Faking Normal by Courtney Stevens

I discovered this new author the way I seem to always find new authors these days...on Twitter.  I ordered this book right away and I'm so glad I did. 

Faking Normal is not an easy read, Faking Normal is the story of Alexi, a young girl living with the secret of what happened between her and a boy by her pool over a year ago. Alexi has told nobody, and nobody seems to understand why she has changed so much.  But when Bodee, a social outcast at school moves in with her family, Alexi starts to discover that living with her secret is slowly killing her.  But how can she learn to trust again?  And is Bodee really the person she can trust? 

I loved this book, it is a bit mature- I actually called the mom of a girl in grade 8 when I thought she might like to read it to let her know about the content.  Even with the mature bits, it is such a great story.  I loved both Alexi and Bodee and their stories continue to live with me. 

The Lies about Truth by Courtney Stevens

I've found a new favourite author- Courtney Stevens writes books that are so well written and so believable that I start one of her books and cannot put it down until I finish it!  I read Faking Normal a few weeks ago (and apparently didn't blog about it) and ordered The Lies About Truth immediately.  I started it last night before bed and finished it this morning- it was that good! 

The Lies About Truth is the story of Sadie Kingston who is trying to find her way after a devastating accident that left her scarred and living without her best friend who died in the same car accident.  Sadie is such a wonderful character, Courtney Stevens describes her anguish and issues in such a way that makes the read not only root for her, but feel her pain at the same time.  Sadie is stuck in the feelings of guilt and anger towards her friends who were with her during the accident and trying to live with her new normal of how she looks.  The only person who really seems to understand her is her best friends younger brother Max.  But Max moved out of the country a month after the accident, and while they grew really close by email, now that he is moving back, Sadie is afraid of how he will feel when he sees her.  Sadie has a list of seemingly impossible things to accomplish before she can move on with her life.  Things like: drive a car again, wear a tank top that will show her scars, forgive Gina and Gray and kiss someone without flinching.  Sadie has a big job ahead of her, but only by accomplishing things on the list can she really start to live again. 

Loved this book!  I can't wait to share it with kids at my school. 

Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens

Back in May I read the book Faking Normal  and immediately looked online to see what else she had written, and that's when I ordered Dress Codes for  Small Towns. 

This is a really interesting book- lots to discover below the surface of the story.  The story is set in Kentucky, and the main character is Billie, a teenager whose father is the town preacher.  Having a father in this role is very difficult for Billie.  She is a tomboy who, with her group of friends "the Hexagons" stir up lots of trouble whenever they are together.  Billie is also discovering love, she's not sure if she loves her best friend Woods, or her other best friend, Janie Lee.  She is questioning her sexuality, her faith and what it means to love.  Throughout all of this, Billie is fiercely loyal to her friends,  and her community. 

This book is complex, the things Billie is grappling with are things I see in many students in my school.  It does deal with mature concepts, but I also think it is an important book for kids to read.  I'm looking forward to sharing it with some of the kids at school.