This book is written by an English teacher who developed and taught a class on Mindfulness for her young adult students. The book explains how to achieve and practice mindfulness as well as benefits for everyone, but especially young adults. High school students face numerous pressures from classes, activities, college admissions, parents, etc. Those pressures can lead to mental health issues as students become over stressed, exhausted, anxious, or even depressed. The tools in this book give a step by step plan for teachers and students that makes mindfulness seem achievable and important for helping young adults through this stressful time of life. Plus, if they learn how to be more present at a younger age, it will help them as they enter college and begin looking to enter the workforce. I think anyone could benefit from learning about mindfulness, but the author is smart to target young adults because there is a lot to be gained for them and they are probably more open minded to the process than older adults would be. Recommended.
Posts Tagged 'high school'
Mindfulness for Young Adults: Tools to Thrive in School and Life by Linda Yaron Weston
Published May 10, 2021 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: high school, meditation, mindfulness, young adults
The Ghost of Five Mile Creek by Payne Schanski
Published April 22, 2021 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: Adventure, friendship, haunted, high school, loss, punishment
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 218
JB admits right away that he has been punished severely for getting caught breaking and entering into a large house in his town. He has not offered much in the way of an excuse, and appears to be taking his punishment without complaint. His mother even made him stop playing basketball for his entire freshmen year, even in his own driveway. Throughout the ordeal he has also lost his group of friends who scattered the second he got into trouble and all went their own way in high school. He has found himself sitting with an odd bunch of students at lunch who really have no one else to sit with so they have banded together. One of the people he sits with, Marty, is someone JB feels a lot of guilt about because when he was younger he used to torment him and purposefully leave him out of things. That’s partly why he agrees to go when Marty pitches the idea of them driving out to an abandoned house that is believed to be haunted. JB knows if he got caught again it would not go well for him, but he feels like he owes this to Marty, especially when it appears that everyone else will back out. Then, surprisingly his former best friend and a popular new girl in school offer to come along and suddenly they have a group of five people going to investigate this haunted house in the middle of the night. Will they encounter any supernatural activity? Will they form lifelong friendships? Will JB get his punishment extended into his sophomore year?
This coming of age story follows a group of high school students who all agree to go to a “haunted house” for different reasons. Once they are there, they all have to face some of the things they had been avoiding such as J.B.’s resentment toward his friends for abandoning him, Marty’s past bullying, and Jennie’s loss of her sister. The ending is realistic and satisfying for a story in which the main characters are not finished finding their way. Fans looking for scary/suspenseful stories might not find enough of that here, but fans who enjoy coming of age stories will want to know more about these characters once the story ends.
Golden Arm by Carl Deuker
Published October 8, 2020 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: baseball, brothers, drugs, gang, high school, pitcher, poor
Genre: Sports Fiction
Lazarus earned his name when he almost died at birth and, in his mother’s eyes, came back to life. His father has never been in the picture and he was raised in a trailer with his mom and half brother. They have never had much money, but Laz was always happy to make due with whatever they could scrape together. Antonio, Laz’s little brother, has always wanted a better life than what they had. As they grew up, Laz begins working at a nearby golf range and watches helplessly as his brother begins hanging with a tough crowd. Laz has always had his pitching to keep him clear headed and focused, but when some members of his high school team were dismissed for possession of alcohol they were forced to forfeit the remainer of the season in Laz’s junior year. Now that he is a senior, he’s hoping to really show the area what he can do on the pitcher’s mound. Then, two things happen to change his senior plans. First, his coach leaves for another job and his high school principal declines to get a new one thereby cutting the baseball program. Second, they are notified that their trailer park is going to be demolished and they have six months to move, which would mean Laz would be moving in the middle of baseball season. Before he leaves, Laz’s coach contacts a nearby suburban school and convinces them to take a look at Laz. When they learn he could be in danger of moving one of the families offers to let him move in during second semester so that he can go to the new school and pitch on the team. For the first time, Laz is getting some real attention for his pitching, but he can’t help but feel guilty about leaving his brother behind. Can Laz pitch to a state championship? Can he help his brother stay out of trouble in his old neighborhood? Will he find a plan for himself once graduation is over now that his home is being destroyed?
Fans of baseball books will enjoy this new title by Carl Deuker. Laz is a likable character who has had a tough time up until now and at first it looks like his luck will really sink his future until his new school steps up and offers him a chance to go to school there. Laz does not let the opulence of his new home and school get to him, however. He knows they are only letting him into their world because of his pitching and he knows he does not belong there. Meanwhile, Antonio, who always had an easier time in the classroom appears to be going down a path that is difficult to come back from, but does not want to hear any advice from Laz. Laz is torn about whether or not to bring up his concerns with his mother because he does not want to betray Antonio. The baseball action is written in a well paced and exciting way to make the reader feel a part of the game. The ending is realistic, but optimistic at the same time. This is a great title for readers who like to read about sports, but want an interesting story alongside the sports action.
Match Made In Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai
Published March 27, 2020 Realistic Fiction , Romance Leave a CommentTags: dating, family, friendship, high school, Indian culture
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance
# of Pages: 300
Simi is an Indian American girl who very much wants to grow up to be an artist, not a matchmaker like her mother and grandmother. They believe she has the matchmaking gift that they have been doing in their family for generations based on personality traits, values, and much more. Simi’s friend, Noah, wants them to step out of their comfort zones and get noticed during their sophomore year of high school, which is why he suggests they team up with Simi’s brother (a coder) to create a matchmaking app to bring Simi’s mother’s business into the modern age. Simi reluctantly agrees and they create and launch a matchmaking app for just their high school. It is naturally a big success as people begin seeing past their previously set cliques to see people they might be compatible with in the school. Even the artwork Simi designed for the app is a hit. The only problem is that one popular girl did not get paired with the guy she believes she’s meant to be with and therefore she’s causing trouble for Simi and Noah. Is a matchmaking app based on ancient matchmaking ideals a good idea? Will it bring people together like it’s supposed to or tear them apart and make Simi’s sophomore year a disaster?
This is a fun story that honors the matchmaking culture in a way that shows why it was originally established and how for many people it truly is about finding happiness for lonely people and not about making connections or dowries. There are many different factors that Simi must consider as she launches this app at her school, but overall her intent is to make people happy and not to make money or benefit in any other way. Along the way Simi finds several potential love interests and one challenges her personal beliefs (she reacts true to herself, which readers will find refreshing). Recommended for fans of light romances such as Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen, and Susanne Colasanti.
Time Bomb by Joelle Charbonneau
Published May 3, 2018 Realistic Fiction Leave a CommentTags: bomb, friendship, high school, survival, trapped
Genre: Mystery
# of Pages: 340
This book focuses on 6 high school students who all have their stereotypical characteristics. Diana is the senator’s daughter who always looks and acts perfect. Frankie is the star football player who goes out of his way to prove there are no rules for him. Tad is another football player who is biracial and has also recently come out as gay and is struggling to get people to see him as he is. Cas is a lonely, overweight girl who feels like she won’t ever fit in anywhere. Z recently lost his mother, but all people see in him is a colossal screwup who will never get his life together. Rashid is a Muslim who struggles to be seen as a person and not as religion by those around him. They are all at school for different reasons days before the actual start to the school year when a bomb goes off and they are all trapped. As they try to find a way out more bombs go off and the police are clearly scared to enter to try and find survivors. Then, they find a radio and learn that the police believe the bomber is one of the students trapped with them in the building. Could it be one of them??
This one has done very well in my school media center. Some very avid readers were initially bored by the seemingly stereotypical characters, but quickly became intrigued when their personalities came out and most readers were surprised by the ending which is always a plus with a mystery. The story itself moves quickly as each character reveals intimate details about what led him or her to be in the school that fateful day. Recommended for fans of thrilling mysteries.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Published April 22, 2014 RAC , Realistic Fiction , Romance Leave a CommentTags: abuse, bully, father-son relationships, friendship, high school, neglect, Romance
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance
# of Pages: 325
RAC: Yes
Park is a half Asian student who lives in a tough neighborhood of thugs and bullies, but has always managed to stay under the radar. Eleanor is a new student who has bright red curly hair and is a bit overweight. She immediately becomes a target for the bullies at school and Park takes pity on her and allows her to share his seat on the bus. They do not talk at first, but eventually they start sharing music and comics. Eleanor never talks about home, however, and as their friendship begins to shift toward a more romantic relationship Park begins to understand why she never discusses her family. Can Park protect her from the bullies in her life? Does he have the courage to do so?
This powerful modern day romance will connect with John Green fans who enjoy unique and truly memorable characters. There are many interesting descriptions used and information about both Eleanor and Park is revealed through surprising and yet realistic means so that the reader truly learns certain pieces of information at the exact moment that it occurs to the character. Highly recommended.
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
Published December 4, 2012 Mystery , RAC 1 CommentTags: betrayal, bullying, dating, friendship, high school, murder
Genre: Suspense/Mystery
# of Pages: 294
RAC: Yes
This take on Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, features 10 teenagers who were lured to a weekend house on an island for a party that they find out was never happening. Instead, they start getting killed off one by one in extremely odd fashion. Meg accompanied her friend, Minnie, to the party even thought she had some reservations to begin with. She is also the only one who tries to think of constructive ways to get off of this island. All of her ideas are thwarted, however. There is no power, Internet, phone service, radios, or any way to contact the outside world. They have ascertained they are indeed alone on the island which means the killer is among them. How can they survive if they do not even know who or what the threat is?
This mystery is still a lot of fun even with the updated characters. They all have past issues that all teen readers can relate to and in most cases those issues contribute to why they are on this island. There are some plot revelations that are fairly predictable, but the suspense and overall pacing of the story will keep readers interested all the way until the very end. A fun mystery story.
The Unidentified by Rae Mariz
Published January 20, 2012 RAC , Realistic Fiction Leave a CommentTags: corporation, friendship, high school, social networking technology, sponsor, technology
Genre: Realistic Fiction
# of Pages: 296 p.
RAC: Yes
“Kid” attends a futuristic high school that is actually designed by corporations using an old mall. In this world the government can no longer fund public education and therefore corporate sponsors have taken over. Students ideally want to win a sponsorship so that they can enjoy money, free clothes, and tech gizmos. Kid’s not interested in earning a sponsorship because she is fine being anonymous, but her mother does struggle to pay the bills. When Kid witnesses an unusual rebellious act she is the only person who takes notice and brings it to people’s attention. This immediately earns her fame and she is offered a chance at a sponsorship. Can she take it when it could mean losing her privacy and creative rights to her music? Can she not take it when it could mean an easier life for her mother?
Fans of futuristic stories will enjoy this title. The setup of the corporate school system seems unbelievable and yet believable at the same time. Hopefully the story will encourage teens to think about the affect of corporations and sponsors on our everyday lives. The story also shows how willing people can be to give up everything in order to gain fame and fortune. The end seems a bit rushed and might confuse some readers, but overall they will enjoy it and return to find out what happens in the next installment.
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Published July 5, 2011 RAC , Realistic Fiction , Romance 5 CommentsTags: dating, divorce, father-daughter relationships, friendship, high school
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance
# of Pages: 402 pages
RAC Book: Yes
Mclean has been moving around with her dad ever since her parents’ traumatizing divorce. Her dad is a restaurant consultant who goes into struggling restaurants to help them turn it around before it is too late. This is the fourth city Mclean has lived in over the past two years. Her relationship with her mother is strained at best as she tries to constantly bring her home and Mclean resists. One of the reasons Mclean likes moving with her dad is because she can reinvent herself each place they go. When they reach this latest location, however, she finds it harder and harder to ignore who she really is. She especially has trouble pretending she is someone else when she is with the next door neighbor boy. Can Mclean come to terms with her parents’ divorce? Can she find herself and be prepared for college the following year? Can she keep aloof with her new friends and refuse to form true connections?
Fans of Sarah Dessen will devour this book as it has all of her trademark appeal. The characters are multi-dimensional and true. The story is believable and does not rely on over the top plot twists to keep readers interested. The relationships are so honest that anyone can identify with someone’s situation. Overall, another gem for Dessen. Teenage girls will love it.
Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford
Published November 22, 2010 RAC , Realistic Fiction Leave a CommentTags: confession, gossip, high school, Romance, scandal, wealth
Genre: Realistic Fiction
# of Pages: 313
RAC Book: Yes
The Sullivan family enjoys a nice lifestyle living in a big house with a very prestigious reputation. Their grandmother is nicknamed Almighty because she has so much influence in society. On Christmas Day Almighty announces that one member of the Sullivan family has offended her and the entire family will be cut off financially if that person does not confess. The three teenage girls immediately write confessions and deliver them to Almighty on New Year’s Eve. They all three believe they were the ones to offend Almighty and put their family’s future in jeopardy. What would you be willing to admit if your financial security depended on it?
This story is very interesting as the three confessions weave together and the reader tries to figure out who was the person who actually offended Almighty. The characters are well written and easy to identify with, which makes it easier to care about what happens to this family. The Sullivan parents are vapid and uninvolved, but the kids are all unique and have a healthy dynamic with each other. The ending is satisfying, but it’s the confessions that will interest readers the most as these girls admit what they have done without thinking about how these actions could influence the family. Recommended.
Payback Time by Carl Deuker
Published September 23, 2010 Mystery , RAC , Realistic Fiction , Sports 17 CommentsTags: football, high school, reporter
Genre: Sports Fiction
# of Pages: 298
RAC: Yes
Mitch True is a reporter at his high school and is extremely unhappy when he is assigned the sports columns. Mitch dreams of one day being a star investigative reporter who breaks open huge stories, like Watergate. He really wants to work on the school paper, though, so he dutifully goes to the football and volleyball games. At one of the football practices he notices a new kid, Angel, off to the side with an amazing throw. When he asks the coach about Angel he is brushed off. When the season starts he sees that Angel is hardly ever played despite his obvious skills. The more Mitch investigates this student’s past the more confused he gets and he starts to wonder if this is his big story. Can Mitch find out why Angel’s trying to downplay his skills to everyone, including possible talent scouts?
Carl Deuker is a master of writing sports fiction high school boys love to read, but this might be his best yet. The football action is written in an exciting and easy to follow manner, but the mystery behind Angel’s past is almost more engaging. Even reluctant readers will struggle to put this mesmerizing sports mystery down. Highly recommended.
Hit and Run by Lurlene McDaniel
Published August 18, 2010 RAC , Realistic Fiction 9 CommentsTags: car accident, high school, hit and run, teen relationships
Genre: Realistic Fiction
# of Pages: 180
RAC Book: Yes
When Analise does not return home from babysitting one night her parents immediately call everyone, including the police, to try and find her. They have no luck until the next morning when her badly injured body is found off the side of a road, where they believe she was struck by a car when riding home on her bike. Analise’s parents and boyfriend are determined to find out who did this, but as time goes on the leads begin to go cold. Meanwhile, Laurie is horrified when she hears about the accident because she believes she might know something about it. The problem is that she has to decide if she should come forward with this information or use it to better her own life by blackmailing someone. Will Laurie make the right decision or will Analise’s attack go unsolved?
Lurlene McDaniel provides a gripping tale told in many perspectives as several different characters try to cope in the aftermath of this hit and run. The motivations of the characters are clearly portrayed as the reader sees how they all react to this tragedy. Teens will like this book because it is so easy for them to think of themselves in any one of these character’s shoes. The book is a quick read and teens will find the ending satisfying. McDaniel is not afraid of tackling difficult issues and this is no exception.
A Wind in Montana by Mitch Davies
Published June 10, 2010 RAC , Realistic Fiction , Romance Leave a CommentTags: chemistry, high school, music, relationship
**Special Review**
Genre: Realistic Fiction
# of pages: 271
RAC Book: Yes
This new book by Mitch Davies follows a high school student, Rory, through his senior year of high school. He finds a passion in chemistry and decides to quit band in order to study harder for a big scholarship awarded at the end of the year. This decision does not go over well with his band teacher who argues he just wants to spend more time with his girlfriend, despite Rory’s insistence that he really wants to focus on chemistry. Meanwhile, he begins to spend more time with another person in the chemistry group named Victoria. They always seem to have a lot to talk about and challenge each other in many ways. As they begin to grow closer and Rory splits with his current girlfriend, they both try to decide what they want in their futures.
Senior year is a stressful and exciting time as you try to decide what you will do after graduation and what kind of person you ultimately want to become. Mitch Davies does an excellent job of conveying how these different feelings and pressures are put onto these young students. The relationships between colleagues, teachers, and parents are written in a way that anyone can identify with. The ending is satisfying and will cause a lot of discussion among teenage readers. Recommended for all readers, but high school students will get a lot out of it as they are struggling with similar decisions and pressures, not to mention the excitement of young love. There is a bit of language and sexuality, but it rings true to the characters.
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Published April 16, 2010 RAC , Realistic Fiction Leave a CommentTags: bully, bullying, high school, shooting
Genre: Realistic Fiction
# of Pages: 405 p.
RAC Book: Yes
In this gripping novel, Valerie is shocked when her boyfriend, Nick, brings a gun to school and begins shooting students. She tries to stop him, but ends up getting shot in the leg before he turns the gun on himself. In the aftermath, a notebook is found at Nick’s house of a list of people the two of them kept whom they hated. People were put on this list for a variety of reasons, but mainly because they bullied Nick or Valerie or encouraged it in some way. As Valerie courageously returns to the school for her senior year, she must face the repercussions of Nick’s actions as some people blame her and believe she should be in jail. Others seem to think she is a hero for trying to stop the shooting and want Valerie to move on, but can she forgive herself for not seeing this coming?
This story forces every reader to think hard about his or her actions. Everyone knows what it feels like to be picked on in some way and can identify with Nick and Valerie, but at the same time must decide how bullying should be punished. Also, this book asks us all to think about how bullying can be stopped in schools or if that is even possible. Valerie’s psychiatrist asks her to look at things for what is there and not what appears to be there. This is something we should all be a little better at, but unfortunately it is often difficult to see the reasons behind certain behaviors. Highly recommended.
To Be Mona by Kelly Easton
Published October 13, 2009 Realistic Fiction Leave a CommentTags: bi-polar disorder, dating, high school, popularity, poverty
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 15 and up
# of Pages: 218
RAC Book: No
Sage Priestly wants to be just like the most popular girl in school, Mona. She wants to be her so bad that she highlights her hair, loses weight on a crash diet, and throws out all of her black clothes and starts wearing pastel colors. The problem is that her mother has undiagnosed bi-polar disorder and cannot be depended on to get a job, buy groceries, or do any motherly duties. Her best friend, Vern, lives next door and tries to take care of her, but does not like the new changes she has made. Despite his efforts to become more than friends, Sage does not want to date him. Worse yet, she decides to date the high school jock who forbids her to see Vern. As Sage tries to deal with her mother spiraling out of control, the abandonment issues of her father, and completely changing her life, she starts to wonder if she really wants to be Mona at all or if she is happy being Sage.
This story has a good message to share with young readers, but takes a slow path to get there. The book has a few characters who do not seem to ever fully develop and one character that uses some very derogatory language which may offend some young readers. The ending is a little abrupt and it is unclear how Sage’s life will continue from this point. Mona’s character is not at all what most readers will expect and is a nice surprise in an otherwise fairly predictable book.
Young Adult Book Reviews 