Broken- Alyxandra Harvey-Fitzhenry

Broken was a fascinating read with a quirky character, Ash, who is trying desperately to find where she really belongs. She tries to stand out as different with her purple hair and endless cargo pants, but several things make her start to wonder if she should just conform. Her dad is going to be re-married, and both her dad and his fiancee seem oblivious to the effect this may be having on her, as it comes with the bonus of 2 step-sisters. If that weren’t enough, her dad seems to take the other girl’s parts in any altercation, and Ash becomes more and more doubtful of her father’s real love for her. That and a love interest from Seth, popular guy in school, guides her to change and become more like everyone else. This doesn’t come without fallout- her best friend Mouse, feels betrayed. Everyone but Ash seems to be aware of the fact that Seth is just using her until he gets back with his old girlfriend. This is an excellent example of a novel with edgy characters, all the qualities needed for a good YA novel, and with good language and only mild sexual content. I would definitely recommend this for our libraries.

The Truth About Truman School- dori hillestad butler

This is another look at bullying- this time online. Truman School, told from a variety of very distinctive perspectives, centres around Amr and Zebby who decide to start an on-line newspaper where kids can say what they really think about Truman School. Soon it becomes a format to bring down a certain popular girl, Lilly, and Amr and Zebby are not sure they have the right to delete something when they have opened it up to entries from everyone. A fast-paced, easy read, this nonetheless has lots of food for thought and I think would be very appealing for both gals and guys. I highly recommend it.

Sister Wife- Shelley Hrdlitschka

A story that will haunt you for some time, Sister Wife is the story of a community which advocates plural marriages. Naturally, it is the young girls who are assigned to marry the older men. Celeste is struggling to conform to the rigid expectations and begins to rebel in small ways; even more so after she meets Jon, and they discover feelings for each other. Jon attempts to persuade her to leave the group and find a new life. Tempted as she is, she also knows it means leaving her family and way of life behind forever.

Multiple voices tell the story which allows us a deeper insight into the belief system and allow us a glimpse of a lifestyle that may seem inconceivable to this. Although this has some mature content, it is not graphic and would be suitable for grade 7 right through high school. Another excellent novel from the author of Gotcha, one of my favourite reads last year.

Res Judicata- Vicki Grant

Prepare for lots of laughs as you read this good humoured sequel to Quid Pro Quo. Although I have not read the first, it certainly didn’t distract me as this story stands on its own very nicely. Cyril’s mom is a young, slightly wacky lawyer who involves him from time to time in her legal education. Thus the title, Res Judicata, and his not surprising penchant for sticking his nose in where it maybe doesn’t belong. First, the big shocker- mom has a boyfriend! And about the time Cyril reluctantly comes to like him, he’s out of the picture. And it all has to do with his mom’s client; the very unprepossessing Chuck. Arrested for murder after presumably accidentally killing a wealthy professor, mom manages to free him. But Chuck comes up with the idea that he should take the police force to court for false arrest. And why is Biff, the old boyfriend, still skulking around? Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between friend and foe. Lots of action and lots of laughs with quirky and interesting characters makes this a sure-fire favourite for your young adult group. I highly recommend it.

The Schooner’s Revenge- Robert Sutherland

The Schooner’s Revenge is a story for your adventure loving readers. Based on the war of 1812, it centres on fourteen-year old Ben who becomes a cabin boy on the ship Nancy. When it is destroyed by the enemy, the crew must find a way to bring provisions to the beleaguered fort. After successfully accomplishing this feat, they next decide to board and take command of the other two American ships. With great attention to historical detail, this is not only educational, but a fast and riveting read. I would recommend this for study of that particular war, as well as for those who simply enjoy a good adventure. I am reminded of Victory by Susan Cooper and of The Pole by Eric Walters.

Egghead- Caroline Pignat

Another nomination for the Snow Willow award for 2009,
Egghead is another serious look at bullying and many of its resulting injustices. What makes Egghead unique is the story being told from the viewpoint of three different characters; Will, the bullied, Devan, the reluctant side-kick to the school’s worst bully and Katie, one-time friend of Will whose position becomes somewhat untenable as they reach high school. Chapters are short and with the variety in speaker, keep one’s interest well. Immediately the reader is drawn into the fierce emotions at play in this novel. This would be a fabulous read-aloud for middle years students with the potential for great discussion. For those students who enjoyed Schooled by Gordon Korman, winner of last year’s Snow Willow award, this is a must.