Round 3 of Soaring Eagle Book nominees

I've been posting about the fifteen books that have been nominated for this year's Soaring Eagle book award: a Wyoming state award for quality young adult literature. Teens who read at least three of the fifteen book can vote for their favorite during the voting period, February 15 to March 15.  So far, I've posted about three dystopian novels and four fantasy novels.  This week, I'll write about the two realistic fiction novels on this year's list.  Because these novels relate real-life events, their content may not be suitable for every reader.

The Bridge from Me to You

Lisa Schroeder

Lauren has just moved to a small town to live with her aunt and uncle.  Lauren is heartbroken, struggling with loss and trying to find where she fits into her new surroundings and family.  Colby is the star receiver of the high school football team, dealing with the pressure of family, winning the game, and choosing college.   When Lauren and Colby meet coincidentally, the two have an instant connection.  They begin to get to know each other, finding relief and acceptance in the other’s company.  However, tragedy strikes, sending one of them into a downward spiral and thus, forcing them apart.    In alternating chapters of verse and prose, we get each character’s point of view as they experience the joys and pitfalls of high school, life, and young love.  Will Lauren and Colby be able to find a way back to each other?


While the content of this novel is relatively light - at least compared to other realistic fiction in YA -- the characters' ages may cause younger readers to have a hard time relating to them.

I Was Here

Gayle Forman

One day Cody receives an email from her best friend, Meg.  Although the two friends had planned on going to college together, they are forced to part ways when Cody decides to stay in their hometown, due to the financial burden of the private school and the overwhelming change of it all.  Cody assumes the email is joke, but because of the contents decides to contact Meg’s parents.  When the disturbing events chronicled in the email prove to be fact, Cody’s life and world view are irrevocably changed. Cody finds out that Meg has committed suicide; Cody is blindsided.  She vows to find out why, uncovering secrets and truths she never noticed or wanted to know about her friend and the society we live in.  Once Meg’s story begins to unravel, Cody must confront the truth about herself, her paralyzing guilt, and the truth about Meg.  Can Cody find the courage to answer the tough questions or will she lose not only Meg, but herself in the process?


Be aware that this is a novel about suicide; parents may want to read it along with their children, and discuss the issues the novel brings up.


Only two books this week, as these are the only ones that qualify as traditional realistic fiction on this year's list.  Next week -- adventure stories!