After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

I've said it before, and I'll say it again- Jordan Sonnenblick is one of my all time favourite authors! Each book I have read by him (click on the tabs to find them all) made me laugh and cry within the same book- often on the same page.

This book- After Ever After is the sequel to Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. I've read several books that deal with the horror of dealing with cancer, but never have I read one that deals with life after cancer. This book- does that.

Jefferey had cancer when he was 5 years old, but now- he is in grade 8 and is cancer free. Life should be great right? Well, anybody who has gone through grade 8 knows it is a tough year. Girls, friends, school- it's a tough go. Added to that are the ramifications of the cancer treatments that have left math a real challenge for Jefferey. Plus his older brother Steven who has always been there for him has taken off to Africa. Then there is his best friend Tad- also a cancer survivor who deals with his issues with sarcasm. Finally there is Lindsey- the new girl in school who for some reason Jefferey can't quite figure out seems to want to spend time with him.

This book has it all- topics for girls, boys, teachers, parents. Just read it- you won't be disappointed! You don't need to read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie first- but I would suggest you go and buy all of Sonnenblick's books- they are the best!

Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick

Sonnenblick has got to be one of my most favourite authors. I love his sense of humour. His previous two books I read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie and Zen and the Fine Art of Faking It had me laughing and crying often on the same page. The characters he creates really speak to me, they seem so alive.

In Notes from the Midnight Driver, we meet Alex, a good kid who is just fed up with his parents divorce and one night makes a big mistake. His punishment for this mistake is to work with Sol, a cranky old man who is living his last days in a nursing home making everyone miserable. As the relationship grows between Alex and Sol, Alex slowly learns to take responsibility for his actions and learns a great deal about life as well.

One of the most appealing things about Sonnenblick's writing is how his characters are very involved with music. It isn't often that young adult writers write about kids (boys?) with a passion for the arts. I know many boys are looking for themselves in what they read, and I think they will find it here. Coupled with the awkwardness of a first love, Alex has so many characteristics that I see in the boys in my classroom. His books are just begging to be read.

Any of his books would be great for Literature Circles, Read Alouds or Independent Reading. I know I'll pick up anything I see by him.

Zen and the art of faking it by Jordan Sonnenblick

Last summer, I found this author Sonnenblick and read his book Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie (http://whatchareading-kerry.blogspot.com/2009/07/drums-girls-and-dangerous-pies-by.html) and was very impressed with his witty writing. I ordered a few more of his books and this is the first chance I've had to read the next one.

Zen and the Art of Faking It is also very witty. I love how Sonnenblick writes a really compelling story, while at the same time having very believable characters.

San Lee is a teenager who has moved around the country a lot. He knows how to fit in and he usually creates a different personality for each new school he goes to. When he lands in Pennsylvania, he has no idea who he is and decides to fake his new personality. San goes to amazing depths to be the new person, but all the while, he is hiding who he really is.

Being a teenage boy, San meets a girl who he falls hard for. But the problem is he is wondering if she likes him for who he is pretending to be, or who he really is. As she shares all of her life with him, she starts resenting the fact that he doesn't share who he is. San has his reasons, but he is afraid to open up and tell her about his past.

I found San to be such a likable character, he made me laugh out loud while I was reading and rooting for him and all of his crazy schemes.

I think both boys and girls would like this story, there is something in there for everyone.