Heaven Looks A Lot Like the Mall

by Wendy Mass

Summary: Tessa gets hit in the head with a ball in gym class, and wakes up in a place that might be heaven, but certainly seems a lot like the mall where her parents work. There she meets a boy with a drill bit sticking out of his head, so she realizes pretty quickly something's not right! He charges her with finding the answer to a mysterious question, which leads Tessa to reflect on her life. Her bad choices start in elementary school, and she recounts each one in a matter-of-fact tone that lets the reader know that Tessa thinks she is simply a bad person, but you'll have to decide for yourself.

My thoughts: Tessa is so real it hurts. She sounds like the little voice in your head. You know, the one where you talk to yourself like you would never talk to anyone else? The one you're so glad no one else can hear? Recommended to me by Celeste G. and Sarah E., my wonderful 8th period library aides!