Book Review: I See Reality

I SEE REALITY: TWELVE SHORT STORIES ABOUT REAL LIFE presents a dozen short works of realistic fiction aimed at mature young adults.

From contemplating a breakup to surviving a school shooting, the widely varied stories in this collection will drawn in new readers to realistic fiction. With contributions from both well-known and lesser known authors, the thought-provoking and sometimes funny stories will connect with teens readers.

The stories are well organized alternating very short stories and graphic works with longer prose. Timely topics including addiction, violence, sexuality, and immigration will add to the appeal.

Librarians will find this anthology to be an effective way to feature realistic literacy fiction and draw readers to some new authors. Consider starting a short story club that focuses on reading short works rather than longer novels.

Published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Underwater

UNDERWATER by MARISA REICHARDT is a powerful story of tragedy, recovery, and reconnection with the world.

After a traumatic experience, Morgan is unable to leave her apartment. With the help of a new neighbor, a therapist, and her family, she begins to takes slow steps into the outside world. Along the way, she learns to forgive others and herself.

The author effectively peels away the layers of Morgan’s life-altering experience to reveal the tragic story behind her agoraphobia.

Librarians will find that readers enjoy the realistic, contemporary story with a hint of romance. This character-driven young adult novel draws attention to a variety of issues from PTSD to school shootings making it a timely choice for today’s teen audience.

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

Published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on January 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: This is Where It Ends

THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp is the gripping fictional account of a school shooting.

Told in “real-time” from the perspective of friends, family, and classmates of the teen shooter, this quick read takes place in one harrowing hour. The tragic story immerses readers in the thoughts, reflections, and actions of people facing the unimaginable horror of a gunman in their high school auditorium.

The author’s use of time stamps for each chapter, flashbacks, text messages, and other literary techniques adds interest for teen readers.

Librarians will find that students are attracted to this timely topic and drawn to the universal themes of revenge, heroism, and hope.

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

Published by Sourcebook Fire on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.