One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

A student recommended this book to me, so that makes it a must-read on my list. I can see why she loved it--it's told in verse, which is very popular and accessible for many readers. This is the story of Ruby, who is forced to move to California and live with a father she's never met, after her mother dies. Ruby has to leave behind Boston, her Aunt Duffy, best friend Lizzie, and boyfriend Ray. In exchange, she gets Los Angeles and a famous, movie star dad. But for Ruby, the glamour of Hollywood and a mansion for a house cannot replace everything she's left behind and a real home. I recommend this book to readers who like books about losing a parent, change, fitting in, and relationships. This story is fast-paced and interesting, while also including some fresh, beautifully written verses to capture Ruby's complicated feelings about life with her father. Readers will be able to relate and feel like they are with Ruby every step of the way. 

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.  

The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez

After reading Perez's award-winning Out of Darkness, I was curious to read some of her other titles. This is the story of a 16-year-old Salvadoran boy, Azael, who wakes up in juvie after a gang fight but has little recollection of what happened. For several hours each day, Azael is forced to observe a female inmate through a one-way mirror, which is presented to him as a technique for recovering his memories of the fight. Perez's story is well-written, intriguing, and gritty. Due to the subject matter of this book, as well as language and violence, I recommend it to high school students only. Readers who enjoy fast-paced realistic fiction, urban fiction, and stories about gangs would enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to readers who enjoyed Allison Van Diepen's Snitch and similar read-alikes. 

Summer Reading...here we go!

School is out and summer is here! I'm so excited to read gluttonously and pass on my recommendations. While my pile is ambitious (and doesn't include any of the non-YA books I plan to read), it's still fun to make a lofty goal and give it my all. Here's to long summer days filled with sunshine, relaxation, and good books!

Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly

I love the opening lines of this book: Of course I didn't like Digby when I first met him. No one does. This book made me laugh out loud multiple times--which is an impressive feat all in itself for a middle school teacher contending with spring fever and apathy. The playful wit and banter of both main characters, Zoe and Digby, is thoroughly enjoyable and carries the reader along into the heart of the story. Digby involves Zoe in his investigation of a local missing teen, Marina Miller. Before Zoe knows it, she's on "Planet Digby" and there's no return. I adored this book and feel that it has something for all readers--sharp wit, adventure, mystery, and humor. I would recommend this book to my 7th and 8th graders; it's great for kids who already understand and enjoy sarcasm and quirky characters. Originally, I thought the story left readers with at least one major loose end, but then I found out there is another book in the works. Can. Not. Wait. 

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

There is a reason this book was named a Printz Honor Book. Author Perez uses fictional characters to tell the story of the New London school explosion, the worst school disaster in U.S. history. Although the historical research is well-done and interesting, the characters are what pull readers in--and they refuse to let go. The story is centered on Naomi; her twin half-siblings Beto and Cari; and Wash. Naomi, a Mexican girl, and Wash, a Black boy, strike up a friendship that ignores the strictly drawn racial lines in 1937 East Texas. Naomi's half-siblings pass as white because their father enrolls them in school using the names Robert and Carrie Smith, rather than their given birth names. Naomi, on the other hand, is quickly identified by her classmates as Not White. Her unmatched beauty does not help her situation at school--the girls envy her and the boys leer at her. The story that unfolds will keep readers up late into the night until they reach the unforgettable ending. After finishing this book, I wasn't able to sleep and its conclusion is still haunting me days later. I absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories about racial inequities, as well as intoxicating page turners. Due to mature content, I do not recommend this book for middle school students. It is suited to high school/college students, or adult readers. 

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I was almost afraid to read this book because so many people told me how amazing it was, and that it was even better than Ruta's first novel, Between Shades of Gray. I was worried it would not live up to expectations, but I had no need to worry...this read was truly wonderful. The book tells the stories of four teens who eventually end up on the fated Wilhelm Gustloff in hopes of fleeing Stalin's advances. Each chapter is told from distinctly different, yet engaging, perspectives of the four characters: Joana, Alfred, Florian, and Emilia. I recommend this books to readers who like historical fiction, novels about World War II, and action/adventure. This book is one of my very favorites I've read this school year--pick it up and I dare you to try putting it down before you turn the last page. It's really just that addictive, engaging, and throughly well-done.