LEAVING FLETCHVILLE by Rene Schmidt

When a new family moves into Brandon's neighborhood, he notices they're quite strange. The boy, Leon, works constantly and is a wiz at math. With closer inspection, Brandon finds out that they have no parents, it's just the three of them. Brandon's determined to help, and help he shall!

This was an entertaining and inspiring story that shows us there's always more than one way to skin a cat.

Recommended.
Joe in Esopus

Brandon is the biggest and toughest kid in his small town school. He is feared as a bully, but he only pretends to be dumb as a bag of hammers so he can learn as much as possible about the people around him. When Leon, his sister Winnie, and their lively little brother Sam arrive in Kingsville, they are the only black people in the town. Everyone is curious about them -- where are they from, what do their parents do -- but when Brandon discovers the truth about their situation he decides to do what he can to protect them from harm.

This was a really great book and I know a lot of people who would love it. It teaches us that if you be yourself, you can get through anything.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

An emotional story of a young man's friend who lives on his own through deception and struggles. A story of financial problems and worries.

Looks are deceiving, and there are times of forced adulthood . This is a fantastic book. I could not put it down while reading it. Grade A!

Outstanding
Richard in Philmont

HAND YOU'RE DEALT by Paul Volponi

Huck is dealing with the death of his dad, a best friend who is not very supportive, and the girl he has a crush on is refusing to talk to him. Now he is trying to win the local Texas Hold 'Em tournament to win back his dad's watch from his evil teacher who stole it.
Even if you aren't a card player you'll get sucked into the story and have fun -- and get just as excited as Huck does -- as you follow him through his adventures. You'll also learn to fight for what you believe in and to never give up.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

When Huck's dad died he was determined to win the silver Poker Champion's watch back from Abbott. In order to do that he'll have to be a better poker player, and in order to do that he'll have to remember everything his dad taught him.

This book has a great storyline and inspiring motive -- and it teaches us that while revenge may not be sweet, it sure is satisfying.

Good.
Joe in Esopus

GIRL, HERO by Carrie Jones

Lily is a teenage girl who lost her beloved stepfather three years ago, which left her with just her passive mother. Her real father doesn't live too far away, but Lily is worried about his baby-blue stockings and bejeweled anklet. Add in the insecurity of her first year of high school, an old best friend who isn't the way she used to be and worse still -- a brother-in-law who is battering her sister. As if that's not enough to deal with, her mother gets a loser boyfriend. When Lily takes part in the school musical life seems to get a little bit better, but things from her past threaten her future.

This book shows you how to help yourself when you have huge problems. It teaches you that sometimes you have to be your own hero and stop depending on others -- sometimes the only person who can help is yourself.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

BUT I LOVE HIM: PROTECTING YOUR DAUGHTER FROM CONTROLLING, ABUSIVE, DATING RELATIONSHIPS by Jill Murray

Good advice for anyone who is in a bad relationship and looking to get out -- and even helps identify what a bad relationship is. It also helps parents learn the signs of an abusive relationship before it gets too bad, and helps teens identify people with problem behavior before getting involved with them.

This book will help someone learn about things to stay away from -- including someone who demeans you, hits you and then apologizes and promises to never do it again.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

HOW NOT TO BE POPULAR by Jennifer Ziegler

After moving around the country for years, Maggie decides to not make friends that she would have to move away from.

What is gained from reading this book? I learned that friends are people you can trust and have fun with; they don't have to be "cool" or cute.

I'd recommend this book. Maggie attempts to not fit in, is comical, and she is easy to relate to. Everyone would enjoy laughing at her interesting family life.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

Sugar Magnolia (Maggie) Dempsey is tired of moving around the country with her hippie parents. It hurts to leave her new friends behind again and again. So when she moves to Austin, Maggie decides she will do everything in her might to be proclaimed the "weirdo" so she will have no friends. Her outrageous stunts and really vulgar fashion statements don't do what she wants. She makes friends anyway and learns she has to adapt. At the end of the book, her parents let her know that they will be staying in Austin a few years and Maggie finally feels as if she is at home.

If you are looking for a lighthearted book that is quirky and fun, I would recommend this. It encourages the reader to adapt, to accept and to live life.

Recommended.
Erica in Esopus

Maggie Dempsey is getting pretty sick of moving around the country. Maggie's parents are hippies who get Maggie to move to a new city every few months. When she was younger she liked moving around, but now she is sick of it. When she was in ninth grade she left behind good friends, school and the feeling that she belonged. What was worse was when she left her boyfriend in tenth grade. Now she is still moving away, but she has decided she won't make any new friends or try to fit in because she doesn't want to go through another goodbye.

This was a great book that encourages us to be ourselves -- it's the easiest way to fit in.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

BOY'S GUIDE TO BECOMING A TEEN by Amy B. Middleman

This book shows boys how to become a teen, because it can be a confusing time. Both boys and girls experience changes in their bodies, and change can be hard. This book breaks down and explains what is happening to your body and what to do to be more comfortable while the changes are taking place.

This is a great read for both parents and boys, and shows that boys go through as many changes as girls.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

BEATING THE BULLIES by Polly Clarkson

At some point in life, nearly everyone experiences bullying -- by brothers, sisters, neighbors, adults or schoolmates. Many people dismiss this behavior as a normal part of one's development, but bullying can in fact be very harmful -- it can lead to death, self-harm, suicide and even murder. This book addresses all types of bullying, including cyber-bullying and the use of text messages.

This book is packed with information, and reminds you to watch what you say and do because it can hurt other people.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

BODY DRAMA by Nancy Redd

Any question I have ever thought about as a girl is in this book from your eyes to your toes.

I really learned how to be comfortable in my own skin. I really enjoyed how personal the author made the book as well. I felt like I was talking to someone I knew. I'd recommend this book. To every girl, it's a bible for your body.

Outstanding.
Alex in Esopus

Old wives tales are uncovered in this book ... fact or fiction. Everything you want to know about a woman's body is in this book -- hair, skin, nails, body shape, down there!

This book can answer any question a girl has about her body -- it has really, really great information.

Outstanding.
Erica in Esopus

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher

When Hannah Baker commits suicide, she leaves behind a box full of recorded tapes detailing the reasons why she did so. She sends the box to 13 people who affected her decision. Clay, who had a crush on her from afar for years, is one of the people who receives the box of tapes.

This amazing book shows readers that suicide isn't just a personal decision. There is always hope if you look hard enough or give things a second chance. I will never forget this book -- you feel like Hannah is explaining her life and reasons of suicide just to you. It's very powerful and moving.

Outstanding.
Meghan in Esopus

ADHD AND ME by Blake E.S. Taylor

A story about a child who struggled with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for his whole life. He had a supportive family and circle of friends who stood by him, despite being blamed for things by teacher and being bullied by other students. The author talks about the thousands of other people who have the same disorder and tells his story so that they may have help in overcoming their own problems.

This heartwarming, funny and good book helps the reader understand what ADHD is, and how to keep going when life is tough.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU BANKS by E. Lockhart

Shortly after Frankie starts tenth grade, she gets asked out by the hottie Matt Livingston (a senior). She discovers that Matt is part of a secret society at their private prep school. She then takes over the club by using e-mails. Her pranks get very elaborate. At the end of the book, the other students and administration find out that girls have just as much spunk as guys -- and their secret society isn't so secret anymore!

This book had a really great idea, but there were problems with the execution. If someone is looking for a funny crime novel about women's empowerment, than this would work.

Recommended.
Erica in Esopus

Frankie takes over an all guys club and anonymously directs some of the group's greatest pranks. She becomes disappointed that no one believes she is capable of directing the pranks.

Reading about the pranks is a lot of fun. The reader learns that while there are many ways to get attention, getting into trouble often causes more trouble than it is worth.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

This story is about Frankie Landau Banks, who has just started the tenth grade, been asked out by senior Matt Livingston. Although she likes being Matt's girlfriend, she gets tired of his friends, who don't take her seriously and see her only as a girlfriend. Matt is part of a secret club at the school. By using her wits, Frankie finds a way to infiltrate the club and take it over -- without any of the members finding out. As her plan gets more and more complicated, she risks losing her friends and Matt.

This book has a good lesson for everyone of all ages and helps you see what happens when someone tries to take over someone else's life. It's good to remember not to lose yourself or forget who you are.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

CULTS by Doreen Piano

Cults is divided into three different chapters. Each chapter contains autobiographies about someone's personal experience in a cult depending on what the chapter is (Chapter 1: Exploring Cults; Chapter 2: Leaving Cults; Chapter 3: The Impact on Families - The Danger of Cults).

This book explores how dangerous cults are and explains how easy it is to get sucked into one. I enjoyed reading this even though it was non-fiction. The autobiographies were great and very well written. I now know that cults are not what they may seem to be, and that the leaders of cults are often very troubled people.

Recommended.
Erica in Esopus

PATRON SAINT OF BUTTERFLIES by Cecilia Galante

Angus and Honey live as "believers" at Mount Blessing, but are taken by Nana Pete because they are being abused by Emanuel. Now the girls have to figure out their beliefs while sorting out the lies around them.

Anyone who has pondered the difference between faith and religion will be interested in this book, despite its slow beginning. The book explores how things can be way different than they seem.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

IF I STAY by Gayle Forman

Mia's family is killed in a car accident that leaves her in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. She realizes she has the choice to stay (live) or go (die). Will she join her parents or her boyfriend and pursue her love of music?

Although the end of the book is predictable, you can't help but get caught up in Mia's heartbreaking story. It sends the message that keeping hope and staying strong is always important -- and to stay true to yourself. This book is a great read and hard to put down.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

For Mia, a 17-year-old girl, one single moment has changed everything. An accident has changed her whole life. She must now decide whether to fight for her life or surrender to death after she is badly injured in a car accident. Mia is able to watch her body being rushed to the hospital, and her observations of this process are interspersed with memories of her friends or family. Her thoughts wander from her love of classical music to her family to her relationship with her boyfriend.

This is a great book that teaches you the value of life. It shows that memories are incredible things, and once they are permanently gone they never come back.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

BOUNCE by Natasha Friend

Evyn has always wished for a mother. But when her dad marries Elenia a single woman with six kids, it wasn't what she was expecting. Bounce is about Evyn trying to deal with things and trying to express herself in this crazy world of chaos.

This book encourages the reader to be yourself. This is a light, fun, beach read book that's simple, short and lots of fun, so I would recommend it to a friend. It's a great book to take a break with if you've just read a lot of really serious books.

Good.
Erica in Esopus

Evyn is a 13-year-old girl who has lost her mother and now her father is getting married to a woman with six kids of her own. Evyn and her brother Mackey are moving to Boston with the new family and are forced to have a relationship with this new assortment of people. To make things worse, she falls in love with her 20-year-old soon-to-be stepbrother -- and has to live with a stepmother she can't stand.

This is a good book that helps show the reader that you can manage your life even when it seems to be uncontrollable.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

CYCLER by Lauren McLaughlin

Except for Jill's mom and dad, no one knows that Kill transforms into a guy for four days a month. But now Jack (the guy) becomes more and more unruly and even escapes the house sometimes to spy on Jill's BFF. At the end of the story, Jill's friend and boyfriend accept what she really is.

If my friend was really into sci-fi or weird stuff, I would recommend this book. It did teach a lot about acceptance.

Good.
Erica in Esopus

Jill has a huge secret -- Jack. He's the guy she turns into for four days each month. Jill's lies catch up to her as her secret gets too big to keep. But how can she tell people?

I found this story to be a bit creepy and predictable, although the message that the truth and good friend can get you through anything.

Marginal.
Meghan in Esopus

CRANK by Ellen Hopkins

This book is about a girl who started to use drugs and that's when her life went down hill.

I would recommend this book to a friend because it is very eye-opening. It shows the struggles of a girl that had an addiction to drugs and gets pregnant and sexually abused because of them.

OUTSTANDING!
Mackenzie in Greenville

NO CHOIRBOY by Susan Kuklin

This book consists of six chapters where stories are told from different perspectives of people who were affected by teenagers on death row. Two of the six interviews were of guys who were actually on death row, the other were of family members and a lawyer.

This was the most eye opening of all the HIP books. I learned many thinks that I cannot believe were allowed to happen. This is such an incredible book. But it is not for people who are faint of heart. If you are into hardcore, ground breaking, real life stories... then enjoy!

Outstanding

Erica in Esopus

SAFE by Susan Shaw

Tracy tells her story about being raped. It is hard for her to recover, and come to terms with her tragedy. She turns inward and to the piano, to stop herself from going crazy. She also is still hurting from the death of her mother many years before. It's a story of abuse, recovery, and finding acceptance.

Some valuable knowledge from the book is to confide in adults. This wasn't a good rape book at all, I didn't feel that it was real. But it was enjoyable to read.

Good.
Erica in Esopus

WAITING FOR NORMAL by Leslie Connor

Addie is a twelve year old girl whose mother gets charged with child endangerment multiple times. All she wants is to be normal but it takes a disaster to get there.

It was a very good book with an eye opening view on what not to do.


Recommended
Joe G in Esopus

SMART MONEY: HOW TO MANAGE YOUR CASH by Danielle Denega

Stories of people's experiences with money and how to save it. Also, helpful tricks for job interviews and writing checks.

I found the info on stocks and how the stock market works to be the most valuable part of the book for me. It's not very detailed--gives the reader the basics of financial responsibility. Good for a younger sibling or friend.

Good.
JDT in Esopus

THE BIG SLICK by Eric Luper

When Andrew loses $600 in poker that he stole from his father, he and his two friends, Scott and Jasmine, decide to steal a car, sneak into a casino and play poker (while underage) to win the money back.

This is a great book with a lot of humor. I learned that one bad deed leads to another and eventually it'll blow up in your face.

Outstanding.
Joe in Esopus

LAST EXIT TO NORMAL by Michael Harmon

Ben's life is confusing, his father announces he is gay and moves out to a farm in Montana. Now, Ben is trying to learn about country life, woo the town sweetie and get a hold on his home life.

Kids who deal with gay parents face a lot of discrimination that they don't deserve. Ben is just an average, messed up teen who has a few unique problems thrown in.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

I'd recommend this book: it's a great book with a really good message. It's important to be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

Ben, a troubled boy with two gay fathers, is moved to the country where he learns the value of hard work and respect.

This was a good, entertaining read that shows that sometimes the meanest people in the world have reasons for doing what they do.

Outstanding.
Joe in Esopus

97 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU FINISH HIGH SCHOOL by Steven Jenkins and Erika Stalder

This book was great. It listed information on 97 things to do before you leave high school that are all fun. I actually tried some and hiked up a mountain with my family. It was great.

The ability to take (healthy) risks in high school is to live life to the fullest.

Outstanding.
Emily in Garrison

GET WELL SOON by Julie Halpern

Anna Bloom was depressed, so her parents put her in a mental hospital. Anna meets many crazy teens and has to go through many new experiences since she doesn't fit in with all the insanity. But, she makes good friends and learns a lot.

Adjusting to something isn't easy, but everything turns out to be fine with a good attitude.

I'd recommend this book because throughout the book there are tips on how to get through things. It's also humorous.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

READ MY LIPS by Teri Brown

Serena is a deaf girl who can read lips. She tries to get in with the popular crowd by reading the lips of other girls and then telling the gossip to the popular girls. This causes a lot of trouble.

Lesson? Do not snitch - a lesson that has been written many times but in better ways. I found the book highly unrealistic.

Marginal.
Erica in Esopus

Know the difference between real friends and fake people who just use you. It's a good book with a good lesson.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES by Chris Crutcher

Eric and Sarah are school friends with a lot in common: both are misfits - Eric because he is really fat and Sarah because she had gotten burned accidentally in childhood. When Eric joins the swim team, he starts to lose a lot of weight. Then he fears that he will lose Sarah.

Friendship is important and this book teaches that looks don't really matter.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

THE WAY HE LIVED by Emily Wing Smith

Told by six teenagers who were close to him, the book is about the life and death of sixteen-year-old Joel Espen. Even though Joel is dead when the book begins, the reader gets to know him through the eyes of people who knew him best.

The book affirms that the world is filled with diverse personalities and that there might be underlying reasons why people act the way they do. Joel had the ability to accept and love people for who they were.

This book is more appropriate for a younger reader than I am, maybe thirteen or fourteen. For this reason, the book did not hold my attention. I would have liked more character development. There were many unanswered questions for me, but perhaps that was the intent of the author.

Good.
Courtney in Greenville

VENOMOUS by Christophe Krovatin

Locke Vinetti is a teenage goth with an anger problem. He has only one friend until he is introduced to a new group of people. With these people, he changes to be a better person.

This is an excellent book and is very entertaining.

Outstanding.
Joe in Esopus

GRL2GRL by Julie Anne Peters

There are ten fictional short stories about young teens and young women everywhere.

The most valuable piece of information is the insight into a lesbian's mind. It is a good book but was, at times, not relatable to me, like the part about the lesbians, but it was a good book just the same.

Good.
Emily in Garrison

NUGRL90 by Cheryl Dellasega

A story about a fifteen-year-old girl, Sadie, who at first lives with her sister and both parents until they get a divorce. Sadie's family moves away and now she has to start a new life, but she can't let go, and her world is turned upside down. Sadie blogs about her new and old life. Along the way, she makes new friends, meets a cute boy and learns about her sister.

This book teaches you how to balance life when things go wrong. Don't be afraid to start a new life when your old one is gone.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

LIFE IS A VERB by Patti Digh

The book tells you 37 things to do if you could only live for 37 days. It was very interesting and showed things we should do like just smile while walking through the streets.

This book kind of taught you the value of life and how important it really is.

Recommended.
Emily in Garrison

JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta

The only real home Taylor has ever known is Jellicoe School. She becomes involved in territory wars, finding out where Hannah is, and finding her mom. There's a lot going on in the story with another story in it.

What was the valuable thing gained in reading the book? Friendship is the most important thing! Don't do drugs!

The book was interesting but was really confusing at times. There were a lot of characters who had intricate stories.

Good.
Erica in Esopus

Melinda is trying to figure out her past, her father has died and her mother left her. She is also trying to fuel the rivalry between the local high schools.

I found this book very confusing and hard to follow. Many of the plot lines introduced disappear. It explores the idea that sometimes the past doesn't matter or that it can't change the future or the present.

Not recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

CUT by Patricia McCormick

The book is about Callie, who self-mutilates or cuts. Once her secret about her cutting is revealed, Callie is sent to Sea Pines where she receives help. The book describes the struggles she had to go through and how her life changes.

The people that struggle with self-mutilation have serious issues that need to be dealt with at treatment facilities like the one that Callie has to go to. I learned what triggers the emotions that lead those to self-mutilate.

The book was so interesting that it was hard to put down. The author did a great job with discussing self-mutilation, hospitals, self-esteem problems, guilt and frustration.

Recommended.
Courtney in Greenville

DEADLINE by Chris Crutcher

Ben begins to become more involved with friends and school after finding out that he is terminally ill. Now, he just has to tell everyone.

This book shows how stressful high school can be and it puts a different face on illness and death. It shows that it's easier to tell the truth than lie.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

Ben Wolf, a senior in high school, has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease. Against his doctor's advice, he chooses to forego treatment and instead decides to live his life as normally as possible, instead of undergoing the treatment that would leave him sick and bald and prolong his life for only a couple more months. Ben is determined to leave his mark on life and he's willing to take some risks in the little time he has left.

This book makes you think about life, how to value it while you have it.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

A GIRLS' GUIDE TO CONFLICT by Dorothy Kavenaugh / A GUYS' GUIDE TO CONFLICT by Jim Gallagher

This book is about how many things affect conflict and how you should talk to your friend that you are mad at. First, you need to say what you did wrong, then what hurt you and how to change. Don't get jealous. If you do, then explain to yourself how to get out of that stage.

Conflict becomes a bigger part of your life during your teenage years. This book has great tips and a lot of information and advice for guys and girls on getting along.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

LUNCH WITH LENIN AND OTHER STORIES by Deborah Ellis

This book is a compilation of short stories that deal with the ways in which drugs have affected teenagers lives in different ways. Most of the characters are involved with dealing drugs and end up in unfortunate situations.

This book informed me about some of the dire situations that cause people to depend on and get involved with drugs. It's eye-opening for the way different cultures use and view drugs.

Recommended.
Lina in Garrison

LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green

Miles Halter has gone to boarding school in Alabama to seek the "Great Perhaps." He meets a few friends and quickly learns the ropes of the school - pranking is everything. Miles learns to love Alaska who is killed in a car accident. Then he solves the mystery of her death.

The most valuable message of the book? Do not drink and drive. Value friendship. Life is too short to waste

I think this book was great. It was creative, kept my attention, and I enjoyed the way it was formatted.

Outstanding.
Erica in Esopus

Friends are the most important thing in life; without friends, life would suck.
This book is full of fun characters and funny subplots.

Outstanding.
Meghan in Esopus

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GIRLS GUIDE TO BECOMING A TEEN edited by Amy Middleman

Book has specific topics with real girls sharing their experiences. A valuable piece of information is that you can talk to your parents about everything.
I would recommend this book to teens who are young and need an easy read to explain their changes to them

Recommended.
Emily in Garrison

THE HAPPINESS EQUATION: ONE HUNDRED FACTORS THAT CAN ADD TO OR SUBTRACT FROM YOUR HAPPINESS by Bridget Grenville-Cleave

Gives explanations of everyday actions or emotions and a number of positive of negative points for you to grade yourself with to determine your happiness level.

It showed me how happy I really am which can be useful information.

Outstanding.
Annie in Philmont

Takes a bunch of everyday activities, explains them and assigns numbers to them. As you go through the book, you add an subtract the numbers. At the end, you fit that number into its range and it tells you how happy you are.

It shows that there are many little things in life you do that make you happy or unhappy. Everyone should know how happy they are.

Outstanding.
Aly in Philmont

OWNING IT: STORIES ABOUT TEENS WITH DISABILITIES by Donald R. Gallo

This is about ten kids with disabilities. It shows their experiences and takes you through their day. It shows how difficult their lives are, how they have to live with it every day, and how they overcome their weakness.

I can't even imagine what these kids go through. This was a really good book. It shows how much harder their lives are. They have to worry about all the things we do and more.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

EXPOSED by Susan Vaught

Chan gets herpes from unprotected sex. Later the next year, she tries to find a boyfriend on the internet who ends up almost kidnapping her sister.

This book shows that you have to be careful about what you're doing on the internet and to not give any information. It also shows why you shouldn't have unprotected sex.

I would recommend this book to a friend. It is fun and exciting to read and it educated me about the dangers of people on the internet.

Recommended.
Malaina in Greenville

INTERNET SAFETY by Haley Haugen & Susan Musser

This book is about safety in social networking and getting parents to understand it. It touches on pornography and predators. It tell you how to stop child pornography and warns you about chat rooms.

I learned that better legislation would help stop internet predators. I would recommend this book to parents who are informed and interested in the internet.

Recommended.
Richard in Philmont

TIPS ON HAVING A GAY (EX) BOYFRIEND by Carrie Jones

Belle's boyfriend, Dylan, turns gay and moves onto Bob. Belle has to deal with her loss of Dylan, and she also has to deal with the people who hate her gay ex boyfriend. Then she begins to become interested in Tom, a soccer jock, who isn't quite as shallow as she thought.

The book looks into stereotypes and shows that people aren't always how they seem or like the people they are friends with. This book teaches a lot about how everyone is unique and has more than meets the eye.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

THE CARE & KEEPING OF YOU: THE BODY BOOK FOR GIRLS by Valorie Schaefer

Very easy book for a young girl becoming a teen to understand, with important and useful information.

I would recommend this to a friend because, for young girls, it contains valuable information for them.

Recommended.
Emily in Garrison

THIEF by Brian James

Elizabeth is a foster child that lives with another foster child named Alexi. The foster parent, Sandra, is taking in another foster child , Duncan, because Alexi is turning eighteen. But, Sandra doesn't want a boy because they don't get away with stealing like girls do. Elizabeth has to train Duncan, but when they start getting too close, Alexi starts getting jealous. Duncan wants to live an honest life and Elizabeth has to choose whether to run away with him.

Not all foster parents are good. Some teach children bad things like stealing. Parents are important in children's lives. Without the proper care, kids can get messed up. This book teaches people about people who have a stealing problem and how it's not always their fault.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

HANDCUFFS by Bethany Griffin

Parker is caught by her parents in the middle of "it." Things go downhill from there. Parker's arch nemesis, Marion, is putting up bad things about Parker on her blog and making her social life worse. Meanwhile, there are marriage problems and a dad who has lost his job.

Always be cautious - you never know who might be watching. The book has situations that are plausible and a twist with an alleged stalker.

Recommended.
Erica in Esopus

This was really, really good and truly believable. You can relate to this story.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

INSIDE OUT by Terry Trueman

Zach suffers from schizophrenia and is tempted by his mind to kill himself. He is trapped in a coffee shop when two boys come in for a robbery. Zach is endangered without his medication and is forced to make choices.

I would recommend this book to a friend who didn't know what schizophrenia was. It would help one get to understand what the disease is and see what it can cause like it did in Zach's case.

Recommended.
Chris in Greenville

LIZARD PEOPLE by Charlie Price

Ben has to deal with his mentally ill mother, all on his own. His mother refuses to take her meds and is constantly frightened of "Lizard People." When things can't get stranger, he meets Marco who also claims to have met lizard people. Marco's and his mother's story oddly match up...

It's hard for kids who have to deal with having a mentally unstable parent. A good book that is unpredictable and full of fun characters.

Good.
Meghan in Esopus

SMOKELESS TOBACCO: NOT A SAFE ALTERNATIVE by Katie John Sharp

This touches on smokeless tobacco and its history. Then it touches on the dangers of addiction and why one should quit.

The history was a major upside to my knowledge gained in this book. I would recommend it to a friend who chews or uses any other form of tobacco, mostly because of the information and the images.

Outstanding.
Richard in Philmont