msjamgochian'sinfinitebooklist

It is a crime against humanity that Sublife only comes out twice a year. But I'll take what I can get of Ignatz-nominated Mr. Pham's melancholy, simply drawn, warmly colored, and incredibly intricate work, which also happens to be reminiscent of one of my favorite artists of all time, Chris Ware. Volume one of the Sublife omnibus largely focuses on 221 Sycamore Street, where a ragtag bunch of dysfunctional misfits share a rental house and more or less engage with the community that surrounds them. Not to be missed for fans of Acme Novelty Library or Tomine. Grade 9+

The opening scene in Greg Bottom's grim and powerful memoir depict's his older brother Michael's first psychotic breakdown, when he sees God while high on LSD. Greg recalls seeing the grimace of concentration on Michael's face and knowing, without hesitation, that his brother was, indeed, seeing God. The memoir goes on to recount, in vivid detail, his brother's descent into madness and describes the life-altering impact his mental illness had on his immediate family. Grade 10+

Firoozeh Dumas recalls her Iranian family's cultural immersion in 1970s Los Angeles in this collection of small moments centered around their misadventures in America: getting lost at Disneyland, taking advantage of real estate seminars for the free steak dinner, being sent off to summer camp without instructions, and a host of other madcap faux pas. A sweet and lighthearted book and an excellent addition to any memoir unit. Grade 8+

At the tender age of ten, Colton Harris-Moore was already committing his first light crimes, breaking into homes in his island community and foraging for food. Born into rural poverty to an alcoholic and abusive mother, Colt's escapades quickly escalated in severity, and by the time he was caught for the last time, he had led the FBI, local law enforcement, and a host of militia men on a wild goose chase across North America that ended in the Bahamas. Friel's local insight (he resides on Orcas Island, the scene for a multitude of Colt's crimes) and dedication to telling Colt's story without judging make for a stunningly intimate portrait of a survivor. I cried when I read about the 'keepsakes' Colt kept in a ziplock bag and carried with him until his final arrest. A meticulously researched biography that will astound and surprise you - whether you are familiar with Colton Harris-Moore's story or not. If you are a native of the Pacific Northwest like mysel

14-year-old June Elbus has only had one love in her life: her city-dwelling, sweet, super-smart rather famous artist Uncle Finn. When he dies from complications of HIV, June is left behind clutching the string of a deflated balloon full of unspoken love and admiration, and the only person who might feel her pain, Uncle Finn's partner Toby, is strictly off-limits (her mother blames him for Finn's death). Lucky for June, Toby takes the initiative and sends her an invitation tucked into the special teapot Finn used during June's visits. An at once tense and close friendship develops between the two heartsick survivors, allowing both of them to hold on yet let go of Finn. Although this is at root a coming-of-age story, it is also about AIDS in the early days, regret, art, and family secrets. Highly recommended. Click here for the author's website and here for a full review. Grade 8+

Set in a small midwestern town in the 70s, IZ follows the escapades, angst, and ennui of the unnamed narrator and her best friend Felicia as they come of age amidst parental neglect, fluctuating social status, and budding romance. Click here for a full review . Grade 9+

Another excellent entry into the burgeoning dystopian young adult genre, Divergent is set in a futuristic Chicago that is divided into five factions, each representing a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Amity, Erudite, and Dauntless. When Beatrice Prior turns sixteen, she has to choose a faction for life. Torn between staying loyal to her family's faction, which feels oppressive in its austerity, or being true to her own desire for excitement, she decides to leave the only life she has known behind and join the Dauntless. What ensues is a suspenseful, thoughtful, and entertaining ride to a cliffhanger ending. Beatrice's (who renames herself Tris) intimate voice will endear her to readers , and the slow burn of a romance between her and hunky Tobias will hook them on the trilogy completely. Not to be missed. Click here for a full review and here for Ms. Roth's website . Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games. Grade 7+