Miles Halter has had enough of his boring life.  He reads biographies of famous people because he is obsessed with learning their last words before death.  He decides to go to the same boarding school his father attended, Culver Creek, hoping to find his own “Great Perhaps.”  When he arrives he meets Chip Martin who nicknames Miles “Pudge” and shows him around campus.  Chip, aka the Colonel introduces Pudge to his friends, including Alaska Young.  Alaska is beautiful, sarcastic, and a bit melodramatic but Pudge is fascinated by her.  The three of them along with Takumi and Lara spend their days smoking, drinking and pulling pranks whenever the Eagle isn’t looking.

Each chapter in the first half of this novel discusses life “before.”  Before the tragic accident that changes their lives forever.  “After” is the account of how they each cope after this tragedy.  The tragedy is that Alaska, upset and drunk takes off to visit her mother’s grave on the anniversary of her death, but never makes it.  She hits a police car head on.   Pudge and the Colonel are grief stricken because they were with Alaska the night before drinking, and they let her leave. They spend the rest of the semester trying to figure out whether it was an accident or suicide.

A very powerful tragic story about a group of teens who have to deal with life after death.  Before, they were invincible to any of life’s tragedies.  After, they must learn to live without their friend and wonder about all the “what-ifs.”  The short chapters and the “before” and “after” sections of this book create a fast-paced, easy read.  It is a powerful story in that it demonstrates to teens that they aren’t invincible after all. 

Cover: The paperback edition has a close-up of a young girl’s face.  I think that this cover would appeal more to girl’s while the hardcover version, which is black with a puff of smoke rising up the book, would appeal to boys more. 

Michael L. Printz Award Winner, 5Q, 4P, grades 10-12

Anna and Kate are typical sister’s; they fight and love each other at the same time.  But Anna is referred to as the kid with the sick sister and Kate is referred to  as the girl with cancer.  Kate was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two.  Ever since that day her mother has done everything to keep her alive, including giving birth to Anna; who was genetically designed to be a donor for her sick sister. After years of various medical treatments, Kate beat cancer, but her kidney’s shut down as a result of  chemotherapy.  Anna decides that she’s tired of being a donor, and files a lawsuit against her parents for rights to her own body.  Her decision tears this family apart; forcing her parents to choose sides and throwing them all into a court battle.   

When Anna is called to the stand, the truth comes out that Kate had asked Anna to file the lawsuit, she was tired of fighting for life and just wanted to die.  Anna was the only person who could make that happen.  On the way home from the final hearing, Anna and her lawyer are in a terrible car accident that takes her life.  Anna’s kidneys are donated to her sister after all, giving Kate a chance to live.  With worry and concern for the sick sister, no one could have predicted the loss of the healthy one. 

Told in multiple narratives, including the parents, siblings and lawyers; it’s a story about Kate and Anna but also about the people who love them the most.  It’s a story about life and death and demonstrates the truth that none of us can control when or how we will leave this world. 

Cover: This book has two teen girls leaning against one another.  I think it would definitely appeal to teen girls, especially those who do have a sister; as they can relate to some of the issues the girls in this book face.

Alex Award 5Q 3P (grades 10-12)

Ashley is just a toddler when she is taken from her mother.  Before being taken away, she feels safe and loved by her mother.  Before leaving, her mother promises to come back for her and makes Ashley promise not to call anyone else mom.   What Ashley doesn’t know is that her mother is involved with drugs and welfare services take her brother Luke as well.  So Ashley begins a long journey of living in foster homes and shelters.  Of all the homes where Ashley lived, the Moss’s home is the worst.  They abuse the children and punish them in horrific ways.  She and her brother Luke are both victims of this home, and both struggle to survive. 

After years of being passed around throughout the system, a family decides to adopt Ashley.  She tries not to give up on the hope that she will see her mother again, but as she gets older, she realizes that her mother was never fit to care for her.  Her adopted mother helps her develop a case against Mrs. Moss and her husband.  With her testimony, Mrs. Moss is punished for mistreating children and is never allowed to care for foster children in her home again.  

An inspiration to children everywhere who are forced to live under these conditions, Ashley’s memoir is a source of hope for them and an eye-opener for the rest of us.  At times heartbreaking, it is an inside look to the child welfare system in our society and the sad truth that some children slip through the cracks.  It could easily be a fictional account of a girl in foster care, which is what makes it readable nonfiction.

The cover is a picture of the author in an angel costume.  She is smiling.  I think in order to appeal to teens, it may have been better to get a photo of Ashley in her teens. 

Too Good to be True Nonfiction 4Q, 3P S (grades 10-12)

Ed Kennedy and his friends are stuck inside a bank while it’s being robbed.  They are talking amongst themselves and after telling them all to shut up several times, the robber finally decides to take Marv’s car, a beat up Ford that rarely runs and looks terrible.  When the car fails to start, Ed makes a bold move and grabs the gun and keeps the robber there until police apprehend him.

Later that week, Ed receives a playing card in the mail with three addresses on it.  Not understanding the meaning, he decides to visit each house, where he learns about three people and their struggles in life.  He realizes that he has been called on to make the lives of these three people better.  After he finishes the first card, another arrives in the mail, and another.  He is visited by mysterious people who either beat him up or help him along his journey. 

One by one, Ed finishes each card.  He meets an old woman who is stuck in the past, a girl who can only run when her shoes are off, and a preacher who needs help not only with his church congregation, but his brother as well.  Ed is able to fulfill each person’s life that he meets, and in return his life is given more meaning.  The last card Ed receives is the Ace of hearts that reveals his friends as the ones he must save. In the end, he gets the girl of his dreams, his best friend Audrey, whom he’s loved all along.

This is a humorous story about a cab-driver who gets the chance to alter the lives of others in a positive way.  It is written for both boys and girls and leaves the reader guessing after each chapter what the next card will bring.  With adult themes throughout, it would be more suitable for older teens.

Cover: The cover has different playing cards scattered around a joker.  There are also photographs of a bank, a gun and a dog.  The cover also seems to be marketed for boys, with a mystery feel.

On the Edge of Your Seat (Mystery) 5Q 3P S (grades 10-12)

This story begins with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland.  Friends and family arrive to mourn their loss even though the body has not been recovered from the river.  Before her death, Elizabeth and her sister Diana were both part of the social elite society in Manhattan.  When their father dies, their mother breaks the news that they have lost everything and are poor.

Elizabeth’s mother forces her into marrying one of New York’s richest bachelor’s, Henry Schoonmaker.  Elizabeth is in love with her coachman Will, but accepts Henry’s marriage proposal to save her family from ruin.  Penelope Hayes, Elizabeth’s best friend has had her eye on Henry and expects to marry him herself.  Diana, the little sister also has feelings for Henry, feelings that Henry also shares for her.  Henry’s father insists that he marry Elizabeth but his feelings for her sister are undeniable. 

Both living in a time when duty prevailed all else; these two teenagers never get the chance to marry.  Elizabeth’s death is announced the day before the wedding.  Penelope swears her best friend jumped from the carriage.  The reader learns in the last pages that Elizabeth did not jump, nor did Penelope throw her from the carriage.  Elizabeth made the right choice after all, she went after her true love.  A story filled with greed, lust, jealousy, and love.  Rich girls who will stop at nothing to get what they want and the men who love them.  Told in their own voices, with different point of views and letters in between the chapters; it keeps you guessing until the very end. 

Cover: This book is black with a girl in a  pink party dress.  It has a preppy rich girl feel to it.  I think it definitely appeals to teen girls and is more eye-catching than some of the other novels on this list.

The Way it Was (Historical Fiction) 5Q 3P J S (grades 7-12)

Jennifer Harris is made fun of at school, she is overweight and gets picked on by her peers.  She has one friend, Cameron Quick, who is also an outcast.  He arrives at her school in the second grade and the two become inseperable.  Their friendship comes to a hault in the fifth grade on Jennifer’s birthday; a birthday she spends the rest of her life trying to forget.   

Cameron takes her to his house, to give her a present that he made for her.  They are greeted by his step-father who threatens them to do as he says. Jennifer and Cameron are able to escape, but Cameron stops, telling his best-friend to run home.  It is the last time that Jennifer ever see’s Cameron.  He disappears without saying goodbye.  Her mother and teacher confirm that Cameron has died and for years she believes them, until one day she receives a letter from Cameron Quick and realizes the truth.

Now Jennifer is in high school, known as Jenna to her friends.  She is skinny and popular and has put the past behind her.  But she never forgot about Cameron.  He never forgot Jennifer either, and had been keeping tabs on her since he left  town.  What they learn is that their friendship is not the same, that the time they spent apart has created a barrier between them.  He is leery to trust others and struggles with the new Jenna and her new friends.  She resents him for not contacting her over the years and realizes with his return that the true Jennifer is hidden somewhere underneath her new identity as Jenna.

In this coming of age story, we meet two friends, who are able to break the barrier time has created between them and remain friends.  Jenna finds the courage to break up with her boyfriend and be more of herself than the girl she’s been trying to be.  She finds herself again with the help of Cameron who disappears again, but this time he does send a letter explaining his absense, and the reader hopes that someday these two “sweathearts” will reunite.

The cover is white with a pink heart-shaped cookie in the center that is half-eaten.  It will appeal to teenage girls who enjoy novels with a chick lit feel. 

Realistic Fiction 3Q, 3P (grades 6-9)

Taylor Marcum was abandoned by her mother when she was eleven years old.  Now, she goes to school on the Jellicoe Road.  She is a year eleven and has just been voted in as the house leader.  She is in charge of not only her houses, but the turf wars that have been going on between the Cadets and the Townies, with the three groups fighting for territory.  Jonah Griggs, leader of the Cadets, was with Taylor years before when she went in search of her mother.  But Jonah ended their trip and Taylor has resented him for it ever since.   

The story toggles between Taylor in the present, and a manuscript written of the past, of four friends who survived a tragedy on the Jellicoe Road.  In the present, Taylor and Jonah reunite to search for the truth about her mother and the other four children who grew up here two decades ago.  In reading the manuscript, Taylor learns that these four friends, lost their families in a tragic car accident that brought them together.  That same day they meet Fitz, the boy who pulls them all out of the wreckage.  A year later they meet Jude, who joins the group and they all grow up together on the Jellicoe Road.  Sadly, they face another tragedy when Webb loses his life, a tragedy that some cannot recover from.

The story unfolds and the reader learns how each character is linked to Taylor.  Her mother, Tate, comes home to the Jellicoe Road where she will spend the last few weeks of her life.  In the end, Taylor is able to piece together this puzzle and maintain hope and understanding for the future, as she now understands her past.   She and Jonah proclaim their love to one another and vow to always see each other.   A  story about first loves, family, the tragedies that can tear us apart and the hope that keeps us going.

The cover of this book has an orange poppy flower on it, with a faded green background.  It is eye-catching and would appeal to most teen girls.  Boys may be less likely to pick up this book, even though the book itself would appeal to both genders.

Michael L. Printz Award 5Q, 3P (grades 10-12)

Norah is at a party trying to determine how she is going to get her best friend Caroline home.  Caroline is always drunk and always hitting on guys at parties, while Norah is always sober and alone.  But tonight she will meet Nick, who asks her to make out with him to avoid his ex-girlfriend.  Norah agrees just as Tris walks by and is stunned at how great of a kisser Nick is.  After the kiss, it’s time for Nick to do her a favor, drive her and Caroline home.  He agrees and she goes to fetch her friend. 

Outside the club, Norah decides to take a chance with Nick.  His friends offer her $50 to help Nick forget about Tris.  Norah is also rebounding from a bad relationship and decides to take a chance.  In 24 hours, this pair end up going to a strip club, staying for a band they both love, getting soaked in the rain, making out in a hotel, and basically spending the entire evening together.  They fall in love and forget about their ex’s.  Norah can’t believe she is with this great guy, and he’s in a band!  Nick can’t believe how beautiful Norah is or how easy she is to talk to.  They share a common love for music, which keeps them talking all night. 

This novel is centered around music, quoting lyrics and bands.  In the end, Nick and Norah are an item and he is already writing songs for her.  They have a connection and are drawn to each other from that first kiss.  With a plot that takes place in one day, Nick and Norah’s is a fast, enjoyable read.  While the author does get carried away with the language, the reader is left wanting to learn more about this couple. 

The cover of the book is purple with a heart shaped out of headphones.  This is very teen-like as all teenagers use headphones.  The bright purple makes it noticeable, and the title is written in “rock ‘n roll” type.  The heart tells us that this is a love story and would appeal to teens.

Survival in Love 4Q, 4P J S (grades 7-12)

Bobby is a 16 year old boy who has his entire life ahead of him.  With a good education, a supportive family, and an artistic side; he plans to graduate from high school and begin college.  His girlfriend, Nia gives him news though that could shatter all of his dreams for the future and change his plans forever.  Nia is pregnant and she and Bobby struggle with the decision to keep the baby or let it be adopted out.  The chapters go back and forth, from start to finish and backwards again. 

With each new chapter we learn something about Bobby’s past, and then we are sent through the future to learn how he is coping with being a dad.  With Nia’s pregnancy coming to a close, we learn that she and Bobby have decided to give the baby to another family.  The reader already knows that Bobby keeps the baby, as every other chapter describes his new role as a father, but what happened to Nia?  The author is very vague about that detail up until the last few pages, where the reader learns that Nia is in a comatose state since the birth of her daughter.

This book is unique in that it talks about the role of a new teenage father and it takes the reader back and forth from past to present.  Readers will find themselves rooting for Bobby and hoping that he and his daughter, Feather will make it together.  While he makes some mistakes along the way, what new parent doesn’t?  The sacrifices he makes for his daughter demonstrate the bond that a parent and child have.  With clever writing style and short paragraphs, this is a book that would appeal to teens.

Michael L. Printz Award Winner 4Q 3P J S (grades 7-12)

Through the pages of Georgia Nicolson’s diary, we learn all about her crazy family, her even crazier cat, and what life for a teenager is all about.  Like most teenage girls, Georgia is interested in boys, friends and clothes.  She also has a cat Angus, who is constantly driving her neighbors and her parents insane.  Having little experience with boys, she becomes desperate and hires a professional snogger to teach her how to kiss and tell her what exactly boys want.  The snogger takes a liking to her and they begin dating. 

But Georgia isn’t interested in the snogger.  She’s happy to finally have a boyfriend, but not so thrilled that her boyfriend spends his spare time off snogging with other girls.  The boy she really wants, the boy she loves, is Robbie; who is older than she is and has a girlfriend.  Georgia goes to great lengths to get Robbie such as spying on his girlfriend, flirting with him, and the desperate attempts to improve her looks; shaving off her eyebrows accidentally and bleaching a strand of her hair causing it to break off completely. 

With realistic situations and laugh out loud circumstances, Rennison has written a novel that teenage girls everywhere can relate to.  The dialog alone will have readers laughing to the point of hysteria, with British dialect and Georgia’s first-hand account of all things relative.  Rennison has created a character similar to Bridget Jones, but for the teenage scene and has developed a series that is laugh-out-loud can’t put down funny!  I can’t think of any teenage girl that wouldn’t enjoy this book!

Cover:  The cover is green and has a girl sitting on a green couch with her fat cat wearing a tiara.  The cover itself tells the reader this is going to be a humorous story and if that doesn’t tip them off, then the title will. 

Young Adult Series Selection 5Q 4P J S (grades 7-12)