YA – Wrecked

Henson, Heather. Wrecked. Atheneum, 2022. 978-1-442-45105-6. $18.99. 272 p. Grades 9-12.

In the knobs of rural Kentucky, life always has been just Miri and her dad Poe. Despite Miri’s mom’s death, they’ve lived a good life, off the grid and not glamorous by any means, away from everything. Known locally as the Wizard for his skills with fixing things, especially bikes, Miri understands there are other reasons that Poe is called the Wizard, but she doesn’t ask for any details. Miri’s only friend is Clay. Poe has looked out for Clay and given him odd jobs, since Clay’s mom was sent upstate for cooking crystal meth. Fen, whose mom wanted him away from bad influences in Detroit, just arrived in Paradise, Kentucky to live with his dad. When Miri runs into Fen – almost literally – she decides he may be her ticket out of Paradise. Clay, like Poe, doesn’t trust strangers and doesn’t appreciate Miri’s new interest in Fen. As the two spend more and more time together, Clay becomes more agitated. With an Appalachian town overrun by the opioid epidemic and teens trying to navigate their surroundings and futures, it seems like there may not be a happy ending for anyone.

THOUGHTS: The alternating perspectives with each chapter will draw readers into a story of teenage insecurities. With an underlying mystery, readers will be hooked as they race towards an explosive ending. Recommended for high school collections, especially for reluctant readers.

Realistic Fiction          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD

YA – Rehab or Punishment: What to Do about Drug Crimes

Mooney, Carla. Rehab or Punishment: What to Do about Drug Crimes. Reference Point Press, 2020. 978-1-682-82739-0. 80 p. $34.00. Grades 9-12.

Mooney hones in on a specific viewpoint of crimes that involve drugs in this book. An introduction provides the background for the debate on how to effectively deal with individuals who are convicted of drug crimes. Five chapters outline what prison looks like for those who commit drug crimes, including what treatment and rehabilitation would look like in prison, as well as views on stronger laws to deter drug crimes, alternative sentencing programs, and an inside look at drug court. The book is enhanced with source notes, organizations to contact, further research resources, and an index.

THOUGHTS: Although specific, this title would be a good addition to high school libraries who need to update their criminal justice shelves.

364.6 Penology           Samantha Hull, Ephrata Area SD