Speak

This novel was one of my favorites, by far. In this realistic fiction we follow a girl named Melinda, who is coming into her freshman year in high school. The summer before her start into high school, There was a huge party that she went to and meets a friend named Andy. Well something happens and the cops show up break up the party and later they find out that it was Melinda who called the police. No one bother to find out why she did, but for the rest of the following year it is torture for Melinda. Turns out that she was raped by Andy that night and she called the cops to make a report, but she backs down from following through it, which is the reason the cops showed up. Melinda chooses to deal with her troubles by not speaking at all  and voices her problems through an art in her art class where her teacher becomes very aware of her outcry.

Andre the Giant

This biography is written as a graphic novel about Andre the Giant, also known as, Andre Roussimoff. Made famous from his enormous size of his body due to a disease that caused him age prematurely and kept him growing allowing him reach an astonishing 7ft6in. I only knew of him because of his profession as a wrestler, however this novel gives a deeper aspect of the life the giant. I think this was a wonderful book that exploits the details of a historic star of wrestling.

Six of Crows

This fantastic fiction novel was not one of my favorites. Again, not a fan of the sci-fi genre, like of anything. Anyway, gonna give my quick synopses of this novel, so here goes. This is based on six characters that are criminals, lowlife individuals, that have found a way to survive through mischief. They get together and plan the greatest and deadliest heist known to the Grisha. Now, the Grisha is another reason I could not bring myself to be connected to this novel. I had no idea what the Grisha was. Any who, I will say that the author could not have concocted a better combination of criminals to do this wildest crime ever. I also enjoyed the strong connection between the characters.

The Chocolate war

This realistic fiction novel was published back in 1974, however it is still a great read for a mature young reader. Based on a boy named Jerry, who evaluates his actions, all because of a quote that read, "Do I Dare Disturb the World?". Based off this quote is what sparks students to awaken from the order that has been in place as long as The Vigils have been in control. This novel takes place at Trinity High School, a private all boys catholic school, where there is a secret student organization called "The Vigils". The Vigils basically rule the whole student body, by giving them (underclassmen) "jobs".  As the school prepares to undergo their annual chocolate fundraising, the vice-principal, Brother Leon, decides to make all students sell twice as much as they did the previous year. The Vigil tell Jerry to refuse to sell for exactly 10 days, however Jerry decides to refuse to sell no matter what. True colors pour out of this catholic school when the universe is disturbed.

Annie on my Mind

This realistic fiction has so many controversial topics on the LGBT. The main characters are 17 year old Liza and Annie, who meet one day at a museum and spark a quick growing friendship for each other. Even though they come from two very different kinds of background. They begin to realize that they are gravitating towards each other more and more with each phone call or visit with each other. Annie knew all along that she had sexual feelings for Liza, and Liza was slowly realizing that as well. From their first kiss, they intensity of their love grows bigger and stronger. Liza is the student body president and is one day asked to house sit for a couple of teachers, who happen to be lesbians as well, not knowing that Liza is a lesbian. Liza and Annie take this time to be alone and intimate with each other, which forces Liza to tell her secret to her parents. This becomes a huge mess, too much for Liza, and she ends the relationship with Annie. Only to reconnect a few years later and start right where they left off.

Invisible

This realistic fiction novel is based on a 17 year old boy named Doug. Doug is a very troubled individual, he suffers from extreme mental illnesses like, PTSD, autism, schizophrenia, and pyromania. In school he is viewed as a freak and is frequently bullied. He is best friends with Andy, a football star and complete opposite of Doug. Throughout the book it is clear that he is desperate need of therapy. Through these sessions a horrible traumatic event comes to light for Doug. In which it is revealed that his best friend Andy is dead, due to a fire that they both started. This drives Doug crazier. Driving him to burn down the model city/town he built in his parents  basement. Leaving him in a hospital for burn victims. Would recommend this book to high school age students.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

In this realistic fiction, we find a boy that goes by the name of Junior who is 14 years old, who lives on an Indian reservation called Spokane. After discussing with a teacher on the reservation, Juniior decides to leave the reservation and transfer to a public school. Leaving the reservation brings out a lot of anger amongst the Spokane. This brings some turmoil between his family and his best friend, Rowdy. This transition is such a brave move for Junior, because the school he transfers to is all white and he is the only Native American enrolled. This book is filled with so many trails that Junior goes through. I love how the book shows a sort of right of passage for Junior. In the beginning it does not seem that way, none the less, he is tested to stand his ground on his decision. This ultimately, makes him the most traditional member of the Spokane, labeling him as a nomad. A great book for teachers to give some historic information on culture and traditions.