Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
When Cody got the email Meg committed suicide, her world imploded. Meg and Cody have been best friends since they were kids and now Meg is gone. Why didn't Meg tell Cody that she was so unhappy? Meg's sudden demise was not only devastating for Cody and her family, it just didn't make any sense. In fact, Meg and Cody had big plans so there is no way that Meg would every take her own life the way she did.

Unwilling to accept that Meg intentionally meant to commit suicide, Cody dives into the chaotic world that her best friend lived in. More importantly, when Cody confronts the man who broke Meg's heart, her mission to unravel the mystery behind Meg's downward spiral reveals unsettling details involving a support group and a dangerous mission to confront those murdered Meg. The ending will shock readers to the core, but, more importantly, this story conveys the battle that Cody is facing, internally, and how this whole outcome occurred by forces that no one could prevent without knowing, first hand, what was going. This book will have readers firmly planted in their chairs until the very end. 

Critical Evaluation:
This books is mind blowing. I don't think I have ever read a book so fast in my life and it was not only heartbreaking, but it paints an accurate portrayal of what depression can do when we don't seek they help we need. No one really knows why mental illness occurs, but it is something that should never be taken lightly. What Forman does here is that she sheds light on how depression doesn't just affect individuals, but what it does to those around us. Cody never knew that Meg suffered from depression and, as readers will learn, was because Meg's family decided NOT to tell her. I will say that this angered me because depression is something no one should ever feel ashamed of. Depression is a real illness that affects millions of people all over the world and, although it can't be cured, it can easily be managed with a combination of cognitive therapy and medication. I, myself, suffer from depression, and I am so glad that Forman wrote this story to tell teens that if they are struggling with bouts of sadness and hopelessness, suicide is NEVER a solution; if someone says otherwise, they are not a friend and they are certainly not someone, or something, who cares about them. I will say that they way Cody managed to track down the person who communicated with Meg was definitely reckless, but it revealed the danger of online communities where seriously sick people can pray on the weak. What I hope readers take away from this book is to not only be careful with online communities, but don't be afraid to ask for help when they are at the end of their rope. Depression is not a sign of weakness, but an illness that needs to be treated. This story is a cautionary tale for teens today, which is a conversations that must be discussed. 

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

I’m a woman. There seems to be some confusion about my gender, which I find disturbing if you’ve seen my author photo.

I used to be a journalist. My first job was for Seventeen magazine. You can see some of my articles here.

When I was little I wanted to grow up to be the sun. I was devastated to learn this was not a career option.

Adam from If I Stay was inspired by my husband, Nick. No, you cannot meet him.

Willem from Just One Day/Year was inspired by some Dutch guy who dumped me. (Willem is my revenge.) No, you don’t want to meet him.

I bombed my SATs. I still did okay in life.

I was once an extra in a Bollywood movie. (And yes, that’s where I got that part of Just One Year from.)

I have been to 64 countries. I used to travel a lot. I once wrote a book about it. Favorite country visited: India. Least-favorite country: Tonga. (Sorry, Tonga.)

I can bake a batch of cupcakes from scratch in under 20 minutes.

The worst job I ever had was as a data-entry clerk. Honorable mention to hotel maid and traveling flower seller girl.

I have learned, and forgotten, three foreign languages. Regretfully, French is not one of them.

I took three years off to travel before college.

As a teen, I was so obsessed with Molly Ringwald that I started biting my lip like she did and now I have a permanent scar. And this is why I am a YA author.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Mysteries, Teen Suspense

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to I Was Here:

• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
• All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
• Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

"I Was Here is a pitch-perfect blend of mystery, tragedy, and romance. Gayle Forman has given us an unflinchingly honest portrait of the bravery it takes to live after devastating loss." —Stephen Chbosky, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Perks of Being a Wallflower

“Irresistible tear-jerker” —New York Times

“A heartbreaking novel about coping with loss from the bestselling author of If I Stay” —People
"As she did in If I Stay, Forman offers an introspective examination of the line between life and death, and the courage it takes to persist."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Forman sifts through Cody’s shifting psychological landscape with a sure and delicate hand, developing a character that readers will recognize themselves in. . . a relevant book as well as an absorbing one.” —BCCB, starred review

"Part tautly paced mystery, part psychological study of suicide and its aftereffects. . . An engrossing and provocative look at the devastating finality of suicide, survivor's guilt, the complicated nature of responsibility and even the role of the Internet in life-and-death decisions." —Kirkus Reviews

"Suicide has always been a subject in YA literature, and to her credit, Forman handles it sensitively and gracefully, raising important issues of the ethics and morality of the subject. The combination mystery and love story is sure to reach a wide readership and excite essential discussion. . . This latest offering should generate massive teen interest." —Booklist

"Cody's struggle with grief and complicity is intense and affecting up until an emotional gut-punch of a conclusion. Once this compelling case is closed, what remains is a haunting, elegiac tale about enduring and understanding loss. " —The Horn Book

"Teens will clamor for this latest offering from the author of If I Stay." —School Library Journal

"Hugely popular Forman, author of the acclaimed If I Stay among others, has another best seller here. This novel’s strength lies in its depiction of main character Cody, a young woman torn by conflicts but sustained by her own sense of purpose." —VOYA

“Takes tragedy, guilt, friendship, inspiration, heartache, and bravery and mixes them all up in a blender of feelings” —Bustle

Praise for If I Stay and Where She Went:

“Beautifully written.” —Entertainment Weekly

“An achingly gorgeous portrayal of rejection and rekindled love.” —USA Today

“A page-turner, tearjerker and romance all in one.” —BookPage

“Pitch-perfect...a moving, skillfully crafted novel.” —VOYA, starred review

Praise for Just One Day and Just One Year:

“Offering mystery, drama, and an evocative portrait of unrequited love, this open-ended novel will leave fans eagerly anticipating the companion story.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Readers were enthralled with Forman’s If I Stay books, and now she’s captivated them again as they fall in love with her characters in Just One Day.” —NPR’s The Roundtable

“As satisfying as both of these books are, readers are going to wish for a third.” —Booklist

Plot Summary:
Known as the son of the most notorious serial killer, Billy Dent, Jazz has been trying to live a normal life for the past four years--he even has a girlfriend and a best friend. However, when the body of a dead woman shows up Lobos Nod, Jazz can't help but investigate the crime scene because who would know crime scenes more than him? The thing about Jazz is that he didn't learn about his father's crimes from a report...his father actually brought him to the murders and forced him to watch. Although Jazz seems to have a pretty good head on his shoulders, what he fears the most is the very idea that he could end up just like his father. When Jazz approaches G. William (the officer who captured his father and has tried to help Jazz live a normal life) about the victim, he is instantly told to mind his own business because not every dead body conveys a serial killer is on the loose. However, this body isn't just another dead body; the victim was found naked and missing three fingers where the killer "accidentally" drops the middle finger for police to find. There's something not right about the whole thing so Jazz and his best friend, Howie, break into the morgue to look over the corpse and Jazz' theory is starting to make sense when he noticed the bruising on her knuckles and the lack of it on her back. Despite being careful, Jazz and Howie are caught while "investigating" Jane Doe and the killer continues his rampage and, unfortunately, his pattern is awful familiar, which Jazz starts to believe that his father has returned. The only problem with this theory is that Billy Dent is locked away in solitary confinement so this must be copycat killer and, with copycat killers, they bound to make a mistakes. As Jazz continues to struggle with his own identity, and the fact there is a serial killer on the loose, he continues his own investigation because if could actually catch the killer, he will not be able to redeem his name, but prove to himself that he is nothing like his father. However, his nightmares continue to haunt him and Jazz starts to think that he isn't as innocent as everyone thinks.

Critical Evaluation:
WOWZA! I really don't have any other words to use to describe how amazing this book is. Although the subject matter may not appeal to everyone, Lyga is an incredible writer who knows to capture his audience. I will admit that I am a super huge fan of Criminal Minds [ a fictional television show focusing on a unit called the Behavior Analysis Unit (BAU)] where a lot of the terminology and descriptions are very familiar. However, to the unknowing reader, they will learn a lot about criminal investigations and what really defines a serial killer. Along with the murder and mayhem aspect, there is some serious character development going on this story because Jazz is concerned about his future and the prospect that he could become his father (i.e., the feelings and urges he has when approaches people). There has been a long debate about murders being genetically programmed to kill, but, in this case, Jazz was raised by a maniac that forced him to watch kill. I can't imagine what it's like being Jazz because he is constantly haunted by his father's words, actions,  and advice. Jazz really didn't have a chance at a normal life because of his father so I have to hand it to him for being so well adjusted. Than again, according to Jazz, serial killers can blend in perfectly with society, but what sets him apart from people like his father is his empathy. He stood up to Howie's bullies and made a friend for life and he genuinely loves his girlfriend despite the fact her father hates him. Serial killers, from what we learn, are narcissists and utterly selfish so Jazz doesn't "fit the profile" yet he is still paranoid that it's not real or genuine. What's troubling Jazz  is that he has no faith in who he is because he feels responsible for Billy's victims. No matter what Connie, Howie, or G. William say, nothing will ever be good enough until he brings this copycat down. The question is: how much is Jazz willing to risk to prove he isn't a serial killer. This novel packs quite a punch and I can't wait for the sequel!

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

After graduating from Yale with a degree in English, Lyga worked in the comic book industry before quitting to pursue his lifelong love of writing. In 2006, his first young adult novel, The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, was published to rave reviews, including starred reviews from Booklistand School Library Journal. Publishers Weekly named Lyga a “Flying Start” in December 2006 on the strength of the debut.

His second young adult novel, Boy Toy, received starred reviews in SLJ, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus. VOYA gave it its highest critical rating, and the Chicago Tribune called it “…an astounding portrayal of what it is like to be the young male victim.” His third novel, Hero-Type, according to VOYA “proves that there are still fresh ideas and new, interesting story lines to be explored in young adult literature.”

Since then, he has also written Goth Girl Rising (the sequel to his first novel), as well as the Archvillain series for middle-grade readers and the graphic novel Mangaman (with art by Colleen Doran).

His latest series is I Hunt Killers, called by the LA Times “one of the more daring concepts in recent years by a young-adult author” and an “extreme and utterly alluring narrative about nature versus nurture.” The first book landed on both the New York Times and USAToday bestsellers lists, and the series has been optioned for television by Warner Bros./Silver Pictures.

Lyga lives and writes in New York City. His comic book collection is a lot smaller than it used to be, but is still way too big.

Genre:
Teen Mysteries, Teen Suspense, Teen Horror

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to I Hunt Killers:

• The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

"I Hunt Killers is an out-of-control hearse with one busted headlight, blood on the grille, a madman at the wheel, and laughter pouring out of the open windows... Climb in, buckle up, and go for a ride."—Joe Hill, author of Horns andHeart-Shaped Box

* "A superb mystery/thriller that explores what it's like to have a monster for a father...but it's Jazz's internal conflict about his exposure to his father's evil that adds extra dimension and makes the book shine."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"I adored this book. The mystery pulls you in from the first pages, and Jazz is a more chillingly charming protagonist than Dexter Morgan."—Cassandra Clare, author of the Mortal Instruments series

* "Lyga brilliantly combines the feel of a true crime story with mystery, adventure, and psychoanalysis."—VOYA, starred review --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Plot Summary:
It's been five year's since Cassie's mother disappeared and no no leads have brought her hope. Cassie and her mother were always on the go because her mother was a self-proclaimed psychic, but, in reality, she taught Cassie everything she needed to know about profiling so reading people is like a sixth sense. One day, while on the road, Cassie returned to her mother's dressing room only to find blood everywhere and her mother had vanished.  It's been five years since that day and Cassie's mother's body has yet to be found and Cassie is still unable to fit in with her father's family except for Nonna. Cassie and her father don't have the same relationship that most girls have with their fathers (her father is in the military and has rarely been around). However, after her mothers disappearance, Cassie is whisked away to her grandmother's home and the family has taken her in so she rarely has to go without. However, something inside Cassie is missing and she misses her mother so Cassie closes herself off to everyone and then Michael walked into her world with a business card that will change her life forever. Michael, like Lia and Dean, is part of an FBI experiment where teens with exceptional abilities (i.e., teens who can read emotions, decipher if a person is lying, a statistician, and the ability to read people) are trained, and evaluated, to use their skills to assist agents with cold cases. Although Cassie thinks she might be able to investigate her mother's case, her handler (Agent Briggs) assures her that there is no new evidence and that her "gift" should be used to help others. Along with Cassie's story, there are sections entitled "You," which contain thoughts and evaluations about different crime scenes that tell a very chilling tale of things to come? Cassie and company may be "Naturals," but do they have the what it takes to track down and capture a real killer before someone gets hurt?

Critical Evaluation:
WOW! This book is amazing! It really is Criminal Minds for teens and I loved it! There is so much that can be discussed here (especially when it comes to the criminology and such), but I want to focus on the story and the characters. It is very obvious that the author has done her research because all of the characters display a variety of talents that are very useful in deducing crimes that require more than the average detective work; these characters are analyzing and solving crimes by some of the most notorious, and evil, people who have committed some exceptionally heinous crimes. Despite the gory details, it's refreshing to see these young people overcome and struggle with the work at hand. As a reader, I think it's important to see that even the most brilliant FBI agent is still human who knows what it's like to feel anger, sadness, and/or vulnerability. Cassie, for example, is not the average teenager who came from a good family. In fact, we find out some disturbing things about her mother's family that shed light on why Cassie was always guarding herself because never knew nothing about her mother's family (or her father) since he barely had the opportunity to be the parent he probably wanted to be. Nevertheless, Cassie has always depended on herself and it troubles her to accept help from Nonna, her aunts, and her uncles. Houghton they may be pushy, Cassie does have people who love her, which is something Michael is always lacking; hence, not allowing Cassie to profile him. For Dean, knowing his father's history, he is constantly struggling with himself because  he fears he will become him. As for Lia, she is a mystery all together because she comes of cool and confident, but there is a side of that refuses to let anyone in.  As for Sloane, she is the type of girl who clearly doesn't have the social skills of most teenage girls. When hyped on caffeine, she turns into a human super computer, which is helpful when necessary. When she isn't crunching numbers, she is kind of a loaner who struggles with relating to others, but, the Naturals project has given her the opportunity to become part of a team, which is a kind of family unit, giving her people to talk to and rely on (the same can be said for Cassie). All of these teens have amazing gifts, but they have paid a serious price for it, which is incredibly unfair because being a teenager is already difficult and they didn't ask for these gifts either. However, these teens managed to keep it together because they realized that they work better as one than against each other. A gripping read and I am definitely sensing a sequel!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Jennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been, in turn, a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic book geek, and a lemur aficionado. She's been writing for as long as she can remember, finished her first full book (which she now refers to as a "practice book" and which none of you will ever see) when she was still in high school, and then wrote Golden the summer after her freshman year in college, when she was nineteen.

Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She was awarded a Fulbright to do post-graduate work at Cambridge, and then returned to the states, where she is hard at work on her PhD.

Genre:
Teen Mystery, Teen Suspense, Teen Horror


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to The Naturals:

• Paper Valentine by Breanna Yovanoff
• I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive reviews from School Library Journal
• Positive review from Booklist
• 2014 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

From Amazon.com

'A page-turning thrill ride that will keep you guessing right until the very end' Ally Carter, author of the bestselling Gallagher Girls series

Plot Summary:
In a letter to his youngest sister, Emmy, Matt recounts the horror that was their childhood. Life wasn't always that terrible, but it was their mother that was the source of their terror. Nikki, their mother, was a walking time bomb; some days she could be kind and thoughtful, but, on the bad days, she was a force to be reckoned with. No one really knows why Nikki is the way she is, but she was used to getting her way and that's probably why she gets so angry. Matt, now fourteen years old, is starting to realize that living with their mother is no longer an option. Matt and Callie (his other sister) spend most of their nights waiting for Nikki to turn their home into a war zone; thus, making  them the only protection that Emmy has. Although hope is a stranger to these frightened children, they meet Murdoch who could be the one to tame their mother and protect them. The only problem with this situation is that Nikki is utterly unpredictable and that leaves Matt with no other choice but to contact his father. Referred to as the "nurse man," Matt and Callie's father was driven away by Nikki and the only link they have with their father is the monthly child support check. However, their father also sends in support for Emmy,who is not his biological child, so that must mean he really cares about them. When Matt contacts his father, he begs him to let him, Callie, and Emmy to live with him, but Matt learns that there is no way a court would never give him custody, especially since Emmy isn't his biological daughter. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Nikki makes up an awful accusation about Murdoch that forces Matt to devise a plan to get away from their mother, which will bring three strangers together to fight for the safety of these three desperate children. 

Critical Evaluation:
I cannot express how difficult it was to read this book. As a reader, it is frightening to know that there are actually adults who behave just like Nikki. It can be argued that Nikki has her own set of problems (some readers will say she exhibits Bipolar Disorder), but the fact that remains is that she is a danger to her children. Matt and his siblings are classic examples of psychological abuse where they literally live in fear of their mother where survivor mode is the norm. What's worse is that they have relations that know exactly what their mother is like and do absolutely nothing. For Matt, who has no choice to be the one to help his sisters, is not only used to his mother's antics, but knows exactly what to expect when his mother gets angry. For Callie, she has to back her brother up because there is no way she could stand up to her mother and all they really have is one another. As for Emmy, who is the youngest, she has a completely different perspective on all of this because she knows she had siblings who will protect her, which brings me back to a statement that Callie made: Emmy know she is safe. When Emmy prays for Murdoch, she does it with joy because she knows that it will anger her mother, but her siblings will be there for her. In this instance, her defiance, and confidence, is not only refreshing, but it's dangerous because Emmy doesn't realize is that her siblings will pay for her actions. Honestly, it was really, really hard for me to not throw the book across the room because Nikki has no business raising children when she, herself, is an overgrown spoiled brat. However, her children are the exact opposite of her, which gives readers hope that they will find a way out of their situation because they know the power of love and devotion. For Nikki, from what we have read, didn't have the greatest childhood either, which leads us to suspect that she has no idea how to raise children. On the other hand, Nikki only thinks about Nikki and constantly needs to be in control of everything because there is something, inside her, that is missing or lacking. The adults in this books, aside from Murdoch, are just as clueless as the kids, but it their saving grace was Murdoch who took a giant risk to help these kids. By enlisting the help of Matt's father, and Aunt Bobbie, these timid adults finally build the courage they need to save Matt, Callie, and Emmy. Although the ending is bittersweet, readers will learn that hope is always there even in the most dire of circumstances.       

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Nancy Werlin has done a variety of things such as a technical editor for software and internet. She was born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts, and earned her BA in English from Yale University. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts, and has written eight young adult novels and several of them have won awards and honors. Here is a statement from one of Werlin's fans:

“An Edgar-award-winning author who writes psychological thrillers with the same depth and punch as Ruth Rendell and Minette Walters with the kind of noirish feel that permeates many of my favorite crime novels. A writer who has a keen understanding of how kids react and feel — who goes for the gut and never flinches on true emotions, who creates characters so true they make you cry and feel a little something yourself.

“Chances are, many of you haven't heard of this author. Or if you have, it's because her name has come up in a completely different context. That's because Nancy Werlin writes novels geared for young adults, and so if you were — like me — not as inclined towards YA as to adult crime fiction, then you would have passed her by. And that would be a shame, because she's simply one of the best crime novelists going right now. Period.” —Sarah Weinman (12/06/2006)

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Suspense

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Rules of Survival:

• Stolen by Lucy Christopher
• Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Awards & Recognition:

• National Book Award Finalist (2006)

From Amazon.com:

“Guaranteed to leave readers breathlessly turning the pages.”—Booklist, starred review

“Werlin tackles [this topic] with grace and insight.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“A heartbreaking tale of abuse and love . . . . Beautifully framed.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“The plot moves swiftly and unrelentlessly….”—VOYA highlight 

Plot Summary:
She wakes up battered and bruised; her fingernails are missing and she doesn't remember who she is. The next thing she remembers is being dragged out into the woods, awaiting death. However, something in her screams to fight back and when the opportunity presents itself, she takes it. Alone, and on the run, she has to find help because she has no idea who she is and why someone would want to kill her. Luckily, for her, she is not completely helpless because no only does she have the will to run, but she has the skills to survive. After taking her kidnapper's car, she finds her way to Newberry Ranch where she tries to get help from the security officer on duty. Although he isn't a real police officer, he does everything he can to help her. When she thought this nightmare was over, it was only the beginning to a series of events that she never thought possible. When the security guard got off the phone, he informed her that she wasn't kidnapped, but a runaway from a local mental hospital. There is no way this could be true because why would staff members from a psychiatric hospital drag her away to secluded cabin, rip out her fingernails, and carry guns? Furthermore, why would they threaten to kill her? After hearing this new information, she takes matters into her own hands and is back on the road not knowing where to go and who to trust.When she stopped at a local McDonald's for food, she meets a guy named Ty who not only helps her get away from the men who are chasing her, but promises to help her recover her memories. Little do they know, the journey they are to embark is not only risky, but could can turn deadly in an instant if she cannot find her parents. The clock has started ticking and they are running out of time.

Critical Evaluation:
Wow. This was incredibly suspenseful. Not only will readers enjoy the pace of this story, they will want to finish this book in one sitting. For a small book, there is a lot going on. For example, we don't know our main character's name because she suffers from amnesia. Secondly, we don't know if she is going to be the type of heroine we are going to admire. Once readers get passed the first few chapters, they will learn that our girl is not only brave, but incredibly quick on her feet. Henry captures the point of view of a kidnapping victim extremely well because not only do we see the flight or flight decision making, we see how determined she is to find out who she is and her desire to live. Although she is scared out of her mind, she refuses to give up because she is convinced that someone is trying to frame her or worse...kill her. What's confusing about her amnesia is that it seems to be temporary; she is can remember things from her past, but not the names of her family. Furthermore, when she and Ty make progress in their journey, we learn that she hasn't lost the ability to certain things such as: drive, unlock a car seat, and use her marital skills when necessary. Although she is more than capable of handling this on her own, Ty is the one person she needs the most to keep her calm and focused. Ty, who also has a hidden past, is the perfect protector since he is the only one who believes that she isn't a crazy serial killer, but is being framed for something that she didn't do. Honestly, Ty is the type of guy that any girl would be proud to have as their boyfriend because he is genuine. The more these two teens get to know each other, it's only natural they would fall for each other. However, this is not a love story, but a story about survival where the fates of thousands of people depend on her. 

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters. There was one detour on April's path to destruction:  when she was 12 she sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to noted children's author Roald Dahl. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine. By the time she was in her 30s, April had started writing about hit men, kidnappers, and drug dealers. She has published more than a dozen mysteries and thrillers for teens and adults, with five more under contract

Genre:
Teen Suspense, Teen Mysteries, Teen Adventure

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die:

• Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Schott
• Stolen by Lucy Christoper

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

"Suggest this one to fans of Stefan Petrucha’s Split (Walker, 2010) and Matt Whyman’s Icecore (2007) and Goldstrike (2010, both S & S) for a good adrenaline rush with the tiniest hint of romance." -- School Library Journal

- School Library Journal

"Older Jack and Jill readers will find themselves unable to put down this book until they reach the stunning conclusion."
- Jack and Mill Magazine

"Henry is a dependable best-selling force in both adult and YA worlds, and this book is tailor-made to please her fan base." -- Booklist

"Henry (The Night She Disappeared) delivers another speedy, suspenseful mystery, this one reminiscent of Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne books."--Publishers Weekly

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:
Nine years ago, Ethan was abducted by two men in a black car. He was only seven years old and his little brother, Blake, saw Ethan jump into the car. Nine years have passed and Ethan has no memory of his real family except for the pictures that he feels attached to. After finding his family, Ethan must take back what is his and resume of life of normalcy. However, the house, the people, the memories are nothing but blank canvases? Why can't he remember the fun times he had with his parents? How can he explain to his brother why he jumped into that car? Although the family seemed to have moved forward with life (Ethan has a little sister now), when they got the call that he had been found, everything turned upside down. What is even harder is that his "BFF" happens to be hottest girl he has ever seen, yet he can't remember here. Despite the awkwardness of reacquainting himself with his loved ones, but the person who is hit the hardest is not Ethan, but his brother, Blake. Why couldn't he accept the fact that his big brother has been found? Why does Ethan feel that something is missing?

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, I could not put this book down. Lisa McMann delivered an incredibly suspenseful and heartbreaking tale of a boy who was kidnapped as a child. Not only is this story a quick read, it will appeal to those who want to read about issues such as child abduction and its effects on those who were traumatized. Ethan's character is so complex and his experiences are so heartbreaking that one would be more than happy to see him with his family again. However, what most people don't take into account, is that the person who was kidnapped has to find a way to transition themselves back to normalcy and even relate to their own family. Moreover, with a child as young as Ethan was, readers will learn the effects of Stockholm Syndrome, especially when he admits that he does not like bad-mouthing the woman who abducted him. The psychological war that is going on in Ethan's head is very real including the way Blake treats him; it was hard to see Ethan's brother treat him like a complete stranger and, eventually, a complete fake. The bond between Ethan and Gracie is just precious. Gracie was born after Ethan's disappearance so his sudden appearance is just as tough on Gracie as it is Ethan. Although the ending leaves the reader hanging, it leaves room for a possible sequel that will explain what happened to Ethan when he ran away. This is an incredibly moving tale about family dynamics.

Information about the Author:
Lisa McMann was born on February 24 in Holland, Michigan and eventually moved to Arizona with family in 2004. She had two brothers and sisters who have given many nieces and nephews. According to her website:

The first summer we lived here, we totally tried frying an egg on the sidewalk. Basically, it made a mess. We try to go on vacation during the summer to get out of Phoenix, and I usually do a conference or two if it’s in a nice-weather city in order to escape the heat. In the fall, winter and spring, the weather here suits me just fine. I like to cook, swim, read, and hang out with my husband and kids. I also love watching reality TV shows, even the sappy ones that make me cry, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

Genre:
Teen Suspense, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Dead to Me:

• Stolen by Lucy Christopher
• Dead Girls Don't Write Letter by Gail Giles
  

Awards & Recognition:

" McMann's narrative is layered and emotional, with constant questions about family dynamics, identity and reconciliation. While an amnesia-based plot risks a quick foray into formula, this resists, balancing the fractured nature of Ethan's recollections nicely with the character's development. The sibling rivalry builds secondary tension and suspense."

"McMann's gripping new novel...will leave readers burning for closure long after its chilling ending.... [Her] succinct first-person narrative skillfully carries the authenticity of a teenage boy, his fractured memory and reintegration into a family who expects much from him, despite his scarring childhood. Her exploration of an abductee psyche is both illuminating and unsettling and is realistically portrayed... With a disturbing and raw ending, "Dead to You "is unforgettable." --Adam Silvera, Books of Wonder
"--Kirkus Reviews"

Plot Summary:
Gemma Toombs thought she was going on another "family vacation," but her life changed forever when she was abducted by Ty. While waiting at the Bangkok Airport, Ty approached Gemma and won her over with a cup of coffee laced with drugs. Hours later, when she wakes up, she is scared and confused as to how and why someone would kidnap her. However, just when things could not get any worse, she learns that there is no where to escape to--she is smack dab in the middle of the wildest and hottest Australian deserts. As time goes by, at least a few months, Gemma no longer flinches every time Ty comes near her and when she escapes he is always there to take care of her. Not knowing what to expect, Gemma learns a lot not only about herself, but she also learns things about her kidnapper that almost forces her to develop sympathy for him. The most shocking thing about this whole situation is revealed towards the end that leaves the reader feeling uncomfortable.

Critical Evaluation:
I can now honestly say that this book is one of three works that has managed to give me nightmares. Lucy Christopher is a brilliant writer who not only brings this scary reality to life, but her character, even the kidnapper, are very real where the reader develops certain mixed feelings towards both of them. Gemma, in many aspects, is a troubled teenager whose parents are more involved in their own lives than in the life of their daughter. Gemma is actually not a bad kid, just mixed up and waiting for her parents to notice her. As for Ty, well, he is a complex character. As we get through the story, we not only hate him for what he did, but we also feel bad for him at the same time. Readers are given a very real story of a victim suffering from Stockholm Syndrome who is trying very hard to move on with her life.

Information about the Author:
Lucy Christopher is a fairly new author. According to her website, Lucy Christopher has lived quite an exciting life. Not only has she lived in three different countries, she actually grew up in Australia, which is the location of her debut novel Stolen. According to Christopher:

My first published book, Stolen, was also influenced by my life and the things I did.  Thankfully, I’ve never been kidnapped, but when I was nine years old and moving from Wales to Australia, it felt like a bit of a kidnapping.  Suddenly I was in a new country I didn’t understand; a place that was simultaneously beautiful and terrifying.  I’ve always been fascinated by wild Australian land and, when younger, my favourite memories are of camping in the bush and exploring the overgrown creek at the back of our first Melbourne house.  But this landscape scared me too, and I didn’t feel like I fitted in.  I used these feelings of being simultaneously entranced and repulsed by something in order to write Gemma’s feelings for both Ty and the landscape he takes her to (para. 3)

Lucy Christopher lives in Wales where she earned her MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and is  is also working on her PhD. When she is not writing, Lucy Christopher is traveling to her favorite country, South Africa, or she is riding her horse. She is also working on her second novel (due out  this year) and her first book, Flyaway, is in the process of being published in the US.

Genre: 
Teen Suspense, Teen Contemporary Fiction


Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 10 & up


Books Similar to Stolen:

• Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
• Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Awards & Recognition:

• Michael L. Printz Honor 
• ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

Plot Summary:
It's senior year and Rob, the most popular guy in school, decides that he wants to leave his legacy by transforming the school geek into Mr. Popular. Meet Simon Glass.  Not only is he a brain, but he takes the term "geek: to whole new level, which makes him the ideal candidate for Rob's "Cinderella" project. With a makeover, lesson in the art of being "Cool," and an attitude change, Simon not only leave his reputation as the King of Geeks in the dust, but he actually manages to achieve the same rank as Rob, who has mixed feelings about this. Then, one day, Simon Glass does the unimaginable--he supersedes Rob as the coolest guy in school. However, Rob is unable to stop Simon just as Dr. Frankenstein was unable to put an end to his creation. In a desperate attempt to reclaim what is his, and to keep Simon from revealing how he hacked the school's computers to change his grades, Rob and his buddies, do something horrific to take back something that was never theirs to begin with.

Critical Evaluation:
When reader's read the first chapter, they are immediately thrown in a world entangled in violence and revenge. This story provides a grim look into the power of high school cliques and how desperate we can be to bring an end to our suffering by hurting those who hurt us. In this tale, the tables have turned on the popular guy who turned the nerd into someone that stripped him of his power and popularity. Giles' story is fast paced and incredibly well-written that readers cannot put it down. This books is a great title for the reluctant reader since it draws them in the moment they turn the first page. Although Simon Glass meets a horrible demise, readers will learn how popularity can turn anyone into monster.

Information about the Author:
Unlike most authors, Gail Giles didn't know she was going to become a writer until she wrote a funny story that helped her escape the wrath of the nun at catholic school. In her website, Gail Giles have lived in quite a few places that have inspired the various locations of her novels. The idea for writing this novel came about when Giles was substitute teaching an art class and overheard a bunch of cheerleaders teaching a nerdy guy how to dress and how they have to have a "seminar" to help him look better. When Giles overheard this conversation, she tucked it away and decided to use it, coupled with another story, told by a teen who was helping around her house.

In this story, the boy's father made a terrible decision where he had to drop out of school, lose all of his friends, and, eventually, ruined his life. By using different parts of the stories, and the influence of the Great Gatsby and Lord of the Flies, Giles crafted this tale of two guys with two very different agendas and the disastrous results of their decisions. Giles has written several other thrillers such as: Dead Girls Don't Write Letters, What Happened to Cass McBride, Playing in Traffic, and Right Behind You. Although most of her words revolve around some pretty intense situations, these novels drive home the moral of every story, which provides a cautionary tale for teens to make the right decision or suffer the consequences of their decisions.


Genre:
Teen Suspense, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Shattering Glass:

• Breaking Point by Alex Flinn
• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
• Lord of the Flies by William Golding
• The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Awards/Recognition:

• Starred Reviews from Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and Booklis