SHOOTER by Walter Dean Myers

The idea for SHOOTER came from the shootings at Clumbine High School although the story is pure fiction. Walter Dean Myers is a great author who really understands the problems children face growing up, a fact which is obvious when you read SHOOTER. The book is written in question and answer format in the form of interviews of some of the students who participated in or were friendly with those involved in a school shooting. We learn to understand the characters and the reasons for what they do. Although sad and somewhat frightening, SHOOTER holds the readers' interest throughout the book. The book also contains a fascinating interview with the author.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

North America in the future is a scarey place to live. There are twelve districts, not 50 states. The government is very cruel and keeps the citizens obeying by forcing competition among the districts. Every year each district must send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death which is broadcast live to the rest of the citizens on TV, sort of like SURVIVOR. Each participant must find food and shelter and destroy the others in order to 'win' the game. Katniss, a hardworking sixteen year old who has supported her family by hunting and gathering edible plants since her dad died in a mining accident, jumps up and volunteers to take her six year old sister's place when her name is selected to participate in the 'games.' She encounters monsters, almost dies of thirst and heat or cold and makes friends with some of the people she must destroy. Read THE HUNGER GAMES for a truly exciting adventure story.

Now You See Her by Jacquelyn Mitchard

For Hope Shay the world is a stage. Acting is in her blood and it has been her dream ever since she can remember. Hope will do anything to get a starring role. She gets involved with her Romeo and her life will never be the same. Read this book to find out if she and Romeo live happily ever after.

Mrs. C

Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon

Dear Natasha,
January 25, 1990

"Baby, the first thing I need to know from you is do you believe I killed my father?"

This book had me hooked from the very first sentence....Antonio is writing to his
girlfriend Natasha from prison and lives to hear from her. But he wonders, does
she believe he is guilty of murder. Find out about Natasha and Antonio's love
story and can it survive.

Mrs. C

Twisted by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Tyler is a high school senior…somehow he never quite fit in. His family life is
difficult at best, his sister Hannah is going to be in high school with him this year.
She is excited because her brother now has “a reputation”. Hannah thinks it will
help her popularity. Tyler is always trying to do the right thing but sometimes
it is hard. He falls for Bethany, who happens to be the twin sister of Chip his
biggest rival and his father’s boss’s daughter. What is a guy to do…read Twisted
to find out if Tyler gets the girl and his rival!

Mrs. C

The House You Pass on the Way by: By: Jacqueline Woodson

Although Staggerlee has a big loving family she sometimes feels alone.
Her grandparents were famous entertainers but what is extremely
difficult is her mother is white and her father is African American and
they live in all black town. Staggerlee finally has a friend when her
cousin Trout comes to visit. Find out how Trout helps Staggerlee.... in
ways you might not imagine.

Mrs. C

Street Love by: Walter Dean Myers

Life sometimes can take you places you cannot imagine. Junice’s
mom is sentenced to 25 years in jail for selling drugs. Junice and her sister
Melissa wonder what will happen to them. Junice meets Damien a good boy
who makes her want more…can he help her find the happiness she desperately
wants!

Mrs. C