Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
by G. Neri; illustrated by Randy Duburke
Age appropriateness: 12 and up
Synopsis: Based on actual tragic events, this book shares the story of an eleven year-old boy, nicknamed Yummy, who shot an innocent fourteen year-old girl in a gang shooting accident. Learn about Yummy's childhood, his seduction by a gang, being on the run from the law after the shooting, and Yummy's own tragic demise. The story is harsh and poignant. It is told from a fictional character's point-of-view, but the facts are researched and documented.
Awards: ALA Notable book, Coretta Scott King Honor
ISBN: 9781584302674 Formats: Paperback
Cost: 16.95
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The 9/11 Report: a Graphic Adaptation
by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon
Age appropriateness: 12 and up
Synopsis: This book is a graphic adaptation of the "Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States,” made for all of us to better understand it's contents. This book includes data, timelines, maps, and flags; they add to the understanding of the gravity of that day and the speed of the attacks. This novel brings recent history to life.
Awards: YALSA 2007 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, Amazon's Top 50 Books of 2006
ISBN: 9780809057382 Formats: Most commonly available in paperback. Library-bound hardcover available.
Cost: $30 hardcover, $16.95 paperback
Smile
by Raina Telgemeier
Age appropriateness: 10 through 15
Synopsis: This is the memoir of the author's unfortunate accident (and the events that followed) when she was in sixth-grade. Raina severely damaged her front teeth during a fall, and her story depicts the challenges that she endured to rectify that situation...including braces, headgear, root canals - you name it! These procedures weren't the only things guiding her middle school years. This book is also about coming of age. You'll find out about her crushes and the balancing act of finding the right circle of friends. Throw in an earthquake for good measure, and this memoir is a page turner!
Awards: Web Cartoonist Choice Award, Boston Horn Book Award, Kirkus Best Book of 2010... and more!
ISBN: 9780545132053 Formats: Paperback is most common, Library-bound hardcover
Cost: $10.99
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