"Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman

Imagine having no control over your body. You can't move your legs, your arms, your head, or anything. All of your life you've been confined to a wheelchair. You can't communicate, and you're dependent on those around you to feed you, bathe you, and take care of your every need. That is what life has always been like for Shawn. Shawn has had cerebral palsy his entire life. At 14, Shawn is used to being called a vegetable, a retard, and plenty of other names. No one thinks Shawn is capable of understanding anything, let alone having feelings. His family loves him, but even they have a problem making a connection. This is a book written from Shawn's perspective. Not only can Shawn process information and have deep thoughts, he's confident his life may be in danger. Shawn suspects his own father may be plotting to kill him, to put him out of his misery. But Shawn's not miserable! How do you tell someone your life is in danger when you can't communicate?

"Stranded" by J.T. Dutton

Kelly Marie is forced to move back to her mom's hometown of Heaven, Iowa. Adjustment is not as easy as she would like. Her Nana is obsessed with keeping a clean house, and Kelly is forced to share a bedroom with her bible-loving cousin, Natalie. The town of Heaven is so rural, Kelly is worried she may die of boredom. Police discover a dead infant who was abandoned in local fields, and Natalie suspects her own mom may know more about the scandal than she's letting on.

"And Then I Found Out the Truth" by Jennifer Sturman

Delia's mom has been busy trying to save the environment down in Antarctica. But the big oil companies aren't fond of her attempts, and will stop at nothing to shut her up, including murder! Delia gets word that her mom is living underground in Argentina, where she's protected by a bodyguard, and safe...at least for the time being. Delia's been sent to New York City to live with her aunts, and is attending a very prestigious, private school. And there is a new boy around, Quinn, who turns out to be a romantic interest. Delia is ready to do some undercover work of her own to help her mom out, and put the criminals away. But things get complex, when she discovers Quinn's own step dad may be in on the plot to kill her mom. Going to Argentina seems like the only viable option to save her from danger...but will they be able to get there in time? This is the sequel to "And Then Everything Unraveled."

"Maus I: A Survivor's Tale" by Art Spiegelman

Art Spiegelman interviews his dad, Vladek, to try to piece together his father's experiences with the Holocaust during World War II. Vladek recalls how he and his wife were constantly either on the run, or in hiding, in order to avoid getting arrested by the Germans for being Jewish. Many Jews were sent to concentration camps, and few managed to escape the horrors of these camps, and were murdered while in captivity. Spiegelman illustrates his father's past, alongside his modern existence in New York State. The Nazis are drawn as cats, and the Jews mice. This story captures the tragedy of the Holocaust, not only for the survivors, but also for the families of those who experienced the terror of war. Spiegelman won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992 for this masterpiece.

"By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead" by Julie Anne Peters

Daelyn has been bullied at school as long as she can remember. She's struggled with her weight and emotions, and her enemies taunt her everyday. Daelyn is determined to kill herself, since her last few attempts have failed. As far as she can see, failure is no longer an option and Daelyn becomes obsessed with researching suicide methods on-line. She's given up on talking. Her parents try to monitor her every move and won't let her out of their sight. A new boy, Santana, attempts a friendship (or more), and Daelyn isn't sure if she's willing to let anyone into her life. Everyone has a breaking point, and Daelyn is planning for her Day of Determination, her last day of her life. Can anything change her mind? There are always alternatives to suicide.

This is a very powerful and sad book, about how bullying can impact people. Whether on-line, or in-person, this story reminds us of how important it is to treat everyone with respect.

"Scars" by Cheryl Rainfield

Kendra's memories are starting to resurface. She knows she's been abused, but she can't remember who hurt her. Her dreams and recollections are hazy, but she's sure it's someone who is close to her, and she's having problems trusting people. It's bad enough with the memories, but things have taken a turn for the worse. Her abuser has started to stalk her, to make sure she keeps quiet and doesn't remember.

Kendra has her art. Art gives her a way to express her emotions and anger. And she also has cutting. She knows it's dangerous and harmful, but sometimes it seems like the only way to become numb to her horrifying memories, and keep her abuser at a distance.

She develops a special friendship with Meghan. When Meghan discovers Kendra's past, her concern escalates as Meghan's self-destructive behavior spirals out of control.

"Dirty Little Secrets" by Cynthia Jaynes Omololu

Sixteen year old Lucy has always avoided having friends coming to her house. It's not that she doesn't have any friends, or isn't social. It's because her mother has a disease known as obsessive compulsive hoarding. Her mom can't throw anything away, and their house is so full of stuff and garbage, it's beyond shameful and embarrassing. Lucy is counting down the days until she turns 18 and can legally move out.

But she may not have to wait that long. Lucy's mom unexpectedly dies in the house, and Lucy is mortified. She can't have the paramedics come to the house and see the mess and garbage they've been living in.

Lucy is desperate to clean the house and keep the family secret safe

"Freak the Mighty" by W.R. Philbrick

Maxwell Kane is too big and tall for his age. He's constantly teased and harassed at school due to his size and learning disability. He lives with his Gram and Grim, after his father (Killer Kane) was sent to prison for murdering his mother.

Kevin, nicknamed Freak, has a unique size, too. Due to a genetic birth defect, Freak is much smaller, and relies on crutches and braces to get around.

Max and Kevin are neighbors and they form a very unique friendship. Kevin uses his brain and Max uses his size and together they form "Freak the Mighty," and they fend off the bullies together.

This is a fantastic story of overcoming adversity, and the power of great friendships.

"The Pricker Boy" by Reade Scott Whinnem

Stucks Cumberland is used to spending his summers at his parents lake house. It should be peaceful and serene with lots of swimming and relaxation. But there is an ancient, mysterious creature lurking in the woods. It's definitely not human, and local legend says its body is covered in sharp thorns, and it's on the hunt for new victims. Stucks and his friends have been haunted by nightmares, and begin to see strange and terrible things in the woods near their house. Is the Pricker Boy just part of their imagination, or are their lives actually in danger? This book terrified me. If you scare easily, make sure to read it in the daylight hours.

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Why are the sequels never as good as the first installment?

Katniss should be happy and content. As a victor in the Hunger Games, she and Peeta have been guaranteed immunity and safety for their families. But the Capitol is a cruel place, and the districts are becoming unsettled. Being a hero proves to be more than Katniss bargained for and she is forced to the front of a fight she's not sure she can win. But in the meantime, both Peeta and Gale fight for her affections, and the love triangle continues....but what does the future hold for Panem, and what is really going on in district 13?

"From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia is extremely bored with her normal routine. She wants to feel different and grown-up. She convinces her younger brother Jamie to run away with her. Claudia has the plan, and Jamie has the piggy bank, so together they should make a great team. They take the train from their small Connecticut town into New York City, where they take up residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Living at the museum is harder than you'd think. They have to hide from security guards, take baths in strange places, and they're on a fixed income. But they have plenty of time to admire and learn about art. Claudia becomes transfixed by one statue in particular, called Angel. Claudia suspects it was created by the famous artist Michelangelo, and she is determined to solve the mystery and find out the truth.

"Alchemy and Meggy Swan" by Karen Cushman

Karen Cushman has done it again! The year is 1573 and Meggy Swan is sent to live with her father in London. He turns out to be a cruel and mean man, ignoring his daughter's arrival. He works as an alchemist, which is the science of turning metal into gold. Poor Meggy struggles with her legs, which have been disabled since birth and make walking a challenge. She endures taunting and teasing from the neighbors and school-children about her crutches and walking limp. Things go from bad to worse. Her father forgets to feed her, and Meggy is forced to give up her pet goose, as her dad doesn't think it's a suitable pet. Then Meggy discovers the unthinkable, her father is up to no good, and it's up to Meggy to make some tough choices. This is a wonderful historical fiction for 5th-8th grade, set in Elizabethan London. Wonderful language and an feisty and independent female lead.

"Glimpse" by Carol Lynch Williams

Ellen Hopkins has new competition for novels in verse. Sisters Hope and Lizzie have a very close, loving friendship. But when Lizzie tries to commit suicide, Hope struggles to understand why. Lizzie is sent to a mental hospital for observation. Their mother isn't the best role model and their father died in a car accident years ago. The secrets revealed at the end are powerful and dark.

"Nothing" by Janne Teller

A fellow librarian told me to read this book, and librarians do give the best recommendations. I'm only a little biased.

Pierre Anthon is convinced that "Nothing matters." "From the moment you are born, you start to die."

Pierre is so confident in his beliefs; he leaves school and spends his days sitting in a tree, taunting his fellow classmates. He throws plums, and yells at everyone that there is nothing special about their lives, the universe or anything.

His classmates are determined to prove him wrong. They try to argue with him, but are unsuccessful. Throwing rocks at him doesn’t help him shut up either. So, they decide to create a pile of meaningful objects to prove to Pierre that life does indeed stand for something.

The students take turns adding their personal objects to the pile: books, a fishing pole, a pair of sandals….each contribution becomes more extreme and intense to prove their point, and the end result is both morbid and frightening.

What constitutes meaning? Do material objects hold importance? How do you determine what has value?

This is a wonderful, but chilling, look at ourselves, and how we attach significance to our lives.

This book is translated from the Danish by Martin Aitken.

"Bleeding Violet" by Dia Reeves

This book is whack. It’s really messed up. If you are looking for clean and uplifting, do not go anywhere near this book. But it’s also amazing… how did the author get these ideas into words?

Hanna is bi-polar and has not been taking her medication. She is prone to vivid hallucinations. Sometimes she even has conversations with her dead father.

Fed up living with her aunt, she bludgeons her on the head with a rolling pin, leaving her to die. Hannah then hitchhikes to Portero, where her biological mom is living. Hannah is ready to reconnect, but they haven’t seen each other in years, and they do not have a healthy relationship. It’s hateful, combative and destructive.

And that’s just the beginning chapters…

Hannah starts over in a new school where her hallucinations take on a new level. This town is not welcoming to visitors. Something (or someone) is living in the glass windows, the neighborhood is filled with mystical portals, and there is an abundance of body parts and blood everywhere. But is she really seeing things, or has everyone gone mad? And her mom is not acting like her normal, spiteful self. Something evil is contaminating their house.

This book is not for the faint of heart. Especially if you’re squeamish with blood, pus, and unidentifiable alien fluids. It’s raw, vulgar, and disturbing. But, there is a romantic vein when Hannah finds love and lust with her new boyfriend, Wyatt. He’s supposedly one of the “good guys.” But when people are possessed, demons are in the shadows, and charms work their magic, it’s hard to know who to trust. Luckily, Hannah excels at making irrational decisions. And, she has a horrific violent streak that she’s not afraid to use. The town of Portero needs to watch its back.

This book is geared towards teens. I would recommend for older teens, LOTS of violence, drugs and sex. Also good for adults!

"Twilight : The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1" by Stephenie Meyer

For those who are looking for more "Twilight," here you go! This is the first volume in a new graphic novel series by Stephenie Meyer. Illustrated by Young Kim

"The Carrie Diaries" by Candace Bushnell

How did Carrie Bradshaw end up a sex columnist in New York City? For all those Sex and the City fans, this is the story of Carrie as a high school senior, written for a teen audience. She is navigating her way through the high school social scene, dodging clique drama, and developing her independent, fiesty spirit. Carrie is already practicing the art of juggling boyfriends -- Sebastian, the gorgeous bad boy, and George, the intellectual, older man. Struggling with what to do with her life after college, she flounders between pursuing science and is also drawn to creative writing. There is a healthy dose of fashion and style, and of course sex. But more conversation about, than actual deeds, Carrie is still a virgin. Lots of drinking. Lots. Good for older teens.

"The Arrival" by Shaun Tan

With the current immigration legislation in Arizona, I was feeling inspired to re-read “The Arrival.” This book can transport you to a place that is truly magical, mysterious and enticing, all without using any words. In my mind, this is a true work of genius. A man packs up everything his owns, leaves his home and family, and takes a voyage to a new place. The trip is long, noisy and crowded. He’s alone and facing a strange and uncertain place, filled with mystical creatures and strange landscapes. Language barriers pose challenges with communication and finding work. He attempts to make a new life, aided by the support of new friends. This simple story about finding your place in the world holds true for anyone who has left home in search of a new life. Shaun Tan is one of my favorite illustrators and I consider this his magnum opus. Although I love "Tales from Outer Suburbia" and its take on current urban dwellings and the aliens who habitat them.

"Boom!" by Mark Haddon

Jimbo and Charlie are bored. Their families are normal, their siblings annoying, and their parents are predictable. When they overhear two of their teachers talking in a secret language, they set off to investigate the mystery. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to break into their history teacher's house. But what they find in her attic proves their teachers are really up to no good, and may be conspiring to take over the planet! Mark Haddon is the author of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." This is another clever, well constructed, who-dunnit geared for a younger audience, I'd say 3rd - 7th grade. British humor and hilarious plays on words. I laughed out loud.

"The Line" by Terri Hall

The Line is a government created boundary that separates the United States from a place known as Away. Rachel and her mom live on The Property, where her mom works as a housekeeper for Ms. Moore. No one is allowed to cross The Line, as it's meant to prevent The Others from coming into the United States. No one really knows much about The Others, supposedly they were trapped after a large-scale war, and the government wants to keep them separate. Rachel's mom has always been a skeptic of the government and encourages her daughter to think independently and do what's right and fair. But when someone or something makes contact from the other side of the Line, Rachel has to decide who's telling the truth. If you liked "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, you will love "The Line"!

"The Kite Rider" by Geraldine McCaughrean

What if you had to do everything your parents told you to? In 13th century China, kids have to obey their elders with respect. Even if they are mean, horrible people!

Young Haoyou sees his father murdered by his evil boss. His family is poor and doesn't have enough food to eat. His uncle Bo is now in charge of things, but he spends all the family money gambling and drinking. Uncle Bo makes Haoyou take a job with the traveling circus. But not just any job...he's the amazing flying boy on a kite. It's dangerous, thrilling and gives him notoriety and exposure to the great ruler Kublai Khan. The circus is an exciting life, but being away from his mother and sister is tough....will life ever get any easier?

"Hold Still" by Nina LaCour

Caitlin should have seen it coming. She should have been able to save her. Her best friend, Ingrid, committed suicide and Caitlin is overcome with guilt about her inability to prevent this tragedy.

Returning to school for her junior year should have provided a sense of normalcy. But her fellow classmates are unsure how to deal with her emotions, and she finds herself lonely, irritable and confused. Caitlin becomes friends with a new student, Dylan, and starts hanging out with her crush, Taylor. Both provide temporary distraction from her pain.

Caitlin’s parents are concerned about her behavior and encourage her to seek therapy. Caitlin finds Ingrid’s diary tucked under her bed. As she reads through her diary entries, she’s confronted with the reality of her friend’s depression and how well she hid her insecurities and emotions. There’s a lot she has to learn about her best friend, and herself. This is a powerful, raw, first novel, with beautiful illustrations, and hand-written diary entries. I highly recommended Hold Still for anyone who enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why.

"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman

It’s the middle of the night, and everyone in the house is sound asleep. Everyone that is, except for the man, Jack.

"There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife."

Jack murders the entire family, except for the baby boy. He makes a swift escape by crawling over his crib railing. He totters down the stairs, out the front door, and down the street to the nearby graveyard.

Citizens of the graveyard hold an emergency meeting to decide what to do with the child. Two of the cemetery’s dead inhabitants, Mr. and Mrs. Owens agree to adopt the orphaned toddler. They name him Nobody Owens, or Bod, for short.

Nobody is raised by ghosts, and tutored by wise and knowledgeable local residents. He’s given special privileges, normally reserved for the deceased, including haunting, dreamwalking and becoming invisible.

But Nobody’s childhood in a graveyard has its own challenges. Especially when the man who murdered his family is still on the loose, and out to finish the job.

This is a creepy, spine-tingling tale, filled with haunted crypts and menacing ghouls.

"Color of Heaven" by Kim Dong Hwa

This is the final installment in the Color trilogy by Hwa, illustrating his mother's adolescence in rural Korea. This story resumes when Duksam, Elwa's true love, leaves the village to work on a fishing boat. Elwa patiently waits for his return, as he's promised to build her a house and marry her. Elwa and her mother are pining for their men, and taking in the simple pleasures in their daily routine. Korean symbolism, folklore and superstition are interspersed in this calm and tender story about a mother and daughter's relationship, and the men in their lives. Some sexual situations, best for older teens.

"Calamity Jack" by Shannon and Dean Hale

Jack (of beanstalk fame) is always trying to set things right, even when it involves stealing from the rich and powerful to teach them a lesson. He’s been in his fair share of trouble, especially when he decides to break into a certain giant’s house and steal some golden eggs. One tiny bean turns into a giant green tower, and Jack turns into a wanted man. He’s forced to leave his hometown, his mother, and ventures into the Wild West, where he joins forces with Rapunzel. Years pass, and Jack returns home, only to find the giant has taken over the town, and is holding his mother prisoner. Jack and Rapunzel join forces, and with the help of magic pixies, justice may finally be served.

This is a great retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with an added punch of adventure and a surprising love triangle. Shannon and Dean Hale also wrote Rapunzel’s Revenge, another awesome fairy tale twist.

"The Storm in the Barn" by Matt Phelan

It hasn't rained in years. The fields are dried up, crops are ruined and people are starting to leave town. The year is 1937, and Jack's family is living in the middle of the Dust Bowl. Jack can't tell if he's going crazy, or experiencing "dust dementia" when he discovers a mysterious creature living in the neighbor's barn. This book won the Scott O'Dell award for Historical Fiction.

"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Bad things keep happening to Miranda. Her friend Sal gets beat up on the street. The apartment she shares with her mom gets broken into. And her best girlfriends are being brats!

Someone, somewhere, knows when and where these bad things are going to happen. Miranda keeps receiving mysterious notes that give specific details on what's going to happen in Miranda's life. And they come true! How is this possible?

Miranda lives in New York City. She's street smart, curious and one sharp student. She doesn't necessarily believe in magic, but there has to be a reasonable explanation.

If you liked "A Wrinkle in Time", you will love, love, love this book!

"Also Known As Harper" by Ann Haywood Leal

5th grade Harper has a lot on her mind. Her dad left home, after arguing with her mom about his drinking. Harper, her younger brother Hem, and her mom are evicted from their apartment after not paying their rent. Things only seem to get worse. But Harper has always found comfort in her words. She's even named after her mom's favorite book, "To Kill A Mockingbird." So when a poetry competition comes up at school, Harper is confident she's got a shot at winning. But things don't go according to plan, when her family is forced to move.