Thirteen Reasons Why

Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen reasons why: A novel. New York: Razorbill. When Clay Jenson received a box full of cassette tapes, he was confused as to why, but the note informed him if he didn’t listen to them, there would be consequences.  The voice of on the tapes is Hannah Barker, a dead classmate. As he listened to the tapes, he heard her explain about each and every person, all 13, contributed to her death, how each individual taunted, emotionally and physically, enough to where she eventually killed herself.  With each person, Hannah gives direction to add to her stories. After a night of traveling the town late at night, heartache, and wave after wave of emotion, Clay’s life will never be the same.

This book is meant for ages 12 years-old and up. This dark realistic fiction touches on a range of topics including suicide and death, physical violence and bullying, such as rape. The protagonist, Clay, deals with the grief of losing a classmate while listening to her elaborate as to why she committed suicide. Teachers could use this book to discuss the importance of seeking help when questioning or visiting the thought of suicide. They could also use it to help adolescents see how their actions and comments can affect others and their lives. One never know what is going on is someone else's mind or what they are thinking. 

Thirteen reasons why: A novel is on the NYT Bestseller list for Young Adults.

Looking for Alaska

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska: A novel. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Miles Halter leaves his home in Florida and begins boarding school in Birmingham, Alabama. He has not left behind very much at all as that he has no friends, just his parents. At 16 years-old, he receives a new nickname, Pudge. He meets his roommate, Chip, who in turn will introduce him to Alaska, Chip’s best friend. Alaska is the girl that all the boys fall in love with, even Pudge.  Through his new friendships, Pudge experiences drinking, smoking, pranks, and his first sexual encounter with his first girlfriend, Laura. As their stories come to life and they learn about each others life, Alaska reveals her unhappiness, but it is how she dealt with it, that caused her life to end. Was it an accident or suicide? Pudge and Chip look for clues, for answers, anything to help them cope with the loss of their friend, Alaska.

This book is meant to be read by young adults 16 years and up. The content of the book contains alcohol, drugs, reference to sex, and death. Green presents a realistic fiction piece that encounter today’s teens. The protagonist, Pudge, discovers who he is, makes friends, and deals with grief as he lost the girl he loved, but never got to really tell. The story is full of action as pranks are pulled on the students within the boarding school as well as trying to stay under the Eagle’s radar.

Looking for Alaska is the 2005 Printz Winner.