Cat Winter's does it again!!

The Steep and Thorny Way      

By: Cat Winters

Genre: YA historical fiction

Pages: 352

Published: 2016

Read: March

5 out of 5

I love when I find an author that continually writes amazing books. Cat Winters is one of them. In all three of her young adult novels, she grabs the reader immediately with her powerful writing and mysterious plots.  Taking place in Oregon during the 1920’s, The Steep and Thorny Way is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.  The main mystery is of the resurfacing of the ghost of Hank Denny, a black man, who desires to avenge his death, but that is not all. The KKK is active, mulattos and homosexuals are being chased out of town, and friends turn on each other.  Winters wrote yet another entertaining, intriguing and educational piece of work.

As a side note, she has written one adult novel, The Uninvited, in 2015. In my opinion, this book was not very good.  I am not sure what the difference was, but it definitely didn’t pique my interest or have the same twist and turns as her young adult books.

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.  

I was surprised by how much I loved this book!

I Hate Myselfie

By: Shane Dawson

Genre: Autobiography/ humor

Pages: 228

Published: 2015

Read: November

5 out of 5

I usually do not read humor books. I also don't particularly enjoy short stories. However, this book is hilarious. I was not aware there were "youtubers" out there and definitely not youtubers that also write books.

A few of my regular teens requested I purchase some of their books. Not knowing what they were about, I wanted to read one first. While I recommend this book to readers that have a (sick) sense of humor, I do not recommend these particular book to teens.  

A book for young middle schoolers on transgender identity

George

By: Alex Gino

Genre: Juvenile Realistic Fiction

Pages: 240

Published: 2015

Read: November

4 out of 5

This book covers an important, but controversial topic. The truth is that books covering touchy subjects, such as homosexuality and transgender, DO need to be written for the young ages.  

I am not one for censoring what kids read, however this one may cover a subject that some kids (grades 3-6) have never heard of or thought was possible - feeling trapped in the wrong gender's body. As a parent, I would allow my 9 year old to read, but would want to be aware he is reading it. This is so we could discuss together and I could answer any questions he may have. Unfortunately, the cover of the book is so dang cute a parent may not even consider that the book would cover a difficult subject.

This book is very well written and age appropriate - Booklist Starred review. I believe its a great one for libraries to own. However I felt the only downfall was that the premise involves a drama production. This was too cliche for me. I prefer when authors avoid stereotypes.