Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

Published by Little, Brown BYR
Published on December 27, 2011
Source: from publisher at BEA

Why We Broke Up, by Daniel Handler, is a very unique book. Composed of vignettes based around objects from Min Green and Ed Slaterton's relationship, it's unlike any other book I've read. Each object is linked to an explanation by Min, who tells the story of the item and how it contributed to the rise or fall of their relationship. Each account builds their relationship from the ground up, from when when Min first talked to Ed, to the first hint of incompatibility, to their break-up. Min, a smart and independent high school student, is a funny heartfelt narrator, recounting each event perfectly. The reader falls in love with Ed as Min does, sees Ed's flaws as Min does, and in the end, understands why she must break up wit him.

This novel will make you laugh and make you cry, not to be cliche. I would recommend it for readers ages 13 to 16.

~Cassidy, Grade 10

In Darkness, by Nick Lake

Trapped under the rubble and lifeless bodies of the Haitian earth quake, Shorty feels like hope is lost. In the ever growing darkness he finds it hard to see the light, until he feels something. A presence reaching out towards him through time, and in it he finds hope. In the Darkness by Nick Lake reaches across history to tell the story of suffering and forgiveness, hardships and breaking points, and most of all that when everything seems dark there is always light to be found.

Jolie, 15