Carol: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Darin Kennedy

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has been retold and reimagined so many times. The tale of redemption reaches beyond the holiday season to remind us all to examine our own lives and ponder how we walk amongst our fellow humans. 

In this version, Carol is the 'Scrooge' of the story. She has many reasons to hate Christmas, but really no excuse for how she treats those in her life. Her parents and little sister died on Christmas day (which is also her birthday). She rarely thinks about the people who took her in, watched out for her, and gave her opportunities. She also lost her best friend just last year at Christmas time. 

Carol has lived with her aunt and uncle for teen years. They have raised her as the child they couldn't have on their own. She has not made it easy on them. No Christmas celebrating. Constant back talk and insults. Carol is aloof and bratty with them. She is completely ungrateful for everything they have given her. 

The story mostly follows the familiar pattern: visit from the ghost of an old friend followed by ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The story is updated and spread out over several days leading to the final ghost's visit on Christmas Eve. That is also the night of the big annual dance which turns out messier than anything Scrooge could have imagined. 

The author veers enough away from the traditional story's outline to keep it interesting while giving it a modern twist. The story itself will never grow old because there is always someone who is worthy of redemption. 

For more info, check out the author's site. 

 

Seton Girls by Charlene Thomas

If it's too good to be true, it probably is. And so the Seton Academy football team has had twelve consecutive undefeated seasons and trying for a thirteenth. Are the teams that good or is it something else...

Aly and her boyfriend are really outsiders in the Seton community. They are not rich and live farther away, but going to Seton is a dream. They have been readily accepted in the elite group. Part of that is J's ability on the football field and his destiny to be next year's starting quarterback.  

Cracks start to show when Aly's friend, Britt, accuses one of the football players of rape. Sides are taken. Friendships pushed to the breaking point. Besides, the football players can do no wrong. 

This book deals with a lot of issues, handling them with more subtlety and nuance than other stories. It could easily have taken the accusations of rape and made it the center of the story, but it is really just one symptom. The author never puts that issue aside, but she interweaves it with so much more that is happening with characters. For me, that is what makes this book stand out in a large field of dramatic teen books. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

Pretty Dead Queens by Alexa Donne

After the death of her mother, Cecelia must go live in the small California town of Seaview with her grandmother Maura, a well known mystery novelist. Maura's first novel was based on a real murder in the town, and the subsequent movie was even filmed there. Since then, Maura's fame has attracted fans from all over the world to Seaview. Cecelia barely knows her grandmother and has never read any of her books. 

Cecelia is quickly befriended by the top tier people in her new school and learns much about the town's history. Being the granddaughter of the most famous resident gives her surprising notoriety. Sadly, one the girls in her new circle is murdered in a near copy cat of the first murder. In both, the high school girls were found in the school swimming pool on the night of homecoming. One had been crowned homecoming queen and the other wanted to be. 

Cecelia becomes obsessed with finding the murderer even at the risk of getting in trouble with the sheriff. She also begins to doubt if the real killer was found in the first murder. 

This small town known for murder is full of deception and secrets. Cecelia checks motives and alibis and finds almost everyone in town is a suspect including her friends.  It's a fascinating story with twists and surprises. I keep reading teen suspense books, and I really liked this one. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 
 

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

Madison has kept a secret for a long time. Her father wants it that way. He makes her change her appearance and monitors her every move to make sure no one ever finds out. What would the people in their small town of Georgia think if they knew that Madison was bi-racial?

Even though everyone thinks Madison is white, she does not move through her school unnoticed. In fact, she is the target of bullying with her old clothes and quiet, loner status. After an incident that goes viral, Madison is exposed and things escalate quickly. 

Some of the popular kids blame her when they get into trouble for bullying so they amp it up. One girl wants to rectify her friends' behavior (although her motives are questionable), so she proposes that her black boyfriend (a popular member of the football team) ask Madison to the prom. 

One more thing: Madison begins to realize she has the power to move things and control fire with her mind. A skill that is dangerous and powerful (particularly when dealing with bullies). It also scares the hell out of father. 

This is an homage to Stephen King's Carrie with racism as a huge motivator. The town is so backwards that the white and black students have separate proms ("because that's the way it's always been"). The popular black football player has never bothered with racial issues not wanting it to effect his future in football, but Madison's presence starts to change that. Madison's father is so afraid people knowing the truth that he painfully straightens her hair and locks her in closet covered with pictures of beautiful white woman so she doesn't forget what she is supposed to be. 

The whole system is so messed up that no one in this town remains untouched by its racist past and present. Ultimately, they cannot escape the consequences either. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

All Eyes On Us by Kit Frick

Amanda and Rosalie are being threatened anonymously by the same person. The girls are not friends; they don't know each other. They go to different schools with no social connections except for one. They are both dating Carter Shaw, the golden boy of the town. 

Amanda and Carter are the couple at school. They have been dating for a long time, and will one day get married. That part of their lives has be determined. Carter's parents know it will happen, and Amanda's parents are depending on it. Amanda's family is strapped for money. They have debts, some accrued while trying to maintain their status after Amanda's dad had to change jobs. Carter's family has wealth and have influence, the kind Amanda's mom desires. 

Rosalie and Carter date in secret. Carter has cheated on Amanda before, so this is not new to him. Rosalie needs Carter as a cover to convince her parents that she is no longer attracted to girls. She knows it is not serious between her and Carter, but she just needs to convince her strict religious parents for a few more months until she and her girlfriend can go away to college and live openly as themselves. Her fear is that once she comes out, she will be shunned by her parents and never see her little sister again. The church is strict and has excommunicated gay people before. 

This book is full of people doing horrible things including the main characters. Amanda feels entitled and looks down upon some people. She assumes Rosalie is a horrible person. Rosalie is lying to Carter about her sexuality to use him as a cover. They only reason these actions seem justifiable is because both sets of parents are so toxic. Does it matter how Amanda truly feels about Carter? Her parents (particularly her mother) are more concerned about how they will be saved by the money. Rosalie's parents subject her to conversion 'therapy', and even move to a new town to 'save' from being gay. She is scrutinized constantly. 

Who is this secret blackmailer, and what do they really want? Amanda becomes suspicious of everyone including her closest friends when she is told to break up with Carter. Rosalie lives in fear of her parents finding out about her girlfriend. Are they targets or is Carter? Sometimes the answers are too complicated to piece together particularly for the young women being emotionally tortured by the blackmailer or the parents (I'm not sure which is worse).

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and author's site. 

 

People Like Us by Dana Mele

Another story about horrible events at a private boarding school. A death, a mystery to solve. Accusations, friendships shattered, nasty behavior, bullying. This one has at all. 

Kay is one of the 'in' crowd - that group of admired, but abusive girls who can get away with anything. She decided to reinvent herself when she came to the school as a freshman by literally making a big splash. As a senior, Kay is trying to get a soccer scholarship (her parents put so much pressure on her to perform). Things are going along fine until she and her friends find the body of a classmate floating in the lake. It gets messy from there. 

Through an email supposedly from the dead girl, Kay is blackmailed into outing the worst behavior of her friends. Kay has her secrets, too. She had done enough terrible things to others that she feels like she has no choice but to do what the email instructs. 

Kay is ostracized, accused, and betrayed. Weighing on her mind through all of this is her cheating ex-boyfriend who she still feels connected to, her total infatuation on her best friend Brie (who may feel the same), and the death of her brother and best fried. 

Nothing is straight forward in this story as Kay is pulled back and forth between her loyalties. Sometimes the people who seem the most guilty are the only ones who are nice to her and vice versa. It is an interesting and entertaining tangle for the reader. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

 

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

A bank deposit should have been easy. OK, there was tension between Nora, Wes, and Iris. Relationships and lies will do that. Deposit the money in 20 minutes at the most, then sort out the other stuff later. Two bank robbers bring that all to a halt.  When the robbers don't get what the want (the bank manager here and now), it becomes a hostage situation. 

Nora is uniquely qualified for such a high stress situation. She spent her first twelve years helping her mother pull cons on unsuspecting (although often deserving) men. Nora's mother groomed her to play anyone to pull off the con to the point that Nora doesn't even know who she really is (her real name isn't even Nora). She was never allowed to just be herself. 

With the bank robbers pointing guns and making threats, Nora starts working on her plan to get all the hostages out. It's dangerous and risky, but that is how Nora has lived most of her life. If it weren't for her older sister rescuing her, she might still be pulling cons. 

A lot happens in this story. First, the interpersonal situation between the Nora, Wes, and Iris is always present and guiding what decisions they make in the bank. Second, the bank robbery and the criminals add the immediate danger and suspense. Third, the flashbacks of Nora's life with her family and friends fleshes out her motivations, knowledge, and emotions. It's a carefully written tale that surprises. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

 

Hopepunk by Preston Norton

Hope's sister Faith runs away after being outed to their extremely religious parents. The threat of being sent to a 'conversion camp' is enough to make her leave everything behind. Hope is devastated. Faith was her best friend. They shared everything. Hope knew her sister was gay years before anyone else. 

I thought this story was going to be about finding the lost sister, but is so much more than that. Faith's sudden disappearance is just the catalyst for all that happens after. Maybe losing Faith was just what was needed for Hope, her family, and their community. 

Just a quick rundown of things happening is this book: Hope is introduced to rock music and finds her voice. Hope's other sister Charity becomes more stringent in her religious/conservative beliefs causing a bigger rift between the sisters. Danny, identical twin and amazing guitar player, is kicked out of his brother's band and his house when he comes out. Hope who has been crushing on Danny for a long time befriends him and gives him shelter. Angus and Astrid become close friends with Danny and Hope to form a band (Oops, I may be giving too much away). Anyway, lots of heartache and soul searching for so many characters. 

And as a bonus, there is a sci-fi story thrown in throughout the book. It's good, too. 

This is the third book in a row I have read that has dealt with major social issues brought to the forefront in the last few years. I am glad authors are tackling these issues and presenting them for young people. Today, we are seeing in plan view a large number of people that are selfish, cruel, racist, homophobic, and misogynistic.  We need books like this, and we need to make sure they are available to teens. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

Survive the Dome by Kosoko Jackson

The city of Baltimore is covered in a dome. Not a solid dome, but a virtual one that keeps people from coming in or going out. It also cuts off any communication with the outside world. 

Going into this story, I expected science fiction. It is actually a story of police brutality of African Americans and other people of color. The dome is used as a way to amplify how trapped some people are in our world of systemic racism and the power that is used to keep them that way. 

In the wake of a not guilty verdict for an officer in a police shooting, protests have been organized in Baltimore. Jamal, a high schooler dreaming of becoming a photojournalist, heads into the city to capture the moment and report it. He doesn't expect the impenetrable dome to trap him there in the midst of martial law (aka letting the police do whatever the want). 

Before the dome closes the city, Jamal befriends a protester named Marco. He leads Jamal away from the police violence to a meeting of a subversive hacking group. But under the dome (and often in real life), danger follows those trying to make a difference. The two young men grow to trust each other as they try to avoid the police while thinking of a way to take down the dome. They eventually (and reluctantly) become a trio by the addition of Catherine, a skilled fighter, who shows up just when they need her. 

The dome is used to illustrate the horror and violence that has become a daily part of the lives of non-white people. In this case, the state authority has created a cage to keep in the 'bad' people so they can be dealt with. 

The story is brutal and unflinching in its truth. Even though the dome is probably an impossible creation in reality, the actions of the people who created it are not exaggerated. Sadly, this is a story for our time.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

 

Zero O'Clock by C.J. Farley

How would I describe this book: All the problems that dominated the spring of 2020 encapsulated into one family's life. Sometimes it seems like the author piled too much on the main character, but I understand the need to illustrate the frustrations and fear many of us had (and have) as we lived through 2020. 

Geth is a senior. She lives in New Rochelle with her mother and her mother's boyfriend (who Geth does not like). Geth has two friends: Tovah and Diego. She is obsessed with Korean boy band BTS. Life is not great (she has obsessive-compulsive behaviors), but it's not bad. She cannot wait to see if she is accepted to Columbia University. She and Tovah have planned to got there forever. 

Covid-19 brought everything to a halt in March 2020. Geth will no longer have her graduation or prom. She can't hang with her friends. Politics seeps into their conversations. The darkness of society reveals itself. On some level, Geth represents many people in 2020. She is confused and angry, and she doesn't know where she belongs anymore. The pandemic, the Trump presidency, school shootings, police shooting innocent black people, immigration are all part of Geth's world. She is us in a microcosm. 

At times, I thought the author was throwing too much into this one story; that Geth was personally dealing with all the issues that have come to the forefront over the past two years. But I think the point is that we are feeling the pressures of our world in ways we never could have imagined and Geth represents us in that struggle. It's a book that could be read a few years from now to remind the reader of that brief time in history when the world changed. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

This Is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey

Jess has a normal life. She lives in a small town that she has never left. She is a decent student with close friends. There is a guy she likes who might like her, too. Her life isn't perfect. Her sister is practically bedridden with a rare disease. Her parents...what teen doesn't have issues with their parents? Overall, things are good. 

It's all fake. Jess is the star of a reality show all about her life. She doesn't know it, though. Everyone else does. They are all actors. As far as Jess knows, she is living life as a typical 90s teenager. In reality, Jess lives on a closed compound in the distant future. 

Jess starts to see cracks in the system - not that she could ever guess what is really happening. She starts asking questions and hearing things that don't make sense. The moment she comes home to find her beloved dog has been replaced by a look alike that does not behave the same, she knows she is being lied to. She just doesn't know how big the lie is. 

Imagine if your life was a lie. Everyone you knew was lying to you and had been lying to you for years. They were pretend players in your life. What a cruel joke. Jess should be justifiably angry and be able to walk away from this 'entertainment' program. Except, the show is hugely popular. The future world is pretty bleak, and this show is the only bright light for some. Also, it makes lots of money for a lot of people. The producers of the show are not going to let Jess just quit. 

Fascinating story with themes that will resonate with readers who live in today's world

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

Dead End Girls by Wendy Heard

I keep reading these 'teens in peril' books. Obviously, I am not the only one because they keep publishing them. So here's my latest one. 

Maude has been plotting to fake her death for awhile. She has a plan to escape her family and go live in London with a new identity. Before she even starts, her step cousin Frankie discovers the plan and begs to go with her. Frankie's home and school life isn't so great either. Maude is reluctant, but agrees. 

Maude's plan never included another person, so even though initially everything goes well it soon goes off the rails. At a time when Maude should have been on a boat to another country, she is running around Hawaii trying to figure out how to get both of them back to California. 

After an accidental death, things get really bad. Oh, did I say death? I don't think that's a spoiler. Once they've dealt with someone dying, their lives become less about running away and more about running. Maude tries to keep them on track, but nothing seems to work out. 

When reading books where teens are in danger, I usually have someone who I can clearly root for. Sometimes, they do questionable things but often as a response to the 'bad guy'. I was not always quite so sure with Maude and Frankie. The reader does not know their reasons for running away at the beginning. The story begins Maude who has already committed several crimes (fake passport, stolen IDs, etc.). Then that first death...Oh, did I say first? That makes it seem like there is another. I hope that's not a spoiler, either. 

I was fascinated by Maude's quick thinking in the face of unexpected circumstances. And ultimately, I did hope the girls were successful. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

Battle of the Bands by Various Authors

One event, sixteen different stories. Who will win the battle of the bands? Will a group implode before it takes the stage? Will stage fright get the better of someone? Will romantic entanglements cause problems? Will someone rise above it all and become a star? 

Most stories are about the performers as they prepare to go onstage and also as they take their place in the spotlight. There are rehearsals, arguments, egos, broken hearts, and magic played through different types of music made by a variety of young people. 

A few stories explore others involved - a reluctant judge, for example. All are intertwined with the others. Some characters appear in several stories. 

I applaud the editor and authors for creating a cohesive set of stories that could have easily been uneven in the tone. I enjoyed the perspective of the same event given by such diverse authors.  

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 
 

Ain't Burned All The Bright by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffith

Words are powerful. Paired with images, they can transcend their literal meaning to become much more. 

This books has three sentences. They are long sentences;  grammatically speaking, they are probably run-on sentences. You can say a lot in three sentences worth of words, but only so much. How do you make those words reach beyond? How do you give them greater impact? You present them with images; graphics that tell the story and more. 

Jason Reynolds (author) and Jason Griffin (illustrator) have mated their talents and artistry to tell the story of a family in 2020, the year of Covid and racial protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd. This one family is existing in the world we all experienced, but for them it hits much closer to home. 

I could go on, but eventually I will use more words than the book itself. It would be better of you to read the book yourself and feel its power. It says so much with seemingly so little. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

Take Three Girls by Cate Crowley, Simmone Howell & Fiona Wood

I like to read books about strong women who are ready and willing to stand up for themselves and take down a system that degrades them. That is what I was expecting from this book. Three girls attending a private school work to expose those behind an anonymous website that posts the most misogynistic and sexist things about girl students. As it turns out, that is only one small part of the story. It is so much more about these three girls growing and learning about themselves. 

As I read, I waited for the takedown of the website to begin, but instead I learned more about the girls. I kept thinking what amazing character development. Over time, I realized this story was not being driven by the plot device of the offensive website, but by the characters. Really good stuff. 

So the girls: Kate wants to play cello professionally, but is torn between the pre-med path her parents want her to take. Clem is a swim champ who is not sure she wants to swim anymore. Besides, there is this older guy she is really into even though he may not be that great.  Ady is considered a bitch at school - very cool and confident. At home though, things are falling apart. It is only through a school assignment that these young women are brought together. 

Each girl is written by a different author which is just another incredible aspect of this book. The characters have much more depth than the average book for teens. I feel like this one will slip by people so I hope you take the opportunity to read it.  

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

 

Your Life Has Been Delayed by Michelle I. Mason

For 25 years, Jenny's airplane was lost.  To the world, the plane just disappeared. For the passengers, no time passed. One minute, it was 1995; the next they were landing in 2020. And no one had aged a day. Jenny's friends and family mourned as life went on. 

Now, teenage Jenny has entered a world almost completely unfamiliar to her. Her parents are old; her younger brother is older than her (and married); her best friend is a middle age mother. And what is with all the technology? Phones you carry everywhere; huge televisions screens; the internet. 

This story is mix of light suspense, a tiny bit of science fiction, and realistic fiction/romance as Jenny adjusts to her new life. The plane's passengers and crew are in danger from groups and forces who think the entire thing is a hoax. They are also celebrities having been discussed, investigated, and written about for 25 years. It is a lot for Jenny (the only underage passenger) to process. 

The more I read, the more intrigued I became with the idea. Everyone on the plane leaped ahead, time traveling. Jenny acts like the teenager she still is. She just spoke to her best friend a few hours ago while her friend hasn't seen her in 25 years. Jenny can't understand some of the things that have happened, and reacts rashly. She can't confide in her friend or even relate to her because the time between them. 

There is a lot happening in this book, and it really could have gone in lot of directions. Overall, there was a good balance. The focus on Jenny's interpersonal relationships is welcome and the most interesting aspect of the story. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.