Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Just when love could never get any more complicated, let's throw in vampires, ancient feuds, magic, and tragedy. Yuki Cross, the daughter of Headmaster Cross and class prefect, watches over the "Day class" (human class) at Cross Academy; Kaname Kuran, leader of the "Night Class,"an exclusive group of vampires who live off blood pills to prove they do not need human blood. As part of her duties to watch after the "Day Class," Yuki has developed deep feelings for Kaname, who, oddly enough, seems to reciprocate those feelings, which does not sit well with Zero, Yuki's closest friend. However, when tragedy strikes,the only person who can save Zero is Yukis. Vampire Knight is one of the most amazing love triangles, jam packed with surprises, drama, and an epic climax! 


Critical Evaluation:
In this tale of murder, forbidden love, good, and evil, an innocent girl was rescued from the clutches of an evil vampire and raised by a kind man. However, the most heart-wrenching of all of these details is that Yuki had no memory of her past or who she is. This is yet another complex tale that is not only filled with twists and turns, but readers will never believe the ending. All of the characters, in this story, are not only unique, but share similar tales of tragedy like Yuki. Many girls will instantly fall in love with Kaname and Zero becuase they are both really hot and are surrounded by tragedy. Moreover, this is a tale of forbidden and what girl can resist?

Information about the Author:
According to an interview, on Hakusensha Online, Matsuri Hino was born on January 24 in Hokkaido Japan. She made her debut with Wake this Dream published by La La La DX in 1995. Matsuri has written other successful series such as Merupuri and Captive Hearts. According to Anime News Network, Hino's Vampire Knight, is ranked number nine on the New York Times Best Seller Manga List (February 27-March 5). According to ShojoBeat: "Hino enjoys creative activities, and has commented that she would have been either an architect or an apprentice to traditional Japanese craft masters if she did not become a manga artist" (para. 3). Another interesting tidbit about Matsuri Hino is that she had only become a Manga artist nine months prior to the release of her first series.

Genre: 
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Romance Manga


Reading Level/Interest:
Teen 13 & up


Books Similar to Vampire Knight:

• Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles by Clamp
• Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji
• Angel Sanctuary by Kaori Yuki

Awards & Recognition:

• New York Times Manga Best Seller List (December 27, 2010-March 5, 2011)

Plot Summary:
In this story, a  crazy tough girl, named Haine, has a major crush on Shizumasa, nicknamed the "The Emperor". However, this girl is actually pretty amazing. A while back, she was actually involved in a gang and it was Shizumasa who saved her from that life; he was also the one who wrote a storybook that made her fall in love with Shizumasa. Haine's goal is to win Shizumasa's love that she loves him and will do anything to protect him (she is assigned as bodyguard). Meanwhile, readers learn that Shizumasa has a huge secret he is hiding in the shadows named Takanari. Furthermore, this secret between these two guys causes a lot of turmoil for Haine. There are a bunch of characters that make this story hysterical such as the stereotypical gay guy, the drag queen, the psuedo-lesbian, the hot doctor, forgotten siblings, the slave, and the family secrets amongst the Togu and Kamiya families. This series is incredibly complicated and convoluted, but highly entertaining!

Critical Evaluation:
If we were to compare this story to any Victorian drama, our heads would probably explode. Not only is the main character a bit of a contradiction, every other character in the story is worse. This series is jam packed full of love, secrets, deception, and a bit naughty, which makes it perfect for the girl who needs an escape. One aspect of this series, which I admire, is Tanemura's ability to weave a complex story where reader's are always in step with each sequence. I could not put this Manga series down because, honestly, it was a guilty pleasure for me and was rooting for Haine all the way until the end. There is a a bunch of characters who have such different stories, and personalities, that make them all unique and just as lovable, especially Senri, the school physician who is quite a character.

Information about the Author:
Arina Tanemura, according to the Arina Tanemura Fan Club, was born on March 12, 1978 in Aichi, Japan. She made her debut in 1996 with Nibanme no Koi no Katachi (The Style of the Second Love). Tanemura has written over twelve series that are not only popular, but she has been recognized as one of the most successful Shojo Manga artists today. According to Wikipedia.com, one interesting fact about Arina Tanemura is that Gentlemen's Alliance Cross is the first series she had published that contains more than 5 consecutive volumes.

Genre:
Shojo, Romance, Comedy


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Gentlemen's Alliance Cross:

• Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori
• Hana Kimi by Hisaya Nakajo

Awards & Recognition:
N/A

Plot Summary:
Just when life can not get any harder, David Yaffe has had it real hard. Not only did he stand trial for his girlfriend's accidental death, he is forced to rejoin the "normal" world by starting all over again in a new town. Although he was acquitted of the crime (his girlfriend tried to break up a fight between her and her drugged out brother and was fatally injured), David is haunted by this incident and is struggling to keep it together. After the trial, David's parents decided that it would be good for him to move in with Uncle Vic and Aunt Julia since they live near his new school. What's worse is the moment he stepped in the house, he could cut the tension between his aunt and uncle with a knife. However, he witnessed something rather odd. Rather than speaking to each other, his aunt and uncle use their daughter, Lily, as a go between. David hasn't seen his baby cousin in years and there is something strange about her.  Not only did she thrive off her parents unhappiness, she actually asked David if he felt powerful by killing his girlfriend, which is a little odd for a twelve-year-old to ask.


Critical Evaluation:
Not only is this story a quick read, it is wonderfully written and incredibly suspenseful. I simply could not put this book down because I needed to know what was happening to David. Moreover, Lily is just awful. The things that she says and does to David made me think that this child is psychotic. Werlin does an amazing job with the character development, especially when it comes to parents who are just clueless when it comes to interacting and speaking with their children. All of the parents in this book are so consumed with themselves that David, Kathy, and Lily are, in my respects, victims to their parents wants and needs. David and Lily are essentially alike where their anger towards themselves turned into such guilt that they convinced themselves that they are the one's responsible for the death of their loved ones. David matures very quickly in this story and it is amazing to see how to awful accidents can reveal just how fragile we human beings are. This is a very thought provoking title that will generate a lot of conversation.


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 Mysteries


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to The Killer's Cousin:

• The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci
• What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles

Awards & Recognition:

• Edgar Award Winner (The Killer's Cousin)
• Edgar Award Nominee (Locked Inside)
• 2006 National Book Award Finalist(Rules of Survival)
• 2004 ALA Book Editor's Choice (Double Helix)
• Starred Reviews in School Library Journal, Booklist,and Kirkus (Black Mirror)
• New York Public Library Best Books for Teens (Are you Alone on Purpose?)

Plot Summary:
Janie Hannagan has always been different. Unlike most of her peers, she doesn't have a father and her mother is an alcoholic. All her life, Janie had to settle for second hand clothing and endless ridicule from her peers. However, what sets Janie apart from all of them is her ability to enter dreams.As she gets older, the more developed her gift becomes, which makes it almost impossible for her to deal with. In fact, things seem to take a turn for the worse when she becomes close with one of the residents whom she manages to help during her dream. When life cannot get any harder, she becomes closer to a guy named Cabel who makes an amazing transformation from typical stoner to super hottie. He and Janie seem to have a lot in common, but Janie is starting to learn that things are not always as they seem, especially when she enters the dreams of people she knows and his horrified by what she sees.

Critical Evaluation: 
This story, written in diary form that includes dates and times, is easily devoured. The moment readers read the beginning they will finish it in a few hours. As her debut novel, Lisa McMann has not only captured the attention of critics, she has gained a following of Wake fans. I picked up this novel after rave reviews from the teens I work with and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. What I enjoyed the most about this story is that Janie is a character that a lot of people can relate to despite her strange gift. Not only does she have to deal with the pressures to fit in, she is unable to reveal her true self to those she loves simply because she does not want to be seen as a freak. More importantly, despite the fact that she has been independent all her life, Janie has a great heart where she decides to use her gift to help others rather than suppress it. Teens who are struggling with their identities will definitely empathize with her and cheer her on as she finally begins to control her abilities.



Information about the Author: 
In the fourth grade, Lisa McMann decided she wanted to be a writer. According to her website, Lisa was born in  Holland Michigan and currently resides in Arizona. She got her idea for Wake while dreaming about it (literally). She is the mother of two and when they are at school she is usually writing or taking care of business. When she isn't writing, she is confirmed reality television junkie who also loves to cook, swim, read, and hang out with her family.


When asked if she has any advice for aspiring teen writers, she states:

Sure. If you can possibly do another job instead of writing and still enjoy your life, do that instead. Writing is hard. There are a lot of disappointments and no guarantees. Be prepared to write a second or third or fifteenth novel if the first ones don’t sell. Be prepared to put the words you love in a drawer for a long time while you work and work to get better at writing. Once you’ve focused on WRITING instead of GETTING PUBLISHED, you’re doing the right thing. Then, go find a writing message board where you can learn how this business works – it’s pretty complicated. There’s a lot of research you need to do to figure it out. But remember, you won’t get anything published if you don’t put all your effort into simply writing first (para.14).

Genre:
Teen Mysteries
 


Reading Level/Interest: 
Grades 9 & up   



Books Similar to Wake:

• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
• Shadowland: The Mediator by Meg Cabot

Awards & Recognition:

• Abraham Lincoln Book Award Master List (IL),
• ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers,
• Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee (NJ)
• Gateway Readers Award Nominee (MO)
• Georgia Peach Book Award Master List
• IRA Young Adults' Choices
• Nevada Young Reader's Award Nominee
• Texas Tayshas Reading List
• YALSA Teens Top Ten (TTT)
• Young Adult Reading Program Reading List Selection (SD)

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:
Cain Hargreaves is a cursed man. Given the name of the the Bible's most notorious son who stole his brother's birth right, and destined to roam the world alone, Cain has beaten, poisoned, and abused by his father because he blames Cain for the death of his wife, Augusta. However, Cain, ironically, poisons his own father and assumes the role of Earl. Known for his obsession with poisons, Cain is not what he seems; in fact, he is quite loving and gentle. With the support and love from his half sister, Mary Weather, and his butler, Riff, Cain knows what it is like to be loved, contrary to what his father believes. Recently, strange things have been taking place in London where people have gone missing whom Cain, and his sister, are acquainted. Moreover, it looks like Cain's "dead" father has come back to seek revenge on him.

Critical Evaluation:
As readers dive into Cain's world, they read about the Hargreave curse and the incredible lengths a father would take to destroy his only son. This manga is not a happy one, but with the cast of odious characters, readers will be sucked into this dark Victorian world filled with Jack the Ripper and other monsters of our dreams. There is all kinds of love (twisted and genuine) demonstrated, which will make reader's questions their personal definitions of love. Although this book is dark, and violent, it is actually a Shojo (meant for girls) because of the love between the characters. The relationship between Riff and Cain is a little confusing; Cain refers to Riff as his in every way (almost like a lover). However, Cain is still in love with his cousin (Suzette), who is reincarnated into a doll named Mikaela, who will kill for love. All in all, this is series, reminiscent to Alice in Wonderland meets Frankenstein tale, readers will dive into a world scarier than any nightmare.

Information about the Author:
Unfortunately, since she is mostly popular in Japan, it is rather difficult to find in depth information about Kaori Yuki. According to her website, the only information she gives is that she was born on December 18th, she's a cartoonist, and her blood type is B (the same as mine). According to a fan site, The Best Of, "[Kaori Yuki] became a professional manga artist in 1987, after placing in one of the many contests held by Hana to Yume. She rarely appears at events and tends to withhold personal information, thus little is known about her. She usually publishes in Bessatsu Hana to Yume"(para. 2). Kaori is also known for her artwork in the hit series, Angel Sanctuary.

Reading/Interest Level:
Teen 13 & up

Manga Similar to Godchild:

• Vampire Knight by  Hino Matsuri
• Millennium Snow by Bisco Hatori
• Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi

Awards/Recognition:
N/A

Plot Summary:
Katniss Evergreen lives in District Twelve. After losing her father in a coal mining catastrophe (District Twelves' export), Katniss must now care for her mother and younger sister. Katniss, and her best friend Gale, are expert hunters and, despite the fact that hunting outside of the district is illegal and punishable by death, Katniss' clients are the bigwigs. Although she is able to get by with her hunting, sometimes, she must ask the government for a "tesserae" (a meager amount of oil and grain). However, with every Teserae she gets, it increases the amount of slips that will be added to bowl for the annual reaping. This year, Katniss' name has been entered more than 15 times and her chances of being selected are high. However, her worst nightmare comes true when her sister's name is drawn instead of her's. Moreover, Peeta, who showed her kindness in her darkest hour, becomes her teammate and mortal enemy. As Katniss and Peeta head for the Capitol, not only do they participate in the deadliest charade of their life, they have to act like they are excited, and humbled, to be chosen to kill off complete strangers just for the entertainment.

Critical Evaluation:
In this tour de force story, Collins has created a post apocalyptic world where the United States is no longer a democracy, but a totalitarian state where children pay the price for their predecessors mistakes. Although Collin's does not go into a lot of detail as to how the world has changed, it is clear that caste system has been reinstalled. Katniss comes from one of the poorest districts in Panem and is actually the poorest of the poor since she doesn't have a trade that benefits the district. However, her ability to hunt has made her a valuable asset where the more wealthy of District Twelve can eat better by enlisting her services. Although this society has a very strict set of rules, corruption, like Twinkies, is able to survive the destruction, and rebirth, of a new world.  Readers will not only be sucked into the nightmare of this world, but will find themselves involved with this story as they wish nothing but luck for Katniss. Furthermore, the budding relationship between Peeta and Katniss will tug on some heart strings, which makes this story appealing to guys and girls. Collins is not only a brilliant storyteller, the harshness of this world, and it's leaders, paint a terrifying picture that forces readers to imagine what it would be like to live in one of the districts and just how lucky they are to have what they have.


Information about the Author:
Suzanne Collins made her literary debut with Gregor the Overlander, the first installment of the Underland Chronicles. Collins has also worked on various teen and children's television shows, including Little Bear and Oswald, that have been nominated for prestigious awards. According to Collins (as to how she got into writing children's books):

Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part fantasy/​war series, The Underland Chronicles" (para. 3)."

The Hunger Games trilogy concludes: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay that follows the story of Katniss Evergreen and her fight to bring down the government and freeing those she loves from total annihilation and restoring peace to Panem.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to to The Hunger Games:

• Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
• The Leviathan by Scott Westerfield
• Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

 Awards/Recognition (from BWI TitleTales):

• 2009 ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult
• 2009 Young Reader Medal Nominees
• 2008 NY Times Notable Children's Books
• Booklist Starred Review 2008-09-01
• Bulletin Starred Review 2008-11-01
• Horn Book Starred Review 2009-04-01
• Horn Book Starred  Review 2008-09-01
• Kirkus Starred Review 2008-09-01
• Publishers Weekly starred 2008-11-10
• School Library Journal Starred Review 2008-09-01

Plot Summary:
Life for Shaun is pretty easy. In fact, it has been so easy that when he suddenly "bites the big one" he doesn't feel a thing. Although Shaun's soul is in the hands of our Creator, his body has been taken over by demon. As part of an elaborate plot, this demon, or "Kiriel," has observed and studied every aspect of Shaun's life from his family history, friends, personality, and mannerisms. After a millennium of tormenting souls, not having a physical form, or knowing what it's like to have five senses, Kiriel is just overjoyed and fascinated with his new "slightly used" teenage body. Once Kiriel/Shaun is able to have better control of his body, he makes the goal that most teenage boys make, which is to, for the lack of the better phrase, get laid. Kiriel is just obsessed with feeling good that he believe having sex is the ultimate feeling that makes a person human. However, Kiriel realizes, that sexual feelings don't carry the burden that disappointment, anger, hatred, and jealousy carry.

Critical Evaluation:
A.M. Jenkins has delivered a funny and smart story about a demon who takes a break from being an entity to becoming human. This demon does not know what it's like to be human and after experiencing, and witnessing, the tortured souls that he processes, he has become curious about them. Moreover, he is actually more intrigued by the poor choices humans make, even when they know it is bad (i.e., sin). Jenkins provides readers, especially those who struggle with humanity and religion, with an intelligent dialogue that convey the good, and the bad, of being a human. However, Kiriel didn't fully comprehend Shaun, as a person, and realized that the many people in his life make living worthwhile, especially Lane. The more Kiriel spends time amongst humans, the more he begins to understand the beauty in which "The Creator" had made them; thus, why he paid the price he did for going against the will of God. This books is truly wonderful, funny, and well written.

Information about the Author:
According to A.M. Jenkins' blog, she has literally had every job under the sun from teacher, writer, aerobics instructor, bookstore manager, and ice cream dipper. She has written several YA novels that including Damage, Out of Order, and Repossessed. Although she does not reveal a lot of her life on her blog (other than that she lives in Texas, divorced, has three kids, and a bunch of pets), Jenkins does admit that getting a degree in Liberal Arts can only go so far. According to Harper Collins: "A. M. Jenkins is the award-winning author of Damage, Beating heart: A Ghost Story, and the Printz Honor Book Repossessed, and lives in Benbrook, Texas, with three sons, two cats, and two dogs. Jenkins received the PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship for night road" (para. 1). 

Genre:
Teen Lit for Guys, Teen Humor


Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Repossessed:

•  Deadline by Chris Crutcher
•  Godless by Pete Hautman

Awards/Recognition:

• Michael L. Printz Honor Book
• New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
• IRA/CBC Young Adults’ Choice 
• ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
• Golden Spur Award Honor Book (Texas)

Plot Summary:
One night, at a popular club, Clary Fray, and her best friend Simon, are having a great time until she sees hooded figures murder a guy. The murder is not like anyone she has every seen since he is covered head to toe in black tattoos and, mysteriously, the murder victim disappeared into thin air. In fact, the only people who can see them are their fellow Shadowhunters--an elite group of people who have the ability to vanquish demons.  Just when things could not get any worse, the murder, turn "stalker," finally reveals himself (his name is Jace) and learns all about the Shadowhunters and the the possibility that she may be one herself. Clary always knew she was different, but she didn't count on the becoming a demon hunter. Unfortunately, this news comes a little late when Clary's mother is kidnapped and the only way she can find her mother is with the help of the Shadowhunters and trusting a gorgeous guy she barely knows.

Critical Evaluation:
Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series is a blast. When I read the this title, I could not put it down since Clare hits the reader with an exciting moment that he or she did not expect.  Clary is an average teenager who is completely unaware of her capabilities. She has a strong affinity for art and readers will be able to relate to her story because she feels unfulfilled; all her life something has been missing and we will learn why as the story develops. The male lead, Jace, is the stereotypical bad boy who breaks hearts and is a loner. However, Jace is also unfulfilled because he eventually learns that his whole life has been one giant lie. The other Shadowhunters are tougher, more sophisticated, and deeply troubled as well. Although these teens have amazing abilities, they are also very vulnerable and insecure. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to step away from the formulaic vampire and werewolf love stories (starring wishy washey or vapid characters), City of Bones is a great place to start.

Information about the Author:
The Mortal Instruments series is Cassandra Clare's first young adult series. According to her website, she has lived an extraordinary life where she spent most of her childhood moving around the world and actually spent a month of her infancy in her father's backpack as they trudged through the Himalayas. Clare was educated in Los Angeles where she begin writing her own short stories and an epic novel entitled "The Beautiful Cassandra."  After graduating college, Clare moved to New York and actually worked for tabloid magazines writing articles on various celebrities including Brad Pitt, Brittney Spears, and Paris Hilton. When Clare began writing the City of Bones, she quit her job and started writing fulltime.

According to Cassandra Clare:

[she] hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her two cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines(para. 3).

The fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments is out on April 11, 2011.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to City of Bones:

• Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Awards/Recoginition:

•  ALA 2010 Top Ten
  

Plot Summary:
William Henry, assistant to Dr. Pellinor Warthrop, has seen too many things that a twelve-year-old should never see, do, or hear. In fact, William is "indispensable" to the Warthrop, which means that he cannot survive without him. One late night, a grave robber appears before Warthrop to show him that something horrific lay in his buggy and only Warthrop can identify it. When the grave robber brings the "thing" in, Warthrop immediately identifies this gruesome creature: Anthropophagi. The doctor is completely amazed that this creature still exists; more importantly, the fact that it is native to Africa, and is living in New Jerusalem, makes this finding even more intriguing since this creature cannot swim. In order to find out how this creature came ashore Warthrop must figure out how many of them exist, where this one was hiding, and who, or what is responsible, for their appearance.

Critical Evaluation:
Yancey provides an incredibly chilling and scary story that draws an unusual, but plausible comparison between the actions of monsters and people desperately fighting for survival.Although the Anthroprophogi eat humans, they eat because they have to survive. Moreover, they are called abominations since they consume human flesh, but the past proves that humans are also guilty of devouring their fellow man in order to survive (i.e., Donner Party). Just like Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, Warthrop is obsessed with the oddities of the world that he not only risks his own life, but that of his apprentice. For William, he has literally grown-up around the madness of Warthrop that he finds himself desensitized; however, with the discovery of the Anthropophagi, all of his fears break the wall that he has built up in his soul and mind. This book is not just a scary tale, but a warning of  how obsession, narcissism, and ignorance can not only destroy lives, but bring down the world. Lastly, Yancey clearly conveys that even though nightmares are not real, the very world we live is filled with more frightening things than we could every dream of, especially when people matters into their own hands under the guise of "the greater good." Readers will not be able to put this book down and some of them, unfortunately, will need to leave  the light on before going to sleep.

Information about the Author:
According to Rick Yancey's website, he had always wanted to be writer since he was very young. He earned his Bachelor of Art in English at Roosevelt University, in Chicago. After graduating, Yancey returned home to Florida where he started teaching and worked in the the theater (para. 1). Eventually, he ended up taking a job with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and worked there for ten years, which inspired his memoir entitled "Confession of a Tax Collector." The Wall Street Journal has praised his memoir calling it one of the five best books on taxes.

Yancey is also author of the Alfred Kropp Trilogy and the Teddy Ruzak adult mystery series that have quite a following and his titles have been nominated for prestigious awards. Monstrumologist is Yancy's first young adult series and the second book of this series, The Curse of the Wendigo, is available for libraries to purchase. Lastly, Monstrumologist was also selected as a 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Award.

Genre:
Teen Horror

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Monstrumologust:

• Reckless by Cornelia Funke
• Bonechiller by Graham McNamee

Awards/Recognition:

• 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Award
• Starred review Booklist (09/1/2009)

Plot Summary:
In the not-so-distant future, the world has changed. Not only has the government been overrun, and taken over, by the Feed Corporation. When a child is born, he, or she, has a "feed" implanted into their brains that not only plug them into the highly advanced technological world, but use them as a means to "feed" the Feed Corporation. In this tale, a teen named Titus, who is a product of his world, is partying on the moon with his buddies. When all seemed fine, a techno terrorist uploads a virus into the feeds of the party goers and Titus loses controls of all his senses. The next day, he wakes up in the hospital completely unaware of what happened and there, at the hospital, he meets a girl named Violet. Unlike most of his friends, Violet is different. Not only is she unfashionable, she is intelligent, opinionated, and a free spirit. Moreover, unlike Titus, she does NOT have a feed implanted into her brain. Violet gives Titus a chance to see the world differently and how technology, albeit convenient, can be cumbersome and desensitizing.

Critical Evaluation:
M.T. Anderson provides teens with a thought-provoking story that stirs great conversation and forces readers to think about society and it's dependence on technology. Anyone who works with teenagers know that they are the key audience marketing companies appeal to; teens are the  largest group of consumers that rake in profit. Not only does the "Feed" provide teens of the future with ESP-like capabilities (teens can close their eyes and talk to their cousins in Paris using brain waves) and they can also stake out the best deals anywhere with the help of the Feed. For example, a teen is looking for a pair of Seven Jeans. She walks into a store, thinking she will get a steal until an ad pops up in front of her face telling  her where she can get better or different deal. Teens are not only bombarded with marketing material on a daily basis, their entire existence relies on having the best clothes to wear, the best toys to play with, and listening to the best music ever. In this world, individuality is frowned upon and commercialism and consumerism are the new Gods.

Information about the Author:
M.T. Anderson is a critically acclaimed young adult and children's author who has written a variety of stories including Burgerwuss, Thirsty, and The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing. According to his website, Anderson, just like his repertoire, has lived an exciting life. His family moved around a lot (his father was in the military) and he had lived in Italy and England (where he went college at Cambridge University). Anderson has also held quite a few different jobs such as working in retail, an editorial assistant, and a classical music reviewer. Anderson also says that ever since he was a teenager, he always wanted to be a writer and threw himself into his novels and comic books. After graduating from college, and variety of jobs, Anderson went back to school and received an MFA in Creative Writing at Syracuse University. A few years letter, he started teaching "Writing for Children and Young Adults" at Vermont College, which played a huge role in the creation of his works. Between graduating and teaching, Anderson started writing stories for adults and children, which eventually gave birth to his first novel Feed.  Not only did he manage to wow audiences all of the country, his books won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and was a finalist for the National Book Award. 

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Feed:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• Godless by Pete Hautman
• Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Awards/Recognition:

•     National Book Award Finalist
•     Los Angeles Times Book Prize Winner
•     New York Times Book Review Notable Books of the Year
•     Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards – Honor Book
•     Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens
•     ALA (American Library Association) Best Books for Young Adults
•     Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books of the Year
•     Junior Library Guild Selection
•     Volunteer State Book Award Master List (Tennessee)
•     Riverbank Review Children’s Books of Distinction
•     Book Sense 76 Top 10 Picks
•     Horn Book Fanfare
•     Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books – Bulletin Blue Ribbons
•     Booklist Editors’ Choice

Plot Summary:
Melinda Sordino doesn't speak. In fact, it has been several months since she has said a word to anyone. Last summer, there was an amazing party that anyone who was anyone was there. However, the party was busted up by the police when they received a phone call from an anonymous source. Unfortunately, when the "anonymous caller" decided to confide in her friends, not only did she lose all her friends, her reputation has been destroyed for crashing the best party on her block ever. Lonely, and an outcast, Melinda has thrown herself into her art where everything she felt was expressed in color, sketching, and paints.  Although she is constantly bombarded by the millions of thoughts that she refuses to express in words, and the one memory that torments her all the time, Melinda struggles to block out all of the pain and suffering. With each passing day, Melinda tries to start over, but something always manages to break her. However, when she sees him again, for the last time, everything that she worked so hard to forget resurfaces with a vengeance that will would scare the devil himself.

Critical Evaluation: 
Speak is well-written story that tackles the horrors and pain of a girl who is violated by a boy she didn't know, abandoned by the very people she calls "friends," and surviving the pressures of high school. Halse Anderson has created a story that is very real, and, at sometimes, unnerving, especially towards the end when the reader puts the whole picture together and Melinda's attacker confronts her for the last time. Readers will also sympathize with Melinda, especially when her friends don't believe her when she tells them what happens. Moreover, reading this story as an adult, it was hard to read because no one would comfort her or ask why she stopped talking. Halse Anderson has received praise, and criticism, for this thought provoking text that should be read by every teenage girl who may relate to Melinda or those looking for empowerment and healing.

Information about the Author:
Laurie Halse Anderson is another well-known YA author who has felt the praise and the condemnation from parents, educators, librarians, and administrators all over the country. Just like Judy Blume, Halse Anderson has written a variety of books that deals with some very serious issues in a way that allows readers to assess the affects of these actions and how we can deal with them and offer support for those who fall victim to these deeds. In second grade, Halse Anderson knew she was going to be a writer and eventually became a freelance reporter for newspapers and magazines. According to her biography on her website, she did shed many a tear as the rejection letters rolled in from various publishers until she joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators who gave her the feedback she needed and she wrote her debut Young Adult Novel Speak (para. 4).

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading/Interest Level:
9 & up

Books Similar to Speak: 

• Cut by Patricia McCormick
• Splintering by Eileen Corrigan
• Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Awards/Recognition:

•  ALA Best Book for Young Adults
• ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults
• ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
• Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist
• IRA Young Adult Choice
• Junior Library Guild Selection
• Michael L. Printz Honor Book (American Library Association)
• National Book Award Finalist
• New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
• New York Times Bestseller List
• SCBWI Golden Kite Award
• YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults
• Printz Honor Book
• National Book Award Finalist

Plot Summary:
Life for Arnold Spirit (aka.Junior), on the Spokane Indian Reservation, is not at all glamorous. Not only does he have a bunch of medical problems, alcoholic relatives, mediocore access to education, lives in a run down trailer, and is the number one target on every bullies list (even the adults), he is also very lonely except for his grandmother. Junior is not only embarrassed by the poverty that has enveloped his family, home, and community, he longs for something greater where he can forget about the problems at home and within himself. Thankfully, the one outlet Junior can rely on to to relieve all the frustration and anguish is drawing. Just when life cannot get anymore "exciting," Junior has been accepted into an all white school that will require him to leave the "Rez," which brings a lot of uproar from the community.  Moreover, when he falls in love/lust with Penelope (whose father is a huge racist), his life takes even more interesting twists than he expected. Of all people to be on a basketball team, Junior is chosen to take on a task that is close to impossible since he has no physical talent other than outrunning the bullies on the reservation.

Critical Evaluation:
Sherman Alexie is probably one the greatest, and well-known, Native American in the United States. Although known for his adult fiction books, Alexie has written a book/memoir for teens to convey that no matter who we are and where we come from, we always have the choice to better ourselves. This story is absolutely hysterical simply because Alexie takes a "sensitive" issue and provides another aspect how history always manages to repeat itself. Through the use of cartoon bubbles and witty dialogue, Alexie uses these tools to express non PC (politically incorrect) thoughts in manner that makes them almost ridiculous.  Also readers who are unfamiliar with the issues that have been plaguing the Native Americans such as poor housing, limited access to resources, the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), and continued isolation of these people, will be humbled by this well written account of one Native American teen. This book is filled with tons of information that would be great for any teen book club and as part of any school curriculum, especially when students are learning about American History.

Information about the Author:
Sherman Alexie is Arnold Spirit (this novel is based on his life). According to his website, Alexie planned on becoming a doctor, but ended up giving that up since he kept fainting in Anatomy and enrolled in creative writing. Alexie excelled in writing and has written numerous award winning titles such as: Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven and Reservation Blues.  In fact, Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven, was turned into a movie, entitled Smoke Signals, that one acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. Alexie has also received many awards for his poetry and he is actually an accomplished public speaker, director, and comedian. In 2010, he won the Faulkner Award for Fiction (War Dances), and his first young adult novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, won the National Book Award in 2007 and the audiobook of this titled won the Odyssey Award in 2009. Alexie continues to make a difference by encouraging dialogue between the many ethnic groups that make up this country.
  
Genre:
Teen Lit for Guyd, Teen Humor



Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian:

• American Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Lang
• A Step from Heaven by An Na

Awards/Recognition:

• Please see this website

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

Plot Summary:
From one of the funniest authors, ever, Job Scieszka brings this amazing collection of short stories just for guys, and guys, alone. In this star studded collection, in my opinion, 'tweens boys will not only enjoy the comedic stories from Dav Pilkey and Gordon Kormin, but well known authors such as Jerry Pikney, Paul O. Zelinsky, Richard Peck, and many, many more. There is an amazing variety of stories that avid readers and non-readers will enjoy simply because all of these authors bring something unique to the theme of the book, which is "being a guy."

According to Jon Scieszka, in regards to this collection, "it's is not required reading. It's reading to find what you like. And I know you are going to find something in here, because these are funny, action-packed, sad, goofy, gross, touching, stupid, true, and all very short" (forward). Not only is collection meant to be brief, but it hits all of the chords that guys dig, which not only make it enjoyable, but memorable as well. Along with these stories, are short biographies and bibliographies readers can refer to if they have questions about the authors and their works. Another great aspect of this word is that all of proceeds so straight to Scieszka's nonprofit literacy program, Guys Read.

Genre:
Tween Anthologies

Books Similar to Guys Write Guys Read:

• Knucklehead 
• Guys Read Funny Business

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 5 & up