We need more books for adolescents about the experience of young illegal immigrants living in the United States, and the struggles they face. After my students suggested La Linea by Ann Jaramillo, I've been looking for similar books. I was very hopeful when I picked up Restrepo's book. While some parts of it will be relatable and compelling for certain students, I thought it was slightly unrealistic and did not delve into the true struggles that many immigrant youth face. The main character, Nora, and her mother seem to "luck out" and fare better than I expect most people do. Illegal is worth reading, but I had hoped for more. I'd recommend it to a younger middle school audience, or to more idealistic, naive readers since other students might see right through the hopeful, glossy perspective this book takes on a serious, complex topic.
What happens when you share your deepest, darkest secret with someone else? For Katie, Nate, and Renata, they each have their own secrets. But when they make a pact to kidnap a classmate who is the worst kind of bully, they all find out the power and damage that secrets can cause. This book tells the main characters' stories through their journal pages, written from their juvie cells. Find out their secrets and their truths--you won't be able to stop reading until you do. I recommend this book to readers who like books about friendship, family problems, getting into trouble, and bullying.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
