Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas

Though I tried to clear my head of the effects of the fat, resiny doobie I'd polished off an hour before, things were still fuzzy as I stumbled into senior counselor Jeff DeMouy's office.

Slacker senior, Steve York, is short one credit for graduation. His guidance counselor challenges him to write 100 pages to make up that credit. Steve writes of his relationship with his father and the girl who broke his heart his junior year and comes to terms with his pain.

A funny story about a boy's search for identity. I recognized boys from my high school in this story.

Thomas, R. (1996). Rats saw god. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0689802072
219 pages

The Way A Door Closes by Hope Anita Smith

A book of poems told from the perspective of C.J describing his family and the emotional upheaval caused when his father leaves temporarily. The poems are accompanied by lovely illustrations that depict the content perfectly.

The author captures the emotions felt by C.J. and his family so clearly, especially the words of hope. I am continually amazed when reading poetry. How do they get those words to come together so right?

Smith, H.A. (2003). The way a door closes. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
ISBN: 080506477X
Illustrated by Shane W Evans

Amber Brown is Feeling Blue by Paula Danziger

Amber Brown learns the lesson that decisions can be difficult to make and the end result doesn't make everyone happy when she must choose between spending Thanksgiving with her father or her mother. On top of this, a new girl starts school who has a colorful name too and Amber Brown doesn't know how to feel about this. The story is told from a first person narrative.

The author's choice of the name Amber Brown and the speaking style (I, Amber Brown...) used throughout the book made it enjoyable to read. The repetition of her name provides word recognition helping children feel they can get through a big book. The first person style draws in the reader and makes Amber feel like a real person.

It is a modern story dealing with the impact of divorce on a child and the feelings and situations that occur when parents begin dating. Amber's friends and scenes set in school are recognizable to what children encounter each day. There are some illustrations throughout the book but they are not the focus.

Danziger, P. (1998). Amber brown is feeling blue. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439071682
Illustrated by Tony Ross