When reality can be terrifying

Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands

By: Chris Bohjalian

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 288  

Published: 2014

Read: February

3.5 out of 5

It took me a while to get into Emily's story. I originally started out listening to it, but the story wasn't holding my interest, so I switched to print. By the second half of story, After Cameron, I was sucked in and couldn't put down the book. It is scary how realistic this story can be - think of kids that lost parents in the Oklahoma bombing, September 11th, and all the school shootings.  Emily may have been terrified inside, but she was strong outside and did what she had to do in order to survive.  Bohjalian writes a powerful story that while depressing also shows the determination of one teenage girl. 

An YA Historical Fiction

The Hired Girl

By: Laura Amy Schlitz

Genre: Young adult fiction

Pages: 400

Published: 2015

Read: February

5 out of 5

In the year 1911, a 14 year old girl runs away after her mother dies because her father treats her like a servant. He won't give her a dime for her labor, allow her to go to school, or to own books. Joan, later known as 18 year old Janet, doesn't mind the work, but desires respect. Janet writes in her diary by candlelight after the long days’ work is complete. Her diary is similar to any teen girls in that she shares her hatred and love, however she includes her daily struggles as a servant and young girl without a mother to talk to. The entries are written with historical accuracy and language.  You will become engaged and sympathize with Joan by the end of her story.

An true inspiring story

Fish in a Tree

By: Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Pages: 288

Published: 2015

Read: February

5 out of 5

This realistic fiction book was based off the author’s own experience through her elementary and middle school years. It is a hopeful and amazing story all kids and adults alike should read, especially those that struggle with learning or parents of such learners.  It is inspiring to hear a child finally having a teacher that understood and took her under his wings to assist her. He not only taught her how to read with her dyslexia, but also her self-esteem.  Ever student needs a teacher that truly cares and encourages them to be the best they can be! I was grateful to have such a teacher myself even though it wasn’t until high school. He helped me more than words can say.

Middle schoolers and sex - not a good mix

Orbiting Jupiter

By: Gary D. Schmidt

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Pages: 192

Published: 2015

Read: February

3.5 out of 5

I have mixed feelings about this book. It is a well-written powerful story, but I feel that the characters should have been in high school and the book geared towards the older teens. I understand that middle schoolers may be sexually active and could possibly parent a child, however it is way more common for high school teens. However, maybe that was Schmidt’s point – too many adults don’t realize that teens are becoming sexually active at younger ages – authors need to write books to warn them on the difficulty’s they may face. Anyone who reads this book should be aware it is depressing and although it ends on a hopeful note there is a lot of tragic events throughout entire novel.  As a teen librarian, I am not sure to whom I recommend it.