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

Sold by Patricia McCormick

This is the heart-wrenching story of Lakshmi, a poor fourteen year-old girl who lives with her mother, brother, and stepfather in Nepal. She tries to live a normal life, but she is always worried about food, clothing, and the roof over their heads. It does not help that her stepfather seems to gamble away the little money they have and makes none of it himself. Then he convinces Lakshmi's mother to send her away to the city to be a maid. Neither mother nor daughter wants this, but sacrifices must be made, so Lakshmi leaves with Auntie. Where she ends up is horror filled as she discovers she has been sold into sexual slavery. Forced to sleep with men, she is beaten nearly to death if she tries to fights back. Lakshmi is devastated, knowing that her stepfather did this to her, and her mother had no idea what has happened. Just a young girl forced into adulthood; will she survive? Should she risk her life to leave this awful one behind? Is there any help anywhere?

This book was finished within hours because of the format and because it was wonderful. Novel in-verse is like poetry, but no rhyming. Instead each page has a title and there is a paragraph that explains that title in detail. Put them all together and you have a book. This was an amazing story; McCormick never fails to make me believe the characters and the situation. She sends powerful messages in small books that impact us like no other. The horror on my student's faces is real when I tell them that sexual slavery still exists today, and Lakshmi does not live in the early 1900's, but instead, the early 2000's. This book will keep you glued until you finish.
Gr. 7-11

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer

Book four of the popular Twilight series starts where Eclipse left off. A wedding is in the works with the promise of immortality to come. Questions start to get answered from the very beginning, yet more questions arise as well. Where is Jacob; will Bella ever see him again? How are her parents reacting to the engagement? Will she get turned? How will she handle her first year? What will happen to the werewolf/vampire pact if she is turned? Will she kill anyone if she is turned? And will the Volturi be paying a visit anytime soon?

The description may seem short, but I did not want to give too much away for those who have not read it yet. I stayed up late to finish this one, but not because I was loving every minute. Instead, I wanted to see how this ended because I was amazed at what I was reading from the very beginning! I thought that the story line was absolutely ridiculous and way more mature then the previous books. Can middle school and early high school students even relate to Bella anymore? I couldn't and I am an adult. Her whiny nature was also starting to get to me, but I got a break from it. Those of you who have read the book know what I mean. I also felt that the level of sacrifice in this book was nothing compared to the previous three. Not that I wanted everyone to die, but sometimes a writer needs to sacrifice things for the story and to keep the characters consistent. I have many more complaints about this book, but I don't want to give too much away (not that you would believe me if I told you). This is one that can be skipped, though if you are a Twilight fan, you won't. Just don't read it twice. Instead pick up Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for the 10th time. You'll thank me.

Gr. 9-12

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