Looking For Alaska- John Green

I really enjoyed this novel.  It takes place at a boarding school, and while it centers around a male protagonist there is also a strong female character.  I can see it being somewhat controversial due to some sex, drinking, and smoking.  I feel that the way the sexual elements are presented could lead to healthy [...]

Whale Talk- Chris Crutcher

I just finished reading this book almost entirely straight through.  I found it interesting, engaging, and felt it touched on several key issues for teens today.  The protagonist is a 17 year old male, and is multi-racial.  The book deals with racism, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, the mentally handicapped, the physically handicapped, obesity, [...]

A Hero Ain’t Nothing But A Sandwich- Alice Childress

Childress’ classic story is written in the vernacular, but some of the slang is dated. Dealing with growing up poor, black, and addicted to drugs is the center of this story. I think this is a book that may appeal the most to young black males from a lower class background. I think this would [...]

Leaving Fischers- Margaret Haddix

This is a realistic fiction novel. The girl that this book centers around is the new kid in school and looking to fit in. It deals with the ideas of cult-like religions, and blind faith. This is another book that I would recommend perhaps for individual reading, but not as a whole class [...]

Out of the Dust- Karen Hess

This historical fiction piece is written in verse form. The language is easy to understand however. It takes place during the 1930’s in the middle of the “dust bowl.” This book I believe is appropriate for students ages 10-13 depending on their reading level. If a class were studying this time period it [...]

Cut- Patricia McCormick

I thought that this book was pretty well written and would capture the interest of teen girls. It is realistic fiction. I would not recommend it as a book to be read as a class because I think there are other more intellectually challenging books available. That being said, I think it could be great [...]

The First Post

I am starting with the YA books that I read this year.  I will be putting each review into different categories in order to aide you in finding books specific to your needs.  These categories will revolve around intended audience and content matter.