Searching for the great perhaps

Miles Halter seeks the "Great Perhaps" in John Green's Looking for Alaska. His public school life in Florida is uneventful, uninteresting, and unfriendly. He leaves for Culver Creek Boarding School, Birmingham, AL seeking a more fulfilling existence. He finds his meaning of life in Alaska. The "hottest girl in all of human history." She is smart, adventurous and mischievous. Her past is somewhat of a mystery which she slowly divulges during late night smoking and drinking sessions.
Miles is drawn to the excitement of Alaska. But, can he handle the excitement and its consequences?
This award winning first novel is a classic for young adults. Recommended for grades 8-10.

Little Brother

w1n5t0n and his friends are arrested as a suspected terrorists in the confusion surrounding the terrorist attack on the San Francisco. They are held by the Department of Homeland Security. Their families are in mourning as their children are missing and assumed dead . w1n5t0n is released after days of interrogation. In the wake of the attack and the United States' security fears he vows to use his computer skills to fight back against the increasingly Orwellian tactics used in the guise of safety.
Doctorow's near futuristic narrative is filled with techno-geek hacking and subterfuge. The extensive bibliography offers readers the opportunity to explore the writers research as he learned about hacking and security. A fascinating read for grades 8-10.