It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted an update on what I’ve been reading. Hopefully I’ll be able to remember them all and share. I’ve decided that instead of throwing in my recent reads at the end of random posts, I’m going to start updating every few books with a “Recent Reads” post. I’m not into writing reviews — there are plenty of other places on the Interwebs where you can find those — try Amazon, GoodReads, or my fave for YA at StorySnoops (holla!). I’m just going to give my thoughts, impressions, feelings, and ramblings on the books. Because I know that’s what you’re all dying to hear about! Oh, and you should probably be my friend on GoodReads, too!

So like I said, it’s been a while. Here’s what I’ve been reading:

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

I’m into reading about polygamist societies…I find it to be so intriguing and disturbing. However, I had never read a polygamy centered book from a YA perspective. This was a quick read and I was completely entranced as I read it. It fit the mold of a typical polygamist story but was interesting from the teen perspective. I’d recommend it for someone who’s interested in this genre.

Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This book was amazing. AMAZING! Several books before this one, I had read (and loved) Mockingbird, which was also written from the perspective of an adolescent on the Autism spectrum. I thought it would be hard to follow that, but this was another amazing, eye-opening book about living with Autism. I felt like I truly understood Jason, and my heart was wrenched by his struggles — particularly his miscommunications with his mom. Love, love, love this one and recommend it to anyone who knows (especially those who teach) a child with Autism.

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

I know how much my kids LOVE the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Seriously, the most frequently asked question in my library is, “Where are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books? Are they all checked out??” This book has a similar diary-style format with sketches sprinkled throughout. I thought this one was cute and I know girls would devour it — particularly reluctant readers. Definitely a girly book that makes me, like, wanna talk, like, OMG!

The Great Wide Sea by M.H. Herlong

On a recent trip the the public library, I grabbed several books that are nominated for the 2011 LYRC Award for 6-8 grades. This book was the first that I read. After Dork Diaries I needed something not so, like OMG. The Great Wide Sea is not my typical read (it had a bright yellow “ADVENTURE” sticker on the spine), but I gave it a shot anyway. I could not put this book down! It’s such a well written, emotionally charged page turner. A good recommendation for boys who are into books like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. I honestly think it’s one of the best books I’ve read lately — I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Boys are Dogs by Leslie Margolis

This book was at my Scholastic Book Fair last year, and its sequel (Girls Acting Catty) was on the preview for this year’s Fair. It’s also a LYRC nominee, so I figured it was time for me to read it. It’s a cute and relatable story for middle age girls. The feelings of being new at school, moving in with mom’s long-time boyfriend, and dealing with adolescent boys are quite realistic. I’ll be reading the sequel to find out what happens with Annabelle and her friends.

The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman

My third LYRC book was another pick for the boys. Gordon Korman is a rockstar author for middle grades, so I had high expectations. I loved Son of the Mob, which I read several years ago. Much like that one, this book had great characters. Yes, it’s quite an off the wall story and the ending was questionable for me, it was still a fun read and one that boys would love.