Jerk, California

Jerk, California is a wonderful book about a teenage boy who faces many challenges, not the least of which is Tourette Syndrome which results in such regualar tunts as Twitch, Jerk and Freak. The author, Jonathan Friesen, does a beautiful job explaing the syndrome as well as capturing the reality of high schol life for those who are "different". Mr. Friesen draws on his own experiences with Tourette to realisticly portray the disease and its impact on teen life. I especially like the realtionship that develops between Sam Carrier, our hero with Tourettes, and Naomi, the beautiful and popular girl on campus with troubling secrets of her own.

iDrakula by Bekka Black

This parody on Bram Stoker's Dracula is told exclusively through text messages, Web browser screens, e-mails, and various photo and PDF attachments. It's a clever, humorous, 21st century spin on the classic vampire tale. 

The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod:8th Grade Bites book trailer

Author Heather Brewer discusses The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Tenth Grade Bleeds

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

A fascinating, compulsive page-turner that weaves together a group of families in a New Jersey suburb. When teenager Adam Baye's best friend commits suicide, Adam's parents become concerned that they are 'losing' him and decide to install spyware on his personal computer. When Adam disappears, his parents get swept up into a criminal investigation as they frantically try to find their missing son. The secrets that lie buried in this seemingly normal community create a web of intrigue that slowly connects them all to an explosive climax.

Abraham Lincoln Award Nominees, 2011