Jane In Bloom by Deborah Lytton

Truman Nominee 2011-2012

For those of you who like to cry through a book, this one may be for you.  The book begins with Jane losing her sister to an eating disorder.  But that isn't all that she seems to lose.  This is a well written book, a first person narrative told from Jane's observations and feelings.  This is a book worth reading.

First Line: 

"I open my eyes."

Bullyville by Francine Prose

Bullyville

This story comes from the victim's eyes.  Once called the Miracle Boy, Bart is now call Fart Strangley when he enters his new school, Bailywell.  Bart is having a hard time dealing with the death of a father and the near death of his mom.  And when the prestigious school Bailywell offers him a scholarship to attend, Bart's mom wants him to go.  Despite the many rumors of it being a school for Bullies, Bart makes his mother happy by attending.  I'm sure you can guess what happens next.

This is not a happy book in the least, yet there is one golden moment in the events that unfold.

Not  your typical story.