Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Lyga, Barry, Goth Girl Rising, Houghton Miffllin, 2009. Pgs. 389. Language: R (66+ swears, no “f”s), Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

After her mother died, Kyra Sellers and her father drifted apart. Seeming to blame herself or her father subconsciously for her mother’s cancer death, a dysfunctional family going from bad to worse causes Kyra to become suicidal. When her boyfriend, Fanboy, rats on her to her father about her cutting and possession of gun with a bullet, Kyra found herself in a hospital for crazy people in Maryland for six months.  Now she’s back, her father is being Mr. Dictator, and she wants to make Fanboy hurt for what he did. Getting back to life at school, however, is not easy. Her boyfriend has transcended their dark lifestyle and Kyra barely recognizes him. The principal and teachers say they’re trying to be helpful, but are only making her life worse. Can Kyra find her sense of normalcy? Will Kyra transcend her problems and stay with Fanboy or spiral herself into self-destruction?
A lot of swearing. No real character or plot development.  The audience appeal for this book is pretty small. Would probably not recommend for most schools. HS. NO. Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High