The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie
230 pages

I think it has been said before on this blog, but I didn't think the controversial parts of this novel were really that bad. I thought this was a good coming-of-age story of a boy who doesn't really belong anywhere and his struggle to accept himself. I think it probably depicted life on a reservation accurately, even though it wasn't necessarily in a good light. I thought the character of Arnold Spirit could be looked at as a good example of how to not let the situation get you down and find a way to make things better, no matter what other people say.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart

2008/352 pgs

About the Book: Frankie Landau Banks has discovered that one summer can make a big difference in high school. Now a sophomore at an elite boarding school, Frankie has caught the attention of popular senior, Matthew Livingston. Matthew is a member of the secret all male society, The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. Frankie's father was once a member and she has heard all about the Bassets growing up. But Frankie is barred from joining-it is an all male society after all, which Frankie doesn't think is fair. So she secretly organizes pranks and orders for the Bassets to perform.

Sarah Teenlibrarian Says: Oh, Frankie Landau Banks, I want to be you! Frankie is a fantasic character and this book is one I finished and want to go back and read all over again. She's smart, sassy, funny and tons of fun. She likes Matthew but never wants to be a waspy girl that lets him control her. She stands up for herself and is a strong character. And the pranks she pulls off are awesome!

There's plenty of mystery, humor, action and romance so I think a wide variety of readers would enjoy The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks. It's also a great book to give adults who might need a push to read YA-Frankie is such a great character they won't care that it's YA-they'll be so drawn into the story.

A great read and highly recommended.

Mockingbird

by Kathryn Erskine 235 p. This novel is from the first person point of view of a fifth grader named Caitlin. She is dealing with a lot in her life. Her family has gone through a horrible tragedy and lost her brother. She is also learning how to deal with life itself through the challenge of Asperger's Syndrome. This makes the first person point of view interesting and different.