The 5th Wave
Richard Yancey
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013
457 pages
SUMMARY:
Cassie Sullivan, one of the few survivors of an alien invasion, must attempt to rescue her young
brother who may still be alive from the enemy aliens with help from a boy who may be one of
them.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Scan, Walter Jury
Blackout, Robison Wells
The Knife of Never Letting Go, Patrick Ness
Shade’s Children, Garth Nix
The Infinite Sea, Richard Yancey
WEBSITES:
Rick Yancey, http://www.rickyancey.com/, author’s official website.
The 5th Wave is Coming, http://www.the5thwaveiscoming.com/#_=_ , promotional website for
the forthcoming movie.
Alien Invasion, http://natgeotv.com/uk/alien-invasion/what-would-happen-if, National
Geographic’s information on what would happen in the event of an alien invasion.
BOOKTALK:
Mother ship appears. Alien invasion begins. Wave 1 electromagnetic pulse voids all machine
functions. Wave 2 tsunamis wipe out coastal cities. Wave 3 the Red Death plague is spread by
birds. Wave 4 Silencers – humans implanted with alien fetuses. Do you even want to know
what the 5th Wave is? Sixteen year old Cassie has lost her family and travels with her essentials
– a luger, an M-16, ammo, and a Bowie knife. She lost her mother in the 3rd wave and her father
in the 4th. She doesn’t know if her little brother is still alive. Her high school crush has turned
Zombie paramilitary killer. Billions are dead. It’s non-stop action trying to survive the brutal
new world where no one and nothing can be trusted.
Prepared by: Alison Patrick, Eastside High School, [email protected]
The Beginning of Everything
Robyn Schneider
Katherine Tegen Books, 2014
352 pages
SUMMARY:
Tennis captain Ezra Falkner gets in a wreck, shatters his leg, and ends up unable to play tennis.
He slowly distances himself from his old friends and joins another friend group, and falls in love
with Cassidy Thorpe, the secretive new girl.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY...
Goodbye, Rebel Blue, Shelley Coriell
Where the Stars Still Shine, Trish Doller
The Reece Malcolm List, Amy Spalding
When You Were Here, Daisy Whitney
WEBSITES:
The Simple Dollar, http://www.thesimpledollar.com/dealing-with-personal-disappointment-andtragedy/, This website talks about how to deal with personal trauma.
The Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-alpert/the-dos-and-donts-ofgetting-past-a-breakup_b_5000378.html, This website talks about how to get over a breakup.
BOOKTALK:
Before Ezra was hit by a car and his leg shattered and he discovered that his girlfriend was
cheating on him, he was one of the popular kids, a forerunner to be the homecoming king.
Afterwards, he starts to distance himself from them, and starts spending time with one of his old
friends, Toby and his friends, who are into things completely different than what his old friend
group was. He also falls in love with the new girl, Cassidy, and starts dating her. As he spends
time with these people, he discovers that he loves what they do and are like than his old friends,
and finds himself.
Prepared by: Sadie Ouzts, Spartanburg Day School, [email protected]
The Book of Broken Hearts
Sarah Ockler
Simon Pulse, 2013
384 pages
SUMMARY:
The summer after her senior year, Jude “Juju” Hernandez helps her father restore a vintage
motorcycle, in hopes that it will help solve his early-onset Alzheimer's. The best mechanic for
the job is Emilio Vargas, a family that Jude’s older sisters have warned her to stay away from as
the Vargas brothers are notorious heart-breakers. As the summer progresses, so does Papi’s
Alzheimer’s, and Jude tries to come to terms with her father’s illness as well as her feelings
about Emilio Vargas.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles
My Life Next Door, Huntley Fitzpatrick
On the Fence, Kasie West
Side Effects May Vary, Julie Murphy
WEBSITES:
Sarah Ockler, http://sarahockler.com/books/, find information about the author and her work.
BOOKTALK:
The Book of Broken Hearts is a moving story of family, love, loss and trust. When you read this
story, you are swept into Juju's life of longing. You feel her every emotion as she struggles with
her father's aging mind, her feelings towards her "Romeo", and her tumultuous family life. What
I loved the most was the integration of the conflict and the setting. Set in beautiful Colorado, the
rich Puerto-Rican heritage is highlighted and makes this story even more intriguing. This is
certainly a must read for anyone with at least one sibling, let alone three!
Prepared by: Abby Holdeman, Chapin High School, [email protected]
The Caged Graves
Dianne K. Salerni
Clarion Books, 2013
336 pages
SUMMARY:
Verity Bane moves back to her hometown to live with her father after living at her aunt’s house
for the majority of her life, and is engaged to a man there without having ever met him. When
she arrives, she discovers that there are cages around her mother and aunt’s graves and sets out to
find out why.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK TRY...
The Fire Horse Girl, Kay Honeyman
Still Star-Crossed, Melinda Taub
In the Shadow of Blackbirds, Cat Winters
WEBSITES:
History, http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/reconstruction, This website talks
about about the reconstruction era that occured after the Civil War
Teaching History, http://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/23934, This website
talks about deserters in the civil war.
Civil War Trust, http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/civil-war-overview/overview.html,
This gives a relatively brief overview of the civil war.
BOOKTALK:
Verity has spent the majority of her life living with her aunt and uncle and their family, but
decides to move back in with her father because she meets a man, Nate, through letters and
becomes engaged with him. His letters make him out to be the perfect man, but when she arrives,
that is not the case. She starts to like another boy while at the same time learning that Nate might
actually be the one. And mixed in, she discovers that her mother and aunt’s graves have cages
around them, and resolves to figure out why.
Prepared by: Sadie Ouzts, Student at Spartanburg Day School, [email protected]
Find Me
Romily Bernard
HarperTeen, 2013
320 pages
SUMMARY:
Tessa Waye’s diary is left at hacker Wicket Tate’s door with the note “Find Me” the morning
Wick learns Tessa committed suicide. Who left the diary and who drove Tessa to commit
suicide?
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY...
Variant, Robison Wells
Code Name Komiko, Naomi Paul
Don’t Turn Around, Michelle Gagnon
Little Brother, Cory Doctorow
Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
WEBSITES:
Romily Bernard, http://www.romilybernard.com/ , Official author website
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, Resources for preventing
suicide
Find Me Book Trailer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BkP8mHBuQg , You Tube movie
Love is Respect , http://www.loveisrespect.org/, discusses ending dating abuse
BOOKTALK:
Have you ever wished for a do over? That’s what Wick Tate is hoping for after her mother’s
suicide and her abusive drug-dealing father skips town to avoid arrest leaving Wick and her
sister Lily to be placed in foster care. They’ve been fortunate enough to be placed with the
perfect couple – Bren and Todd. Unfortunately, sixteen-year-old Wick doesn’t believe in do
overs. She’s using her hacking skills to help desperate women run checks on philandering
husbands/boyfriends to put away money “just in case” she and Lily need to leave in a hurry. In
addition, Wick has to deal with Carson, the cop who knows about her hacking skills and would
love to catch her in the act and believes Wick can lead him to her father. Then there’s her
father’s partner who’s forcing Wick into another computer scam – this one involving her lab
partner and dare she hope boyfriend, Griff. And on top of this Wick discovers the diary of her
once childhood friend, Tessa Waye, on her doorstep with the words “Find Me” – and the next
day Wick finds out Tessa committed suicide and couldn’t have been the one to leave the diary!
Who left the diary? The diary that tells of Tessa’s romance with an older, abusive man – a man
who appears to have now set his sights on Wick’s sister Lily! Will Wick and Griff avoid being
pulled into her father’s partner’s criminal scheme? Can Wick keep her hacking secret from
Carson and will her father stay gone? Will Wick discover the identity of Tessa’s mystery man
(or was he her killer?) and can she save Lily? Find out by reading “Find Me” by Romily
Bernard.
Prepared by: Heather Loy, Wagener-Salley High School, [email protected]
I Am the Weapon*
Allen Zadoff
Little, Brown and Company, 2013
352 pages
SUMMARY:
Sixteen-year-old Boy Nobody has no name and no past, except that which is assigned to him.
He is a trained assassin whose next target is the mayor of New York, but when he befriends the
mayor’s daughter and reflects upon his fleeting childhood memories, he questions his own
commitment to the job versus his desire to be a normal teenager.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
I Am the Mission by Allen Zadoff
Firestorm by David Klass
Shelter by Harlan Coben
Perry’s Killer Playlist by Joe Schreiber
WEBSITES:
Official Allen Zadoff webpage, http://www.allenzadoff.com , contains biographical information
on the author and a bibliography of his works, including the remaining two installments of the
Boy Nobody trilogy.
Book trailers for I Am the Weapon -- http://youtu.be/spzDaUX2Aw0 ;
http://youtu.be/clJ25uwIer8, brief teasers for the book, known at first publication as Boy Nobody.
BOOKTALK:
When you’re sixteen, your social interactions might consist of getting a little closer to that
special someone or spending some mindless time with your friends, rather than looking for the
nearest available weapon or plotting possible escape routes from the room. You might not be a
favorite of your best friend’s parents, but you probably aren’t planning to kill them and make it
look like an accident. Of course, you’re not Boy Nobody and your entire existence isn’t
determined by the orders and assignments of The Program. You’ve also never met Sam,
daughter of your current target and perhaps the best thing that’s happened to you in a very long
time. Welcome to his life.
*Note: This book was originally published under an alternate title: Boy Nobody.
Prepared by: Kelly Price, Batesburg-Leesville High School, [email protected]
The Impossible Knife of Memory
Laurie Halse Anderson
Viking Children's Books, 2014
400 pages
SUMMARY:
Hailey and Andy Kincaid each have issues from the past with which they must learn to accept
and attempt to move past. Hailey, who is 16, is now trying to adapt to living in a house as well
as going to school. Andy, her father, is a war veteran dealing with many ghosts. Their processes
are hit and miss, but with each other, they will prevail.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY...
Something Like Normal, Trish Doller
Eli the Good, Silas House
No Man’s Land, S.T. Underdahl
Miracle, Elizabeth Scott
WEBSITES:
Laurie Halse Anderson | Mad Woman in the Forest.com
http://madwomanintheforest.com/laurie/ , links to author YouTube videos and videos of
interviews as well as “A Site for Teachers,” which is a place where teachers can find help with
various LA topics.
Healing The Wounds Of Memory's 'Impossible Knife' | NPR Author Interviews
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=261414341,
in-depth author interview than the one with Huffington Post, in which she discusses her father
and growing up.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | KidsHealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/ptsd.html
This is an easy (easier?) to read description of PTSD and how it may apply to teens.
BOOKTALK:
Hayley Kincaid has a home, which is new and different. For the past five years she had been on
the road with her father, who was driving truck. Her father, Andy, thought it was time she went
to a real school – and it was time she had a home. However, all was not white picket fences.
Both have events from the past that are causing issues. Andy’s are memories from the Iraq war.
Hayley does not want to remember the reasons why she and her father went on the road. Hayley
is attempting to adjust to her new life; her father is attempting to adjust to PTSD. Each is trying
to take care of the other – as well as her/himself.
Prepared by: Donna Maher, Anderson University, [email protected]
In the Shadow of Blackbirds
Cat Winters
Amulet Books, 2013
304 pages
SUMMARY:
Mary Shelley Black, 16, moves in with an aunt in 1918 San Diego to escape the horrors of a
deadly flu epidemic and of the Great War taking place overseas. Despite her name, she is
skeptical of the spirit world and scornful of those who would exploit its believers. That is, until
she is visited by her first love, Stephen, recently killed in the war.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
The Diviners by Libba Bray
The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series by Kenneth Oppel
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore
WEBSITES:
Official book webpage – http://www.blackbirdsnovel.com/ – This site contains background and
historical information about the novel, as well as the author’s biographical information and
upcoming appearances.
Book trailer for In the Shadow of Blackbirds -- http://youtu.be/Ph31JdCvMIQ -- This video is a
brief teaser for the book.
BOOKTALK:
As if the trauma of a Great War and a widespread influenza epidemic weren’t enough for any
teenage girl to deal with, Mary Shelley Black is experiencing further devastation on a deeply
personal level. Her father has been arrested, she has been sent to live with an aunt in San Diego,
and her childhood friend and first love, Stephen, has been shipped off to fight in the war. While
those around her seek to relieve their loss and grief through séances, spirit photos, and the like,
Mary Shelly determines their actions to be illogical and unscientific. Soon, however, her
skepticism turns to confusion. When she learns that Stephen is dead, she must find a way to
explain his recent visits to her. Are Stephen’s appearances real, or just the longings of her
broken heart, or perhaps she has finally succumbed to the deadly flu and its ill effects? Why has
an anguished Stephen returned to her, and what can she do to put his troubled spirit to rest?
Prepared by: Kelly Price, Batesburg-Leesville High School, [email protected]
Invisibility
Andrea Cremer, David Levithan
Philomel Books 2013
368 pages
SUMMARY:
Stephen was born invisible, he doesn’t know why. One day a new girl moves to town. Her
name is Elizabeth and she can see Stephen and a new chapter in both their lives begins.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford
Of Sound Mind by Jean Ferris
Pinned by Alfred C Martino
Devil’s Tango by Jubert Herve
WEBSITES:
How Invisibility Cloaks Work, http://science.howstuffworks.com/invisibility-cloak.htm, explains
the science behind invisibility
Andrea Cremer, andreacremer.com/ , author website
BOOKTALK:
Have you ever felt invisible? You know, the feeling that nobody sees you and even worse,
nobody cares. Or maybe you wished that you were invisible and could blend in unnoticed. Well,
Stephen knows exactly what it feels like to be invisible because he actually IS invisible. When
he talks people can hear him but not see him. He can go wherever he likes but nobody cares. Not
anymore anyway, not since his mother died. Can you begin to imagine what life is like for
Stephen? That is until the day he meets Elizabeth, the first person ever who can actually see him.
As their friendship develops they both become determined to find out what caused Stephen’s
invisibility, why Elizabeth is the only one that can see him and how they can reverse his curse.
To find out about the adventures and hurdles encountered by Stephen and Elizabeth read
Invisibility by Andrea Cremer.
Prepared by: Carol Ross, Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology,
[email protected]
Kindness for Weakness
Shawn Goodman
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2013
272 pages
SUMMARY:
James has lived his entire life with a dysfunctional family. His mom is an alcoholic with an
abusive live-in boyfriend. James leans on his brother Louis, a bodybuilding, drug dealer. This
connection ultimately gets James confined to juvenile detention. Sadly, he discovers that to be
considered kind is to be considered weak.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Juvie, Stevie Watkins
Lockdown, Walter Dean Myers
Monster, Walter Dean Myers
Snitch, Allison van Diepen
Winger, Andrew Smith
WEBSITES
Shawn Goodman Books, http://www.shawngoodmanbooks.com/index.htm, this site is
maintained by the author, Shawn Goodman.
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, http://www.ojjdp.gov/ , the office strives
to strengthen the juvenile justice system's efforts to protect public safety, hold offenders
accountable, and provide services that address the needs of youth and their families.
Delinquency Prevention, http://www.crimesolutions.gov/TopicDetails.aspx?ID=62 , in
conjunction with the National Institute of Justice, this site provides resources to help prevent
juvenile delinquency.
BOOKTALK:
James isn’t cool. James doesn’t fit in at school. He doesn’t fit in at home. His mother is an
alcoholic with an abusive, loser boyfriend. James is looking for a way to be free from his
surroundings. He turns to Louis, his bodybuilding older brother. Louis helps James by letting
him deliver some packages…only…the cops show up. James winds up in juvie. In Morton,
James finds out about real strength and it has nothing to do with muscles. See what happens to
James in Kindness for Weakness by Shawn Goodman.
Prepared by: Pamela Garner Sloss, Union County High School, [email protected]
Life after Theft
Aprilynne Pike
HarperTeen, 2013
354 pages
SUMMARY:
When Jeff, a new boy at school arrives, he stumbles onto an unusual friend, a ghost. She is so
excited to finally have someone that can actually see and hear her. However, as Jeff begins to
learn very quickly, while she is beautiful, she was not a beautiful person and had a serious
problem. She was a thief.
Now he has to help her return everything so she can move on…..
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Fall from Grace by Charles Benoit
The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
Absent by Katie Williams
You by Benoit, Charles Benoit
Jumped by Williams-Garcia, Rita Williams Garcia
Then you were gone by Lauren Strasnick
Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff
WEBSITES:
Psychology Today, http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/kleptomania, This article
includes a brief definition, symptons, causes and treatments of the disease.
Stop Bullying.Gov , http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/, This article on bullying
gives a brief description and links to follow up.
BOOKTALK:
Kimberlee Schaffer may be drop-dead gorgeous . . . but she also dropped dead last year. Now
she needs help with her unfinished business. When Jeff arrives at her school and is the first
person that can actually see her, she's not taking no for an answer. When she was alive,
Kimberlee was not a nice person and was also a complete kleptomaniac. So if Jeff wants to
avoid being haunted until graduation, he must help Kimberlee return everything she took to the
owners of the stolen items. But Jeff soon discovers that it's much easier to steal something than it
is to return it to the rightful owner. Imagine returning pompoms to a cheerleader, something to
the principal’s office, and other items that the people are no longer even living in the
neighborhood.
Paying for your mistakes takes on a whole new meaning as Jeff, the new guy in school and the
only one who can see Kimberlee, takes on a ghost with a lot of (stolen) baggage. Acting as
Kimberlee's accomplice turns into more trouble than he bargained for, especially when the local
police get involved.
Prepared by: Wendy Tyree, Green Sea Floyds High School, [email protected]
Living with Jackie Chan
Jo Knowles
Candlewick Press, 2013
372 pages
SUMMARY:
After fathering a baby, a teenager moves in with his karate-loving uncle and tries to come to
terms with his guilt – and find a way to forgive.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles
First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King
WEBSITES:
Stay Teen, http://stayteen.org/teen-pregnancy, created by The National Campaign to Prevent
Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
A History and Style Guide of Karate, http://martialarts.about.com/od/styles/a/karate.htm, this
website includes information on topics including martial arts basics, styles, training, equipment
and weapons.
National Fatherhood Initiative, http://www.fatherhood.org/, the organization’s mission is “to
improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children with involved,
responsible, and committed fathers in their lives.”
BOOKTALK:
Josh’s senior year of high school is definitely not going to be what he had hoped it would be. He
had planned to spend his time hanging out with is friends, going to ball games and parties.
Instead, though, he has decided to try to “start over” by moving to a distant town and living with
his crazy, kind Uncle Larry. Josh thinks he has everything covered - he’s going to a new school,
taking karate classes at his uncle’s dojo, even making new friends. He should feel better. He
WANTS to feel better. But the neighbor’s crying baby, Stella’s smile, visits from his parents and
friends - these all bring the past rushing in on him. How could he have done what he did? No
matter how far away from home he goes, he cannot escape his memories, or his guilt…
Prepared by: Valerie Boatwright, Liberty High School, [email protected]
Noggin
John Corey Whaley
Anthem Books for Young Readers, 2014
340 pages
SUMMARY:
Five years ago when Travis was dying from cancer, his parents decided to have his head frozen
so it could he could live on in the future. With humor, Whaley tells the story of Travis who has
to deal with his new body, his new life, and a world that seems to have moved on without him.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Where Things Come Back, John Corley Whaley
I’ll Give You the Sun, Jandy Nelson
Winger, Andrew Smith
Man Made Boy, Jon Skovoron
After Ever After, Jordan Sonnenblick
The Taking, Kimberly Derting
Deconstructing Dylan, Lesley Choyce
WEBSITES:
John Corey Whaley’s website, http://johncoreywhaley.com, has basic information about the
author and his two books.
Alcor, http://www.alcor.org/, is a Life Extension company founded in 1972. They aim to
preserve lives through biostasis.
Cryogenic Society of America, Inc., http://www.cryogenicsociety.org/, “is a non-profit technical
society serving all those interested in any phase of cryogenics, the art and science of achieving
extremely low temperatures – almost absolute zero.”
BOOKTALK:
Travis is truly one of a kind. Well, he’s actually one of two kinds. Five years ago 16 year old
Travis was dying of a cancer that had ravaged his entire body. Dr Saranson from the Sarason
Center for Life Preservation approached Travis about saving his life. Dr Sarason wanted to use
cryogenics to save Travis and bring him back to life in the future. Travis and his parents were
initially skeptical about freezing only Travis’s head, but they were out of options.
So Travis is now one boy made from two – his head and another boy’s body. Although Travis
was only gone for five years, life has gone without him. His friends are older, his girlfriend is
with someone else, and no one is really sure how to treat him.
Read Noggin to hear about how Travis has to learn how to adjust to his new body and new life.
John Corey Whaley’s novel is filled with a lot of humor, a little bit of science, and issues all
teens can relate to.
Prepared by: Susan Aplin, Dutch Fork High School, [email protected]
Palace of Spies
Sarah Zettel
HMH Books for Young Readers, 2013
368 pages
SUMMARY:
In Palace of Spies by Sarah Zettel, sixteen-year-old Peggy is forced into a life of deception and
lies. However, life in the palace is quite extravagant, but Peggy begins to suspect that the
woman she is impersonating was murdered. Peggy tries to unravel the girl’s life and last few
days at the palace for fear that she will suffer the same fate. However, on this mysterious journey,
she realizes that anyone she encounters could be a spy, even the young man she begins to fall in love
with. This novel is filled with history and mystery – a sparkling combination!
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
The Caged Graves, Dianne Salerni
The Fire Horse Girl, Kay Honeyman
Nobody’s Secret, Michaela MacColl
WEBSITES:
Sarah Zettel’s Website, http://www.sarahzettel.com, the author’s personal website with news and
contact information.
Sarah Zettel’s Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/sarahzettelsbooks , the author’s facebook page with
upcoming events and discussions.
BOOKTALK:
If you enjoy history and mystery – then this concoction is for you. Sarah Zettel’s novel wraps
together a story of grief, revenge, seduction and destruction, all with a memorable heroine.
Upon reading this fast moving novel, you will be moved back in time. You will cheer for Peggy
and her mission to right every wrong in the palace. This is a piece of historical fiction that is not
to be missed.
Prepared by: Emma Ball, Liberty Hill Academy, [email protected]
Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl
Carolita Blythe
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2013
336 pages
SUMMARY:
Physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her mother drives Faye to a life of crime and hanging
out with the wrong crowd. But an attempted robbery leads to an unexpected friendship with her
intended victim.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Teenie, Christopher Grant
When I Was the Greatest, Jason Reynolds
Begging for Change, Sharon Flake
Standing Against the Wind, Traci L. Jones
After Tupac and D Foster, Jacqueline Woodson
WEBSITES:
Personal Website of Carolita Blythe, http://www.carolitablythe.com/, learn more about the
author, additional work and her writing inspiration
11 Facts About Teens and Self Esteem, https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-teensand-self-esteem, sign up to start a campaign to combat low self-esteem in young adults
Toolkit and Resources for the Dove Movement for Self Esteem, http://www.dove.us/OurMission/Girls-Self-Esteem/Get-Involved/default.aspx, provides tools and resources for
educators, parents, and students to combat poor self-image and build self-esteem and confidence
in girls
BOOKTALK:
What was supposed to be a simple robbery unexpectedly turns into attempted murder for
fourteen year old Faye. Abandoned by her friends once things go wrong the only thing to do is
run! Racked by guilt and afraid of the consequences, Faye goes back to the scene of the crime
and what she finds there will change her life forever.
Prepared by: Pamela Williams, Columbia High School, [email protected]
Spirit and Dust
Rosemary Clement-Moore
Delacorte Press, 2013
385 pages
SUMMARY:
Raised in a family of psychics and witches, teen Daisy Goodnight is happy to help local police
solve cold cases but when the FBI seeks her talents, she becomes involved in a mess that even
has the spirits terrified.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
The Madness Underneath, Maureen Johnson
Burn Mark, Laura Powell
Fatal Charm, Linda Joy Singleton
Deadly Little Games, Laurie Faria Stolarz
School Spirits, Rachel Hawkins
WEBSITES:
Do real investigative organizations use “psychic detectives” or “forensic psychics?”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_detective This article provides insight on the skepticism
about and the actual use of psychics in the solving of crimes.
About Rosemary Clement-Moore, http://readrosemary.wordpress.com/ Read the author’s blog
for her own history, her interests, her writing, and her upcoming events.
BOOKTALK:
Daisy Goodnight has powers...special psychic powers that allow her to conjure the spirits of the
dead. Her unique talents are put to good use by the FBI from time to time, and Daisy is glad to
help solve murder cases when she can. But her life suddenly takes a turn for the worse when
federal agents whisk her away to assist with a very special case...the kidnapping of the daughter
of a powerful crime boss. Handsome Agent Taylor, with whom Daisy has worked before, is on
the scene. But Daisy is soon kidnapped herself, right from under the FBI’s nose, and forced to
collude with the evil crime boss Maguire and his attractive henchman, Carson. Nothing is as it
seems, as Daisy and Carson travel hither and yon from one clue to the next, in search of the
kidnapped girl and the mysterious “Black Jackal” statue. On the road, they run into members of
the spirit world, many of whom are somehow related to Daisy herself. If you like a tale full of
action, murder, suspense, humor, and the paranormal, along with a dollop of romance, you’ll
love hitching a ride with spunky Daisy Goodnight.
Prepared by: Leah Roche, Beaufort High School, [email protected]
Steelheart
Brandon Sanderson
Delacorte, 2013
304 pages
SUMMARY:
The Epics came from the sky 10 years ago and used their powerful gifts to rule man. Steelheart, a
greatly powerful Epic, has made himself emperor of Chicago where no one has the courage to
fight him except the Reckoners. Steelheart is so powerful he can control the elements and no
bullet, sword or fire can harm him and he possesses the strength of ten men.
The Reckoners are a group of humans who try to figure out the weaknesses of the Epics and then
kill them. David, orphaned by Steelheart desperately wants to join the Reckoners and exact his
revenge. David has seen Steelheart bleed and knows that he can figure out Steelheart’s weakness,
given enough time.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Soldier Dog, Sam Angus
Eye of Minds, James Dashner
The Testing, Joelle Charbonneau
The Seven Realms Series, Cinda Williams Chima
WEBSITES:
Brandon Sanderson: http://brandonsanderson.com/books/steelheart/steelheart/; the website of
Steelheart author Brandon Sanderson
Science Fiction & Fantasy : http://sf-fantasy.suvudu.com/2013/09/new-release-interviewsteelheart-by-brandon-sanderson.html; a website devoted to reviews of science fiction and
fantasy books and which often includes interviews with authors
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/books/sci-fi-author-foundinspiration-for-steelheart-in-road-rage-b99111048z1-226230121.html; this article details what
inspired Brandon Sanderson to write Steelheart
Fantasy Faction: http://fantasy-faction.com/2013/brandon-sanderson-steelheart-interview;
website created to encourage the reading of “quality” literature
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh7Brsgpvb0; Book talk by author Brandon
Sanderson
BOOKTALK:
Ten years ago, the superheroes came from the sky after the appearance of a red star called
Calamity. A group of Epics came from the sky and put the world under their control. They aren’t
the superheroes the humans were expecting them to be -- they are creatures to be feared by all
mortals! Each Epic, possesses one or more super powers and some have set up cities where they
control the people and force them to do the Epics’ bidding. Steelheart rules Newcago (once
Chicago) and is so powerful he can control the elements and no bullet, sword or fire can harm
him. He possesses the strength of ten men.
The Reckoners are a group of humans led by the mysterious Prof. Their goal is to kill as many
Epics as possible. And 18-year-old orphan David Charleston wants to join them to avenge the
killing of his father by Steelheart ten years ago. David has worked hard to stay safe as the Epics
took more and more control. Now he wants to join the Reckoners and wins the acceptance of
some of the Reckoners by showing them what he’s got. He knows something no one else does.
Because no matter what Steelheart says, he’s not completely invincible. David’s seen Steelheart
bleed, and he wants to see it again.
Prepared by: Susan Adams; Spring Valley High School, [email protected]
This is What Happy Looks Like
Jennifer Brown
Brown Books, 2013
432 pp
SUMMARY:
What started as an email sent to a wrong person, became a new friendship with an unlikely
stranger. But can a relationship that begins with deception and secrets survive a face to face
encounter? Can you trust a stranger you meet online?
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK TRY:
Rock and a Hard Place: Angie Stanton
Au Revoir Crazy European Chick: Joe Schneider
The Geography of You and Me: Jennifer E. Smith
The Summer I Turned Pretty: Jenny Han
WEBSITES:
Long Distance Dating: http://lifeteen.com/long-distance-dating-survive-thrive/, decisions to
consider when trying maintaining a long distance relationship.
Staying Safe Online: https://uk.safely.yahoo.com/teens/, yahoo’s online safety guide for teens
and how to control your settings for privacy in Yahoo email
Online Safety: http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/internet_safety.html, Good common
sense ways to stay safe and how to spot dangerous behavior online.
BOOKTALK:
Have you ever sent an email to the wrong person? Sometimes it can be embarrassing. But for
Graham it was the start of a new friendship. The hitch is Graham is a teen heart throb and huge
movie star. Because no names were exchanged in the mistaken email, Ellie has no idea who she
is speaking with and treats Graham like anybody else. This is what Graham loves about her, she
is herself. Ellie has a secret and keeps a low profile in her small town. Graham wants to meet
her and wants to make a movie in her town. It will bring lots of business to the small struggling
beach town where Ellie’s Mom has a shop. How will Ellie react when she learns the truth? Will
she feel betrayed? What is the secret Ellie wants so badly to hide and will the movie production
put her identity at risk? This is What Happy Looks Like is a wonderful story of two people who
want to be loved for who they are.
Prepared by: Candi Vaughn, Byrnes Freshman Academy [email protected]
The Tyrant’s Daughter
J. C. Carleson
Alfred A. Knopf, 2014
295 pages
SUMMARY:
A coup murders fifteen-year-old Laila’s father, a Middle Eastern dictator. Now she is exiled to
the United States along with her mother and her little brother. They are forced not only to deal
with vast cultural changes but also the dangers that follow them because of her father’s political
legacies. She struggles to accept new truths about her mother and father, especially before harm
finds them again.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Prisoner of Night and Fog, Anne Blankman
I love I hate I miss my sister, Amelie Sarn
Captives, Tom Pow
Audacity, Melanie Crowder
Diamond Boy, Michael Williams
Mornings in Jenin: a novel, Susan Abulhawa
One Girl’s Dream for Freedom, Gayle Adams
Like Water on Stone, Dana Walrath
Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys
WEBSITES:
Top Ten Revolutions Felt Around the World,
http://listverse.com/2010/10/04/top-10-revolutions-felt-around-the-world/, Want to learn more
about different political revolutions throughout history? Check out this top ten list.
Iran Profile, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14542438, Although The Tyrant’s
Daughter is not set in a particular country, this timeline provides helpful information about Iran
to help anyone who would like to learn more about a Middle Eastern country and its various
revolutions.
BOOKTALK:
It’s hard enough as a teenager to slowly see the truth about your parents. It’s even harder when
you’re the daughter of royalty, the daughter of a Middle Eastern dictator who was just murdered.
Not only does fifteen-year-old Laila have to cope with losing her father in such a violent way,
but she also has to learn to live in America now that her family has been exiled. It’s difficult to
adapt to such a different culture and environment. Who can she trust? Can she even trust her
mother anymore? Laila’s journey is further complicated when she begins to realize that there is
more to her mother than it seems. And she’d like to figure it out before they face even more harm
and danger.
Prepared by: Jamie Gregory, James F. Byrnes High School, [email protected]
When You Were Here
Daisy Whitney
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2014
272 pages
SUMMARY:
In When You Were Here, a young adult novel by Daisy Whitney, Danny mourns the loss of his
mother by reliving the last days of her life. She lost her battle to cancer three weeks before his
high school graduation day, the very day she promised to see. Now Danny is left with only his
dog, his ex-girlfriend and his mother’s tangled memories. He rediscovers his mother’s apartment
in Tokyo, where she had been receiving her last treatment and found she had been living a life he
wasn’t aware of. Danny decides to travel to Tokyo to walk in his mother’s footsteps and finds
her last joyful moments in Japan. Once he is there, among the Japanese cherry blossoms he finds
his own life and happiness, woven in with his mother’s. Maybe she left her legacy for him after
all.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
The Lucy Variations, Sarah Zarr
Golden, Jessi Kirby
The Reece Malcolm List, Amy Spaulding
WEBSITES:
Daisy Whitney’s Tumblr, http://daisywhitneywrites.tumblr.com, the author’s Tumblr, a
collection of pictures and images reflecting her life.
Publisher’s Website, http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/authors/daisy-whitney-teen, the
publisher’s website including updated dates and events.
BOOKTALK:
While reading When You Were Here, the main character will most certainly win your heart. He
has struggled through a difficult period in his life, losing both parents and going through a break
up, but he never hides his feelings. When reading about Danny, you see raw and fierce
emotions. His world expands when he travels to Japan and the reader has the chance to
experience his mother’s life through his eyes. You will get captured by Danny’s journey, and
you will long for him to find love, life and happiness – wherever it may be. This is a must read
for anyone who has held back what their true feelings are, or who feels like they may have
something left to say.
Prepared by: Emma Ball, Liberty Hill Academy, [email protected]