Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

Jule, 18 years old, and on her own at a luxurious resort in Cabo, has been working out for over an hour in the resort gym. In walks a middle aged woman who strikes up a conversation with Jule. Jule normally keeps to herself but, for some reason, she is drawn to this woman. Jule speaks in her British accent, telling the woman she is from London. They agree to meet later that evening. After working out, Jule is talking with the pool-side bartender that she has come to know. He tells her a woman, whom he describes and Jule recognizes as the woman she met in the gym, was asking him about an American girl that looks like Jule. Jule immediately knows that this woman is undercover and is after her. Jule needs to get out of the hotel, out of Cabo. She quickly packs, changes her make up and puts on a wig.

So starts this mystery, thriller...which is actually the end of the story. What? The newest novel from E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars, uses the device of backwards storytelling. Starting with chapter 18, this story works backward, uncovering all the events that led Jule to this situation. At first this was disconcerting and confusing for me. Sometimes the storytelling is a bit droll, but my curiosity kept me moving. Many of the events were predictable, some unexpected. Many readers will be drawn to this mystery that centers around young college age students that live a life of Eastern privilege. Personally, I really didn't care about any of the characters, so felt little when "things" happened. It was like, "Eh? Okay. Let's move on."

The book is definitely older YA, with lots f-bombs, sex and violence. Not for middle school. This is a recreational read, with little fodder for discussion or to connect personally to.
Mark's Picks Rating: 3

Reading Level: 4.7 • Interest Level: 7-12 (I would recommend 9+) • Lexile: HL650L• AR Points: 8
Publisher: Random House • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-385-74477-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Gary Schmidt is one of my favorite authors. His stories are well crafted and very human. They are often both joyous and tragic. Going into this one, I knew it was a tearjerker...

Jack Hurd is a typical, rural 12 year old. Doesn't call much attention to himself, does okay in school, works on the farm with loving, supportive parents. His parents are educated, hard working, and want to help others. They decide to foster a 14 year old boy who has been in juvenile detention, for having tried to murder a teacher, and fathering a child; meet Joseph Brook.

Joseph doesn't like to be looked at, or touched, and would rather be alone. He has a tough demeanor about him, and becomes quickly defensive. But, the Hurd family gives him his space, is firm but supportive, and lets Joseph acclimate at his own pace. As the story unfolds, Joseph's armor begins to peel away and he starts to smile (sort of), play, and eventually tell his story...the story of the girl he fell in love with, the child that they had, and his burning passion to see the little girl named after his favorite planet, Jupiter.

Joseph is misunderstood by outsiders but endeared by the Heards and some of his teachers.  They see beyond the surface, take the time to understand him, recognize his strengths, and allow him to grow. The one thing that will not change is his love and need to see Jupiter. Jack and Joseph build a strong bond, one that neither have experienced. It is their bond that drives this story. Have tissues handy, you'll need them!

While the book has sparse text on the pages, and is written to avoid language or situations that might limit its audience, the story itself is mature and will have a deep emotional impact on the reader. Adults after a quick, emotional read will enjoy this one. There is much to discuss here, and younger readers may have lots of questions.
Mark's Picks Rating: 5

Reading Level: 4.4 • Interest Level: 6-12  • Lexile: 740L • AR Points: 4.0
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin • ISBN: 978-0-544-93839-7 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding