best books of 2017
Unlike last year, 2017 was filled with so many great reads that I just couldn't make my list smaller than 16. I really tried, but I felt all of these titles were worthy of making the best books list. These are the books I most enjoyed reading and which I think teens would most enjoy reading. Some are more literary than others, but I devoured each of these titles and continue to think about the characters and their journeys. I hope this list leads you to hours of reading pleasure. (At the bottom of the page, I have also added books published in 2016 that I didn't read until 2017. They deserve to be recognized even though I missed them the first year they were out. ) Happy reading!
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Starr Carter lives in two, very different worlds. At home, she lives in the poor black neighborhood (the ghetto) Garden Heights. Her dad is a former gang member who now owns his own grocery store, so she is known mostly as "Big Mav's daughter." Her parents are happily married, and Starr and her siblings are cherished, if not rich. At Williamsburg prep, Starr is the token black girl, and she is constantly trying not to do anything too "ghetto" or "angry black girl." Although she cares for Chris, the white boyfriend she still hasn't told her dad about, and her Williamsburg friends, she doesn't feel like she can share her real life with them. When Starr was ten, her best friend Natasha was shot in front of her in a gang drive-by. Starr didn't think something worse could happen, but she was wrong. When she and her childhood friend Kahlil leave a party together, they are stopped by a copy for no reason. While waiting outside the vehicle, Kahlil turns to reassure Starr, and the cop shoots and kills him. Kahlil was no angel, but he was unarmed and innocent that night. Now, Starr has decide what she will do with the hate she has been given to try to prevent it from happening from others. This is one of the best novels I have read, ever!!!! Thomas creates such well-drawn characters, and you will fall in love with Starr and her messy and marvelous family and friends. You will laugh out loud as her parents embarrass their kids and cry with them as their dreams of justice seem impossible. There are no stereotypes in this book, only hard truths that will sink into your soul and leave you forever changed. This book may be over 400 pages, but it read quickly. Thomas' story is so amazing that I already want to read it again. If you are going to read anything in the next year, you need to read this book. Highly recommended!
Starr Carter lives in two, very different worlds. At home, she lives in the poor black neighborhood (the ghetto) Garden Heights. Her dad is a former gang member who now owns his own grocery store, so she is known mostly as "Big Mav's daughter." Her parents are happily married, and Starr and her siblings are cherished, if not rich. At Williamsburg prep, Starr is the token black girl, and she is constantly trying not to do anything too "ghetto" or "angry black girl." Although she cares for Chris, the white boyfriend she still hasn't told her dad about, and her Williamsburg friends, she doesn't feel like she can share her real life with them. When Starr was ten, her best friend Natasha was shot in front of her in a gang drive-by. Starr didn't think something worse could happen, but she was wrong. When she and her childhood friend Kahlil leave a party together, they are stopped by a copy for no reason. While waiting outside the vehicle, Kahlil turns to reassure Starr, and the cop shoots and kills him. Kahlil was no angel, but he was unarmed and innocent that night. Now, Starr has decide what she will do with the hate she has been given to try to prevent it from happening from others. This is one of the best novels I have read, ever!!!! Thomas creates such well-drawn characters, and you will fall in love with Starr and her messy and marvelous family and friends. You will laugh out loud as her parents embarrass their kids and cry with them as their dreams of justice seem impossible. There are no stereotypes in this book, only hard truths that will sink into your soul and leave you forever changed. This book may be over 400 pages, but it read quickly. Thomas' story is so amazing that I already want to read it again. If you are going to read anything in the next year, you need to read this book. Highly recommended!
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Dreams are powerful things. Since he was five years old, Lazlo Strange, orphan and jr. librarian, has dreamed of finding the mythical city of Weep. He has spent his life collecting every scrap of evidence to understand the city and prove its existence - in hopes of someday traveling there. The only problem is the orphaned, penniless Lazlo has no chance of securing funds for such an expedition. Then, one day his dream comes to him. A group of legendary heroes, the Taizerkane Warriors from Weep, arrive at his library looking for brave souls willing to travel with them to face Weep's greatest problem. They are led by a man known as the Godslayer, and Lazlo can't believe his dream is within his grasp. With all the learned people competing to be a part of the select team, Lazlo knows he doesn't stand a chance of being selected. However, if he doesn't speak up for his dream now, he will regret it all of his days. For now, he has a chance of visiting the city of his dreams and learning from the warriors he always revered. Dreams are powerful things, and Lazlo's dreams will change the world forever. The secrets of Weep are many, and Lazlo is willing to do anything to understand them. Once again, Taylor's master of language, world-building and character come together to create a tragic and magical story that will haunt you. Lazlo is an unlikely hero, but you will root for him and the blue girl from his dreams. It is a book that grows in depth and beauty with each page, and at the end, you will cry out for the next installment. Highly recommended!
Dreams are powerful things. Since he was five years old, Lazlo Strange, orphan and jr. librarian, has dreamed of finding the mythical city of Weep. He has spent his life collecting every scrap of evidence to understand the city and prove its existence - in hopes of someday traveling there. The only problem is the orphaned, penniless Lazlo has no chance of securing funds for such an expedition. Then, one day his dream comes to him. A group of legendary heroes, the Taizerkane Warriors from Weep, arrive at his library looking for brave souls willing to travel with them to face Weep's greatest problem. They are led by a man known as the Godslayer, and Lazlo can't believe his dream is within his grasp. With all the learned people competing to be a part of the select team, Lazlo knows he doesn't stand a chance of being selected. However, if he doesn't speak up for his dream now, he will regret it all of his days. For now, he has a chance of visiting the city of his dreams and learning from the warriors he always revered. Dreams are powerful things, and Lazlo's dreams will change the world forever. The secrets of Weep are many, and Lazlo is willing to do anything to understand them. Once again, Taylor's master of language, world-building and character come together to create a tragic and magical story that will haunt you. Lazlo is an unlikely hero, but you will root for him and the blue girl from his dreams. It is a book that grows in depth and beauty with each page, and at the end, you will cry out for the next installment. Highly recommended!
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin
When football was in its infancy, it was wildly different than today's game. A forward pass was illegal, no one wore pads or helmets, and players were known to die due to injuries sustained on the field. For a while, football was getting so dangerous that the government was threatening to ban the game. Sheinkin tells the story of how Jim Thorpe, one of America's greatest athletes, and the Carlisle Indian Football Team helped football transform into today's game. Not only is this football's story, but It is also the story of how despite being stripped of their family and culture, the Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian Football Team fought its way to football glory. Jim Thorpe's life was marked by the most amazing victories and the most terrible defeats, and you will cheer for him and his team as they attempt the impossible. I could not put this book down! It is my new favorite sports book. Filled with great sports action and a fascinating slice of history, sports fans and history buffs will love this book. Highly recommended!
When football was in its infancy, it was wildly different than today's game. A forward pass was illegal, no one wore pads or helmets, and players were known to die due to injuries sustained on the field. For a while, football was getting so dangerous that the government was threatening to ban the game. Sheinkin tells the story of how Jim Thorpe, one of America's greatest athletes, and the Carlisle Indian Football Team helped football transform into today's game. Not only is this football's story, but It is also the story of how despite being stripped of their family and culture, the Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian Football Team fought its way to football glory. Jim Thorpe's life was marked by the most amazing victories and the most terrible defeats, and you will cheer for him and his team as they attempt the impossible. I could not put this book down! It is my new favorite sports book. Filled with great sports action and a fascinating slice of history, sports fans and history buffs will love this book. Highly recommended!
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Five students walk into detention: Bronwyn - the brain, Addy - the beauty, Nate -the criminal, Cooper - the athlete, and Simon - the outcast, but only four make it out alive. Simon, the boy feared by his classmates for his ruthless gossip blog, dies due to an allergy attack, but when the police investigate, they discover Simon's death was planned. Moreover, the four teens in the room with him all have big secrets that Simon was planning to reveal to the world the next day. Although none of the teens can believe the others would commit one murder, one of them is lying. This brilliant murder mystery will leave you questioning who to trust as the teens struggle with not only a murder investigation but also a reveal of their darkest secrets to the world. Highly recommended!
Five students walk into detention: Bronwyn - the brain, Addy - the beauty, Nate -the criminal, Cooper - the athlete, and Simon - the outcast, but only four make it out alive. Simon, the boy feared by his classmates for his ruthless gossip blog, dies due to an allergy attack, but when the police investigate, they discover Simon's death was planned. Moreover, the four teens in the room with him all have big secrets that Simon was planning to reveal to the world the next day. Although none of the teens can believe the others would commit one murder, one of them is lying. This brilliant murder mystery will leave you questioning who to trust as the teens struggle with not only a murder investigation but also a reveal of their darkest secrets to the world. Highly recommended!
Warcross by Marie Lu
Warcross is more than a game; it is a way of life. Struggling to pay her bills, Emika Chan takes a risk and hacks into the International Warcross Championships and accidentally glitches herself into the game. Instead of getting arrested, the creator of Warcross, billionaire Hideo Tanaka, requests a meeting. Hideo reveals that Warcross is getting attacked, and he wants Emiko to discover who is doing it and why. As she follows the clues, Emiko is realizing that the consequences to this Warcross game will not only change the game but her world forever. This action-packed video game adventure is impossible to put down. This is my favorite Lu series, and I can't wait to see what will happen next! Highly recommended!
Warcross is more than a game; it is a way of life. Struggling to pay her bills, Emika Chan takes a risk and hacks into the International Warcross Championships and accidentally glitches herself into the game. Instead of getting arrested, the creator of Warcross, billionaire Hideo Tanaka, requests a meeting. Hideo reveals that Warcross is getting attacked, and he wants Emiko to discover who is doing it and why. As she follows the clues, Emiko is realizing that the consequences to this Warcross game will not only change the game but her world forever. This action-packed video game adventure is impossible to put down. This is my favorite Lu series, and I can't wait to see what will happen next! Highly recommended!
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
You are invited to Caraval, a legendary competition whose winner receives a wish as their prize. Run by the mysterious magician Legend, players have five nights to solve a series of clues in a world where you don't know who to trust and what is real. Scarlett Dragna has dreamed of attending the magnificent Caraval with her sister since they were small girls, but years of unanswered letters to Legend finally made her give up on her dreams. Weeks before Scarlett's arranged marriage, their invitation to Caraval finally arrives, and her sister forces her to attend. The night Scarlett arrives at Caraval, her sister goes missing, and Scarlett now has five days to retrieve her. In a world where Scarlett does not know what is real or who to trust, she must learn to trust herself if she is to find her sister and win her wish. This lush and opulent descriptions, unique characters, and twisting plot makes this the best fantasy offering of this year. Just like Scarlett, you will find yourself lost in a world that you don't know what is real and what is fantasy, but you will enjoy each step and misstep as you fight to find the end. Highly recommended.
You are invited to Caraval, a legendary competition whose winner receives a wish as their prize. Run by the mysterious magician Legend, players have five nights to solve a series of clues in a world where you don't know who to trust and what is real. Scarlett Dragna has dreamed of attending the magnificent Caraval with her sister since they were small girls, but years of unanswered letters to Legend finally made her give up on her dreams. Weeks before Scarlett's arranged marriage, their invitation to Caraval finally arrives, and her sister forces her to attend. The night Scarlett arrives at Caraval, her sister goes missing, and Scarlett now has five days to retrieve her. In a world where Scarlett does not know what is real or who to trust, she must learn to trust herself if she is to find her sister and win her wish. This lush and opulent descriptions, unique characters, and twisting plot makes this the best fantasy offering of this year. Just like Scarlett, you will find yourself lost in a world that you don't know what is real and what is fantasy, but you will enjoy each step and misstep as you fight to find the end. Highly recommended.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
After Will's older brother Shawn is gunned down, he knows he has to follow the rules handed down by the men in his family for generations. Rule 1: No crying. Rule 2: No snitching. Rule 3: Get revenge. With his brother's gun, Will sets out in the elevator the next morning intent on following the "rules" and eliminating the kid he is sure is responsible. However, the elevator ride down is more difficult than he imagined. On each floor down, someone from his past joins him, and Will will have to decide if he wants to follow the rules or forge a new path. This verse novel will shock you with its raw honesty. Will is a scared kid who honestly believes he has no choice but avenge his brother's murder. Without a choice, you are a slave, but how do you break your bonds if you don't even realize you are wearing any. This National Book Award for Young Persons finalist is an essential read. Jason Reynolds continues to amaze. Highly recommended!
After Will's older brother Shawn is gunned down, he knows he has to follow the rules handed down by the men in his family for generations. Rule 1: No crying. Rule 2: No snitching. Rule 3: Get revenge. With his brother's gun, Will sets out in the elevator the next morning intent on following the "rules" and eliminating the kid he is sure is responsible. However, the elevator ride down is more difficult than he imagined. On each floor down, someone from his past joins him, and Will will have to decide if he wants to follow the rules or forge a new path. This verse novel will shock you with its raw honesty. Will is a scared kid who honestly believes he has no choice but avenge his brother's murder. Without a choice, you are a slave, but how do you break your bonds if you don't even realize you are wearing any. This National Book Award for Young Persons finalist is an essential read. Jason Reynolds continues to amaze. Highly recommended!
City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson
When Tina discovered her mother murdered, she immediately knew who was responsible, the wealthy businessman who was her mother's boss and lover. Tina's mother knew about his shady business dealings and was killed before she could reveal them. After her death, Tina was homeless and joined the Goondas, a local gang, to gain the skills and resources to take revenge on her mother's killer. Three years later, she is in his house about to steal the information that will bring him down when she is caught by his son, Michael. Although they used to be best friends, she and Michael have not seen each other since s he disappeared. However, he swears he can prove his father is innocent. As they team together to uncover the truth, they discover that some secrets might best be left buried. This compelling mystery will hook you immediately as you fight with Tina to discover the truth and stay alive as the truth gets more and more dangerous. Highly recommended!
When Tina discovered her mother murdered, she immediately knew who was responsible, the wealthy businessman who was her mother's boss and lover. Tina's mother knew about his shady business dealings and was killed before she could reveal them. After her death, Tina was homeless and joined the Goondas, a local gang, to gain the skills and resources to take revenge on her mother's killer. Three years later, she is in his house about to steal the information that will bring him down when she is caught by his son, Michael. Although they used to be best friends, she and Michael have not seen each other since s he disappeared. However, he swears he can prove his father is innocent. As they team together to uncover the truth, they discover that some secrets might best be left buried. This compelling mystery will hook you immediately as you fight with Tina to discover the truth and stay alive as the truth gets more and more dangerous. Highly recommended!
A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: The Journey of Doaa Al Zamel by Melissa Fleming
Humans everywhere have similar dreams of living in safety and freedom. In Syria today, these dreams are impossible due to the continuous wars ripping the country apart. Doaa and her family are forced to flee Syria to Egypt for safety, but when Egypt becomes dangerous, Doaa and her boyfriend Bassem decide that their best chance of seeking asylum in Europe is to be smuggled over in a boat. After four days at sea, their boat is attacked and sunk. Doaa is floating in the water using a child's inflatable ring, and she is the only thing keeping the two children clinging to her neck alive. The waters around her are littered with bodies. How will she have the strength to survive? The war in Syria is often on the national news, and I new facts about the trials Syrians faced in attempting to get to Europe: a land of freedom and safety. However, this book brought those stories to life and made them personal. Doaa is a strong and opinionated girl who fights hard to bring her dreams to life. As a reader, you will fight for her dreams as well as sheet floats on the sea, with death growing ever closer. I could not put this book down. It was amazing! Highly recommended!
Humans everywhere have similar dreams of living in safety and freedom. In Syria today, these dreams are impossible due to the continuous wars ripping the country apart. Doaa and her family are forced to flee Syria to Egypt for safety, but when Egypt becomes dangerous, Doaa and her boyfriend Bassem decide that their best chance of seeking asylum in Europe is to be smuggled over in a boat. After four days at sea, their boat is attacked and sunk. Doaa is floating in the water using a child's inflatable ring, and she is the only thing keeping the two children clinging to her neck alive. The waters around her are littered with bodies. How will she have the strength to survive? The war in Syria is often on the national news, and I new facts about the trials Syrians faced in attempting to get to Europe: a land of freedom and safety. However, this book brought those stories to life and made them personal. Doaa is a strong and opinionated girl who fights hard to bring her dreams to life. As a reader, you will fight for her dreams as well as sheet floats on the sea, with death growing ever closer. I could not put this book down. It was amazing! Highly recommended!
Mars One by Jonathan Maberry
Imagine growing up knowing your life on earth would end at age 16. Tristan and his family are one of the select few chosen to colonize Mars, and the mission is set to launch when Tristan is 16. He has spent the last four years training for the mission. He knows that if something goes wrong in space, the only ones who can save them is themselves. As the launch date approaches, Tristan begins to get more unsure of his family's decision. He has a girl that he loves that he will have to leave behind, and and a terrorist group has escalated their attacks on anything relation to the Mars Mission. Tristan will have to decide if he wants to be a normal teenager or be the teen to make history. This action packed story is difficult to put down. Filled with suspense and excitement, readers will be walking with Tristan as he faces the dangers of the mission, and it's effect on his relationships. Highly recommended!
Imagine growing up knowing your life on earth would end at age 16. Tristan and his family are one of the select few chosen to colonize Mars, and the mission is set to launch when Tristan is 16. He has spent the last four years training for the mission. He knows that if something goes wrong in space, the only ones who can save them is themselves. As the launch date approaches, Tristan begins to get more unsure of his family's decision. He has a girl that he loves that he will have to leave behind, and and a terrorist group has escalated their attacks on anything relation to the Mars Mission. Tristan will have to decide if he wants to be a normal teenager or be the teen to make history. This action packed story is difficult to put down. Filled with suspense and excitement, readers will be walking with Tristan as he faces the dangers of the mission, and it's effect on his relationships. Highly recommended!
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
The Renegades are a group of humans with super-human abilities. They rose up to protect society when anarchy, led by Ace Anarchy super villain, threatened to destroy everything. To most, the Renegades are heroes, but to Nova, they are the enemy. When a prodigy gang slaughtered her family, the Renegades couldn't save them, but Ace Anarchy, her uncle, protected her. Raised by Anarchists, Nova has spent her life planning revenge. In order to fulfill her plans, she must befriend Adrian, a Renegade who is honest and just and makes her question everything she believed to be true about the Renegades. As her plans progress, Nova has to decide whether Anarchists or Renegades are the greatest evil and how far she is willing to go to avenge their deaths. Author of the amazing Lunar Chronicles series, Meyer has once again created a world and characters that will mesmerize you. Adrian's earnest quest for justice is a good foil to Nova's jaded outlook on all Renegades, and I was pulled into the tale as they tried to find their true paths. The only bad thing is that I have to wait another year for the next book! Highly recommended!
The Renegades are a group of humans with super-human abilities. They rose up to protect society when anarchy, led by Ace Anarchy super villain, threatened to destroy everything. To most, the Renegades are heroes, but to Nova, they are the enemy. When a prodigy gang slaughtered her family, the Renegades couldn't save them, but Ace Anarchy, her uncle, protected her. Raised by Anarchists, Nova has spent her life planning revenge. In order to fulfill her plans, she must befriend Adrian, a Renegade who is honest and just and makes her question everything she believed to be true about the Renegades. As her plans progress, Nova has to decide whether Anarchists or Renegades are the greatest evil and how far she is willing to go to avenge their deaths. Author of the amazing Lunar Chronicles series, Meyer has once again created a world and characters that will mesmerize you. Adrian's earnest quest for justice is a good foil to Nova's jaded outlook on all Renegades, and I was pulled into the tale as they tried to find their true paths. The only bad thing is that I have to wait another year for the next book! Highly recommended!
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel both have traditional Indian parents who want them to have arranged marriages. The only difference is how they feel about their parents' plans. Dimple dreams of pursuing a career in computer coding and has no plans for a serious relationship, especially not a husband. Rishi, on the other hand, is a romantic. He has seen how wonderful his parents' arranged marriage is and dreams of finding his own true love with their guidance. When Dimple's parents let her spend the summer a computer coding camp, Dimple thinks they have finally accepted her plans until Rishi introduces himself. It gets worse we Rishi is her assigned partner for the entire camp. As this boy she promises herself that she will hate starts to become someone Dimple can trust, will she let her heart or her head guide her future? This romance will make you swoon as Dimple and Rishi fight for their dreams and their love. You don't have to be familiar with arranged marriages to be familiar with story of love not at first sight. Highly recommended!
Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel both have traditional Indian parents who want them to have arranged marriages. The only difference is how they feel about their parents' plans. Dimple dreams of pursuing a career in computer coding and has no plans for a serious relationship, especially not a husband. Rishi, on the other hand, is a romantic. He has seen how wonderful his parents' arranged marriage is and dreams of finding his own true love with their guidance. When Dimple's parents let her spend the summer a computer coding camp, Dimple thinks they have finally accepted her plans until Rishi introduces himself. It gets worse we Rishi is her assigned partner for the entire camp. As this boy she promises herself that she will hate starts to become someone Dimple can trust, will she let her heart or her head guide her future? This romance will make you swoon as Dimple and Rishi fight for their dreams and their love. You don't have to be familiar with arranged marriages to be familiar with story of love not at first sight. Highly recommended!
Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
Carter Briggs' senior year was supposed to be epic, filled with crazy adventures with his best friends from the Nashville Academy of the Arts: Eli, Mars and Blake. Carter was supposed to be writing his way into the college of his choice. Then one piece of his writing destroys his dreams. A simple text to his friends leads to their death in a car accident. It is not enough that Carter blames himself; one of his friends' parents wants him to face criminal charges for his role in their death. However, not everyone blames Carter. His family, his psychologist, and Mars' former girlfriend believe in Carter. Blake's amazing grandmother asks Carter to spend a goodbye day with her where they celebrate everything Blake loved and say a final goodbye. Although nervous about the day, it goes so well that other parents request their own goodbye days. Carter is not sure if they truly want to celebrate their sons' lives or want him to suffer even more. But how can he say no? This beautifully written tale of friendship, grief, and guilt will leave you transformed. Carter is a lovable and imperfect narrator whose tenuous ascent out of the darkness caused by the accident will make you both weep and cheer. He writes so humorously about his best friends that the reader will want to be a member of their "sauce crew." I loved the idea of having a goodbye day where you truly celebrate the life of beloved person who has passed away: eating their favorite foods, going to their favorite places, and doing their favorite things. It would be a powerful way to find closure after a heartbreaking loss. This is an exceptional novel. Highly recommended!
Carter Briggs' senior year was supposed to be epic, filled with crazy adventures with his best friends from the Nashville Academy of the Arts: Eli, Mars and Blake. Carter was supposed to be writing his way into the college of his choice. Then one piece of his writing destroys his dreams. A simple text to his friends leads to their death in a car accident. It is not enough that Carter blames himself; one of his friends' parents wants him to face criminal charges for his role in their death. However, not everyone blames Carter. His family, his psychologist, and Mars' former girlfriend believe in Carter. Blake's amazing grandmother asks Carter to spend a goodbye day with her where they celebrate everything Blake loved and say a final goodbye. Although nervous about the day, it goes so well that other parents request their own goodbye days. Carter is not sure if they truly want to celebrate their sons' lives or want him to suffer even more. But how can he say no? This beautifully written tale of friendship, grief, and guilt will leave you transformed. Carter is a lovable and imperfect narrator whose tenuous ascent out of the darkness caused by the accident will make you both weep and cheer. He writes so humorously about his best friends that the reader will want to be a member of their "sauce crew." I loved the idea of having a goodbye day where you truly celebrate the life of beloved person who has passed away: eating their favorite foods, going to their favorite places, and doing their favorite things. It would be a powerful way to find closure after a heartbreaking loss. This is an exceptional novel. Highly recommended!
Restart by Gordan Korman
Chase is waking up in the hospital and learning that he fell off his roof. He doesn't remember why he got on the roof or how he fell off. He doesn't remember that he is a football star, but his friends and father assure him that he is. He doesn't remember his own mother. Chase has complete amnesia due to the fall. Starting back at school, Chase is shocked to discover that many kids at school seem terrified of him, and he learns that he was a bully whose actions forced a classmate to change schools and earned Chase community service. Chase can't imagine why he would want to hurt others, and his amnesia gives him a fresh start to become a better person and explore new things. Unfortunately, Chase's football buddies don't like the new Chase. As Chase's memories begin to resurface, who will Chase decide to be? Boys who loved Pop will clamor for Korman's newest title. It has sports, humor, and a powerful lesson wrapped up in an entertaining tale that you won't be able to put down. Another plus is it's small size make it accessible to so many readers. Highly recommended!
Chase is waking up in the hospital and learning that he fell off his roof. He doesn't remember why he got on the roof or how he fell off. He doesn't remember that he is a football star, but his friends and father assure him that he is. He doesn't remember his own mother. Chase has complete amnesia due to the fall. Starting back at school, Chase is shocked to discover that many kids at school seem terrified of him, and he learns that he was a bully whose actions forced a classmate to change schools and earned Chase community service. Chase can't imagine why he would want to hurt others, and his amnesia gives him a fresh start to become a better person and explore new things. Unfortunately, Chase's football buddies don't like the new Chase. As Chase's memories begin to resurface, who will Chase decide to be? Boys who loved Pop will clamor for Korman's newest title. It has sports, humor, and a powerful lesson wrapped up in an entertaining tale that you won't be able to put down. Another plus is it's small size make it accessible to so many readers. Highly recommended!
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Fabiola Toussaint and her mom are leaving Haiti in hopes of moving to America for a better life. When Fabiola's mom is detained by immigration, Fabiola is forced to go alone to live with her aunt and cousins in Detroit. This sheltered, studious, and poor girl from Haiti is shocked to discover that her aunt and cousins are not who she thought they were. They are part of the fierce, dangerous, and broken part of Detroit's underbelly. As Fabiola struggles to fit in at her new home, the only person she can look to for wisdom is Papa Legba, a homeless man who Fabiolo believes has been sent to her for advice. When the police offer her a way to free her mom, Fabiolo must decide how much she is willing to give up for her American dream. This gorgeously written tale of the destruction of the American dream will leave you haunted. Fabiola is a strong girl who loves deeply, and you will dream with her as she fights to do what is right and protect the people she loves. Highly recommended!
Fabiola Toussaint and her mom are leaving Haiti in hopes of moving to America for a better life. When Fabiola's mom is detained by immigration, Fabiola is forced to go alone to live with her aunt and cousins in Detroit. This sheltered, studious, and poor girl from Haiti is shocked to discover that her aunt and cousins are not who she thought they were. They are part of the fierce, dangerous, and broken part of Detroit's underbelly. As Fabiola struggles to fit in at her new home, the only person she can look to for wisdom is Papa Legba, a homeless man who Fabiolo believes has been sent to her for advice. When the police offer her a way to free her mom, Fabiolo must decide how much she is willing to give up for her American dream. This gorgeously written tale of the destruction of the American dream will leave you haunted. Fabiola is a strong girl who loves deeply, and you will dream with her as she fights to do what is right and protect the people she loves. Highly recommended!
When It's Real by Erin Watt
Oakley Ford might be the most popular pop star on the planet, but right now, his life is falling apart. He hasn't been inspired to create an album in two years, and his bad boy antics are keeping public and his dream music producer from taking him seriously. His manager thinks the best way to improve his image and music is to hire a normal girl to be his girlfriend. Nor romance, no drama, just business.
After the death of her parents, Vaughn Bennett could use some extra money to keep her family afloat, so when she gets an offer to be superstar Oakley's Ford's fake girlfriend, she can't afford to refuse - event though she already has a serious boyfriend is sure not to be happy with her decision.
Although their first few "dates" are disasters, the closer Vaughn gets to Oak, the more she realizes that he is so much more than his bad boy image. As the fake kisses leave both of them breathless and they begin to crave each other's presence, their fake relationship begins to feel real to both of them. With the world tweeting and photographing their every step, Oak and Vaughn will need a lot of faith and trust if they are going to fight for something real.
If you became enamored with Watt from her Royals series, her latest book will be the perfect fix. Watt breathes new life into the popular superstar falls for the normal girl plot. The characters in her book refuse to be stereotypes. Vaughn is such a strong-minded girl that she feels comfortable making her long-time boyfriend wait for her, despite his whining. Oak might be worshiped by teens, but he fangirls over his dream music producer who refuses to work with him. They are two lost teens making mistakes as they search for their future happiness, and you will fall in love with them along the way. I also appreciate the life Watt gives to her side characters. From the best friend/bodyguard to the superstar mom who is desperate to rekindle her relationship with her son, Watt's side characters crackle with life. If you looking for the hottest, new teen romance, this is the book you should pick up next. Highly recommended!
Oakley Ford might be the most popular pop star on the planet, but right now, his life is falling apart. He hasn't been inspired to create an album in two years, and his bad boy antics are keeping public and his dream music producer from taking him seriously. His manager thinks the best way to improve his image and music is to hire a normal girl to be his girlfriend. Nor romance, no drama, just business.
After the death of her parents, Vaughn Bennett could use some extra money to keep her family afloat, so when she gets an offer to be superstar Oakley's Ford's fake girlfriend, she can't afford to refuse - event though she already has a serious boyfriend is sure not to be happy with her decision.
Although their first few "dates" are disasters, the closer Vaughn gets to Oak, the more she realizes that he is so much more than his bad boy image. As the fake kisses leave both of them breathless and they begin to crave each other's presence, their fake relationship begins to feel real to both of them. With the world tweeting and photographing their every step, Oak and Vaughn will need a lot of faith and trust if they are going to fight for something real.
If you became enamored with Watt from her Royals series, her latest book will be the perfect fix. Watt breathes new life into the popular superstar falls for the normal girl plot. The characters in her book refuse to be stereotypes. Vaughn is such a strong-minded girl that she feels comfortable making her long-time boyfriend wait for her, despite his whining. Oak might be worshiped by teens, but he fangirls over his dream music producer who refuses to work with him. They are two lost teens making mistakes as they search for their future happiness, and you will fall in love with them along the way. I also appreciate the life Watt gives to her side characters. From the best friend/bodyguard to the superstar mom who is desperate to rekindle her relationship with her son, Watt's side characters crackle with life. If you looking for the hottest, new teen romance, this is the book you should pick up next. Highly recommended!
best books from 2016 that i didn't read until 2017
These are the books from 2016 that I did not read until this year. I wished I would have read them last year as they would have filled up my best books list. No wonder I didn't have enough books from 2016 last year! I missed most of the best ones. Don't wait another minute to grab one of these. They are all stunning!