things you either hate or love

By Brigid Lowry

A novel told from the perspective of Georgia, a teen living in Australia. The novel covers a period of her life in which she is trying to figure out a bit more about herself. It doesn't have a plotline that pulls it together, but rather it details episodes that Georgia and her circles of friends (and not-s0-friends) go through. Georgia is fond of making lists, and the novel includes a number of them (e.g., the list that gives the novel its title, ways in which I am DIFFERENT from my mother, things that go up and down, etc.). One thing that moves the novel along is the fact that Georgia is a fan of the (fictional) band Natural Affinity, and is trying to earn enough money to travel and see them in concert. She doesn't have a boyfriend (although she has a crush or two) but she does have some good friends. The kids hang out and do the things kids do - argue, flirt, party, and complain about their families. They also make lists.

Some teen readers who like the book describe it as a quick and easy read. That it is. However, it does touch on some complex issues (like body image, the nature of friendship, etc.). I thought the author, Brigid Lowry, captured Georgia's voice in a really compelling way. Response in my classroom was mixed - some thought it was on target, others felt like the voice came across as too self-aware at times.

Diary of Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney

This book is a combination of text and cartoons, but it is not a graphic novel. It is structured as the journal (non-diary) of Greg Heffley, and so the drawings act as Greg's own illustrations and embellishments of what is written down in his journal. Greg is in middle-school, doesn't have a ton of friends, and is lacking social capital. He gets by through hanging out with his friend Rowley and by coming up with schemes to improve his lot in life. He is not particularly likable, heroic or even honest. But the book is. Many times I laughed out loud at both the situations and his descriptions of them. A quick and very enjoyable read. It began its life on the internet, and you can still find it there in a daily page format. Beware the Cheese Touch!