Book Review: The Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe

The NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE by Preston Norton is a humorous, yet heartbreaking young adult novel.

Filled with quirky characters and references to pop culture, this fast-paced novel tells the story of a super-sized teen named Cliff who aimlessly wanders through high school while dealing with family issues and mean classmates. When a popular football player befriends him and asks for his help, Cliff begins a quest to make his school a better place and along the way finds himself.

Librarians will find this witty novel to be popular with readers who appreciate snarky humor and teen angst, yet also enjoy a thought-provoking story that addresses common coming-of-age problems. Teens will particularly enjoy the classic stereotypical cliques, first-person commentary, and hopeful conclusion.

Published on Jun 5, 2018 by Disney Book Group. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Astonishing Color of After

THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER by Emily X.R. Pan is a compelling, young adult novel exploring life, death, and family secrets.

When her mom commits suicide, Leigh is convinced her mother has turned into a bird. When this half Asian and half white teen visits her maternal grandparents in Taiwan for the first time, she slowly becomes immersed in the culture and begins to uncover family secrets that help her better understand her mother, her family, and herself. Flashbacks help readers understand what led to her mother’s suicide along with providing insights into Leigh’s friendship and romance with Axel.

Librarians will find that teens enjoy the magical realism elements of this novel along with the contemporary setting. The balance of hope and despair and the movement between the past and present will add to the appeal for teens readers.

Published on March 20, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

IVY ABERDEEN’S LETTER TO THE WORLD by Ashley Herring Blake is a powerful work of contemporary realistic fiction for the middle grades.

When twelve-year-old Ivy’s house is destroyed by a tornado, her notebook is lost. As drawings from her notebook begin to reappear, she wonders whether she’s strong enough to reveal her secret crush. Blake’s portrayal of the preteen experience is authentic and readers are likely to sympathize with her dilemma and choices.

Librarians will find this book to be a strong addition to the collection. The contemporary setting and realistic LGBT theme will be a draw of middle grade readers. This tender story is a good choice for all children, but particularly those dealing with the challenges of first love.

Published on March 6, 2018 by Little, Brown for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review; The Hazel Wood

THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa Albert is a dark fantasy suspense for young adults.

Alice and her mother are unlucky in life and move frequently. When her mother disappears, Alice must immerse herself in the dark world of her recently dead grandmother’s supernatural world. Filled with strong and sometimes abrasive female characters and lots of twists, Alice along with her acquaintance Ellery must visit the creepy Hazel Wood estate in search of answers.

Librarians will find a following for this book among teens who enjoy fairy tale fantasy, contemporary mysteries, and dark thrillers. Fans of Alice in Wonderful and teens who enjoy literature will enjoy discussing the many literary connections.

Published by Flatiron, an imprint of Macmillan on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: This is Not a Love Letter

THIS IS NOT A LOVE LETTER by Kim Purcell tells the heart-wrenching story of a teen dealing with the disappearance of her boyfriend.

When her boyfriend disappears, Jessie immediately suspects foul play. As the story unfolds, readers explore issues from their interracial relationship to mental illness and addiction. Told as a letter to her missing boyfriend, readers become immersed in the local community and are challenged to look beyond racism for answers.

Librarians will find this interracial love story to be popular with a youth who enjoy contemporary, realistic fiction. The compelling mystery and authentic characters make this an engaging young adult thriller.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: A Tragic Kind of Wonderful

A TRAGIC KIND OF WONDERFUL by Eric Lindstrom explores the life of a teen trying to maintain friendships while dealing with mental illness.

Between the death of her brother, her parent’s divorce, and a bipolar diagnosis, Mel’s life has spiraled out of control. Trying to hide her problems only makes her relationships with friends more strained. The author’s authentic portrayal of a teen’s quest for acceptance is will appeal to many teens.

Librarians will find fans of Lindstrom’s NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST pleased with his latest title. Many teens are drawn to contemporary young adult novels focusing on friendship and overcoming obstacles. This title does a particularly good job helping young people better understand bipolar disorder.

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette on February 7, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Light Fantastic

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC by Sarah Combs tells seven interwoven stories during one day.

Told through various perspectives, the story follows the events of a day that involves a series of planned school shootings. Rather than focusing on the violence itself, the story explores the various actions and reactions of the narrators as they experience the events. While the author’s “stream of consciousness” approach will attract some readers, it may annoy others.

Librarians will find this work of contemporary fiction to be of interest to teens who seek out books that describe events through multiple perspectives. A number of recent books have explored the topic of school shooting. However this book presents the topic in an innovative way through the eyes of the planners.

Published by Candlewick Press on September 13, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Learning to Swear in America

LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA by Katie Kennedy tells the humorous story of a teen physicist enlisted to save the world from an asteroid.

When seventeen-year old physicist Yuri arrives in American to help NASA stop an Earth-killing asteroid, he finds his work environment frustrating. However after meeting Dovie and her family he slowly begins to understand American culture… just in time for the end of the world. Although somewhat predictable, the “teen saves the world” plot line is generally a hit with young people.

Librarians will find this young adult novel’s quirky characters and dark humor enjoyable and easy to sell to teens. The unusual combination of the near apocalyptic science with the humorous romantic elements add to the appeal.

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

Published by Bloomsbury on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: When Friendship Followed Me Home

WHEN FRIENDSHIP FOLLOWED ME HOME by Paul Griffin tells the uplifting story of a foster child experiencing love and loss.

After former foster child Ben adopts a stray dog, he finds himself friends with Halley and they begin writing a book together. Through tragedy and illness, they learn about the enduring power of love and happiness. What makes the story particular compelling is the parallel story written by the two middle grade youth.

Librarians will find this realistic tear-jerker to be filled with opportunities for discussions about the joy and sorrow of friendship and family. Griffin’s honest portrayal of nontraditional families, the pain of loss, and the power of hope will have a profound impact on young readers. The service dog sub-theme will be a hit with dog lovers.

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

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

Published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Every Single Second

EVERY SINGLE SECOND by Tricia Springstubb is a realistic fiction story examining the struggles of middle grade friends in an urban neighborhood.

This story of friendship and families tells the story of Nella, Clem, and Angela who are friends that attend Catholic school together. A school closing, accidental shooting, and medical crisis cause stress in both the families and the local community.

Librarians will find the themes of racial tensions, PSTD, and school closings to be very timely. Youth who enjoy contemporary fiction will enjoy the authentic family and neighborhood situations. The coming-of-age approach will appeal to a broad spectrum of students.

The author’s use of “now” and “then” chapters is an appealing literacy element, but requires readers to pay close attention to the narrative. The addition of the statue’s perspective provides an additional point for discussion for those who choose a “read-aloud” approach.

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

Published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Cresswell Plot

THE CRESSWELL PLOT by Eliza Wass tells the haunting story of a teen and her siblings suppressed by their strict, religious father.

To outsiders, the Cresswell family members are viewed as religious freaks. Castley Cresswell is tired of the plain clothing and strict home life, so she begins to explore the outside world. She soon learns truths that shatter her understanding of the world and set into motion events that will change her life forever.

Librarians will find this coming-of-age YA novel to be a hit with teens who enjoy delving into dark, chilling stories. The well-developed family relationships combined with the engrossing storyline will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Seventh Wish

THE SEVENTH WISH by Kate Messner blends everyday life with a wish-giving fish.

When ice fishing, Charlie catches a fish that exchanges wishes for its freedom. Even though the results of her wish don’t go as expected, Charlie decides to try again. Over time, she comes to realize that wishes can’t solve life’s most complicated problems.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel popular among children who enjoy magical realism. Dealing with drug addiction and other tough family problems, the story deals with serious social issues. However, the author is effective in weaving in humor and magical elements that add fun and warm to the story.

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

Published by Bloomsbury on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Leaving

THE LEAVING by Tara Altebrando is an engrossing mystery about a small group of children who suddenly disappear, then reappear after a decade.

Ten years after six children are taken from a school bus, five teens seem to appear out of nowhere. They don’t remember where they’ve been and can’t explain what happened to their missing peer. As the young people slowly re-enter society, the pieces of their missing lives begin to falling into place and the mystery unfolds.

Librarians will find this heat-pounding suspense to be popular among teens who enjoy both a suspense thriller and an engaging memory mystery.

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

Published by Bloomsbury on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Every Exquisite Thing

EVERY EXQUISITE THING by Matthew Quick tells the coming-of-age story of a young adult transformed by a cult classic.

When Nanette befriends the recluse author of a cult classic, she begins to see the world in new ways. She starts dating, quits the soccer team, and rebels against her stereotypical suburban life. However, rebellion can be costly. Quick’s engaging writing style immerses readers in Nanette’s voyage of self-discovery.

Librarians will find teens drawn into this well-written story that combines classic teen angst and rebellion with emerging confidence and courage. Fans of realistic fiction and topics such as mental health will be lining up for this one. English teachers will enjoy the references to poetry and literature.

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

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Summer of Sloane

SUMMER OF SLOANE by Erin L. Schneider explores issues of betrayal, forgiveness, and romance during a summer in Hawaii.

When she learns that her best friend is pregnant with her boyfriend’s baby, Sloane uses a summer trip to Hawaii to distract her from their betrayal. However texts and voicemails are constant reminders of the mess she left behind making it difficult for her to enjoy a new romance.

Librarians will find a market for this book among readers who enjoy teen angst, romance, and complex friendships. Well-rounded characters and engaging plot twists make this a page-turner for teens who enjoy realistic fiction. Better than the standard romance fare, this work of contemporary fiction addresses issues of deception and forgiveness head-on.

To learn more about this author, go to http://www.erinlschneider.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 3, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Holding Smoke

HOLDING SMOKE by Elle Cosimano is a heart-pounding, young adult fantasy thriller.

After a near death experience, Smoke finds that he’s able to leave his body as a ghost and move among people without their knowledge. Behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit, Smoke uses this special ability to gather information that can keep him alive in the youth detention facility while also seeking clues that could set him free.

Librarians will find that complex character development, compelling plot twists, and interesting use of Smoke’s abilities will drawn in lovers of suspense as well as those who simply enjoy a good story. While the detention facility is portrayed more as a maximum security prison than a youth rehabilitation center, young adult readers will enjoy this fast-paced suspense. This selection will be very popular among teen boys, but will also appeal to young women who enjoy the hint of romance.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 3, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Great Falls

GREAT FALLS by Steve Watkins is a young adult novel exploring the relationship between a teen and his older brother who suffers from PTSD.

When high school football star Shane agrees to go on a camping trip with his older brother Jeremy, he soon realizes he’s in over his head. Military hero Jeremy is back from deployments in Iraq and suffering from the effects of this war experiences. A canoe, alcohol, and a rifle combine for a terrifying experience that escalates around every corner as Jeremy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

Watkins effectively balances the fast-paced, action with an authentic, somber examination of a suffering soldier dealing with life after war.

Librarians will find this gripping story of brotherhood to be popular among young men.

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

Published by Candlewick on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: You Were Here

YOU WERE HERE by Cori McCarthy tells the riveting tale of a group of teens on a graduation night quest.

On the fifth anniversary of her brother’s death, Jaycee revisits the playground where he died and decides to recreate his daredevil stunt. Caught in the act by her friends, the group sets out on an adventure to recreate Jake’s stunts. Told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Jaycee and her friends, readers are immersed in the lives of young adults coming-of-age.

What makes this title particularly compelling is the unusual ways characters expresses their story. For instance, some characters use visuals rather than narrative. While Bishop shares graffiti, Mik speaks through works of sequential art. These nontraditional approaches add engaging layers to the story.

Librarians will find that McCarthy’s writing style will appeal to young adult readers. The fast-paced plot will keep teens engaged from beginning to end. With a hint of romance, this contemporary story will appeal to most youth who enjoy realistic fiction. The strong character development and intriguing story make it one of the best picks of the season season.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever

THE GREATEST ZOMBIE MOVIE EVER by Jeff Strand is a quirky young adult novel celebrating horror film-making.

Although Justin’s previous horror films haven’t done the greatest on YouTube, he’s hoping that his latest zombie adventure will be a hit. Unfortunately, everything doesn’t go as planned and his movie is a disaster. However with a little creativity and he’s able to turn his zombie movie into something unique.

Strand’s engaging brand of humor and many movie references will attract teens who enjoy the idea of making a movie.

Librarians will find this title appeals to a niche audience who enjoy Strand and his approach. Keep in mind that this title isn’t a zombie horror, instead it’s a friendship story about a teen’s quest to make a movie. Look for an audience among youth who like quirk humor and movies.

To learn more about the author, go to https://jeffstrand.wordpress.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Unbecoming

UNBECOMING by Jenny Downham is a compelling work of realistic fiction focusing on family secrets and

three generations of women.

When Katie’s estranged grandmother suddenly moves into her home, the whole family must adjust to not only grandma’s dementia but also to long hidden family secrets. Multiple crises converge as Katie adjusts to a realization about her own sexuality, tries to understand her mother’s bizarre behavior, and wrestles with her younger brother’s special needs.

Downham’s beautifully written prose provides fascinating insights into the lives of a grandmother, mother, and teenaged daughter. This poignant, moving story will resonate with many teens.

Librarians will want to add this book to their growing collection of young adult novels focusing on multi-generational issues. Young adults are likely to enjoy the authentic look at aging, relationships, and family secrets.

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.