Recommended by: Beth A. Davis, high school librarian, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Teachers Association, Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District

Suitable for: Grades 11-12

Why I chose it: Imagine coming home and finding a package with your name on it waiting at the door. While a package is usually a welcome surprise, when high school student Clay Jensen opens the box, he is scared. It holds seven audio tapes containing the voice of Hannah Baker, a classmate who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah uses these tapes to explain 13 reasons why she killed herself. Even scarier, Clay finds out that these tapes are being passed around to the 13 people who are involved with Hannah's decision, but they don't know why they are mentioned until they get to the tape with their name on it.

What I like best: The chapters are written to include both Hannah's recordings and Clay's thoughts and actions as he listens to the tapes.

Thirteen Reasons Why is a wonderful example of how our actions impact others, many times without our realizing it.

How teachers can use this book: In a time when bullying is a major problem in schools around the country, this book is a great way to start discussions on this topic. This book does contain one rape scene and a scene involving sexual intercourse, but while the acts are not described in detail, the impact of each event is vital to the story. 

Check It Out features books recommended to teachers and parents by school librarians.