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The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

10/24/2016

Quinn Roberts used to spend all his free time writing scripts for movies that his sister would film, but since she died six months ago, he doesn't do anything anymore. He doesn't go to school. He doesn't go out with friends. He doesn't even leave his house.
When Quinn's best friend Geoff decides enough is enough, he drags Quinn to his first college party where he meets a very hot guy, Amir, who Quinn falls head over heals for.
The only problem is that Quinn's not out yet -- and he's also not sure if he's ready to stop hibernating and get back to real life.

Full of humor and references to great movies, this book will speak to readers who enjoy realistic fiction and smart, funny, honest characters.

Grades 9-12

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The Lie Tree by Francis Hardinge

10/12/2016

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In Victorian England, girls are supposed to be well-mannered, modest, and good; they are not supposed to be smart or well-educated because they are not expected to have a job other than being a wife and a mother.
Faith Sunderly craves to be a scientist like her father, but everyone, including her father and even her little brother, dismisses her as being "just a girl."
When Faith's father dies mysteriously, she delves into his research for answers, but instead she finds a secret that may have lead to her father's death and also puts her in great danger.

This book is an interesting blend of historical fiction and fantasy, and it makes you think about how restricted women were not so very long ago.

Grades 7-12

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This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

10/10/2016

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When the end of the world comes, Sloane Price could not care any less -- because it's the same day that she planned on killing herself.
After her sister runs away leaving Sloane behind with the father who has physically abused both girls for years, she's ready to give up -- and then the zombies come.
Sloane finds herself holed up at her high with five of her classmates trying to figure out how to survive and, more importantly to her, if there's anything worth surviving for.

For fans of The Walking Dead and those who like psychological thrillers as much as they like scary stories. If you like zombie books, you might also try Rot & Ruin (and its sequels) by Jonathan Maberry and the Forest of Hands and Teeth (and its sequels) by Carrie Ryan.

Grades 9-12

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The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

10/3/2016

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To win a scholarship for art school, Beatrix Adams needs to get permission to draw cadavers at the local medical school -- without her mom finding out.
Jack Vincent is a handsome, notorious graffiti artist harboring a whole lot of secrets.
When these two meet on a late-night San Francisco bus, sparks fly.

With winning characters, particularly the delicious love interest, Jack, a focus on art, and San Francisco in the background, this is my favorite YA romance read of 2016 (so far).

Grades 9-12

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book reviews

The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

The Lie Tree by Francis Hardinge

This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

Ms. Wheaton

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