This award-winning novel is a pulse-pounding tale, vivid and visceral. The story opens with Michael's family moving into their recently purchased, dilapidated home and concerns about his baby sister being very ill. He becomes a friend to his new neighbor, Mina, who is as strange as the thing that lives in the crumbling and filthy garage. Can this unbelievable creature, who loves Chinese takeout, brown ale, cod liver oil, and aspirins, be a man, a bird, or an angel? Step into Almond's intricately woven tale and find the answer.

Reviewed by Sylvia E., North County Regional

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Reader's comments about this book

Thoughtfully written, this book shows us a world of shadows and light.
-Tony, Charlotte

An unforgettable story. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down until the very last word.
-Michelle, Charlotte, NC

This book has an interesting plot that is unique from all others.
-Jill, NY, NY

Great, fabulous book..hard to put down it was so good!
-Bill, Charlotte, NC

Fabulous and entertaining
-Kelly, New york

This was a great book. It had great character development and the relationship between Michael and Mina is unforgettable.
-Amber, Oshkosh, WI

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Melinda begins her freshman year as an outcast. At the end of the summer she committed the biggest faux pas in Merryweather High`s history--she called the cops on a party. But she has a secret, a secret that leaves her speechless. It scars her lips, swells her tongue, and parches her throat. Her mouth moves, but nothing comes out. Melinda retreats behind this wall of silence, deeper into her head, where she hopes to escape the harsh reality of her secret, of her world. But slowly her secret unfolds and, as it does, Melinda realizes that she must speak or suffer more. Anderson delivers a heroine whose voice will touch readers as she relates her painful experience through burdened thoughts and witty, sarcastic commentary.

Reviewed by Alyson B., South County Regional

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When Melinda finally chooses to "speak," her words of pain and desperation reveal a story of rape and betrayal.
-Amanda, Charlotte

Melinda only wants to be normal again. If only she hadn't called the cops on that party. But she didn't do it on purpose. She was just calling the police because she had been... Well, she didn't do it on purpose. Melinda doesn't fit into any of the normal stereotypical groups, and she can't hang out with her old friends anymore, so what CAN she do? Parts of this book will make you laugh, and others will bring tears to your eyes. Melinda's story is that of a teenager with a terrible secret, but in the end she finally finds her voice. Speaking never felt so good.
-Mary, Charlotte, NC

Speak was a truly moving book about a girl who lost all her friends the night she told the police about an illegal back-to-school party that she attended, after she was raped. At times I wanted to cry because of how her peers treated her, but I was satisfied with how it ended.
-Chelsea, Charlotte, NC

This book takes you inside the mind of someone trying to get over something awful that has happened to her. It really makes you think and once you start you won't be able to put it down.
-Gwen, North Ridgeville, OH

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Writing the events of his life down as a film script somehow helps Steve Harmon come to terms with his chaotic surroundings. Steve, who is sixteen years old and on trial for murder, writes everything as a screenplay in order to distance himself from the reality of his pending sentence. The story of what really happened the day of the murder, and Steve's own personality, open up as this hauntingly provocative story unfolds.

Reviewed by Amanda B., Main Library

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Reader's comments about this book

This story is written in a combination of journal entry and movie format. The format that this book is written in really helps the reader to see a different view of the story. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that anyone who reads the review will enjoy this book as much as I have.
-Abram, Bemidji, MN

I'm not yet finished with the book but so far I think that this is a great book. I never even heard of it until now because it is a summer reading book that I have to read. I hope that whoever reads this book, will have a great time with it.
-Naiasia, New Jersey

This is a powerful, thought-provoking story. Monster is great for discussions about the judicial system, pre-judging, and self-perception.
-Ursula, Charlotte, NC

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Slam gets his nickname from the way he slams the basketball. He was one of the best players at Carver, his old high school. Now he attends Lattimore, a mostly white magnet school, and joins the basketball team despite the tension between him and the coach and other players. Slam has been able to hold on to old friends from Carver, in particular Mtisha and Ice. He begins to fall in love with Mtisha and she alerts him to the possiblity of Ice being involved in illegal activities. In the end, Slam must make a heart-wrenching choice about friendship. Myers' true-to-life story is told by Slam and is filled with humor as well as serious issues.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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Guided by a flyer advertising a musical group that had mysteriously upset his mother before her death, ten-year-old Bud (not Buddy) sets off on a journey to Flint, Michigan to find his father. Although Bud's mission and discovery is serious, the story begins with a comical scene when a son in a foster home attempts to jam a pencil in Bud's nose. This will make a great read-aloud with slapstick and laugh-out-loud humor.

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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A very moving story about a young, orphaned boy who vows not to give up until he finds his family. A simple but touching story.
-Abby, Charlotte, NC

A feel-good book that will warm your heart.
-Michelle, Charlotte, NC

This book is actually really good!
-Keenah, Toledo

This book was touching. I really liked it a lot!!!!!
-Lydia, NY

This is a great book! I could not put it down. Every one should read it!
-Liv, Maine

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This is the humorous diary of a year in the life of a British fourteen-year-old, Georgia Nicholson, who has a rather wild cat, one eyebrow the length of her forehead, parents that are weird, and a crush on a handsome hunk. Although Georgia is a British teen, female readers will enjoy her wit and wisdom of typical teen concerns. Although her parents are odd, she adores her three-year-old sister, who pees in bed and wears a "nappy." She has a deep desire to be beautiful and older to impress a gorgeous "bloke," so she attempts to bleach her hair and reduce the size of her nose. The British glossary helps to understand the world of Georgia Nicolson.

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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The honest and bold diary of Georgia Nicholson completely opened up the window to the life of a typical British teenager. It astounded me how, even though we share the same language, our vocabularies are wildly different! Georgia's glossary has a lot of good words to add to anyone's lexicon.
-Abby, Charlotte, NC

When I first brought this book home from the library my mother read the title and said that it might not be appropriate for me to read. But I told her that I was sure it didn't actually talk about the words that are on the title of the book. When I finally got a chance to sit down and read the the book I loved it. I enjoyed learning about words that people in England use that actually mean different things. I encourage young adults to read this book. I think they will enjoy it as much as I did.
-Shantella, Charlotte, N.C.

In this hilarious diary, British teenager Georgia shares her views about everything. She tells about her huge crush on a sex god named Robbie, her frustrations with her parents and her close friend Jas, all about her hate for Wet Lindsay, about her attempts to control her vicious cat Angus, and even about Libby, her three year old sister who poops in her bed. It is overall a fantastic book that makes a great and very humorous read!
-Mary, Charlotte, NC

Overall a fantastic book that makes a great and very humorous read.
-Mary, Charlotte, NC

I read this book, and the sequels, "It's OK, I'm wearing really big knickers", "Knocked out by my Nunga-Nungas" and "Dancing in my nuddy-pants". they were all hilarious. I found it amazing that I know so many American approximations of our words, but they don't even know what a nappy is. I know what a diaper is, so they should learn more English! I can't believe how many Americans think its offensive that Georgia talks about snogging and sex and stuff! This one review by an American girl was REALLY funny cos she just didn't like it at all. I'm glad u lot liked it, cos it shows not everyone is that narrow minded!
-Emily, London, England

This is the best book ever! Way 2 good 4 words!
-Ailish, Sunderland, England

This is the funniest book I have ever read! I was laughing out loud the entire time! Read it, you'll be glad you did!
-Carlie, Cincinnati, Ohio

I read this book, and it was soooo funny! You shouldn't let the title fool you because it really is a great book!
-Alex, Glenview, Illinois

I loved it! It is so funny! I want to be in the film! I'd be a great Jas OR Georgia.
-Charlotte, Yorkshire

This was an awesome book. It was funny and cute. I loved the entire series.
-Jaime, Nazareth, PA

The best book, ever!! It makes me laugh, and I have read it about 10,000,000,000 times!! I love it; amazing, everyone should read it. The glossary confused me at first because I understood all the words, but then I remembered America!!
-Danii, England

This series is my favorite! I've read them all multiple times. They're fast reads and incredibly funny! I find myself using the snogging scale, and adding "osity" to the end of words like Georgia. This is a must read for all teenage girls!
-Jessie, Charlotte, NC

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Thirteen-year-old Kit moves with his family to Stoneygate, England, an old coal mining town to care for Kit's recently widowed grandfather. He meets John Askew and together they play a game called "Death" to find the childhood ghosts of their long-gone ancestors. Written in eerie, haunting, and lyrical prose, this multi-layered novel explores the bonds of family from one generation to the next. The story's reflections on death and the power of love will strike most readers.

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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Leaving behind a beloved grandmother, Young Ju and her family immigrate from Korea to America when she is four years old. Through loosely structured vignettes, she shares the difficulties of trying to learn the rules and language of a new country until she is an A-student ready to enter college. Readers will feel her frustration as it takes time in beginning chapters to decipher her understanding of American words and customs. The focus of this experience is on her family at home with an overworked, alcoholic father who becomes increasingly abusive as Young Ju and her younger brother grow up. Winner of the 2002 Michael L. Printz award and a first novel for Na, this is a touching and memorable story where dreams can come true where determination exists.

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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I think that it was an interesting story. It will help people to understand how people of different cultures struggle when they move somewhere out of their homeland.
-Jessica, Raleigh,NC

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Christopher has a reputation of being an annoying oddball at his high school. When he suddenly vanishes into thin air, the whole school begins to talk. The only clue to what might have happened is an e-mail message allegedly written by Creed 24 hours before his disappearance. Tory was not close to Creed, but after he speaks with Creed's next door neighbor Ali, he becomes wrapped up in finding the truth. As he and Ali begin to unravel the complex mystery, they also begin to uncover the other complexities of the town and its people. The two begin to understand that standing up for individual beliefs and nonconformity can often be a difficult, painful experience. Carol Plum-Ucci has written a truly engrossing and unforgettable debut novel that will keep you thinking long after you have read the last paragraph.

Reviewed by Michelle F., Hickory Grove Branch

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Eighteen voices from Mr. Ward's class speak out with brutal honesty and rhythm. It all starts with Wesley "Bad Boy" Boone writing poems instead of his essay assignment. His teacher, Mr. Ward, asks him to read one of his poems in front of the class and then other students want to share their writing. These poetry readings become Open Mike Fridays at the end of each month and then evolve into a weekly event. The book highlights each of the teens in this high school class of different races and interests with, first, their own personal stories, and then the poems they read in class. And just like a masquerade ball, the poems are a way of removing the masks that others, or even they, have placed over their true selves. Read, learn, and be inspired in the Bronx Masquerade. A 2003 Coretta Scott King winner.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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Reader's comments about this book

I loved this book! It makes you think that maybe the kids you think you know aren't what they seem to be at all. I highly recommend others to read this book. It makes you wish that your english class had open mike Fridays!
-Jessica, Cincinnat, Ohio

Hi, I'm Shudnera a 15-year-old high school student and I have to say that "Bronx Masquerade" is the best book I've read. It says things that a lot of teens are afraid to say.
-Shudnera, Bronx, NY

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One summer can change your life. The summer that changed everything for Jack was 1971. Jack knew he wanted to go to college, he just didn't have the money. So when the opportunity to make ten thousand dollars came along, he just couldn't turn it down. All he had to do was help sail a boat from the Virgin Islands to New York City. Now if that seems too good to be true, well it was. The boat was transporting drugs. It wasn't long until Jack was arrested and sent to prison. It was during his time in prison that Jack began to really evaluate his life and started to make positive choices. This book offers a very real look at prison and can be graphic at times.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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Bobby is a sensitive and intelligent sixteen-year-old that has recently experienced a considerable change in his life. He has just become a father. His baby daughter, Feather, has brought many emotions into his life – love as well as fear. Can he handle the changes and responsibility that comes with fatherhood and balance parenting, school and friends? This novel takes you back and forth through “then” and “now” experiences of Bobby and Nia, the mother of the child. It is a refreshingly honest, beautifully written and poetic story that will tug on your heartstrings and pull you in until the very last sentence. Simply told yet complex in emotion.

Reviewed by Michelle F., Hickory Grove Branch

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This was an absolutely great book, I could not put it down! It really captures the whole teenage parent thing. The main character was very courageous and I love him. This is a well written book!
-Toniqua, Garner, NC

This was the best book I ever read. I can't believe what happens to Nia, that was crazy. I love all your books!
-Chantel, West Yarmouth, MA

I love this book. It captures the teen parent thing and this book made me love Bobby! Must read!!!
-Mia, Charlotte, NC

I love this book because it is good, and I think that Bobby is going to be a good father to his baby girl, Feather.
-Teashia, Brownsville, TN

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When Curt and Fat Boy meet in a Manhattan subway, they appear to have nothing in common. Fat Boy is, well, fat. Curt is scrawny. Fat Boy is a social outcast. Curt is a legendary "punk rock genius" and leader of the punk rock group Smack Metal Puppets. Fat Boy is awkward and self-conscious, with no apparent interests or hobbies except contemplating suicide. Curt is carefree and self-confident, but also a junkie and a dropout. When Curt offers Fat Boy the opportunity to become his band's drummer, Fat Boy questions his talent while Curt remains confident. This is a memorable, humorous and edgy story about the harder side of life. It is also a story of how two friends ultimately save each other and the unique journey that takes them to that conclusion.

Reviewed by Michelle F., Hickory Grove Branch

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When Miles Halter leaves home for boarding school in Alabama, he is in search of what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the `Great Perhaps.` Perhaps he`ll have friends, perhaps he`ll like being away from home, perhaps his life will no longer be minor. What he experiences at Culver Creek Boarding School is more than he expected, especially Alaska Young. Alaska - clever, troubled, sexy - shares with Miles her labyrinth of suffering, something many of us possess. But Miles must find a way out of this labyrinth, just as Alaska has, and learn forgiveness at the same time.

Reviewed by Alyson B., Sugar Creek

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This book of short stories set in urban settings is both sweet and sour at the same time. The sour includes tales of frustrated love, negative self-images, and even one story about a murder. But the sour is mixed with sweet in stories relating to real love, family relationships, and an absent father’s love for his young daughter. Flake’s usual style of having her characters be brutally honest, as they talk in the first person about their lives and actions, shines through in each story. Readers will possibly recognize a little bit of themselves or their friends in these stories and come away with something to talk about.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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Reader's comments about this book

This book is a good book. It has parts of different things that go on in this world. It is good for pre-teens to read this book to learn a little about what goes on with boys!
-Nina, California

This is a really good book for kids to read and it is interserting. It can help you with your life situations and what you have going on in your life. This book actually touched my heart for real. That's how you can tell this is a deep book. I'd like to read this book over and over that's why I would give it a ten if I wanted to rate it.
-Jennifer, Cartersville, GA

Not only is "Who am I without him?" a great book, but I can relate to it so much. There are so many friends that stab you in the back over a boy. And yeah...I’ve been in the position were I like my best friends boyfriend. But there is so much drama in girls' lives, and boys cause most of it. Drama is around us 24/7, and it’s always "he says she says", and we're always fighting with our boyfriends over which girl he "eyed" today at school. But there are always three sides to every story...the girls’ side...the boy’s side...and the truth. And you never know which side you’re getting. But my class is reading your book, and we discuss every chapter we read...and that stirs up a lot of stuff in the classroom. But the book is fantastic!
-Kseniya, Huntsville, Alabama

This is the only book I like out of everything I read, and I usually don't like reading books at all. But this one is good. I just love it so much, and it tells you about people's lives and it gets me excited all the time when I read this book over and over and over again. I can't help myself, I just love it!!! Sharon needs to make more books like this.
-Abeaka B., New York City

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL AND I WOULD LUV TO SHARE IT WITH MY FRIENDS
-chakara, chicago ,ILL

"Who am I without him?" is a wonderful, joyous short story book that I enjoyed reading. Once you begin the first page, the stories, characters, and situations make you want to continue reading. Flake makes the reader imagine that they themselves are a character in one of her short stories. I will read and re-read this book.
-Bree, Little Rock, AR

Who Am I Without Him is a very good book. It teaches you life situations plus gets you ready for stuff that will happen in the real world.
-Moneika, Oxford, Ms

This book is a great book. I could relate to a lot of the short stories and how it feels being cheated or falling in love with the wrong person. One of my best short stories was "the ugly one" because there are a lot of people who get teased by, only because of their appearance but it doesn't matter how you look in the outside what counts is the inside.
-Claudia, Seattle, WA

I really enjoyed this book. The book teaches so many lessons. I have been in the situation were one of my friends back stabbed me for a boy.
-Minni, USA

This book is definitely worth reading. It's one of those books that readers of all ages would be interested in.
-Blake, Brownstown, Michigan

I love this book! I read it over 10 times.
-mimi Bucano, Rosa,Ca

I really, really love this book. The writing is good, and the stories are rich. The author is a great story teller. This book is one of my favorites!
-Stacy Ward, Los Angeles, CA

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Maybe she was switched at birth. She doesn't have brown hair like a Shreves. She isn't brilliant like a Shreves. And, most importantly, she isn't thin like a Shreves. Virginia struggles through life feeling inadequate in a very big way. To make matters worse, her best friend moves to Walla Walla, Washington for a year leaving Virginia alone with Froggy Welsh the Fourth reaching up her shirt. But all of this changes with a single telephone call from Columbia University where Virginia's perfect brother attends school. Suddenly, Virginia must change the way she views the world or surely be crushed by it. This funny, hopeful story doesn't end with a thin and popular Virginia. Instead, it ends with the reader shouting, "Hooray!" for a real-life character.

Reviewed by Alyson B., Sugar Creek

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If you thought your love life was in shambles wait until you meet Colin Singleton, a high school senior, former child prodigy and anagramming fanatic who`s always getting dumped by a girl named Katherine. To get over being dumped by the nineteenth Katherine, Colin and his best friend, Hassan, set out on a road trip where they discover that life and excitement can even exist in rural Gutshot, Tennessee. Come along for the ride and see if Colin finds friendship and lasting love with his first Lindsey.

Reviewed by Catherine H., Cornelius Branch

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Keesha’s House is a collection of poetry that tells the stories of distressed teenagers. The house actually belongs to a neighbor by the name of Joe, who provides a safe place for teenagers to live. Keesha found refuge in Joe’s house after dealing with extreme abuse in her own home and the death of her mother. Keesha tells teens that need a place to stay, about the house. Joe’s house proves to be the silver lining in a dark cloud for many of her peers. Readers will find that they can relate to one or more of the main characters in this story and will be reminded of a time when someone gave them a helping hand in their time of distress.

Reviewed by Vivian B., University City Regional

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Best book you will every read. It is awe-inspiring.
-April, Boston, Massachusetts

This is a very good book. It demonstrates the trials and tribulations of the daily teenage life. *FIVE STARS!*
-Dillan, Dallas, TX

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What’s it like to grow up Asian-American? Jin Wang finds himself the only Chinese-American at his new school, desperately trying to fit in. Danny is a popular basketball player, but every year his cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit, shaming him by representing every negative Chinese stereotype. Finally, the Chinese fable of the "Monkey King" is retold. The king is the most powerful monkey on earth, but he doesn’t want to be a monkey -- he wants to be a god. As these three tales alternate, creator Gene Yang explores different ways of trying to belong. The surprising climax brings all three stories together. Touching and humorous by turns, sure to appeal to anyone who remembers growing up, regardless of ethnic background.

Reviewed by Mark S., University City Regional

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During Hitler’s reign in Germany, Liesel Meminger is forced to leave her mother and go live with a foster family. On the way there her younger brother dies. This is the first time Death, the narrator of the book, sees her. As her brother is buried she steals a big from the grave digger. Even though she cannot read it she is very attached to it. With the help of her foster father, Liesel learns to read the book that she stole. Her family also takes in a young Jewish man who befriends Leisel. This touching, deep yet sometimes humorous story is a book I think everyone should read.

Reviewed by Rebecca P., Charlotte, NC

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Kiriel, a Fallen Angel, aka demon, decides he needs a vacation from hell and “borrows” Shaun’s 17-year- old body. After all, even a demon should be able to take a break, right? And what more could you ask but to experience “sin”? Kiriel’s experience inside Shaun’s body more than lives up to his expectations: the sights, sounds, smells, and FOOD are amazing. But then there is Shaun’s brother, Jason, and his mother. What are they going to do when they find out Shaun is really dead? Kiriel discovers that being human isn’t just physical but there is a whole emotional side to deal with too. A fun, yet thought-provoking must-read.

Reviewed by Vera B., North County Regional

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Nicknames, like appearances, can be deceiving. That's the case with Brewster Rawlins, a.k.a. Bruiser. Bruiser is not just big, he’s hulking big. Once voted Most Likely to Receive the Death Penalty, his high school classmates are afraid of him, except for 16-year old Bronte. She goes out with Bruiser, much to the disgust of her twin brother Tennyson. Then Tennyson notices that Bruiser is often in pain, both physical and emotional, while Tennyson and Bronte are pain-free, no cuts, bruises, or even sadness. A strange coincidence? Can pain be traded or taken from those you love, and if so, are there risks? Find out in this unforgettable journey that tests friendship, love and sacrifice. Shusterman offers a unique and well crafted tale for all ages.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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“And the sun rose and the sun set and the waters of the Earth did moisten that which was dry, and the Humans did drink thirstily of it, and the Chutengodians did worship the Ten-Legged One….” Half in jest, Jason Bock persuades his friends to join his newly formed CTG (Church of the Ten-Legged God). When the Chutengodians decide to celebrate their first Midnight Mass atop the Ten-Legged God (the town water tower), events turn dangerous and spiral out of Jason’s control. As Founder and Head Kahuna, Jason belatedly realizes his influence over his friends requires more leadership and responsibility than he is prepared to invest. Funny and provocative, Jason dissects religion, questions faith, ponders good and evil, and arrives at his own revelations and conclusions.

Reviewed by Pamela S., Steele Creek Branch

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“In my dreams at night, I was a boy, but every morning I woke to the big mistake again. Everyone thought I was a girl because that’s the way my body looked….” At sixteen, Angela decides it’s time to become who she really is – a boy. She cuts her hair and tells everyone her new name is Grady. Even though Grady can now be his true inner self, his outward self is still the person everyone in his life reacts to. His friends and family are hurt, confused and in denial. The mean people at school just get meaner. But, surprisingly, when Grady finds acceptance and understanding in new people, it helps him gain acceptance at home.

Reviewed by Pamela S., Steele Creek Branch

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Cole, a troubled Detroit teen who skips school, drives his single mother to the edge. So she drives Cole to Philadelphia and drops him off at his father’s, a man he’s never known. His father saves old race horses from being turned into dog food and uses the horses to keep inner city kids from gang activity. The topic, setting, and main character are what will attract middle school teens – cowboys in the inner city, a cocky teen and realistic black dialogue. I like the strong, black male role model of his father. Teens need heroes. The theme of struggling with rejection and fitting in appeals to today’s teens. The tale is inspirational, focusing on the importance of doing what`s right. The audio book is even better with realistic inflection, tone and pace.

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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Matt Alacrán has always known that he is different from everyone else. Genetically created and harvested from a cow, he is an identical clone for El Patrón, lord of Opium, which lies between the U.S. and the country formerly known as Mexico. As Matt comes of age, he struggles with the knowledge that he exists only to give El Patrón eternal life. Desperately trying to cope with his fate, Matt also longs for others to recognize his humanity instead of treating him like a beast. Surrounded by people with sinister motives, Matt is suddenly faced with either accepting his fate or risking his life for freedom. Examining the concepts of love, humanity, and freedom, Nancy Farmer’s award winning book is a fast-paced, thought-provoking read.

Reviewed by Tracy P., Independence Regional

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