Bodart, a highly respected youth literature professional, provides an updated resource for both the youth-serving professional and the teen. She offers insight into writing book reports and booktalks that secondary school English teachers and library media specialists can share with students. The table of contents alone is a collection-development tool that helps libraries meet the needs of teens looking for themselves in books as well as reading beyond their own life experiences . . . Bodart's new book is a must-have professional tool in public libraries, secondary school libraries, and secondary school English classrooms. An examination of the subjects and themes also suggests that it is a useful resource for secondary school counselors. Bodart again demonstrates why young adult librarians turn to her for booktalking resources.

VOYA

Veteran author Bodart continues the work she began with Radical Reads: 101 YA Novels on the Edge (2002), this time featuring titles that have been published since then. After discussing the value of edgy books?those that reflect the sometimes harsh realities of life for teens?Bodart provides entries for over 100 titles. Recommended for YA librarians in schools, as well as for teachers; public librarians serving teens will find this to be an excellent reader's advisory tool as well as a professionalresource on handling challenges and preparing book talks...

Library Journal, Starred Review

Of the many bibliographic resource tools that anyone can have, this work is a must for librarians, teachers, and the general public who wish to promote the best in young adult literature.

American Reference Books Annual

In Radical Reads, published in 2002, Joni Richards Bodart identified 101 YA novels of the type generally described as "edgy" and "gritty." In Radical Reads 2, she lists more than 100 new ones-almost all of them award winners. What sets this bibliographic guide apart is the amount of detail provided for each title, including a sample booktalk, a list of major themes, book report ideas, review excerpts, and a useful rundown of what makes the book a risky choice, as well as what makes it good. An essential tool for librarians serving young adults.

American Libraries

In this update to Radical Reads (Scarecrow, 2002), Bodart gives an in-depth look at the latest controversial literature for teens. More than 100 new titles are profiled, offering detailed information, including sections on risks and strengths, major themes and ideas, brief character descriptions, booktalks and book-report ideas, reviews, awards, and more....This is a must-read for anyone serving teens, including teachers.

School Library Journal

There will be shouts of joy from YA librarians...when they discover that Joni Richards Bodart has completed Radical Reads 2: Working with the Newest Edgy Titles for Teens. The dedication will make you sigh and then you'll dig in to find more than 100 fabulous teen-tested titles, all published since 2002, each with its own character map, booktalk, theme discussion guide, book report ideas, and more. Your young adult readers that are always looking for more grit, angst, turmoil, addiction, despair, and psychosis will thank you for having Radical Reads 2 on hand.

Dodie Ownes, School Library Journal