Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Two on Tuesday: I Never and You Bring the Distant Near


I am adjusting to life in the middle school library and reading some fantastic YA novels along the way. These two are the ones I read last week and I can already think of so many kids that might enjoy them.




You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins -sisters Tara and Sonia have recently moved to the United States from India in the 1960s.  They try to fit in to American culture, struggling against some of their mother's Indian ideas.  This book spans generations, part written in both Tara and Sonia's perspectives and then later in the perspectives of their children.  I loved seeing this family grow and change over time.  I love immigrant stories.  I love Mitali Perkins's work.  

I Never by Laura Hopper- I loved, loved, loved this book which is definitely one for mature readers (the School Library Journal review says grades 10 and up).  Janey is pretty innocent and naive, a high school junior.  When popular senior, Luke, starts to pay attention to her and ask her out she's excited - and nervous.  The relationship is serious, and Janey and Luke decide to have sex.  I loved how Hopper writes about a teenager's first time, how she created a mature and healthy relationship with open communication and honesty and how she let Luke be a good guy (because there are some of those out there).  I imagine this book will be passed around among friends for many years.


I've started a few other YA books this week and as more and more arrive, I can't help but add to my TBR piles.  What YA books do you recommend?

1 comment:

Anne@HeadFullofBooks said...

Do you want YA titles okay for middle schoolers? Because I really enjoyed these books but I think they should be reserved for high schoolers:
-The Hate U Give
-The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
-The Pearl Thief (Elizabeth Wein)
-Thick as Thieves (would be fine for MS)
-Turtles all the way Down
-Genuine Thief