Annie on My Mind

Garden, Nancy. (1982). Nancy on My Mind. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Awards: 
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
YALSA Best of the Best
Age: 12 and up

Favorite phrase from the book: "Don't let ignorance win, let love."

Summary:
Liza is a senior in a private high school, she has everything going for her. She is president of the student council and is pursuing a career in architect.  Annie lives in the projects, her parents are Italian immigrants, and attends a rough school. The one thing they have in common is the love they have for each other. Since the day they met at a museum they became inseparable. Liza, feels confused as to why she likes Annie's company so much. She has trouble coming in to terms with her own feelings and restrains the attraction she has for Annie. After their first kiss, they confess their love to each other. The girls pretend friendship in front of others, but secretly they are more than that. When two of Liza's teachers go on vacation, she volunteers to take care of their home and cats. In the house the girls don't have to pretend anymore, they truly be themselves. A school administrator finds the girls together at the house and exposed them to the school faculty. Liza has to face her parents and the school board of trustees. In order to save her college career and avoid hurting her parents, Liza denies her romantic relationship. Both girls go on their separate way. Is not until college that Liza finally comes in terms with who she truly is and finally accepts herself. She reconciles with Annie and they both plan to reunite.

Reader's response:
Part of the narration is Liza's thoughts as she tries to write Annie a letter, in response to the many letters Annie has sent her during college. The other part is Liza narrating the events that happened between her and Annie during their senior year in high school. This is a very challenge book because of the topic it covers, but it is also a book that many young adults can relate to. The author does a great job describing the joy and the fear of being in love. She also does a extraordinary job including characters with different points of views, feelings, and believes that translates with what we experience today in society.

 Listen to the entire audio book (7hr15min) narrated by Rebecca Lewis, available thanks to Penguin Random House Audio.

Nancy Garden Official Site

Other young adult books by the author:

 Level interest: ages 14 and up

Level interest: ages 8 and 12