Book Review: The Killer in Me

THE KILLER IN ME by Margot Harrison is a young adult thriller filled with nightmares and visions.

Nina has nightmares about a serial killer. To determine whether her visions are true, she decides to track the supposed killer and at the same time learn about her past. However her shocking discoveries hit close to home.

Librarians will find an audience of this psychological suspense among teens who enjoy a heart-pounding mystery. With lots of twists and turns, readers will be drawn into this fast-paced story.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on July 12, 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: Honor Girl

HONOR GIRL: A GRAPHIC MEMOIR by Maggie Thrash tells the story of first love at an all-girl summer camp.

Maggie spends her summers at Camp Bellflower in Kentucky. From music to target shooting, she experiences the typical drama of summer friendships. However, the summer she turns 15, Maggie falls for a 19-year-old camp counselor. Camp rumors and melodrama don’t diminish her experience of first love.

Using flashbacks to her time in summer camp, the author skillfully weaves a story of self-discovery and young love. She also reminds readers that it’s impossible to revisit the past. Although the book explores a lesbian relationship, Thrash’s portrayal of teen angst and struggles with sexuality are universal themes.

The colorful drawings will appeal to the young adult audience. Librarians will find HONOR GIRL to be a popular addition to the growing number of quality graphic memoirs for young adults.

Learn more about the author at http://www.maggiethrash.com/.

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.

Website Review: Teen Ink

TEEN INK is website that encourages youth to express themselves through poetry, essays, stories, reviews, art, and photography.

For more than 25 years, the nonprofit group The Young Authors Foundation has provided a website, magazine, and books all written by teens for teens. Aimed at young adults ages 13 through 19, the website works with English and Art teachers to encourage teens to submit their work for publication.

The website is divided into nine sections.

The Poetry section is organized into free verse, song lyrics, sonnets, haiku, limericks, and ballads. Users can view the works by today’s best, top voted, most discussed, or more recent.

The Fiction section includes action-adventure, fan fiction, historical fiction, realistic fiction, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, scripts/plays, and thriller/mystery.

The Nonfiction section is divided into types such as memoir, interviews, and essays. There’s also a hot issues section with topics such as bullying, environment, and health.

The Reviews section provides book, movie, music, TV, and video game reviews. Summer program and college reviews are also posted.

The Forums section provides two areas for youth to interact. There’s a writer’s workshop as well as regular forums.

The Art/Photo section posts artwork by medium and the Video section posts video work by theme.

The Summer Program section helps youth identify summer programs of interest across subject areas and the College Guide section features resources to help youth learn about college and university options.

In addition to the main sections, a Submit Work area provides guidelines and suggestions for youth wishing to submit their work, a Contests area features opportunities across writing and art genre, and the Other Teen Ink Goodies links provide many additional resources and opportunities.

Teen Ink also features a Library Advisory Board that serve as volunteer liaisons and advisors. This is a great way to get involved at the national level.

Finally, be sure to make use of the many social media features infused into the website including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Librarians may wish to suggest this website to youth seeking to get their work published. It’s also a great source for short creative and nonfiction works for reading activities.

To learn more, go to the website at http://www.teenink.com/.

Book Review: Mosquitoland

MOSQUITOLAND by David Arnold follows the gripping journey of a teen runaway on a thousand mile quest to visit her mother.

From mental illness and substance abuse to divorce and evolving relationships, this well-written, young adult novel offers the full range of emotions alternating between moments of hilarious self-discovery and overwhelming melancholy. Through interesting narrative, snarky monologues and heartfelt letters, Mim reveals layers of her personality and an engaging backstory that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Arnold’s quirky characters and witty narrative will appeal to teens seeking a contemporary novel with depth. Mim’s doubts about her own stability and confusion about her relationship with adults will strike a cord with many teen readers.

Librarians are always looking for works of realistic fiction that contain the depth of emotion that many teen readers seek. Mim’s journey and specifically her struggle to understand her own sanity will be a draw for the ya audience.

Road stories represent a popular sub-genre for teens. Add this to your library’s collection of books that reflect both physical and spiritual journeys.

Published by Viking March 3, 2015.