Second-time senior,"Kurl", and sophomore, Jonathan, are assigned a writing assignment in their English classes to write a pen-on-paper letter to each other weekly. When we meet them, it's evident right away that they are opposite as can be, however, these letters not only tell this story, they show the development of a strong friendship, and then deeper feelings. An intriguing story, told through letters, with interesting and well developed characters.

This short novel-in-verse tackles the topic of sexual abuse genuinely and with compassion. On page one we learn that Tori has been molested by her uncle, and is telling her mom about what happened. Sadly, as sometimes happens, her mom doesn’t believe her and thinks that maybe Tori misunderstood. This sets Tori in a tailspin of self doubt and depression. Her mom does realise that she is being truthful but the pain of not being believed stays with Tori for a long time. As she tries to understand and heal, she sees the ripple effect this has on her extended family and her divorced parents. Honestly told, this novel-in-verse reinforces what many kids who have been abused need to hear- that what happened is not their fault.

I have heard so much about this book and have seen it posted many places. It did not disappoint- oh how I love this book! Liz Lighty has worked her whole life to excel at all she does so she can get into the college she wants. When she discovers she didn't get the needed scholarship to college, she is devastated. Her brother suggests she run for prom queen (winner gets a scholarship) which she thinks is absurd because there is no way she would win. A devastating event happened on the first day of her freshman year and since then she has tried to stay out of the limelight, becoming a wallflower, so she feels like she doesn't have the following or worthiness of being queen. She is persuaded to go for prom queen, and there begins her story of self-discovery and self-worth. What is particularly noticeable about this book is that her being gay isn't part of her self- discovery in the story, but rather simply part of who she already is. Beautifully written and engaging, I know many kids and adults who will love this book.

Wow! This book blew my mind, it was so incredibly good. Twisty, dark, mysterious with a true OMG shocking ending. The best book I have read in ages. Read this book!!

Emoni is a teenage mother finishing grade 12 and living with her abuela, who adopted her when she was young. Despite her life challenges Emoni has a goal to become a chef and has great hope and determination to achieve this goal. I love the message of hope in this story as well as the theme that if you work really hard you can make your dreams come true.

Even with the beginning of the book being a bit confusing (stick with it- it all becomes clear a few chapters in), this is a compelling and important story about abuse, relationships, bulimia and cutting. Teens should check out this book! Mature content. 

This has been on my reading list for a few years now and I finally got to read it this week. What a story! Set in 1956, post WWll, the world is very different- Hitler and Japan won the war and have now split the world. Yael is a Jewish girl who survived the concentration camps only because she was part of a medical experiment that changed her life and now allows her to skin shift. Years after the war, she is part of the resistance, who is trying to overthrow Hitler’s world dominance. She has been given a daring assignment - to join the annual motorcycle race across Europe and Asia, win, and kill Hitler herself. Her skin shifting allows her to take the place of the previous year’s winner, Adele Wolfe. She must try to overcome treachery, danger at every turn and the other racers to win this race. Can she do it?