The Upside of Unrequited

Molly and Cassie are teenage sperm donor twins whose parents are gay and even though they’re very close to one another they are very different from each other. Molly keeps to herself, is fat, has anxiety, has had 26 crushes whereas Cassie is fearless and outgoing. They had childhood dreams of marrying best friends however that is about to change. Cassie tries to hook Molly up with her girlfriend's (Mina) best friend Will who seems interested in Molly but really isn't. The main reason Cassie is trying to hook Molly up is because she doesn’t want their sisterly bond ruined. Molly feels left out when Cassie doesn’t tell her anything that is going with her life. She finally starts doing things without her sister knowing. Molly is interested in her dorky and awkward co-worker Reid. In the end Molly makes her final decision and chooses Reid after realizing her jealousy of him and her friend, Olivia, was nothing to worry about. She also tells her sister that they will always love each other but at the same time they need to do what is best for themselves and sometimes that means growing apart.

This is a very good book. Molly is like every teenage girl who suffers from being overweight and not having confidence. She struggles talking to boys, finally has her first kiss and first boyfriend ever! This book is told in her point of view, there are some funny moments. This book is about accepting change and gaining confidence. I like how she slowly develops into someone who gains confidence.

Albertalli, B. (2017). The upside of unrequited. New York: Blazer + Bray. 

Special Note: This novel is on the list for Best Fiction for Young Adults.
Here is a link to other books such as this one Other similar books

A Step From Heaven

A Korean family moves to California and struggle to live in America. When Young Ju is told that they are moving to Mi Gook (America) she believes that it is a magical place where she can see her deceased grandparents. However Young Ju learns that it is not heaven. She struggles to learn English, her family has financial problems, her younger brother doesn’t listen and her father is and abusive alcoholic. Her father is very prideful and sexist so all she does is study to stay out of his way. He abuses her mother on several occasions as well as her brother and herself. He forbids her to hand out with her American friend. Young Ju takes time to transition to her life in America and as she gets older she finds a voice to change the lives of her family and her own.

This is a beautiful story! It is told in Young Ju’s perspective so in the beginning it is childlike and then it progresses along with her maturity to adulthood. Her development gradually grows and is very real. A very realistic novel. I definitely recommend this book. 

Na, A. (2001). A step from heaven. Asheville, NC: Front Street.

Special Note: This book is a Micheal L. Printz award winner. 

Another book that I read similar to this one is Bitter Melon by Cara Chow.

100 Sideways Miles

Finn Easton is a normal teenage boy who is smart, sports loving has never been kissed kid and epileptic. However, his father wrote a book with character who has Finn’s name, scar and personality. His seizures come at random and usually when he doesn’t want them too. Finn has a hard to figuring out who he is, is he the boy in the book his dad wrote or someone else. When he was young his mother died by a horse falling from a bridge and that same horse broke Finn’s back giving him a scar. His best friend Cade is the popular, good looking, funny guy at school who watches over him. During the summer Finn falls in love with Julia who tells Finn that he needs to find his own ending of the story. Julia ends up moving back home to Chicago and Finn along with Cade go on a road trip to visit a college. Well, on their way they take a detour and save people from a van that was being submerged in water. After they become heroes they decided to go see Julia in Chicago. 

This book is about finding who you are. My absolute favorite character is Cade, he is just hilarious. Everything he does or says is funny. I feel sorry for when Finn’s seizures happen during the most inappropriate times. I think this is the first book that I have read from this author and I must admit that it is a good book.

Smith, A. (2014). 100 sideways miles. New York: Simon & Schuster. 

Snow White: A Graphic Novel

This is the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs story but with a twist. This version of it is set in the 1920’s. Instead of a magic mirror there is magic tape and instead of it taking place in a forest it happens in the city. Her mother died of an illness, her father is a stock broker and he marries the evil stepmother who is a gold-digging actress. Snow White’s father puts everything in her name and when he dies this upsets the stepmother. She hires someone to murder Snow White but a group of boys come and save her. So the evil Stepmother decides to make a poison apple which Snow White bites which causes her to fall into a deep sleep. She is put into a glass coffin where a detective comes and kisses her.

This is a very quick read. There is very minimal dialog so you have to follow along with the illustrations. The graphics are mainly black/grey and white with a hint of red/pink. The illustrations go along perfectly with the 1920’s era. I thought this was a neat version to the classic story.

Phelan, M. (2016). Snow White: a graphic novel. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Special Note: This book is on the list, Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
Here is the link to the author's web page: Matt Phelan

Looking for Alaska

Miles is tired of living his boring life so he decided that he wants to go to boarding school in search of “The Great Perhaps.” He has a thing for memorizing the last words of famous people. When he gets to school he meets Alaska young, who is the girl of his dreams. She is smart, beautiful and strong-willed. Miles also makes friends as well as picking up the habit of smoking and drinking. Even though Miles makes out with a foreign exchange student, he is always dreaming of Alaska, she is his "Great Prehaps." Tragedy hits so Miles and his friends have come to terms with what happened in their own ways.

I honestly thought this book was boring. It dragged on and on. I actually found Alaska annoying with all the crying and mood swings. I’ve read other books by John Green that actually caught my interest but this one fell short for me. On a positive note the characters are well developed with their own witty personality. I did like how the book was written as a countdown to the main event and the countdown to 
overcome what happened. 

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. New York: Dutton Books.

Special Note: This book won the Michael L. Printz Award. 
Other books by this author are:

Reality Boy

Gerald Faust was an angry child and that was the reason his mother decided to call the Network Nanny for help. They were the biggest entertainment on television because they were a very dysfunctional family. Gerald eventually retaliates under the pressure and decides to make matters worse by pooping in other places besides the restroom.So he was nicknamed the "Crapper." The entire show as based on Gerald’s behavior and nobody understood that Gerald was frightened of his older sister Tasha who is abusive towards him. Even when Gerald told the Nanny what was wrong nobody defended him they let it continue. On top of being abused by his sister Gerald’s own mother calls him retarded and never believes what he says. Gerald uses several methods to escape his life by going to "Gersday" where he creates a place of his own. Throughout the story Gerald finds love with Hannah, who also comes from a dysfunctional family. Hannah helps Gerald understand that it isn’t his fault and that they can make their own life.

This book is told in the Gerald’s point of view of a boy who is has been psychologically abused by his family and a television network. It is written in pieces where it Gerald takes you back to certain incidents of his childhood being recorded and back to his current life. It is very harsh and gut wrenching story when you start understanding why Gerald acts the way he does. You feel for him and know that he wasn’t the problem it was his mother and crazy ass sister. 

King, A.S. (2013). Reality boy. New York: Little, Brown and Company. 

Here is the link to the author's web page: A.S. King

Sisters

This is a true story about Raina and her how relationship with her sister, Amara, isn’t all peaches and cream. When Raina was an only child she would beg her parents for a little sister and they finally they delivered. Since the day Amara came home they were complete opposites and have a hard time getting along. When the family goes on a road trip to Colorado, Raina has flashbacks on her memories growing up and how it was frustrating having a little sister. During the trip Raina finds Amara annoying and ignores her listening to her music. On top of not getting, the van breaks down, Raina runs out of batteries and there’s a snake in the van. However throughout the trip they learn to compromise and become closer.

I related to this book so much. I have two younger sisters and I can see why Raina was always annoyed with Amara. I enjoyed the illustrations they depicted the emotions that each family member was going through. This book is a very charming, funny and good to read. I couldn’t put it down.

Telgemeier, R. (2014). Sisters. New York: Graphix.

Special Note: Other books by Telgemeire are : 

Gabi: A Girl in Pieces

Gabi is a 17 year old senior who is going through a lot of drama at home and at school. Her best friend Cindy becomes pregnant right before the school year and her guy best friend, Sebastian, finally came out to his family that he is gay. Her father is a drug addict, her brother has been getting into trouble, her religious Aunt Bertha moves in and her mother becomes pregnant. Gabi is always questioning herself if she is a “good girl” and if she is good enough and she continually asks herself “who would love a fat girl?” She secretly hides her goodies in her dresser drawers, under her pillows and bed. With everything that she is going through she is also interested in finding the right boyfriend even though she is the FAT GIRL. There are so many ups and downs in Gabi’s life however she finds a way to be true to herself.

I really enjoyed this book; I like how it was written as a journal/diary and how Gabi included her poems. There was several times where I giggled because it took me back to when my friends would say something similar to what happened with Gabi. This book is very relatable to people of Hispanic culture. 

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos

Special Note: This book won the 2015 William C. Morris Award.

Lily and Dunkin

The story of two middle-school kids who have their own personal dilemma become friends after meeting each other outside of the public library. Lily was born a boy named Timothy but she plans to go under gender transformation. Dunkin whose real name is Norbert, is a boy who moved to Florida from New Jersey has a secret of having a bipolar disorder. Lily has a hard time coming out to everyone in her school and Dunkin is trying to fit in so he isn’t alone. Lily is continually bullied by Vasquez for being gay. Dunkin joins the basketball team with Vasquez which makes Lily questions her friendship with him. Dunkin’s secret comes out when he is acting out of the norm during a basketball game. Middle school pressure, popularity, and bullies make it difficult to remain friends however in the end Dunkin and Lily go to the school dance together and don’t care what others think of them.

I actually enjoyed reading this book. I like how this book goes back and forth between the two characters, it is written in a journal format making it easy to follow along. This book introduces the topic of being transgender and bipolar disease to middle school students. It helps you understand the hardships that people go through.

Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. NY: Delacorte.

It's Perfectly Normal

This book contains topics on changing bodies, growing up, abortion, adoption, sex and sexual health. It discusses the biology behind puberty and the changes that come with it making it easier for kids to understand. There is also information about what masturbation is, different sexualities, different body shapes and how it is okay to be different. This book also depicts what families can look like with different sets of parents as wells as being a single parent. The topic of abortion and adoption are also discussed. With the help of Bird and Bee making it a bit more relaxing to read you can get through the topics.

I can see why some people do not recommend this book for children but at the same time I find beneficial because there are kids who would rather read about it instead of having an adult give the “talk.” I personally did not find this book too graphic for kids. The Bird and the Bee illustrations make it a bit more relaxing to read with their funny conversations.

Harris, R. (2009). It’s perfectly normal: A book about changing bodies, growing up, sex and sex health. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press


Robie Harris has other books that touch base with uncomfortable topics for kids such as: 

The Hate U Give

Starr Carter is sixteen year old girl who has a hard time finding balance in her life. She lives in a poor black neighborhood but attends a rich prep school. Her two worlds come crashing together when she leaves a party with her childhood best friend Khalil, who is shot by a white police officer while being unarmed. His death becomes a national headline and he is labeled as a drug dealer and gang-banger. She was the only witness when it happened and she knows that the media has twisted the entire story around in the officer’s favor. Starr already had a hard time fitting into her worlds but when her school friends say that Khalil had it coming it and her neighborhood friends call her chicken for not speaking up she becomes hurt and angry. She is stuck in the middle not knowing what to choose, if she speaks up her life could be put in danger if she doesn’t speak up she is a coward. She faces so much adversity but in the end she is an inspiration to  others on finding their voice as well as fighting for change. 

This book contains social and political criticism on issues such as racism, police brutality and discrimination. I believe there should be more books like this that way it can make teens aware of current issues and encourage them to get involved in their community to make a change. 

Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. NY: HarperCollins

Here is a link to books similar to this one: Similar Books 

Special Note: There is a movie adaption that will produced. Movie Details

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Prentisstown isn’t like other towns, it is a town without women and where men can listen to thoughts of others. Men hear each other’s secrets, memories and thoughts which is known as the “Noise.” Young Todd Hewitt is about to become a man at the age of fourteen, his parents died of illnesses, according to the two men raising him Ben and Cillian. Todd enjoys going to the swamp to collect apples because it is the only place where he can hear himself and get away from other men’s “Noise”. One day when Todd is out with his dog Manchee, he encounters a pocket of silence. On the way home Todd walks through town like he normally does and the men read his “Noise” and it reveals what he found in the swamp. As soon as Todd returns home and explains to Ben what happened, Ben sends him away with a packed bag containing his mother’s journal and a hunting knife. Todd and Manchee are sent away from the only place they’ve ever known. At the beginning of his travels Todd meets a girl (the silence in the swamp), comes across towns filled with men, his dog Manchee dying at the hands of Aaron, women and children, everything that he has have ever knows is changed. Todd has no idea on why the men of Prentisstown are after him and will stop at nothing to get him back.

This wasn't a bad book but it did take me a few chapters to get used to Todd's language and grammar. I did feel that it dragged a little bit. I like how the friendship between Todd and Viola develops and they both have the will to survive and search for freedom. They are very well-developed characters, with a strong sense of hope and will power. This book is a suspenseful read. 

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Special Note: This is the first book to the Chaos Walking series. Here is a link to the author's website: Patrick Ness

Monster

Steve Harmon is 16 years old and he is on trial for a murder that happened in his Harlem neighborhood. He is being accused of being the lookout for a robbery which ended in with the death of the store owner. Steve writes in his journal everything that is happening in and out the court room. He writes about how life is in the jail cell and how his parents must feel. The majority of the witnesses in his case are criminals who were cut a deal to go against Steve and his alleged partner James King. This story includes guilt, peer pressure, racial stereotyping and the flaws within the court system. This book depicts what the judicial court system looks like through the eyes of an African-American teenager. 

This book is written in a diary and screen play format which was interesting but can be confusing if you are not into the story. In the beginning I didn’t enjoy reading it because I was getting confused with format but I did get used to it and in the end it is a good read.

Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper  

Annie on My Mind

Liza and Annie attend different high schools in completely different neighborhoods in New York. They meet at a museum and develop a friendship through phone calls and weekend visits. They both have a hard time showing their feelings for one another in private and in public. Annie and Liza gradually fall in love with each other It isn’t until Liza realizes that she can't live without Annie does she become more comfortable with being gay and starts showing more emotion.They both understand that they need to keep their relationship under wraps especially because Liza attends a private school. When two of Liza’s teachers go out of town she and Annie realize they have a place to have for some privacy. However, their secret is exposed when one of Liza’s classmates (Sally) and teacher (Ms. Baxter) find them at the apartment of Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer in distress and out of breath. Not only is their secret exposed but also the relationship between Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer. Liza attends a school hearing to defend herself and to find out whether if the incident will be reported to her college. 

This novel is considered a realistic fiction novel. I found this book interesting but I felt that the story just dragged out. I did get bored after a while and this book took me a longer time to finish than others. I like how it shows the importance of standing up for yourself and being true to yourself even when others don’t agree. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Garden, N. (1982) Annie on my mind. NY: FSG

Special Note: This is one of the first books about female relationships. It has been under extreme scrutiny especially when it was first published.

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian.

Junior is a teenage boy who lives on an Indian reservation (rez) who finally decides to that he wants to make something of himself and receive a better education. He is always getting picked on at the rez because he is awkward, nerdy and he was born with medical problems. On his first day of high school he sees that he is using the same book his mother did ages and throws the book. When his teacher arrives at his house to talk to him he is advised that they only way he will make a living is by getting out of the rez. Junior then decides that he wants to attend a different school 22 miles away where he will be the only Indian. Throughout the transition Junior deals with several deaths in his family including his own sister, being bullied, losing his best friend Rowdy, and walking to school because his parents don’t have enough gas money. Through his hardships and his perseverance he is finding acceptance and respect at the rez and his new school.

This book has several cartoons throughout that I thought were humorous. I found Junior's friend Rowdy hilarious on the things he would do like sending an email with a picture of his butt! I literally could not put this book down. It shows that if you’re determined to achieve something you will have to go through trials and tribulations to reach it. 

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown.

Special Note: This book is usually on the banned book list as it mentions certain topics that are can be inappropriate for young audiences. 

Speak

Melinda is an outcast at her high school because she called the police during a party where there was illegal consumption of alcohol. Everyone at her school thinks of her as a weirdo and they do not want to associate with her. She is bullied throughout the school year. All she wants is to be left alone; she skips class and finds an abandoned custodian closet to hang out in. She has a hard time coming to terms of what happened during the party and why it happened. Melinda keeps the secret of her being raped by Andy Beast at the party herself. She feels like she doesn’t have a voice and that she is lost. Melinda’s favorite class is art and it is through art where she can let her emotions out and find her voice. When she sees her ex-best friend, Rachel, getting close to him she tells Rachel what happened but Rachel refuses to believe her. In the end Andy traps Melinda in the custodian closet and she finally finds her voice to call for help. Students hear her and open the door and find her fighting off Andy.

This is a realist fiction novel. I really enjoyed how Melinda develops as a character in the story. I like how she finds strength and courage to speak out and try to protect others. Melinda found her voice! This is a very moving novel and definitely recommend it!

Anderson, L. H., (1999). Speak. NY: Penguin 

Here is a link to other books similar to Speak: 16 Powerful Books

Special Note: This book is on the banned book list.