By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead (Hyperion, 2010) by Julie Anne Peters grabs with the title and doesn’t let go. It’s a thought provoking book you shouldn’t miss.
Daelyn has been bullied all her life and has now found a website that might help . . . help her commit suicide that is.
Then she meets Santana. Not that she talks to him, but he won’t quit talking to her. He doesn’t seem to be bothered by her silence and lack of response. Yet a connection begins to form. Will it be enough to save her life?
Read about Julie and her other books at her site: http://julieannepeters.com
Category: YA Novels
young adult novels (for 13+ yo)
Hate List
Hate List (Little, Brown 2009) by Jennifer Brown is one of those “must read” books. Valerie Leftman’s school can’t decide if she is a hero or a villain. It was her boyfriend who opened fire in the school commons killing and wounding students last May. Is she a hero for taking a bullet for another student when she tried to stop Nick? Or did she plan it with him with their “Hate List” and discussions about suicide? Now she’s going back to school after the summer. Her counselor says she can do this, but Val is not so sure.
Watch the book trailer here.
Check out the first chapter on Jennifer’s website: http://www.jenniferbrownya.com/abouthatelist.htm.
Candor
Please let me slap the father!
Oscar Banks is smart and has figured out how to fight the bombardment of messages in Candor, Florida. He helps others for money. But someone has come into his life who changes his attitude–now he wants to help for love. Pam Bachorz has come up with an incredible story that hooked me with the opening sounds of a skateboard moving down the sidewalk.
Be blown away by the Candor (Egmont, 2009) video at Pam’s website!
Unwind
Despite having to suspend my disbelief at the agreement that forms the premise of this book, I can’t forget Unwind (Simon and Schuster, 2007) by Neal Shusterman. In this story abortions aren’t allowed, but when kids are between the ages of 13 and 18 parents can choose to have them “unwound,” where all body parts will be used. Of course, people always find a way to get rid of unwanted babies, in this case by “storking.” This powerful story presents multiple sides of the issues. Meet the characters who will be unwound: Connor, because he’s a trouble maker; orphan Risa, to save expenses; and Lev, a tithe dedicated from birth. Once you’re hooked, you’ll find it hard to put down.
See Neal talk about some of the inspiration for this award winning book here. Then check out this brilliant author’s long list of books.
Jumping Off Swings
Parental Discretion Advised…
Jumping Off Swings (Candlewick, 2009) by Jo Knowles takes a frank look at teenage sexuality and pregnancy and how many are affected. The story is told in four different viewpoints: Ellie, who the guys say is happy to “hookup;” Corinne, Ellie’s best friend; Josh, no longer a virgin; and Caleb, who’s had a crush on Ellie for forever. The book is well-written and thoughtful. It’s one of those where I want to yell at parents, “make sure your children feel loved and valued!”
Read more about author Jo Knowles at her website: www.joknowles.com.