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The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

Posted by BJ Neary on April 28, 2015 at 1:10pm

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am definitely going to be reading anything Jason Reynolds writes!!! His diverse books speak to readers about life, love, and circumstances of teens in Bed-Stuy but Reynolds' words, characters, setting, and plot are all very special. Matt Miller is grieving the death of his mother and while he does not really have many friends; he has a very real sense of who he is. Working for Mr. Ray's funeral parlor helps him deal with the loss of his mother with each funeral he attend/works. I loved seeing the character of Matt Miller evolve with each turn of the page, a must read! We need more diverse books from Jason Reynolds!

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When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

Posted by BJ Neary on April 22, 2015 at 8:56am

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason Reynolds has written a diverse book all teens will want to read. I found this title on #weneeddiversebooks. This book is urban fiction (my students loved urban fiction!!!), involves a black teen with Tourette Syndrome, the toughness of neighborhood and family but also the closeness of community. Ali is a teen who becomes friends with brothers, Noodles & Needles when thyey move into his neighborhood. They hang out on the steps of their Bed-Stuy block but these 2 brothers lives are so much more gritty than Ali's. Ali has a tough, loving mother who works 2 jobs, an 11 year old sister wise beyond her years, and a father who seems to be absent. Ali has scruples and looks forward to his days with Noodles and Needles even calling them The Three Musketeers. But as time goes on, Ali begins to struggle with the way Noodles treats his brother, Needles. It all explodes one night, causing Ali to question if he can be friends with Noodles ever again. The writing is unflinching but also extols family, friendship, loyalty and honesty. I loved everything about this book and am definitely diving right into Jason Reynolds next book, The Boy in the Black Suit. Highly recommended.

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And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

Posted by BJ Neary on April 18, 2015 at 8:01am

And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emily Beam is a confused girl who has lost her boyfriend (killed himself in the school library), was sent to a boarding school, and must now try to figure out her own feelings and guilt by reading the many poems and biographies of Emily Dickinson. Will she be able to find her voice, make new friends, live with her decisions and navigate a world without Paul. This slim novel was very powerful and part of The 2015 Hub Challenge Printz Award. Emily's journey was slow, introspective, and her poems were as important as Emily Dickinson's. A must read.

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Noggin by Jon Corey Whaley

Posted by BJ Neary on April 13, 2015 at 1:25pm

Noggin by John Corey Whaley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved JCW's first book, Where Things Come Back and Noggin is just as awesome! Even though the premise is as Whaley says, "ridiculous" his writing, his characters, and his words ALL make this book great and a must read. Travis is so believable as a confused teen who has his head re-attached onto someone else's body. Unbelievable, right---but thanks to Dr. Saranson and cryogenics, Travis becomes one of the two patients who come back. With cancer and a body shot to hell with drugs, Travis and his family sign up to have Travis' head frozen and bringing him back...someday. He comes back (a lots quicker than imagined---5 years) to his parents and best friend, Kyle, and girlfriend, Cate, all five years older and moved on. Travis, Kyle, Cate, and new teen friend, Hatton are all characters you like, want to know and very supportive of Travis being back and trying to logically figure out this new life. There were so many wonderful quotes because Whaley is such a tremendous writer--he challenges you with his words and makes you love his characters, their world and their lives.
p. 74 when Travis wants to see his Cate, his soul mate and love "And now I just wanted to see her. I didn't care if she looked different. I didn't care if she had a fiancé and I didn't care if she said she didn't want to see me, because that's bullshit. I was there first, and after seeing Kyle and Audrey an all those kids at school ...all I could think about was seeing and hearing and touching the one person I'd promised to come back for. We had to finish what we started. We got to do that now. No one else could say that. We,,. Lawrence Ramsey could but not one else. We had to go for it. Just like those doctors had done with my head and Jeremy's body, I had to take my old life and mash it together with this new one. That meant there'd probably have to be a few more scars."

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I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Posted by BJ Neary on April 10, 2015 at 10:15am

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a gripping read but yet another winner from Gayle Forman!!! Cody was a character perplexed and suffering so much guilt about the death of her best friend (soul mate) Meg. Cody's world revolved around Meg Garcia and her family; since her family is not so great---she calls her mom by her first name; doesn't know who her father is and her mother's men never venture to her home (thankfully). As Cody tries to fathom why her best friend killed herself; the reader follows her dogged pursuit of any kind of knowledge that could help her understand why she never saw any hint of Meg's calculated mission. I liked Cody because she was pushed by love for her best friend but also motivated by anger, a chip on her shoulder, and rants against Meg's one-night stand, Ben, for answers. I loved Forman's families- the Garcia family, Tricia, Stoner Richard's family, and Cody and Ben's conversations about their families. A gripping read that does not disappoint with a hard core female protagonist who is determined to rise to the challenge of whatever life throws at her without Meg.

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I Was Here by Gale Forman

Posted by BJ Neary on April 10, 2015 at 10:15am

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a gripping read but yet another winner from Gayle Forman!!! Cody was a character perplexed and suffering so much guilt about the death of her best friend (soul mate) Meg. Cody's world revolved around Meg Garcia and her family; since her family is not so great---she calls her mom by her first name; doesn't know who her father is and her mother's men never venture to her home (thankfully). As Cody tries to fathom why her best friend killed herself; the reader follows her dogged pursuit of any kind of knowledge that could help her understand why she never saw any hint of Meg's calculated mission. I liked Cody because she was pushed by love for her best friend but also motivated by anger, a chip on her shoulder, and rants against Meg's one-night stand, Ben, for answers. I loved Forman's families- the Garcia family, Tricia, Stoner Richard's family, and Cody and Ben's conversations about their families. A gripping read that does not disappoint with a hard core female protagonist who is determined to rise to the challenge of whatever life throws at her without Meg.

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I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Posted by BJ Neary on April 5, 2015 at 12:47pm

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook as part of an April book discussion with a Goodreads group I joined, YG,MG, Seriously. Since I LOVED this book and did not want to read it again, I choose to listen to this book narrated by Julia Whelan and Jesse Bernstein and this venue DID NOT disappoint!!! I recommend YA and adults should read and then listen to this book. There is so much to totally love about this book- family lies, secrets, jealousies but also deep abiding love, compassion, and artistic brilliance.
You can read my book review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Highly recommended- join our April discussion too!

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The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Posted by BJ Neary on April 5, 2015 at 12:31pm

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this amazing novel-in-verse about family, basketball, and twins in one sitting. With words that mirror a basketball bouncing, the reader meets the two Bell brothers who are awesome basketball players supported by a Dad who was once a famous basketball player and a mom who happens to be the principal at their school. The reader is treated to an urban delight of words describing one season, in both basketball and their lives. A book for boys and girls alike and the reluctant reader, highly recommended!

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El Deafo by Cece Bell

Posted by BJ Neary on April 1, 2015 at 12:55pm

El Deafo by Cece Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read El Deafo because my elementary librarian friends highly recommended I and it won the 3rd round of SLJ's Battle of the Books! Cece Bell's memoir in graphic novel form about her young life, becoming ill and losing her hearing is gripping, funny, and poignant. Cece's illustrations are always bright even when Cece is not happy with her life. She has a phonic ear that helps her hear; sometimes more than she would like- but this aid also make her feel conspicuous too. The reader really learns what it is like to be severely deaf and the many childhood stories El Deafo shares about growing up (sleep overs, friends, being a super hero, and crushes) will stay with me. Highly recommended. This is a book that children, teens and adults should read.

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Find Momo by Andrew Knapp

Posted by BJ Neary on March 30, 2015 at 10:17am

Find Momo: A Photography Book by Andrew Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read, visualized, soaked up this wonderful book of photographs through Canada and the US as readers try to find border collie, Momo in each photograph. But I liked even more, Andrew Knapp's down to earth love of his dog, his surroundings and his internet followers who have become very special to him as they rise and champion the many Momo sightings. A visual adventure children, teens, and adults will all enjoy!

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Skink-No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen

Posted by BJ Neary on March 27, 2015 at 1:30pm

Skink--No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this Amazing Audiobook as part of The 2015 Hub Challenge and Hiaasen's plot was funny, gripping, and compelling. Read by Kirby Heyborne, the plot of Malley who goes missing in Florida with cousin Richard (aided by Skink, a 70 yr old ex-governor and supposedly dead) in pursuit was so awesome to listen too. I loved learning about the Florida wildlife (gators, wild boars, herons, loggerhead turtles and extinct woodpeckers) while grinding my teeth as Richard and Skink tracked Malley through all kinds of weather, water, and mosquitos. This is a must read adventure that keeps you riveted and riled to the bitter end.

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This One Summer by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki

Posted by BJ Neary on March 27, 2015 at 1:24pm

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465566-this-one-summer" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="This One Summer" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424308905m/18465566.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465566-this-one-summer">This One Summer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/483588.Mariko_Tamaki">Mariko Tamaki</a> 
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1144518403">5 of 5 stars</a> 
I read this book as part of The 2015 Hub Challenge but I have had it on my TBR because it received so many kudos! This graphic novel covers one summer and two friends at the shore. We fleetingly meet arguing family members, teens with problems, and friends who are beginning to have differences of opinions. I loved the illustrations, I kept going back and looking over the panels; Jillian Tamaki's illustrations are gorgeous, real, and bold. The bluish cover becomes rich black and white illustrations within the book. The main characters, Rose and Windy celebrate what they love about Awago Beach (turkey jerkey, amazing breezes, and bike rides) and we see Rose is beginning to outgrow building forts and become more interested in what is going on with the teens in the store. The spare words and amazing graphics make this a graphic novel many will enjoy!
 
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The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

Posted by BJ Neary on March 27, 2015 at 1:17pm

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book! Shannon and Dean Hale have crafted a Princess story kids will love! Who can resist a perfect princess who is also The Princess in Black guarding her kingdom from monsters and any kind of bad guys? With humor in both words and illustrations (LeUYEN Pham)the Hales have crafted a laugh out loud book kids will relate to (and read ove and over again)- this could be a play they act out when they are with their friends- right down to the toenail clippings!!!Very enjoyable and highly recommended! I know I am going to be reading this to my granddaughter and giving it to my daughter to read to her students.

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Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

Posted by BJ Neary on March 25, 2015 at 12:22pm

Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Book Group and Disney-Hyperion for the ARC, Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein. Once again, Elizabeth Wein has crafted masterful historical fiction you can’t put down. Teo and Emilia’s lives are unconventional; they are raised together as brother and sister; but they are not. Really nothing in their life is normal. Their mothers are women stunt pilots; one white, one black with an enduring friendship and devotion to family. When Teo’s mom, Delia (Black Dove) dies in a freak stunt accident; Em’s mom, Rhoda (White Raven) raises Em and Teo as her children. But in the 1930’s being black and raised by a white woman is fraught with all kinds of problems. Rhoda flees to Ethiopia, where Delia dreamt of an equal future for her son where racism did not exist. As they fall in love with their new life in Ethiopia; history, war, and slavery threaten to disillusion this family of pilots and dreamers. Wein has thoroughly researched this engaging tale told from Em and Teo’s point of view through letters, school assignments, flight logs, and fantastical adventures. Beautiful, gripping, and tense, you will root for Rhoda and her brood, as war threatens to decimate their tranquility.

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Define "Normal" by Julie Ann Peters

Posted by BJ Neary on March 22, 2015 at 9:31am

Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this amazing audiobook from the Hub Challenge and LOVED it. Both girls are fantastic protagonists, although the story is told solely from Antonia's point of view; she is peer counseling Jazz Luther who is the total opposite of Antonia. As I listened to this compelling audiobook I realized why I love Julie Ann Peters books- she gets teens. This book is no different- both Jazz and Antonia have "stuff" going on and teens will love reading or listening to this book; can seeming "opposites" get along, trust each other, and become friends? Highly recommended!

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Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders by Geoff Herbach

Posted by BJ Neary on March 15, 2015 at 12:46pm

Fat Boy vs the Cheerleaders by Geoff Herbach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach and listening to this Amazing Audiobook for the Hub Challenge was a treat. Chunk also known as Gabe has a great voice- he snarls, balks, teases and most of all loves band. When his summer band camp is stopped due to no funds, Chunk raises his voice, leads a rally, loses weight (due to his grandfather and stress)and gets the girl. I totally loved Nick Podehl’s narration, he had the best voices for everyone and gave the story depth and humor, highly recommended if you are looking for a humorous read!

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Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Posted by BJ Neary on March 9, 2015 at 12:01pm

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this amazing audiobook as part of the Hub Challenge and it was awesome. Laurel is still reeling from the death and loss of her older sister, May. She has transferred to a new school, and her first assignment is to write a letter to a dead person. This assignment beings a year long letter writing campaign from Laurel to Kurt Cobain, Judy Garland, River Phoenix, Amelia Earhart, Amy Winehouse, poets and many more...What I liked about these letters is that Laurel researches each subject and the reader learns about the lives of these dead people and we see parallels to May, Laurel, and her family. As Laurel struggles with her guilt, her silence, her own self image, and her idealization of May...who will she become? As a reader, I savored the New Mexico setting, the flawed (but real)characters, the letters, and Laurel's journey. Highly recommended, teens will relate to Laurel, Sky, Natalie, Hannah and their daily lives in high school.

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Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

Posted by BJ Neary on March 5, 2015 at 9:59am

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers and Random House Children’s for this ARC, Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman. This second Seraphina book warmed my heart---Half-dragon Seraphina is key to trying to save her country from war with the dragons and also help the half-dragons unite (her garden of grotesques consists of half-dragons Orma conditioned her to create and tend to every evening---very interesting). On the other hand, warmed as in made my blood boil, with the heinous half-dragon Jannuola, who has the ability to use her dragon light to possess people, hook her evil into them, and make them do her bidding. At every turn, Jannoula thwarts Seraphina while making the human/villagers believe she is blessed and a compassionate do-gooder. Rachel Hartman did such an awesome job with her deep world building, fully meshed characters (Abdo, Eskar, Camba, Ingar, and Blanche- to name a few of my favorites) and the magical, mystical history of the dragon world; I was spell bound and captivated. I rooted for Seraphina and her many conflicts. Will she deliver the ityasaari to Prince Lucian Kiggs and Queen Gisselda? A ripping good read, highly recommended for fantasy/dragon lovers!

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Half Bad by Sally Green

Posted by BJ Neary on February 20, 2015 at 12:53pm

Half Bad by Sally Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An amazing audiobook! I loved Carl Prekopp's narration; he was gripping and mesmerizing. I kept looking for ways to plug in and LISTEN to this book!!! In a future England, Nathan is 1/2 white witch and 1/2 black witch and it is being the son of black witch Marcus that brands him an outsider---even his own sister, Jessica, hates him. Thankfully Nathan has a wonderful and sympathetic brother, Aaron. Aaron is sweet, trusting, and very protective of Nathan. But Aaron is not bullied, beaten up, or branded "BAD" like Nathan. Will Nathan be able to elude the hunters and survive until his 17th birthday and receiving his 3 powers of magic? Will he be able to survive in a world that does not want him or his father? Now I can't wait to get into the second book, Half Wild!!!

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The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Posted by BJ Neary on February 19, 2015 at 12:47pm

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

I love Holly Black and this dark world of Faerie folk living side by side in Fairfold is cunningly slow to unfold. So read very closely all the juicy details and bread crumbs... There is a horned boy asleep in a glass coffin in the forest; everyone knows and visits this landmark (and do all kinds of wild things in, on and around the coffin). As brother and sister, Hazel and Ben grow up they both love this boy and dream of freeing him from the evil that holds him captive. They even play at fighting evil in the forest with Ben's best friend, Jack---who is not quite human. For a deep read where all characters are struggling with their own demons and a town that has many secrets in their history--Black's book of faerie does not disappoint. There is horror, love, lies, and lots of dark fantasy---very alluring read.

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Note: this page contains paid content.