August Teen Book Reviews

Shadoweyes
Ross Campbell

Have you ever wished that you could be a superhero? That you could wipe out all the bad in the world? That you could make other people happy and be happy? That you could be the answer to pain and loneliness? Unfortunately, we’ve learned from many of our traditional superheroes that in order to relieve pain in others, pain often needs to be absorbed elsewhere. Taking on the burdens of others can sacrifice the superhero himself. Or herself.

Scout is NORMAL. She’s seventeen, she’s part of the Neighborhood Crimewatch, she likes kittens (at least she wants to save battered ones), she loves her mom, and she’s not always as tough as she thinks she is. When she finds that she has the ability to transform into Shadoweyes, she takes on her mission to eliminate suffering diligently and seriously. But when this ability actually traps her inside her new form, she must learn to figure out how to balance being a community superhero (with a shady reputation) with keeping her mother and her friends safe and coming to terms with never being a “normal” girl ever again. (The sequel, Shadoweyes in Love, is available July 2011.)

Bold black-and-white images serve to enhance the dramatic adventure as well as to intensify the learning and growing that take place inside Scout as she battles with herself and her world. Recommended to most comic book readers, especially those who secretly wish for a bit of a superhero inside of themselves . . .

i.d. : Stuff that Happens to Define Us
edited by Kate Scowen & illustrated by Peter Mitchell

A compilation of stories that are simply written, filled with complex emotions and behaviors, highlighted with straightforward illustrations, and supported by brief backgrounds of the authors, all tell very personal tales of individuals figuring how to deal with life and how to uncover who “you” are. Some of the authors tell stories of betrayal, fear, longing, and heartbreak, and all delve deeply into the heart and soul of the individual. But the most wonderful thing about this collection is that it doesn’t feel heavy, or overwhelming, or depressing. Nor is it over-dramatically inspiring, or unrealistically hopeful, or fake. It is a seemingly perfect balance of what it really feels like to be stuck in a teenage time — knowing that there’s a whole wide world up ahead of you, but truly feeling like everything is here and now and just too much. The stories are quick to read and teens (and adults) of all ages will be able to find themselves, perhaps along with a bit of perspective.

Recommended to pretty much everyone. Pick it up; it really is a quick read.

The D.U.F.F. : Designated Ugly Fat Friend
Kody Keplinger

The Designated Ugly Fat Friend. This is the nickname awarded to Bianca Piper by Wesley Rush. Wesley is an obnoxious, egotistical womanizer. He’s also totally hot.

Bianca’s going through a lot these days. Her ex-boyfriend is back in town, and he brought his fiancé home from college with him. Plus, her parents are having problems. This wouldn’t normally be an issue since her mom is practically nonexistent anyway, but it’s making her dad a wreck. He’s started drinking again after being on the wagon for 18 years and Bianca’s worried. So on top of everything, when Wesley tells Bianca that she’s the DUFF, she’s pissed. And the only cure for her anger is distraction. In a moment of rage, she kisses Wesley, and she’s definitely distracted. And attracted.

Bianca is honest, loyal, snarky, and down-to-earth. She’s also confused, overwhelmed, and cynical. She’s a pretty typical teen who does some pretty typical things, some of which she’s proud of and others she wouldn’t want her friends (let alone her parents) to know about. She’s relate-able and unrelenting, and whether you end up loving her or hating her, you won’t be able to put the book down.

Oakland NJ - The Heart of the Valley

Oakland NJ - The Heart of the Valley