The Twinkie Squad

Korman, G. (1992). The twinkie squad.  New York, NY: Scholastic.
  Douglas Fairchild is an eccentric.  His father is a US Ambassador and Doug is constantly trying to separate himself from his dad.  His behavior lands him in a special needs group known as the "Twinkie Squad".  After a misconstrued incident with a basketball Commando, one of the most most popular athletes in the school, is forced to join the squad.  Once Commando and Doug join together hilarious hijinks ensue.  They re-name the group "The Grand Knights" and put up fliers that eventually get the entire school sign up to join.  After a failed attempt to make a meal they hide garlic soaked squid in the ceiling of the Home Ec, causing such a stink that the school shuts down.  In the end it is revealed who The Grand Knights are but by then the whole school has joined.  Doug and Commando resign from The Twinkie Squad leaving all those who made fun of them labeled as part of the "special" group.
 The twinkie squad was hilarious.  When the school attempts to hunt down the smell from the squid I laughed with each new professional.  Beyond a good laugh, The twinkie squad offers adolescent characters and situations all teens can relate to.  Commando is blamed for something he didn't do, the other members of the squad aren't special- just extremely shy, and Doug makes up all of his problems in an effort to separate himself from his famous father.  This book is recommended for grades 4-8.

Love in theTime of Global Warming

Block, F.L. (2013). Love in the time of global warming. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. 
  Penelope, "Pen", has a normal life.  She has friends, a loyal dog named Argo, and likes to pick on her younger brother.  All of the changes when an earthquake followed by a tsunami all but wipe Los Angeles off the map.  Separated from her family and dog Pen begins the journey to find the.  She soon finds other survivors and they join together, following orange butterflies in an attempt to escape Los Angeles but the way is rife with danger as there are huge evil flesh eating giants roaming the land.  When Pen begins to have strange visions she finally discovers abilities she never knew she possessed and is reunited with those she loves.
  Love in the time of global warming is an obvious companion to a study of The Odyssey.  Students will revel in the plot similarities and Block's clever use of names and characters.  Argo as Pen's dog, an Earth Shaker causing the hole in the ozone layer, and the flesh eating giants that are reminiscent of the sheep from The Odyssey.  Love in the time of global warming is recommended for grades 9 and up.

Thirsty

Anderson, M.T. (2005). Thirsty. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.
  Vampires are killed upon sight in the town of Bradley, Massachusetts, which is unfortunate because Chris has just become one.  Unsure of what to do Chris meets Chet, seemingly an angel, who says that he can cure Chris if he will help Chet trap a vampire lord, Tch'muchgar, in a form of inescapable prison.  Chris agrees and through many trials and tribulations succeeds in ensnaring the vampire lord only to discover that Chet was actually working for him and that Tch'muchgar wanted death.  Just before he leaves Chet points out that Chris is now eternally out of luck: if he turns to other vampires they will blame him for Tch'muchgar's death and kill him, if the humans discover teh truth they'll kill him, and if he doesn't feed on human flesh he'll die.  The novel ends without any real revolution and only these words- "Oh God, I am so thirsty."
  Thirsty is not just your average vampire novel.  There is of course examples of people and animals being bit for their blood.  And there is even a glimmer of that famous vampire lust.  But more than that Thirsty is a coming of age tale. Just as any adolescent will face, Chris is given the dilemma of telling his family something unpleasant and dealing with their reactions. At some point in time everyone is faced with a situation of doing what is best for them or best for others- albeit, most people won't have to decide between killing someone or starving them self to death.

The Sledding Hill

Crutcher, C. (2006). The sledding hill. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
  Within a month Eddie has found the dead bodies of both his father and his best friend Billy.  The shock of which has silenced him from all speech.  Seemingly lost and unsure of what to do Eddie is in contact with Billy's spirit (who also serves as the novel's narrator).  Eventually Eddie finds Warren Peece by Chris Crutcher and it genuinely begins to help Eddie.  Then Reverend Tarter, who is also the high school English teacher, begins a witch hunt to have the book banned.  When Eddie breaks his silence to defend the book he begins to let the living back in.  Even though he doesn't win the battle of Warren Peece and the book is banned from the school, Eddie takes solace in the fact that he did everything he could and his life takes a turn for the better. 
  I found the placement of Chris Crutcher in his own novel to be highly unusual (and maybe a bit self-promoting).  However, I do think this novel would be a great addition to a high school level lesson over censorship in literature.  I would especially like to see how the students could handle being silent until they were ready to defend this novel.

Angleberger, T. (2010). The strange case of Origami Yoda. New York, NY: Amulet Books.
  Long ago, in a middle school far far away lived a boy named Dwight.  Dwight is a bit of an odd ball who has a way with origami.  It is here that Origami Yoda is born!  True Yoda is merely a paper puppet made by Dwight but soon his friends and classmates begin to realize Yoda may possess special abilities after all.  Yoda is suddenly able to predict pop quizzes, help people avoid embarrassing water spots, etc.  When it appears Yoda and Dwight might actually be using "The Force" a fellow sixth grader named Tommy begins a case file filled with entries and illustrations from his classmates.  Combined Yoda and the case file might actually be able to provide the answer to the real question: Does Sara or does she not like Tommy?   
Thank you Tom Angleberger!  I love Star Wars and I adore this story about Dwight and his puppet Yoda.  Not to mention the bonus of having picture instructions on how to make my very own Origami Yoda!  While I am not very skilled at paper folding I am sure others (most likely much younger than me) will be more successful making their own paper guru.  Changing from one person's point of view to another kept this story fresh and moving forward.  The sketches from Dwight's classmates were humorous and often made me laugh out loud.  I will be, and I highly recommend other readers, to check out the other books in this collection not to mention Art2-D2's guide to folding and doodling: An Origami Yoda activity book.
 

Shiver

Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
  Grace remembers being bit by a wolf, but she remembers it as pleasant like being licked by a dog.  Since then she has always felt a connection to a werewolf named Sam.  Even before she knew he could be human.  Not all werewolves are like Sam.  Jack is vicious as a human and even more so as a wolf.   As their love grows Grace tries to find a cure before Sam becomes a wolf forever.  Jack's sister Isabel is also looking for a cure.  When the two werewolves try a possible cure Jack is killed and Sam runs away possibly forever.  After many nights with no sign of Sam, Grace is at the bird feeder when he appears as a human and they embrace.   While falling under the fantasy genre, Shiver offers the reader universal themes such as good versus evil in the characters of Sam and Jack, true love in Grace and Sam's relationship, and of course love conquers all.  Readers will of course have to suspend reality when dealing with the werewolf aspect of the story but will be able to relate to the characters due to those themes.  Shiver is recommended for readers age 13 and up.

Printz- The Scorpio Races

Stiefvater, M. (2011). The Scorpio Races. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
  On the island of Thisby there is a special race known every year known as The Scorpio Race during which men ride the flesh eating water horses known as the capaill uisce.  Sean Kendrick is a natural with the beasts and a sure win which will secure him his very own water horse- Corr.  Puck is the first ever female to enter the races and if she wins her family will have a place to live, if not they'll be out in the cold.  To make things worse Sean and Puck begin to have feelings for one another but only one can win.  When Sean sacrifices his chances Puck arises victorious and even finds a way to save Sean's beloved Corr in the process.  Puck is not your typical girl and actually goes against the stereotypical female characters in a YA book that includes a romance.  She is fiery and spontaneous.  Puck goes against and frequently doesn't even exemplify the "girly inclinations" so many other ingenues exhibit.  The universal themes of The Scorpio Races include bravery, determination, and hard-work and are something more adolescent readers need to be exposed to.  This novel does include mild scenes of violence and some salty language that might not be appropriate for readers under the age of 12.   The Scorpio Races was named a Printz Honor book in 2012.

Printz Awards- Going Bovine

Bray, L. (2009). Going Bovine. New York, NY: Delacorte Books
  Cameron Smith just wants to sail through it all- school, work, even family.  He has never tried for much nor expected much. But when the hallucinations begin and he is told he is soon to die all those desires go out the window.  Cameron is diagnosed with mad-cow disease and soon hospitalized.  He then meets Dulcie, a pink-haired fairy with spray painted wings and 100% a vision brought on by hallucinations.  Dulcie tells Cameron of a cure and soon he finds himself traveling across America with a death and video games obsessed dwarf and a Norse god trapped in a gnome's body.  Cameron eventually earns his cure by defeating a wizard with a trumpet given to him by a jazz musician in New Orleans.  WHAT??  More than once reading this book I felt like I was the one with the hallucinations but I can't say it wasn't entertaining!  The characters in this book were wild and zany and total unexpected.  If presenting a "unique take on the more mundane stories" (Lesesne ch.5) then Going Bovine is a GREAT book.  I have yet to find a more unique twist on the mundane topic of overcoming an illness.  I could not have predicted any part of this novel and I'm sure the recommended readers of grades 8 and up won't be able to either.  Going Bovine was definitely worthy of its Printz Award in 2010 for literary merit.

Paulsen, G. (1987). Hatchet. Seatle, WA: Bradbury Press.
   Brian Robeson is on the way to visit his father for the summer.  The child of divorced parents, his mother gives him a small hatchet just before he boards a very small plane bound for northern Canada.  When the pilot suffers a fatal heart attack Brian is forced to land in a lake in the middle of nowhere.  Stranded in the Canadian wilderness with only his hatchet Brian must learn to find food and shelter and survive animal attacks.  He must also deal with his feelings of his parent's divorce and the fact that he had caught his mother cheating with another man.  Brian is eventually able to activate the plane's transmitter and is rescued. We read as Brian experiences mental changes, going from concrete to more operational when he must go from a child whose parents provide everything to an adult who must learn how to provide for himself.  We see Brain go through emotional developments as he learns to cope and ultimately accept his parents' divorce and the circumstances that caused it.  An adolescent teen character dealing with divorce would in and of itself make Hatchet a novel young teens could connect to.  Enjoyed by readers for years, Hatchet would make an excellent class novel for grades 6 and up.

NY Times- Eleanor and Park

Rowell, R. (2013). Eleanor and Park. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press.
Eleanor and Park are both misfits in Omaha, Nebraska in 1984. When Park notices Eleanor reading over his shoulder one day on the bus he moves closer so she too can read tales of The X-Men.  The two soon begin a budding relationship but are faced with mocking and bullying from kids at school as well as at home.  Eleanor is even receiving anonymous hateful messages in her notebook.  When Eleanor discovers it is actually her stepfather who is writing the messages she runs away with the help of Park and his father.  Eleanor eventually moves in with an aunt and uncle in Minnesota.  Park writes her frequently but Eleanor doesn't write back for six months when she finally send Park a postcard with only three words written on it.  When I first began reading this novel I was taken aback by the language (there is some pretty foul words right off the bat).  I almost put it down.  I am so glad I didn't.  According to Ted Hipple (1991) a good book should reflect real life and show moral concern.  It doesn't get any realer than this in a fiction novel.  There were moments when I was scared with Eleanor and angry with Park.  I found myself genuinely worried for these characters the same as I have often worried for some of my students.  I begged for someone to call child protective services when the stepfather discovered and destroyed the comic books and make-up! I rejoiced when Park finally put Steve in his place. I would love to recommend this book for all readers but due to the language and issues of the book it is recommended for readers 14 and up.

NY Times- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregine's home for peculiar children. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books
  Jacob Portman has just discovered his grandfather murdered, apparently by some form of mythical monster.  When he and his father travel to Wales to learn more about his grandfather Jacob discovers that his grandfather lived in an orphanage for "peculiar children".  It is in the dilapidated remains of the orphanage that Jacob meets Emma, a beautiful girl who can control fire.  Emma allows Jacob to travel back in time to September 3, 1940- the day that every orphan lives at due to a "time loop".  Jacob meets other children with peculiar powers and Miss Peregine, the orphan director.  Soon Jacob discovers that he too has a power- he can see "hollows" or "hallowgasts".  These are the same monsters that killed his grandfather and ultimately kidnap Miss Peregrine.  Jacob and many of the other peculiar children row off in the sunset, looking for the time loop that will help them save Miss Peregine. 
  What began as a picture book, Miss Peregine's home for peculiar children wonderfully blends vintage photographs with a truly creative plot and characters that misfits everywhere will identify with.  The photographs range from the bizarre to the truly haunting but they set this book apart in a way words could not.  Despite the strange monsters and plot line, every adolescent can relate to feeling different or peculiar at some time or other and will feel a real connection to the orphans in this series. 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

King, A.S. (2010). Please ignore Vera Dietz. New York, NY: Random House. 
  Vera Dietz's best friend Charlie Kahn is dead from mysterious circumstances. There is no escaping that.  Her mother abandoned her and her father when she was barely in puberty.  And all Vera wants to do is blend into the walls at school, avoid the mistakes of her father, and possibly kiss the good looking, older guy at work.  Instead she is plagued by visions of her dead friend begging her to clear his name.  But Charlie betrayed Vera long before now and she is not in any hurry to free him.  When she does finally let the truth of what happened that night it frees Vera to connect with those still living.  Please ignore Vera Dietz is mostly narrated by Vera herself and she is a witty and very blunt narrator.  This alone would make the novel enjoyable but as Ted Hipple stated dual narratives can make the difference between an OK book and a really good book.  Spaced intermittently between Vera's narration the reader is treated to thoughts from Vera's father, Charlie's spirit, and even the pagoda in town chimes in.  All of these narrators combined make for a touching, witty, and smart story.

Great Graphic Novels-

Bendis, B.M. (2012). All-new X-Men v.1: Yesterday's X-Men. New York, NY: Marvel Entertainment.
  Picking up where Avengers vs. X-Men left off, in this first volume we find Cyclops in prison for the murder of Charles Xavier he caused while under the influence of the Phoenix force.   Once he escapes he becomes a fugitive and joins with Magneto and other mutants to begin what they call the Mutant Revolution.  Meanwhile, the X-Men send Dr. Hank McCoy, better known as Beast, to the past to bring back the original X-Men to the present in an effort to stop Cyclopes and stop the Mutant Revolution from turning into full-scale war. These teen versions haven't yet reached their full potential and struggle to cope with encountering their future selves.  I am a huge X-Men fan and really enjoyed this novel.  There isn't a lot of action in this first installment but Bendis's dialogue is well written and Stuart Immonen's illustrations are detailed and stay true to the characters while putting his personal stamp on the franchise.  All-new X-Men v.1: Yesterday's X-Men was named a Great Graphic novel for teens in 2014.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Saenz, B. (2012). Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.
  When 15 year old Aristotle meets Dante at the public pool he is an unsure adolescent who is often angry and ready for a fight.  Dante is the exact opposite who tries to see the beauty in the world.  Despite their differences the two become friends and over the next year begin to see things in a new view.  When Dante opens up about his homosexuality Ari is unsure what that might mean for their friendship until Dante's life is almost taken because of it.  At that moment Ari understands that Dante is more than just his best friend. When looking at Havighurst's Theory of Development adolescents undergo changing relationships with their parents.  The relationship between the two boys in this novel alter drastically from the beginning to the end.  Dante and his father are thick as thieves in the beginning yet grow apart as Dante struggles with his new proclaimed identity whereas Ari and his father have a strained and often silent relationship that grows into something more as his father attempts to help Ari find his way to the man he will become. 

Great Graphic Novel: Poseiden: Earth Shaker

O'Connor, G. (2013). Poseidon: Earth Shaker. New York, NY: First Second.
  “The sea boils fiercely. The trembling waves obey me. They gallop and thunder like stallions upon the shore of grandmother Earth. I am Poseidon, earth shaker, ruler of the boundless sea, creator of storms, and swallower of ships” (pg. 5). The Titans have been defeated.  Zeus and his brothers divide the Earth.  Fittingly Poseidon inherits the sea.  His mood now controls the waves and water, and like his brother Zeus, Poseidon likes to reproduce.  This award winning graphic novel follows the legends of some of them.  We are introduced to The Minotaur, Odysseus, and the terrible cyclopes Polyphemos.  O'Connor uses a lot of greens and blues in all the illustrations to give the reader a feeling for the cool sea which Poseidon resides.  His drawings help to tell a small part of Poseidon's life.  Another notable thing about this novel is that while Greek Mythology may be considered fiction there are elements of non-fiction included, such as a fact sheet of Poseidon.  Poseidon: Earth shaker and all the graphic novels in O'Connor's Olympians series would make an excellent supplement to lessons on Greek mythology, particularly those at the middle school level. Poseidon: Earth shaker was selected as one of the Great Graphic Novels for Teens in 2014. 

Code Name Verity

Wein, E. (2012). Code name Verity. New York, NY: Egmont.
Julie, better known as "Verity", is a British spy captured in 1943 Nazi occupied France.  Under the diress of torture and the ever constant threat of death, she is forced to reveal all that she knows.  Instead we learn about her friendship with Maddie, one of the first British female pilots. Verity knows this may result in her death but she believes it  to be better to remember those she loves rather than give away her country's secrets. At the same time Maddie, better known as "Kittyhawk", is in hiding from capture.  Thsi deosn't stop her from looking for Verity.  When the two finally meet again it is not the reunion they expected and in order to save her from further pain Maddie herself kills Verity.
  Code name Verity is a beautifully written historical novel that contains an amazing amount of facts.  While we are saved her exact torture we learn about some of the cruel methods the Nazis used to extract information.  While there are moments that may make some readers cringe, Code name Verity would make an excellent companion to any lesson on World War II for students in grades 10-12. 

Leviathan

Westerfeld, S. (2009). Leviathan. New York, NY: Simon Pulse.
 It is the time of World War I in an alternate world.  The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers and the British Darwinists have their fabricated animals- the most impressive of which is a giant flying whale known as The Leviathan.  Aleksander Ferdinand is the prince of the  Austro-Hungarian Empire but he has been run out by his own people.  Deryn Sharp is a girl disguised as a boy "Dylan" and has become a member of the Leviathan crew.  When The Leviathan crashes in the Alps Alek emerges from his hiding place in the mountains to help the wounded.  After much disputing the two soon realize that if either one is to help their countries they will have to set aside their differences and work together.  In the end they set sail to safety in Constantinople.
  While set in an alternate world where there are flying animal ships and iron machines that run on diesel and carry heavy arms and ammunition, Leviathan is at heart a work of historical fiction.  The super powers from the real World War I were still fighting against each other in locations that you can still see today.  I also enjoyed Westerfeld's take on the stereotypes of the time period.  Rather than your typical gender roles you have a girl crew member, the head scientist is a woman, and the damsel in distress is actually a prince. I think it is this combination of fact and fantasy that makes Leviathan a true adventure to read.

Winger

Smith, A. (2013). Winger. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
  Ryan Dean West is starting his junior year off on teh worng foot.  He's living in Opportunity Hall (the dorm for trouble makers), his roommate is one of teh meanest people on campus, and the object of his desire looks at him like a kid.  Did I mention he is also only 14 years old?  He does have good friends who eventually help his life get on good footing- Annie finally starts thinking of him as more than just a kid, rugby is in full swing. That's when teh bottom falls out and his friend Joey is beaten to death for being gay.  Ryan Dean is shocked by the lost but finds solace in those still around him.
  I found this book to be slightly off balance.  There are almost 400 pages about Ryan Dean and his normal teenage problems and 40 or less dealing with the loss of Joey.  I felt this event deserved more.   However, this was for the most part a very enjoyable read.  There were moments were I laughed fairly hard and I loved the addition of Ryan Dean's sketches.  The thing which Winger really has going for it is how realistic the characters are.  Ryan Dean thinks about everything from sports to school to sex in a matter of seconds, much how I imagine all teenage boys do.  There is quite a bit of cursing in this novel and there is of course violence, yet Winger would make an excellent addition to a high school library.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.
  Far on the new planet known as The New World lies Prentisstown: a place where boys become men at 13 and they can hear each others' thoughts- known to locals as "Noise".  Noise is caused by a germ on the planet referred to as Spackle.  On the eve of his 13th birthday Todd Hewitt discovers an area of silence which now forces him to run for his life.  His attempt to find a sanctuary leads him on journey that may be his last.  When he finally reaches Haven, a town that was supposed to protect, he arrives just in time to find those hunting him take control.  When we read sci-fiction there is the understanding that we will suspend belief for the contents of that book.  It is true that man has never colonized another planet and that the ability to read minds is fictitious but the idea that there is a struggle for children on the cusp of adulthood is very real. Young readers can connect with the idea that they aren't quite prepared for what lies ahead.  There are some elements to this story that might not be appropriate or be difficult for young middle school readers to comprehend and this book is not recommended for those under the age of 14.

Persepolis

Sartapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon.
  A memoir and graphic novel, Persepolis follows Satrapi through her childhood in Tehran during the Islamic revolution.  As the laws change the Satrapi family changes too.  The women must adapt to scarves, gender segregation, and moral expectations not previously enforced.  Marjane shows and tells us how she tried to speak out about what she thought she understood as a child and how her mind would change with each new regime.  As a young woman she travels to Europe and is introduced to freedom, men, alcohol, and even drugs.  Upon returning she attends college, weds and divorces a man, and finally discovers that while she will always love her homeland the new Iran is no longer the land of her dreams.
  Autobiographies by definition must present the entire picture- flattering or not.  It is in this way that we are able to accept what we are reading to be true.  By turning her memoir into a graphic novel, Marjane Satrapi doesn't simply tell the reader of her awkward moments and heartaches: she shows them.  We are presented the entire picture of her childhood not only through her words but through her illustrations as well.

The Tequila Worm

Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.
 Sofia comes from a family of story tellers.  Her grandmother could kick like a mule and her grandfather had the teeth of one.  Her tia is the biggest story teller of them all, using bag full of tokens from the many adventures of their family members for emphasis.  When Sofia's aunt can no longer tell the stories of their family is is time for Sophia to take over. In each chapter the reader gets to hear another story of Sofia's life from early childhood to her teen years when she earns a scholarship to a wealthy private school.  My personal favorite story tells of Sofia's first communion. When I read that Sofia feared a bite of chocolate before could lead to her eternal damnation I laughed out loud.  Havighurst said that one stage of development that adolescents go through is a changing relation with their parents.  The tequila worm follows Sofia from young childhood when her mother could be the righter of wrongs and her father funny to her teen years when her parents become obstacles to her attending a new private university.  Sofia has to learn to speak to her parents as an adult rather than a child, tattling because her cousin ate most of her candy.  The tequila worm would be a great addition to middle school/ junior high level libraries.  Most students could enjoy and relate to the metamorphosis Sofia undergoes throughout the book.

Annie On My Mind

Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
  Liza Winthrop is struggling to finish anything.  She cannot finish her class project or the letter for Annie Kenyon that she has been writing for a while. Liza met Annie one rainy day at the art museum.  The two became fast friends but neither knew where their relationship would lead.  Over Thanksgiving break Annie confides in Liza that she thinks she may gay.  Liza had never considered such a lifestyle but after sharing a kiss with Annie she knows she has met her soul mate. The next year is a whirlwind of ups and downs as the two struggle with acceptance of each other and from others.  Though they eventually go to separate universities when the opportunity to reconnect Liza and Annie know that it is really love.
  Literary guru Ted Hipple said for a book to be good the plot couldn't be predictable and for there to be a unique twist on a familiar story. The theme of Annie on my mind is not new.  The idea of teen romance is not new, but through Liza's narration and inner thoughts the reader is given a front row seat to the events that had unfolded.  Rather than simply tell what happened we hear her thoughts and feelings and switch between the past and the hear and now.  The inclusion of the homosexual relationship is another way Nancy Garden gave a fresh twist on an old tale.  

The Chocolate War

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war. New York, NY: Delacorte.
  Freshman Jerry Renault has received an assignment from The Vigils- the secret club at the all boys private school he has just started.  It should have been an easy prank: for the first week of the school chocolate sale refuse.  That's all. But Jerry takes it all the way, refusing to sell any chocolates EVER.   This causing a big problem for The Vigils, and big problems for The Vigils could mean big trouble for Jerry, big enough to cost him his life.
  The chocolate war is one of the most surprising books I read this semester.  Most educators know that students can be cruel, but the dominant educator in this novel, Brother Leon, is more than cruel.  He is down right evil.  Not only does he know about The Vigils forcing students to complete assignments, he uses their influence to further his position in school.  When Jerry is nearly beaten to death in front of the entire student body he does nothing to stop it and merely shrugs it off with "we'll see that he gets the best care."  While I was appalled by the portrayal of a teacher in such a manner, The chocolate war does exemplify the three levels of moral development as discussed by Kohlberg.  Before he meets The Vigils Jerry doesn't break any rules so as to avoid punishment.  After he gets his assignment he still does not sell chocolates so as to follow the school rules but in the end he is willing to give his life for what he believes to be virtuous thereby reaching the post conventional level of moral development.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York, NY: Little Brown.
  Arnold, or better known as Junior, is a minority amongst minorities.  Living on a Native American reservation,"the rez", Junior is often the target for bullying thanks to his family being broker than broke and being born with "water on the brain".  In order to change his fate and have the chance for a brighter future Junior decides to leave the school on the rez and attend the white dominate public school.  The next school year proves to be one of the most challenging and personally tragic ones of his life but if Junior can make it that first year, there may be hope for him after all. 
  The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian is extremely humorous and even includes funny sketches drawn by Junior himself.  Students from ages 12 and up would easily get lost in its pages and it may even help them through some of the trials of their emotional development stage of adolescence.  Many students will be struggling with similar emotions and reactions as they move from one school to the next or perhaps find themselves the object of teasing or tragedy.

Speak

Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. New York, NY: Penguin. Melinda was never popular but she had friends.  She enjoyed sleepovers and the occasional get together.  That was before. Before the night she called the cops and effectively busted up the biggest end-of-summer party.  Now she is ostracized by her peers and the worst part is she has never told anyone why she did it.  Melinda has been silent for so long that she hardly speaks at all now.  Art class is the only place she feels she can express herself and an abandoned janitors' closet has become her sanctuary.  Slowly her silent expression allows Melinda to break her silence and finally acknowledge the sexual assault she experienced the night of the party.  While the theme of Speak is not one addressed often in young adult literature it was one greatly ignored until Laurie Halse Anderson wrote this book.  Though we all hope that most teenagers won't have the same experience as Melinda, the idea of speaking out even when it is not popular is a message most teens can benefit from.

The Surrender Tree

Engle, M. (2008). The surrender tree. NY: Holt.
  As Cuba fights for its freedom from Spain the natives fight for their freedom from slavery.  The Surrender Tree follows the plight of Rosa, a young native turned healer and Lieutenant Death, a slave hunter determined to bring honor to his family by capturing the witch healer.  The stories of these two opposing forces and all those fighting are brought to life through Margarita Engle's poetry.  Divided into parts that corresponds with turning points in Rosa's life it concludes with America taking control of Cuba.  It is not the freedom Cuba fought for but it gives them a sense of hope not previously dared.  The surrender tree may not be the easiest introduction to poetry or the most accessible as most students will not be able to relate to a situation such as fighting for their freedom but it does include an abundance of figurative language such as "Sometimes war feels like a lonely child's game, one that explodes out of control" (Part Three pg. 70). Middle school and high school students alike can enjoy this award winning collection.

Monster

Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: Harper.
Felony murder is not something most sixteen year old boys have to deal with, but that is the charge Steve Harmon is currently facing.  As his trial begins Steve deals with the situation by imagining that everything that is happen is part of a movie he will later make.  Despite this coping mechanism realty creeps in when Steve returns to his cell in prison and the possibility of facing death row becomes a reality.  When everyone else involved in the murder is convicted it seems almost impossible that Steve will go free.  When he receives a verdict of not-guilty it is more than Steve can believe.  The inclusion of stage direction, setting descriptions, and script formatting makes this an ideal novel for introducing students to the drama genre without leaving the security of a novel.  There is quite a bit of mature content included in Monster and should not be recommended for students under the age of 14.

Looking For Alaska

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. New York, NY: Dutton.
Miles "Pudge" Halter is a nobody.  He has no friends, no life experiences.  That is about to change.  In an effort to gain life experience Miles enrolls in a boarding school in middle of nowhere Alabama where he meets The Colonel, Takumi, and most importantly Alaska Young.  Alaska is funny, smart, and sexy.  She is everything Pudge didn't know he was missing.  Once the four of them become friends Miles begins to live more than he did in all his previous years.  But when the unthinkable happens to Alaska the remaining three are left with nothing but unanswered questions that will either tear them apart or bring them closer forever.  Looking for Alaska would be relate-able to teenagers in the post conventional phase of social development according to Kohlberg.  The characters are frequently pushing the boundaries between what is "right" and what is right for them.  Due to some mature content such as underage drinking, smoking, drug use, and minor sexual content this book should only be included in a high school level library.

It's Perfectly Normal

Harris, R. (2009). It's perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press. 

Soon to be young adults are bombarded with changing bodies and changing feelings.  Whether it be about hair sprouting up in new found places or confusion about why they are curious about members of the opposite or same sex It's perfectly normal strives to answer them in a non-biased yet entertaining fashion.  Comic strips and illustrations by Michael Emberley provide informative, and at tines comical, support to topics such as "Male and Female puberty" and "Taking care of yourself".  Robie Harris has been honored as an ideal sexuality educator and the book has received praise from many medical and psychological professionals.  While children from 11 and up could benefit from the information in this book, parental supervision is recommended due to the content.

Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing

Angel, A. (2010). Janis Joplin; Rise up singing. New York, NY: Amulet. In this amazing biography of Janis Joplin the reader is introduced not only to Janis Joplin the rocker but Janis Joplin the insecure young woman from Texas.  As a young girl growing up in 1950's Port Arthur, Texas Janis was plagued by insecurities and a feeling that she never fit in.  Whether it be her loud laugh or acne that speckled her face Janis was different from all the other girls.  This lead to Janis Joplin hanging out with older boys and experimenting with alcohol and drugs. A relationship that eventually caused her untimely death by accidental overdose.  It also led to a love affair with the blues that would catapult Janis to super stardom. This biography presents the whole picture of a singer who could capture an entire audience and still feel utterly alone.  What makes it even better is the author's use of introductions and quotes from primary sources that lived through the experiences with Janis Joplin.  Also to be found in this biography are an extensive bibliography and timeline.  Pictures of Janis and the singers and people who shaped her life make this a good option for middle school and high school teachers looking to get students introduced and interested in biographies.