Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins has a unique presentation style that is one of a kind. Her books are written in prose format, whose rhyme, meter, and tempo vary page by page. It can be a bit difficult to get into at the start, but once you get sucked in, you could read the whole thing in a single night.

This particular book focuses on the story of Pattyn, a teenage girl growing up in a strict, religious family that she doesn't feel she really fits in. While most teens can relate to that feeling, Pattyn's situation is unique in that she is not allowed to even entertain the thought of boys.

Unfortunately being the teenager that she is, she sneaks around her family to see a boy; and like many teenagers she gets caught. As punishment she is sent away to live with her Aunt for the rest of the summer. There she learns a lot, ranging from her father's shady past, how to drive a manual truck, and how it feels to really fall in love. This story sucks you in lets you experience her heartbreak, her education, and her life. Truly a marvelous read!