What It Is, by Lynda Berry

"Do You Wish To Write?" Cartoonist and writer Lynda Berry poses this question in her visually stunning how-to guide that's almost impossible to put down or fit into any genre or category. Part collage/scrapbook, part autobiography, part graphic novel, What It Is uses memories, imagination, dreams, hopes, fears, past experiences, future maybes, and the mundane-ness of day-to-day life to stimulate the mind inspire writing ideas. Read it cover to cover or open it at random. Either way, you're sure to find that cure for writer's block.

If nothing else, What It Is makes for a very entertaining read.

This One Summer, by Jillian Tamaki

This One Summer, a graphic novel by Jillian Tamaki, is a brilliant story about friendship, family, and all the confusing and fascinating feelings that go along with growing up.

Each summer since they could remember, Rose and Windy's families met up at Awago Beach where the girls would spend two carefree weeks swimming, watching movies, eating sugary snacks, and just being kids. Needless to say, Rose has been looking forward to summer all year long. But this summer things have changed, and not for the better...and Rose would give almost anything to get back that innocence of those past summers. Rose, now almost a teenager, finds she's occasionally annoyed by Windy's childish behavior (Windy is a couple years younger). Why did these things about her old friend never bother her before? What's more, Rose's mother is constantly angry about something mysterious, something she won't talk about, and this is causing nearly constant tension between her parents. Nothing about Awago Beach is the same anymore, and this worries Rose. 

Then, when things couldn't get any more complicated, they do! Rose and Windy suddenly find themselves in the middle of some very grown-up drama involving a group of local teens. And they are forced to open their eyes to the reality that Awago Beach may not be (and may never have been) the idyllic sanctuary they always believed it to be.

I don't read a lot of graphics, preferring print books, but This One Summer caught my eye--and I'm glad I picked it up. Characterization is phenomenal and the theme (the struggle and confusion of being caught between childhood and adolescence) is something that's universally understood. I'd definitely recommend this one! --AJB

Teen Review: Out Of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper

Teen reviewer Georgia, 14, checked out Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper after reading positive reviews of the story on Goodreads. She found this realistic story about a highly intelligent girl struggling with physical limitations that have her bound to a wheelchair, unable to speak.

"10-year-old Melody can't walk or talk or even feed herself, but Melody is sick of being written off as retarded. Truth is, Melody is really smart and she wants to prove it to the world. Now, with the help of a new medi-talker (a talking computer), the world is now open for her to explore."

Georgia suggests Out of My Mind for teens 12-15.

Teen Reviewer: The Mysterious Island, by Jules Verne

Teen reviewer Summer, 11, read The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. She absolutely enjoyed this classic adventure story about a group of explorers who set out to investigate and survive the dangers of an uninhabited island--and end up getting pulled into an unexpected mystery.

"The Mysterious Island is based on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, who survived almost 5 years on a mysterious island. I would recommend it to others who are interested in an adventure."

Summer suggests The Mysterious Island for teens 12 and up. 

Teen Reviewer: The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green

Teen reviewer Logan, 14, read John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. For her, this uber-popular book about two terminal cancer patients who fall in love (which is now an uber-popular movie) definitely lived up to the hype...and then some!

"I absolutely loved the book! The way John Green wrote it was so different than the rest of the books I've read. Every sentence is amazing, and you can't stop reading. The characters were so unbelievable I don't even know how to explain them better than "developed." John Green knew exactly what he wanted in Isaac, Agustus, Hazel, and even Peter Van Horn and the parents. In the end, I loved this book. It definitely leaves an impact on you!"

Logan recommends The Fault in Our Stars for teens 13 and over.

Teen Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Teen reviewer Becca read Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige on a friend's suggestion and thought it was awesome. In this dystopian, Amy, a teen finds herself trapped inside her favorite story: The Wizard of Oz. Only things have gone horribly awry: The Scarecrow is a mad scientist, the Tin Woodsman is cruel military commander, and the Cowardly Lion is a vicious beast. Worst of all, Dorothy is now a power hungry tyrant bent on stealing the land's magic and enslaving its people. Recruited by the Witches, Amy must save Oz before its too late.

"One day a tornado comes and transports Amy off to Oz, but her favorite fairy tale has been twisted. Amy is on the ride of her life to take down Dorothy and her minions."

Becca recommends Dorothy Must Die for teens ages 12-15. 

Teen Review: No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

Teen reviewer Emma, 12, read No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman. She was thoroughly entertained by this tale of Wallace, a boy who, much to the displeasure of his teacher, voices his negative opinion about a book where a beloved pet dog inevitably dies. A book that just happens to be his teacher's favorite. As punishment for the negative review, Wallace is forced to work on a school play about the very book he dissed. Madness and hilarity follows.

"I would recommend No More Dead Dogs because I thought it was funny."

Emma would recommend this book for teens 12 and younger (but older teens would probably enjoy it as well)