High School Reads!

by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel This book is Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy like you have never seen it!  If you are familiar with the Little Women story, there are elements of this story that you will recognize in this modern retelling.  However, there are also some twists and turns that readers familiar with the story won't be expecting...so be prepared!  The March girls are an exuberant bunch and are each trying to figure out who they are and where they belong in the world.

by Laurie Halse Anderson Genre:  Memoir, Novel in Verse Laurie Halse Anderson's life changed forever at the age of 13 when she was raped by a boy she trusted.  She turned her pain and struggles into words by first writing Speak which was followed by other novels.  Shout is Anderson's real life story about who she is and how she recovered from the rape and other traumatic events of her childhood.  This book allows her voice and the power of her words to be fully heard.  This book is about hope for anyone who has ever felt lost.

by A.S. King Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Paranormal 5 teenagers with 5 separate lives...the Shoveler, the Freak, Loretta, CanIHelpYou, and Malcolm are all trying to figure out who they are and what their place is in their family.  All 4 have separate and unique stories and struggles.  The Shoveler doesn't fit in anywhere and he and his mom move around a lot.  The Freak has no friends and flashes from one setting to the next.  Loretta lives in a circus wagon with her pet fleas and parents who don't know how to take care of her or each other.  CanI HelpYou is busy selling weed through the drive-thru window at Arby's. Malcolm's dad is dying of cancer and Malcolm doesn't know what life will be without him. What could these 5 teenagers possibly have in common?

by Angie Thomas Lexile:  550 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Bri wants to be a famous rapper like her father was before he was killed.  She barely knew him, but has grown up in the shadow of what he could have become.  Life hasn't been easy for Bri, her mom and her brother.  Her mom is a recovering addict and there never seems to be enough money to cover the bills.  When Bri records a song about her views on life, there are people who take it and run with their own interpretations.  Bri thought that by recording a hit rap, she might be able to change her family's life for the better, but now she isn't sure what to do as school protests and gang tensions are ramping up.  Bri just wants to follow her dream.