The Silence of Murder
Dandi Daley Mackall
In small-town Grain, Ohio the murder of high school baseball coach, John Johnson, is very big news. And the only suspect is Hope Long’s brother, 19-year-old Jeremy. Jeremy’s lawyer thinks that their only defense is a “Guilty by Insanity” plea, but Hope is absolutely positive that her brother is innocent. Jeremy has always been special, and even more so since the age of nine when he became selectively mute. Since then Hope has been both best friend and caretaker of her older brother. Their mom, Rita, has more important things to take care of — like get drunk, go out on dates, and keep secrets. Hope knows that it’s up to her, the only one who truly believes that Jeremy could never commit murder, to convince both her brother’s lawyer and the jury of her brother’s innocence. But she may uncover more information than she bargained for, and she may also learn more about those around her than she really wanted to know.
This mystery is perfect for middle grade and older readers. The story is smooth, but it’s the characters that really move the novel along. Jeremy is a highly memorable character, and Hope brings him to life.
Just One Day
Gayle Forman
Allyson Healey isn’t very spontaneous. She generally follows the rules and done what is expected of her. On the European tour that was a graduation gift from her parents, she’s one of her tour guide’s favorite students. But a few days before she’s due to fly back home, she is convinced to skip out on seeing a professional Shakespeare production and instead attends an underground version of Twelfth Night. She is immediately intrigued by actor Willem (and, frankly, so are we). She’s even more intrigued when he invites her to go to Paris, just for a day. And that day winds up changing absolutely everything for Allyson. She has the most exceptional 24 hours that she has ever dreamed of having. But just as suddenly, Willem leaves her without word, and everything comes crashing down. Her adventure is over and she flies home to her family, her friends, and her own life . . . and she is completely alone. The kind of alone that prevents you from being with other people without hurting.
So, ultimately, she makes a choice. She returns to Europe and she is determined to find Willem and uncover some answers. Or maybe, she’s off to find herself.
This is a romance that goes far beyond tradition. It is hopeful and terrifying, and completely fulfilling. Recommended to high school and older.
Invisibility
Andrea Cremer & David Levithan
Stephen is invisible. In his 16 years, he has never not been invisible. No one has ever been able to see him – not his mom before she died, not his dad who moved away and started a new life, not the doorman to his building, not anyone. He’s never been to school, and he’s never had a real friend. He’s been an observer in a world that doesn’t know he exists. . . . Until someone does know. He doesn’t know how and he doesn’t know why, but Elizabeth can see him. And soon, they both become determined to find out both how and why. Against all odds, Stephen and Elizabeth take on the world that they soon discover is more dangerous than anything they’ve ever encountered.
This fits the bill for light, quick fare for those who enjoy magic and fantasy and a fluffy, dramatic romance.
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Katherine Vasilik
Librarian, Head of User Services
J. F. Kennedy Library
Piscataway, NJ
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