What's your favorite book read in the last month?

[Jonaca]

I just read So. B. It and thought that it was really touching.

[Alex]

I just read a highly entertaining YA novel called Revenge of the Homecoming Queen by Stephanie Hale.
It was a fun read and laugh-out-loud funny.

[Brittanie]

Definitely Wicked Lovely by Marr!

If you like books like Twilight by Stephenie Meyer or love how Brian Froud portrays his fairies, this one's for you.

[Brittanie]

Re: The Book Theif

I've been waiting to read that since I first saw it on the shelves! I can never find it in the library and can't afford hard covers. :(

[bjneary]

I just finished Small Steps by Louis Sachar. If you liked Holes, you will like Small Steps! Two characters from Holes appear. The story centers around Armpit trying to stay out of trouble and his friend X-Ray conning him to make money.
I just finished the multicultural book, LaLinea by Ann Jamamillo and wow was it powerful! Two children cross from Mexico to California and the danger, fear and betrayal are so palpable. A great read! BJ

[Kate]

Haven't finished it, but I am really enjoying Un Lun Dun by China Mieville. Might be a good option in the wake of Harry Potter?

[Trevor]

I loved Off Season! DJ has such a great attitude and is such a strong character. She could find the little bit of hope in any tough situation.

[L Cam]

Last Month hm...let me see. I think it would have to be Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, even if there was a lot of things left out in my opinion.

[Jan]

I loved Anahita's Woven Riddle by Megan Nuttall Sayres.

[Krista]

The final Harry Potter is a no-brainer. However, a great new title I've been working through is Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Carbret. The reading is fairly simple, but is an interesting plot and definately a unique book format with all of it's illustrations.

At my library, it is housed in the children's department. However, I think teens would find it interesting and a relaxing, lighter read. I would highly recommend it to any young adult with an artisitc streak.

[colleen]

lately, i've been rereading a lot of e.l. konigsburg. while my favorite is "from the mixed-up files of mrs. basil e. frankweiler," i recently read "up from jericho tel" for the first time. i thought it was great.

[Annalee]

oh, konigsburg...have you read Silent to the Bone and The Outcasts of 19 Schulyer Place? The latter is one of my favorite YA novels.

[Crystal]

Oh I loved from the mixed-up files of mrs. basil e. frankweiler. I recommended it to a young reader a few years ago and she brought it on a trip to Paris with her where she visited the Louvre. She imagined living there! When she got back home she recommended the book to all of her friends. It's a classic!

[bjneary]

I loved Konigburg's Silent ot the Bone and I booktalk it as realistic ficion or mystery (because of the suspense!!!)

[bjneary]

I was one of the lucky five to read King of the Lost and Found by John Lekich and I really loved it. I will be remembering and laughing whenever I talk about the characters Raymond J. Dunne and Jack Alexander in my discussions and booktalks! This book was awesome, and totally amusing. I enjoyed Ray Gun's thoughts and dialogue throughout the book. Raymond is a 10th grade high achieving nerd who has constant nosebleeds and faints for no reason at all and takes very seriously running the school lost and found. He is befriended by the totally cool 12th grader Jack Alexander with a scheme that really rocks the school and makes Raymond popular. This book teaches the value of honesty, friendship and getting the most out of high school. This is a great book for high school readers, both guys and girls! You will root for all the students at Percy Hargrave High, so get started reading and laughing!

[bjneary]

I am the kind of person who reads and loves almost everything I read, but I was never a reader of horror fiction- vampires in particular. But students kept asking for the books after Twilight in the spring and since Twilight was on the Reading Olympic list for '08 I decided to take it home for the summer, read it and make up questions. Well, I am hooked! I read Twilight in July and I couldn't put it down, Meyer has a unique way of writing seductively and from the teen perspective. There is so much angst with Bella and Edward Cullen, you just have to keep reading to learn more about their very different, yet alluring love. My students never minded that the books were 400-500 pages long- they were clamoring for the next one and the next one! I am now halfway through New Moon and once again, the suspense, fear and unrequited love keep me reading! Now I am learning more about Bella and Jacob's friendship/realtionship and boy is this different. When I went to Borders last week to purchase New Moon, my neice told me I just had to buy the 3rd one because it was 30% off and I would be saving money so I purchased Eclipse as well. I don't really booktalk these books (because reluctant readers would see the size and not touch them), the students who are readers come and ask for them in groups so I am more than happy to get these vampire books for our library because they are very read-worthy! So if you have become an ardent fan of Stephenie Meyer, pick up Twilight and I guarantee you will be seduced!

[Jan]

Be sure to read Tamar by Mal Peet. It's a wonderfully suspenseful historical novel. Great teen/adult crossover title.

[bjneary]

Thanks, I am not a vampire book reader, but I will put them on my list to read (to large already!!) and see what they are like!

[Dracolibris]

In the past month I have really enjoyed Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (the third in her series) and Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, which I would not hesitate to recommend as a good read-alike for fans of Meyer's books. However, I finished Looking for Alaska by John Green a few days ago and I can not get it out of my mind. It was wonderful.

[bjneary]

I finished Eclipse and was very sad about Jacob running away- is there a #4 in the works- just loved all her Books!
I agree about Looking for Alaska--such a good read-compelling and great teen characters!

[Heidi]

The Twilight series is my favorite! And I agree with you about Wicked Lovely. But I really thought that Looking for Alaska was amazing. I thought the characters were just awesome. It's one of those that just keeps you thinking.

[Heidi]

There is a fourth book. It's called Breaking Dawn and I believe it's scheduled to be out next fall. There's no way Stephenie would leave us hanging like that!

[Trevor]

Just finished Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande. I wasn't prepared for how much I was really, REALLY going to love this book! Out of all the books I've read in 2007, this has certainly gained a spot in the top 5 (as much as I hate trying to even decide on a top 5...or 10...ore more list!)

[Trevor]

It's about a girl who did this "right thing" but in doing so, a bunch of families in her church get sued big time. Anyway, she has to face her ex-friends from church in school, and they act pretty awful towards her (not very Christian at all!). It's hard to sum it up in a short amount of space -- it's not a "religion" book -- it's about an individual making up her own mind about what to believe in this huge world of ours and the multitude of beliefs that exist in it! The book's website [link: http://biblegrrrl.com/nahs/index.html] should give you more idea about what's going on.

[Lisa (Elizabeth)]

that book does sound pretty amazing. Have to say that Abundance of Katherines was a personal fave this summer--John Green can do very little wrong in my eyes--also found this funny little book called Who Is Jesse Flood? takes place in Northern Ireland (if it's regular Ireland, please forgive faulty memory). Great young teen boy voice. Worth a read and it's quick.

[Melissa]

I've been on a huge Konigsburg kick all summer, reading all her books in chronological order. I also really liked Up from Jericho Tel--it was a great use of her quirky situations & straightforward plucky characters. Plus, how much do you love a kid's book that features Tallulah Bankhead? I've also enjoyed her historical novels A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver and The Second Mrs. Giaconda.

[Suzanne]

Switching from a Children's Librarian to YA, I tried to read a lot of teen reads this summer. Some included:

Laurie Halse Anderson - I loved "Twisted" and "Catalyst" but did NOT like "Prom." I know I have to get to "Speak."

John Green - I loved, loved "Looking for Alaska." Did not care as much for "An Abundance of Katherines."

"Sold" (Patricia McCormick) and "Stop Pretending..." (Sonya Sones) were excellent too. Both are written in free verse.

I just read "The Giver" (yes, I know I am several years late on this one) and I loved it. I never thought it would appeal to me but I was absolutely mezmerized by the story of Jonas. I've been pushing it on everyone now. Could "Gathering Blue" be next?

I am now reading "Love, Stargirl." I don't know how I feel about it. I like the perspective of Stargirl (the character), but it isn't as captivating as the origial "Stargirl."

[Sarah]

I just recently finished The Book Thief by Mark Zusak and then went right out and bought it because I loved it so much. I found the use of writing from the perspective of death as the narrator to be amazing.

[Brittanie]

I love Gathering Blue. In fact, I don't think I've not read a book by her I didn't like.
Speak is also excellent, but I haven't read any of her others yet.
I want to read the new Stargirl book as well, but my library is always checked out of it. I loved the story because it takes place in Arizona, where I'm from. Not a lot of books talk about how beautiful our deserts are - just how ugly. Ha!

[Suzanne]

"Love, Stargirl" takes place in Pennsylvania but she refers to deserts in Arizona.

[bjneary]

I absolutely agree with you about death as the narrator- Markus Zusak is one of my favorite authors- have you read his other books? He has such a great voice for all of his main characters- you just root for them from start to finish! Let me know if you want the titles and like you- I was an elementary librarian for 6 years and then became HS (grades 10-12)for the last 5 years and I LOVE TEENAGERS!

[Misty]

I love the older students, too! Although the non-readers sometimes dig in their heels, it's wonderful when you find a book that they love! - Misty

[Heather Marie]

This month as the school year begins and I really start reading a ton of teen books, definitely Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist stands out. They have good chemistry as writers and characters. Plus the music in the book was audible and fantastic. Loved it!

[Sarah]

Yes, I have read Zusak's other books, but The Book Thief was definitely my favorite. As for Stargirl, I had no idea there was a second book out, but am now very excited to read it.

[Lisa (Elizabeth)]

Normally, "Twilight" is the type of YA novel that would send me running away, screaming. However, I couldn't put it down! I LOVED it and am currently looking for a vampire boyfriend resembling Edward. ...a human would work, too. I totally understand why my students would try to sneak read it under their desks last year. It's like sugar candy.

[Lisa (Elizabeth)]

I think the title Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is in my top ten best titles. That's just a great one! Can't wait to read it!

[Melissa]

The Book Thief has been on a massive pile of books from school by my bed for months... sounds like I should pull it out and get going, since I've only heard good things about it. Thanks for the rec, Sarah!

[bjneary]

You must read Meyer's 2nd book continuing the Twilight series! New Moon picks up with Edward leaving and Jacob Black (not bad looking either)steps in as her very, very good friend...I just loved him as much as Edward.

[bjneary]

I just finished reading 2 very different but awesome books. Since I joined the Book Challenge- they are #1 and #2 on my list. Crank by Ellen Hopkins is a novel in verse about junior, Kristina who goes to visit her dad. She starts introducinbg herself as Bree who is the opposite of Kristina and this guy gets her hooked on crank. Wow, it was so sad to see her slide into hopelessness. Even though it is over 500 pages, it flies off the booktalk shelves because our reading teacher does such a compelling booktalk. Then the kids come back and want to read her others Impulse, Burned and Glass.
The 2nd book, Guyaholic by Caroyln Mackler will be one of my favorites to booktalk. V the main character was in another one of Mackler's books (you must read Vegan, Virgin, Valentine and Other Four Letter Words where V is a minor but compelling character)and in Guyaholic after endless hookups for 3 weeks tops--V gets hit in
the head with a hockey puck and Sam Almond rescues her. He is hunky in a geeky way, kind, compassionate, loves to cook and wants to be V's boyfriend, hold hands and go to the prom--all of which are NoNos, if you know V's history - moving 20 times in 16 years and a mother who dates endlessly. If you want a funny, poignant read, try this, I guarantee you will like it!

[Julia]

favorite book of the month... looking for alaska by john green AND boy meets boy by david levithan... each has the teen angst down. looking for alaska reminded me of perks of being a wallflower for that sweetly genuine underdog boy voice. boy meets boy's utopic vision of a supportive community for the main was not what i expected from a gay boy novel, but that's almost the best part. it is was incredibly refreshing and uplifting to get such a positive story from a strong, gay character.

[Trevor]

I too read two very different books over the weekend! I read Guyaholic, so I won't go into it -- bj has that one covered! The other was Right Behind You by Gail Giles. I was riveted throughout the entirety of the book. When Kip was 8 or 9, he burned another boy to death. The story is Kip's Beowulf -- narrative cut into three sections, each where he must slay his own personal monsters.

[bjneary]

I just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns and I found it achingly poignant, just as riveting as Kite Runner and I was so drawn to Mariam and Laila's lives in Afghanistan. This novel speaks volumes about the travesty of revolution in this country, the never ending travails of its people and they are still so resilient. I highly recommend this novel because of its cultural significance, the horrors that young girls must endure marrying when they 13 or 14 and strict adherence to ideas that place educated women as subservient and having no voice in society

[GraceAnne]

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I read it a bit more than a month ago, but it is the best YA I have read since Cynthia Leitich Smith's Tantalize.

[Trevor]

Last week, I finished Yellow Flag by Robert Lipsyte. The book now holds a special place in my heart -- using NASCAR stock car racing as a backdrop, it's really a book about one young man trying to balance his goals and dreams while fulfilling family obligations that may alter his path. Robert Lipsyte had some expert assistance from motorsports journalist John Jeppesen for the racing scenes, which are super tight! Lipsyte got the NASCAR bug in 2001 when he began covering the sport for the New York Times. Yellow Flag was conceived in the cockpit of a race car going 150+ mph for 16 laps. While driving, Lipsyte got first hand experience of the skill required to pilot a race car and just knew he had to write about it! So, in this book, my personal love of auto racing and my passion for YA lit have come together! Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racin' boys!

[Jennie]

My favorite Konigsburg is The View from Saturday .

[bjneary]

Thanks- I am ordering it for my HS library- there are never enough boy books and this one sounds exciting!

[Kristina]

"The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafòn. It's the most brilliant book of the year! I love it! :D

[MON!CA JEAN!]

So far this month I have to say "Give a Boy a Gun" as well as "Can't Get There from" both by Todd Strasser.

[bjneary]

Two that I just read are great reads and worth a mention--Tyrell by Coe Booth is about a 17 yr old whose family is homeless because his dad is in prison and his mom won't work. Now with his little brother, Tyrell lives in a roach infested halfway house waiting for a better place to live. But he has lots working against him and the book really explores how he copes--drops out of school, really loyal to a girl and taking care of his brother. Tyrell wants to provide but is also overwhelmed by how to do it and so we see Tyrell spiral and try to do right for himself. Another one I read right after that was Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin---Matthew the older brother tries to shield his two sisters from their crazy, abusive mother. Nikki professes to love her children but harms them, scares them and Matthew tries to get help from a man named Murdoch who he befriends after seeing him come to the rescue in a hold-up. Matthew's love for his sisters makes him do almost anything to keep them safe. Nikki's sanity slips as she is plunged into psychosis but she really thinks she is a great mom. These two books are great survival tales and the teens are heroes despite tremendous odds.

[Crystal]

Carter I have heard GREAT things about A Crooked Kind of Perfect. I'm going to add it to my too read list right now!