In an electoral mood?

VOTE by Gary Paulsen. Wendy Lamb Books, 2013.

Here is another chapter in the ongoing tale of Kevin from LIAR LIAR, FLAT BROKE, and CRUSH. Kevin has decided to run for Student Council President. His inspiration is not necessarily valiant. For one, he hopes to defeat the other candidate, Cash, who seems to have a rather swoony effect on the girls at Kevin's school. For another, perhaps demonstrating his leadership abilities might draw the perfect Tina Zabinski even closer (maybe even a second date?). Things get interesting as Kevin attempts to do all the things a good candidate should do including making alliances, knowing his electorate, and conducting an honest campaign. Will Kevin's past saddle him? Or can he convince everyone of his good intentions?

Anger Mismanagement

PIECES by Chris Lynch. Simon & Schuster, 2013.

This companion to ICEMAN will draw readers into the continuing story of Eric (though note that this book stands on its own. One does not have to have read ICEMAN first. I do think the reading would be enhanced, though, if one had read ICEMAN). As the novel opens, Eric's family has made the decision to turn off life support machines keeping Duane, Eric's older brother alive after Duane broke his neck. Eric is not at all at peace with this idea nor with the idea of his brother's organs being harvested. However, he is having to deal with the fact that he has no power in this situation. Eric decides to meet some of the recipients of his brother's organs. This meeting, which is not all sweetness and light, does lead, though, to some rather profound changes in Eric's life, a life he feels is in pieces. Lynch explores the inner turmoil of the adolescent male, one with huge anger issues, thoroughly. Eric is not evil nor is he a saint; there is no magical transformation. Instead, there is a growing awareness of others, perhaps the best lesson of all to be learned.