Allegiant (526 Pages)

This is the third and final book of the Divergent, Insurgent series. In this book, Veronica Roth has chosen a format of alternating point of view between Tris and Tobias. The story told here includes both Tris and Tobias ( and several others) escaping from Chicago. Wanting freedom from the faction divided society, they end up in a compound outside the fence surrounding the city. Here, they find that people live in comfort, with plenty of food and care. However, they soon discover that the compound is able to monitor everything going on in Chicago. A room with multiple monitors are keeping tabs on the residents of Chicago 24/7. Every person, every faction can be seen and their activities are constantly monitored. The sound is turned down because there are so many monitors, that it would be difficult to hear if they were all on simultaneously. It is here that Tris and Tobias learn that the compound is part of a large government study of genes. Following a Purity War, people are divided into two groups: Genetically Damaged ) GD and those whose genes are pure GP. This future distopian society has been using genetic engineering to modify the citizens making some of them "genetically pure." In order to prevent a war between the factions in Chicago, the big-wigs in the compound decide to use a memory serum on the residents living there. This will erase almost all of their memories. Tris and Tobias are infuriated at this idea, and with some of their friends, they plan a way of preventing this. It is a fast paced read!

See You at Harry's ( 310 Pages)

Katie, a former student, current friend and YA book junkie, like me, suggested this book to me. Aside from the fact that it hit very close to home and left me weak with tears, it is an incredible read. Author Jo Knowles has written a wonderful book that deals with so many of the issues that arise with the unexpected death of a child. What kept me reading is the fact that all of the emotions and "issues" that a young teen experiences are so real. And this is true of her parents and siblings. Then, just about the time they all hit bottom, they begin to surface realizing that it is OK to be happy, it is OK to live life as fully as possible. And I was able to see everything clearly. Time does heal. Your students will love this book (especially girl students- boys may see it as a "chick flick book".

The Broken Universe (384 Pages)

Paul Melko has written a very interesting "what if" science fiction novel.  I love "what if" books! Authors who dream up these think about known facts in the sciences, in things we take for granted in living our lives, and they stretch them. Most people remember Alfred Hitchcok's movie, The Birds, developed from a short story by Dauphne du Maurea which poses the question what would happen if all the birds in the world, tired of seeing their species being caged by humans,  turned against that human race? In this story, Melko asks the question, What if there are duplicate universes out there? He further stretches this question to ask what if humans could visit these twin planets in alternate universes? Although I will admit that I got a little confused as a John Prime and a John Ten and a John Home were introduced ( and every other character has a duplicate as well! ) I eventually just ignored trying to keep them separate, and this helped quite a bit. It does seem that it is ridiculous to assume that there is no other inhabited planet "out there." The young men and women in this novel are in early years of college. They are in the process of starting a new business. They are bright and most of them are caring individuals. There are many "bad guys" in this book and the young people must deal with them. The book moves fairly quickly, and I found it to be fascinating in the scientific information the book reveals. Boys, in particular, should find this book a good read.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home ( 355 Pags)

This is Carol Rifka Brunt's debut novel, which explains why I've never read anything of hers! It is an interesting look at several subjects, which at one point were taboo, but have become accepted today! A young girl is unaware that her godfather, uncle Finn, is gay and has developed A.I.D.S. June is in middle school and early high school during the course of the book. Her character changes as she becomes less naive and more independent. After her uncle's death, she secretly meets and becomes friends with his lover, Tony. Her mother and father know nothing about this. Unbeknownst to both June and Tony, Finn has asked both of them to care for the other. And they do, right up until June brings Tony to her home where he dies. There are all kinds of opportunities for discussion after this book has been read. Is it ever OK to keep secrets from your parents? Why do some people feel jealousy and the need to compete in family relationships? If this book is read by students, it's important for them to realize that time has changed attitudes and fears about AIDS.