Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

I really like Halse Anderson books. She has a real edge to her, and deals with some heavy issues that some teens face. I always think of her as an author more for girls, but she has proved me wrong with Twisted.

In Twisted, we meet Tyler Miller, he is a senior in high school who until last year was basically ignored by most people. At the end of last year, he pulled a stupid prank and was busted by the police. After serving his community service, he is ready to put it all behind him and finish his last year in high school. What he finds when he starts back to school is that people look at him differently, he is a bit more sought after by some of the more popular kids. It seems that his run in with the law makes him a person of interest.

When the girl of his dreams starts paying attention to him, Tyler is at a real loss. He doesn't feel that he has changed at all and can't figure out why she is talking to him. Even worse, her brother has always been Tyler's biggest enemy and doesn't like the attention Tyler is getting- from anybody. Throw in the fact that this brother and sister's father happens to be his father's boss- things get a little out of control.

Tyler's family is also a bit dysfunctional. His father is very angry at Tyler, his boss, his wife, and the world in general. He isn't a very likable man. Tyler's mother tries to make excuses, but Tyler is quickly realizing that becoming an adult means seeing your parents for who they really are. Not who you want them to be.

Tyler's new popularity gets him invited to parties, but going to these parties leads to more trouble for him. When he gets into more trouble, his past actions suddenly come back and make things very difficult for him.

This is a great story that can really be used to show kids how one bad decision can affect the rest of your life. It also really showcases families in trouble and the support that kids need to grow up. This book is really more appropriate for high school students, or mature Intermediate students. It sure would be good for some discussions as well.

The Lottery by Beth Goobie

Life at Saskatoon Collegiate is normal. Lots of teenagers involved in all sorts of stuff. Sal Hansen is a grade 10 student who is happy with her life. She has some good friends, is involved in music, and is awkward around most boys.

But, all that changes when she receives the dreaded scroll. The scroll is feared by all students at SC. The scroll is delivered by the Shadow Council- a secret club made up of the popular kids at school. When you receive the only scroll in early September, you know that your life is about to change. This scroll means that you become the 'winner', the person who is shunned and ignored by the rest of the school population for a whole year. You must do what the Shadow Council demands whenever and whatever they command you to do.

The year Sal receives the scroll, she quickly learns who her true friends are and the personal strength she carries within herself.

This book is a bit edgy with some mature bits, but the story is well worth the read.

Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell

This short story is about the war in Vietnam- something I'm not sure many kids can relate to today. This book does a great job explaining the changing feelings many American's had for this war.

The story is told through Jamie Dexter, a 12, almost 13 year old Army daughter. Jamie has grown up with her father serving in the army. She has lived all over the world and spent hours playing war games with her brother. When her brother enlists to fight in Vietnam, she couldn't be more proud. She would sign up with him if she was old enough. What Jamie is confused about is her father's reluctance to let him go, her mother's silent acceptance and the strangest thing of all, the pictures her brother sends her from Vietnam.

On one hand, the story is about war and dealing with that, but then there is also Jamie growing up and trying to win her father's approval. For this bit alone, the story is well worth reading. The relationship between Jamie and her father is complex and very typical of a father-daughter relationship. The Colonel is a typical army man, a man who is constantly surrounded by strong male characters. It is easy to see why Jamie feels less valued than her brother and why she works so hard to have a relationship with her dad.

I liked this book, the battle Jamie went through in learning that war isn't all glamor and heroics is a lesson many kids need to face even today.

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.

My Story: A Tudor Girl's Diary 1553-1559 Bloody Tower by VAlerie Wilding

I really love history and I really love books that spin tales of people who lived during important historical times. This book is the story of a young girl who lives in the Tower of London just after King Henry VIII has died.

At the start of the story, Tilly is a 12 year old girl who is living her life as the oldest daughter of the Tower's doctor. She doesn't understand all of the political drama that is swirling around her. As she tries to figure it out, she writes down her thoughts, ideas and impressions of the people around her. When she finds a secret letter, she is suddenly swept into the drama.

I have read several books about this time and still find all of the names and fights for power to be very confusing. I'm not sure how a younger reader would follow this story. It is an interesting concept, but unless a reader had a strong desire to learn more about the history of England, I'm not sure they would stick with this book.

Gentlemen by Michael Northrop

I don't usually choose a book by its cover, but this one, with a boy in a body bag grabbed my attention right away.

Gentlemen tells the story of four boys from the wrong side of the track. They are beaten down by their home life, school and their peers. They have found friends in each other and are just trying to survive through high school until they can graduate and start working.

At school, most of the teachers treat them with disdain, not putting any effort into teaching them anything useful. It appears to the boys that the teachers just don't think they are worth the bother. The exception to this is Mr. Haberman, their English teacher. He treats them with respect, always calling them 'Gentlemen'.

One day, one of the boys loses it in school and when he is sent to the office, he isn't seen again. Not by his mom, his friends or his cousins. It isn't unusual for him to disappear, it is just that usually someone knows he has taken off. Things start to get out of control when the boys left behind start wondering where he is gone. Coupled with the story they are reading in English "Crime and Punishment", and the strange way Mr. Haberman is acting, the boys start to suspect that Mr. Haberman had something to do with the disappearance.

This book is pretty gritty. I found it hard to read sometimes- I think it is best that I don't know what goes through the mind of a teenage boy. The main character, Michael, is likable in many parts, but at times he is vulgar and rude. I did however find myself sympathizing with the boys when Mr. Haberman went on and on about the book they were reading. I could totally understand why the boys hated reading after listening to him state his interpretation of the book.

I'm not really sure I would recommend this book to anyone. It was a pretty depressing read in places.

Raven Summer by David Almond

I am the first to admit that I am not a fan of Almond's writing. His book Skeling was just creepy- although I know many of my friends who have similar reading tastes enjoy his books. The plot of this one intrigued me (growing up, child soldiers, foster care) so I figured I would give it a try.

One of the things that disturbs me about Almond's writing is that the childhood he writes about is always very dark and this book is no exception. He has a very bleak view of childhood and I find that I can't relate to the dark side of childhood, it isn't what I experienced at all and I really wonder if other kids can relate to his writing.

Raven Summer starts off very light, Liam is a boy who is verging on the edge of adulthood, but is still holding onto his boyhood traditions of playing war and make believe even while his friends are becoming interested in music, girls and other grown up things.

When Liam and his friend Max are out playing one day, they find an abandoned baby in a field. Knowing it is the right thing to do, they take the baby to Liam's home where his parents quickly take over, calling in all the proper agencies. The baby is soon taken to a foster home in the city. When Liam goes to visit the baby, he meets with two other kids his age who are in the foster system as well. Oliver, who is looking for refuge status and Crystal, a girl with many problems of her own. The bond between these three is strong and they become friends and visit whenever they can.

In between visits, Liam and Max are growing apart. Max is growing up, and Liam is content to stay the course. Then there is their childhood friend Nattrass who is very focused on the many acts of violence in the world. When the friends meet up with Nattrass one night, they all start to question who they are and what kind of person they want to be.

As I am writing this, I am realizing all the different issues that are brought up in this story, but aren't fully developed.

One other note; the book is set in England and there are a few spots where the 'Englishness' comes through. Younger readers may need some guidance in these spots.

Once again, I find myself not really enjoying David Almond's writing. I would love to hear what others think about his writing.