The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014, 240 pages.

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach. Sourcebooks Fire, 2011. 311 pages.

Stupid Fast was recommended by Victor, who saw it on a library display at school and picked it right up. I see the attractions. Told in the voice of 15 yrs old hot mess, Felton Stupid

 Fast is about  Small towns, mental illness, bullying, outcasts, jocks, highschool, family disfunction and lies. BUT-- in the tradition of Jack Gantos, funny and warm and filled with love and affection for all the weirdness and disfunction found in all families and all of us. What don't kill you will make you stronger! Recommend. watching for the sequel.

This one is from VOYA, a mag that serves kids’ librarians:

“In the tradition of great young adult protagonists like Holden Caulfield and Eric “Moby” Calhoune comes Felton Reinstein, soon to be sixteen… This novel is Herbach’s first for a teen audience, but you would not guess that from the authentic teen voice of his protagonist. The author manages to deftly balance humor with high-stakes, emotional storytelling and even includes some romance to boot. Surprises abound in this future youth classic, not the least of which is how Felton comes to terms with his newfound inner jock. While male reluctant readers with an interest in football or running will especially connect with this novel, it is difficult to imagine a reader who will not find Felton’s tale compelling and highly entertaining.” —VOYA, June 2011

Towelhead by Alicia Erian. Simon & Schuster, 2005. 319 Pages.

It is 1991, right at the start of the first Gulf War a 13 year old Jasira is sent away when her mother realizes that Barry, Mom's boyfriend, is behaving inappropriately toward her. Poor Jasira, well developed and looking for love and attention that she does not get from her immature and selfish mother, is easy prey for Barry and every other man, young and old, who she meets. She begs to stay but Jasira is sent to live with her distant and rigid and cold Lebanese father in Texas where she is isolated and vulnerable.   Racism, Sexual abuse, neglect and fear. As disturbing as the book is, it is also compelling and deep-- ending with more hope that it started-- rich and deep with lots of twists and emotional turns. WEll done-- Adult book.

Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going. G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 2003. 183 pages.

Troy is Fat Kid-- 17 year old high school senior, 6'1", 300 lbs. While seriously contemplating suicide in a NYC subway station, he meets Curt, a homeless high school dropout and punk rock musician, bone thin, dirty and sickly. And, a legend in Troy's high school. Drug Addict. Curt saves Troy from jumping and insists he become drummer in his nonexistant band. coming of age story, dead mother, damaged, grieving family, Fat Kid full of issues and insecurities, etc. Curt has problems too. Lots of promise in the book but it was just okay-- starts strong but after a few chapters, they all start to sound the same-- then Troy has an epiphany, saves Curt (in a sense), develops a good relationship with his dad and his brother -some very hokey and predictable dialog with the brother, but the poor writing was unusual for the book. even the other predictable parts were written well. I am not recommending it. Too many other books with the same themes that are better. A strong start with no finish.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: a novel in pictures by Caroline Preston. New York: Ecco/Haper Collins, 2011

A coming of age story. A decade in the life of Frankie Pratt told with pictures and ticket stubs and newpaper clippings and captions from her scrapbook. 1920s, Cornish NH, high school graduation, inappropriate relationship, looking for love, Vassar, love, NY, Paris, NH. Clever and tender and very readable-- and rereadable. so much to see on everypage and i love non linear reading and journal books. Adult book but great for teens-- Alex Award winner. Loved it. Buying it for YA.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Little, Brown and Company, 2007. 230 pages.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier. (GRAPHIX) 2010, 224 pages.

I love a graphic memoir! Raina Telgemeier's (graphic artist of The Babysitter's Club fame) memoir of her middleschool years-- memories forever intertwined with braces and other dental issues-- that the dental stuff becomes a metaphor for the middle school period itself. Telgemeier clearly remembers what it is like to be in a teenager--family, acne, friends, hormones, boys, friends, teeth, appearance, friends, shyness, mean girls, friends-- add in lots of pain and surgery--and in the end, of couse, Raina overcomes it -- as we all do. A perfect choice of a positive "it gets better" coming of age story--and we always need more of these! SMILE was a pleasant surprise-- a quiet little graphic memoir about a girl i never heard of before but who i liked and felt for. the story pulled me in and will resonate with girls 11+-- and their mothers.
highly recommend