Books for Teens

When I saw the cover of this book I was intrigued. It is simple and understated yet attention grabbing at the same time. I had never read a book like this one before. I was a little unsure of whether I would like this book after reading the title. Despite my hesitation I really, REALLY liked this book. It was just such a gooooooood read. The main character Paul has known he was gay since his kindergarten teacher wrote it plainly on his report card: “Paul is definitely gay and has a very good sense of self.” Paul is just like everyone of us. Struggling to find his place in the world of high school. His ex-boyfriend broke his heart and spread mean rumors around about how Paul tricked him. Paul doesn’t know when he’ll find a good person to love. When he meets the new boy in town, there is instant chemistry. Noah seems to be everything Paul wants until out of the blue his ex-boyfriend suddenly takes an interest in him again. You know how it is when there is that one person that makes you want to drop everything you’re doing just to have a chance to be with them. Paul feels this way about his ex Kyle. He can’t believe Kyle is finally coming around. When he is with Kyle he feels like one person and when he is with Noah he feels like someone completely different. The problem is that it is all happening at the same time. Without thinking…Paul kisses Kyle and rumors start circulating all around the school. Suddenly, Paul realizes it is Noah he really wants. But is it too late? Noah has heard the rumors and wants some space from Paul. Paul decides to do everything it takes to convince Noah of his love. This is a romantic and laugh out loud book that will remind you of your own experiences.

I must admit that when I started this novel, I didn’t think I would finish it.  I don’t know if I was distracted or in a bad mood.  It has a funny introduction, I honestly don’t know why I didn’t want to continue reading it. All I know is…I am glad I did.  Violet Paz has just turned fifteen.  When her Abuela comes to visit her, Violet learns that her family wants to hold a quincaenero (15th birth day bash!)  That sounds sort of fun to Violet except she hates to wear dresses and she hates dances.  Her grandmother talks Violet and her parents into planning the quince party.  Even though Violet is half Cuban she has to read The Quincaenero for the Gringo Dummy to find out what the party involves.  She decides to make it reflect her personality, so instead of dates for her court she has an all girl court.  She also changes the traditional pink dress to a stunning purple and white number.  While planning the party her family holds many bbqs and Violet starts to get to know her extended family better.  Everyone comes together to support her.  The more she learns about this Cuban tradition, the more she longs to know about Cuba.  Her father will not speak about Cuba after the Communist movement his family suffered under.  Violet is forced to take matters into her own hands to learn about her family history.  When her father finds out that she has gone behind his back to learn about Cuba he threatens to call off the quince party.  After all their hard work on the party…what will it take for Violet and her father end their feud?

  After his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant Bobby has alot to think about. At only 16, neither of them are ready for a baby. Both their parents are not very supportive. The format of the book leaves you rushing to find out how Bobby ends up with sole custody of his daughter, Feather. The chapters alternate between “Now” and “Then.”  We see how difficult life is for Bobby with a new baby at home. As the father, he does not get any “maternity leave,” so he continues to go to high school while having to stay up late every night with Feather. He lives alone with his mother and she tells him from the start that Feather is his responsiblitiy alone. Despite how much his life has changed, Bobby loves Feather so much and appreciates this gift he has been given. The plot jumps back and forth and we watch as Nia and Bobby remain close throughout her pregnancy. We see both their parents convincing them to give the baby up for adoption. So the reader cannot believe it when everything is set with an adoptive family, yet still Bobby ends up with Feather and Nia is no where to be found. The shocking reason why Nia is not in Bobby and Feather’s life will keep you reading until the end.

First of all let me start by saying, I just love books by Gordon Korman.  The first book that introduced me to this author was Shipwrecked: Island Book 1.  Gordon Korman has a knack for writing books that kids are just drawn to.  In No More Dead Dogs, the main character Wallace Wallace is the town hero.  Ever since he saved the day at last year’s football championships, the entire town looks up to him.  Wallace Wallace is a likable guy, all of us know someone like him.  He is a little sarcastic and tells it just how it is.  In fact, he never lies.  So when his English teacher assigns a book report on Old Shep, My PalWallace tells the teacher his honest opinion of the book.  Basically…he thinks it stinks.  As you might guess, his teacher (who absolutely loves the book) is not too impressed with Wallace’s report.  Wallace is assigned detention to work on rewriting it.  When Wallace shows up to detention, he is horrified to find out that his teacher Mr. Fogelman is directing a school play about Old Shep, My Pal.  In order to attend detention, Wallace can no longer go to football practice after school.  As soon as Wallace writes “an appropriate review” of the book, he’s released from detention.  However, Wallace who never tells a lie just cannot bring himself to write a positive review of the book.  Eventually, the longer he stays with the drama club, the more he begins to like them.  They listen to his ideas and before long the kids are listening to his ideas over what Mr. Fogelman had planned.  At first Mr. Fogelman is frustrated by the students changing around the play according to Wallace’s suggestions.  However when they try out what Wallace has in mind, Mr. Fogelman can’t help but agree that Wallace’s ideas are good ones.  Throughout the story is an underlying mystery.  Someone is sabotaging the play and making it look like Wallace is responsible.  The football team has a losing streak without Wallace and pretty soon, half the school seems to hate him for not writing a review for his teacher.  As more pranks are pulled on the play, his new drama friends start to believe he really might be responsible.  Wallace has to set things straight, so he decides to catch the prankster in the act.  I was completely surprised, by who turned out to be responsible for the cruel jokes.  In the end, Wallace does save the day (and gets the girl!) But, you have to read it yourself to find out how.