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. 

Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton

Cliff's older brother, Shane, is dead. Shane is the only thing Cliff care's about. He doesn't care about school or his stupid classmates. His dad is abusive, and his mom is his dad's enabler. Basically, Cliff's life sucks.

Sometimes when nothing feels right, Cliff goes to the Monolith, a tall abandoned never finished seven story office building in his small town. He and his brother used to go there, and hang out on a top floor balcony.  But now, Cliff goes by himself.

Cliff is a big, physically big. So big that his nickname is Neanderthal. He is called a lot of things by classmates who think they are so clever. He is not afraid to throw punches if necessary. He does just that against Aaron Zimmerman the popular quarterback. Cliff hates Aaron.

So imagine Cliff's astonishment (and skepticism) when Aaron tells him (after waking from a coma - NOT caused by Cliff)  that he saw God. Not only that, God gave Aaron a list and wants Cliff to help him make their high school a better place. It's a nice goal, but why would Cliff want to help Aaron do anything?

Maybe Cliff and Aaron can change their small part of the world. Maybe Cliff can discover more about his brother. And maybe not everyone at school hates Cliff like he thinks they do.

Interesting characters and an intriguing plot make this a worthwhile read.

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