Exploits of a Reluctant (But Extremely Goodlooking) Hero by Maureen Fergus

I read this book with my teeth gritted at times...which probably means it will be popular with 8th grade boys.  The 13-year-old "hero" of the title is rude, oblivious to the feelings of others,  inappropriate in his references to sex, and clueless in how he comes across to adults.  Fortunately, this is all pretty hilarious if you can stick with the story.  In any case, just when I'd thrown the book across the room a third time, I began to see that there was hope for this kid.  He begins to see his father in new light even as he falls into a community fight between business owners and a mission soup kitchen where he reluctantly volunteers.  The resolution works...and even if this will never be my favorite book, I did laugh out loud a few times.

Stuck on Earth by David Klass

I'm old enough to remember the TV series My Favorite Martian, and I expected the same entertaining premise with this book.  It was plenty entertaining, but this time the alien was a snail-like creature who crawls into and takes over the brain of teenager, Tom Filber.  Tom is picked at random for the alien's research to see if humans should be destroyed before they destroy the planet Earth.    It turns out that Tom is a bit of an alien himself, finding it very difficult to fit in with his fellow human teenagers.  This places Ketchvar (the alien) in some tough situations, especially when he loses contact with his ship.  The adventure is complete with family dysfunction, romance with the beautiful neighbor girl, and cruel bullies who get their come-upance. 

Wintergirls by Lauri Halse Anderson

After the 8th-grade English class tackled Speak last spring, I have pursued books by this author.  I'd originally pushed Wintergirls aside because I doubted the relevance to my current students.  Now I see its value even to a population seemingly free from eating disorders.  The book opens as Lia's long-time friend and fellow anorexic, Cassie, is found dead in a run-down motel room.  Lia's cellphone shows that Cassie had desperately tried to reach Lia the night of her death.  Overwhelmed with guilt and her own eating disorder, Lia continues to spiral ever downward into heartache and self-imposed hunger.   Even if you think you know everything you need to know about eating disorders, this book still makes the reality more vivid.  Much to discuss here.

Flip by Martyn Bedford

One morning high schooler Alex Gray is shocked to find himself in a strange home across country with a new set of parents.  Even more shocking, the person he sees in the mirror is not himself.  Somehow Alex is now occupying the body of a handsome, athletic, popular teen named Philip Garamond--"Flip" for short.  Totally confused, Alex fakes his way in Flip's body until he can figure things out.  Although he is fascinated by the advantages of occupying a nonasthmatic, good-looking body--he yearns to have his old life and family back.   The plot is just a bit unbelievable at times, but I could not put the book down until I finished!   It's a very satisfying story--complete with humor, mystery, spiritual questions, and romance.

Jimi & Me by Jaime Adoff

Keith's beloved father is killed in a robbery and the 13-year-old's world falls apart.  Without the life insurance they expected, his music producer father's death leaves Keith and his mom destitute.  Moving from a nice apartment in New York to his aunt's small Ohio town where a biracial kid does not find easy acceptance.  There he challenges his new school by dressing like Jimi Hendrix, the musical hero shared with his father.   When his mom discovers the reason his dad left them with nothing, Keith vows to meet the secret son his father seems to have cherished more than him. 

Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

This was our January pick for book club and one of the year's favorites.  Shayne Blank walks into the local police station and confesses to killing someone.  It takes some frenzied page turning to find out what happened, revealing some very surprising answers throughout the mystery--not to mention some fascinating characters.  As we wrapped things up, more than one of us wished a character like Shayne Blank existed in our school community. 

Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Readers follow Amal, a 16-year-old "Australian-Muslim-Palestinian," as she makes the decision to wear the Muslim head scarf full-time. She knows that she will face ridicule at her fancy prep school and readers are treated to hilarious discussions and come-backs as she fights stereotyped thinking from all directions. Amal is a typical teenager in many ways and the book is light-hearted while making clear the reality of Islamic faith. Enlightening and fun.

Looks by Madeleine George

If this is a realistic picture of the way students treat each other in high school, it's no wonder there are shootings. You will feel for these girls. You will also love the "sweet revenge" part. How much should we allow "body image" to impact our views of others? This book offers up a good story...and a lot to think about.