The Everafter

Madison comes to awareness in a strange oblivion known to her only as "Is." Populating this space are various, and seemingly items she doesn't recognize until she touches. Each item carries the memory associated with it. Bit by bit, Madison briefly revisits these memories and pieces together her life. Eventually, she becomes aware that she is dead. But there is no answer here in "Is" as to how that happened. Or is there?

Although a bit hard to get into, The Everafter quickly picks up and draws the reader into the strange plot of a teen trying to solve her seemingly mysterious death. A quick and worthwhile read. --AJL

Just in time for the holidays...

Sure Summer is just around the corner, but c'mon, who doesn't love a holiday-themed cake?!? The unbelievable concoctions featured in Wreck the Halls, the hilarious sequel to Cake Wrecks, may make you change your mind--and possibly lose your appetite. Within these pages you'll find zombie santas, anatomically correct snow people, vampire pilgrims (no sparkles. sorry), and many versions of the infamous "poop cake." Also within these pages are the artistic creations of some very confused decorators. And, of course, the usual misspellings, each one resulting in hilarity. The end result is one funny book that'll have you LOL-ing for sure.

So... Still hungry for cake? I didn't think so. --AJL

The Aftermath of Tough Choices

A newborn baby has been left in the trash to die, and all signs point toward Devon, a straight-A student and all-around good girl. Now, because of a choice she made, apparently out of fear and desparation, Devon is in a juvenile detention center awating trial for attempted murder. If she's found guilty, her entire life will be ruined, her Olympic dreams shattered. This is the story of the motives that lead to Devon's decision and what happened After. You can judge her how you want, but hear her story first. Coming to a conclusion isn't so easy, is it? --AJL

How NOT To Pay For College

The year is 1983, high school graduation is on the horizon, and Edward is all set to have the most magical summer of his life. In the fall, he will attend Julliard, where he will study theater and music. Life is good. Then his newly-engaged father drops a bombshell: He will no longer pay for Edward's college unless Edward agrees to go into a more practical field of study (like business or law). Certainly Edward's new Evil Stepmother has something to do with it. Unwilling to give up on his dreams, Edward turns to his misfit friends for advice. Before long, the group has hatched a scheme of questionable legality that's sure to get Edward the cash he needs to pay for college. Hilarious mishaps, reckless mayhem, a 3-foot green ceramic Buddha, and a brush with the law (and the Mob) follow, and pretty soon Edward and Co. are in over their heads. Eventually Edward does get the cash he needs for college, although not in the way he expected. He also learns the value of friendship and has the most memorable summer of his life.

How I Paid For College is a checklist of things NOT to do when trying to save up $$ for something (college or otherwise). It's also one of the most hilarious books in our collection. Looking for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud funny book? This one's for you.--AJL

Oh No He Didn't!

Kevin isn't the most popular guy in his school. He doesn't get to date the pretty girl. In fact, he's a dork who breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of talking to a pretty girl. So when popular jock Brandon approaches him and saddles him with the daunting task of compiling the Book of Busts--a listing of the measurements of every senior girl--Kevin jumps at the chance. This could be his ticket to popularity and fame. But how can he complete the job without offending his best friend, Abby, or receiving a lecture about respect from his mother, a women's studies professor and hard-core feminist? On the other hand, if he doesn't do it, he'll lose face in front of the popular guys. Either way, Kevin can't win. Either way, Kevin is Busted!

While not the most deep story ever written, Busted is certainly entertaining. And it contains a good lesson--albeit a glaringly obvious one--about respect. Although there are some very guy-ish situations, the feminist undertones may make this a better choice for girls looking for humor. But guys would likely find something to enjoy as well. --AJL

Cat-astrophic Funny

Think your pet is crazy? Experience the antics of Simon's Cat as this fiesty feline torments the dog, gets tormented by the birds, befriends the yard gnome, causes mischief and mayhem wherever he goes, and always, always demands food from his hapless owner. Each page is hilarious! Check it out if you're looking for a good laugh. --AJL

"Leap" into this book!

Today Josie's birthday. Not so unusual--except it is! Josie was born on Leap Day, February 29, and she only gets a real official birthday every four years. As Josie goes through her day and experiences her driving test, a special meeting at the lake, and the usual birthday festivities, you, the reader, get to find out what she, her friends, and her family members are thinking. 

Looking for a quick, light read? This one's for you.--AJL

He's Got It All Backward!

When Mr. & Mrs. Button learned they were to have a child, the young couple was overjoyed. But that joy would turn to disappointment and confusion upon the birth of Benjamin, who was born an old man and aged backward until one day he finally disappeared from existence.

This graphic adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a fun read. Sepia-toned illustrations, befitting the time period when the story takes place, highlight this already entertaining tale. Don't have time to read the full-length text? This adaption will give you the idea. --AJL

p.s. Looking for a more updated twist on this old classic? Try Gabrielle Zevin's Elsewhere. Following a bike accident, Liz, 15, wakes up in Elsewhere, an afterlife where everyone ages backward from the age they were when they arrived.

A Month in the Life

What would you do if you found out one of your classmates was dying? Antsy Bonano, title character of Antsy Does Time, does what any well-intentioned, but slightly odd, friend would do. When he learns Gunner Umlaut is fatally ill, Antsy signs over a month of his own life to his dying friend. The trend catches on and soon the whole town is involved. But even the best intentions can drastically backfire. Fans of Shusterman's quirky Schwa Was Here will enjoy this offbeat companion to the story of the boy who was pretty much invisible. Although it deals with some serious topics, it does so in a lighthearted, almost comedic way. Recommended if you're looking for something out of the ordinary. --AJL