Lush, by Natasha Friend

Title: Lush

Author: Natasha Friend

Publish Date: 2007

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 192

ISBN: 0439853478

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: Teen

Price: 7.99

Annotation: Sam is 13, has an alcoholic dad, and she is having trouble dealing the whole situation. As a result she turns to an older student for advice.

Summary: 13 year old San has a dad who is an alcoholic. When he isn't drinking he is a amazing. But under the influence he is abusive. It scares Sam and her mom is in denial. Her four year old brother is young and Sam feels she needs to protect him. What is she supposed to do with her life? Sam decides to leave an anonymous note in the Library in hopes of an older girl that she admires picks it up. With this a back and forth stream of support flowers in which Sam can express her feelings about her home life, feelings, and even about her crush on a certain boy. In the return letters, Sam is forced to face the harsh realities of life.

Evaluation: Natasha Friend has a voice for teen issues and it shows in the story line, the dialogue, and the motives that drive the characters. Growing up with an alcoholic I can relate and vouch for the authenticity of her voice. Well done, I had a lot of feelings for Sam and was hopeful when she channeled some strength.

Bibliotherapuetic Usefulness: Dealing with alcoholic parents and expressing yourself.

Reason this Book was Chosen: From my own personal experiences, I can appreciate the need for a book like this. I wish I had it when I was young.

Website: http://www.natashafriend.com/

Luna, by Julie Anne Peters

Title:Luna
Author:Julie Ann Peters
Publish Date:February 1, 2006
Publisher:Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages:256 pages
ISBN:0316011274
Classification:
Genre:
Age Range:Young Adult
Price: $7.99
Annotation: Regan is faced with the difficult nature of dealing with her transgender brother "transition" into being a girl.

Summary: Regan has always felt that her brother Liam was different. In fact, he was transgender, and actually a girl. This was never, ever an issue for Regan. But now, Liam-who now goes by Luna-has decided to transition in public. For Regan, she never had a problem keeping the secret but now she has to accept it in public. Can she do it?

Evaluation: Finely written, touching, and shows how others around react to his change. Really illustrates the way in which we support the ones we love, or should I say, the true nature of our acceptance of the ones we love. Also, this books is reads fast and easy which makes it easy to put yourself and you own feeling into the book! Very, very good.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Transitioning and Transgender Issues

Reason this book was chosen: It's an award winning book that looks at the life of an ignored medical issue and makes you think twice about all gay and lesbian people and whether or not they "have a choice."

Website: http://julieannepeters.com/files/JPYABooks.htm

Hard Love, By Ellen Wittlinger

Title:Hard Love
Author:Ellen Wittlinger
Publish Date:April 1, 2001
Publisher:Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages:224 pages
ISBN:068984154X
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Range:Young Adult
Price: $9.99

Annotation:

Summary: John Galardi is a introvert. He is only able to express himself except in his zine, "Bananafish." He finds another zine, "Escape Velocity," created by Marisol Guzman, a self-proclaimed "rich spoiled lesbian private-school gifted-and-talented writer virgin." Her writing make him laugh; She witty and smart and he really wants to meat her. He seeks her out as she's leaving her zine on a drop off day at a record store and persuades her to meet him for coffee. What ensues is a friendship that involves intellect and eventually a confused friendship. How can Marisol who really does like him (and told him so) let him know that she is his best friend-but that's it. Or is it?

Evaluation: This book is funny and Touching at the Same Time! I loved hearing this kind of story (when you think you fall in love with someone that just doesn't "go your way" -cause it's happened to me!) from a boys perspective! This book is a really cool edge to LGBTQ literature. And has that special niche for those of us broken hearted straight people who are in love with someone who just wants to be friends.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness:

Writing as Therapy, Friendships & Relationship, LGBTQ issues, Falling in Love with Someone Who is Gay

Reason this book was chosen: I love this idea, and have experienced it myself. I wanted to include a well-written ode to this kind of unrequited love.

Weetzie Bat, By Francesca Lia Block

Title: Weetzie Bat

By: Francesca Lia Block

Publish Date: 10 Anv edition (July 6, 2004)

Publisher: HarperTeen

ISBN-10: 0060736259

Pages: 128

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Series Titles: Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 128 pages

• Reader's Annotation: A quirky punk-rock girl named Weetzie Bat shares her life with her friends who are all as equally unique and wonderful as Weetzie. They live together in a Hollywood cottage after a Genie grants her three wishes. The fantasy tale unfolds in good and bad ways...

• 
  

Summary: The first in the Weetzie Bat Books (and of Block's infamous writing career), we are introduced to a girl in high school who is clearly different then most. Until she meets her best friend Dirk, the handsome alternative-lifestyle hottie who goes out with her hitting the Hollywood nightclub scene & searching for a "duck" (men) together. When a strange turn of events happens, Weetzie has some opportunities to make their dreams come true.

From here we enter into a world completely Weetzie.

Much like the complex yet breezy life one has in Los Angeles.

Evaluation: I will always be a fan of Miss Block for writing this book, and I think that although it was published in the late 1980's it captures a rebellion and spirit that is never dated. Furthermore, it encapsulates a fantasy world that many of us (on the outside) have only dreamt of. A place where everything is o.k. even when its not; where you are with you "family" or "your people"; where your dreams can be materialized without the constraints and judgements of society. I love this novella that became the first book in one of the most influential series in Young Adult Literature. It's still hailed by teens as their favorite novel today!

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: While some critiques argue against it, others argue for it on the basis of equal rights, tolerance, and other teen issues worth discussing! Issues dealt with include: Sexuality, AIDS, homosexuality, teen pregnancy, magic, death, and the Hollywood nightclub and punk scene.

Reason this book was chosen: As someone who grew up in Los Angeles I pay special tribute to this book. It has been argued against and critiqued over due to it's controversial topics. Much like Levithan's Boy Meets Boy it creates a safe world where it's ok to be gay and in love.

Francesca's Website: http://www.francescaliablock.com/

FAN MADE BOOK TRAILER: I LOVE THIS ONE, IT CAPTURES WEETZIE IN A WAY THAT IS NOT EASY TO DO...

Angeli pericolosi (Dangerous Angels), Francesca Lia Block, booktrailer, Elliot Edizioni. @ Yahoo! Video

What Happened to Cass McBride?, By Gale Giles

Title: What Happened to Cass McBride

Author: Gail Giles

Publish Date: November 2006

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 224pp

ISBN: 0316166383

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: 14 and up

Price: $13.25

Annotation: After a brutal suicide, the brother will stop at nothing to get revenge. Even if this means burying alive the person her thinks is responsible: Cass McBride, the most beautiful girl in school.

Summary: Kyle Kirby's brother has committed suicide. And the day before Cass McBride- prom queen would-be - feels she may have hand an unknowing hand in it. In fact, could it be HER FAULT? Just the day before David kirby killed himself he decides to step out of his comfort zone and ask her one a date. She was nice to him when turning him down, but made fun of the incident in a classroom note to her friend. Unfortunately she never meant for David to find the note. When Kyle finds out he turns his sadness and grief into anger and revenge and kidnaps Cass and literally buries her alive. He tortures her and nearly kills her in what turns out to be days of searching to find her. Cass decides to use her manipulative talent to try and stay alive, while the police continue to search, and Kyle is left to face the way he deals with his abusive mother and the part she plays in the whole thing.

Evaluation: A psychological freak-out that turns drama into suspense that at times leaves you feeling somewhat claustrophobic. The way the chapters change perspective and the pace the story stays on make it entirely readable and easily enjoyable book. The end left me somewhat unfulfilled but its a testimate to the strength of the entire book because I still HIGHLY recommend it!

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Give an outside and painfully realistic view of how your behavior can affect others.

Reason this book was chosen: While waiting for Shattering Glass, I read this book to get a taste of the famous Gail Giles. This book opened my eyes up to the worth of realistic and controversial fiction. And I specifically chose this one because the premiss was out of this world. But, somehow Giles makes it totally plausible.

Identical, Ellen Hopkins

Title: Identical

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Publish Date: August 2008

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Pages: 576pp

ISBN: 1416950052

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: 12 and up

Price: $12.95

Annotation: Kaeleigh and Reanne are identical twins, completely the same on the outside. But on the inside they have lead completely different lives.

Summary: Identical twins Kaeleigh and Reanne are daughters of a Norman Rockwell appearing family. With a mother on the campaign trailer and the father a judge this horrifying tale takes a dark turn. One sister is the object of fathers love. The other is always fighting for equal attention. But, when the reason becomes clear for the actual motives behind this misplaced love both sister need face reality and stand up for each other. Both sister are having troubles, both different, both desperate. Who will be the one to help the other one?

Evaluation: I can't say enough all the things I love about this book. The fact that it's written in verse is stunning. It's wonderful to see expression in this form, I often write my feelings in verse. This book was so emotional and seeing it from the perspective of identical twins was mind-blowing. There is so much dysfunction in this book it makes it hard to breathe. But, it was awfully honest and a great read for someone who is looking for a book that can help them feel not so alone.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Standing up to your abuser, asking for help, drugs, feeling out of control, abusive and absent parents, issues with siblings

Reason this book was chosen: Ellen Hopkins is amazing. Her subject matter is frank and unapologetic. And her style is beautiful.

Website: http://www.ellenhopkins.com/

Fan Made Book Trailer:

Interview with Ellen Hopkins:

The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams

Title: The Chosen One

Author: Carol Lynch Williams

Publish Date: May 2009

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Pages: 224pp

IBSN: 0312555113

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: 12 and up

Price: $16.95

Annotation: Kyra lives with a polygamous cult on a desert compound. Kyra who is almost 14 has already been offered up to be married to a 60 year old man. A man that is her uncle no less. As Kyra grapples with her future as she is secretly discovering books and boys. Should she run away from her entire everything she knows or face her follow her fate and become a seventh wife?

Summary: Kyra, 13, grew up on a polygamist commune with her multi mothers and large list of siblings. Although she is young, in her world, 13 is a marriageable age. And to her shock she has been chosen for her Uncle who is a shocking 60 years old. After discovering a book mobile (a forbidden thing on the compound), Kyra escapes into the world of books at every chance she gets. If Kyra, A CHOSEN ONE, marries her Uncle, she will be the seventh wife, and her new found world will surely be gone. Surely she is being punished with having to wed her Uncle by God for reading these books. And that boy on the compound she likes made her punishment even worse. Didn't it? Now Kyra is beginning to feel confused but if she doesn't go along with her fate, her punishment will be brutal. But is running away an option? Can she fathom loosing her family forever?

Evaluation: This book is riveting, and even nostalgic. This is a piece of you that is a 13 year old girl experience things like first crushes, then there is another part of you that is rediscovering all those books she reads along side her. And lastly there is the part that has your heart just stopped in empathy for her. It's fascinating, horrifying, and should be more widely published. I had to search for this book! I absolutely loved it and was torn up inside for her.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Any teen that has been brought up in any extreme religion or cult will get something out of this book. And the rest of us can stop looking down at people who live on these communes cause you can see how the a child knows no other life.

Reason this book was chosen: This book is so unique and haunting. It really makes you think. And I can't imagine having gone through this and not having anybody to relate to. Having a book like this available could very well be a savior to a lost child and in turn they may not feel so one sided and isolated. Shocking.

Librarian Created Trailer! Amazing!

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, By Barry Lyga

Title: The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl

By: Barry Lyga

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Publish Date: 2006

ISBN: 0618723927

Page #: 320

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: Older Teen

Reader's Annotation: An outcast teen boy and a goth girl form an unlikely alliance as shelter from high school life. Donnie aka Fanboy's secret survival skill is his artistic creation of a graphic novel and not only does he tell his new and only best friend but she starts to work on it with him.

Summary: Amidst bullying and the harsh realities of high school life, Donnie copes with the drudgery of

of teenage life by working on his secret graphic novel and fantasizing about violent ways to get revenge. Donnie has one friend, Cal, a jock who shares his love of comic books. But he generally ignores him for his jock friends and sports in the school setting, and Donnie accepts this as the way things are. It isn't until Kyra sends him an instant message one night that they become friends. Kyra, a "goth" girl, is also an outsider of sorts, but she notices the bullying that Donnie is subjected to daily and she sends him her notice. From her screen name, Donnie isn't sure who he is talking to but when they meet up after school Donnie is shocked to find the pale skinned, lip pierced Kyra who isn't afraid to speak her mind or speak up for herself. From here they become friends, sharing opinions and things in common. Donnie ends up sharing his ultimate secret with Kyra and she ends up changing Donnie, if not helping him figure out who he really is.

Evaluation: Fanboy and Gothgirl is realistic and oftentimes funny. It is a one of a kind book that not only outcast like comic book nerds and goth girls can relate to, but also to the rest of us who know (or remember) all to well what if feels like to be "that" kid.

Bibliotherapeitic Usefulness: Bullying, Friendship, Art, Graphic Novels, Growing Up

Reason this book was chosen: In the light of recent school violence like Columbine and copy-cats since then, a sensitive reader may be somewhat bothered by the casual way in Donnie talks about violence. But I think it is important to realize that their is a general reality that is a teenage boy's inner dialogue and then there is the psychopath that is a murderer. This distinguishing factor is crucial in approaching this novel. There is a realism here that sets this book apart and above all others and it is this quality that makes it speak to me and other fans of the book. I would hate to see the reader or a parent get lost in a generalization because this book is a gem and in actuality its honesty is what makes it so.

Extras: Author Website http://fanboyandgothgirl.com/

Shattering Glass, by Gail Giles

Title: Shattering Glass

Author: Gail Giles

Publish Date: August 2003

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Pages: 224pp

ISBN: 0689858000

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Suspense

Age Range: 13 and up

Price: $7.99

Annotation: When Rob, the charismatic king of popularity in his the senior class, turns the school nerd into Prince Charming, his actions lead to unexpected violence.

Summary: Fat, clumsy Simon Glass is a total nerd and a loser. Until Rob Haynes showed up in his life, Simon is the brunt of teasing from almost everyone. Rob, a transfer with personality and charm, takes over the school easily and he has plans for Simon. Rob is setting out to make Simon a popular Prom King from his clumsy current state and Rob knows he can do it. And he does do it. Simon rises and rises on the high school popularity charts, but as he does he gets more and more confident and more and more devious and dark. As things get stickier and secrets are revealed this experiment turns deadly.

Evaluation: Once again, Gail makes the suspense and horror totally plausible and again I found myself paging through this book rapidly, stopping only now and then to mouth the words "wow" to myself. I love her perspective and I loved the tone of Shattering Glass.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Issues with Violence, Bullying, Family Issue, Friends, Incest,

Manipulation, Sexual Content, Sexual Abuse, Murder, Nerds, Peer pressure, Popularity, relationships, Violence

Reason this book was chosen: I have actually seen this agenda play out in school of turning someone from nerd to cool and was intrigued by the idea of a book about it. Also knowing the style of Giles and hearing about end I was knew that no matter what it would be a great read.