A Can't-Put-Down Read For Your Teens

By FREYA HOOPER (Star Patcher)

While it is not as often that I delve into the Young Adult category of kid’s literature, this book just peaked my interest. I always love books with alternating view points, and this one did not disappoint. While it is filled with heavier subject matter, it never gets bogged down and it even has it’s laugh out loud moments. This is one I am very happy to have picked up.

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com for all the books that may seem quite serious, but also show us that life has humor and optimism!

Title: We are All Made of Molecules

Author: Susin Nielsen

Target: Grade 7 and up

Series: No

What this book is about:
Told in alternating voices, thirteen year old Stewart is academically gifted but socially awkward and fourteen year old Ashley is the popular girl with a mean streak. Their worlds are thrust together when Stewart’s father and Ashley’s mother move into together and they become defacto sister and brother. Stewart is still dealing with the aftermath of his mother’s death and Ashley is trying to get her head around the fact that her father has announced that he is gay. While Stewart is giving this brother/sister relationship the old college try, Ashley is anything but pleased about what this means to her social standing.

Why I love this book:
While this book does deal with the larger subjects of bullying, social pressure and death, it does so with both seriousness and humor. There were several places when I laughed out loud during this story.

Stewart is an incredibly engaging character because he always seems to find his optimism despite the problems in front of him. Ashley’s downfall is her less than stellar academic ability which leaves her just vulnerable enough that the reader can find some humor and humanity in her.

I also loved the alternating voices because it gives the reader so much insight into the story. However, Stewart is by far the more interesting character so the story is a bit lopsided, despite the fact that Ashley is a good foil for him.

Who this book is for:
This book does have scenes where drinking is involved and a boy tries to take inappropriate pictures of Ashley. Therefore, it is not appropriate for elementary school but is a good reminder for older children about the pressure to drink and the negative consequences that can come from that behavior.

Final thoughts:
Love the title! When you can’t find anything else in common, hey we are all made from the same stuff.

• Also from Freya:
• Sweet Book To Keep Your Kids Reading This Summer
• Another Great Summer Read For Your Kids
• Get Your Youngsters To Love Their Vegetables

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!