We Were Liars - Best Fiction for Young Adults

Lockhart, E. (2014). We were liars. New York: Delacorte.

Summary:

 In We Were Liars the character Candence Sinclaire Eastman tells her story by her confusion, emotional, and dejected self.  She is distinctive while suffering an awful accident that unfortunately leaves her with migraines and memory damage. She soon comprehends her grandfathers' home has been entirely transformed. This causes her memory to eventually return. Cadence figures out she was part of the fire and all the liars deceased. In the end, Cadence tips the "ghosts" to the ocean where they finally vanish.

Strengths/Textbook:

The intended audience of this book is readers ages 13 and up. This book meets the mental/emotional development because the haunting portrayal of Candice leaves her free and longing her acceptance.  She is displeased with the prejudices surrounding her world.  She is confused until at the end you realize that they were only ghosts that they had actually died in the fire.

Awards:

The sole YA title to make it into Amazon’s Best 20 Books of the Year!

Named the Best Teen & YA Book of 2014 by Amazon

Good Reads Best Young Adult Novel of 2014

Bustle’s “It” Book of 2014

A Horn Book “Best Book of 2014”

A School Library Journal “Best Book of 2014”

A Publishers Weekly “Best Book of 2014”

TIME’s 15 Best Books of 2014 (So far)

 Summer 2014 Kids’ Indie Next List (#1)

Other books by author: 

 

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Shusterman, N. (2007). Unwind. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

There is war going on against pro-choice and pro-life armies. There can be no winners, but a compromise is accomplished. Abortion has been outlawed, but there is a place for all kids.  If after they reach the age of 13 the children are still unwanted they are given to the government where their body parts are donated to others who need them. They are now called “unwound”. Kids ages 13-18 are at risk. There are 3 teenagers who can try to escape that fate. The find themselves in an underground railroad, a safe place until they turn 18. Eventually they are saved from the horrifying fate of becoming unwound. They begin fighting for the rights of others and demand change in their society.

Strengths/Textbook:

The author uses current political issues to create a science fiction work of art. He offers a solution to how we can stop fighting each other and comes up with a compromise, although this compromise is not really a solution. We see how morals plays a big part in the story, when the teenagers decide to save other unwinds from the horrific fate.

Awards:

ALA Best Books For Young Adults

 ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (Top Ten)

 ALA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

 Abraham Lincoln Book Award Master List (IL)

 Bank Street Best Books of the Year

 Beehive Award Master List (UT)

 Black Eyed Susan Book Award Master List (MD)

 California Young Reader Medal Nominee

 Evergreen Book Award Master List (WA)

 Garden State Children's Book Award Nominee (NJ)

 Gateway Readers Award Nominee (MO)

 Georgia Peach Book Award Master List

 Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominee (AZ)

 Green Mountain Book Award

 Iowa Teen Award

 Isinglass Teen Read List Selection

 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List

 NYPL Best Books for Teens

 Nevada Young Reader's Award Nominee

 Nevada Young Readers' Award

 Nutmeg Children's Book Award (CT)

 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee

 Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee

 Sequoyah Children's Book Award (OK)

 Texas Lone Star Reading List

 Texas Tayshas High School Reading List

 Virginia Readers’ Choice Award Master List

 Young Adult Reading Program Reading List Selection (SD

Other books by author:

 

I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena

Peña, M. D. (2010). I will save you. New York: Delacorte Press.

Summary:

This story is about a boy named Kidd, who endured a horrible childhood due to his father. His father was abusive towards Kidd and his mother. No matter how many times his father beat his mom, she always took him back. Finally his mother couldn’t take it anymore so she decided to end her husband’s life as well as her own. After that incident, he was sent to a foster home. He met another boy named Devon. Kidd leaves the foster home and ends up working for Mr. Red as a maintenance worker. There he sees a lovely girl named Olivia. Devon searches and finds Kidd, Devon decides to hurt Olivia, and hurls Kidd over a cliff. It turns out Devon is Kidd’s other personality.

Awards:

A Junior Library Guild Selection

ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

Finalist for the 2011 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award

Named to 2012-2013 Texas High School TAYSHAS Reading List

Other books by author: 

 

The Scorpio Races – Maggie Stiefvater

Stiefvater, M. (2011). The Scorpio Races. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Summary:

 In the island of Thisby there is a “Scorpio race” that is a special race that is done every year in which men ride Celtric water horses.  There are two different horse riders this year one is Sean Kendrick who is a natural with the creatures and the other is a first female Kate Puck who unwillingly is trying the race for the first time.  Sean is sure he will win which will secure him his very own water horse.  Kate is forced to race because if she wins her family will have a place to live, if not they will be homeless.  To top it off Sean and Kate begin to have mutual feelings towards each other, but unfortunately the sad thing is they are also competitors and only one racer can win.  When Sean sacrifices his winnings Kate arises victorious.

Strengths/Textbook:

This book deals with two different characters that meet the emotional development criteria’s.  Puck is not your typical girl and actually goes against the stereotypical female characters; she is going through different emotions because she is trying to safe her family’s home but as well is feeling something for her competitor.  Sean in the other hand also wants to win his fifth title, but wants to help Kate as well.  This book intended ages are 13-17 years of age.

Other books by author: 

 

The Sledding Hill – Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, C. (2005). The sledding hill. Waterville, Me: Thorndike Press.

Summary: 

In The Sledding Hill novel, you will meet Eddie, who encounters a great loss and feels miserable, when his father and his best friend pass away.  Eddie does not know how to react when they pass away and stops talking, he chooses to become mute.  His best friend Billie’s soul remains in Earth and wanders next to him and gives him hope over the deaths.  Eddie’s mother desperately not knowing how to help Eddie decides to join a church, the Red Brock Church.  She seeks help for him and Eddie slowly begins to talk again.  Eddie starts speaking again and only because he desires to defend the teachings of a novel of Warren Peece.  The ending of this novel ends when Eddie makes new friends and even gets a girlfriend.  After seeing Eddie become stronger, the soul of Billy decides to say his final goodbye’s to Eddie forever.   

Strengths/Textbook:

 This novel meets the emotional developmental criteria because Eddie at such a short-age has to cope with life’s tragedies.  This book also meets the mental developmental criteria because Eddie believing or feeling Billy’s soul next to him could be a sign of the emotional/mental developmental criteria’s.  Ages recommended for this novel are 13 and up.

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Please Ignore Vera Dietz – Printz List

King, A. S., & Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (2010). Please ignore Vera Dietz. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Summary:

 In this novel you will meet characters Vera Dietz and her best friend Charlie.  Vera has kept her feelings towards Charlie a secret and is devastated when Charlie apparently starts a store fire and dies in it.  Vera not only keeps her love feelings for Charlie a secret, but also knows what really transpired the night Charlie died.  She now is left with contemplating fault in wanting to clear Charlie’s name.  Vera at the end finds out the truth about who killed him.  Charlie had left notes that revealed the true killer “Jenny.”

Strengths/Textbook:

This novel is recommended for ages 15 and up.    I feel that Vera Dietz meets the mental, emotional, and social developmental criteria because of what she goes through.  Her mother’s and best friend’s death, her oblivious father and her slight problem with alcohol makes her susceptible to a mental breakdown.  The many struggles that she goes through in this novel make you feel connected to her especially when she makes her come back, which is epic. 

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Code Name Verity

Wein, E. (2012). Code name Verity. New York: Hyperion.

Summary:

Verity is a British spy during World War II, who is captured in Paris. She keeps a journal as a prisoner of war for the Nazis. She writes all her secrets and also about her best friend Maddie. Maddie was flying the plane when Verity parachuted into Paris. Verity uses her journal to help deal with guilt, fear, and Captain von Linden to learn state secrets. She never lets people forget she is Scottish.  Maddie crash lands and joins a resistance group. An interrogator changes sides delivering a message. Maddie deciphers the message and plans to save Verity. Maddie couldn’t save her friend, so in order to keep the secrets safe Verity kills Maddie.

Awards:

UK Literary Association Award Winner

Edgar Award Winner

Printz Honor Book

Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book

Shortlisted for the 2013 CILIP Carnegie Award

Golden Kite Award Honor Book

Shortlisted for the Scottish Children's Book Award

Catalyst Book Award Winner (East Lanarkshire County Council, Scotland)

Other books by author:

 

Freak Show

St. James, J. (2007). Freak show. New York: Dutton

Summary:

Billy is an outspoken teenage drag queen. Everything is going great until his mother suddenly throws him out of the house and made to live with his father. There he has to go to a school full of judging rich kids. Attending that school is a nightmare, he constantly is tormented by these kids. Although he suffers he always remains the same. He never changes for anybody. After a terrible beating for being gay, a person comes to see him, Flip Kelly. Flip is not someone you would think would talk to Billy. They become good friends to the point where Billy has feelings for Flip although is confused about his feelings.  Billy runs for homecoming queen after a video comes out of himself and Flip. Although he loses it helps give valor to other students about expressing their sexuality.

  

Strengths/Textbook:

Here we see an example of realistic fiction that expresses topics that are hard to talk about. Transgender and homosexuality.  We also see bullying when the rich kids think they are better that Billy and decide to torture him for being different. This book allows for discussion of these topics amongst young adults.  It can help young adults gain their own voice and be proud not ashamed of themselves. Billy’s character shows courage and willingness to help others.

Awards:

ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2008)

ALA Rainbow List (Starred, Young Adult Fiction, 2008)

Michigan Library Association's Thumbs Up! Award (2008.1|Honor, 2008)

ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (2009.03|Fame and Fortune, 2009)

ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2008)

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2007)

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens (2008)

VDL Green Mountain Book Award Nominee (2011)

CCBC Choices (2008)

Other books by author:

Grasshopper Jungle

Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York: Dutton

Summary:

Austin and his friend Rob go through a life changing adventure when they decide to break into a second hand store, owned by his girlfriend’s uncle. Inside they find weird jars with weird things in side them, one jar had a label of a plague. Some bullies of the town get infected, which turned them into gigantic, horny, bloodthirsty praying mantises.  While the world is in chaos, Austin is dealing with his sexuality. He’s attracted to his gay friend Rob, but desperately wants to sleep with his girlfriend Shann.  Working together with Rob and Shann, Austin comes up with a plan to save the world. They go underground while Rob and Austin slowly take care of the praying mantises. Their new goal is to repopulate the world, Austin and Shann have a child together. They try to get the world back to normal.

Strengths/Textbook:

This book demonstrates science fiction, horror, and sexuality issues. We see science fiction when the bullies turn into the praying mantises.  Horror when the mantises begin to eat the townspeople. Sexuality issues when Austin has feelings for his gay friend and strong sexual urges towards his girlfriend Shann. Their principal who is totally against masturbation and premarital sex, gets caught going to a local gay bar. The plot helps connect Austin’s current situation.

Awards:

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award 2014 Fiction Award Winner

SLJ Best Books 2014, Young Adult

PW’s Best Books of 2014, Young Adult

Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books of 2014

Bulletin Blue Ribbon 2014, Fiction

2015 Michael L. Printz Award, Honor Book

YALSA’s 2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults

VOYA’s Perfect Tens 2014

2015 Rainbow List, YA Fiction

2015 Carnegie Medal Longlist

2014 L. A. Times Book Prize Finalist, Young Adult Literature

Booklist Top 10 LGBTQ for Youth

Los Angeles Public Library Best Books of 2014, Teen

The New York Public Library, Best Books for Teens 2014

Capitol Choices 2015

Other books by author:

 

The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Sheinkin, S. (2010). The notorious Benedict Arnold. New York: Macmillan.

Summary:

This books tells us about the life of Benedict Arnold. We learn that his sisters died and his father lost his business and owed a lot of money. Arnold then joins the military. He moves up in rank being colonel.  He takes over Ticonderoga but is not applauded for it. Although he is upset about that he plans to take over Quebec.  He runs into some problems but in the end takes it. He again moved up in rank to General. He again is not given credit for his work, so he decides to give Fort West Point to his opponents. The secret plan is discovered and Andre is killed, while Arnold runs to London.

  

Strengths/Textbook:

This is a great historical non-fiction book. The facts stated are accurate.  The author makes this book engaging for young readers. The fast paced biography reads like an adventure novel. I love the way the author makes history come alive.  

Awards:

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Winner

YALSA Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners

 Beacon of Freedom Award

New York Charlotte Award Master List

Other books by author:

 

Gabi: A Girl in Pieces

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos

Summary: 

Gabi Hernandez is a normal sixteen year old senior high school student who lives with her mother, brother Beto and her father.  The only difference is that her father is a meth addict.  Gabi documents her life through her diary writings and shares her daily struggles with food and boys because of her home unique situation.  She is thankful she has her two best friends Cindy and Sebastian whom she trusts with her secrets and troubled home struggles.   Gaby's friend Cindy gets in trouble and depends on Gabi to help her through it.  Cindy becomes unexpectedly pregnant, but that's not it Sebastian also comes out of the closet as well as being gay.  Gaby wants to be there for everyone including her boyfriend whom she has sex with even though it goes against her mother's principles. 

Strengths/Textbook: 

This book is recommended for readers ages 14 and up. Gabi represents a typical high school Latina girl going through teenage struggles. Gabi's mother is supportive but still very firm that tries to instill in her daughter the principles of a young girl.  Readers will definitely feel compelled with Gabi’s troubled life but will enjoy the journey through her diary writings.

Awards:

2015 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens

2015 Tomás Rivera Book Award, Works for Older Children

2015 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

2015 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Top 10 Selection

Amelia Bloomer List, part of the American Library Association, Social Responsibilities Round Table’s Feminist Task Force

Booklist Best Books of 2014

School Library Journal Best Books of 2014

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Summary:

 In the book The knife of never letting go, the main character is a courageous 13 year old boy named Todd who lives in Prentisstown with his dog Manchee.  In this town teens become “men” when they commit a horrendous violent act.  This town is far from strange because they are no women around.  He resides with his foster parents because Todd’s parents were killed by the “Spackle.”  Everyone has access to everyone’s thoughts thanks to a indescribable germ.  During his journey to escape and not committing a hostile violent act he stumbles upon a girl named Viola whose spaceship crashed while coming from the Old World.  Todd and Viola go through many obstacles while fleeing the town.  At the end Todd and Viola make a church in haven.

Strengths/Textbook: 

This books recommended audience is readers ages 14 and up. This is a series with parts two and three.  Part Two is “The Ask and the Answer, Part Three Monsters of Men.  This particular book meets the social developmental criteria because the novel deals with moral development.  Todd’s upbringing in a society of violence is told the truth about Prentisstown.  He yearns for “normality” and tries to protect his purity while trying to resist the temptations that everyone around him wants him to partake in.

Awards:

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production 2011

Other books by author:

 

Monster

Myers, W. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins

Summary: 

Monster is written in the form of a screenplay which follows the main character Steve Harmon through his court trial.  Steve at age 16 has been accused of a being participant in a robbery.  He tells his tribulations while being in jail through his journal entries.  He describes the details of how he feels and what he should of done differently thru his entries.  The story truly unfolds when he describes his dreams of making his awful experience into a movie.  Steve at the end is found not guilty and runs free.

Strengths/Textbook: 

This book covers the genre criteria for drama because the screenplay could definitely be played out.  It also covers some contemporary realistic fiction when it allows readers to make connections with the situations Steve is encountering.  At the end of the story readers are left with not knowing what will happen to Steve.  Readers could only envision Steve’s future and how he will tackle society as a “Monster.”  This book would most benefit grades 9-12.

Awards:

A Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor Book.

Other books by author:

 

I Hunt Killers

Lyga, B. (2012). I hunt killers. New York: Little, Brown.

Summary:

When Jazz was a child his father became a famous serial killer. He was caught though by Sherriff Williams. Jazz was caring for grandmother, which helped him from going into foster care and following in his father’s footsteps. His friends try very hard to help him move on and leave the past in the past. Someone starts to kill again in the small town but thanks to Jazz he helps Sherriff catch the copy cat.

Strengths/Textbook:

The use of the characters in the story. The characters really make the story come alive. Being able to analyze their traits helps to see how complex they are. This crime novel is great. The twists and turns the author creates is surprising. 

Awards:

Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults 2013

Other books by author:

   

 

Scowler

Kraus, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte

Summary:

Ry was being tormented and abused by his father as they worked doing their farm duties. He was forced to do and see things no one should have to. Ry’s mother decides to take sewing work for money, when her husband finds out he sews her to the bed.  When Ry finds his mother he tries desperately to set her free. Ry is able to rescue his mother and sister from the abuse. His father was sent to prison, but escapes and returns to hurt his family. Ry’s toys come to the rescue again.

Awards:

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production 2014

Other books by author: