Looking for Alaska

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. NY: Dutton  

Miles in headed to a boarding school.   He's ready to attend another school as he does not have many friends at his current school.  Only 2 people attend his going away party.  However, life at boarding school are much better.  He develops a friendship not only with his roommate Chip, but also with Alaska and Takumi.  The teens soon begin getting into minor typical teenage mischief.  Miles soon realizes that he and his friends are almost like a little family. They are always looking out for each other.  Miles begins having feelings for Alaska. One night he finally gets to kiss her.  However, the 

possible relationship is cut short when Alaska receives a phone call and 

drives off crying.  The student body is informed the next day that Alaska was

killed in a car accident. The friends all blame themselves for her death.  Miles 

goes on a quest to find out if they car accident was really an accident. This book reminds me of 

the True Story of Part Time Indian, because Miles is also going to a new school and makes

new friends. Both boys finally have a sense of belonging. I would recommend this book to students 13 and older.