Sellout by Ebony Joy Wilkins

Title: Sellout
Author: Ebony Joy Wilkins
ISBN: 9780545109284
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Page #: 267
Source: From my public library

Summary:
"Being nearly the only African American in her suburban school doesn't bother NaTasha, but it troubles Tilly, her spitfire grandmother from Harlem. When Tilly decides that NaTasha needs to get back to her roots on her summer vacation instead of getting manicures and lattes at the mall, NaTasha is thrown into a world where everything is unfamiliar - and a little frightening.

During her stay, NaTasha volunteers at Amber's Place, a crisis center in the Bronx that helps troubled girls straighten out their lives. These girls aren't anything like NaTasha or the girls back home. They are tough, their lives laced with danger. Just when NaTasha is ready to call it quits, she makes a friend and realizes these girls who wield their secrets like knives aren't the only ones struggling to find the right path. For the first time in her life, NaTasha has questions, like why she's in the ballet troupe when she'd rather be playing volleyball and why in her all-white neighborhood back home she's never had a boyfriend. Then NaTasha meets two boys in Tilly's neighborhood who compete for her attention and maker her heart flutter. It's a summer that will change her life forever."
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First Lines:

"I pulled up on the front of my pink leotard and turned to the mirror to look at my large backside. No change there. I stretch the fabric tightly across my chest and frowned. Almost a sophomore and still no need for a bra. So much for cutting all those carbs."
Page 1
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Review:

I think living in NYC and working with teens who are... "underprivileged" for lack of a better word has made me jaded. I hate that word, actually, but I couldn't come up with anything better. There was a lot of this novel that I could easily compare with the teens I see every day. And there were a couple of times that I thought, "really? my teens don't talk like that." But that's probably because I work with them every day. And I could be completely wrong. Ahem... on to the review.

This is a story about a girl who lives in a white washed neighborhood and her grandmother worries about her knowing about where her family came from. So she spends a few weeks living and learning about Harlem and the Bronx. She's thrown into this crisis center where her grandmother works and finds herself flailing a bit.

It's mostly about self discovery and learning about difficult relationships. I think my favorite parts of this book are when NaTasha is hanging out with the boys in the neighborhood. Just because they felt to easy and normal. The parts of her in the girls crisis center made me really nervous - mostly because I know girls like that and they really worry me at times. So, because I could put a face and an attitude to these girls, it made reading this book very real to me.

I think those that enjoy Coe Booth's books would definitely love this one. It's told from an "outsider's" perspective, so it gives a whole other light to the issues the girls are facing. NaTasha isn't living with them, she doesn't see the things they go through... she hears about them in the group sharing time. It's a real awakening for her in realizing how life isn't all shopping and fun for some people.

It's a real picture of what life can be like in the inner city. Another word I hate. But that's what it is... and it's done well. I think it will also resonate for people who don't actively live in a place like this. It gives you a snapshot of a new lifestyle... a new perspective on the world.

I will be recommending this book, for sure. I think it's the authors first published book and I look forward to more from her. Check out her website for more updates and information about her.

Just as a bit of a side note... there are crisis centers throughout the country, but in NYC there is a place called the Covenant House that does really good work. I've sent a few kids over there when they didn't have a place to sleep at night. Check out their information and pass it along to people who may need it.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Dreaming in Books
Bookish Blather
Kiss the Book
More people should read this book, so get out there and find it! I have it at my library :).

Shooter by Walter Dean Myers

Title: Shooter
Author: Walter Dean Myers
ISBN: 9780064472906
Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary:
"Cameron: "Deep inside, you know that whoever gets up in your face gets there because he knows you're nothing, and he knows that you know it too."

Carla: "What I'm trying to do is to get by—not even get over, just get by."

Leonard: "I have bought a gaw-juss weapon. It lies beneath my bed like a secret lover, quiet, powerful, waiting to work my magic."

Statement of Fact: 17-year-old white male found dead in the aftermath of a shooting incident at Madison High School in Harrison County.

Conclusion: Death by self-inflicted wound."
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Review:

I've heard about this author for years - mostly because he's asked for all the time. So I decided to give his book a shot and was not disappointed. The story is about three high school seniors who find themselves involved in something much more than any of them expected.

One of the most obvious things about this book is the way it's written - all done in interview format. You never get the normal look into the speakers thoughts or feelings except for what they say in the interviews. This makes the book a very fast read, but you do feel as though you know the characters.

Now, thinking back on the story, I realize that the actual action in the book is only like one days worth. Beyond that it's looking back to see where things went wrong, who these people are, etc. But it's a pretty cool story and makes you think a bit about consequences and actions.

I'll absolutely continue to recommend this book to any teen - I've been recommending Myers for years because of his popularity. But now I get to talk about him with more knowledge. I'm definitely a fan.
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Other Blog Reviews:
Reading Now
399 Hard Line
Metapsychology
Mentalhelp.net

Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson

Title: Jason and Kyra
Author: Dana Davidson
ISBN: 9780786836536
Publisher: Hyperion Paperbacks

Summary:
"Jason Vincent is a basketball star and one of the most popular guys in school. Brainy Kyra Evans isn't. But she doesn't much care what people think. Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds until graduation. Fate intervenes, however, when the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project. Kyra soon realizes that Jason is not the dumb jock she anticipated. And Jason finds himself telling Kyra things he can't even tell his best friend.

The two grow closer and begin to fall in love. But things are moving way too quickly, and Kyra doesn't know if she is ready to take the next step in their relationship. Being together means navigating challenges - but staying apart may be impossible."
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Review:

This book is a wonderful romantic story with a bit of emotional baggage. The story is very much predictable, but that's one of the things that makes it a good read - you know where you're going to end up. I'm not sure how realistic it is - the whole outcast/popular relationship thing, but this book makes you want to believe in it. I really enjoyed reading this book and plan on passing it along.

I would recommend this to girls, mostly... and probably in the 9th grade and up range. There is definitely a lot of discussion about sex and the things that go along with it - but it's a safe story. The characters are very real about discussing those things, which helps the awkwardness of the topic.

Otherwise the story is very emotional and a bit heavy at times. And there were a few points where months passed in the blink of a page. That was one little thing that bothered me, but it makes sense why the time passed so quickly. And I must say that these are the most well-spoken teenagers in the country! :). So, I wonder if "realistic" is a good tag for this one. But it's a good, uplifting love story.

Other blog reviews:
Tiger Reviews
YA Reviews Wiki
ACHOCABLOG

Push by Sapphire

Title: Push
Author: Sapphire
ISBN:9780679766759
Publisher: Random House, Inc

Summary:
"Precious Jones, an illiterate sixteen-year-old, has up until now been invisible: Invisible to the father who rapes her and the mother who batters her and to the authorities who dismiss her as just one more of Harlem's casualties. But when Precious, pregnant with a second child by her father, meets a determined and highly radical teacher, we follow her on a journey of education and enlightenment as Precious learns not only how to write about her life, but how to make it her own for the first time."
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Review:

This book was a lot more intense than I thought it was going to be. I had heard that it was a depressing story, but I figured I could handle it... because I'm just that kinda YA Librarian :). And handling it wasn't the problem - it was more the sinking in of the story. Once you realized what was going on, it's almost so far away from my reality that it was almost fantasy. I do understand that it's not, but it was hard for me to digest.

I must say that this book is absolutely only for the most mature teens and older. I do get that most teens these days live this book as reality (especially in the area I work), but it's a much heavier book than most can deal with.

Other blog reviews:
Apooo Bookclub
The Black Urban Times
Global Grind
The Beautiful Struggle

Hotlanta by Denene Millner and Mitzi Miller

Title: Hotlanta
Author: Denene Millner and Mitzi Miller
ISBN: 9780545003087
Publisher: Point, Scholastic Inc.

Summary:
"Designer clothes. Gorgeous boys. Family secrets. Major drama. They don't call it Hotlanta for nothing!

The Duke twins, Sydney and Lauren, live the life: They attend the fanciest school in Atlanta, they live in the most exclusive neighborhood, and they only date the hottest guys. And their secrets are the darkest around.

When their estranged father is released from prison and a murder is committed, their lives are plunged into a whirlwind of tabloid scrutiny, vicious gossip, and shocking revelation. Lauren, always a party girl, and Sydney, bent on Ivy League perfection, can't trust anyone. Not their mother, not their rich stepfather. Maybe not even each other."
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Review:

As urban fiction goes, this book wasn't very urban :). Well yes, it's set in a city (making it urban), but the story isn't as gritty as the genre implies. That doesn't really take any of the enjoyment out of the reading - but if you're looking for hardcore urban lit, this isn't going to be it. But if you're looking for African American chick lit, you've found it!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a bit disconnected because it's written from the two sister's perspectives - every other chapter. You almost forget who "she said" is. That and the fact that it leaves you on a complete non-ending are my only complaints about the book. It's definitely filling a void in literature (the young adult af am chick lit void), and doing it well.

The story pulls you right along - and, of course, you find yourself siding with one sister or the other. But it's a quick and fun read that I'd recommend for the middle YA reader. It's got a bit more topic/language stuff than I would give to a middle schooler... but not enough for a upper level high school student. So, it sits pretty well in the middle.

Other blog reviews:
The H.Y.P.E Teen Blog
Powell's Books
Readers Rooms (it's about the third entry down)
And an interview with the authors from Publishers Weekly

Tyrell by Coe Booth

Title: Tyrell
Author: Coe Booth
ISBN: 0439838797
Publisher: Push, Scholastic

Summary:
"Tyrell can't get a break. His dad's in jail, his mom's no help, his brother's just a kid, and his girlfriend, Novisha, wants more than he can give.

Ms. Jenkins is just talking on and on 'bout how me and my family need to stay close and keep our faith in God strong while we going through hard times. I nod every couple minutes so she think I'm really listening, but to be honest, I'm really tired of everyone saying that. Like they know what we going through.

He's living in a shelter, but he doesn't want to be there long.

I really wanna put my fist through the wall. I can't calm myself down. I can feel the blood pounding in my brain. I gotta do something. I wanna go somewhere, but I don't got nowhere to go.

So he comes up with a plan. It could save him. Or it could backfire completely.

It's too much pressure.

Welcome to Tyrell's world."
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Review:

This book was much more real than I was expecting. I know that sounds like a stupid thing to say, but the topics were just really heavy and very realistic. Since working in NYC, I've found that Tyrell's reality is very, very close to what the kids I work with deal with every day.

The one thing about this story that bothered me was the fact that it didn't really end. I mean, it did... but you were left feeling like there was much more to the story than you got. I guess it's good that it makes you wish for more - and it helps open discussions in a book group.

I would absolutely recommend this book to those looking for interesting urban fiction. Perhaps it isn't for the younger kids - because of language, drug use, and sexual topics. Of course, those are the things that make it realistic, but older kids would get it better. So yeah.

I haven't been very clear. Book great. Book recommended. Book good for discussion. Go for it - as long as you're ready for some harsh reality!

Other blog reviews:
60 Second Review
Sellers Library Teens
Goodreads Review from "Anna"

Work What You Got by Stephanie Perry Moore

Title: Work What You Got (a Beta Gamma Pi novel) Author: Moore, Stephanie Perry
ISBN: 9780758225429
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp

Summary:
"Between moving off campus, gearing up to pledge a sorority, and trying to keep her faith first, Hayden Grant is about to become one very busy Beta.

College sophomore Hayden Grant and her three roommates can't wait to join Beta Gamma Pi sorority. At least that's what Hayden thought - until Myra, Bridget, and Chandra announce a change of plans. Can Hayden and her girls hold onto their friendship as they pursue different paths?

And speaking of pursuit, Hayden's caught they eye of Creed, a hottie she met her first year. That's just one complication. Hayden's ex-boyfriend heads the fraternity Creed's pledging. It looks like it's going to be one crazy year of trials, tribulations, and unexpected lessons-in leadership and love."
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Review:

This book was honestly more than I was bargaining for. I was hoping for some urban lit that dealt with the issues and all... but that's not really what this book is about. It's more about the drama that comes with sorority life and what that might be like. Which, of course, makes this a much more "he-said, she-said" book.

The story was pretty good. I did like the concept... but having done the sorority thing in college, it honestly brought back a bit of the animosity that went with that. I think that teen girls probably love this glimpse into the life of a college sorority and what it takes... but the book is kinda hard to wade through. The morals and life lessons weighed down the book for me. It really was a good story otherwise.

Other readers may see this totally differently, so don't take my word alone. I just don't know that I'm going to be looking for the next book in this series. There are other blog reviews out there: Here, here, and here.

Hot Girl by Dream Jordan

Title: Hot Girl
Author: Dream Jordan
ISBN: 9780312382841
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary:
"It's summertime in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and Kate is feeling down in the dumps. Not only is she tired of her raggedy, tomboy image but she's also missing her best friend, Felicia, who's away for the summer. Lonely and not exactly getting along with her new foster mother, Lynn, Kate so badly wants to be out and about, twirling pretty, and partying - and maybe catching the attention of her longtime crush, Charles.

Opportunity knocks one hot summer day when fly-girl Naleejah struts her stuff straight up to Kate and takes a seat. Full of smiles, Naleejah tells Kate that she remembers her from school, but Kate can't remember ever having such a fabulous chick trying to befriend her. Kate's suspicion turns to trust once Naleejah gives her a much-needed makeover.

Now a brand-new Kate suddenly has the attention of her dream boy. But is Naleejah checking for him, too? Against Kate's better judgement, she ignores the warning signs and continues to let Naleejah lead her down a treacherous path. Soon, what seems like a fun and exciting summer ends up being a harsh reality check. Now Kate must decide how to get back on the right track.... or is it already too late?"
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Review:

Honesly, urban lit isn't a genre I've ever read before. I picked up this book because of that 9/9/09 challenge thing - where I read nine different genres. But I'm glad I did, because this book totally reminds me of almost every teen I work with. I work in a very urban/innercity-type area and I should probably be reading more of this type of book.

Genre aside, I really did enjoy this book. It's a great story and the characters are absolutely believable. There was one thing that threw me off a little - the language. Yeah, it's written in street-speak... but that's not what caught my eye (that's what the teens in this area sound like anyway). It was the lack of cursing. When someone in the book does go off, the author uses things like "the F word" and so on. Which is definitely not true to reality - AT ALL. Most of our kids have seriously foul mouths. I do understand that this allows the book to appeal to a wider range of readers (and younger), it just threw me off that the girls were calling each other "broads" not "the B word."

The story is solid and the plot carries you straight through. I ended up rooting for the main character to do the right thing, for sure. I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to get started in reading urban/street lit. As for teens who already are street enough, this might seem a bit tame. Happy reading!

There aren't a whole lot of blog reviews, but here is what I've found: Here and here.