Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen (417 Pages)

I have enjoyed all of Dessen's books, and this is no exception. Peyton is Sydney's older brother, and he has long been their mother's favorite, the golden boy of the family. He has cast a shadow over Sydney who thinks of herself as invisible. She is the good child, over looked by her mother and father as they attempt to deal with Peyton's misbehavior. But when Peyton drives drunk one evening and crashes into a young boy, paralyzing him for life, things become even more dark for Sydney. Their mother has always made excuses for Peyton's drug bust, his breaking and entering arrests and now as unbelievable as it seems, she appears to take Peyton's side as he is sentenced to jail time. And the she pops into Seaside Pizza one afternoon and she meets Mac, son of the pizzeria's owner. She also meets Layla, Mac's younger sister and they become good friend's. I really loved this book and felt a connection with Sydney that made much of the book seem so real to me. Your students will enjoy it also!