After by Amy Efaw

I'm re-posting this review I did of After from 2009 because it was nominated for a Garden State Teen Book Award! It was one of my favorite books that year. Here's what I wrote:

After is the story of Devon, a straight-A student from a working class family who hides her pregnacy, gives birth alone and throws her baby in a dumpster. Following Devon through her hearing and first days in juvenial detention, the author explores how a teenager who had everything going for her got to this place and the denial and panic that led her to perform such a horrific act. It's interesting to hear about the attempted murder from the mother's side but be prepare- it's an addictive read and you might be up all night!

Garden State Teen Book Award 2012

The nominees for the 2012 Garden State Teen Book Awards are here! Each year, New Jersey teens vote for their favorite books in three categories.
The ballot lists twenty nominees for each category, based on teen appeal and quality of writing. Follow the links to see the nominees in each category and to place your vote (if you are ready!)

• Fiction- Grades 6-8
• Fiction- Grades 7-12
• Nonfiction- Grades 6-12
  

Voting will run through January 7, 2012 so you have plenty of time to read a few and vote for your favorite! Paper ballots can be picked up at the library and all the books will be on display until voting ends. I'll be featuring some of the nominated books here in the future using the tag "GSTBA" so check back later!