Adolescent literature has been around for a long time. I first became aware of this literary genre when I took a course in Adolescent Lit while attending the University of Iowa, School of Library Science. Two of the popular teen books at that time were Robert Cormier’s "The Chocolate War" and S. E. Hinton’s "The Outsiders". They remain classics of adolescent literature and are also controversial enough to pop-up on banned book lists from time to time. While taking the course, I became impressed with the quality of the writing as well as the thought-provoking nature of the topics addressed. Later, I worked for many years as both a Children’s Librarian and K-12 Media Specialist and kept current on the authors and titles available. In the past few years, I have lost touch with teen literature, but the high quality is still there. What follows are two reviews written by Alisha Sherry, Scottsbluff High School Junior, and Cherie Longmuir, Panhandle Library System Coordinator of two teen books they recommend.

"Just Jane" recounts the struggle of the Revolution and the story of a young British girl caught in the middle.

14-year-old Lady Jane Prentice of Almesbury, who has been recently orphaned, has been sent to live with relatives in the New World: America. Upon her arrival, she immediately discovers that the slight unrest she had been informed of while in England has turned into a full-fledged rebellion! Her once close family has turned against each other. Some are Patriots, some are Loyalists, but they all will do anything to make sure their belief wins out. Meanwhile, Jane is stuck in the middle, questioning her identity and unsure of whom she should support. She is, after all, a British subject. And yet, in her heart, she finds her loyalties lie with the Americans.

As the years pass, Jane grows into a strong young woman, able to finally voice her feelings and opinions, even at the cost of loosing her guardians trust. As Jane finds out who she truly is, she finds her loyalties are less torn between family members and friends than over the question of American Independence. Telling all to refer to her as "Just Jane," instead of her formal title "Lady Jane." Jane Prentice is an endearing heroine with courage, intelligence, kindness, and the presence of mind to decide for herself where her sentiments stand: with loyalty to England or liberty for America.

Though this story mainly relates to the experiences of a blossoming female, it has appeal to people of all walks of life.

William Lavender shines in his first novel for young adults, a typical story of a young person's struggle through adolescence made extraordinary by Lavender's acute sense of the Revolution. Lavender skillfully weaves rich historical detail throughout the tale. Historical fiction fans may find it refreshing to read a novel set in the South during the Revolution rather than the Civil War. His wondrous descriptions of colonial life in America make the reader anticipate each new twist and turn of the plot: readers are able to step into the drama as it unfolds. smell the smoke of the camp fires, hear the thunder of the British cannon, and see the damage wrought by the struggle. The complex plot with authentic and memorable characters will leave readers with a fierce desire for more. This book reverberates with the tension and turmoil of the period. William Lavender doesn't just tell you a story; he makes you a part of it. You won't want to stop reading once you start.

Mr. Lavender received a bachelor of music degree from Birmingham Conservatory and Birmingham Southern College in Alabama, and a master of music degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He lives in Riverdale, California.

(Reprinted with permission of Scottsbluff High School’s "The Echoes", faculty advisor Terry Pitkin and Alisha Sherry.

Do you ever yearn for the "good old days" when the world moved a bit slower, there seemed to be less stress in our lives, and people cared more about each other? You’ll go back to the early 1900’s in the book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. But you may not find the idyllic world you were hoping for. Turner Buckminster III arrives in the beautiful coastal town of Phippsburg, Maine, and finds that behind the whitewashed picket fences live narrow-minded and bigoted people who use their religion to justify their behavior.

Unfortunately, Turner’s father is the new pastor of the steepled First Congregational Church that stands proudly in the center of town. And although Turner is a 12-year old boy who loves the beauty of nature and the freedom to explore, he must live within the rigid rules that will keep him from bringing any shame on his father. This includes wearing starched white shirts, playing the organ an hour each afternoon for the old neighbor lady who watches his every move from behind her lace curtains, and never going near the "forbidden" island of Malaga, the paradise sitting just off the shore, where whales swim and "wild" people dig for clams. One of those free souls is Lizzie Bright, a black girl who lives with her beloved grandfather in one of the shacks that house the many misfits of the island. Eventually Turner succumbs to temptation and explores the glorious shore and nearby island, becoming friends with Lizzie, whose spirit carries him to a place far away from the stifling life of Phippsburg. But the fine citizens there recognize that the spirit within Lizzie is an evil that must not be tolerated. Who knows what might happen if "those people" crossed the bay and tried to mix with the fine citizens of Phippsburg? So it’s decided that the houses on Malaga will be burned and everyone living there will be sent to a nearby insane asylum. Problem solved. Are you still longing for the "good old days"?

This story is actually based on historical accounts, and deals with much more than one tragic incident. The language is so poetic, you can feel the sea breeze, see the clouds swirling overhead, smell the fires burning in every hearth. Turner and Lizzie will lift your spirit as they discover the simple pleasures of running on the shore and learning to play baseball with a stick and a rock. And Reverend Turner Buckminster II will make your stomach tighten as he punishes his son for daring to make contact with a "negro." This book is written for young adults, but it deals with the questions that as adults we still struggle with. You will not soon forget the characters, the setting, or the themes that creep into your soul from the book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt. (by Cherie Longmuir)

Teen books are great reads, tackle important issues, and are usually shorter than books written for an adult audience. If those aren’t enough reasons to read them, try this one. They may provide a clueless parent with a clue to understanding their teen. This is no small accomplishment!

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