Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

Tennyson hates, Brewster,  the boy his twin sister, Bronte, is interested in. Tennyson tries to break them up by intervening on a date, infuriating his sister. Tennyson follows Bruiser home, and sees Bruiser's younger brother about to be beaten by their cruel uncle. Seeing that Bruiser is not doing anything to stop him, Tennyson steps in. Little does Tennyson know that this noble act will create a strong and unusual friendship. A friendship that will change his and his family's life, as Bruiser is no ordinary teenager. The book will bring tears and joy, anger and warmth. The story begs the question...If someone could take all your pain, would you let them? A must read.
Read Reads Score: 5

Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork

Revenge can consume every aspect of one's life. Pancho wants revenge for his sister's murder, DQ wants revenge for his abandonment, but together they find redemption. Pancho is surrounded by death; that  of his mother, father, and now sister. He is placed in an orphanage where DQ, a wheelchair bound, terminal cancer patient, has "selected" Pancho to be his caretaker. At first motivated by payment for his troubles, a friendship soon binds the two. Pancho is determined to avenge the death of his sister, whom he believes was murdered. DQ is coming to terms with his illness, preparing for his death, and dealing with a mother, who long ago abandoned him, and has now come back into his life to help save his life. The effect of their relationship upon each other is what makes the story rich, moving, and real. Probably best for mature readers because of the subject matter and some language.
Reed Reads Score: 5