Teen Speak

Motorcycles, Sushi, & One Strange Book by Nancy Rue

Genre: YA Fiction

Published: April 2010 (Zondervan)

Jessie Hatcher is a fifteen-year-old girl with ADHD who lives with her bipolar mother. One day, out of the blue, Jessie’s father, who was said to be dead, suddenly calls her and comes to visit. This visit causes Jessie's mother to try to commit suicide by overdosing on pain medication. Since her mother is getting treatment at the hospital, Jessie has to stay with her dad. On the way there, she finds a book with the letters ‘RL’ on the cover. The book has bible stories in it that makes Jessie look at her life differently, as well as get through some hard times.

I really liked Motorcycles, Sushi, & One Strange Book, especially because the scriptures are written in the 'street language' of today. The cover makes it seem like the book is your typical fluffy chic-lit, but in reality it talks about some very serious and deep subjects. This book covers topics such as ADHD, mental illness, depression and alcoholism, but does it in a tasteful and thought provoking way. Thanks to Zondervan for donating this book!

---Posted by Natalie

The Summer I Lost It by Natalie Kath

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Published: August 2011 (Stone Arch Books)

Being fourteen years old is hard enough for Kat without having to worry about being overweight. Tired of feeling badly about herself, Kat decides that this summer she is going to do something about it. When her initial plan of attending “fat camp” falls through because her parents cannot afford to send her there, Kat doesn’t let that stop her. Instead, she joins the gym and changes her eating habits. Though losing weight isn’t easy, Kat never gives up and learns some important life lessons along the way.

The Summer I Lost It is a great motivational book for pre-teen girls who may be struggling with their weight. I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC. It is a really quick read, but contains a strong message. For Kat, it’s not just about losing weight however she can so she can look like everyone else; it’s about liking who she is as a person, improving her self-esteem, and losing weight the healthy way. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their weight. The Summer I Lost It is not only entertaining, but also a guide on how to lose weight the healthy way. There are even recipes at the end of the book to get you going!

---Posted by Ashley