High School Reads!

by Gary D. Schmidt Lexile: 740 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Jack is about to meet his new foster brother, Joseph.  He doesn't know much about him other then these three things:     1) Joseph almost killed a teacher.     2) Joseph has been locked up in a juvenile detention center.     3) Joseph has a daughter who he has never seen. Jack doesn't know what it is going to be like to live with Joseph and at first it is difficult.  But over time, Joseph begins to trust Jack and as he starts to feel more comfortable, Joseph begins to open up about his life.  Jack is determined to show Joseph that their are good people in the world that will have his back, no matter what...

by Jennifer Niven Lexile:  830 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Violet and Theodore...two high school seniors whose paths have crossed while they are both standing on top of a bell tower for different reasons.  Theodore is there because he is exploring ways that he might die.  Violet is there contemplating a way to escape the constant pain of living with her older sister's death.  It's really unclear who actually saves who that day, but both of them climb down and begin a friendship that will change both of their lives forever.

by Sabaa Tahir Lexile:  680 Genre:  Fantasy Laia has a great life.  She lives with her grandparents and her beloved older brother.  Her grandfather is training her to be a healer.  But one night, the Martial Empire comes, slaughters her grandparents and takes her brother hostage.  Laia escapes only to be captured by a resistance fighter.  They are willing to bargain with her.  If she spies at Blackcliff, where the Empire's soldiers are trained, they will help get her brother out of prison.  But, if she is discovered, the penalty is death.  Laia doesn't see any other way out.  When she goes under cover as a slave, she meets Elisas, who is a solider at Blackcliff.  Neither of them are truly free and they are going to need each other if they are both to survive.