Something In Between by Melissa de la Cruz

High school senior Jasmine de los Santos believes she has her future completely mapped out--and she’s done everything right, so she deserves the rewards coming her way. After being honored as a National Scholar and earning a full college scholarship with it, Jasmine’s parents reveal a horrible family secret. She cannot accept the award or the scholarship because she is not an American citizen. After the family’s work visas expired years ago, they had remained in the U.S. illegally and kept the truth from their children. Worst of all, Jasmine’s new boyfriend’s father is the congressman who supported California’s new anti-immigration laws which will likely deport Jasmine and her family. How can Jasmine make her dreams come true and not lose everything she’s worked so hard for? Where do she and her family belong, if not in the home they are fighting to keep and the country they have grown to love? I recommend this book to readers who like reading about hardship, survival, relationships, friendships, identity, and self discovery. I’m also curious if my Latino students will enjoy this book for its relevance exploring the struggles of immigrants in our nation today, or if the story is not as relatable because the main character is Filipino-American.

Faceless by Alyssa Sheinmel

Maisie Winters’ life changes forever one summer morning before senior year. While out for a run, Maisie suffers near-fatal injuries when a strike of lightning causes an electrical fire that devours half of her face. Weeks later, Maisie wakes up from a medically induced coma and is told she is lucky to be alive--even though her nose, cheeks, and chin are gone, and she feels like a freak. Then Maisie becomes the recipient of a new face from an anonymous donor. Again, she’s told how lucky she is to have this opportunity. But all Maisie can think about is her old life and who she used to be. Who is this Maisie 2.0? How can she be the same girl who won track medals, earned straight-A grades, and was in love with her devoted boyfriend, when everything that matters has changed? This emotionally charged story explores how one girl bravely works through her loss and discovers who she is meant to become. I recommend it to readers who like books about survival, change, family issues, relationships, and overcoming challenges. Maisie’s story will stick with readers long after the last page, and remind us all of just how lucky we are.

Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina

This amazing novel packs a punch--there is so much that makes it both intriguing and high interest, so it’s ideal for teens who have not yet tried or enjoyed historical fiction. Set in 1977 New York City, the author vividly and realistically recreates the setting--the city and time period almost feel like major characters in the story.

Although the city is terrorized by a series of murders, (eventually revealed as the true Son of Sam murders), main character Nora has additional problems on her mind. Her older brother Hector is becoming more and more a stranger--staying out all night, spending time with dangerous people, and getting into drugs. Nora’s single mother pushes her to watch out for Hector and keep him in line--but how, when his temper becomes more explosive and unpredictable everyday? Nora is working and saving money so that she can move out on her own and escape her family’s problems for good. But will her dreams go up in flames during one crazy summer? I recommend this book to readers who like reading about family issues, urban fiction, suspense, and relationships. This book, its characters, and sense of place are unforgettable--I could not get my nose out of it until I turned the last page and I still think about it.

In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

Told from alternating chapters between main characters Amelia and Eagan, this is the story of two teen girls: one who dies and was an organ donor; another who is a heart transplant patient and receives a new heart. After receiving her heart, Amelia notices that her personality begins to change and she becomes increasingly curious about her heart’s donor. Is her new heart changing who she is? And who was the person who donated her heart so Amelia could live?

With some help from a new friend, Amelia sets off on a journey to meet the family of her donor, which is supposed to remain anonymous.

This book was a quick, intriguing read. I recommend it to readers who liked If I Stay or The Fault in Our Stars. When my students hear the premise for this book, they fight over who gets to check it out first.

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. 

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Jill is a teenage girl who is grieving the death of her dad. He was the parent who really understood her—her “mirror” as she calls him. Now Jill and her mom are trying to move forward without the person they love most. And then Jill’s mom drops a bombshell on her: she’s decided to adopt a baby. 

Mandy is a pregnant teen who is hoping to start a new life for herself and her unborn baby. Mandy wants to give her baby the life and home that she’s always dreamed of, but she doesn’t know how to make it happen. When Mandy connects with Jill’s mom, Robin, through an open adoption website, it seems like the perfect solution. But everything gets complicated when Mandy moves in with Jill and Robin during the last few weeks of her pregnancy, and Mandy’s secrets from the past are discovered. I recommend this book to readers who like to read about family issues, death/grieving, teen pregnancy, and relationships. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars—it grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. The characters are both realistic and likable; I had to know what would happen to Mandy and Jill. 

Hidden by Helen Frost

The lives of two 8-year-old girls, Wren and Darra, change forever when Darra's father steals a minivan and does not realize that Wren is hiding inside. Written in verse, this book moves quickly and takes the reader along as Wren figures out how to escape the minivan inside Darra's locked garage without being discovered. Years later, the two girls meet again by chance at a summer camp. Find out what happens when Wren and Darra confront each other about their shared past. I recommend this book to readers who like suspense, family drama, and books in verse; readers who liked Girl, Stolen, will also enjoy this similar but different story. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!