Originally published in School Library Journal. Gr 9 & up - Hotchner's historical fiction, coming-of-age tale set in Depression-era St. Louis will capture readers at the start with a mysterious robbery which creates an uncertain future for the amiable protagonist. Aaron Broom, is street-smart beyond his 12 years, fending for himself with a mother in… Continue reading The Amazing Adventures of Aaron Broom by A. E. Hotchner
Tag: Depression
Four Weeks, Five People by Jennifer Yu
Originally reviewed in School Library Journal, March 2017. Gr. 9 & Up - Yu's debut, realistic fiction young adult novel is set in upstate New York at Camp Ugunduzi, a wilderness therapy camp for troubled teens. The quickly-paced story is told in alternating points-of-view between five unique campers, just introduced and grouped together during the… Continue reading Four Weeks, Five People by Jennifer Yu
Without Merit by Colleen Hoover
Without Merit is due for publication on October 3, 2017. Merit, a 17 year old senior in high school, has quite the interesting life. Merit's family of seven is quite possibly the most oddly dysfunctional family I've ever had the pleasure of reading about in a book. Merit and her twin sister, Honor, do not… Continue reading Without Merit by Colleen Hoover
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
Holding Up the Universe will be published on October 4, 2016. If you thought Violet & Finch from Niven's All The Bright Places were unforgettable characters, wait until you meet Jack & Libby. Much like with All the Bright Places, Holding Up the Universe is written with chapters alternating back and forth between the two main characters,… Continue reading Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter
This is a heartbreaking, raw story of mental illness and how it can systematically unravel the bonds between a family. I wasn't sure what to expect from the story, but it was so much more than a young adult coming-of-age story. Of course, there is some young romance and dating involved, but poor Cassie was forced… Continue reading The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
I picked up this book because I had been hearing quite a bit of buzz about it on social media. Like any good librarian, I have to read something for myself, especially when everyone seems to have read it or want to read it. I think it's a great first novel by Jessica Knoll, even… Continue reading Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Librarian Laura 