"Crazy," by Han Nolan

15-year-old Jason thinks he might be crazy. Since his mother passed away several years ago,

Jason has taken up the responsibility of looking after his mentally unstable father. As he

struggles to find justification for his father’s increasing reprehensible actions, Jason wears rags,

doesn’t have enough to eat, and begins to fear for his own mental situation.

Though Jason is virtually invisible at school – an unpopular misfit – he has an audience inside

of his head. His mind serves as an alternate universe where he is the star. They watch his every

movement, his every action, and applaud the accomplishments the real world is blind to. They

are his friends, his companions. And his father is his family.

Although his father lives inside an imaginary world of Greek mythology, Jason loves his father

more than anyone else in the world. He could never imagine entrusting his father to a mental

hospital or another person’s care – And this is what they would do if they found out. They =

everyone. There is no one Jason can trust.

Formerly isolated inside his own world, Jason is forced to come out of his shell at his mandatory

lunchtime counseling sessions. He is thrust into an uncomfortable position of clashing

psychological complexes and raw, objectionable truths. Strangely enough, the social circle of

nonconformists confide in each other and him. It’s almost like they trust each other…

How far does trust go? Jason doesn’t trust anyone to take care of his beloved father. But as his

father’s mental condition falls into tatters, Jason finds his own world torn into painful shreds as

he struggles to understand his own role in the world. Despite his predicament, Jason remains

witty and loyal. Even if you’ve never been in a similar situation, Jason is a very unique character

– a personality you’re not likely to forget.

Reviewed by Alice Yanhong-Lu

"Vanished," by Sheela Chari

Vanished is a modern Nancy Drew-type mystery with an Indian flare. When her veena disappears, Neela Krishnan is thrown head first into a plot filled with curses and cryptic clues. The veena, a large Indian stringed instrument, was a gift from her grandmother. At least, that's what Neela assumes when her grandmother's instrument arrives in the mail with no explanation attached.

Neela is unsure if it is the veena's sentimental value or some greater force that drives her to find the instrument after it is stolen, but she just can't let the mystery go unsolved. Despite rumours of the veena's sinister past and a threatening note, Neela is determined to get it back.

The more she investigates, the more complicated the story gets. The web of clues and suspicions gets more tangled with every page, drawing Neela further and further into the puzzle. It soon becomes clear that there are greater powers at play, and the disappearance of the veena was not a one-off theft. Neela discovers that she must go to India, where the mystery began years before she was born, if she ever wants to see her grandmother's instrument again.

What sets Vanished apart from other whodunnits is the insight into Indian culture that is woven seamlessly into the storyline. This new take on the classic mystery genre was both refreshing and educational for me. I would recommend this book to readers close to Neela's eleven years of age, although the frequent plot twists and suspense are sure to keep children of all ages hooked.

Reviewed by Lia Codrington

"Season of Secrets," by Sally Nichols

Two sisters Molly and Hannah have lost their mom. While their dad is getting things sorted out, he sends the girls to live with their grandparents. 

It was frustrating for Molly and Hannah to be away from home and dad.  One day, they run out into a rainstorm to find their way back home.  It was dark and furious outside. No streetlights, no house lights. The air was damp and cold. In the darkness of the scary night, the sisters get separated. Hannah finds her way back to their grandparent’s house but Molly gets lost.   

As she tries to find her way, Molly runs into a man that is being hunted by dogs and huntsmen on horses.  He is no ordinary person. Not only does he keep disappearing, he can also grow a blossom out of his hand and make a sapling grow in the middle of winter.  Can this nameless man bring Molly’s mother back to life?

Sally Nichols’ Season of Secrets fills you up with suspense until the last word. As you flip each page, you can’t help but wonder what will happen next! An exciting book, Season of Secrets is an adventure itself. Once you start reading, you don’t want to put the book down!

Reviewed by Mofe Akinyanmi