Nic Stone’s latest novel is about friendship and classicism. Rico’s family which consists of her mother and brother, is struggling. Rico works at the Gas ‘n Go to help make rent and provide basic needs. They live in a well-to-do suburb so Rico and her brother, Jaxon can attend schools that will give them the best chance. On Christmas Eve, Rico has an encounter with a woman who buys lottery tickets. Because Rico assists her the woman gives one of the tickets to her. Rico remembers some of the numbers used on the other ticket. That evening when she watches the lottery drawing she realizes the woman may have won because some of the numbers were the same. One of the winners came from her store but never comes forward. The only other person to see the woman who purchased the ticket is a wealthy, handsome football player from school named Alexander aka Zan. He is the type of person that Rico assumes doesn’t know she is alive. Rico also knows that Zan got in trouble at his last school for being a hacker. She enlists his help to find this woman, hoping that the woman will be so grateful that she may possibly share the winnings. During the course of the adventure, their friendship grows and develops into something deeper. This is confusing for Rico because she had herself convinced that she liked being invisible. She didn’t have time for friends and was too focused on helping her family survive. Her friendship with Zan makes her want more and she isn’t sure how to handle that. The subject of money and her lack of it are always top of mind. She wonders how can she possibly continue this relationship. What will is cost her in the end. This is book written for teens but adults will enjoy it too.
Some ideas for discussing with teens:
Rico works to help support her family. Maybe you do the same or know someone who does. If not, how do you think this would impact your life?
What do you think of Rico’s mother’s decision not to use public assistance. What would you do in her shoes?
Both Rico and Zan feel trapped by their circumstances. How are their situations different and how are they the same?
What do you think of Rico’s initial future plans? What would you do in her situation? What would you do in Zan’s situation?
Discuss their friendship. What do you think they find appealing about each other?
What was your reaction to the location of the lottery ticket? Why did Zan do what he did? Would you be able to stay friends with him?
Discuss Rico’s dinner at Zan’s house.
Discuss Rico’s relationship with Jess. How are they different? How are they the same?
This highly impactful cover grabbed my attention immediately. I enjoyed Todd Strasser’s No Place so I knew this would be a great read. Jake just returned home after being injured during his first tour of duty. He is hailed as a hero in his hometown but he doesn’t feel like one. He comes from a military family, raised in a military community. His grandfather is a famous general and is encouraging him to return to active duty once his convalescence is over. Coming home is incredibly hard for active duty service men and women. This book illustrates what that feels like for Jake. His grandfather is parading him around while Jake is conflicted about his experiences and what he should do next. It is an emotional read and does not sugar coat the horrors of combat. We experience Jake’s PTSD, his guilt over surviving and his conviction to help others in the same situation while appeasing his demanding grandfather and reconnecting with his girlfriend. I read it in one day because I could not put this book down. This kind of first person narrative helps readers to better understand the challenges of our military. This is a gripping story that I will be recommending to many teens. I think it should be considered for the Printz Award.
There is now a novel version of the smash Broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen. I hope to see it one day but for now I thoroughly enjoyed the book version by Steven Levenson. Evan is entering his senior year. His high anxiety and depression makes it nearly impossible for him to make friends. He sees a therapist who assigns him to write letters to himself as part of his treatment and recovery. On his first day of senior year he bumps into Connor Murphy who Evan barely knows. Two misunderstandings later and Connor has Evan’s latest letter in this pocked and his name written on Evan’s cast. Evan is hysterical about the letter and what Connor might do with it. When Connor and his sister, Zoe are not at school for several days, Evan doesn’t know what to think. By the way Evan has a crush on Zoe. He gets his answer when he is called to the principal’s office. Connor’s parents are waiting to talk to him. Connor took his own life and he had Evan’s letter in his pocked with he died. The Murphy’s believe Evan to be Connor’s friend and have come looking to him for answers. Connor’s name on Evan’s cast confirms the friendship in his parent’s eyes. Not knowing what to do, Evan follows their lead and pretends he and Connor were secret best friends. What happens following that meeting changes Evan’s life. But can he keep up with the lies? I could not put this book down. It is an incredible story with relatable characters. It is a must read for teens, parents of teens and anyone who works with teens.
I am a huge fan of Love Letters To The Dead. I loved Ava Dellaria’s In Search Of Us just as much. It is told in alternating viewpoints of Angie and her mother, Marilyn. Angie knows that her father died before she was born. She never knew him. After Angie finds a photograph of her mother and father she decides to go looking for answers. Dellaira built beautiful characters in James and Marilyn. Their love story had me rooting for them the whole time. What happened to James is a mystery that unravels slowly with great storytelling. We see Marilyn as a young girl, controlled by her mother who wants her to be a big star. Marilyn wants to go to college and escape her mother’s world and her drunk uncle who they have to live with out of necessity. We then see Marilyn as Angie’s hardworking mother. When Angie asks about her dad, her mother only cries. Clearly something horrible happened. When Angie cannot take not knowing any longer she goes on a road trip to Los Angeles in search of the family she has never met. The Joan Didion essays were also a nice touch and added a great depth to the characters. I highly recommend this book, especially for readers who enjoy changing point of view characters.
I am so glad I finally read this book. I’ve been meaning to for quite some time. David Levithan is coming to the library where I work in March. I’ve loved his books, The Realm of Possibility, Love Is The Higher Law, Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Levithan is a beautiful writer. He brilliantly captures emotion and the intricacies of relationships. This book follows several boys with their relationships and challenges. Their stories are narrated by the men that came before. These are the men who died of AIDS, were ostracized by their families, or suffered other painful situations based on being gay. These men are the benevolent angels in the story; giving context while watching and hoping for the best for these boys. The central story which the others revolve around is the story of Harry and Craig. They are no longer in a romantic relationship but they decide to break the world record for the longest kiss. Avery and Ryan meet at a gay prom and something new starts to blossom. Neil and Peter are in a relationship. One of their families is supportive the other is not. And Cooper is struggling in a horrible way and is all alone. Harry and Craig have many supporters and many haters as their live stream goes viral. The story unfolds as the two boys go through many emotions and sheer exhaustion of standing in a lip lock for more than 32 hours. The story of all of the boys and the angels is very compelling. I didn’t want it to end. There are so many moments in Levithan’s beautiful book to discuss.
Hickey Picks - Young Adult Readers Advisory 