Being Henry David (304 Pages)

Another debut of a YA author's book, and it is a delight. So many opportunities for discussion, and for reader response; this could also make a great book club selection.  Cal Armistead has written a coming of age book in which a 17year old boy has lost his memory following an automobile accident in which he was the driver and his little sister was the passenger. He remembers nothing: not his name, not his address, not his telephone number, not what he is good at, none of his talents. It's a bummer. He finds himself suddenly sitting on the floor of Penn Station in New York City. He has been robbed, and all he has is the clothes on his back, the book Walden, and $10 in his pocket. Quickly exposed to homeless life in The Big Apple, he meets a brother and sister(Jack and Nessa) who seem to know the ropes, but following their daily routine, leaves him absolutely sure this is not where he belongs. He gets some money from Jack and buys a train ticket to Concord, Massachusetts. This destination has been sparked by his reading of Walden and his belief in Henry David Thoreau's ideas. He takes the name of Hank Davidson and starts out "camping" at Walden Pond in Concord. The reader is then taken on the journey with Hank to recall his past. It's a fun read, and will strike a chord with those students who have ever struggled with being honest, resisting impulses, and facing the consequences of their own actions. "Hank" has a photographic memory and is able to quote passages of Walden, frequently throughout the book . This is a winner!

I'll Give You The Sun ( 371 Pages)

This is the first book I've read by Jandy Nelson. It won't be the last. This book made me laugh and made me cry. It's a coming of age book of twin- a brother and a sister. There are twists and turns that make the reading speed up- just when I wanted to have it slow down. There are books that I just want to keep reading; like then what happens to "them"? Noah is an artist. His sister,  Jude is an athlete. Noah doesn't think his Dad likes him. Jude doesn't get along with her Mom. While the twins have always been close, suddenly they are not only not close, they hate each other. What happened and how do they become a unit once again? This is the road the reader travels. Noah realizes that he is gay, and he falls in love with a guy who is home  only when prep school lets him out. Jude has several relationships- some wonderful, some horrible. There is sex in this book, much of it in Noah's mind and Jude's mind as well. But this is an important read, and I believe it sets the bar for other authors. I'd LOVE to hear from some of you about your reactions to this book!

Loud Awake and Lost (289 Pages)

The author of this book, Adele Griffin, has written a journey book. Within these pages, the reader follows Ember's journey to repair her emotions following a horrendous automobile accident. As the reader continues with Ember, her long-time best friend, her over protective parents, and her former boyfriend ( who seems like an absolutely wonderful guy- in spite of his obnoxious family ), and her new boy friend who seems equally wonderful. Ember  had been a dancer and gave it up before the accident. She was also was a talented cook, known for Friday night Follies- where she cooked a meal for her family and friends. The trick of this read occurs almost at the end of the book when the reader is shocked to discover that the new boyfriend is the same as the one who was riding in the front passenger seat when she drove her car over a bridge during a icy rain storm, killing her passenger. This is quite a read and a teary end may be expected.

Pieces (168 Pages)

Chris Lynch has written a a book that is a real guys' book! First of all, it's short. Secondly it is written with guy humor...I even laughed at several parts. Eric's older brother has always been his idol. But Eric dives into a quarry, breaks his neck, and is brain dead. His parents want to take him off life support, but Eric is fighting them on this. He just doesn't want to let go. But he does, and Eric's ashes end up on the mantel in his family's living room. The family decided to give Duane's body parts to several people. One person received his ear bones, another got his liver, and another received his kidney. Eric decides he wants to meet these three people, and they become a major part of his healing. The relationship between the three recipients and Duane's former girlfriend provide some very funny scenes. So, this is a quick, good book for those guys who are reluctant readers.

Atlantia (298 Pages)

I chose this book, because I have loved everything the author, Ally Condie, has written. For those not familiar with her name, she is known for the Matched trilogy. This book is all about family. It takes place in a dystopian setting of a city that has been constructed beneath the ocean. This occurred after The Divide. The Divide created a civilization above the ocean (known as the Above) and the city Atlantia beneath the ocean (known as the Below. The Above is responsible for keeping the Below supplied through the use of special transports with everything necessary for its survival. The Below is sophisticated in its structure and its ability to provide residents with clean air. Rio and Bay are twin sisters whose mother is the Minister of the Below. There is a secret that all three of them keep from everyone and that is Rio's real voice. She must hide it, for if anyone hears it, they will know she is a Siren. Sirens  are like a cult of people who once were adored and now are feared. They are known as the first miracle, the bats that arrived some time later are the second miracle. Then, all of a sudden, Rio's and Bay's mother dies. She has been poisoned by members of the ruling council. Although Rio has always wanted to go to the Above, she has promised Bay that she will not. And then Bay goes to the above. Rio is devastated. The mystery of their mother's death and Bay's sudden departure make for some exciting reading. Condie is a master of character and setting development. It's a good read!

Kindness for Weakness (261 Pages)

I don't know which emotion to state as I put down this book. Anger, certainly. Frustration, certainly. Sadness, yes, that too. But Shawn Goodman has written an important book about a code that I know for a fact is prevalent with boys today. I've seen it in upscale communities; I've seen it in urban communities. Why do boys seem to believe that being kind to someone is a sign of weakness? I am SO sick of the expression "man up"- whatever that means. In this very important book that touches on themes of family, abuse, loyalty, acceptance, friendship, and the unfair truth of our judicial system. Everyone should read this book. I believe you will feel a caring and hopeful truth for James. He is quite a wonderful character. READ THIS BOOK, and then tell me what YOU think.

The Infinite Sea ( 300Pages)

This is the second book to Rick Yancey's The 5th Wave. It continues to follow the young survivors as they struggle to make decisions that effect their lives. Much of the time they spend in the "hotel" that the first book left them in. Cassie Sullivan continues to care for her little brother, and to await Ethan Walker's return. Ringer leaves the group to attempt to escape to the caves where she hopes to find other survivors. She is captured by Vosh and imprisoned once again. The book continues as she attempts to outwit Vosh, and she is assisted by Razor, her care-taker. She struggles to understand what is important to keep humanity alive. Will Razor assist her? Is there a love building between them? What does she need to do to overcome the Others and their evil, as they attempt to rid earth of all humans? This is a fast moving novel and may not be the last as the 5th Wave continues to roll towards the children.