Teens with hidden identities make for fascinating stories! Check out these excellent books, where for one reason or another, the characters aren’t who they pretend to be. This is my favorite compilation to date – I’m willing to say they will all electrify!
Tell me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum, c2016
After Jessie’s mother dies, her father marries a wealthy widow from LA and takes Jessie along on the adventure. Moving from Chicago to LA is rough for Jessie, and no one, including her new family, seem friendly. Then one day Jessie begins a friendship with someone online; a mysterious real life classmate who goes by the name Somebody/Nobody (SN). SN offers to help Jessie navigate the halls of her elite and cliquish new school, but who is SN and what are their intentions? Jessie is in for the surprise of her life and so is the reader as they fall in love with this witty and touching story!
Girl I Used to Be by April Henry, c2016
As a toddler, Ariel Benson was abandon at a Walmart by a person who brutally murdered her mother and father while the family was in a nearby forest selecting a Christmas tree. Now, as an emancipated 17-year-old, she returns to her hometown as Oliva Reinhart and finds herself remembering details of the murder which she has been unable to recall up to this point. Will she identify the killer before they realize she has returned? Or will she meet the same fate as her parents, and if so, why?
Pretending to be Erica by Michelle Painchaud, c2015
Erica is dead; murdered as a young child. Now Violet is the 3rd person to assume her identity in an attempt to steal her family’s wealth. While the other impostors were discovered, Violet actually has a chance to succeed. Adopted at a young age by a professional con artist, Violet has trained her entire life to assume Erica’s identity, even to the point of undergoing plastic surgery. As Violet begins to realize she can carry off this con, she starts to ask herself if she really wants to do so. A suspenseful novel with twists, turns and wide appeal.
Tyrants Daughter by J.C. Carleson, c2015
The story of a Middle Eastern royal family (a mother, young son, and teenage daughter, Laila) who escape from their country, with help of the CIA, after the father, a brutal king, is killed in a coup. The family is settled in a bare apartment near D.C. and asked by the CIA to gather information from other factions of people who also immigrated from their unknown country of origin. Laila develops a relationship with, Amir, a teenage boy whose father was imprisoned by the dead king, but it is unclear where her loyalties lie. While the beginning of the novel focuses upon Laila’s assimilation into American culture, the second half is nonstop political action and intrigue with a shocking ending.
The Secret Side of Empty by Maria E. Adreu, c2014Follow M.T.’s dramatic Senior year. While her classmates are applying for college, M.T. finds herself feeling alone and hopeless, fearing her status as an illegal immigrant will prevent her from following her dreams. When her status is exposed the responses from those around her both challenge and surprise this strong young character.
Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff, c2014
The Unknown Assassin, Book #1
Please note, the paperback edition of this title is published under the name I Am the Weapon; books 2 & 3 in the series are currently available.
Boy Nobody has no name, no family, friends or even acquaintances. He is completely unknown. This teenage killer lives his entire life undercover. It’s all he’s known, until now. This time he’s assigned to assassinate the mayor of NYC and father of a lovely daughter, and for the first time in his life, Boy Nobody starts to ask questions. Lots of twists and turns in this fast paced story!
Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy, c2007
Jennifer Jones, Book #1
JJ killed her best friend when she was 10. As a teen she is released from jail. Out of fear of a vengeful press and public, she attempts living under an assumed identity but finds this is more difficult than imagined. Can JJ successfully start a new life and what were the circumstances of the murder? These questions will keep you reading to the end.
Right Behind You by Gail Giles, c2007
Shortly after his mother dies, Kip at age 10, accidentally kills a 9-year-old neighbor in a fit of anxiety and rage. Kip is sent to a residential center for psychiatric care before his release 5 years later. Upon his release, Kip and his family are given a new identity to protect them from vengeful citizens. Under the new identity the family moves to Indiana where Kip, now going by the name Wade, becomes a popular champion swimmer. Unfortunately, he spills his story to his teammates, resulting in the family having to move once again to the Gulf Coast in search of safety and redemption.
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