Teens Only | What's Hot in 2012

The weekend is upon us, and for those of you lucky enough to be enjoying 3 days off in honor of our veterans, I thought I'd share some great books published in 2012. Pick one up, read it, and share your thoughts with me by posting a comment to this blog. 

First off, John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. I asked a young friend of mine for a book recommendation a few months ago, and this is what she gave me. This is the love story of Hazel and Augustus. But it's not your typical teen love story (and there are no vampires). Hazel and Augustus meet at a cancer support group. And they're not there to support others. They both have cancer, and Hazel's is terminal. You will laugh at the funny dialogue, but also within the pages are some very poignant and powerful thoughts. For example: "The marks humans leave are too often scars." Think about it. 

Another must read for this weekend is Every Day by David Levithan. This is also a love story, but a really quirky and unique one! It's the story of A who wakes up every morning in a different body, living a different life. Can you even imagine? Reminds me of that movie "Fifty First Dates." A doesn't identify with a specific gender, so sometimes it's a guy's body, and sometimes it's a girl's. Because of this transient existence, A develops a strong moral code based on respect for the person who's life is disrupted and the consequences that person will have to face. Oh and the love story? Well, you'll just have to read it to find out more.

My final recommendation for the weekend is Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. This is a gripping, powerful novel based on the true story of Arn Chorn Pond, a boy who survived the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and became a human rights activist. In the face of fear, starvation, and humiliation, Arn finds an inner strength and will to survive that is simply incredible. This is a great read which inspires us -- all of us -- that even in the face of struggles and obstacles, we can make it. We really can. To learn more about this incredible man, check out his website. 

As always, these books are available for checking out from your SSJCPL libraries. If you don't find it on the shelf, request it! You won't be sorry.

Have a great weekend....and happy reading!