The Lost Boy

Written by David Pelzer

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Marco

        

In The Lost Boy, the main character is a small boy named David Pelzer, who was emotionally, mentally, and physically abused by his mother. His mom mad him eat the scraps from what was left over from what his sibling had eaten, and his dad didn't do much as he should have. But, if he had done something, this would make the situation worse and David would get into more trouble. Another way his mom had abused him was when she had him go into the garage in the midst of winter and made him stay there until she said otherwise. That's when David decides he has had enough and leaves home.

I like The Lost Boy because it was written very well. The book didn't lose focus on its plot and was very entertaining. It kept me hooked because of how real it felt. I would recommend it to people who like books about true events and people who like sad stories.

Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines

Written by Nic Sheff

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Jose

        

Nic Sheff’s Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines is a memoir about the author’s struggle with drug addiction. He started using drugs when he was 11-years-old. As a result, he started to progressively use harder drugs (such as heroin and crystal meth) later in his life. 

Sheff enters numerous programs to try to help him overcome his drug addiction. Unfortunately, after being sober for a certain amount of time, he relapses. The book explores Sheff’s journey of recovery from his most recent relapse, as well as how drugs affected both his life and his relationships.

I enjoyed reading Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines because I think it captures the harsh realities of someone living with drug addiction really well. The vivid, graphic descriptions of the author’s lowest points throughout the book captivated me, as well as allowed me to gain a new perspective on the issue of drug addiction. Reading about Sheff’s journey towards recovery was inspiring and got me hooked on learning more about it. 

Overall, I would recommend Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines to people who want to read a book that is mature and disturbing. Those that want to learn more about drug addiction should definitely read it.

Emergence: Labeled Autistic

Written by Temple Grandin, Ph.D and Margaret M. Scariano

A book for adult readers reviewed by Aidan

    

Emergence is a book about Temple Grandin's life and her struggles with autism. It mostly tells how she became who she is today. Because of her disability, Temple had to go to a different school, but thanks to her mom and mentors, she became successful. She went to college and even earned a doctorate.

I suggest people give this book a read because it explains how a person can overcome a disability. It explains why people with autism can't control doing and feeling certain things, such as rocking, not liking to be touched, and being obsessed with subjects like math and science. It shows how people can treat a person with autism and might encourage them to be kinder.