A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Gene is a hardworking, lonely intellectual. Phineas is an outgoing, confident, handsome athlete. The two best friends board at the Devon School in New England during the early years of World War II. Gene begins to envy Phineas and his glowing way of being, until one summer day where his envy takes over him. What happens completely destroys the innocence of these two best friends and turns their worlds upside down. This novel is appropriate for high school students, and it does a great job of capturing the essence of war versus peace while illustrating the story of two best friends and all of the obstacles and changes they face in their lives. While this was a book I had to read for school, I actually enjoyed it and I would encourage others to read it, as it conveys many powerful messages about friendship and jealousy that are worth learning.

-Freya (Teen Reviewer)

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Aza Holmes is a sixteen-year-old girl who has struggled with various anxiety disorders, mainly Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, for her whole life. She often contemplates whether or not she is actually real, which causes most of her “thought spirals”. Then her energetic and fearless best friend, Daisy, suggests pursuing the mystery of a missing billionaire whose son, Davis, Aza actually knew from summer camp. Throughout the book, Aza struggles with her developing feelings for Davis, her friendship with Daisy, and her schoolwork, all while being controlled by the tightening spiral of her thoughts. This novel is appropriate for high school students, as it does touch on some more mature topics, like mental illness. Green illustrates activities that a “normal” teenager would do, but within those normalities, he does not shy away from showing how mental illness really takes over one’s brain.

-Freya (Teen Reviewer)

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Donovan Curtis is a boy who gets into a lot of trouble.  But one day he accidentally  goes over the top.  He winds up in the principal’s office again. But things get mixed up and he’s gets away scot-free.  Then a letter comes in the mail.  It’s something for gifted school.  He goes, but he knows he doesn’t belong. But he does help the gifted kids in different ways.  Will he stay hidden or will it turn into a mess?   If you want a funny read- this is the the book.

– Ben (Teen Reviewer)

We Contain Multitudes by Sarah Henstra

Through a weekly class pen-pal assignment, a wonderful romance flourishes between Jo and Kurl. These characters and their relationship develop through interactions with grief, bullying, homophobia, and abuse. The boys must overcome their family secrets and personal conflicts in order to support one another and hold onto the love they have. For fans of contemporary romance, this book is a must read!

– Indiana

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

When a group of young Brooklyn students are given the opportunity to gather together in a safe, adult free classroom, they begin an explorative journey through dialogue, poetry, revelation, and storytelling. Jacqueline Woodson taps into the most current challenges that many our youth face today with such unbridled courage and sheer eloquence.

-KC

One of Us Is Lying

Title: One of Us Is Lying

Author: Karen M McManus

Summary:  The set-up for this book is Breakfast Club meets Locked-Room Mystery.  Five high school students walk into detention: Brownyn- the Brain, Addy- the Princess,  Nate-the Criminal, Cooper- the Athlete, and Simon- the Outcast and creator of the school’s notorious gossip app.  Unfortunately, only four students walk out of detention.  It’s no spoiler to tell you, that before the end of detention Simon is dead and it doesn’t look like it was an accident.  When the school gossip dies everyone seems to have a motive- especially the four students in the room when it happens.  Because, as it just so happens the latest gossip Simon was set to post would have revealed each of their darkest secrets.

While the mystery is good, what truly sets this book apart are the author’s character development and her exploration of the dark secrets with which each character is struggling.

Who will like this?:  Fans of mystery and suspense will fly through this one.

If you like this, read this:  We Were Liars by E Lockhart, The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma, and Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Recommended by: Jen, Teen Librarian