Three teens embark upon a cross-country journey in order to escape from a society that salvages body parts from children ages thirteen to eighteen.

Liz says:

“To say this book is thought-provoking, entertaining and amazing is to put it mildly. This is a page turner. The characters are so real and their stories so gripping, you cannot put it down!”

Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Native American is the school mascot.

Liz says:

“This is a must read for 8th grade boys and older – 9th grade may even be more appropriate. Adults should read this too. Junior’s humorous, irreverent voice and drawings give a hard, honest look at life on a Reservation. This story is semi-autobiographical.”

A younger sister has a difficult time adjusting to life after her older sister has a mental breakdown.

Liz says:

“Through beautifully written free verse poems, Sones recounts the year that her sister was diagnosed as a manic depressive.”

A traumatic event near the end of the summer has a devastating effect on Melinda’s freshman year in high school.

Liz says:

“Melinda Sordino is one of the most memorable characters ever. She narrates her story through snapshots/scenes which are divided into the 4 quarters of her 9th grade year. The format and the story are compelling. This is a must read for girls.”

Seventeen-year-old Vince’s life is constantly complicated by the fact that he is the son of a powerful Mafia boss, a relationship that threatens to destroy his romance with the daughter of an FBI agent.

Liz says:

“This hilariously funny book is a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet without the tough language and the horrific tragedy! You will be laughing from the first scene.” (Sequel – Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle)

In alternating chapters, two teenagers describe how their feelings about themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years.

Liz says:

“What seems like a very simple story at first ends up being an amazingly insightful book. Below the surface there are several side stories that uncover deep feelings and emotions. In addition to Bryce and Julie learning about their feelings for each other, the reader is shown what is really going on in their lives. There are some heartbreaking scenes (with Julie’s uncle) and some hilarious scenes (with chickens and more…).”

While living with her uncle in a house haunted by the ghost of a young woman, recently orphaned Judith Sparrow wonders if her one small transgression causes mysterious happenings.

Liz says:

“When I first started to read this, I never imagined that I would actually get scared, but I did! You have been warned.”

While on trial as an accomplice to a murder, sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon records his experiences in prison and in the courtroom in the form of a film script as he tries to come to terms with the course his life has taken.

Liz says:

“Walter Dean Myers is one of the best authors for young adults. This is a masterpiece (note the 3 awards.) Myers used to be a journalist and interviewed a lot of criminals. In telling this story, Myers narrates the book in 2 totally distinct formats. We are shown Steve’s journal that he keeps in prison, allowing us to hear his voice and his inner thoughts. Then, we are shown a film transcript of the trial as recorded by Steve. Myers says that when he used to interview criminals they spoke of their crimes in the 3rd person and that is how he came up with the concept for this book. This, along with photographs by Myer’s son Christopher, makes for a poignant story of stereotypes and justice. This is a must read and I recommend it for 7th grade and up.”

When a fourteen-year-old baseball player catches mononucleosis, he discovers that keeping a journal and experimenting with poetry not only helps fill the time, it also helps him deal with life, love, and loss.

Liz says:

“This quick read is filled with laughs and tears. This can be enjoyed by anyone and I always recommend it to boys who are into sports! Please don’t miss this one.”