Jasper Jones

by Craig Silvey

Charlie doesn't know Jasper Jones, the local boy with a bad reputation. But when he knocks on Charlie's window asking for help one night, Charlie feels compelled to go. When they arrive at their destination, Jasper lets Charlie in on secret, one that will change both of their lives forever.

The story is set in 1960's Australia, during the Vietnam War. I didn't realize the extent of Australia's involvement there before reading this book. Jasper Jones is beautifully written, with unforgettable characters you can believe in. The tension is almost unbearable as Charlies tries to bear the burden of his secret, help his Vietnamese best friend deal with pervasive racism in their small town, and solve the mystery that haunts Jasper Jones.