Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr., Jes & Cin Wibowo - ESSENTIAL

Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr., illustrated by Jes & Cin Wibowo, 318 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, First Second (Macmillan), 2024. $23 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (mention of suicide attempt, no specifics) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

11yo Tony Weaver is in the 7th grade. His parents moved him to a new school to challenge him. Instead, his teacher thinks he is cheating with his writing and he is bullied by other students because of his love of comic book heroes. Tony wants desperately to fit in but begins to feel like everyone would be better off if he was gone. A traumatic event forces him to find out who he is and that he can become the hero of his story. 

This is an essential read for anyone who feels like they are not accepted for who they are and strive to conform to fit in, but are still the target of bullying. This is a positive story of healing and self-love and a journey to finding that he can fit in and make a difference. This is the author's story and he tells it well without getting into detail about self-harm. The focus is really about recovery and finding inner strength. Tony is black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Uprooted by Ruth Chan - ADVISABLE

Uprooted by Ruth Chan, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2024. $15 Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Ruth is moving to Hong Kong from Canada. Her dad got a job in China and she is reluctantly leaving everything she is familiar with. Her mother is excited to be with family, but Ruth feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere. She is not comfortable speaking Cantonese and feels completely uprooted. Her dad tells her his birth story and she learns that both of her parents have felt uprooted as well. 

This is a memoir, so Ruth's voice will resonate with others who don't feel like they fit in. I really like how Ruth ties in the story of her father's birth during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The book is a great message of how courage, perseverance, and patience can help us do hard things. Ruth is Chinese Canadian. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Dear Dad by Jay Jay Patton - ADVISABLE

Dear Dad by Jay Jay Patton, 128 pages. Graphic Memoir Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. $15 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Jay Jay's dad has been in prison for as long as she can remember. She has tried to stay in touch with letters and an occasional phone call, but it's been difficult. Now her dad is coming home but they have to move. Jay Jay's life is about to change a lot. 

 Since this is a memoir, the feelings are genuine. Even though the situation is difficult, the message is positive. Jay Jay and her father were able to develop Photo Patch-an actual app that helps connect children to incarcerated parents. Jay Jay doesn't dwell on the negative, but focuses on moving on. A good read for kids in a similar situation or to build empathy. Jay Jay and her family are black. 

Michelle in the Middle  

Puzzled by Pan Cooke - ESSENTIAL

Puzzled by Pan Cooke, 224 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Rocky Pond Books Penguin, 2024 $14 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is a memoir based on Pan's experiences with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Pan is ten when his brain begins to obsess over his thoughts, and the book follows him through high school. Pan worries he will say or do the wrong thing and his fears can only be solved through exhausting rituals. He feels he has to figure out the puzzle that is him, and he isn't sure how. 

 Pan does a great job letting readers into the mind of someone coping with thoughts they don't understand. This book builds a lot of empathy for those suffering from OCD and may help a reader recognize symptoms sooner if they are going through something similar. Pan point out that it takes 11 years on average for someone to get diagnosed. Pan is from Ireland, though culture and race don't play a part in the story. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Ab(solutely) Normal edited by Nora Carpenter and Rocky Calleen - MANY

Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories that Smash Mental Health Stereotypes edited by Nora Carpenter and Rocky Calleen, 336 pages. NON-FICTION GRAPHIC NOVEL. Candlewick, 2023. $25 

Language: R (102 swears (also racial slurs are listed), 18 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (mentions suicide ideation, self-harm, assault, body dysmorphia, and other mental health topics); Violence: PG (minor and non-graphic description of self-harm.

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

16 stories all focusing on a wide diversity of teens (LGBTQ, Asian, Latin-x, etc.) experiencing and experiences with mental illness: these stories include short stories in verse, graphic short stories, and even a one-act play. After each story, the author shares their own insight into why they chose that plot or how they came up with the idea; even more meaningful, each author lives with the illness they write about so they know first-hand those experiences. What makes this collection exciting is that it ranges from absolutely, heartbreakingly realistic (what it feels like to go through your day with OCD) to hilariously fantastical (a vampire with social anxiety who has to save his town of monsters). Overall, these stories provide hope, heartbreak, and everything in between to help anyone with mental illness feel seen.

I really enjoyed this collection of stories though they are sometimes heavy. The authors are creative in their tellings, and I loved how putting this into an anthology format allowed mental illness to be represented as the multi-faceted and complex thing that it is. I personally loved “Spidey Sense” where the author with OCD explores how proper medication could almost turn OCD into a superpower; my other favorite was “Back of the Truck” because I had an “aha” moment realizing that mental health awareness/acceptance sometimes happens in predominantly white communities. Overall these stories could be a great read for adults and teens who want to feel seen, want to learn more about living with mental illness, or who love someone who struggles. The serious nature of the stories (and the language) makes this definitely a more mature read, but you could pick and choose stories to read with HS classes/teens if you were cautious and specific.

More than half the stories involve traditional minority characters (LGBTQ+, Latin-x, Chinese, Native, etc.)

 Lisa J HS ELA teacher 

How to Manage Your Social Power in Middle School by Bonnie Zucker, PsyD and DeAndra Hodge - ESSENTIAL

How to Manage Your Social Power in Middle School (Kid Confident #1) by Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge. 223 pages. NON-FICTION Magination Press. 2022. $17. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Social Power is the dynamic between you and another person (of a similar age). When Social power is unbalanced, one person tries to have power over the other, or take the other's power away. Sometimes this is mild - a friend ignores you or says something rude, or can be extreme - extreme power imbalance is called bullying. Especially in middle school, kids test out social power (most likely the cause of a lot of the drama at school). In this helpful book, kids are taught what their social rights are and how to be assertive; they learn about self confidence and self control and what to do to rebalance power. Dr. Zucker gives the reader several scenarios and how the kids in them worked through social power problems. 

She speaks to the reader in positive and helpful ways. I loved that she encouraged the reader to role play and make a plan. She called it a "Stress Inoculation Plan" because the more you practice the more confidence you feel and the better prepared you will be. I loved the note to parents at the beginning that says - your kid needs to learn to do this themselves, don't just call the other kid's parents. I loved the repetition and how the skills build on each other, and there are a bunch of extra resources. For sure buying for my library along with the rest of the series. 

Lisa Librarian

Santiago! by Jay Hosler - ESSENTIAL

Santiago! Artist, Scientist, Troublemaker by Jay Hosler, 218 GRAPHIC NOVEL BIOGRAPHY Margaret Ferguson Books Holiday House. 2022 23 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G;  Violence: PG (child abuse) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Santiago Ramon y Cajal, wanted to grow up to be an artist, but his father said he had to be a doctor. Santiago was forbidden to paint and because of that, was often in conflict with his father. However, Santiago never gave up on his dream and began painting brain cells to unlock their secrets. Santiago won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1906. 

Told as a graphic novel, this format makes Santiago's story accessible and relatable. His antics as a child almost got him killed, but readers will be impressed at how he never gives up on his dream. The source notes for each chapter at the back of the book are just as interesting as the chapters themselves. It's fascinating to learn what Santiago accomplished to advance brain surgery. Santiago Ramon y Cajal is Spanish

Michelle in the Middle 

Your Brain Needs a Hug by Rae Earl - OPTIONAL

Your Brain Needs a Hug by Rae Earl, 273 pages. NON-FICTION. Imprint (Macmillan), 2019. $13.

Language: R (25 swears, 0 “f” + British swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Earl is open, vulnerable, and candid as she talks about her experiences with anxiety, eating disorders, therapy, and more. While she does not have any degrees in psychology, Earl has felt helpless, belittled, and worthless. You are not alone, and you are strong enough to overcome whatever you are dealing with.

I enjoyed reading a non-clinical and very real view of mental health and other issues we all struggle with. Earl’s book is easy to read because she writes conversationally, as if she’s in the room with you and not simply talking at an imagined audience. Overall, there is some good advice here as well as things to think about (my favorite chapter is the one on self-esteem), but this is not a guide for everyone because they are based on Earl’s personal experiences. The mature content rating is for drug and alcohol use, mentions of sex and molesting, nudity on a page of illustration, and a discussion of masturbation. The violence rating is for mentions of violent outbursts, self harm, and abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

My Story Starts Here by Deborah Ellis - ADVISABLE

My Story Starts Here: Voices of Young Offenders by Deborah Ellis, 176 pages. NON-FICTION. Groundwood Books, 2019. $17.

Language: PG13 (12 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Here are the experiences of more than 20 young adults and 10 adults who have been in and out of (or have had family members in and out of) the children’s criminal justice system in Canada. These people give the facts as they are -- the ugly truths and buds of hope -- and all of them encourage readers to not repeat their mistakes.

We may all occupy space on the same planet, but we each live different lives. While some details are left out or made vague to protect the identities of those sharing their experiences, enough is shared here to make you grateful for what you have -- people, things, opportunities. Ellis does her best to help every reader relate by asking questions that put readers in the shoes of those they read about and giving application ideas at the end of each experience shared. Whether you are in a bad situation or you know someone who is or you just want to see life from someone else’s point of view, those interviewed want you to read this book and know you are not alone. The mature content rating is for underage drug and alcohol use as well as mentions of rape and sexual abuse. The violence rating is for bullying; criminal activity, including stealing and gun violence; mentions of self-harm, suicide, and murder; and mentions of physical, mental, verbal, and sexual abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Dear Heartbreak by Heather Demetrios - HIGH

Dear Heartbreak by Heather Demetrios, 268 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2018. $17.99

Language: R (114 swears, 29 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In 18 letters, young adults poor out their sadness, confusion, and anger at Heartbreak for coming into their lives. In 18 responses, young adult authors reply with empathy, love, and encouragement for those who are struggling. Yes, love sucks, but love will also conquer in the end.

These letters and responses are all so honest and vulnerable that readers can’t help but understand and connect with the challenges being faced, coming to know and admit their own vulnerabilities. The authors who compose the responses want each heartbroken person to know that your life and your happiness are not defined by your relationship status nor by how someone treated (or treats) you. Every response is about empowerment and taking control of your life. All of them are worth reading. (I only rated this as “optional” instead of “advisable” above because of the R-rated language.)

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

LGBTQIA+

Surviving Middle School by Luke Reynolds - ADVISABLE

Surviving Middle School by Luke Reynolds, 164 pages. NON-FICTION. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2016, $20.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The author has taught in a middle school and offers up easy to read and engaging stories about how to get through middle school.  Reynolds addresses a variety of issues including the evil of comparing yourself to others, the importance of being yourself, pausing before making decisions, love, and why grades aren’t as important as learning.  He’s also pretty sure teachers are human.  Who would have guessed?

I went into this book thinking it would be boring and academic.  The cover was pretty bland.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  This book really is geared for middle school students and the advice is relevant for anyone.  There are fun illustrations throughout and Luke Reynolds has a great sense of humor. He even offers a journal exercise at the end of each chapter to help readers process his advice.  As a middle school teacher myself, I am going to use some of his advice, even though the garlic bread metaphor is a bit overdone. (Hah!)

Michelle in the Middle, Teacher

Teen Incarceration by Patrick Jones-ADVISABLE

Jones, Patrick, Teen Incarceration: From Cell Bars to Ankle Bracelets. Pgs. 120. erner Publishing, 2017. $37.32. INFORMATION.

In the United States, the handling of juvenile offender has gone from one extreme to another. For centuries, it was legal to execute minors. Now day, based off of neuroscience, juvenile justice has move more towards alternative forms of punishment like restorative justice models. In this book. The author explores the history of juvenile justice, how former incarcerees have changed as a result, and a look at what life is like behind bars.

The layout is well-done, the information is eye-opening and helpful. Included are primary sources like photographs, quotes, and studies that shed light on the school to prison pipeline amongst a few other things. Although the information isn’t that objective, the evidence used to back up the author’s claims is diverse and would be helpful for those doing argumentative essays or who need to research a current issue. Included are source notes, sources for further information, glossary, and an index for sue with common core standards.

MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High. 

Watched by Marina Budhos - ESSENTIAL

Budhos, Marina Watched 265 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books (Random House), 2016. $17.99 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG Violence: G

HS – ESSENTIAL 

Naeem lives in Queens New York. He is a fairly typical teen, not doing his best in school, goofing off, and hanging out with an entertaining and dangerous friends. When he finds himself in legal trouble, his is given an interesting escape option, to act as a spy of sorts. Because he is from a Muslim community (though his connection to this has been minimal) his job is to become involved with the Muslim community of New York City and to report everything he can observe and discover, so that potential terrorist threats can be nipped in the bud. Naeem is thrilled at first, they even pay him, but as he delves deeper into his own community, he finds himself wondering if he is doing the right thing.

I thought this was a fantastic read. Its brings to light the issue both the issue of the treatment of the Muslim American community and of surveillance; the reasons, the methods, the conclusions, and the costs. As the main character becomes more involved in his religion and community his world view changes and his life changes, he is forced to question his involvement in the surveillance and make some tough choices.  I loved that this book addressed the current misconceptions and attitudes toward the Muslim culture and our Muslim residents in the United States, it’s an incredibly relevant and important issue that is in the forefront of current events. I find myself wondering if it’s common for young people to be coerced into situations by the police to inform on their own community. Because of its main character, I think many students will relate to this book and find engaging to read, while boarding horizons and inspiring discussion.

Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author

Skin and Bones by Sherry Shahan - - OPTIONAL

Shahan, Sherry Skin and Bones, 259 pgs. Albert Whitman & Company, 2014. $16.99. Language: R (69 swears 18 Fs); Violence: PG; Mature Content: R. (Teen drug use, sexual situations).  

17 year old Jack is in the hospital for a 6-week program at an Eating Disorders Unit.  Jack is anorexic, his roommate is a compulsive eater, and his next door neighbor is the love of his life, Alice, who wants to be a ballerina.  But can you make a life-change in just a few short weeks? Some of the kids in the program have been here before and they know just how to work the system.  Will Jack, who weighs under 100 lbs get the support he needs to save his life?  

This was an interesting twist on eating disorder fiction.  There’s not much out there on the boy experience. Complete with further description of the issues and where to go for help.  Well written and gripping, however,  a lot of teenage swearing, some drug use and sex limit this to the high school or public library only.  Know your patrons.  

HS -- OPTIONAL Lisa Librarian

Skinny by Donna Cooner - ADVISABLE

Cooner, Donna Skinny, 272 pgs. Point (Scholastic), 2012, $17.99. Language: (3 swears 0 “f’) Mature Content: PG; Violence: G.  

Ever is 15 and weighs over 300 pounds.  She is the joke of almost everyone in her High School including her 2 stepsisters.  There’s a voice in her head named Skinny who is the worst bully of all, always telling Ever negative things and what “other people” are thinking.   Despite her efforts to lose weight, she is stuck in a cycle of lose a few gain a lot, so Ever decides to get gastric bypass surgery.  She hopes it will change her life, her dad hopes it will save it.

This novel addresses morbid obesity and its social and health problems without much graphic detail.  The characters, while predictable, feel genuine.  I would recommend this novel to a middle school library even though the characters are high school because the novel is free from High School issues. MS, HS - ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: Lisa Media Specialist

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick -ESSENTIAL

Selznick, Brian Wonderstruck, 608 pgs Scholastic Press, 2011. $17.95. (Rating: G all around)
This book is two stories, alternating, that eventually come together for a dramatic conclusion. The first story is told in words -When Ben’s mother dies he is full of grief, and begins to search for his unnamed father. Complicating matters is that after a fateful accident, he is now completely deaf. When he arrives in New York City, alone, he eventually starts finding clues that lead him to the American Museum of Natural History. The second story is told through illustration -it details another deaf child, Rose, nearly 50 years in the past. She is struggling to find her place and some sense of belonging in the world. Her path also leads her to the American Museum of Natural History.
This has been, hands down, my favorite book reviewed to date. It is outstanding. I am tempted to go back through all my reviews and take them each down one notch, to better illustrate how fantastic this book was. The written story and the illustrated story were both, amazing, engaging, and immersive. Students will be drawn in, not only by creating Rose’s story in their own mind as they follow her illustrated journey, but by the well-written story of Ben. The need and the search for belonging, connection, and understanding is a universal desire that teens are coming to grips with, and this story will no-doubt resonate with them on a deep level. There are many ways to creatively connect this story to curriculum.
MS, HS- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Recovery Road by Blake Nelson - ADVISABLE

Nelson, Blake Recovery Road, pgs. 320. Scholastic Press, 2011. $17.99 Language- PG-13 (41 swears, 4 'f' words) Mature Content- PG-13; 

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows because of her drinking and anger problems. On a weekly movie night she meets Stewart, who is dealing with problems of his own. It is hard times and they make it through them together. When Maddie gets out of rehab, she tries to get back on her feet. And she was waiting for Stewart to join her, but when he does, it is not as perfect as they imagined. Both of them have problems they have to overcome. And love isn't answering any of their questions, but generating more to deal with.              

I really enjoyed this book. It pulled me in and made me feel like I was Maddie. It was very well written and I think I could read it again some day. I would definitely suggest it to my peers. I'm excited to be adding this to my collection of books. I rated it PG-13 because of strong language, drug use, teen alcohol use, and sexual content. HS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer:CG

Visit Blake Nelson's blog and read about his promotional tour.

Med Head by James Patterson and Hal Friedman

Patterson, James and Hal Friedman Med Head: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain, 302 p. Little Brown, 2008.  $8.99.  Language: G (2 swears, 2 ‘f’); Violence: G.  Mature Content: PG (very brief, only once). Cory not only has to deal with Tourette’s Syndrome, but he also has severe OCD.  Patterson and Friedman help Cory tell his story from the age of 5 until he enters college. Without become inflammatory or titillating, his life’s highs and lows are laid bare as he looses faith in the medical system and attempts to self-medicate – almost to death.  This memoir is much more accessible and “A Child Called It” and unfortunately touches upon many more students’ lives.  HS – ESSENTIAL; MS – ADVISABLE.  Cynthia M., Library Teacher

The Fat Boy Chronicles by Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan

Lang, Diane & Buchanan, Michael. The Fat Boy Chronicles, 219 pgs. Sleeping Bear Press, 2010. $9.95. Language PG (8 swears, 0 F’s), Violence PG-13 ( murder, suicide, “cutting”, child molestation, rape, drugs and alcohol), Sexual Content- PG-13. Back of book: “At age 14, 5’5” Jimmy Winterpock weighs 187 pounds. Outside the comfort of his family and youth group, life for Jimmy is a constant struggle. The cruel taunts of his classmates make going to school or playing sports a humiliating experience. He finds relief in his favorite foods, causing him to gain even more weight. Yet he still manages to focus on his goals- to lose weight and win the girl of his dreams.” This book is inspired by a true story. This was a great book! Very insightful! I would suggest all high school kids read it! It is a story about how we all struggle to be accepted and “fit in”. I would suggest it to Middle School students as well if they are mature enough to handle the off page rape, molestation, murder, “cutting”, and sexual innuendos. HS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL

Watch this Space by Hadley Dyer and Marc Ngui

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Dyer, Hadley and Ngui, Marc, Watch This Space. Kids Can Press, 2010. INFORMATION BOOK.

When you need a place away from home where you don’t have to worry about being yelled at by storeowners, public places are the place to go. Public spaces can be functional, but you need to know your rights related to them, how to develop such spaces, and how to create, share, and protect them. This book helps you to do just that.

This book is filled with factual information and helps to create a feel-good, do-good attitude within its readers. The information seems accurate, the research and depth that went into this book is amazing. Readers who like non-fiction or are interested in getting a public space made in their area will enjoy this book.  EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.