My Teenage Dream Ended by Farrah Abraham

Farrah Abraham was on the first season of the MTV documentary/reality series "16 and Pregnant" as well as one of the four whose journey continued to be highlighted on "Teen Mom".  This book gives background into Farrah's relationship with Sophia's father, Derek, who we learned later in the series died in a car accident before Sophia was born.

Why I picked up the book: I watched Farrah's season of "16 and Pregnant" as well as several seasons of "Teen Mom". I was interested to see if she revealed anything new, especially since she doesn't always come across very likeable.

Why I finished the book: It was an easy read. I wanted to see if Farrah had learned anything or grown up since becoming a mom.

I'd give it to: fans of the MTV series, especially teen girls. Teen girls in bad relationships or those who think a baby might keep the guy around.

I think the book does a good job of giving some background into Farrah's relationship with Derek as well as explaining the character she appears to be on the show. The book should have been edited better and contains quite a few TMI moments. However I think the readers the book is geared for won't mind. Her writing style is conversational, as though you are sitting on the couch sharing stories. 

While we'd like to believe that our teens aren't out drinking, partying, and having sex, they could be and could be hiding secrets right in front of our noses. Teens make mistakes and relationships are hard. Many teens believe they can change or control their partners. While Farrah still has a lot of growing up to do (she's only in her early 20s), her experience is still raw and she is very open about her thoughts and feelings.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Wandering Son

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Wandering Son

Author/illustrator: Shimura Takako

Shuichi Nitori lives an average sixth grader life with an annoying older sister and quirky parents that love him. He is quiet and well liked at his school, despite being a bit of a crybaby. But Shuichi has a secret. He wants to be a girl. Feeling alone and confused, he is happy to become friends with a girl who has a similar problem, named Yoshino Takastuki. Yoshino likes to dress as a boy and travel by train far away from her home so that she can walk around as a boy with no one noticing. And she wants Shuichi to join her in girls clothing. Shuichi is scared at first and resistant to dressing up like a girl, even though he desperately wants to, but when Yoshino begins to give him all the dresses she doesn't wear, he starts to tepidly step into the world remade as a girl. At first it is Yoshino's and Shuichi's secret, but it isn't long before things start to escalate. A girl in Shuichi's class discovers his secret and is determined to make his dream come true, even though he doesn't want her involved. As Shuichi and Yoshino come to terms with the gender they wish to be, hardship is not far behind, trying to thwart their attempts and crush their dreams. Will they have a happy ending?

Wandering Son covers gender issues like no other graphic novel. It is slow paced, realistic, and emotionally packed, with subtle scenes and appealing characters. This isn't your usual comedy gender-bender anime is infamous for. This is a heartfelt, cutely illustrated manga about what it is like to be young and struggling with who you are and who you want to be.

I picked this book up because the art was cute and it sounded interesting.

I finished this book because it was adorable and fascinating.

Rating: **** Really liked it!

Where I Want to be

Reader: Michelle Sherwin

Grade: 12+
Title: Where I Want to be
Author: Adele Griffin

This story began and ended with the death of Jame. This may sound a bit strange but it is true. The story is told from two different points of view. The point of view of Jane told in the past and in third person and the point of view of Lilly her little sister who is telling it in the first person present point of view. Jane's portion of the book tells of her life and the events leading up to her death. They tell of her grandparents and her family and why her life was so much different from that of her sister Lilly. These two who use to be best friends were now drifting farther and farther apart because of Jane's mental condition and a boy named Caleb. Lilly also sees this in her point of view. She is always looking back at what she could have done differently with her sister. As Lilly begins to come closer to the answers about her sister she begins to find strength to do the things she didn't dare to do before. She must find the strength to enjoy her life and begins to see that her sisters care free life was not all that bad. This book was not one of my favorites. For one I did not like the constant changing of setting, time and point of view every chapter. I also was not a big fan of the ending which leaves a lot of loose ends and makes it seem like there is a page missing or at the very least a sentence. The story line itself was not bad.

I picked this book up because my mom had read it and gave it to me to read.
I finished the book because I just had to know how it ended although it was not the nice neat everything is finished ending.

I would give this book to people who like stories from several points of view.

My rating for this book
** It was ok 

Leslee
11th Grade
The Pact
By:  Jodi Picoult

In this novel, Chris Hart and Emily Gold have been best friends since birth.  Their families are close, they live next door to each other, and basically spend every waking moment together.  Now they are seventeen, in high school, and have fallen in love.  Everything seems great on the surface until Emily appears dead in a park from a gunshot wound to her head.  According to Chris, this was part of a suicide pact and the sole remaining bullet was meant for him.  Through a heartwrenching trial with intense and tearjerking moments, the truth is uncovered.  We discover the truth behind this suicide pact and the hows and whys of Emily's death.  This story encompasses love, suicide, loyalty, and the question of how well we really know the people closest to us.  I picked up this book because I really enjoy reading the works of Jodi Picoult.  I finished it because I couldn't put it down.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great love stories and is willing to cry here and there.  This was an incredible book and I would give it 5 stars *****.

October Mourning: A Song for Matthew ShepardOctober Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard by Lesléa Newman

Why I picked up the book: I was a freshman in college the fall of 2008, when Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered. I had planned to attend UW but at the last minute chose to stay home and attend CWC. I will never forgot the day of his funeral. The weather was a reflection of the mood: gray, gloomy, stormy, snow. I've read the book by Matthew's mother and wondered what this book would add.

Why I finished it: This short book is a beautiful gift to the memory of Matthew. The poetry is exceptional and even if you don't know about or remember the crime, you will.  As humans and as Wyoming residents, the brutal and horrific murder of Matthew Shepard has left a scar on our hearts and hopefully changed how we treat others, making us more loving, accepting, and kind. 

I'd give it to: Anyone (mothers, fathers, teachers, teens--maybe high school and up). Those who appreciate the art of poetry.

Note: The author has an extensive collection of notes/bibliography for readers to learn more. She also explains the poetry forms she uses.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Kaitlin
11th
So B. It
By. Sarah Weeks
Twelve-year-old Heidi is home schooled and taken care of by her neighbor and unofficial guardian. Her momma has a mental disability that only allows her to know 23 words and nothing about their pasts. This book tells the story of Heidi going to Liberty, NY to try and learn more about her and her mother's past. What she learns is both good news, and some news that will change her life forever. I picked up this book because it was recommended to me by a friend. I finished it because this book is a sincere, heartfelt read that you just can't set down! I would give this book to someone looking for something different to read.
I give this book 4 stars! ****

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie J. Davis

During high school Katie was your typical teenager. Living with her family in a spacious house in a nice Tennessee neighborhood, driving a nice car (probably given to her by her parents), eating three meals a day, going shopping whenever she pleased. But something changed. She began to desire and dream about moving to a foreign country to do mission work. Her parents weren't on board. They wanted Katie to finish high school, go to college, start a career, get married and have a family. But Katie convinces them to let her take a three week mission trip to Uganda over Christmas break of her senior year and that trip changes everything. After high school Katie moves to Uganda for what is supposed to only be a year. But what she sees there and the love that she has for God and Uganda change her life.

The book is a collection of her blog posts and journal entries as well as pictures, explaining her journey and faith. Many people don't understand how Katie could give up her privileged life. This is her story.

Why I picked up the book: The story impressed me. As an adoptive mother, I'm always curious about what leads people to adoption. Katie adopted 14 girls and she was only 20! In our society of "me, me, me" and instant gratification, I wanted to know what would compel a teenage girl to give up her comfortable life and move to a foreign country.

Why I finished it: The book renewed my faith in the goodness of people. It also made me wonder why it is so inexpensive to feed children in under-developed countries, yet so expensive here in the US.

I'd give it to: teens and adults. Anyone who is thinking of taking a mission trip or have been on one. Anyone who has adopted. Anyone who needs to see that their faith and the little things they do in life really make a difference.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle

Three interconnected Christmas tales to make you laugh and put you in the holiday spirit. Great book to read in a snow storm or on the first nasty day of the season.

Story 1: The Jubilee Express
Jubilee is eagerly awaiting the hours until leaving for the Price Family Annual Smorgasbord, hosted by her boyfriend Noah's family and the celebration of their first anniversary. But after her parent's surprise arrest over coveted Christmas decorations and a train trip to Florida during the biggest snowstorm in *FIFTY* years, Jubilee finds herself trapped in an unknown town at midnight on Christmas Eve. She can either stay on a cold stranded train surrounded by cheerleaders or venture out into the snow in hopes of reaching the warmth and solitude of the Waffle House. Can Christmas get any crazier?

Story 2: A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle
A few phone calls change the course of Christmas Eve for Tobin, JP, and the Duke. The first half dozen calls confirm that Tobin's parents are stuck in Boston due to the storm. The next calls are from their friend Keun, the "acting manager" of the Waffle House. The Waffle House that is currently witnessing a cheertastic Christmas miracle = 14 cheerleaders, who are displaced passengers of the immobilized train. Keun urges them to brave the storm and witness the said miracle. Will they be able to make it?

Story 3: The Patron Saint of Pigs
Addie can't stop moping about her break-up with Jed. Her friends think she needs to focus less on herself and more on others and the Christmas spirit. Her one (after) Christmas task: pick up Tegan's gift. Should be easy, right? ...

Why I picked up the book: I was looking for something wintery/Christmas themed for our December teen book club. Our group *LOVES* John Green and I also adore Lauren Myracle so I thought this might be a good one to try. The first snow of the year was being predicted so it seemed like the perfect time.

Why I finished it: Humor, fun, holiday spirit. Who could ask for more?

I'd give it to: Fans of the three writers and/or fans of Sarah Dessen. Readers looking for sweet, fun, laughter, and holiday spirit.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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34 Pieces of You by Carmen Rodrigues

Secrets can be toxic, can destroy you if you don’t take proper care of them. Some are too painful to ever speak aloud, some you can never outrun, forget, or move past.

Ellie has secrets. Secrets she’s kept hidden from her best friend Sarah, her brother Jake, and Sarah’s sister Jessie. Secrets that may have contributed to the “accident” the night that Ellie died. Was she trying to commit suicide? Did Sarah realize what was going to happen and did she want to die as well? Could Jake have saved Ellie? What secrets is Jessie hiding? Who was the real Ellie? What do the strips of paper in the secret box under her bed have to do with her pain?

Why I picked up the book: It had been compared to "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher, which I think it one of the best YA novels I've ever read.

Why I finished it: I didn't want to put the book down. Rodrigues created characters you wanted to know, with believable back stories. You care about them and their struggles and recognize pieces of them in people you know. (My high-school best friend was a bit like Ellie and Lola.)

I'd recommend it to: fans of 13RW. Teens looking for edgy YA. Adults, especially those with teens or who work with teens, who need to see the "real" world and problems teens often find themselves in.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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