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DEATH NOTE

[Cover art for manga series]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Note

Death Note written by Tsugumi Ōba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata follows high school genius Light Yagami after he finds a a very powerful notebook called the “Death Note”. This notebook, which was originally owned a by shinigami named Ryuk, has the strange ability to kill anyone who’s name is written in it. As Light anonymously attempts to use this notebook for good, he is named “Kira”, which means killer, and has all of Japan in an unsettling uproar. This causes Japanese authorities, along with L, a mysterious detective who’s true identity is unknown, to tract down Kira and bring him to justice.

Death Note provides readers with a very unique story line that has a marvelous mixture of fiction and non-fiction. The twists and turns throughout make for an interesting manga that will leave few disappointed. For those who are interested in good vs. evil, psychology, thrillers, mystery, and suspense, this is the perfect read! The manga was adapted into an anime TV series that included 37 episodes and proved to be just as successful. Netflix attempted to produce a live-action version of the manga/anime series, but it flopped and doesn’t convey the true tone of the original concept as well as it could have. Teens will surely find some of the themes involved relatable, especially the questions about morality and what truly is the right thing to do in certain situations. While I feel teens may be more inclined to watch the anime series, they will also enjoy the manga just as much if told about it. There are some trigger warners that must be noted such as the mention of suicide and the entire theme of killing for the greater good (before greed gets in the way). I give this manga a 5/5 and believe all who read it will enjoy the twisted and dark story, but also understand the lessons being taught.

Many countries around the world have attempted, and some successfully, to ban the manga and anime series. The cause was due to students attempting to create their own death notes to write names in. One teen from a REACT (2017) YouTube video states, “If only I could have one”, when referring to a death note. When responding to the ban of the series another teen states, “This is what’s going to make someone kill anyone. That’s your problem, man. That’s not the anime’s problem.”

"I'm ridding the world of evil and creating a utopia. No matter how much time I have, it won’t be enough.”

So I leave this question up to you: Is Light Yagami the best serial killer to ever exist?

*The manga was only nominated for the Best Manga at the 2006 American Anime Awards.

Please go watch REACT’s video showing teens reacting to 2000s anime!

#death note #mangadaily #anime and manga #young adult mystery #young adult literature #banned books #freedom to read #Youtube

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THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END

[Original cover art for the novel]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/They_Both_Die_at_the_End

AWARDS:

Flicker Tale Children's Book Award for Older Readers, 2021

Watch Adam Silvera discuss the inspiration behind his third novel!

#they both die at the end #adam silvera #young adult literature #young adult fiction #lgbtqia literature #Youtube

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MORE HAPPY THAN NOT

[Cover art for More Happy Than Not]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_Happy_Than_Not

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera follows 16-year-old Aaron Soto as he navigates past traumas and newly emerging issues with family, friends, and his love life. After his father's suicide, Aaron decided life will never be the same and continues to wonder why his father chose to end his life. After his own suicide attempt, Aaron's girlfriend, Genevieve, wanted to make life as easy and happy as possible. Aaron's new best friend, Thomas, also deeply cares for Aarons well-being and tells Aaron that he should try to live life more happy than not. Living in a world where the Leteo procedure, a new type of technology that allows the patient to suppress memories, is an option seems to make life easier, or does it? 

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera is a very thought-provoking and enlightening novel that is an excellent read for teens. While there are many themes throughout, the most prominent are sexual identity, mental health, suicide, and self-identity. This novel is a true page-turner and keeps the reader interested and invested in Aaron, the main character’s life, and his best friend, Thomas. Aaron’s struggle with identity and the feeling of belonging is highly relatable, and while the story is quite heavy at times, Silvera’s writing style is magnificent. Silvera perfectly describes the struggles of a 16-year-old living in poverty in the Bronx and continues tugging at heartstrings throughout the novel. I believe this novel should contain a trigger warning due to some content, such as suicide and mental illness. Still, for those who are interested in reading the story of a fragile teen struggling to find his way, and himself, this is definitely the novel for you! I give this book a 5/5 star rating and would absolutely love to reread it. It provides moments of sadness, moments of happiness, and twists and turns throughout. Highly recommend this novel to teens, and I believe they will be engulfed in this story, which I like to describe as an emotional roller coaster!

AWARDS:

"The book is a New York Times best seller, was shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, and has been included on many "best of" lists." (Wikipedia, 2023).

Watch JesseTheReader discuss his experience reading More Happy Than Not in this brilliant book review!

#more happy than not #adam silvera #young adult literature #lgbtq positivity #scifinovel #mental health support #Youtube

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ANYA’S GHOST

[Cover art for Anya’s Ghost]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anya%27s_Ghost

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol is a coming-of-age graphic novel that tells the story of Anya, an unpopular girl, who befriend’s Emily, the ghost of a girl who died 90 years ago. Emily attempts to help Anya become popular, but things take a terrifying turn when Emily’s true motives are revealed. Anya attempts to solve Emily’s murder, but digs deeper into a horrifying past and a truth that has been covered for quite some time.

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol is a slightly scary realization that not everything is what it seems, but it also offers undertones of self-acceptance. The novel provides moments of humor and unsettling aspects that leave the reader wanting more. While the reading level for this novel falls a bit more on the middle school side, it is also an exciting read for high schoolers. Brosgol does a magnificent job portraying Anya as the epitome of teen angst but also offers some important lessons that teens will surely value. Bullying, self-doubt, embarrassment, and faltering friendships are only some of the themes included, but they are relatable by the novel's end. While I was first confused when I first finished the story, reading it a second time allowed me to better appreciate Brosgol’s writing and the importance of the story. While I think young readers might feel a little lost with the different aspects of the storyline, such as the use of a 90-year-old ghost, they will surely be able to pick up the aforementioned themes. I give this graphic novel a 4/5 because I genuinely enjoyed reading it both times, but the need to re-read it can be a little off-putting if you don’t understand the story the first time. All in all, I would suggest this novel to any teens or pre-teens who are interested in a spooky tale with some lighthearted humor and strong themes!

AWARDS:

Eisner Award - Best Publication for Young Adults (Ages 12-17)

Meet the characters from Anya’s Ghost!

#anya's ghost #vera brosgol #self acceptance #ghosts #young adult literature #young adult mystery #young adult fiction #Youtube

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THE SIMS

[Logo of the video game]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims

Imagine a game where you can create (and destroy) your own world... well it's entirely possible with The Sims franchise! This game will keep you hooked once you start playing, and you will never want to stop! 

The franchise consists of 4 main games, each with numerous expansion packs. Visit the Wikipedia page to view a complete list!

Watch how the Sims franchise has progressed throughout the years!

#the sims franchise #young adult #maxis #the sims #the sims 2 #the sims 3 #the sims 4 #Youtube

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DEAR MARTIN

[Cover art for Dear Martin]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Martin

Dear Martin by Nic Stone tells the story of high school student Justyce McAllister as he navigates certain social issues. While attending a predominately white preparatory high school on a scholarship, and heading towards an ivy league college career, Justyce is attacked and handcuffed by a police officer, which is a triggering event and causes him to question life as a black teenager in current society. After this horrifying experience he begins writing in a journal addressing his entries to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and tries to think of what he would do in these situations.

Dead Martin is an easy and fast read that keeps the reader wanting more. Stone’s writing style and Justyce’s journal entries are a magnificent combination that genuinely makes you feel the pain that is experienced throughout the novel. Dear Martin tells a heart-wrenching story of racial prejudice and racial injustice that is, unfortunately, deeply bred into a society. So many emotions were felt while reading, mostly sadness and anger, but there were also moments of joy and happiness. I genuinely believe teens will enjoy the read and hopefully become enlightened by the story being told. SPOILER ALERT!!!!! Manny’s death really hit home while reading, and the fact that an act so innocent, such as listening to music, can cause an individual to feel threatened and take another person's life. This novel is a 10/10 must-read and I plan on reading Dear Justyce, the sequel to this book.

AWARDS:

2018 Finalist for the William C. Morris Debut YA Award

2018 American Library Association's (ALA) Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2018 ALA's Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

2018 - Starred review from Booklist

2018 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Nominee

2020 South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult

2020 Lincoln Award Nominee

Watch Nic Stone herself discuss the inspiration behind Dear Martin and also provide a quick summary of the novel!

#dear martin #nic stone #martin luther king jr #racial prejudice #equal rites #gun violence #social issues #young adult literature #young adult fiction #Youtube

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THE FIRST PART LAST

[Cover art for The First Part Last]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Part_Last

"No, I don’t know anything about raising a kid. I’m sixteen and none of those people on the wall look like the kind of family me and Feather’s gonna be. But I’m doing it.”

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson follows 16-year-old Bobby as he navigates life as a teenage father. Bobby is faced with many tough decisions and has to worry about himself and his newborn daughter, Feather.

The First Part Last offers many different topics that are discussed today but from very different perspectives. Teen pregnancy novels, more often than not, follow a pregnant female protagonist and avoid the nitty-gritty details of pregnancy other than morning sickness, lack of sleep, and swollen ankles. Angela Johnson pushes the boundaries by not only flipping this role around completely but also disclosing some of the horrific truths and possibilities of childbirth. I believe teens would quickly pick up this novel and relate to it. While it’s no secret that teens are sexual beings, this novel does a magnificent job describing the realities of what being sexually active means. Johnson does a fantastic job of creating a story that spells out the need to discuss safe sex with teens and that they are stronger than society has deemed them. I give this novel a 10/10 and recommend it to anyone who wants to partake in this emotional rollercoaster! I will also be reading the other two books in the series, which are Heaven and Sweet, Hereafter.

AWARDS:

Coretta Scott King Award, 2004

Michael L. Printz Award, 2004

Watch the book trailer for The First Part Last, created by teens in the DC Public Library’s Summer Youth Employment Program!

#the first part last #angela johnson #teenage pregnancy #young adult literature #real life #Youtube

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HARRY’S HOUSE

[Album cover art]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry%27s_House

Harry Style's most recent album, Harry's House, features many great songs that are fun to listen to and dance to, but also are mellow and calming when need be. With a song for every occasion and emotion, this album rightly belonged at number one when it debuted!

AWARDS:

MTV Video Music Awards - Album of the Year

LOS40 Music Awards - Best International Album

ARIA Music Awards - Best International Artist

Gaffa Awards - International Album Of The Year

Grammy Awards - Album of the Year

Grammy Awards - Best Pop Vocal Album

Grammy Awards - Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Brit Awards - British Album of the Year

Juno Awards - International Album of the Year

Here is the official music video for "Music For a Sushi Restaurant"!

#harrys house #harry styles #young adult literature #music #pop music #one direction #Youtube

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MONDAY’S NOT COMING

[Book cover art for Monday's Not Coming]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.google.com/?&bih=945&biw=1680&client=safari&hl=en

Monday Charles is missing and no one seems to know, or even care, where she is and why she hasn't shown up to school in months. This is not the case for her best friend Claudia Coleman, who is determined to find Monday. Claudia and Monday are inseparable, so when summer vacation ended and 8th grade was starting, Claudia was perplexed by Monday's absence. Time passed, and still nothing. Completely lost without her best friend, Claudia will do anything and everything possible to bring Monday home. This novel will keep you guessing, even after it's over! 5/5 stars, highly recommend for anyone who loves a great mystery novel that is hard to imagine the ending.

AWARDS:

Coretta Scott King Book Awards, 1970-2023. New Talent Winner, 2019.

Tiffany D. Jackson discusses the inspiration behind Monday’s Not Coming and the importance of the themes within her novel

#monday's not coming #tiffany d. jackson #triggering #child abuse #young adult mystery #young adult literature #Youtube

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THIRTEEN

[Poster art for film release]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_(2003_film)

Thirteen, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, is an emotional coming-of-age story that follows thirteen-year-old Tracy Freeland, who was once an exceptional student but had a troubling home life. She has a close relationship with her mother, but the issues cannot be concealed, and Tracy befriends Evie, the popular girl in school. Before the start of this friendship, Tracy was still playing with dolls and sleeping with her stuffed animals. Eventually, this friendship leads to many questionable decisions, such as experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and sex and stealing money to buy new clothes. Tracy’s once responsible and straightforward lifestyle takes a serious turn as this friendship progresses and her mother, Melanie, attempts to stop it before it is too late. 

Thirteen is such an inspiring movie, not only because it is loosely based on the childhood of actress and co-writer Nikki Reed, but because it includes many relatable situations and shows the pressures teens can give in to when pushed. I watched this movie repeatedly as a teenager and always enjoyed it for the drama content, but rewatching it at my age now, it’s troubling and upsetting to see what teens can feel pressured to do. The movie focuses on a challenging period, and while thirteen-year-olds have the potential to be more mature than some 40-year-olds, a vast majority of individuals in this age group are struggling to figure out who they still are. The main character in this film is doing just that, struggling with finding herself, and these actions are not only her attempt at doing that, but they are also a cry for help, a wish to be noticed and recognized. In my opinion, the storyline will always be a 10/10, and the cast is perfect. Nikki Reed as Evie Zamora is an ideal match, and as mentioned before, the movie is loosely based on Reed’s childhood. I highly recommend this movie for teens and would love to discuss the themes it portrays and the feelings it evokes.

AWARDS:

Independent Spirit Awards - Best Debut Performance (Nikki Reed)

Locarno Festival: Silver Leopard Award (Catherine Hardwicke)

Locarno Festival: Leopard Award for Best Actress (Holly Hunter)

National Board of Review - Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking

Sundance Film Festival: Directing Award – Dramatic (Catherine Hardwicke)

Watch the trailer for Thirteen (2003) and be a part of the emotional rollercoaster that is Tracy Freeland’s life as a thirteen-year-old

#young adult #young adult fiction #thirteen #catherine hardwicke #emotional #Youtube

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HEY, KIDDO

[Book cover for Hey, Kiddo]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey,_Kiddo

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka is a memoir and graphic novel that chronicles Krosoczka’s childhood living with his grandparents while his frequently absent mother struggles with drug addiction. Krosoczka’s mother gave birth to him at a young age, without any help from his father, and also consistently struggles with drug use. Krosoczka’s grandparents stepped in a legally adopted him to help him grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Still, throughout the memoir, Krosoczka learns more about his mother and even his absent father, which causes complicated feelings that he is forced to deal with. Using drawing as his outlet, Krosoczka was able to overcome his demons and create healthy relationships with those he once felt animosity towards.

Jarrett Krosoczka’s Hey, Kiddo is an incredible true story that tackles many issues that children and teens are unfortunately forced to overcome, such as abandonment, domestic drug use, anger, and resentment. Krosoczka does a fantastic job illustrating his childhood and providing a range of emotions in his writing to allow the reader to help feel what he was feeling. Krosoczka also gives pieces of advice at the end and describes that learning how to understand his mother’s addiction and his father’s reason for remaining completely absent helped him create a special relationship with both of them. Growing up, he was unable to understand why his situation was the way it was and was even embarrassed at times, but he overcame these issues. This memoir is an excellent read for everyone, especially those who struggle with the same problems. Krosoczka does a great job of giving the reader a sense of hope and ensuring that everything will work out how it is supposed to. I would give the storyline a 10/10 rating and a 10/10 rating for the illustration. Creating this memoir as a graphic novel enhances the story and the emotions felt and allows the reader to form a relationship with Krosoczka without really knowing him. While I believe this is a fantastic read, I’m not sure it would be a teen's first choice to read independently. On the other hand, if it was a class assignment, I believe teens would be surprised after reading it and realize how much they enjoyed it. All in all, this does not take away from the memoir’s story or quality. 

AWARDS:

Odyssey Award, 2020

Meet Jarrett Krosoczka as he discusses Hey Kiddo, the emotional graphic novel about his childhood, in an interview with PBS Books

#hey kiddo #jarrett krosoczka #drug abuse #child neglect #young adult literature #young adult graphic novel #young adult #Youtube

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SOLD

[Book cover art for Sold]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sold_(McCormick_novel)

Sold by Patricia McCormick follows the story of a thirteen-year-old Nepalese girl named Lakshmi as she is sold into sexual slavery in India. Lakshmi, the narrator and main character, tells her daunting tale through a series of short chapters that are filled with fear, horror, contempt, and sometimes even contentment.

McCormick’s writing style conveys an intense story of an unknown world that many women and young girls have been forced to endure. While many may argue that the content of this novel is too graphic for teens and younger groups, it is a harsh reality that many within that age group are currently suffering through. Raising awareness of this horrific issue through novels and similar content is a great way to raise awareness, and McCormick did a magnificent job of this. Traveling to Nepal and India to meet with girls and women rescued from this lifestyle adds a fantastic touch to this novel and brings out the tragedies that happen in the world. Girls and women are forced into a sickening lifestyle and forge relationships with each other out of the worst possible circumstances, as frequently seen in this novel. Reading this novel, I felt it almost impossible to put down but also almost impossible to continue. The educational value of this novel is 10 out of 10, and it is essential to continue to raise awareness of this issue among individuals of all ages. This novel gets 5 stars, in my opinion, and will be one that I will definitely recommend to others!

AWARDS:

National Book Award Finalist

Publishers Weekly, Best 100 Books of 2006

National Public Radio’s Best Books of the Year 2006

American Library Association, Top Ten List, Best Books of the Year, 2006

Gustav-Heinemann Peace Prize, 2009

Booklist 2006 Editor’s Choice Award

New York Public Library Best Books for the Teenage

Children’s Literature Council’s Choice 

Book Sense Pick

Watch Patricia McCormick on Good Morning America discuss her time in India and Nepal investigating trafficking of young women

#sold #feminism #social issues #womens rights #womensupportingwomen #womensupportingeachother #safe space #patricia mccormick #book recommendations #Youtube

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TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY

[Book cover for Thirteen Reasons Why]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Reasons_Why

Thirteen Reasons Why follows Hannah Baker, a high school student, who leaves behind a series of cassette tape recordings detailing the thirteen reasons why she took her own life. There are seven double sided tapes, each being left for one specific person who she blames for her death and the events that happened. The tapes are posthumously sent to their respective recipients with detailed instructions to pass the tapes onto the next person named on the tape. 

Thirteen Reasons Why tackles many different topics that are prevalent among teens, the most important being suicide and mental health. While this novel can be a bit triggering at times, it provides a very well written narrative that goes inside the brain of a teen who has struggled with betrayal, bullying, sex, and love. These topics are very difficult and fuzzy to navigate, especially when in high school, but Jay Asher does a fantastic job outlining these issues through the main narrator, Hannah. While I believe this book is a great read, the topics outlined in the novel are quite intense and can be hard to handle at times, especially for someone who is struggling with these issues. The novel has been a large topic of discussion when it comes to whether or not it should be removed from schools, libraries, and curriculums and while there may or may not be a decent argument behind these thoughts, it’s important to discusses these issues with teens and not ignore them or pretend they do not exist just because they are “hard topics to discuss”. Jay Asher’s personal experiences being a loose inspiration for the novel gives its a stronger story and deeper meaning and proves that these issues are very real and should be discussed. Additionally, Netflix jumped on the opportunity to turn this novel into a television series and this proved to be a major success. It’s no accident that teens were drawn to this show for its drama and relative topics.

When I first read this novel as a teen, I would say my rating was a 5/5, and rereading it as an adult, I can say it’s still a 5/5. I enjoyed the different perspective when rereading it at 27 years old. It was a bit harder to get through this time because of how emotionally challenging and relatable it felt. I don’t believe I was as emotionally invested my first time reading it, although it was highly relatable. While I think Netflix turning it into a series was a great marketing idea, I’m not sure I would like the show (I can’t make a definitive judgment because I’ve never seen it). Still, I’m the type that needs to read the novel before the adaptation, and once I watch the adaptation I tend to not like it as much as the original. All in all, still 5 stars!

AWARDS:

Abraham Lincoln Award winner

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award winner

International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice list

Writing Conference's Literature Festival

Best Books for Young Adults YALSA

Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers YALSA

Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults YALSA

California Book Award silver medal – Young Adult

Here is the official trailer for the Netflix series version of 13 Reasons Why.

#thirteen reasons why #young adult #book recommendations #mental heath awareness #mental health support #jay asher #netflix series #Youtube