt and Beck showed up, so I'm not sure that says much about Mim as the main character. I recommend this book to readers who like books about characters with mental illness; family drama; road trips and adventure. Although it was not my fave summer read, many people give it 4-5 stars, so it is worth giving it a try. Just don't force yourself to finish it if you're not "feeling the vibe" after the first 50-75 pages.  

Half Bad by Sally Green

Touted as a must-read for Harry Potter fans, this book is one of a kind. Nathan is a 16-year-old witch who is notorious because of his famous father, the most powerful, violent, and evil of witches. But Nathan has never met his father, and lives with his mother's family. As Nathan nears his seventeenth birthday, he hopes to receive three gifts at his Giving ceremony which will bestow Nathan with his own unique, magical powers. Yet, many fear that Nathan will become as evil--or even more evil--than his famed father if he is allowed to receive his powers. In this fast-paced story, Nathan is captured, tortured, and hunted. Will he make it to his birthday? What are his magical powers? Is he really as evil as everyone suspects? I recommend this book to readers who like survival stories and fantasy stories that read like a fairy tale. I was hooked on this book and couldn't put it down until I turned the last page. 

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

This is the start of my Teen Lit Con book binge. In preparation for TLC Twin Cities, I’ve tried to read as many featured authors as possible. Not only is this book a fantastic, well-written young adult book—it should be required reading for every teacher. Travis thinks of himself as a “bluefish,” the dumb-looking blue fish from Suess’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish book. Both of Travis’s parents are dead and he lives with his alcoholic grandpa. As if things weren’t bad enough, Travis’s dog runs away and he has to move to a new town—and away from the woods he’s known most of his life. At his new school, he meets Velveeta, who is facing loss of her own. Travis and Velveeta become friends and begin to help each other survive daily life in high school, but each is keeping their own secrets. Through their friendship and with a little kindness from observant adults, Travis and Velveeta find their way. I recommend this book to readers who like to read about lost parents, death/grieving, alcoholism, school struggles, and friendship. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars—Travis and Velveeta are characters you want to cheer for and find out all of their secrets.