13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This is not a Newbery award book, but it's another one that is too good not to mention. First, the synopsis from the inside cover:

"Clay Jensen's first love records her last words.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

Hannah's voice tells him that there are 13 reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself - a truth he never wanted to face."

This is a young adult novel - I would say for ages 15 and up. I know I won't be letting my 12 year old read it for a few years. There are some deeply disturbing themes (obviously). But, it is of a subject that young adults need to be educated about - teen suicide.

The format of the book is very, very interesting - the majority of the book is the content of the cassette tapes, the voice of Hannah in the days leading up to her death. Clay's reactions to what he hears is included. It was so gripping, and very hard to put down.

Although it is a sad story, it was entirely worth reading!