Book Review: My Kind of Crazy

MY KIND OF CRAZY by Robin Reul is a contemporary fiction, young adult novel exploring the friendship among teens.

When Hank accidentally lights Amanda’s lawn on fire, Peyton is the only witness. This event sets up a story of teen friendship and evolving relationships. The combination of dark humor and interesting characters will keep readers interested.

Librarians will find that the author’s balance of humor and authentic, timely issues such as mental illness and abuse will be of interest to many young adults. Teens who enjoy stories about friendship and teen romance will enjoy the ride.

To learn more about the author, go to http://robinreul.blogspot.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Memory of Light

THE MEMORY OF LIGHT by Francisco X. Stork traces the experience of a teen dealing with mental illness.

After a suicide attempt, Vicky ends up in the mental disorders ward at the hospital. Through the help of her peers and a supportive doctor, Vicky gradually learns to understand her depression and takes the first steps toward recovery.

Based on the author’s experience with depression, this work of contemporary fiction provides a realistic and honest view of life with a mental illness including the reactions of family and friends. The first-person perspective includes fascinating insights into Vicky’s thoughts and voyage of self-discovery.

Librarians will find a large audience among young adults seeking realistic fiction and this timely social issue. Fans of Stork will not be disappointed.

The author’s website contains discussion questions and a teacher’s guide.

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

Published by Levine, an imprint of Scholastic on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Calvin

CALVIN by Martine Leavitt is an imaginative, coming-of-age novel exploring a teen’s discovery that he has schizophrenia.

Told as a letter written to Calvin & Hobbes’ comic book author Bill Watterson, the story traces a schizophrenic teen’s experiences with love and survival as he deals with his mental illness for the first time.

Leavitt’s conversational style and sense of humor combine for an appealing alternative to the many young adult novels focusing on mental illness.

Librarians will want to add this YA novel to the growing selections available on teen schizophrenia.

Published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on November 17, 2015.

Book Review: Challenger Deep

CHALLENGER DEEP by Neal Shusterman plunges readers into the powerful and authentic world of mental illness through the perspective of a teen teetering on the brink of insanity.

Unlike works for young adults that view mental disorders from the outside in, Shusterman immerses readers into this disturbing universe from the very first page. Sensitively told through short chapters that flow between Caden’s imaginary world and his perceived reality, readers experience a young man’s ongoing struggle with sanity. This gripping prose will hold the attention of young adults from beginning to end as they grow to understand the stark reality of Caden’s condition.

The book is illustrated with amazing artwork by Shusterman’s son Brendan. The “author’s note” at the end of the novel explains the author’s close ties to this very personal story.

While some readers will empathize with Caden’s plight because of their own experiences with mental illness, others will gain new insights and compassion for those dealing with schizophrenia and similar disorders.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent selection for students interested in the psychology of mental illness. Young adults will appreciate the authentic characters and the author’s eye for detail.

This extraordinary work of realistic fiction has had lots of positive buzz. It’s likely to be on the “best of 2015” lists, so be ready for ongoing interest in the title.

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

Published by Harper Teen on April 21, 2015.

Book Review: Watch the Sky

WATCH THE SKY by Kirsten Hubbard explores the unsettling story of Jory, whose stepfather is preparing for the end of the world.

Throughout the book, Hubbard keeps readers wondering about the origin of Jory’s odd new sister and the mental state of both his parents. Will the story stick with the gritty realistic fiction tone or switch to an near-apocalyptic alien theme? The suspense holds to the very end of the book.

Readers will share Jory’s frustration with the family’s secrets and distrust of outsiders. Librarians will have a hard time categorizing this unusual novel. It’s likely to be most popular among youth who enjoy school and friendship stories with family conflicts related to mental illness. Those seeking an adventure story with a survivalist theme will be disappointed.

Published by Disney/Hyperion on April 7, 2015.