A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Conor's mother is dying from cancer and he is having a recurring nightmare every night. A nightmare that he can't tell anyone about. But one night after midnight a monster shows up. It originates from the yew tree behind his house, but this monster is able to walk. It's also able to talk and tell stories and it demands the truth. Conor thinks it can't be real but how else could he explain the leaves of the yew tree strewn about his floor in the morning and the destruction that the monster can cause? Conor's grandma is called in to take care of him when his mother is hospitalized. His estranged father also comes to visit from America. But Conor is essentially alone with his fear about the bleak future of his mother. It doesn't help that he is bullied at school and at odds with his former best friend. Patrick Ness is a fabulous writer and in his hands this story is compelling, creepy, and so, so emotionally true. Perhaps because I lost my mother to cancer I especially relate to Conor's emotional journey. I'm not going to lie to you, the end of this book will break your heart. Recommended for older middle school readers through adults.

Bang by Barry Lyga

This is a book about gun violence and suicide and guilt and desperation. But it's also about YouTube videos and making pizza and a Muslim girl and smart kids having great conversations. I read this book knowing nothing about it. I recommend not even reading the blurb in the front of the book. But if you must know the plot, Sebastian is a 14-year-old boy haunted by an incident that happened when he was four years old. His father left a gun out, and Sebastian picked it up and shot and killed his baby sister. That event consumes him and his family, and he is convinced that his only option is to kill himself. This story takes place during the summer, when Sebastian's best friend is away and he meets a new girl in the neighborhood who convinces him to make online cooking videos. Much like in the book A Monster Calls, these characters come to a point where they must say out loud the unspeakable truth. Read the first pages and you will be hooked by Barry Lyga's writing. It's powerful and it comes to a beautiful, cathartic conclusion. I can't wait to give this to my eighth grade book club.