The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Arnold, also known as Junior, is poor. He was also born with an array of mental health problems. None of this really gets in his way though, because Arnold refuses to let all the crap in his life get him down. Like the fact that he is Indian and life on the reservation seems to be made to make sure he never survives. There is also the fact that his best friend is always angry and punching things, even Arnold. Also, his sister has turned into a hermit and is living in the basement. Or the fact that everyone he knows seems to be an alcoholic--a bad one. All of these things, coupled with many other hardships that Arnold needs to deal with on the rez, finally breaks him when he realizes that his school books are older than his mom. He loses it. Mainly because he knows that if he is ever to break the cycle of death, anger, and just being broke he needs to leave the rez. And this is the hardest decision for an Indian to ever make. How will Arnold survive when he is not accepted by the white man, yet shunned by his own people as well, just for wanting to better his life?

It has been a long time since a book has made me crack up at the same time as making me feel as though I should shed a tear or two. You really feel for Arnold and root for him to win; yet you feel so bad that this type of decision even needs to be made. It almost makes you feel...wrong about how things can go uncorrected for so long in a countries history. The matter-of-fact language used is realistic compared to how high school students currently speak. The book also contains drawings made by Arnold to visually explain certain things, and they are hilarious; they fit in perfectly with the story. This was an amazingly quick read, because I did not want to put it down at all. This book is highly recommended and can be used to appreciate other cultures and ways of life. The author, who is Indian, has stated that this was partially based on his life; something to know as you are reading this tale. A lesson without seeming like one, this book teaches many things, and you won't even realize that you're learning something because it is just that good!

Gr. 7-10

Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin

Karina is living in America. To other Haitians this is a BIG deal, but at what price does living the American dream come at? Her grades aren't so good, she doesn't have a lot of friends, and she gets picked on a bit. But still... America! Karina also has a stepfather--The Daddy; her mother married him so that they would have money, a place to stay, and security in the states. Her mother and stepfather work long hours, so it is up to the the three oldest sisters to cook, clean, and take care of the younger ones. But what happens when the kitchen is a bit too dirty or the little one fell and scraped his knee? We find out as Karina's older sister is beaten inches from her life by her stepfather after he discovered that some of the leftovers were thrown out. Do they call the police? Of course not, that would be taking their livelihood away. Who would pay the bills? But, when her stepfather finally is thrown in jail for child abuse, adults (trying to keep this dysfunctional family together) try to convince Karina to lie and take blame for her sister's wounds which would release her worst nightmare back into their lives. What should Karina do? What can she do? After all, she's just a kid. How can a kid speak up and do anything to change the situation. Right?

The first line in this book is “The best way to avoid being picked on by high school bullies is to kill someone.” I wondered who Karina has killed and why; she is so young! As I got into the life of this sad girl I read about atrocities that are happening in her family and how sometimes people can never help those who really need it. This book chilled me deep to the bone and made me think about what goes on in the closed doors of families: fights, screaming, hitting, and abuse--mental and physical. No family is perfect, but Karina seems to be living in a private hell. It was also interesting to see how her family viewed the situation and how much of that was cultural. I learned and felt many things from reading this novel, it was well written and kept me nervous for Karina and her family. I highly recommended it for those who think their life sucks or those who can not understand abuse, how it happens, or why no one does anything to stop it. Actually, I think everyone should probably read it! They won't be sorry.

Gr. 8-12

How to Be Popular By Meg Cabot

The Red Super Big Gulp ruined Stephanie's chance of ever being popular, or even well liked! Now whenever someone does something stupid, it's always "OMG, I pulled a Steph Landry!" So when she finds an old book in the attic named, of course, How to Be Popular, she follows the rules to a T. And it works! She does become popular, but at what price? Her best friends Jason and Becca are freaked out by her new behavior and wardrobe, while the school Queen Bee, Lauren, is making sure Steph stays at the bottom of the social ladder. Stephanie quickly learns that becoming popular is easy, staying popular is hard. Will losing her friends, family trust, and herself be worth sitting with the A-crowd, and super hot Mark Finley (Lauren's boyfriend), at lunch? Or will her popular guide help her see what was right in front of her face all along?

I love Meg Cabot! Her characters are always so real and slightly geeky. I mean they are never the super popular one or the prettiest one. They are usually the super plain Jane just trying to get by in the world. Like everyone else! Once again she creates a protagonist who makes you cheer for her victories and anguish alongside her when she falls. Steph Landry, as well as other Cabot characters, has a great sense of humor that brings out the understanding nods from anyone reading this book. A great read with wonderful advice that is so not preachy, Steph is a normal 11th grader lusting after boys, popularity, and acceptance.

Gr. 8-11

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar

Poor Scott Hudson; things are changing all around him and he has no control over any of it. He is starting high school, his friends are drifting apart, the girl he was once friends with in kindergarten, but has no idea who he is now, is suddenly super hot, and oh yeah--his mom is pregnant! Scott quickly learns the survival tips needed for high school, but fears he will forget them by the time his younger sibling, affectionately named 'Smelly' by Scott, is ready for high school. So he decides to write to Smelly (it is NOT a journal) all the tips, tricks, and hints to preserve them. Along the way Scott learns that change, being true to oneself, and taking chances in life is not the worst thing that can happen.

Hilarious! This book had me gasping and giggling at all the right parts because it reminded me of how horrible high school can be. Poor Scott! Sometimes you felt so bad for the guy because of all the stuff that happens to him, but to be honest he does a lot of it to himself! Stupid decisions over girls and sometimes being too nice seem to doom him. I really enjoyed how real this character was; sometimes the decisions he makes are horrible ones, but them you see the good guy in him do what is right and you cheer right along with him. This is a great book with wonderful high school tips for the 8th grader in all of us!

Gr. 7-10

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is a bit of a loser. Getting kicked out of a different school year after year, because of fights, and having trouble with his studies, because of his ADHD and dyslexia, is a normal thing for him. Having a real jerk for a stepfather seems to be the icing on the miserable cake of his life. The only good things are his best (and only) friend Grover and his mom. She loves him and wants to protect him, but exactly what is she protecting him from? Percy finds out soon enough as a disaster forces him to spend the summer at Camp Half Blood; a camp for the children of the Greek gods and mortals! Percy learns a lot about his life in a short amount of time including the theft he supposedly made from the god Zeus! As Percy goes on his first incredibly dangerous, and possibly last mission, he is accompanied by Grover and Annabeth, friends, who are by his side, even though the prophet Oracle claims of betrayal and danger.

I just finished this book after staying up until 3am the night before. It was so good I did not want to put it down. This book has everything for all readers: action, questions, suspense, family issues, monsters, and powers. Don't be surprised if after reading this kids gain a healthy interest in learning about Greek mythology. With characters like the Furies, Medusa, satyr's, and wood nymphs curiosities should run rampant. This is the first of Percy's adventures, and book four has just come out. Make sure you have access to all in the series, because once you start you will not want to stop!
Gr. 5-9