Rooftop

Volponi, Paul. Rooftop. New York: Viking, 2006.

Annotation: Clay reconnects with his cousin Addison when they both find themselves in a rehab center for teens only to be separated by death when one of them dies at the hands of the police.

Book Talk:

“ I walked up to the coffin and made myself look at him…The suit that Spiers got for Addison covered the bullet hole in his chest. But I didn’t think anything in this whole world would cover up what was missing from inside of me.” 

What’s left for a Black teenager living in the projects other than smoking weed and dealing? For Addison nothing was left after being shot and killed by the police. Clay having witnessed the death of his cousin realizes there are other ways to live your life, like staying clean and getting a GED. Join Clay as he discovers bravery in overcoming addiction, loss, and the pressure of taking your future in your own hands.

Awards:

ALA Best Book Young Adult

ALA Quick Pick
New York City Library Book for the Teen Age
Tayshas List

Image credit: http://www.paulvolponibooks.com/

The Silver Kiss

Klause, Annette Curtis. The Silver Kiss. New York: Delacorte Press, 1990.

Annotation: Zoë finds herself in an unusual relationship with Simon after they bond over mutual feelings about loneliness and death. Simon, a member of the undead, helps Zoë accept her mother's illness. 

Book Talk:

How do you let go? For Zoë letting go seems to be the theme of her life lately- her mother is dying, her best friend is moving, and her father is distant consumed by her mother’s cancer. In an almost unbelievable encounter Zoë finds an odd comfort in being needed by Simon. Together they find a twisted yet beautiful comfort in each other’s pain and loneliness. Sharing his secrets Simon takes Zoë into a world of the undead revealing his identity as a vampire. Finding solace in Simon’s company, how does she let go when he too needs to leave her side?

Awards:

Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, 1992

Oklahoma Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award, 1993

South Carolina Children's Book Award, 1993

California Young Reader Medal, 1993

Image credit: http://tc.education.pitt.edu

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