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. 

Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

So they made a movie based on this book (no, I haven't seen it). It was the movie's release that prompted me to finally read the book.

Simon is gay, but he hasn't told anyone yet. He has been corresponding (emailing) with another guy who goes to the same high school, but neither know each other's identity. Simon is curious, but the other boy wants to keep the secret. Along comes Garrett who accidentally sees one Simon's emails and decides he can use the info to get something for himself (a date with Simon's friend, Abby). Yes, Garrett threatens to out Simon to everyone unless Simon helps him get to know a friend. What a jerk, right?

Simon is not ready to share his sexuality with the world and is afraid that it will scare off his potential boyfriend if he is outed. This could be his first boyfriend ever! It might be...Simon is not sure if he is reading the signals correctly. The other guy seems to be flirting, so it could happen.

Simon has a great group of friends. They are written with more depth than you might find in many teen novels, and I found that refreshing. He also has nice (but not perfect) parents. So Simon's world is pretty good (except for some uncertainty about being accepted for who he is). It's a pleasant, fun read.

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

The Edge of Forever by Melissa E. Hurst

In 2146, time travel is possible. But only for those with a specific gene. Bridger has the gene and is on training trip to the year 2076 to witness the assassination of the president. Bridger and his fellow cadets wear cloaking devices so as to not be seen while they record specific aspects of the event. It is most important to not disrupt the timeline.

In the chaos of the assassination, Bridger separates from his mission partner (and girlfriend) Vika. He sees his dad, a fellow time traveler who died months ago. His father's only words, "Save Alora, son." Bridger knows his father was never assigned to this time period. He also has no idea who Alora is and why she needs to be saved. If it involves time travel, Bridger's father is asking him to break the law.

Alora lives in 2013 with her aunt in a small Georgia town. At the age of six, her father left her there and has not been seen since. Alora's aunt refuses to tell her anything about her parents, so Alora must find any information she can even if it means breaking her aunt's rules. She is just starting to uncover things (in her aunt's room and the attic) when a guy named Bridger appears.

Bridger was never supposed to interact with Alora, but an injury upon his arrival makes that impossible. Why is Alora so important and can he save her without messing up the timeline? These are only two of the many questions that make the story so intriguing.

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

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

When I read teen books, I often think about my life as a teen. I did not do wild things - no drinking or partying. So when I read about those things (which I know actually go on) I can't really identify with them. I suppose I live vicariously through the characters. Every once in awhile, I read a story that touches me because it does relate to my own experiences (when I was a teen or older). This is such a story.

Lauren Myracle (who have already admitted to being one of my favorite authors) writes with such honesty. She creates characters with true experiences that I can feel because I have lived them, too.

Wren is graduating from high school. She has been the model daughter following her parent's wishes. She has applied and gotten early acceptance to the school of their dreams. She has refrained from dating to focus on her school work. So it is the summer before she heads off to...well that's the big secret Wren is keeping from her parents.

Charlie is also graduating. He works in his adoptive dad's wood shop. He grew up in foster homes. He was fortunate to find his current parents. He is devoted to his brother (who is confined to a wheelchair). He is hard working and honest and well help anyone. Charlie has more experience dating including one girl who cannot take no for an answer.

There is a moment on the last day of school when Wren's gaze meets Charlie's from across the crowd. They meet up by chance later and a real connection is made. The summer turns into an unexpected romance for both.

The real truth in the story, the parts I have felt, were between Wren and Charlie: the touches, the longing when separated, the first kiss, the physical awkwardness. Does she feel the same way I do? Is this really happening? As I read those moments, I relived just a little bit of my own life.

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