November Blues

by Sharon M. Draper,

Packed with emotion and real-life drama, this sequel to The Battle of Jericho, does a great job of describing the struggles many teens go through in high school. When high school senior, November, realizes she is pregnant her whole life changes. Adding to the chaos is the fact that her boyfriend, Josh, recently died in a freak hazing accident. Also dealing with the death of Josh is Jericho, who gives up everything he enjoys doing because of the guilt he feels about his cousin's death. Both characters share there feelings by narrating parts of this story, and both realize they must help one another overcome the challenges ahead of them. Draper does a great job of making the reader feel as though they are the ones going through the characters' situations. This is a sequel but is sure to please readers all on its own!

--Briana C., Student

Atomic Robo & the Fightin' Scientists of Tesladyne (v. 1)

by Brian Clevinger & Scott Wegener

Atomic Robo is an awesome action/sci-fi/western graphic novel (that is also really funny)! In 1923, when scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla's career is fading, he reveals a robot with automatic intelligence - Atomic Robot! Soon Atomic Robo and crew are the go-to defense force against evil and the unexplained in the world. This volume is reminiscent of Hellboy or Umbrella Academy graphic novels, but if you like the idea of mechanical mummies, cyborgs, or Nazi brains that refuse to die, you'll like Atomic Robo!

-- Stephen, H., Student

Kiss and Blog

by Alyson Noel

When high school sophomore Winter is "dumped" by her life-long best friend
Sloane in favor of the popular crowd, she decides to get even. She begins writing a blog detailing Sloane's (aka "the Pink Princess") dirty little secrets. When the blog become far more popular than Winter ever imagined, she must deal with the consequences. Readers will love the way this story truly relates to many high school problems and situations, and the fast-paced drama is sure to please.

--Angela, A., Student

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

by Louise Rennison

What in the world is "snogging," and who exactly is Angus? In this hilarious Bridget Jones Diary - style book for a younger crowd, those questions and more are answered. Fourteen year-old Georgia chronicles her everyday misadventures in a comedy-filled diary which include embarrassing stories of her family, friends, and so-called love life. No topic is off limits, and through Georgia's experiences every teenager will find something to relate to. With wit, humor, and a delicious British vocabulary (don't worry American readers, Georgia has generously supplied a helpful glossary), readers will love this book!

--Leah, S., Student