Yoon, N. (2015). Everything, Everything. Delacorte Press. ISBN: 978-0-553-49665-9
Plot Summary
Madeline suffers from a rare disease, she is basically allergic to the world around her. Therefore she is forced to live, and stay, in the sterile environment of her home. The only two people that she ever sees are her mother and her nurse Carla. One day new neighbors move in next door and she sets her eyes on a mysterious and cute boy. Madeline strikes up an unlikely relationship with the boy next door, Ollie. This leads her to learn more about herself and what she wants out of her life. The twist at the end will leave readers speechless.
Analysis
This novel is a wonderful story of young love. The characters are diverse and true-to-life. This author tells the story through vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, emails, and IMs. This adds interest to the story and makes it a quick, can’t put it down, type of read. The reader gets to peek into two complicated family situations. Ollie has a depressed sister, an abused mother, and an alcoholic father. He finds solace in his relationship with Madeline. Madeline also has a complicated family. Her father and brother passed away in a car accident when she was very little and she now lives trapped in a bubble with her overreacting mother. In this story the reader sees Madeline grow up before our very eyes as she uncovers her past. This leads Madeline to make tough choices about how she wants to live her life and who she wants to live it with. "This heartwarming story transcends the ordinary by exploring the hopes, dreams, and inherent risks of love in all of its forms." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review. The story has several twists and turns with a great ending. This is a great read for anyone who loves a good romance. This book was also made into a movie for readers to enjoy.
Reviews
"This extraordinary first novel about love so strong it might kill us is too good to feel like a debut. Tender, creative, beautifully written, and with a great twist, Everything, Everything is one of the best books I've read this year." --Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Leaving Time
“Readers will root for the precocious Maddy as she falls hard for the boy next door . . . teens in search of a swoonworthy read will devour.”--Booklist
New York Times Bestseller
Other books by Nicola Yoon include: The Sun is Also a Star, Instructions for Dancing, and Blackout: A Novel.
Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. Penguin Books. ISBN: 0-525-47506-0
Plot Summary
Miles Halter decides to leave his boring life and attend his fathers alma mater, a boarding school in Alabama. Miles wants to explore his life and the “Great Perhaps”. Upon his arrival he meets his new roommate Chip Martin, the colonel, who brings him into a group of friends including the mysterious and beautiful Alaska. This group of friends quickly bond over pranks and Miles develops a deep crush for Alaska. After pulling off the best prank ever a tragedy occurs and leaves many questions behind. This leaves Miles, Pudge as he is called, and his friends asking questions and finding answers in unexpected places.
Analysis
This story includes typical teenage life and the heartache of loss. There are also lessons to be learned such as living life to the fullest. This is explored through Miles’s character as he is looking for the “Great Perhaps”. This book is a quick read that sucks you in and keeps you entertained throughout. I also liked how the book was divided into the “before” and “after” which builds suspense for the reader. The author leaves nothing out about the life of Miles, told honestly about the thoughts and activities of a teenage boy. “What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green’s mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge’s voice.” —Kirkus. This story will make you laugh and cry as well as question the mysteries of life. A great read that you cannot put down.
Reviews
“Funny, sad, inspiring, and always compelling.” —Bookpage
“Stunning conclusion . . . one worthy of a book this good.” —Philadelphia Inquirer
“Green…has a writer’s voice, so self-assured and honest that one is startled to learn that this novel is his first. The anticipated favorable comparisons to Holden Caufield are richly deserved in this highly recommended addition to young adult literature.”
— VOYA
Winner, 2006 Michael L. Printz Award Finalist\
2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize
2006 Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
Other books by John Green include: The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down, and Paper Towns.
Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. Harper Collins. ISBN: 978-0-06-249853-3
Plot Summary
Starr Carter lives in two different worlds: the poor black neighborhood that she lives in and the rich suburban school she goes to. Starr often feels like she needs to be two different people depending on where she is and who she is with. One terrible night Starr witnesses her childhood best friend Khalil get shot by a white police officer even though he was unarmed. The shooting becomes a major news headline and forces Starr to decide who she is and what or who she stands up for.
Analysis
This story is beautifully written and heartbreakingly honest. This book allows you to see into the life of Starr and her typical teenage problems (boyfriend, mean-girl best friend, fitting in, etc.) but she also has the added complication of race and how that affects her daily life. Starr feels as though she has to act a certain way depending on where she is. This is a constant struggle for her but ultimately leads her to discover her true self. The title of the book is in reference to Tupac Shakur’s THUG LIFE philosophy which stands for The Hate U Give Little Infants F***** Everybody. Khalil explains its meaning to Starr on the night of his shooting telling her that it means when you treat kids poorly when they are young it comes back to get you when they are older. This book hits on topics of race and how society treats young boys of color and the Black Lives Matter movement with honesty and truth. “The Hate U Give is an important and timely novel that reflects the world today’s teens inhabit. Starr’s struggles create a complex character, and Thomas boldly tackles topics like racism, gangs, police violence, and interracial dating. This topical, necessary story is highly recommended for all libraries.” -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review). I found this book to be powerful and eye opening. This book speaks to students who know Starr’s life like their own and gives perspective to students who don’t. This book is a must read.
Reviews
“As we continue to fight the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, THE HATE U GIVE serves as a much needed literary ramrod. Absolutely riveting!” -- Jason Reynolds, bestselling coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS
“With smooth but powerful prose delivered in Starr’s natural, emphatic voice, finely nuanced characters, and intricate and realistic relationship dynamics, this novel will have readers rooting for Starr and opening their hearts to her friends and family. This story is necessary. This story is important.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Coretta Scott King Honor
Michael L. Printz Honor
This book has also been made into a movie. Movie Trailer
Other books by Angie Thomas include: Blackout, Concrete Rose, and Find Your Voice.
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