The Summer I Turned Pretty By: Jenny Han

Annotation:

Belly measures her life in summers, the sun, the sand, and most importantly, the boys. Fifteen summers spent at the same shore house with the boys treating her like a little sister and suddenly this summer everything is different, everything is different because this summer Belly finally feels pretty.

Book Talk:

Have you ever noticed how when you feel pretty the whole world seems like a different place? Even if it only lasts for a short while? After fifteen summers of watching her crushes watch other girls this summer they’re looking at her. Feeling pretty gives her the confidence to do be herself and do things she hasn’t done before. Which may leave you wondering whether it’s her looks, or her new found confidence that has the boy’s heads turning. If you’ve ever felt like you’ll never be the center of attention, if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to feel pretty, this is a book for you. One summer changed Belly’s world, and one book just might change yours too.

Peer Recommendation:

“I love anything by Jenny Han, her stories are so true. I feel like it could be about me.” Nancy

Awards:

ALA Best Books For Young Adults ,
Capitol Choices List (DC)

Han, Jenny. The Summer I Turned Pretty. New York: Simon & Shcuster, 2009.
Book Cover Credit: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Summer-I-Turned-Pretty/Jenny-Han/9781416968238

The Truth About Forever By: Sarah Dessen

Annotation:

Macy’s spent the years since her father’s death trying to be perfect. When she surprises everyone (including herself) by taking a job at Wish catering for the summer all bets are off, especially where the cute bartender, Wes, is concerned.

Book Talk:

Macy has spent the time since her father’s death trying to achieve perfection. She knows she isn’t as perfect as her boyfriend, who is going to ‘brain camp’ all summer, but by taking over his job at the library during the days and spending her nights studying for the SAT’s she feels like she’s getting closer. Then in a moment of insanity she takes a second job at Wish catering, where nothing ever goes right and chaos rules the days. Surprisingly, Macy finds that she loves it, especially the cute bartender, Wes, with who she is forming a close friendship… and maybe more.

If you’ve ever wanted to be perfect, or thought you’ve known someone who was, this is the book for you. You don’t have to take my word for it though, check out the summary and review below!

Peer Recommendation:



Recommendation credit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-NhZi9lhMk

Awards:

Beehive Young Adults' Book Award
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
SCASL Book Award (South Carolina)
Teen Buckeye Book Award
Volunteer State Book Award

Dessen, Sarah. The Truth About Forever. New York: Viking, 2004.
Book Cover Credit: http://sarahdessen.com/book/the-truth-about-forever/