The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is Sherman Alexie’s semi-autobiographical narrative about a young native American boy torn between the hopelessness of his reservation and the promise of a better future at an all-white high school. The narrator, Junior, deals with serious topics with wit and wisdom that will have you laughing and also sometimes tearing up. Continue reading
Category Archives: Young Adult
Book Review: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
I Must Betray You is a gripping, historical young adult novel about a teenage boy’s struggle for freedom in the final days of Romania’s oppressive communist regime. It shines a bright light on a topic that isn’t well-known to young people, and I highly recommend it as an account of what true oppression looks like. Continue reading
“Okay for Now”, by Gary D. Schmidt
“Okay for Now” is an engaging, young adult coming of age novel narrated by fourteen-year-old Doug Swieteck. Doug has a lot going on in his young life. He just moved to a new town, his father is abusive, his brother is wounded in Vietnam and he’s having a hard time assimilating into his new school. Continue reading
“The Scorpio Races”, by Maggie Stiefvater
“The Scorpio Races” is a beautifully written, young adult fantasy novel that explores love, courage and loyalty against the backdrop of an island culture that largely revolves around the carnivorous water horses that emerge on its beaches every autumn. It’s an excellent read and, happily, not just for young adults. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 