13 Reasons Why

By Jay Asher 

     This book is not for the faint of heart.  This is a heart wrenching story, please be forewarned, this is not for children, The nature of the book requires a certain level of maturity therefore I strongly discourage anyone reading this book before they reach high school.  I do feel, however, that this story needs to be told and could be thought provoking and earth shattering.  

     First let me explain why I read the book and watched the series on Netflix.  I was encouraged by some young people that I needed to read this, since I am always looking for something to read plus  I had heard some rumblings about this book, I knew I had to find out what the hoopla was about.  Needless to say I was surprised by both the book and the series.  

     This is a story about a beautiful young woman, with loving parents that decides to commit suicide, which is horrible enough, but instead of a letter she makes 13 audio tapes explaining her reasons for terminating her life.  What we read is the first person narrative of Clay as he listens to the tapes and comes to terms with Hannah's suicide.  Clay had very strong feelings for Hannah but was afraid to step froward and proclaim his love.  What he discovers is that Hannah was mistreated, rumored about and hated for no real reason.  Every time something happens, it further weighs on her until she is stifled under its weight and finally wants to end the pain.  She calls for help from the school counselor and he basically tells her to move on, there were other warning signs but no one was paying any attention to stop the unthinkable.  

     Normally, I would give a brief summary of a book, but I think that part of the unknown nature of when and what happens is what makes this book a page turner.  I had a hard time putting it down.  One of the hardest parts for me was the changing voice of the book, it flowed quickly from Clay's perception to Hannah's perception.  That ebb and flow made it difficult to read at times.  I am giving this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, I am marking it down for the mature nature of the book and the rapid change of point of view.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe it will transcend generations, excellent for opening discussion among teens on depression, suicide and bullying.  Really opens ones eyes as to how the smallest act can change somebody's world.  Remember to be wonderful to others.  

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Author - Jay Asher

Suicide Prevention App

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Dust of Eden

By Mariko Nagai

     This is a short quick read about a time in our history that we should be ashamed of; when we placed individuals and families of Japanese descent into internment camps.  At the onset of the United States entering WWII, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, there was a lot of anger directed towards specific people from Asia.  Even families that had been in the United States for generations were suspect.  

     It is almost eerie to me to see the correlations on how we treated the Japanese and how the German's treated the Jews and their political enemies.  In the United States we separated an encamped the Japanese, but we fed them and treated them decently, but we still forced them to leave their home and friends for no real reason.  Even though we treated the Japanese better, the idea of being forced from work, home, school and loved ones is troubling and was very difficult for Mina to understand.  She considered herself to be an American, having been born in the United States and could not understand the anger directed towards herself and her family.  This book is told in poetic verse as Mina traverses her frightening future.  Her father was taken initially, then her Grandfather, mother and brother, Nick, were moved to the first camp.  They were housed together, but the fear, confusion and anger was evident in their day to day lives.
     Mina manages to come to terms with her encampment and learns to appreciate wherever she is.  Even when they are transported far from home to Idaho she adapts and appreciates the school and teachers that come to teach the children.  While she adapts, her brother Nick becomes angry that he is not trusted by his country.  He wants to prove his honesty and eventually enrolls as a serviceman, much to his families anguish.
     Will Mina and her family be able to return to Oregon, or will they have to move across the country in order to achieve their freedom?  Will Nick make it home from the war?  Whatever the answers, this poetic read is very poignant and enjoyable.  Some of the pieces were hidden in meaning and beautifully written!  Although, I understand why she chronicled her journey in this method, I missed the details that would have been in a memoir, therefor I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars and would encourage poetry lovers and others to take a look at this interesting book.  This book is appropriate for fourth grade and up.

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Author - Mariko Nagai

Japanese Internment Camps

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The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie

     The third book in this series does not disappoint the reader, this is another fabulous page turner.  More secrets are revealed as Paige becomes stronger, she meets the council, and she is betrayed.  She begins to talk to her birth mother and father and learns more about her lineage.  To save humanity they have to understand what is happening, what and when Dubu plans on finalizing his Pentagram spell.  Since Sunshine is integral to the survival of the human race she must be kept safe.  She is surrounded by Luisearch and humans including her boyfriend Nolan.  

     Most of the town of Richmond is unaware of the nearing of the apocalypse, the high school is preparing for a dance, but there is an increase in crime and injuries as the demons begin to attack humanity.  Demon's are possessing humans, and making them do horrible things like:  Rebecca attacking her customers at the pizza restaurant.  Sunshine and the council are kept vigilant as they rush to protect their charges.  Time is of the essence, the reader knows that Dubu has a secret weapon close to Sunshine, but we don't know who it is.  Will the Markon leader Dubu reign supreme or can Sunshine come to the rescue.
     What is so interesting in these stories the reader is always aware of some of the antagonist's thoughts and plans, through short chapters that give their perspective of what is occurring.  The quality of the writing is high, therefore,  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.Even though the main character is a female, I do these books are appropriate for both genders and believe that they are for 6th grade and up.  Please forewarned I strongly suggest that you read the books in sequence, they do build on each other.

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Paige Mackenzie - Author

Other teen horror books

The Awakening of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie

     This is the second book in the series, we continue in the story of 16 year old Sunshine and her transformation into a luisearch Her mentor/ father has finally approached her and whisks her off to his Mexican fortress to further her training.  She leaves behind her close friend Nolan and her Mother, Kat.  The damp humid jungle envelopes Sunshine as she is alone with her father and one other person on the campus.  

     The more time she spends with Aiden, her father, the more questions arise.  She knows that he is working on resolving the rift and that there was a disagreement between him and her mother, the depth of the dispute and the half truths abound as Sunshine slowly develops her undiscovered and unique powers.  She finally, discovers what caused the rift and how she is in the midst of a species extinction, namely hers.  When she discovers that her mother wanted to eliminate her and that Aiden was harboring spirits.  Sunshine finally breaks and runs from the fortress, trying to get back to Nolan, who is being tortured by her birth mother, Helena.  

     Sunshine is unaware how unique and powerful she is, she has untapped power and is very unique among her species.  She rushes back to Nolan to try to save him from the clutches of Helena.  Aiden shows up trying to dissuade Helena from eliminating Sunshine, trying to explain that Sunshine can be the answer, the solution to the rift.  

     This is another very entertaining book, another great read.  Although, there is no strong connections to the real world, I enjoyed this book a great deal.  I am giving this book a four out of five stars and can not wait to read the next book in the series The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl.  

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Demons?

Mysterious Places?

Crow

By Barbara Wright 

     This is a thought provoking historical fiction novel.  Enter into Southern United States 20 years after the Civil War and follow Moses in his coming of age journey of self awareness.  Moses is a young, intelligent man.  His parents are hard working;  his mother is a maid and his father is a reporter for the only daily black paper.  His father has had every opportunity, he has been to college and truly values the Constitution, the power of the vote, that knowledge is power and that facing your problems proves the depths of your character.  Moses is being raised, in part, by his Grandmother, Boo Nanny.  A former slave who looks at the world through old eyes, that believe in the old slave ways and omens.  Moses balances his life and tries to steer clear of white supremacy groups.
     As the racial tensions in the area continue to escalate, Moses, his family and their freedom are put in jeopardy.  Moses just wants to be a kid and enjoy the hot summer months.  His father still encourages him to broaden his horizons and continues to educate Moses.  His best friend Lewis is slowly drifting away as he has a bike and Moses can not get the money together for a bike.  As Moses begins to loose touch with his best friend, he befriends an unlikely individual.  His dad's job at the newspaper becomes ever more dangerous, especially, when Mr. Manley writes an editorial that inflames that white populace.
     As the state moves towards the November election, tension hit a high.  Mr. Manley flees Richmond, the "Red Shirts" are threatening the black population and Moses's freedom dwindles.  The frightening activity of the white supremacy groups keep many from voting, there is a riot and Moses' dad is requested to remove himself from office.  How Moses grows through these events, matures and help those around him is well worth the read.
     This is a very good historical fiction, I believe it portrays a very realistic image of the United States during the time of the Crow laws.  This would be a very good classroom book, and I enjoyed the section in the back of the book that allowed for lesson extension.  It has some mature inferences so would have to be in a class 6th grade and up.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.  This is a very worthwhile read and i did enjoy my copy.

Links

Patricia Wright - Author

Jim Crow Laws

Antebellum Period

The Red Shirts

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie 

     This is a nicely crafted coming of age story of a young sunshine, who acquires powers at the age of 16.  Sunshine is adopted by the woman that found her at the hospital, Kat, a neonatal nurse.  Even though they are technically Mother and daughter, they are so much more, they are best friends.  Sunshine will do anything for her mother, even move across the country so Kat can have the job of her dreams!  

     Shortly after Sunshine's 16th birthday they move to a damp and creepy part of the state of Washington, where it always seems to rain.  Sunshine is affected by the dreary weather and something else.  The first night in their rented home is eventful at least for Sunshine, who hears footsteps on the floor above them.  She is convinced the house is haunted, but Kat will not believe in any of that nonsense.  Sunshine then tries to prove her claims by taking photos and collecting data.  She hopes on her first day of school, that she will be able to utilize the dark room and process her film and prove to her mother the strange occurrences that are happening in their home.  

     Sunshine was nervous on her first day of school, new school, kids and teachers, but she was looking forward to her art class and developing her film.  Imagine her disappointment when she discovers that there is no photography or dark room at her new school.  But in walks somebody that she can not take her eyes off and he is sitting right next to her.  This boy becomes her friend and protector and they work together to save Kat.  Sunshine girl has no idea who or what she is and as she grows into her powers and faces the unbelievable she may find a first boyfriend, save her mother and come to terms with her unique abilities.
     This book was a pleasure to read, a very enjoyable page turner.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and believe it is appropriate for students 7th grade and up.  Even though the main character is female, it does not exclude male readers, especially with the topic being haunting and spirits.  This is an incredible coming of age tale pick up your copy today.

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Guardian Angels

Author - Paige Mackenzie

     

The Truth Game

By Anna Staniszewski

     This is a very entertaining tale of young Rachel as she embarks on her high school career.  She is hoping that this is going to be a new and exciting time for her.  She is entering high school, has a boyfriend, is beginning her dream job at a bakery and might be on television.  But Rachel's school does not start off all that great.  Her parents are separated, she rarely sees her boyfriend, her best friend is absorbed in her own life and barely has time for Rachel and of course her arch enemy works with her at the bakery  

     As Rachel's enemy, Briana, continues to sabotage Rachel at the bakery, she is also Evan's sister and Rachel tries to get along with her.  Briana is one of popular girls at school and Rachel would love to fit in with the rest of her classmates.  When Briana signs Rachel up for the Truth Game, she grudgingly gives it a try.  She quickly finds out that she is not that different from her classmates and reveals a lot of her inner secrets.  Things are going pretty good, her and Evan finally kiss, she is finally learning more at the bakery but all good things must come to an end.
     One day the Truth Game is hacked and everyone's secrets are shared with all of the participants of the application.  Rachel's budding relationships are destroyed and she is left floundering.  Her best friend and boyfriend are not returning her texts or calls and Briana is furious at her.  The only good thing is her building relationships with her parents and the faint possibility of meeting Chip.
     When a crisis at the bakery places Rachel in the spotlight and she needs help, she has no other recourse than to reach our to Marisol and Evan.  As only true friends would do, they rush to the rescue, but can Rachel repair the damage from her Truth Game reveals?  Is there hope for her relationships?
     I enjoyed this realistic fiction book a great deal and found it very plausible.  I am rating it as a four out of five stars and saying any young women in seventh grade on up would enjoy reading this great story.

Links

Author - Anna Staniszewski

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