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. 

 

The Truth App by Jack Heath

Jarli has created an app that can detect whether someone is telling truth. Is that why someone rammed a truck into his dad's car while they were in it? Does it have something to do with his dad's security job? As the story begins, Jarli has no time to think about the reason. He only knows the truck that just hit them is headed their way to do it again.    

While his dad is in the hospital, Jarli's app is making news around the world. He only put it out so fellow programmers could test it, but now everyone (including the news media) seems to be using it. Classmates are not happy since teachers and parents are using it, too. If it weren't for Jarli's best friend Bess and the new girl Anya, Jarli would be facing the world alone.         

And Jarli is facing a lot. No adults believe someone purposely caused the accident, so the truck driver is still on the loose and is still trying to kill Jarli (He has no idea why). Reporters are camped out in front of Jarli's house shouting questions whenever he leaves. 

This book is non-stop from beginning to end. I thought I would be reading a wacky story about a truth app that causes chaos in the daily life of a high schools student. This story is a mystery, action filled ride with Jarli finding danger at every turn. Shooting, kidnapping, fire and mind games all add up to a quick read. As the cover indicates, there are more books to come. 

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

Amelia Westlake Was Never Here by Erin Gough

Amelia Westlake doesn't exist. She is made up; the creation of two teen girls who cannot stand each other. They are opposites who reluctantly team up to fight injustices at the private girls school that both attend. 

Will is a scholarship student on the verge of expulsion. She doesn't do her homework and talks back to teachers. She is also not overly concerned about her appearance. Will is ready to take down the school and all of its pretentiousness.

In contrast, Harriet is an excellent student and treats all faculty with respect. She is smartly attired. She has been training to win the big doubles tennis tournament for a long time. Even when the staff's questionable behavior is pointed out to her, she is always willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Harriet would never risk her future taking on the school administration.

Yet, circumstances bring Will and Harriet together. The swim coach is a pervert who is too friendly with some of the girls. He is an Olympic medalist who brings students and money to the school, so the administration will never reprimand him. Harriet agrees to help Will create a comic about the coach to be submitted to the school paper but only if it is anonymous. Thus, Amelia Westlake is born.

Needless to say, Amelia Westlake takes on a life of her own in a crusade that grows beyond the two girls. The question is can the girls make a difference at the school without getting in a lot of trouble.

It's a fun story about female empowerment and doing what is right no matter what the cost. Good messages for young people.

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

Game Theory by Barry Jonsberg

Jamie loves math. Recently, he has become interested in game theory, the strategy of determining your opponent's actions. He practices it with his clever, precocious younger sister, Phoebe.

Jamie's older sister, Summerlee, buys a lottery ticket on her 18th birthday and wins 7.5 million dollars. Already rebellious, the money causes her to break free of her family. Against her parents' advice, Summerlee lets the world know that she won and goes on a spending spree.

One day when Jamie and Phoebe go to the grocery store together, Phoebe is kidnapped. The sudden horror and remorse Jamie feels is gut wrenching. Phoebe is the best of the family. Even Summerlee who can be nasty to anyone is never cross with Phoebe.

Is the kidnapping related to Summerlee's sudden financial windfall? No one knows for sure, but they do know that the kidnapper(s) will only speak with Jamie. Maybe he can use game theory to outwit the kidnapper and get Phoebe back. But dealing with the kidnapper without the police is a risk.

This is a story filled with tension and suspense. So if you are looking for something with some mystery that is a little different, check this one out.

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

Protected by Claire Zorn

Hannah's sister, Katie, died in an accident, and Hannah was there. Almost a year later, her family is still suffering. Her father was injured in the accident and will never be physically the same again. Her mother has checked out of life spending hours laying in bed and hardly eating. With the pending trial of her father (did he cause the accident?), her parents relationship becomes more tense.

Katie was beautiful and confident. She was stylish and hung without whoever she wanted to. Hannah is quiet and likes to read. When Hannah started getting bullied at school, Katie told Hannah to stick up for herself. Hannah just wanted Katie to defend her.

At the beginning of freshman year, Hannah's best friend, Charlotte, was accepted by the popular girls. Hannah tried to be accepted but instead became their target. After awhile, Hannah and Charlotte were no longer friends.

So even though the bullying stopped after Katie died, Hannah is still very much alone. When a transfer student starts paying attention to Hannah, she is skeptical about what he really wants.

Hannah's story is heartbreaking, but hopeful. Even though she will never get her sister back, she might be able to find her own path and have a life of her own.

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