High School Reads!

by Jarrett Krosoczka Lexile:  GN510 Genre:  Memoir, Graphic Novel Through the illustrations in this graphic novel, Jarrett shares the story of his childhood that began when he lived with his mother who was a heroin addict.  Eventually, his grandfather petitioned for custody of him as his mother was in and out of jail and rehab for most of his young life.  Jarrett had his struggles living with his grandparents as well, but they were able to provide him a more stable life and were able to support him in his dream of becoming an artist.  Hey, Kiddo is the true story of how Jarrett lost his mother, found his father, and dealt with a lifetime of family addiction.

by Maggie Thrash Genre:  Fantasy, Graphic Novel Maggie doesn't know what has happened to her life...it feels as if everything is collapsing.  She's flunking the 11th grade and feels trapped in her depressing surroundings.  Her mother barely sees her and her father is at work all the time.  The only thing Maggie really cares about is her cat so when he disappears one day, Maggie feels like she has lost everything.  When she sets out to find her cat, Maggie is not prepared for what she does find.  Will Maggie be able to turn her life around?

by Julia Walton Lexile:  780 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Adam sees and hears people that aren't there.  Adam has a difficult time distinguishing between what is real and what is not.  Adam is schizophrenic.  He has recently started a new experimental drug trial and is hopeful that it will help calm the things he is hearing and seeing.  He has made a fresh start at a new school, has met a new friend, and above all wants to keep his illness a secret from everyone.  Adam's story unfolds in a series of journal entries to his therapist that will allow readers a glimpse into all that goes on in his mind. 

by Lygia Day Penaflor Genre:  Realistic Fiction Miri, Soleil, and Penny are huge fans of Fatima Ro's, the author of the Undertow book that they can't get enough of.  When they have the opportunity to attend her book signing and meet her in person, they make sure that they are the last ones in line so that they get a chance to speak with her.  She invites them to come to a talk at a coffee shop and they can hardly believe that Fatima wants to be friends with them!  Jonah is a new boy at school who is very quiet and seems to be hiding something.  Soleil is interested in getting to know more about Jonah and Fatima encourages her to do so.  However, as their real lives are unfolding, so is the plot of Fatima's next book.  And when it is published, the girls and Jonah are left to wonder whether or not they should have trusted Fatima the way they did....

by Adrienne Kisner Lexile:  590 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Brynn Harper's life is anything but normal.  She hates being at home with her mother and stepfather and school has become a nightmare too now that she and her girlfriend have broken up.  The one constant in her life is her hero, Rachel Maddow.  As an English assignment, Brynn starts writing drafts of emails to Rachel that she never intends to send, but somehow writing to her makes life just a little more bearable.  Brynn's friends convince her to get involved in school by running for senior class president in an attempt to defeat, Adam, the boy who wins everything.  Will this be the opportunity Brynn needs to turn her life around?

by Mitali Perkins Lexile:  720 Genre:  Realistic Fiction Tara and Sonia are sisters from Bengali who are trying to navigate their new life in the United States.  They are happy with their small apartment in Flushing, NY and they are making new friends and getting along in school.  But their father is determined to give them a better life so they are able to save enough money to buy a home in New Jersey.  The girls adjust to their new school, their parents seem happier and all is well until the accident that changes everything.  Who will these young woman grow up to be?

by Amy Giles Genre:  Realistic Fiction Hadley is a survivor.  Growing up in an abusive household, she has learned how to avoid her father whenever possible and do whatever she can to protect her younger sister.  But all of the lies and coverups are exhausting, and now that Hadley has reached her senior year and met Charlie Simmons, things are about to change.  Hadley knows that she has to do something, but she isn't sure who she can trust.  It will take courage and strength to save her own life and give her sister a chance to grow up without fear and violence.