Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury.
Based on a true story, the account of a boy scout troop camping on a remote Hawaiian beach when a powerful earthquake followed by a tsunami occurs. The run up to the main event is a bit slow, but the character development is important and makes for some nice reveals.
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham.
A verse novel detailing an attack by a shark that leaves a lovely young high school student without one arm. The novel is mainly about survival - not the attack so much as moving forward when your whole life has been turned upside down. Well done.
How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman.
Could not resist the cover or title. A teen girl discovers her talent for car theft and uses it to vent feelings about friends, boys, and family. The strange relationship the protagonist has with her best friends - a boy and a girl - is great fun. A few unnecessary references make this unlikely for summer reading, unfortunately.
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King.
Wow. A fabulous story. Great characters. This should be on high school reading lists. Vera is so strong and her experience is likely close to many. Her family's tradition of ignoring the abusive relationship next door, and other painful realities, has a predictable if tragic effect on her life decisions. The hypocrisy of adults is explored skillfully. The complicated love she has for her best friend is probably the best written love story I've seen in awhile.
Matched by Ally Condie.
Yes! We have a winner! A great dystopian novel that is intense, well written, and clean enough to pass the parent test - yet beloved by my readers already. Phew! Clear choice. The evolution from unquestioned devotion to the society to rebellion is nuanced and believable. Suspense is well done. Comparisons to 1984 and The Giver are warranted. And a second installment due in November.
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