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.

As S.E. Hinton wrote in Tex, “There are some people who go places and some who stay.”  Arnold Spirit will go places.  In this touching and laugh out loud story Arnold tells just what it takes to make it in the world.  Poor Arnold.  He has a rough life.  He was born with water on the brain.  After surgery to treat the problem, he has permanent brain damage which causes him to stutter, lisp, and have 10 extra teeth.  Because of all that he is constantly being picked on.  But that’s not getting Arnold down.  In fact, Arnold is doing everything he can to beat the odds.  All his life he has grown up on a reservation, or the Rez as Arnold calls it.   His family is very poor and his father is often drunk.  He best friend is the town bully, but he is also Arnold’s protection.  When one of the reservation teachers tells Arnold he is really smart and not to give up like so many other Indians on the reservation have, Arnold decides the only way to be someone is to get off the reservation.  Arnold enrolls in the closest public school, almost 25 miles away in Reardan.   It’s a hick town, small minded, with hardly any minorities and Arnold Spirit sticks out like a sore thumb.  The first day is rough, but after Arnold punches the captain of the football team, he slowly earns the school’s respect.  The Indians back home seem to think Arnold is acting superior and even his best friend stops talking to him.  Arnold finds himself split to two…stay on the reservation and become a loser or risk everything to get off the reservation.

If you’ve got an annoying brother or sister…
If you’ve ever been picked on…
If you are a misunderstood genius…
If your parents are too uptight…
If no one understands your great ideas…
If you’ve ever tried to make your own haunted house…

You’ll love Greg Heffley’s Journal, which he tells you right away: “This is a journal, not a diary. I know what it says on the cover, but when Mom went out to buy this thing I SPECIFICALLY told her to get one that didn’t say “diary” on it.” This is the hilarious tale of a very normal kid’s life in middle school. The funny tales and comic style drawings make this a quick easy read.