Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Set in 2083, New York, Anya is determined to turn her life around upon her release from reform school. Anya's family runs an illegal chocolate business - a business that has filled her life with violence and betrayal. Anya has some choices a head of her: whether to follow her father in the family business, how to keep her family safe, and ultimately who to trust. This is Zevin's second book in the series. 


All-American: 45 American Men on Being Muslim

What image comes to mind when you think of American Muslim men? Do you think of attorneys, poets, gay men, transgendered men, scientists, actors, doctors, teachers, and writers? I was really surprised by the variety of American Muslims that appear in this book. I was hooked from the first sentence: "I was washing dishes in the kitchen when I stopped believing in God." Just like many occupations are represented, a variety of faith also appear. Some writers question the existence of God, some converted to Muslim, and some grew up Muslim. Appropriately titled, "All-American" will open readers eyes to American Muslims who have the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and faith that are seen in all Americans.

Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites by Donald B. Kraybill

The Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites (collective known as Anabaptists) may bring to mind farming, straw hats, bonnets, and homemade clothing; however each of these groups has separate histories and beliefs. This encyclopedia does an excellent job of defining each of the groups by illuminating their histories, geographic regions, group rules, and biblical basis for their stance on certain topics such as abortion, baptism, communal living, and shunning. This is a wonderful starter source for readers and researchers curious about Anabaptists.


The Dad's Playbook to Labor & Birth by Theresa Halvorsen and Brad Halvorsen

The Dad's Playbook covers just enough information for the father-to-be to be prepared for labor and birth. Subjects include: taking pictures (make sure to talk with the hospital and your partner before hand), packing bags (for your partner, yourself, and the kids), setting ground rules for the birthing room, making friends with the hospital staff, protecting your partner's modesty, and helping your partner deal with the pain of childbirth. For the Dad who wants to be active in the birth, this book provides a plan for before, during, and after the birth.

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

Dug Down Deep takes on the subject of creating a solid Christian foundation. New Christians will appreciate the accessible introduction into the faith and established Christians will find a fresh analysis of why Christianity matters. The author's personal struggles reaffirm that all Christians are sinners and need God's salvation. Harris is the senior pastor at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland and author of several books, including the best seller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye.
  

The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas

When Roses's mother dies, she leaves Rose a survival kit. Inside Rose finds an iPod, a picture of peonies, a crystal heart, a paper star, and a paper kite. The survival kit helps Rose and her family move on after her mother's death. But moving on isn't easily: her father drinks, she keeps her boyfriend at a distance, and her brother is at college. There are no easy answers to moving on, but she does so by making small changes starting with a new boyfriend who is still dealing with the death of his father. A well-written book for anyone dealing with loss.

Eminent Outlaws: The Gay Writers Who Changed America by Christopher Bram

Bram does an excellent job of providing an introduction to the gay writers that have left their marks on poetry, novels, and theater over the last century. In addition to providing insight into gay writers, Bram also provides historical context to such as the trial of Howl and the AIDS epidemic. While there is a great deal of materials to cover, Bram brilliantly covers just as enough information to illuminate the life, times, and humor in gay American writing. 
 

The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez

When I first heard about “The Pregnancy Project,” I thought it was a horrible idea: to fake a pregnancy for a school project. I was certain the project would end up insulting teachers and students when they discovered the pregnancy was fake. To my surprise, the project was well executed. The author did a good job of documenting not only her experiences, but also that of her classmates and family. While I assumed her classmates’ gossiping about her would be harsh, what really surprised me was the families. I assumed that families of a pregnant teen would be supportive and helpful—for Rodriguez, her family pressure was worse than her classmate’s gossip. This is an eye-opening book that I would recommend to anyone, not just teenagers. While it really goes to the heart of what it's like to be pregnant in high school, it also illustrates how hurtful stereotypes can be.
 

No Turning Back by Bryan Anderson

Bryan Anderson is Iraq War Veteran and a triple-amputee (he lost his legs and an arm from a roadside explosion), but this book isn’t about the war or what he lost, this book is about what he did after that. After his accident, Anderson says he had basically two choices: "move on, or roll over and die." This book is about how he moved on. He has many life philosophies such as don’t be afraid to fall, do your best, and dream big. This book is bound to challenge readers to make positive life changes.
  

Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Nineteen year-old Hannah is a dancer with Manhattan Ballet Company. She has dedicated her entire life to ballet and she's never even been on a date. Suddenly she meets Jacob and she wants more than just ballet - she wants a life. One of her instructor frequently says, "Your job is not to have a life. Your job is to dance." But is she willing to give up ballet, everything she has worked for her entire life?   

Truitt's Fix by Rex Evans Wood

Dan Truitt and his friend Tim are in a sailing race on Lake Superior when stormy waters capsize the boat. They are in a “fix” because they are drowning. The two friends regain consciousness to find that they have been taken to another time and a frigid earth. Events over the next few weeks involve them in danger and intrigue between the Naian, Icer and Fahrian societies. The author describes evolved cultures and technology with great imagination and detail in a fast-paced adventure you won’t want to put down. Rex Evans Wood (Skip) is a radio producer from Moorhead, MN. This is his debut novel. 

Warm Bodies by Isacc Marion

This is not your typical boy meets girl love story . . . There are two things that seem rather contradictory in nature: love and zombies. One implies that there is life and the later implies that there is death. Isaac Marion creates a unique voice with his hero, R, who does not know his name, when he died, how old he is, or even what kind of a person he was. He is a blank slate living in the present with philosophical thoughts on what it means to live. In his post-apocalyptic zombie world, R is not your average zombie, especially after a hunting raid where he eats the brain of Perry, who is not your average teenager. Perry's memories help R feel things again. They influence R to take action and keep Julie safe, which has lasting consequences for both. Each learns from the other what it really means to be human and to love even when all seems lost. This is unique zombie / love story that will surely change the way you watch your next zombie flick!