Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Madeline, or Mad Dog Maddie, has landed herself to rehab. After getting arrested, stealing a car, sleeping with a drug dealer, years of drug abuse, and one heck of a temper, she is placed in a drug rehabilitation program to gain control over her life. After spending twenty-eight days in a hospital facility, she has to live in a sober-living home where she is shacked up with women twice her age and holds down a job at the laundry facility. Although she managed to make friends with a girl named Trish (two years older than her), when Trish leave, Maddie isolates herself from the rest of her housemates, counting down the days until she goes home. Once a week, a van picks her up in front of Spring Meadows home and takes her to the movies. Known as Recovery Road, Maddie took this trip with Trish, but not, she as all alone. However, when Stewart stepped into the van, Maddie's world is changed forever. Maddie and Stewart, both former addicts, instantly find comfort in each other, which brings about feelings that go beyond friends. When Maddie's time is up, she promises Stewart that she will wait for him and continue to stay sober. Now that Maddie is back at school, not only are the temptations back, she has to find new friends, get her grades back on track, and fight off the awkwardness of her disappearance. Despite having to transition into the real world again, Maddie actually does all right and with the help of Martin, her new dork friend, she might be able to achieve the possible: sobriety and have hope that everything will be okay.

Critical Evaluation:
Blake Nelson has written a very candid, yet inspiring story of a teen fighting for her life. As much as we don't want to acknowledge teen drug abuse, its heartbreaking and devastating how rampant drug addiction is amongst this age group. Maddie is a great character because when we first met her, she didn't have a care in the world  and very little self respect. As she meets Trish, Stewart, Martin, and Emily, Maddie's  development is so inspiring because not only did she had grow up quickly, she had to face the temptation and relapse all on her own. Although her classmates are partying it up and not worrying about the repercussions, Maddie is living proof when the fun takes over and leaves everything in shambles. Unlike Trish and Stewart, Maddie hasn't hurt anyone, but herself, and because of these examples, she takes her fate into her hands and decides she wants to be a normal, healthy teenager. In many aspects, this story provides a cautionary tale for those who dabble in drugs, but; more importantly, provides readers who are lost with hope that they can change their ways. Along with providing an important lesson, Nelson doesn't hold back when it comes to consequences. The death of Ashley's sister and Stewart's fate are solid examples when individuals are just not able to say no due to lack of support or faith in themselves. Although Maddie tries to tell Ashely that she needs to stop, it really oils down to a person wanting to change. Sure, Ashely could have gone to rehab, but she has to have the will to stay sober. Although we don't get the happy ending we are hoping for, we are left feeling that Maddie will do just fine and will continue to thrive and grow. I am seriously mesmerized by Nelson's ability to capture the voice of of such a dynamic female character, starting from the vulnerable bad girl, to the confident, goal-oriented, and happy woman she is at the end of the story. Bravo, Blake Nelson!

Information about the Author:
Blake Nelson is from Portland Oregon. He has degrees from Wesleyan and New York University. Nelson has written twelve young adult novels and Girl and Paranoid Park have been made into films. According to his blog:

His science fiction novel THEY CAME FROM BELOW was a Kliatt Editors Choice pick in 2008. His 2006 novel PARANOID PARK was made into a film by Gus Van Sant which won the Cannes Special Anniversary Prize Award in 2006.   The book won Italy's Grinzane Literary award.

His environmentalist book DESTROY ALL CARS has been praised as "Smart and Entertaining" by the New York Times, and was called "A wonderful novel" by the Los Angeles Times. 

He newest title, Dream School, is the sequel to Girl where "Vanity Fair called Andrea Marr of both books,  a "bright, sensitive, Sassy-era Holden Caulfield for tortured good girls."

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Recovery Road:

• Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
• Clean by Amy Lynn Reed
 

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Horn Book Magazine (3/1/2011)
• Starred Review Kirkus (1/10/2011)
  

Plot Summary:

Darren is ambivalent about a lot of things, but he does have one serious ambition: to write a series of comics/novels that will turn into a hit movie. Although Darren spends a lot of his "doodling" between note taking and in his free time,  he hasn't really taken this dream seriously until he met Eric. To some of his classmates, Eric is seen as a weirdo and, unfortunately, has been compared to a potential school shooter. Why would anyone say this about him? Darren hasn't a clue. However, Eric and Darren develop a solid friendship based on their passion for comics and that Eric has faith in Darren's stories. When most teens are out at parties, causing trouble, or doing "teen" things, Darren and Eric dedicate their time to make Darren's Dr. Praetoreous adventures a lucrative success before they graduate. When Darren is approached by a girl named Cecilia Martin, who is a bit of a freak herself, she tells him to be careful around Eric. Although Cecilia has no right to tell Darren that Eric is weird, he starts to wonder why she would say that. One night,  Darren's idiot brother confesses to Darren that he and his friend, Alan, actually spotted Eric walking down the street at 3 a.m. and decided to beat him up. Outraged, and upset at Eric for not telling him, Darren and Eric decide to repay the favor by egging Alan's house. Unfortunately, that plan didn't doesn't work out and sends the both of them running through the streets on Halloween night. When they make it to Eric's house, Darren’s world is totally turned upside down when Eric makes a startling confession as to why he is the way he is. Moreover, Darren starts to realize the reason behind Eric's brilliance and just how awesome it is to have a friend like him. Unfortunately, things take an awkward turn when Darren meets Christine, which creates a whole new set of problems that could threaten his friendship with Eric.  On the other hand, girls are the least of this problem because if the world finds out Eric's "thing," the two of them have to a quick decision: fight or flight.

Critical Evaluation:

This story is absolutely h-y-s-t-e-r-i-c-a-l!! As a fellow nerd, and lover of "draw-ers," I absolutely loved the dialogue and ideas that Eric and Darren come up with. Moreover, the dynamic between the two of them resemble the classic superhero duo where one is the brains and the other the brawn. Although Darren and Eric are like day and night, they share quite a few similarities that make this partnership almost enviable. Given the fact that Eric, right off the bat, is able to trust Darren with his secret, Darren's willingness to keep this secret is extraordinary. Teenagers, in many ways, have a hard time adjusting to things that are very different. It's not that it’s a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of being totally unprepared to deal with situations that is above their capabilities. For Darren, despite having Eric prove that he is what he is, he is able to move past his doubts and take a chance on his friend. Deciphering truth and lies is not only hard for adults, but knowing that two teens can put absolute faith in each other is a feat in itself. Another great aspect of this story is the illustrations. I just loved seeing a representation of each character especially the Tilnar soldier and Tilnar vulture. Despite all the glorious geekdom, this novel does a beautiful job of conveying the ups and downs of adolescence where two teens discover the power of friendship, betrayal, adventure, and success.

Information about the Author:
According to his book, DC Pierson was born in raised in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2007, he graduated from New York University and earned a degree in television writing. He is currently belongs to a comedy group DERRICK and they made a film called Mystery Team. He currently publishes short stories and blogs daily on his Tumblr and personal website. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep And Never Had To is his first novel.


Genre:
Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 12 & up

Books Similar to The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To:

•  The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston
•  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  

Awards & Recognition:

Review Quotes:

"Funny as hell. . . . The ribald humor of a Judd Apatow movie married to a science-fiction-fantasy spectacle."--"Kirkus "

"A witty coming-of-age novel. . . . In Darren and Eric, Pierson has created two engaging and memorable co-conspirators and co-protagonists."--"Booklist"

"Charmingly honest and honestly funny. Nails what it's like to be a geeky teenage male, right down to the Agtranian Berserkers." --Max Barry, author of "Company"

"In a smart, funny and endlessly imaginative debut, the voluminously talented DC Pierson shows keen insight into the rocky emotional terrain of adolescence and the nuances of geek culture. Pierson has a sharp eye for the way teenagers think, talk and behave. The scope and depth of the novel's ambition don't become apparent until a riveting final third that radically reinvents the narrative as a sly, Unbreakable-style exercise in genre deconstruction. Pierson has written a trenchant, briskly readable and ultimately sad novel about the greatest, most fantastical and mind-bending adventure of all: growing up."--Nathan Rabin, Head Writer, "The A.V. Club", author, "The Big Rewind: A Memoir Brought To You By Pop Culture"

"Awesome stuff: great jokes, shocking twists, cyborgs. There's even some sex. It's fast-paced and funny and you should definitely check it out."--Simon Rich, author of "Free-Range Chickens" 

Celebrate National Comic Book Day with a month of films all about comic books heroes!

Thor
Thursday, May 5
Rated PG-13

Hellboy
Thursday, May 17
Rated PG-13
 
Ghost Rider
Thursday, May 31
Rated PG-13

Teens are encouraged to B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Snacks) and friends to watch the amazing world of DC Comics and Mavel Comics on the big screen! All of the film will be show at 3 p.m. in Reese Hall.

 

Plot Summary:
Life for Ethan Wate is dismal. As the only "educated" person in Gatlin County (a tiny community in North Carolina), Ethan has very little in common with his classmates. Ethan is planning on leaving Gatlin the moment he graduates, but all the changes when Lena moves to town. As the niece of the resident weirdo, the students don't know what to think of her. Although she is a beautiful girl, most of Ethan's friends stay far away from her because of her family relations. Moreover, Lena is actually smart, talented, and powerful. For the last few months, Ethan has been haunted by nightmares where he is trying to save a girl with long black hair and green eyes. Ethan is convinced that this is the girl he is going to fall in love with, but he doesn't know her except for the way she smells: lemons and lavender. When he finally gets the courage to talk to Lena, he makes a shocking discovery: could this new girl in his dream? After a series of unfortunate events (i.e., a brutal thunderstorm, classroom windows shatter, etc.), Lena is starting to learn that there is something powerful growing within her and, for some strange reason, it is at its full capacity when she is with Ethan. However, Lena is about to turn sixteen years old and unlike the mortal sweet sixteen, she is bound to have a rather unsettling bitter sixteenth birthday where everything, and everyone, could disappear from her life forever. For Ethan, this is not an option and he willingly embarks on an adventure that could kill him.  

Critical Evaluation:
I have to say that I did not expect this story to be so darn good! I will admit that I was a little leery reading this story because of the Twilight-esque premise, but this is a very original story with a strong background and set of characters. Told through the eyes of a guy named Ethan, readers not only get to hear his own thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams, he is able to capture Lena's character as well. Although these two characters are very different (one is mortal, the other not of this world), they share a set of traits that make their companionship very endearing. I seriously love the fact that they both love to read. Contrary to what most think about teenage jocks, most of them are actually very down to earth and, in this case, Ethan has bigger goals in his life other than winning the state championship. However, Ethan has something that sets him apart from the rest of the citizens of Gatlin--he was raised by two brilliant adults who refused to raise him with a small town mentality. This story is set in a tiny town in South Carolina where they refuse to admit any fault, or guilt, about the Civil War.  Moreover, this town is also very resistant to change where anyone, or any idea, that challenges the status quo is instantly rejected. In many respects, like Lena, Ethan is very different from his classmates because of his upbringing and education (via his brilliant mother), which is what brings them together. I will also admit that I LOVED the fact that the Civil War story arc is the driving factor in the outcome of this story; the Civil War, in itself, is a piece of history, packed full of mystery and secrets that not only add to the drama of Lena's story, but enshrouds readers with a sense of amazement and fear.  Once readers start this book, they will not be able to stop. I can't wait for the next installment.


Information about the Author:
According to their website, Kami Garcia has an MA in education and taught in Washington, D.C. before moving to Los Angeles:

Kami grew up outside of Washington DC, wore lots of black, and spent hours writing poetry in her journals. She has always been fascinated by the paranormal and believes in lots of things “normal” people don’t. She’s very superstitious and would never sleep in a room with the number “13” on the door. When she is not writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke.

She was an artist and actually led fantasy book groups for children and teens. She is now a full-time author and is married with two children and two dogs

Margaret Stohl,  the co-writer of Beautiful Creatures, is actually a gaming goddess. After working with Activision (Activision Blizzard) and Westwood studios (Electronic Arts), she and her husband founded seven studios that eventually landed her a nomination as Most Innovative Game Design at the Game Developers Conference. Stohl earned her BA at Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature, and she earned her MA at Stanford University. She also has a doctorate in American Studies at Yale University. Stohl was also a teaching assistant in Romantic Poetry at Stanford and Film Studies at Yale. Amongst her scholastic accolades, she also attended a creative writing program at University of East Anglia and was mentored renewed Scottish poet, George MacBeth. Stohl absolutely loves to travel with her daughters and lives in Santa Monica, California with her husband, children, and beagles. Stohl is the author of forthcoming novel, Icons, due out in Spring 2013.

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Beautiful Creatures:

• Hush Hush by Rebecca Fitzpatrick
• The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff
  

Awards & Recognition:

• William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist (2010)
• NYPL Book for the Teen Age (2010)
• YALSA Teens' Yop Ten Pick (2010)

Plot Summary:
According to the town of Corrigan, Jasper Jones is no good. In fact, the town is so convinced that Jasper is nothing but a liar and a thief, parents inform their children to never speak or socialize with Jasper because he is a bad influence. However, for Charlie, he knows for a fact that Jasper Jones is not what the town makes him out to be. In the middle of the night, Jasper comes to Charlie's home asking for his help. Although Charlie is not sure what is going on, he reluctantly agrees to follow Jasper into the Bush. What Charlie witnesses that night, will not only haunt him, forever, but will force him into an impossible situation. On the other hand, the situation presents itself with a unique opportunity. Like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Charlie agrees to help Jasper uncover the mystery of what happened that night and to prevent a possible false imprisonment of Jasper Jones. Charlie has Jasper's fate in the palm of his hand, just like Atticus Finch had Tom Robinson's fate in his hands; however, the enemy is not just the town or the police, but Mad Jack (the most notorious man in town) as well. In this story, Charlie is not only re-living the story of his favorite story, To Kill a Mockingbird, he has to get to the bottom to this horrific mystery before an innocent boy is condemned for a crime he didn't commit.

Critical Evaluation:
Jasper Jones is an incredibly cleaver story about two teens from very different backgrounds. Not only do they come from different worlds, they are brought together by a force that is beyond their control. Although Charlie is nothing like Jasper, they both share a mutual admiration about each other; Jasper is a down-to-earth and honest person and Charlie is smart and a good person. Granted they don't know each other very well, the death of their classmate drives them to work together, which is based on unwavering trust of one another. Although the story shares a few similarities to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Silvey has created a tale that is very original and an excellent tribute to the classic story. Honestly, the moment I opened this book, I could not put it down! Silvey immediately takes the reader into the heart of the story and, like Charlie, gives them a sort of baptism by fire where the injustices and the reality of this world are thrown at them without any warning.  Set during the Vietnam War, the backwardness of this town is revealed through the racial tensions towards anyone who isn't Australian;  the treatment of Charlie's best friend, Jeffrey, and Jasper convey this behavior perfectly.  In fact, race is a huge underlying factor as to why things in Corrigan aren't right at all, which also parallels the world of Scout Finch. Moreover, the very idea of things go awry immediately sends the citizens pointing fingers rather than admitting there is a serious problem; people prefer to live int their own worlds without noticing that the real world is changing. Although this story took place more than thirty years ago, it's literally heart wrenching to know that this kind of behavior still exists in our world despite the advances that have been made to make the world a better place. This is a great book to utilize in a dialogue with teens in regards to injustice and prejudice. This book is very meaty so it is not a quick read, but exhilarating none the less. Reader may have trouble with the Australian lingo, but they can get passed it easily. I highly recommend that everyone, teens or adult, should read this book.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Craig Silvey was born and raised in Australia in 1982. He grew up in Dwellingup on an orchard and currently lives in Fremantle. His first novel, Rhubarb, earned him the title of "Best Young Novelist" in the Sydney Times and was selected by the Perth International Arts Festival as the inaugural book in the the "One Book" series. Silvey also wrote a children's book called The World According to Warren, which is based on one of his characters in Ruhbarb, which earned him a place in the Australian national "Books Alive" campaign. Jasper Jones is his second novel and he is also a singer/songwriter for the indie band The Nancy Sikes.

Genre:
Teen Mystery

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Jasper Jones:

• Blank Confession by Pete Hautman
• Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Kirkus review (3/11/2011) 
• Starred Review Bulletin of Center of Children's Books (4/1/2011)
• Starred Review Horn Book Magazine (5/1/2011)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (6/1/2011)

Plot Summary:
Shayne Blank just moved into town and no one knows who is he and where he comes from. For Mikey, Shayne is a complete mystery, but very likable. After a run in with the resident drug dealer, Jon, Mikey needs to repay Jon for tossing his marijuana stash when the drug dogs came to school. The thing is: Mikey doesn't do drugs, nor does he like them; Jon just happens to be his sister's new boyfriend, which makes things that more complicated and the stash had a street value of $500. When Mikey meets Shayne for the first time, it was a little awkward, but the more he got to know Shayne, the more he started to like him. When Mikey ended up spilling his guts about the marijuana debacle, Shayne does something Mikey never expected...Shayne offered to help him. Although none of this is Mikey's fault, he is afraid to do anything because Jon isn't the type to mess with because those who do end up getting hurt real bad. However, Shayne is actually a force to be reckoned with, especially when he confronts Jon. Unlike most teenagers, Shane is quite mature and prefers to deal with problems diplomatically. Unfortunately, Jon is not one for diplomacy and the more Shayne gets involves, the more complicated this story becomes. In many aspects, Mikey isn't sure what to do with Shayne because if he is around, he knows he safe, but, when he is gone, things get even more screwed up. Just when things couldn't get any worse, the relationship between Jon and Mikey's sister is becoming more and more volatile and it leaves Mikey feeling helpless. Who is Shayne and why does he care so much? What really happened that day on the roof?

Critical Evaluation:
Pete Hautman has done it again! I was totally unable to put this book down because I had to know if Shayne really murdered someone! Hautman has such an amazing ability to convey real issues that are not only relevant to teens today, but how the effects of these behaviors have on everyone around them. In this particular story, the issues of drug use, and abuse, domestic violence, and lack of self-esteem are what Mikey is struggling with. Although Mikey doesn't do drugs, his only sister is wrapped up in this world because of Jon, which is not only painful for Mikey to see, but foretells a rather scary future for Mikey's. Mikey is also familiar domestic violence since his father is a recovering alcoholic who beat physically beat his mother and psychologically abused his sister. Now that he is sober, Mikey's father is too ashamed of his past, which paralyzes him when trouble occurs. As for Shayne, well, readers are not quite sure of his past until the end of the story, but, given the extent of his stories, he comes from a long line of protectors. The relationship between these two characters is different where Shayne seems to take on an unspoken fatherly/older brother role who is set on protecting Mikey and his sister. For Mikey, he isn't looking for a protector, but a friend and this leaves him somewhat confused. Shayne is an absolute mystery, but, in many respects, we admire and feel sorry for him. Ever since Shayne stepped foot in town, the lives of Mikey and Detective Rawls have forever changed; by knowing Shayne, they have learned to find the strength and the courage to stand up for what they believe in.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Pete Hautman was born in 1952 in Berkely, Califronia. When he was six years old, he and his family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. After spending seven years at two different colleges (Minneapolis College of Art and Design and University of Minneapolis), he ended up "knowing a little bit about nearly everything, and a great deal about absolutely nothing." Hautman has done a little bit of everything: sign painter, graphic artist, marketing executive, painter cap salesman, pineapple slicer, and much, much more! Sadly, none of these professions worked out for him so he decided to become a novelist and wrote his first book, Drawing Dead, in 1991. Thirteen years later, Hautman wrote Godless, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
  
Genre:
Teen Suspense, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to Blank Confession:

• Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
• Paper Covers Rock by Jennie Hubbard

Awards & Recognition:

• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review (11/5/2010)
  

Plot Summary:
241 years ago, the Builders created Ember for its inhabitants to live and thrive underground. Before the people of Ember came to live in this dwelling, the Builders projected that the people will live in Ember for at least 220 years. Despite their assurance that the City of Ember will survive, they have left instructions for future leaders that will provide guidelines in case Ember is unable to sustain life. Decade after decade, these instructions (encased in a time locked box) where passed to the newest incumbent. However, when the seventh mayor came into office, he took the box hoping it would contain the cure to his health problems; however, before he could return the box, he died and the box was lost. It is now year 241 and Ember is experiencing significant problems. Ember is dependent on the generator and river that produces the electricity for every light in the City; when the lights flicker, or go out, the people are covered in darkness. For Lina Mayfleet, this darkness scares her. After graduating from school, Lina is now working as a messenger. After losing her parents to a great sickness, Lina is in charge, and is the sole supporter, of her little sister, Poppy, and her absent-minded grandmother. After a few days on the job, Lina is noticing that Ember is not functioning properly. In fact, her classmate, Doon, knows this to be a fact because, unlike his classmates, he wants to work in the Pipeworks factory, which is located deep into the Earth. As the black outs become more frequent, the people start to panic and they have lost total faith in the Mayor and the government. For Lina, she has been able to keep her feelings hidden deep inside until her grandmother starts tearing apart the house for an item that was lost long ago.One night, Lina finds that Poppy is chewing on a piece of paper that contains a partial message with unique handwriting. As Lina grabs the mutilated paper, she notices that they are instructions and she sees the box that it came in.  After enlisting the help of several acquaintances to decipher the message, the only one who can help her is Doon and, unfortunately, they are not on speaking terms because of an incident long ago. Could these instructions, and Doon, be the way out of Ember?

Critical Evaluation:
Jeanne DuPrau has created a world that is unlike any other world we know. Long ago, people were sent underground to build a civilization that has no history of its past. Although readers don't know why the people have gone underground, they can clearly tell that something awful must have occurred on the surface. However, what is strange about this world is that the authorities, or The Builders, have decided to keep silent about the fact that Ember has an expiration date. Like most governments, Ember has a lot of secrets, which is not only unsettling, but makes readers wonder why they haven't gone the extra lengths to ensure Ember's success; moreover, the Builders left the instructions to Ember's survival on a fragile piece of paper, stashed away into a time locked box. This introduction exists only on three pages so readers are well aware that something awful is going to happen, which is going to keep them reading, hoping for an answer. Through the eyes of Lina and Doon, we not only see the disparity between the government and the people, we see how run down and ragged the world is. Without the lights, Ember is encased in darkness that not only strikes fear into the populace, but it reminds them that time maybe running out. However, Lina and Doon's courage is what gives us, the readers, hope that things could change because of their determination to find the answers to the unsolved riddle, which could lead to their survival. City of Ember is the first installment of an amazing adventure and readers will be clamoring for the next chapters of Lina and Doon's journey.

Information about the Author:
According to her website, Jeanne DuPrau was born in San Francisco in 1944. She is a native Californian and attended Scripps College in Claremont, California where she earned her BA in English Literature. She then lived in New York foe some time, but returned to California. She has had several occupation including: teaching, technical writing, editing, etc. According to DuPrau:

I didn't really set out to “be a writer.” I just wrote. Reading and writing have always been my favorite things, though for a while I wanted to be a writer and an illustrator. I still have my very first book, which I wrote when I was about five years old. It's called Frosty the Snowman, has six pages, and is illustrated with red and green crayon. Outside my work life, I've been an ice skater, a bird watcher, a mediator, a house builder, a gardener, a piano player, and a gourmet vegetarian cook.

Jeanne currently has five books in print: The City of Ember, The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, The Diamond of Darkhold, and Car Trouble.

Genre:
Tween Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 4-6


Books Similar to City of Ember:

• Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
• Among the Hidden by Margaret Haddix
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Kirkus Review Starred Review (5/13/2003)
• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review (3/10/2003)

Plot Summary:
After losing his best friend, and aunt, Charlie escapes into a dark place to deal with those loss of the two people he loved very much. After a hospital stay, and countless therapy sessions, Charlie emerged from the darkness and is thrust into high school that leaves him scared and unsure. However, to his relief, he meets Patrick and Sam (a brother and sister duo) who not only accept Charlie, but becomes his mentors. Although Patrick and Sam are older, Charlie receives a crash course in relationships. First of all, Patrick is gay and is in a secret relationship with Brad who is struggling with his own sexuality and happens to be on the football team. Sam, according to Charlie, is the most beautiful girl he has ever seen, is with a college guy named Craig. In many ways, Sam and Patrick fill a void in Charlie's life since his brother is away at college and his sister is preoccupied with her boyfriend(s), which leads to a devastating predicament that Charlies' family members are very used to. However, when Charlie starts dating Mary Elizabeth, he can't stop thinking about Sam, which confuses and irritates him to where he makes a very bad decision. Despite being surrounded by a world of dysfunction, and complication, Charlie starts to realize how bad he wants to be loved and to love someone in return. In this story of growing up, Charlie does whatever he can to stay steady despite a few detours and quite a bit of back tracking including a stage production of Rocky Horror Picture Show, a bad LSD trip, and falling in love.

Critical Evaluation:
In this story, told in a series of letters, Charlie tells us about his experiences and secrets that not only convey the hardships of adolescence, but how difficult this struggle is for someone like Charlie. Clearly, the reader will identify that Charlie suffers from Depression, which stems from his friend's suicide and his aunt's untimely death. In many ways, Charlie feels responsible for these deaths and has a hard time letting go, which is difficult for anyone to experience. As an adult, I remember how sensitive I was as a teenager, which is only part of the process of puberty, but is indicative that teens are starting to realize that nothing in life is forever, which becomes Charlie's mission in life: to find the infinite. Despite the fact that every worse case scenario occurs in this story, readers will realize that teens like Charlie exist, which not only send us a pretty wicked reality check, but force us to appreciate what we have in life.

In many cases, Charlies' relationships with his friends are his saving grace since he feels he cannot confide in his parents because of their awful pasts that are stained with abuse. Furthermore, he starts to notice that the past has come back to haunt them when his own sister ends up with an abusive boyfriend and his brother is trying very hard to escape his reality. With Patrick and Sam, not only did they accept him in an instance, they didn't run away or reprimand him he would break down and cry. Through Patrick and Sam, Charlie meets a variety of characters that not influence his life, but provide guidelines as to how life and human relationships work. Readers, older and young, will have no problem identifying with the problems Charlie faces, which not only expose the ridiculousness of adolescence, but provide a funny, poignant, and heart breaking reflection on how adults often forget the beauty of being young and reckless. I will admit the ending left me heartbroken, I did not give hope that Charlie will be all right.


Information about the Author:
According to his publisher's website, Stephen Chbosky was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in film writing. Chbosky went on to to create his first film, The Four Corners of Nowhere, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and actually won the Best Narrative Feature at the Chicago Underground Film Festival. Along with his first film, Chbosky wrote:

 the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Rent; and co-created and served as executive producer of the post-apocalyptic drama, Jericho, which found a place in television history when its cancellation prompted fans to send over 40,000 pounds of nuts to the network in protest. He edited and contributed material to John Leguizamo’s Broadway show, Sexaholix; he also edited Pieces, a collection of short stories for Pocket Books.

Stephen Chbosky is currently working on a film adaption of The Perks of Being a Wallflower starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower:

• Thirteens Reasons Why by Jay Asher
• Looking for Alaska by John Green
• It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review School Library Journal (06/01/1999)

 

Teen Yoga and Smoothies
with Brad Smith, 
certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor 


Thursday, April 26
3 p.m.
Reese Hall


Stretch out your shakras and open your mind with a deep
and relaxing workout. Also, reward your hard work with
a delicious smoothie! If you have a mat, be sure to bring it and wear comfortable clothes.

Register at the Teen Reference Desk. Space is limited.


Waiver required for teens 17 & younger.