I had read "Reservation Blues" for another class and loved it, so when I saw it was on the list we could choose from for YA Lit, I immediately jumped on it. 
 It did not disappoint. Sherman Alexie is a master of making you laugh and cry at the same time. Junior is lovable and you really get to care about him. This book is hilarious, heartbreaking, and hopeful. The illustrations were insightful and goofy and I almost wish there was a graphic novel version featuring all of Junior's drawings! 
 Issues of racism, grief, poverty, friendship, and just plain growing up are all addressed here. I know a lot of kids who have had to read this for school, so it's a great book to discuss for an English class. For pleasure reading, I'd keep in mind teens who like funny books.