In the Night, on Lanvale Street

This book starts slowly, but by half way through I was so hooked I had to read on without a break. I felt I already knew Charlie, who tells the story, and I was fascinated by her obstinate (and intelligent) younger brother Jerry. The book deals with friendship, secrets, morality, family discipline, mental illness and urban street life. It has strong, believable characters, and it allows the reader to make up his or her mind about who's right and who's wrong. I also loved some of the dialog: "I want to feel the dark against my skin". Jerry says, explaining why he wants to go outside at night. The book builds up to a dramatic and scary climax, that will keep you involved, make you sad, and will give you a lot to think about.