The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Pearson, Mary E. The Adoration of Jenna Fox. New York: Henry Holt & Company, 2008. Print. ISBN 978-0-8050-7668-4. Hardcover. $16.95 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, eBook, unabridged compact disc and unabridged digital audio.

Annotation: Seventeen year old Jenna Fox has just spent the past year in a coma following a terrible accident. She awakes feeling unfamiliar in her body and home. A series of strange occurrences leaves her suspicious of her parents and desperate to find the answers to many difficult questions.

Book Talk: Wrap Back to the Title Technique
Set in the not so distant future, seventeen year old Jenna Fox has just awaken from a yearlong coma after being in an accident. Initially, Jenna remembers nothing of her previous life. She doesn't remember her name, family, friends or home. Eventually, Jenna's memory slowly comes back to her. However, this new awareness leaves her even more unsure of herself and her surroundings. She wants to know more about her life and the accident, but her mother avoids her questions. Questions like how did they move to California while she was still in a coma? Why does her dad still live in Boston, when her entire family moved to California? Why do her hands feel so strange? Why does she “walk funny”? Why does her grandmother dislike her? Why does she hear the voices of her old friends in her sleep? Why won't anyone give her a straight answer?

Follow Jenna in her quest to uncover these mysteries and gain her life back in The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

Awards and Honors:
Winner of the 2010 Arkansas Teen Book Award
2009 Westchester Fiction Award
2010 International Reading Association Young Adult Choice Book
2010 Heartland Award Honor Award for Excellence in Young Adult Fiction
2009 Winner Distinguished Work of Fiction CLCSC
2009 New York Public Library Best Books
2008 Golden Kite Honor Award
YALSA 2010 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
Librarians' Choices 2008
2008 School Library Journal Best Books
Kirkus Best Young Adult Books of 2008
VOYA Top Shelf Fiction 2008
2009 Capitol Choices for Teens

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Click here to visit the book's Facebook page.

Watch the book trailer for The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click  here!

Follow Mary E. Pearson on Twitter @marypearson.

Young Adult Interview:

“I enjoy reading mysteries, or anything suspenseful. It makes me feel like I'm escaping into another world. These kinds of stories allow me to feel engaged-like I'm trying to solve the mystery right along with the characters.”

--Quote from Aimee J., age 22.

Riot

Myers, Walter Dean. Riot. New York: Egmont, 2009. Print. ISBN978-1-60684-000-9. Hardcover. $16.99 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, eBook, unabridged audio CD and unabridged audio book download.

Annotation: New York City is in turmoil due to the 1863 Draft Riots. The city's Irish residents are angry, because they are being drafted for the Union army. They lash out against the African American population, because they do not want to die for their freedom. Fifteen year old Claire is torn between the two sides, since she is of African American and Irish descent.

Book Talk:Wrap Back to the Title Technique
In 1863 our country was in the middle of a Civil War. One nation, divided for many reasons, waging bloody battles. Yet, during all of this turmoil, another war was about to begin. Not on the battlefields, but in the streets of New York. A war started by the the city's residents. A war between races and classes. 

Riot follows the events of the New York City Draft Riot. In 1863, the city's population of Irish immigrants revolted against the draft instated by Lincoln to obtain more Union soldiers. Infuriated that the city's wealthy residents were able to avoid the draft by paying a fee, the Irish took their anger out on the African American population; blaming them for the war. For three days they created chaos in the city, placing many in harms way.

The story centers around fifteen year old Claire, who is of African American and Irish heritage. Before the riot, Claire wasn't identified by her race. Now, she must struggle to understand where she belongs. To make matters worse, Claire fears for the safety of her friends who are on opposing sides.

Which race does she identify with the most? If she takes a side will one of her parents be hurt? Can her family stay together when society wants them to be apart? Will her friends survive the brutality on the streets?

Follow Claire on her difficult journey as she struggles to find her identity during the intense Riot. 

Awards and Honors:

None yet!

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Listen to a clip of the audiobook, by Listening Library, here!

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here!

Young Adult Interview:

“I like anything that makes you think and learn. So, historical fiction is definitely something that I enjoy reading.”

--Quote from Rob N., age 19.

Wicked Girls

Hemphill, Stephanie. Wicked Girls. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2010. Print. ISBN 978-0-06-185328-9. Hardcover. $16.99 USD.

Available Formats: Hardcover, eBook, and audio CD.

Annotation: Wicked Girls details the events of the Salem Witch Trials through the eyes of the girls who started the chaos.

Book Talk: Wrap Back to the Title Technique

In 1692, in the town of Salem Massachusetts, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams have fallen ill. They are experiencing terrible fits of shrieking, visions of goblins, and violent twitching. With no medical explanation, their minister believes the girls are being tortured by a witch. They are what the townspeople call afflicted. Ann Putnam, Betty's cousin, sees their illness as a way to get attention and power. A way to get back at those who have wronged her family. However, what starts as an evil prank turns into a dark period in history known as the Salem Witch Trials.

Along with Abigail and Elizabeth, Ann convinces her step-cousin Margaret, housemaid Mercy, and two other girls, to join her in mimicking afflictions.With skilled acting and manipulation, these seven young ladies fool Salem residents into believing they are being tormented by the specters of local townspeople.

However, these lies soon turn the small New England town into a frenzy. Each day more and more people are being accused of witchcraft. Everyone is a suspect.The girls know they are the only ones that can end this madness. But is their desire for attention and revenge more important than the well-being of innocent people? Will they put an end to this terror? Or will they continue to be Wicked Girls?

Awards and Honors:

None yet!

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Watch the book trailer for Wicked Girls below!

Additional Author Information:

To learn more about Stephanie Hemphill, visit her official author page here!

Annexed

Dogar, Sharon. Annexed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010. Print. ISBN978-0-547-50195-6. Hardcover. $17.00 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, eBook, enhanced eBook, unabridged audio CD and MP3 on CD. 

Annotation: Annexed follows the story of Peter Van Pels; the sixteen year old boy documented in Anne Frank's diary. Told from Peter's perspective, we learn about his life in hiding with his family and the Franks; as well as his time in the horrific concentration camps.

Book Talk: Snap'n Read Technique
Many of us know the story of Anne Frank; the intelligent, brave teenage girl who documented her life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Holland. For two years, Anne kept a diary detailing her life in the annex and her feelings during this terrible and frightening time.

Annexed tells the story of Peter Van Pels; the sixteen year old boy who went into hiding along with his family and the Franks. Throughout the novel we learn what life might have been like for the young man recorded in Anne's diary. The boy who captured her heart. We also learn about Peter's life as a prisoner at Auschwitz and Mauthausen. What were his thoughts and fears? Did he have the same feelings for Anne?

Though difficult and heart-wrenching, Peter's story is one of great importance. One that Peter wants you to hear, learn and remember.

(Read from book)
"These are my memories. I cannot stop them coming. If I lay them before you, will you believe them? You, who remain on the outside? Are you listening? In the Annex I could wake up from my dreams-but in the camps the dream never ends. I wake up and the nightmare is real. I can't really believe it is happening myself, so why should you? Do you?" (Dogar 81).

Will you listen to Peter's story? Will you learn from his struggles? Will you remember?

Awards:
2010 Winner of VOYA Perfect 10

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Listen to author Sharon Dogar discuss Annexed in the video below!

Additional Author Information:

None yet!

Young Adult Interview:
"I really like reading historical fiction. I enjoy the entertainment aspect mixed with the real life events and people. I feel like I'm learning, while being entertained."

"I read for school almost everyday. For pleasure, reading is less frequent during the semester. In the summer I probably read about a book a week."
 
--Quotes from Aimee J, age 22.

Call Me Maria

Ortiz Cofer, Judith. Call Me Maria. New York: Orchard Books, 2004. Print. ISBN 9780439385770. Hardcover. $16.95 USD.

Available Formats: Hardcover and paperback.

Annotation: Maria suddenly finds herself in a New York City barrio far away from her native land of Puerto Rico. Through a series of letters and poems, we learn about Maria's struggles to adapt to her new life.

Book Talk: Open End Technique 
What if you felt like you belonged to two different worlds?

Maria grew up on a beautiful beach in Puerto Rico with her mother and father. One day, her father decides he can no longer stay on the island, as he longs to be back in his birth city New York. Maria's mother loves her job and home country and refuses to leave. Fearing her father will be lonely, Maria decides to move with him to a barrio in New York, where he will be the super of an apartment building. Maria soon realizes her new life will be much harder than she thought.

Through a series of poems and letters, we learn about Maria's attempts to adapt to her new environment. Within these documents, Maria details her struggles with learning Spanglish, meeting friends, fitting in at school and coping with the loss of a beautiful island life. She must also soon decide if she will stay in New York or move back to Puerto Rico.

Can Maria survive in the cold, harsh city? Will she return to her native nation? Will her parent's love survive the distance? 

Awards and Honors:

Pura Belpre Award

Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature

A School Library Best Book of the Year

A Horn Book Fanfare Book

A Booklist Editor's Choice

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

YALSA Best Book for Young Adults

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Judith Ortiz Cofer discusses what it takes to be a great writer in the video below!

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click  here!

A Contract With God

Eisner, Will. A Contract With God: And Other Tenement Stories. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. Print. ISBN 978-0-393-32804-2. Paperback. $16.99 USD.

Available Formats: Paperback, library binding hardcover and eBook.

Annotation:  This graphic novel tells the story of four different people with varying lives and backgrounds. Although each tale takes place within a different period of time, they all occur at the same tenement building in New York City. Brilliant black and white illustrations compliment each story. 

Book Talk: Graphic Form and Wrap Back to the Title Techniques

Penned and illustrated by Will Eisner, father of the graphic novel, A Contract With God contains four different stories.These tales are taken from Eisner's personal experiences growing up in New York City. Even though each of these stories covers a different subject and time, they all unfold at the same location; the tenement building located at 55 Dropsie Avenue Bronx, New York.

(Hold up book to show cover. Open to page xxi, which shows a drawing of the building. Slowly turn pages from here. Stop when you reach the page that shows the number 1 with the cityscape).

Although some of the stories are disturbing, each narrative conveys a message, emotion and an experience. We learn about tragedy, triumph, irony, depression, manipulation, greed, lust and coming of age through various people. One of the tenements even makes A Contract With God.

(Show page 3, that has the title of the book along with an illustration)

Awards and Honors:
The Einsers, top annual comic book awards, are named after Will Eisner. 

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Click here to view the book's Facebook page.

To hear about Will Eisner's start, watch his interview with Stan Lee below!

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here!

Follow the Twitter page dedicated to the author @WillEisner.

 

Flygirl

Smith, Sherri L. Flygirl. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008. Print. ISBN 978-0-399-24709-5. Hardback. $16.99 USD.  

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover and eBook.. 

Annotation: During World War II eighteen year old Ida Mae Jones decides to serve her country by becoming a Women's Air Force Services Pilot. However, Ida Mae's quest is not an easy one. Throughout her journey she must overcome many obstacles; racism, sexism and the disapproval of her mother.

Book Talk: Snap' n Read Technique
Its 1941 and World War II is well underway. A young African American woman named Ida Mae Jones is living with her family in Louisiana and working as a housemaid. Ida Mae passes the time of doing boring chores by day dreaming about her future. She hopes that she can one day use the flying skills her father taught her to become a pilot.

While trying to figure out a way to get to a flight training school in Chicago, Ida Mae's brother is drafted to the war. Helpless, Ida Mae feels she can do more than collect nylons and bacon grease for the army. She decides to become a WASP-Women's Air Force Services Pilot. But how is Ida Mae going to get a position in the training camp when she is facing the opposition of her mother, friends and society?

Luckily, her grandfather supports her. He tells Ida Mae:

“You see, we all have our nature at the core of everything we do. There's no changing it, no matter how we try. That's why I'm a farming man. And why your mother is head of the household, man or no man around the house. And why you have to fly, no matter what it takes” (Smith 216).

In Flygirl, you will learn what it means to have hope, strength and courage in a time of despair.

Awards and Honors:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Washington Post's Best Kids Book
Amelia Bloomer Project Selection

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 Hear author Sherri L Smith talk about Flygirl and her love for historical fiction in the video below!

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here !

Follow Sherri L. Smith on Twitter  @Sherri_L_Smith

 Young Adult Interview:
"I mostly read non-fiction,but I like all kinds of books. I do enjoy reading historical fiction. I particularly like books about the American West. I will read anything that is real, or based on fact."

"Some of my favorite authors are Jack Kerouac, JD Salinger, Jonathan Franzen and Michael Chabon."

--Quotes from Travis M., age 21.

In the Shadow of the Lamp

Dunlap, Susanne. In the Shadow of the Lamp. New York: Bloomsbury Books, 2011. Print. ISBN 978-1-59990-565-5. Hardcover. $16.99 USD.

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover and eBook. 

Annotation: Molly leaves behind her life as a housemaid to become a nurse under Florence Nightingale, in order to aid soldiers fighting the Crimean War. She is taken on a journey where her strength, courage and heart are put to the test.

Book Talk: Wrap Back to the Title Technique
London, 1854.

Seventeen year old Molly Fraser has just been fired from her job as a housemaid. Shamed, Molly slowly walks home to avoid facing her family. During her long detour, she hears of a better opportunity from a newspaper vendor. Molly learns that Miss Florence Nightingale is looking for nurses to join her in aiding soldiers injured in the Crimean War. Molly knows this will lead to better wages and an exciting adventure. There's only one problem...Molly isn't a nurse.

Through skilled deception, Molly is able to land a position with Nightingale's nursing unit. The work is challenging, but Molly's special gift proves to be invaluable during this difficult time. As if learning the ropes of nursing under the demanding Miss Nightingale isn't hard enough, Molly is struggling with her emotions. A handsome young army doctor has fallen for Molly. Yet, her long-time friend William, who has joined the war, is madly in love with her.

Who will Molly choose as her true love? Will she be able to endure the hardships of a hospital during war? What is Molly's gift? These answers are revealed In the Shadow of the Lamp.

Awards and Honors:

None yet!

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Watch the book trailer for In the Shadow of the Lamp below!

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click  here!

Follow Susanne Dunlap on Twitter @Susanne_Dunlap.

 
Young Adult Interview:
"I read a little bit of everything. When I read historical fiction I like to read about Medieval history and romance."

"It is hard for me to read for fun during the school year. In the summer I like to read a book every few days".

--Quotes from Eileen L, age 15.

The Break-Up Diaries

Simone, Ni-Ni, and London, Kelli. The Break-Up Diaries. New York: Kensington Publishing Corp., 2011. Print. ISBN: 978-0-7582-6316-2. Paperback. $9.95 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover and eBook.. 

Annotation: The Break-Up Diaries is separated into two different stories; Hot Boyz and The Boy Trap. In Hot Boyz sixteen year old Chance Kennedy meets Ahmad, a handsome 22 year old college student. Knowing Ahmad is too old for her, Chance lies and tells him she is 18. However, Chance struggles to keep her secret from Ahmad as their relationship blossoms. The Boy Trap follows sixteen year old Gabrielle Newton on her quest to find a basket ball player boyfriend, so she can become an NBA wife. However, her superficial attitude leads to a series of problems with her love interest Tyler.

Book Talk: Open End & Wrap Back to the Title Techniques
The Break-Up Diaries is split into two short stories, Hot Boyz and The Boy Trap.

First, I'll discuss Hot Boyz by Ni-Ni Simone

Is age just a number?

Hot Boyz follows the story of Chance Kennedy, a confident, well-to-do sixteen year old from Atlanta. She and her girlfriends, or the Thick-n-Juicy squad, are celebrating the summer of being 16. Chance has a new car and has dumped her immature, cheating boyfriend Derrell. Carefree and content, she isn't looking for a serious relationship. That is until she meets Ahmad King, a handsome college student from New York. They instantly connect, but there is a problem; Ahmad is 22 and Chance is 16. Knowing her age will push Ahmad away, Chance lies and tells him she is 18. Shocked by his age, Chance's friends tell her to break it off before things get too serious. But Chance can't, because she is already in love with Ahmad.

Will Chance's parents find out about Ahmad? Will Ahmad learn Chance's real age? Will their love survive her lies?
 
Now let's talk about The Boy Trap by Kelli London

Gabrielle Newton, also known as Breezy, is the most popular girl at Lake View High. Not only is she the head cheerleader, but she is dating the school's star basketball player Jay-Sean. Handsome and talented, Jay-Sean is the ticket to Breezy's ideal future. A future of pampering and riches as an NBA player's wife. However, Breezy's future falls to pieces when Jay-Sean dumps her and moves to a new school. Devastated, and embarrassed, Breezy feels she will never reach her dreams. That is until she meets Tyler, the new replacement for Jay-Sean. Smart, sweet and well mannered, Breezy sees Tyler as yet another opportunity for a glamorous life. Since Breezy is used to getting her way, she convinces Tyler to be her boyfriend. But will she be able to hang onto Tyler and her future when her pushy manipulating ways interfere? Find out if Breezy will successfully keep Tyler in The Boy Trap.

Awards and Honors:

None yet!

 
(Image courtesy of BCLS)

Additional Author Information:

Visit Ni-Ni Simone's website here!

Follow Ni-Ni Simone on Twitter  @IamNiNiSimone.

Visit Kelli London's website here! 

Follow Kelli London on Twitter @Kelli_London.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson

Rennison, Louise. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999. Print. ISBN: 978-0-06-028871-6. Hardback. $17.89 USD.

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, library binding hardcover, unabridged audiobook, unabridged cassette and  eBook.

Annotation: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging follows fourteen year old Georgia Nicolson through a year of adolescence. We learn of her struggles with dating, looks, friends and parents. Her ferocious cat Angus also causes a series of mishaps! This is a light, humorous story that many teenage girls will relate to. 

Book Talk: Wrap Back to the Title Technique

What is a teenage girl to do?

Fourteen year old Georgia Nicolson is trying to deal with many complicated matters. Her parents are planning a move to New Zealand; her best friend Jas is dating the brother of her sworn enemy, and love interest, Robbie; her cat Angus is extremely volatile and torments her neighbor's dog; and school is intolerable. Oh yeah, and her nose is too big.

Told with wit and humor, we follow Georgia as she tries to navigate through adolescence. Georgia's awkward first kisses, fights with friends and her relationship with her family are just a few of the topics covered in this coming of age novel. 

Will Georgia survive school? Will she move to New Zealand? Will Robbie fall in love with her? All of these answers are revealed in Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. 

Awards and Honors:

ALA Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature 
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
IRA CBC Young Adults' Choice
New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Garden State Teen Book Award
ALA Book List Editor's Choice
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Virginia Young Readers Award

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Click here to access the website for the movie version of the book titled Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here! 

Follow Louise Rennison on Twitter @Louise_Rennison.

Young Adult Interview:

"I like to read main stream or literary fiction. Some of my favorite books to read are the ones that discuss what teens are going through. I like to read things that I can personally relate to."

"I try to read one book a week".

--Quotes from Mary W., age 15.

On Fire: A Teen Wolf Novel

Holder, Nancy. On Fire: A Teen Wolf Novel. New York: Gallery Books, 2012. Print. ISBN 9780872722569. Hardcover.

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, eBook. 

Annotation: Scott McCall is struggling to adapt to his new life as a werewolf. As if this isn't difficult enough, he is trying to escape hunters; uncover the Alfa wolf; keep his secret from his girlfriend Allison; and find his missing classmate.

Book Talk: The Index Card Trick Technique

• Set in modern times
• Teenager Scott McCall transformed into werewolf by Alfa
• Adjusting to new identity
• Strange dreams, what do they mean?
• Mysterious, brutal killings occurring in Beacon Hills
• Reason for Derek's return to Beacon Hills and his connection to Scott
• Hunters
• The connection Scott's girlfriend Allison has to the hunters
• Jackson Whittmore's mysterious disappearance
• Leave audience guessing how all of these pieces fit together
• Leave audience guessing what happened to Jackson, will he be found? 

Awards and Honors:

None yet!

 (Image courtesy of BCLS)

Teen Wolf is also a hit television show on MTV. To visit the show's website and watch full episodes click here!

Additional Author Information:

 

To visit the author's website click here!

Follow Nancy Holder on Twitter @nancyholder.

The Giver

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993. Print. ISBN 978-0-395-64566-6. Hardcover. $17.00 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, eBook, unabridged CD, unabridged MP3, unabridged cassette and library edition preloaded digital audiobook. 

Annotation: Twelve year old Jonas is selected by the Council of Elders to become The Receiver; an important role in his idealistic community. He is to learn his responsibilities from a mysterious man called The Giver. However, Jonas soon discovers the harsh realities of his new role. He also uncovers the dark secrets of his seemingly perfect society.

Book Talk: Wrap Back to the Title Technique
Jonas is an eleven year old boy living in a world of sameness. The people dress the same, perform similar daily rituals and are expected to act properly at all times. His society is so perfect that crime and pain do not exist. This idealistic community is kept orderly and safe by a set of strict rules enforced by the Committee of Elders.

Every December, these elders host a ceremony for everyone in the community. During this time all of the children reach an important milestone based on their age. Jonas is excited, because this year he will become twelve. This is the time when Jonas, and the other twelves, will learn their life assignments and be considered adults!

After many anxious weeks the day finally arrives when Jonas will learn his new path in life. However, unlike the other twelves, the Chief Elder does not assign Jonas a career. She “selects” him for a special position; The Receiver. With this role comes great honor and responsibility. Terrified, yet excited, Jonas is ready to follow his destiny.

Jonas is assigned to work with a mysterious man who will teach him how to be The Receiver. However, through this encounter, Jonas learns of the dark and terrifying secrets of his pristine world. What are these secrets? What will Jonas do with this knowledge? Who is this mysterious man known only as The Giver?

Awards and Honors:
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Notable Children's Book
Virginia Young Readers Program Award
Arkansas Charlie May Simon Master List
Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award
Kansas William White Award
Kentucky Bluegrass Master List
Maine Student Book Award
Newbery Medal Winner
New Jersey Garden State Teen Book Award
Scholastic Parent & Child 100 Greatest Books for Kids

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 Click here to visit the book's Facebook page.

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here!

Young Adult Interview:
"My favorite genre is dystopia. I like anything that deals with a controlling or strange society ".

--Quote from Eileen L., age 15.