Arab in America by Toufic El Rassi

A good graphic novel about one man's experience being an Arab in America. he was one when his parents brought him and his sisters to the US but with racial tension doesn't always know how to react. He's an American. This book also looks at how American media portrays Arabs, intentionally or not. This book really made me think. It was a good book but I really think this is targeted more to adults. I vote nay!

After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

Three friends in Queens NY swear to be friends forever. Two of them have known each other for a long time and the 3rd, D Foster shows up and seems to have endless freedom but she lives with a foster parent and wishes for the families and love the other two have. When D's mother finally shows up and takes her away, the girls realize how little they knew about D. They find an understanding in Tupac Shakur's music and are saddened by his death. It was a well written book that leaves no true answers just the realizations that you might not really know those you think you do. I wonder if it would read differently to a person who is familiar with Tupac's music. I give this a weak yes.

Suck It Up by Brian Meehl

Another vampire tale. Not as dark as some and more humor than others. Fun read, with some interesting interpretations of vampire powers and abilities and vulnerabilities. The back cover and inside flap give away more than I would like for enjoying the surprise factors.

Morning becomes the poster child of vampires mainstreaming in the 21st century. He has to deal with being 16 forever, attraction to girls, and his dreams of his future.

The writing was generally good, especially with imparting the jokes and the banter. There were some shifts in perspective that were irksome (including a note from Portia 'aka the author' on the inside flap, but the book isn't from her perspective, but maybe that was out of Meehl's control). At some points Meehl speaks directly to the reader, but it feels awkward p 203 "He'd also found time for a light snack. In vampire parlance, 'a light smack'." His puns were amusing.

I wasn't convinced of Morning's fall after all he'd been through - seemed a bit improbable.

I also recognize that I wasn't in the most open frame of mind either, so recognizing that I could be hypercritical on this one, I'm giving it a MAYBE.

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Eleven is a book that really falls into a younger reader category. Sam, about to turn eleven, doesn't have the best of luck with reading. Truth be told, he can't read very much at all. One evening he stumbles upon a newspaper clipping that shows a younger child, but most definitely him, underneath a banner headline that reveals him to be missing. Sam wonders whether his supposed father, Mack, is really indeed his dad. Sam has apprenticed under Mack in woodcutting, and his skills are superb. He befriends a girl in his class, Caroline, and together they set about crafting a physical representation of the visions of castles Sam has seen in his dreams. Caroline has been moved around a lot, and alas, she will be moved again. The friendship becomes the driving force behind Mack's will to learn to read and write when the distance between them grows.

As I said - it really seems like this book is intended for a much younger audience. It also took me forever to get through - just didn't captivate me. Nay.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Scarlett Martin, 15, lives in an aging, once-thriving but now mostly empty, hotel in New York City with her parents, sister Lola (a would-be fashionista), sister Marlene (cancer survivor), and brother Spencer (would-be actor trying desperately to break into theater before being forced into culinary school). The story opens on Scarlett's birthday when she is given the responsibility of caring for one of the hotel's suites and with it, its permanent guest, the eccentric Mrs. Amberson, who promptly turns life as Scarlett knew it on its ear.

This was a fun book. Maureen Johnson handles all the usual teen angst with a lot of flair, and there are a lot of refreshingly solid family relationships here. This book definitely stands on its own, but I wouldn't mind reading more about Scarlett and company. Possibly not the best of the best, but a MAYBE.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Twelve year old Addie's parents' recent separation has split not only her father-in-law and mother, but Addie from her step-siblings. A driving force between the break-up is likely whatever mental illness drives her mother to spend all her waking hours on the Internet looking for "business opportunities". Dwight, the step-father, has without obligation sprung for a yellow trailer in the city in which mother and daughter will live, and sends monthly checks that usually catch flight once they're in "Mommers'" hands. At a service station across the street friom the trailer, Addie befriends Soula and Elliot. Soula is in chemo, and Elliot dates the owner of a local restaurant. When her mother's business opportunity finally arrives, Addie is often left home alone for days on end. She even resorts to packing empty cereal boxes with thumbtacks to cover when her grandfather comes over to check up on her. She has managed to mature beyond her years, but maturation isn't enough to avoid a terrible accident that will eventually alter her and her family's way of life.

I really enjoyed Waiting for Normal. Addie's strong character really appealed to me, and the heartiness of Soula and Elliot was also endearing. I think it holds it's own - and I'm willing to give it a thumbs up at this time. We'll see how that stands down the road.

Harukaze Bitter Bop, vol 1 (GN) by Court Bettan

From back cover: Chiyoharu used to be the leader of the troublemakers, until one day an innocent prank results in a major fire at the school. When his three cohorts take the blame and are expelled, Chiyoharu tries to go on with his mundane life, beating himself up with guilt. Then he meets the mysterious, muscle-man Souza of the North Wind and a ditzy self-proclaimed detective who are trying to solve the mystery behind Souza's amnesia...

It is billed as nonstop action comedy, and there is frequent action, especially with the characters yelling at each other. Chiyoharu is slowly remembering where he's seen the image on the back of Souza's shoulder told in flashbacks. The teacher that Chiyoharu has a crush on is having money troubles. There competition among Chiyoharu's friends about what to do when they are together - is reading manga rude when other people are talking or playing Playstation?

I can't see it standing on its own as a solitary title, and don't see it as a significant contribution to teen literature, although I do see it's appeal for manga, and there are positive messages in the storyline which will continue to unveil as the series progresses. NAY