Shine Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger

Samar’s mom has always kept her in the dark about her Indian culture and heritage. Sam never really thought about it, or cared, until the days after 9-11 when her Uncle Sandeep shows up at her door and sends Sam on a quest to discover her heritage and learn about her family and who she really is.

Meminger captures the essence of a teenage girl’s search for self-identity that is certain to connect with readers, even if the fail to understand the cultural aspects of Sam’s quest. Sam’s voice is fresh and honest and connects with readers. Meminger examines aspect of post 9-11 American culture and society that raise as many questions as it provides answers. She does not fall back on easy answers and forces readers to re-evaluate situations. The information about the Sheik culture that is dispersed throughout the story is relevant and interesting. The ending wraps up too quickly and neatly, but readers are left on a hopeful note that fits the story.

Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

Trina lives in her own self-absorbed world in which she is the center of everyone’s universe. Dominique lives for her minutes on the basketball court and when she is benched because of her grades, she needs and outlet to release her anger. When Trina skips by her in the hallway, Dominique finds a target for her rage. Leticia witnesses the entire incident and realizes that Trina did not hear Dominique threaten her. Leticia is torn between warning Trina and keeping the silent high school code.

Williams-Garcia alternates between the perspectives of the three girls in short chapters which reveal their own inner thoughts and motivations. The impact of each girl’s actions is revealed and the consequences are greater than anyone anticipated. The fast-pace and realism of the work make it likely to appeal to teen readers, particularly reluctant readers or urban teens. The lack of growth, or remorse, leaves a slightly bitter taste in at least this reader’s mouth.

Sk8er Boy by Mari Mancusi

Dawn has always been a good girl- well behaved, studious, and is destined for Harvard.. Dawn, however, is tired of the life that “The Evil Ones” (her parents) have dictated to her- she’s tired of the constant extra curriculars and the pressures her parents place on her to succeed. When Dawn meets rebellious Starr, she begins to discover that she enjoys being a bad girl- especially after she meets an adorable skater boy from the wrong side of town.

Mancusi’s first teen novel is a familiar and predictable read. Mancusi’s modern Romeo and Juliet spin is funny and engaging and her characters are well developed and interesting. Dated cultural references will date the title quickly, but girls who pick it up will find a quick and light, but enjoyable read.

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

Polly, Jo, and Ama have been friends since the first grade, until this past year when they started to drift apart. While they are headed different directions for the summer, the girls discover the importance and strength of their friendship.

Brashares follows the formula established in her bestselling Traveling Pants series and has created a new cast of likeable teenage girls to capture reader’s hearts. Polly, Jo, and Ama are extremely different, but like the legendary Sisterhood, the girls have a valuable friendship that withstands the strains placed upon it by family drama, peer pressures and the pains of growing up. Brashares has created a trio of girls that are easy to relate to and readers will have no problems seeing parts of themselves in them. Each girl’s story is original but blends together in the way only the lives of best friends can. The willow metaphor was slightly overdone and the connections to the original sisterhood detract from the new girls stories. Also, Polly’s flirtations with an eating disorder are never addressed or recognized by any adult.

If I Grow Up by Todd Strasser

In the Frederick Douglass Project where DeShawn has grown up, life is ruled by the gangs, drugs, and poverty. DeShawn is smart and struggles to avoid the lifestyle that claims his friends one by one. It isn’t until DeShawn sees his sister drinking her babies formula because she is so hungry that he sees no other option and enlists in the Douglass Disciples, quickly moving up the ranks in the gang.

Strasser has created a fast-paced look at life in a street gang. Unfortunately, what could be an engaging and appealing tale is marred by its heavy-handed delivery. Strasser beats readers over the head with his message. The narration also reads from the perspective of a middle-aged suburban white man, not a young black man from the inner city.

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Annika’s six-year-old brother has brain cancer and it has turned life upside down for the seventeen-year-old. In an attempt to make him feel better about his upcoming surgery, she tells him that she has a genie and is giving him her last two wishes- on the condition that he uses the third wish to make his upcoming surgery successful. Annika thinks that he will wish for the Robin Hood action figure that she fought to purchase that morning at the toy store, but he shocks her by wishing that the real (tv) Robin Hood would come and teach him archery. Annika is determined to do everything in her power to make his wish come true- even if it means driving to California and stalking the guy who plays Robin Hood to convince him to come see her brother.

Rallison has written another light-hearted and fun story that will appeal to teen girls. Both touching and humorous, Annika’s determination to make her brother’s wishes come true will touch the hearts of readers everywhere. Readers have to be willing to suspend belief in order to accept the ease in which Annika and her friend gain access to the teen celebrity but those who do will find an enjoyable tale of sibling love and a modern Robin Hood to swoon over.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Auden hasn’t slept at night since her parents divorce. The daughter of a university professor and a national book award finalist, Auden is your classic overachiever, studious and serious. Suddenly yearning for something different then a summer of preparing for her fall college classes, Auden decides to pack up and go spend the summer with her father and his new family. Things at her father’s aren’t quite what Auden expected between Thisbe’s (her new baby half-sister) constant screaming, Heidi (her stepmother’s) eminent breakdown, and her father’s withdrawal from his family situation. Auden reverts back to her old habits of secluding herself and late night wandering. When she runs into Eli on one of her late nights, she finds another night owl with his own baggage. The two connect and Eli sets them on a quest to give Auden a second chance at the childhood she missed out on.

Sarah Dessen has found her niche, her stories may follow the same formula but they are always outstanding and she keeps getting better. She has created an interesting and likeable cast of characters who have an amazing depth to them. Her settings are immaculately constructed and truly evoke a sense of place and time. One of the biggest flaws with this book is its cover- the clothing (Auden does not wear pink) and the bike are ALL WRONG and this will not escape the notice of any teen reader.

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Hannah knows that she has the most embarrassing parents in the world. Her father, the infamous Jackson James, has his own reality tv show that showcases his party lifestyle and his “special girls”, and everyone has seen her mother, Candy Madison, wearing nothing but a pizza box. Tired of the fallout from her exhibitionist parents, Hannah has worked hard to make herself invisible. To help supplement her mom’s limited income from her website where she chats with fans in lingerie, Hannah works after school at the drive-thru call center for BurgerTown. Work is the only place where Hannah gets to spend any kind of time with Josh, the boy she has a crush on. Unfortunately, she also has to deal with obnoxious Finn as well. When Hannah’s father calls wanting to rekindle their relationship, Hannah discovers some difficult truths about both her parents and the two boys in her life.

Scott has mastered the coming-of-age genre with honest and interesting characters. She captures teen angst perfectly and demonstrates a clear understanding of teen thoughts and the stages of teenage romance. While the story is fairly predictable, and Hannah’s parents are slightly over the top, it is a funny and engaging read that is certain to be popular with teen girls.

The Devil on Trial: Witches, Anarchists, Communists, and Terrorists in America's Courtrooms by Phillip Margulies and Maxine Rosaler

Margulies and Rosaler examine trials in American history in which absolute evil is placed on trial, where a person’s right to a fair trial becomes a challenge because of their perceived threat to the country. The trials examined include the Salem Witch Trials, the Haymarket Bomb Trial, the Scopes “Monkey” Trial, the trial of Alger Hiss, and the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui. Each chapter explains the history of the trial and analyzes how the country followed its ideals and goal of equal justice under law. Interesting comparisons are made between the trials and the fear evoked during the different eras. The language is straightforward and easy to understand and coupled with photographs and other primary source documents such as warrants and newspaper clippings to make this easily accessible for most readers. Timely and thought-provoking, this book raises many questions that could lead to interesting discussions and though this is not a book that most teens will pick up for leisure reading, it could definitely be used in an American government course. A glossary, notes section, extensive bibliography and index complete the work. My concern with the notes section is that it is not done in a style that students are familiar with and may not recognize. There is no indication within the text of the chapter that anything is cited, readers have to carefully review the notes section while reading the chapter to discover what is cited. How can students be expected to cite their research when the books they are using as sources do no effectively cite their sources?

Pieces of Me by Charlotte Gingras

Mirabelle’s life is one of isolation that is dominated by her irrational, slightly psychotic mother. Mirabelle’s father, unable to handle life with Mirabelle’s mother, only comes around to bring them money until he can’t even handle that and starts mailing the checks. Mirabelle has no friends; until she meets Catherine who is everything that Mirabelle is not- confident, assertive, and experienced with boys. Catherine begins to bring Mirabelle out of her shell, until Catherine unwittingly betrays their friendship and Mirabelle must face tragedy and begin to put her life back together one piece at a time.

Gingra’s uses short vignettes to explore the pieces of Mirabelle’s life which fits the concept of the book perfection; however, it can be frustrating experience for readers. Just as the reader is beginning to develop an interest in Mirabelle, or an understanding of her the story jumps in place or time and the reader is left to begin the process of trying to connect with the character all over again and never really succeeding. Gingra’s lyrical prose flows smoothly which makes this reader wonder how beautiful it would be to read in its original French.