The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci

I had hoped that a new start away from Steepleton would make my junior year seem like a hundred years ago, rather than just one.

Torey Adams's perfect world is shaken when Christopher Creed disappears and his peers express little compassion. Torey is determined to find Christopher joining forces with two class mates that open his eyes to the less than perfect world of Steepleton. Bullying, cliques, self-acceptance, superficiality and judgment are found within the story.

I found the mystery fascinating and the dialogue true to teenagers. I was touched by the portrayal of Christopher Creed - haven't we all known a Christopher Creed? I couldn't put the book down until I finished.

Plum-Ucci, C. (2000). The body of christopher creed. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN: 0152023887
248 pages

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.

Ponyboy's world is shaken when in the middle of a rumble his friend kills a rival gang member and he joins his friend in hiding. Ponyboy realizes that death, sadness are universal irregardless of the gang membership and this realization threatens his identity. Themes of violence, love, hate, tension, identity, friendship, solidarity and rivalry.

Whenever I think of The Outsiders, I see Ralph Macchio and hear his recitation of Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Rereading the book did not change this - darn Hollywood!

Hinton, S.E. (1997). The outsiders. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 014038572X
180 pages

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

They murdered him.

A classic novel about a boy who refuses to follow in line and sell chocolates for the school encountering the wrath of the school bullies. Readers are left asking how far would they go to stand up for what they believe in. Themes of violence, peer pressure, individualism, conformity, power and greed are addressed within the novel.

This novel stands up today - over 30 years later. I found myself riveted to the story and what would happen next for Jerry.

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war. New York, NY: Dell Publishing
ISBN: 0440944597
191 pages

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

Eleven year old Gilly Hopkins has been living in foster care been through a few homes. She has become tough, hardened and distrustful as a result. Hope comes only from the thought of reuniting with her mother someday. Gilly is placed in a new home with a cast of unusual characters and over time Gilly finds herself softening. Just when she feels safe and loved in her new home, her grandmother finds her and takes her back to live with her and eventually reunites with her mother. Some language used could be offensive to the reader.

A story told in chronological order from Gilly's omniscient point of view. Conflict can be found between Gilly and herself as she fights off trusting her new family and teacher. Themes of loss, family, love, trust and consequences of actions are here in the story. Gilly's character is unpleasant, racist, bratty in the beginning and her actions are frustrating. As the story continues, she becomes lovable.

I wasn't wild about the book in the beginning. I found her character hard to like and I wonder what children think of her? As a rule, I wouldn't recommend it for a hesitant reader. The pace was slower in the beginning. Towards the end, I found Gilly's story more compelling.

Paterson, K. (1978). The great gilly hopkins. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0590613898

Hazel's Amazing Mother by Rosemary Wells

Hazel, a badger, goes shopping for picnic supplies while pushing her doll in a stroller. She gets lost and ends up lost and roughed up by three mean children. Hazel wails for her mother and like magic Mom appears and forces the mean children to make amends. The illustrations are humorous and colorful.

I liked the story but I think some children might be scared when Hazel is being bullied. I felt that Mom coming to Hazel's rescue took the book into a less scary place for a child. I thought Hazel was adorable!

Wells, R. (1985). Hazel's amazing mother. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0803702094
Illustrated by the author