Review of "Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

OVERVIEW:
An epistolary novel, the reader receives letter after letter from Charlie, a ninth grade teen with an abounding curiosity and a crippling understanding of relationships. Although he is a sweet heart, Charlie is told up front by his crush, Sam, that she is too old for him and should not allow his feelings to get the better of him. He'll try, but of course emotions and love are never that simple. The torment and complexity of love, friendship and family are expressed in his letters--letters that reveal a dangerously troubled mind and anxious denial of the painful truth. In his attempts to overcome his vaguely described problem--one that sent him to the doctor as a child and has teachers still carefully observing his every move--Charlie seeks comfort and acceptance from his misguided friends. And while their kindness and true affection dull the pain, their own troubles might reawaken something he dearly hoped to forget.

RATING: (4 out of 5)
This story is a very emotional and provocative text. Charlie's thoughts are so rich and relatable for teens, especially though struggling with anxiety, depression, finding acceptance. However, not all teens may be able to empathize with the intelligent strait A tormented student. This text is definitely for highly mature readers on account of language, topics, and themes. I would not give this to my middle school child, and possibly not even my young high school child. I think 11th or 12th grade would be a safer age to suggest this text, but I would certainly advice caution to the reader about what is in store.

TO PARENTS:
As noted above, I do not think this is an acceptable text for middles school aged students. This text is consistent in foul language and sexual topics. Such sexual topics addressed are teen sexuality, teen sexual activity (including masturbation), abusive relationship, teen pregnancy, abortion, teen substance abuse, rape/molestation, depression and anxiety. I highly recommend taking the time to read this text before concluding to give this to your young reader, especially if you have any qualms or concerns. This text can really provide insight to the dark and painful truths of teens trapped in unhealthy relationships and habits, as well as the cognitive stressors mentors and parents might be unawares of. My feelings are very mixed about this book, but I found this text to be an impactful experience.

Review of "Zel" by Donna Napoli

OVERVIEW:
Mother. Zel. Conrad. Three people. Three perspectives. One story. For as long as Zel can remember it has just been her and Mother. But when a visit to town introduces Zel to Conrad, their brief interaction leads to love that will persevere through years of trial. Trial brought about by Mother, whose only desire is to keep her beloved daughter apart from the world and offer her a happiness she never knew in her own youth. But Mother will do anything to fulfill this wish, even if it might hurt the one she loves.

RATING: (4 out of 5)
Another fantastic retelling of the beloved fairy tale, Repunzel. This novel tells the story from three narrators: Zel--the young, spirited girl with a gift for animals; Mother--who has no other name as well as a dark secret; and Count Conrad--the star struct youth who is determined to follow his heart regardless of all obstacles. This story is told at an easy reading level and is a fun read for anyone. The psychological take on this novel challenges readers to consider the many sides of love, and how sometimes love pushes you to irrational decisions.

TO PARENTS:
This novel is a great read and one of my favorites as a young adult (~13 yr/old). The first person narration makes the story a quick read, one I just made in a day. The topics though, may need considering, as this story deals with spiritual trials (dealing with the devil), witchcraft, teen sex, and psychological distress. Wow! This book sounds for a much higher age than middle schoolers-but it's not as bad as you may think. Allow me to ease some concerns. I think 7+ grades would be fine handling this text, as Napoli handles these topics sensitively and does not go into depth. All of these are briefly insinuated and do not descriptively appear in the story (think Breaking Dawn but better). I didn't even realize the depth of this text until I could analyze it at an older age and recognized the subtle clues. As I always say: When in doubt, check it out! This quick read will allow you to quickly determine if your young reader is ready for this book, all the while  allowing you an enjoyable and thought provoking retelling of the stories we all grew up with.

Review of "Jellicoe Road" byMarlina Marchetta

OVERVIEW:
Hannah has been Taylor's saving grace since the day Taylor's mother left her at the 7-11 in Jellicoe. The last thing Taylor needed this year was for Hannah to up and disappear without a simple good bye. As Taylor is struggling to care for the girls in her House at the Jellicoe School, she has bigger problems demanding her attention. For one, she's been selected to lead the Jellicoe School underground unit in a decades long war for territory against the Townies and Cadet units, all the while attempting to avoid a coup from her unsatisfied House leaders. Second, the leader of the Cadets happens to be, Jonah Griggs, the boy who helped her run away three years ago to find her mother, but never explained why he called home behind her back calling off the whole trip. Thirdly, who is the boy in the tree haunting her dreams; who was the Hermit who whispered "Forgive me," before killing himself in front of her; who is the serial killer kidnapping kids by the pairs these past few years; and why do they all seem to have something in common with Hannah's novel? Hannah's story is just a story, right? Or do the five best friends in those tearful pages hold more truth than Taylor is prepared to know?

"Jellicoe Road" by M. Matchetta. PHOTO. Megan Bryant.

RATING: (4 out of 5)
This novel was heart-wrenching and kept me guessing around every corner. Taylor's story drew me in and Marchetta's story crafting is powerful. For a teen mystery I found this text exceptionally well written and multi-layered; I was continually uncovering secrets hidden throughout the text revealing themselves piece by piece. This text is really emotional, though, and handles heavy material not appropriate for some adolescents, which is why I'm noting giving this a five star blessing. Overall, I believe this is a must read when readers are ready, and I hope it touches their hearts regarding the joys and pains of relationships between family, friends, and lovers.

TO PARENTS:
As I mentioned, this text deals with some very mature and difficult topics. These topics include teen sexual relationships and pregnancies, children recalling and describing moments of abuse (as children by adults), drug and alcohol (influence/destruction in family), suicide and homicide. These are not described in great detail but with enough that the reader gets the gist. There are also several moments of language during emotionally intense conflicts, (I believe the F* bomb appears less than five times--I forgot to count; all the same it appears). I heavily suggest reading this novel with or before your young reader to prepare for any questions, as well as to determine whether this is a good fit for them. I think this is a moving story and subtle enough for many high school students. I would not hand this to middle school students unless you are certain they are prepared and confident handling such a read.

Review of "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

OVERVIEW:

The sibling rivalry between Jude and Noah began with their birth, twins vying for the affection and pride of their mother. However, their tight conspiracy is quickly curdled as Noah's artistic feats steal the awe of their mother, while Jude falls in the shadows, too shy to show her mother her own majestic creations. However, while the thirteen year old twins strive to break their ties, three years past finds them regretting the emotional scars formed by their sudden and mysterious separation. While quiet and shy Noah struggles to understand his attraction to his charismatic friend, Brian, Jude tries to wrestle with the ghosts disrupting her peace and the haunting suspicion that she is responsible for everything falling apart.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. PHOTO. Megan Bryant.

RATING: (4 out of 5)

This novel is heart breaking and insightful into the stress and confusion of being a teenager. From identity, to acceptance, to forgiveness, I'll Give You the Sun wrestles with some difficult topics of family and growing up. As much as I enjoyed this text, I feel the relationships are overshadowed by the teens' romantic impulses causing a theatrical distortion of love and romance. However, I have had one friend insist it was a fairly accurate depiction of teen perceptions of love. So I will leave it up to you to decide.

TO PARENTS:
This novel discusses sexual identity and discovery among teens--although it is a far cry from a romance novel. Besides this there is extra-marital affairs, teen drinking, suicide and depression. The parents in this novel are not picture perfect, but considering the marital conflict I believe this text gives a fair portrayal of both sides of the story. Nelson avoided creating a villain in this text and relies on the honest struggles of life to unfold the story. I found it insightful and it forced me to stop and reconsider any presuppositions I held before the story. I would consider reading this first if you are unsure whether your child is ready for the topics discussed; but I believe this would be a great text to use as a spring board to begin discussing those difficult topics with your adolescents. For more information I highly recommend you look into my digital essay about the text. You can find it under Mrs. Bryant's Text Inspired Projects along the left column or follow the link.

Review of "Hate That Cat" by Sharon Creech

OVERVIEW:

Hate That Cat follows a discussion between Jack and his favorite teacher Miss Stretchberry. Jack is thrilled to have her as his English teacher again but finds himself facing new struggles with his parents, his Uncle Billy, and the mean black cat in his neighborhood. As Jack's story unfolds, your heart melts and you find yourself questioning, growing, and learning right beside him. And in the end you might see a new side of that mean black cat you didn't understand before.

Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech. PHOTO. Megan Bryant

RATING: ( 5 of 5)

Hate That Cat is the sequel to Love That Dog, and just like the first novel, I was in tears at the end of the second. Sharon Creech has written these novels in free verse and reveals a moving and heart rendering story in such a quick and unique way. I believe many readers can identify with Jack's love for a pet, as well as adapting to new and stranger changes. This text not only deals with learning about poetry and bragging about one's favorite things, but goes deeper into family relationships, taking pride in the things we initially are embarrassed for, and standing up for your loved ones. Though so short and so easy to read, Creech has once again written a novel that strikes to the core and makes you hug the book when you reach the end.

TO PARENTS:

This is another of those texts I have no qualms in suggesting you and child to read. Sharon Creech is a master of literature and evokes empathy for her characters like few authors I have come across. The stories are moving and emotional, but clean and safe to share with any age. I find this to be a novel you read again and again, and each read touches your heart in a new way. You can easily read this book aloud in around an hour; verse novels tend to be quick and easy to read. I hope you enjoy this novel and that it touches your heart.

VLOG Review of "Smile" Raina Telgemeier

Below is a Vlog of my review for Smile by Raina Telgemeier. Smile is a graphic memoir and won the Will Eisner award for Best Teen Publication in 2011. The memoir follows Raina's trials as a youth undergoing extensive dental surgery on account of a terrible misfortune in Middle School. We follow her maturity through Junior High to High School, where she learns that best confidence one can have is to believe in oneself and surround oneself with people who respect and cherish you.

RATING: (4 out of 5)

Enjoyable and relatable, I find this text applicable to many youths' struggles with identity and acceptance. This text is clean, great pictures, no vulgarity or swearing; and this memoir identifies key honest struggles youth undergo growing up.

TO PARENTS:

This is a great non-fiction, and I have no fears or warnings about this text. This novel is appropriate for any middle school or high school student. It is a quick read and highlights empathy, self respect, and over coming common social  conflicts. I enjoy that this novel portrays a positive family structure, one that is realistic and presents caring responsible parents. This is a great novel to give your young readers, and I hope they will enjoy Raina's story.

Review of "Fake ID" by Walter Sorrells

OVERVIEW:
   Chastity Pureheart. The first female name in a novel Chass' mom pulled from the library book shelf. The name Chass has gone by for the past few years because she doesn't even know her real name. For as long as Chass has lived, she and her mother have lived town to town, suitcase to suitcase. She doesn't know when or why her mother chooses to ditch town. But on Chass' sixteenth birthday, her mom decides it's time to disappear again. Except this time, Chass is left behind. With the threat of foster care looming over her, mysterious drive-bys and investigators, Chass has only one week to figure out who she is, where her mom went, and what they have been running from for all these years. It might lead her to the truth. It might lead her to her death.

Fake ID: Walter Sorrells. PHOTO. Megan Bryant.

RATING: (2 out of 5)
   This book was exciting, I will give it that. I wanted to know what was happening, who Chass really was, what her mom had gotten them into. However, the language, the lack of positive adults, and the overwhelmingly cheesy plot line outweigh my surface enjoyment. The characters underwent little growth and all the adults in the novel were deceitful, incompetent, or malicious. And I mean ALL THE ADULTS. There was little reason for some of the characters' actions, and the entire plot could have been resolved before the story even began. For a mystery, it entertained me. But as a piece of literature I am disappointed. I certainly would suggest a better written story with more positive role models.



TO PARENTS:
   As I said: Language. Poor Plot. Incompetent and Deceitful Adults--ALL OF THEM. And overall a poorly written novel. While the mystery is exciting and as a work of fiction keeps you wondering, I can't help but suggest this for mature and light reading. I would not give this to adolescents who need little encouragement imagining that every adult in their life is ignorant or evil. I believe that more positive role models are necessary in YA literature to encourage appropriate perspectives of the real world as well as seeking help from adults in times of need. This book certainly is not one that encourages positive adult-child relationships. If your child is mature and confident in the adults in his/her life, then I admit it is a catchy read. But if you choose to glance over this novel in choice of something more polished and realistic for your young reader, then I can promise they are not missing much.