The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

General Young Adult Fiction

G/A  Toten, Teresa.  The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B.  Delacorte Press, 2015.  304p.  978-0553507867.  17.99

From the moment Robyn Plummer walked into his teen OCD support group, Adam was in love. So much so, that he decides to start participating more and help both her and him get better. As Robyn’s health improves, Adam deteriorates, in part because his mother’s own mental illness worsens. While the book deals well with the issue of OCD and the fact that people are not always what they seem, the plot is lacking. It’s still a good read for teens that like realistic fiction or for teens potentially dealing with family or friends that suffer from OCD. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial

I'll Give You the Sun

High School Fiction

E/A  Nelson, Jandy.  I'll Give You the Sun.  Dial, 2014.  384p.  978-0803734968.  17.99.

Artistic twins Jude and Noah have always been close, but lately they seem to be drifting apart. In this original novel, the story unfolds from both of their perspectives, but in Noah's chapters the twins are 13 and in Jude's they are 16. Eventually the reader learns what changed between them during that time period and if they can find their way back to each other. This is realistic fiction at it's best. It's an honest portrayal of growing up, relationships, family and forgiveness. I'll be recommending this one to teens and adults, since I think everyone will fall in love with the characters and story like I did. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial Branch Library