"Freakboy" by Kristin Elizabeth Clark

I have read so many good books already this year so I know that choosing my Top 10 in December is going to be very difficult. Freakboy is probably going to make that list. Brendan is everything a teenage boy could want to be; a jock, popular, he has a wonderful girlfriend. And yet, something is missing though he's not quite sure what that is. Vanessa (the girlfriend) isn't a typical girl. Sure she does the normal girl stuff, but she's also on her school's wrestling team. She loves Brendan, but at times struggles with the fact that he is often distant. And then there's Angel. Angel is a girl that works at a local LGBTQ center. She meets Brendan quite by accident and slowly becomes an important figure in his life. And one other thing- she's transgender. It takes some time, but Brendan begins to realize that the reason he's not really happy with himself is that the person he is isn't who he wants to be, but instead, he would rather be a girl.

This book was fantastic. Clark has tackled a very difficult topic but does so without judgement or criticism. I have very little about transgender teens and know that it is not a situation that is easy to face. I am so glad that this book exists. There were times where it was a little difficult to read because some of the emotions are so intense, but every moment of this book felt extremely real. I could visual these characters and it was very easy to imagine that they could really exist. I think that Clark has hit the ball out of the park with this book and can't express how important I think that it be read by teens. Those going through similar situations or trying to help friends with their transitions can get much insight out of this book. Fans of Ellen Hopkins will likely adore this book as well (notice her quote on the front cover). Seriously, if you haven't read this book yet, you must!

More insight into this novel:

5 Things Kristin Elizabeth Clark Learned While Writing FREAKBOY

Happy Reading!

-Melly

“Impulse” by Ellen Hopkins

Part 1: Impulse

(Part 2 will be my review of Ellen Hopkins' Perfect which is set be released September 13, 2011)

If you have read anything by Ellen Hopkins, you likely know to expect a novel told in verse.  When I first read Crank (her debut YA novel), I found this a rather odd way to format a book, but as I read tons of YA literature, I'm seeing that this is a new trend in books and have fallen in love with it.

Impulse tells the story of three teens, Conner, Vanessa, and Tony.  Each has their own reason for being a resident at Aspen Springs, each recovering in a facility in Nevada or, as Conner puts it, “a lockdown where crazies pace.”  Conner is sent to Aspen Springs after attempting to commit suicide.  Vanessa has a cutting problem.  Tony was found in the streets not long after ingesting far too many drugs and alcohol and nearly escaping death's grasp.  Each needs help.  Each needs each other.

Through her magnificent writing (major fan-girlsisms for this author) Hopkins spins the tales of three teens who have a rough start.  Three teens the reader can't help but want to see overcome their problems and become better people. 

I have read this book twice now.  The first time, I finished it and sat for quite awhile in shock.  It's rare for me to attempt to try and guess how a book is going to end, but I certainly did not expect the ending in this book.  I desperately wanted to reach out and comfort the characters upon finding out their fate.  Few authors have done this for me, and even fewer have the ability to evoke these same feelings upon a re-read.  Though her subject matter is usually dark (perhaps not the kind of books you'd want to take on a beach vacation?), all of her characters will captivate you and pull on your heartstrings.  If you haven't yet, go to your nearest bookstore, library, or online book seller and try at least one of her books.  I can almost guarantee that you will be back for more.

Check out Ellen on LiveJournal, Twitter, and Facebook!

Happy Reading!

-Melly