Category Archives: Young Adult Literature

Gender Fluidity: Symptoms of Being Human

Posted on September 18, 2018 by

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin  Gender fluid teenager Riley Cavanaugh starts an anonymous blog at the suggestion of their therapist. Even this anonymous version of coming out takes Riley some time—as well as a major crisis and a … Continue reading →

Posted in bullying, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Navigating the Darkness

Posted on March 5, 2018 by

I know I’ve been slacking on my book reviews, but only because I’ve been working on some other teen-centric literary stuff, including getting the word out about the teen issue of Inlandia Literary Journeys. I’m so excited about all the … Continue reading →

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Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide

Posted on November 25, 2017 by

I was excited to learn that Isabel Quintero wrote a new YA book because my students had enjoyed Gabi: A Girl in Pieces so much. (I only use the past tense because I retired; they are most likely still enjoying it.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography/Memoir, Family Problems, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction/Historical Element, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Orca Limelights: “The Frail Days”

Posted on November 25, 2017 by

 Stella Wing (because it sounds more ‘new-punk’ than Wang) with her nose piercing and fire-engine-red hair is no Disney princess. She’s a drummer in a nameless band that needs a singer. Jacob is her guitarist and Miles plays the bass. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Humor, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Challenger Deep”

Posted on December 13, 2016 by

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman “‘But dreams give you insight,’ I point out. “The captain leans closer, the acrid smoke of his pipe stinging my eyes. ‘Not these dreams.’” Fifteen-year-old Caden Bosch is sure that someone at school is trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Fiction, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

LQBTQ+: “Simon and the Homo Sapiens Agenda”

Posted on October 21, 2016 by

Simon and the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli  Although Simon believes that coming out as gay isn’t going to be a big problem in his life, he is hesitant to do it. His family will still love and support … Continue reading →

Posted in bullying, Family Problems, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“My Kind of Crazy”

Posted on September 13, 2016 by

My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul    Hank Kirby comes up with a great idea for asking popular Amanda Carlisle to the prom. How then does he manage, with just a box of sparklers, to light up Amanda Carlisle’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Grief, Humor, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment