A Street Girl Named Desire by Treasure Blue

Blue, T. The Street Girl Named Desire. New York: Random House:  2007.   ISBN #978-0-345-49328-6  336 pgs.  Price $13.95. 
(from amazon.com) 

Here is some brief info on the book: 

-sometimes addictions on the street can’t be broken no matter what you do

-a miracle premature baby born on the side of the street

-a story of transitions filled with many highs and lows

-from living in a foster care home of a bad fairy tale to star performer on national TV

-from a singer in the church choir to signing a record deal

-from stealing a red prom dress to buying the most expensive clothes

-from being raped by the captain of the boys basketball team to seducing a famous rapper to selling your body for a hit of crack to finding the love of a family

-a story of pain, sadness and addictions that can’t be broken even after the lowest point is reached or maybe they can be.


My Recommendation:  This book is a good read for older teens and young adults who can handle a brutal reality of one girls life growing up on the tough streets.  Recommended for a public library - a must for the street lit collection.  

Buy this book from amazon.com 

Watch an interview of Author Treasure Blue as he discusses this book

Bait by Alex Sanchez

Sanchez, A. Bait. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009.  ISBN# 978-146937722. 239 pgs. $16.99. (from amazon.com) 

Imagine being BAIT.  Imagine being chased by a shark every night in your dreams.

BAIT is the story of Diego MacMann, a troubled teen.  He is so troubled that Diego dreams a shark is attacking him almost every night.  Diego didn’t know his real father, his grandmother died when he was five and his mother remarried when Diego was 5 years old.  Diego’s step-dad, named MacMann, committed suicide in the garage a few years back.  Clearly, Diego has had his share of difficulties.  And what is even more saddening is that Diego blames himself for them.  He even inflicts pain on himself to forget the pain he’s been through, but the high is only temporary.  The scars are not - he has scars on his arms and chest from cutting himself with a shark tooth that his stepdad gave him on a fishing trip and he hides them.  But, why did MacMann commit suicide?  Was it Diego’s fault?  His mother now has to work two jobs to support Diego and his little brother Eddie.  Diego has quite a temper and lashes out at anyone who calls him gay.  He has two assault charges for it.  Diego winds up on probation and spends some time in juvie.  Most times, the offender is guilty of attacking another person, but sometimes, the offender is BAIT.  Through much disclosure of his past to his probation officer we learn about Diego’s difficulties.  The story is not all about tragedy though– but it was all part of Diego figuring out who he is – and who is in control – before he becomes the BAIT.

I would recommend this book for high school teenagers and for anyone who wants to learn not just to tolerate differences in others but to accept and value differences in others.  This book would allow for self-reflection.  You cannot read this book without feeling sadness for Diego's experiences, but also without feeling compassion for those who have similar past.  One thing I always say: "Never let your past dictate your future."  If you need help, get the help you need and always love and accept yourself for who you are.   

Check out the author Alex Sanchez's webpage.  

Read an excerpt of Bait.

Other Information: Alex Sanchez writes about issues that real teens face everyday.  Maybe you might be in a position where you might need some resources for something you are going through.  Check out some of Sanchez's resources on his website.    

Welcome to my blog!

A blog on resources for young adults from all types of genres!!!

I am posting these book reviews to provide you: the student with information about a specific book before you read it.  I'd like you to feel free to post your thoughts about a book you have read on this site.  Several books on this site are part of a series or have a sequel.  If you have read one of these books on the blog, please feel free to post your thoughts and ideas on the book.

Parents, teachers and librarians welcome, but this site is for Teens!   Please enjoy my site!