Book Review: The Memory Book

THE MEMORY BOOK by Lara Avery is a heart-breaking young adult novel exploring the life of a teen with dementia.

Sam McCoy is an outstanding high school student who discovers she has a rare genetic disorder causing memory loss and rapidly declining health. Told through short electronic diary entries, Sam uses the journal as a way for her to record and remember important events in her short life.

Librarians will find this title popular among a large teen audience who enjoy realistic, contemporary stories about teens facing medical challenges. The journal format along with the romance elements add to the appeal.

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Ms. Bixby's Last Day

MS. BIXBY’S LAST DAY by John Anderson explores the relationships among three sixth-grade boys and their beloved teacher.

Told through the eyes of three friends in alternating chapters, this emotionally charged story follows Topher, Steve, and Brand who learn that their favorite teacher has cancer. As the story unfolds, each child shares their experiences with Ms. Bixby and readers learn why its so important to set off on a journey to see her one last time.

Librarians will find that this sweet story has the perfect balance of realism and humor to keep children enthralled from beginning to end. Both middle grade students and their teachers will fall in love with the characters and the authentic story. It would make a wonderful read-aloud book for teachers who can “keep it together” for the last chapter.

Look for this title on the “best of 2016” lists.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.johndavidanderson.org/.

Published by Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins on June 21, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Loose Ends List

THE LOOSE ENDS LIST by Carrie Firestone follows an unusual family vacation filled with humor and heartbreak.

When Maddie’s grandmother announces that she’s dying and wants to go on a “death-with-dignity” cruise, Maddie’s shocked. The worldwide voyage is filled with romance, last wishes, and rediscovering family.

Librarians will find this young adult work of contemporary fiction popular with youth who enjoy both family stories and romance. Thought-provoking themes involving terminal cancer and death-with-dignity are increasingly in the headlines and are likely to fascinate curious teens. Featuring lots of opportunities for discussion, this book will be a popular teen book club choice.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.carriefirestoneauthor.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Last Leaves Falling

THE LAST LEAVES FALLING by Sarah Benwell tells the story of an lonely teenager dealing with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Set in Japan, Sora becomes increasingly isolated as his ALS progresses. He seeks solace in friendships he forms online with people who see him as more than his disease. These friends are supportive as he contemplates his end of life choices.

Benwell does an excellent job moving between online conversations and short narrative segments. Her portrayal of a teenager with ALS is authentic, painful, and heart wrenching, yet this beautifully written book isn’t depressing.

Librarians will find readers among those who enjoy realistic stories about Internet friendships, acceptance, and disabilities. Keep in mind that the topic of assisted suicide is central to the story.

To learn more about ALS, go to http://www.alsa.org/

Published by Simon & Schuster, June 2015.