Coping with the aftermath…

It has been a while but here’s my review of Trigger by Susan Vaught:

       Trigger is a powerful and emotional story about a brain-damaged teenager.  Seventeen-year-old Jersey Hatch sustained life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound.  He’s scarred all over, blind in one eye, and walks with a limp.  He cannot recover the nearly two years of lost memories.  At first, he cannot accept that he shot himself. You see, before the injuries, Jersey had it all: money, girls, a car, and popularity.  And then he shot himself.  Now, he wants to know why he did it. Jersey’s parents try to provide support, but they are worried about his mental stability and their marriage. When he returns to school, no one wants to befriend him, not even his ex-best friend.   His peers are verbally and physically abusing him.  Everyone seems to be angry with him because of the ‘incident’.  Life as he knows it is being torn apart and he doesn’t know what to do or who to turn to.  This story offers a new voice to the topic of teen suicide.  The author also provides a great resource page for readers seeking more information.  Appropriate for mature high school students.

Life in Prison by Stanley “Tookie” Williams

Rules

“I am sure there are times when you feel your parents are being too hard on you, that they have too many rules for you to follow.  But know this: No matter how unfair you may think you parents are, or how tough you may think their rules are, you’re parents’ rules are nothing like the rules we are forced to abide by in prison.”   —-Life in Prison, chapter 5

I introduced this book with the above entry because it is what young people need to know about prison life and life in general.  After reading this book, I think it should be a “must-read” for all students, regardless of their socio-economic status.  Everyone I know, I’m sure has heard of Stanley “Tookie” Williams.  Well, before his execution, he wrote many books.  He spoke out against gangs and violence in the black community.   His message was simple; he advised young people to make better choices than he did.  To a certain extent, he wanted redemption and forgiveness.  

Inexcusable or Not? by Chris Lynch

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

 If you like Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, then I think you will like this one as well. I have to admit, I was attracted to this book because of its provocative title.  I wanted to know what was inexcusable.  This story is thoughtful and yet disturbing.  We’ve finally been given a chance to learn about rape from a male perspective—something rarely done.  As the story ends, there are no clear answers or conclusions.  This is a very satisfying read.  Other books with male protagonists with issues: Laurie Halse Anderson’s Twisted, Alex Finn’s Breathing Underwater and David Klass’ You don’t know me.

Books boys will love

We are at a golden age for teen writers, but unfortunately, many people, both young and old are unaware.  They do not know what is available to them.  We know boys read less than girls.  They prefer non-fiction (newspaper, graphic novels, internet reading, and sport magazines) over fiction books. It is my goal to promote some books that will get boys reading.  All is not lost.  There are many fiction books out there to interest them. 

Here’s my short list: 

Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

This story is about a high school senior whose father is in the mob.  He doesn’t approve what father does for living.  He falls for a girl.  The girl’s father is his father’s enemy. It is Romeo and Juliet story.  Follow-Up:  Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle. Humor. 

Airborne by Kenneth Oppel

This is a story that takes place in the future on board an blimp-like airship.  A young cabin boy, accompanies by a wealthy girl in search of treasures but enters into a battle with pirates and cloud cats.  Science Fiction/Adventure. Sequel: Skybreaker 

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Imagine being stranded in the wilderness for 54 days.  What would you do? Well, this story chronicles a thirteen year old boy survivor of plane crash.  He has to deal with mistakes, setbacks, but succeeds with the help of a ratchet.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

A sixteen year old African-American boy is accused of conspiring in a robbery of a local drug store, in which the owner is shot and killed. As he is awaiting trial, we get a chance to see the situation through his eyes. He’s an aspiring film maker so he recounts his experiences in a script format. This is a great book for discussion about the criminal justice system and for African-American males. Realistic.  

Thief  by Megan Whalen Turner

This is a funny, well-written story about a young boy named Gen who is a thief.  The story opens up with Gen in prison claiming that he could steal anything – even the king’ seal and so begins his adventure.  Along the way, he meets some interesting characters who are annoyed with his lack of heroism, behavior, and of course, his bragging. Sequels: Queen of Attolia and King of Attolia. Fantasy.