Review: The Honest Truth

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marc is sick. Mark has been sick for a long time, and doesn't know how much more he can take. He's been dealing with cancer throughout his whole childhood and has decided he is done fighting. Marc and his dog Beau are leaving - forever. It has been Marc's dream to climb Mt. Rainier and he will get there or die trying to.

I wasn't even sure I was going to read it when I bought it for the library, and then something kept drawing me to it. I'm so glad I did. This book brought me to tears. A boy and his dog - that's all you need to get started, the words on the page will do the rest. I am excited to recommend this book to all students! I know some boys and girls who will love it! Don't pass it up.

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Review: Sweet

Sweet by Emmy Laybourne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurel and her best friend Viv will be spending a week on a luxury cruise which is launching a brand new sweetener that promises fast weight loss. Solu is going to be launched to the public at the end of the cruise while during this week all passengers get advanced access to have Solu.

Tom is a childhood actor who was known as "baby Tom-Tom" and being overweight. He is 19, fit and trim, and covering the publicity for the cruise and Solu. Both Tom and Laurel opt to not take Solu. Laurel has been seasick since the start of the trip and Tom is worried it will mess with his already strict diet and workout schedule. Viv (Laurel's best friend) is taking it and is feeling great.

The book is told from both Laurel & Tom's point of view. They don't know each other when the ship takes to sea, but eventually end up meeting and are interested in each other. As Laurel & Tom's relationship begins to develop so does the passengers appetite for Solu. The wonder sweetener begins to resemble something more like an addictive drug which makes passengers start to behave erratic.

The book begins as a dream trip and focuses on fun reality stars, lavish food and a beautiful ship. If you like the luxury lifestyle, pop culture and some horror mixed in - this is the book for you!

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Review: Honor Girl: A Graphic Memoir

Honor Girl: A Graphic Memoir by Maggie Thrash
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A memoir told in in graphic novel format replays Maggie's life as a young girl who went to a sleep away camp every year. Maggie has an encounter with older counselor Erin during a lice check and develops feelings for Erin.

Maggie struggles with fitting in at camp, but feels most comfortable during rifle shooting. Maggie is unsure if Erin feels the same about her - plus the age difference is 4 years.

When Maggie is 17 she reunites with Erin. Read on to find out what happens.

A good memoir that is honest. Because of strong language, I cannot support putting this in my school library, but it may be available at the public library for checkout.

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Review: All American Boys

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rashaad and Quinn are both high school seniors who attend the same school, but do not know each other. They have a friend in common named English who is on the basketball team with Quinn and English has been Rashaad's best friend since they were kids. Rashaad is African American and Quinn is Caucasian. Both young men getting ready for a Friday night party.

The book is told from each boy's perspective switching off every chapter sectioned off by a day of the week. Rashaad is going into a convenient store to buy a bag of chips before meeting his friends. Quinn outside of the store waiting to ask someone to buy him beer to bring to the party. And then everything in their world changes.

Rashaad in the store leaning down to get his phone, a women behind him who doesn't know he is there falls backward over him, a police officer in the store, a man behind the counter who thinks Rashaad is trying to steal the chips. Chaos erupts and Rashaad ends up handcuffed and dragged out to the sidewalk where he faces an intense, could be deadly, police beating.

Quinn sees it all unfold on the sidewalk, and when the police officer's face is in view is when Quinn realizes it is his best friend's older brother, Paul.

A community, school and friendships will be tested, questioned and ended in this story. A story that unfortunately is too real today. I would suggest this book for high school and higher - could be an excellent, teachable moment in classrooms if your school will allow a book with such a high use of language.

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Review: I am J

I am J by Cris Beam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meet J, born as a female but knows he is a boy. Readers will be introduced to J's world and his discovery of realizing who he is, transgender. J has a best friend Melissa who is interested in a career as a professional dancer, but struggles with cutting. As J becomes more confident about who is, it begins to cause problems at home with his parents. J soon moves in with Melissa and her mother while things play out at home. J also begins to attend an alternative school especially for LGBTQ students. All takes place during J's senior year in high school. Will J move back home, go to college, continue to This book is honest and real. If you know someone who is transgender, I believe it would be an emotionally connecting book. The back of the book also include excellent references for support as well.

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Review: This One Summer

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wish I could put this book on our shelf. However, I believe the reality of the conversations in the book as well as realistic language how teens and tweens speak when adults aren't around, could make for some unhappy parents.

Rose and her family go to a cottage every summer. This graphic novel depicts what it is like to grow up as a young girl. Rose is changing from child to young adult and isn't "stupid" to her parent's problems.

A quick read, realistic in nature and very honest. Don't be fooled by the language and content in the book, it's realistic and similar conversations are taking place away from adult ears.

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Review: The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story

The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story by Vivek J. Tiwary
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to enjoy this book so much more! I intended on purchasing it for my junior high, but there is now way I can put it in my collection. Too many swear words and inappropriate comments throughout out to either offend and/or distract my students from hearing the story of Brian Epstein "fifth Beatle."

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Review: Ghosts

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raina Telgemeier does it again! Fans of Smile, Sisters & Drama will not be disappointed by her newest graphic novel. Set in California, Cat & little sister Maya recently moved to a town that is windy and only sees sun 65 days a year. Cat struggles with making friends while Maya is a young, fun girl who brings a breath of fresh air to any situation. The purpose of their move was for Maya who has cystic fibrosis. A serious take on illness and the uncertainty of death, but told in a fun way incorporating ghosts and Day of the Dead celebrations which is huge part of the community in which they live.

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Indian Prairie Library Writing Contest

Indian Prairie Library - writing contest options:

Option 1 - Grades 7-12
Submissions for original short stories, poetry, and song lyrics. A cash prize will be awarded to a winner in each category. All details and entry forms can be found on our website at writeon.ippl.info Entries will be accepted through Saturday, Oct. 22.

Option 2 - Grades 5-6
Students can enter submissions for original short stories and poetry. A $25 gift card for Barbara's Bookstore will be awarded to a winner in each category. The entry forms can be found on our website at http://ippl.info/calendar-events/ages/mid-kids Entries will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 31.

Review: Frida & Diego: Art, Love, Life

Frida & Diego: Art, Love, Life by Catherine Reef
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hope some of my junior high students choose to read this biography for a book report assignment. Very interesting life of Friday & Diego, both famous artists, and how they became married. Catherine Reef's narrative about married life, political interests and of course their lives as artists is told more like a story. Many photos and pictures of their art.

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Review: I Am Princess X

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always struggle with trying to find a good, strong mystery for our junior high library. Even though this is classified as a YA book, it is appropriate for grades 7 & 8. Appropriate language and the way the story is told is fun! Libby and May were best friends who created stories about Princess X. May did the writing while Libby drew the adventures until one night Libby and her mother were killed driving off a bridge. May, now 16, is alone and still morns the loss of her best friend. While visiting her dad in Seattle, she sees a Princess X sticker. Nobody knew about Princess X except Libby, May and their parents. Is it possible that Libby is still alive?

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