Young Adult Book Reviews

“Somewhere Past the End” by Alexandria Faulkenbury

This book starts with Alice Greene peering out a window.  As she watches, everyone she knows, including her parents and husband,  is taken into the light and disappears.  Left behind are a handful of cult members. The book then alternates between the present, and Alice’s mother as she falls pregnant and joins the cult.

The book itself was very slow moving.  The present day story could have been cut entirely, or the book could have ended when everyone disappears.  I thought the mother’s journey joining the cult was far more interesting and could have read an entire book about that.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Twinmaker” by Sean Williams

When a secretive message promises improvement, Clair’s best friend Libby jumps at the opportunity.  However, Libby’s personality drastically changes and she begins experiencing headaches and lethargy.  Clair reaches out to a technology adverse school mate, and is then contacted by a mysterious stranger.

I had a hard time getting into this book.  It felt very slow moving and turned into one big chase scene.  The main character seemed to instantly understand everything without questioning or issue.

“A Tiny Piece of Blue” by Charlotte Whitney 

After a house fire, Silstice is abandoned by her parents and left to fend for herself.  Her younger siblings are sent to other relatives, and her older sister moves in with a friend.  With no options, Solstice appeals to her FFA teacher, Edna.  Vernon, Edna’s husband, is reluctant to have anyone else in the house, and harps on Silstice using the electricity, water, and eating food.  Solstice strikes a deal, where she pays $1 a week to stay.  Initially, Edna secretly gives her the money, but the money has run out.

I thought this was a good young adult novel.  For me, an adult, the characters felt a bit stereotypical and the plot line was a bit basic.  I also thought the novel needed an epilogue.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Spliced Up” by Kelli Price 

Splicing, a genetic treatment, has become common for everything from enhancing your features to treating complex diseases.  Avall’s best friend is dying from a genetic disorder but cannot afford the pricey treatment.  Avall uses her connections to reach out to Dr. Cutler, a geneticist.  He agrees to offer Avall’s bestie free genetic treatment in exchange for Avall attending his summer camp.  At the camp, Dr. Cutler experiments on teens, trying to uncover the genes for resilience.  Once at the camp, Avall quickly realizes that not everything is as it seems.

I thought both the plot and characters were interesting and dynamic.  The book is geared towards teens and young adults, who I believe will enjoy the story.  As an adult, some of the plot points were a bit predictable, but overall, a well-developed book.

“The Monstrous Misses Mai” by Van Hoang

After an argument with her parents, Cordelia leaves home determined to make it on her own.  She finds herself renting an apartment with Tessa, Audrey, and Silly, each who have the middle name of Mai.  When their dreams are slow to realize, they turn to magic, casting one spell after another.  What they don’t realize is that each spell requires  sacrifice, one that may take their very lives.

This book was a bit predictable and the characters were a bit stereotypical.  Although this book wasn’t for me, I can see the appeal of the book to young adults or teenagers.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"We Burn Daylight” by Bret Anthony Johnston 

Set in Waco Texas, teenager Roy is the son of the local sheriff.  When he meets mysterious Jaye, he quickly falls for her charm and beauty.  When he realizes  that she is one of David Karesh’s followers, and the FBI has begun their siege, he is rocked with fear.

I had some trouble with this book.  I thought the teenage characters were much wiser than their years.  I just didn’t buy them as characters.  I don’t want to give anything away, so all I will say is that I thought the ending wasn’t very plausible.  Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

"The All-American" by Susie Finkbeiner

16 year old Bertha dreams of playing ball with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.  When her writer father is accused of being a communist, her family begins to spiral out of control.  Moving to a different town, the family lives with Uncle Matthew, a shy and reclusive relative. 

The book alternates between Bertha's point of view and her younger sister Flossie's point of view.  I did not enjoy Flossie's point of view.  She was presented as a naive child, which took away from Bertha's journey.  I also wanted to read about the baseball team, instead the book focused on their family life.  Overall, not a story for me.

"Pieces of Me" by Kate McLaughlin

Dylan wakes up in an apartment unsure of where she is, who she is with, and unaware of the past three days.  After her best friend suggests that she has DID - dissociative identity disorder - the diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor.  Unsure what trauma caused the DID, she begins delving into her past.

  I'm not sure how to rate this book.  I think DID is a fascinating topic, particularly the therapy and integrating personalities.  However, everything seemed to come so easily to Dylan.  She didn't struggle with the diagnosis, but seemingly accepted it with very little questioning.  The process of meeting her alters seemed routine, as if she was meeting a new neighbor.  The ease just did not seem realistic.  I understand this may appeal to a young adult/teenage reader, but it didn't work for me.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" a triwizard tournament involving three wizarding schools is planned.  When Harry is selected as the fourth contestant, his friends are jealous, his teachers are worried, and Harry is once again thrust in the spotlight.

  In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," after Lord Voldemort's return to power, both Harry and Dumbledore are the target of a smear campaign by the Ministry of Magic to discredit them.  Those loyal to Dumbledore reform the Order of the Phoenix, a group dedicated to fighting the Dark Lord.  Harry begins seeing inside of Voldemort's mind, causing great concern for everyone.

  "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" begins with an increased openness between Dumbledore and Harry.  Finally, Dumbledore begins teaching Harry and sharing with him what he has uncovered about Voldemort.  As the book progresses, it becomes clearer and clearer that Harry must be the one to face off against the Dark Lord.

  After the death of Dumbledore, in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Harry, Ron and Hermione begin searching for horcruxes.  Along the way, they learn of the deathly hallows, three magical items alleged the give the possessor the power of death.  They must choose between horcruxes and hollows in order to face off against, and defeat Voldemort.

  It has been a long time since I've read the entire series.  I was amazed at all of the things that I had forgotten (and all of the things left out of the movies).  It is well worth re-reading the books, they held all of the magic and wonder as they did the first time I read them.  Highly, highly, highly recommended.

 "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, " "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, " and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

With all of the hype about the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter movie, I've decided to re-read the series. 

  In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 11 year old Harry Potter is whisked away from his mundane life when he finds out that he is a wizard.  Leaving behind his horrendous muggle family, he begins school at Hogwarts.  There, he meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.  He discovers that he is very famous, the only survivor of the notorious dark wizard Lord Voldemort.  Unfortunately, Lord Voldemort has resurfaced, and he is after the immortality of the sorcerer's stone.

  In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their second year.  Shortly after returning, someone, or something, begins to attack students.  Harry and his friends must uncover the culprit before the school is closed or worse, someone is killed.

  In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkhaban, Sirius Black, a murderous wizard is on the loose.  Heard to murmur, "he's at Hogwart's" everyone assumes that he is after Harry.  When Harry learns that Sirius caused the death of his parent's, he begins thinking of revenge.

  I highly enjoyed reading all three of these books.  Each book is progressively darker as the characters have to deal with progressively worse situations.  The characters are well written and extremely dynamic.  I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

"American Royals II: Majesty" by Katharine McGee          

After the death of her father, the King of America, Beatrice struggles to define herself, and find her power. With her advisor insisting that she marries, she reluctantly decides to set the date. Meanwhile, her sister Samantha fakes a relationship to make Beatrice's fiancée jealous. Samantha's best friend Nina, struggles with the aftermath of her relationship with Prince Jefferson, and struggles to define herself. Prince Jefferson's power crazed ex girlfriend Daphne, continues to plot ways to get back with Jeff.          

Overall, this was a fun, quick read. However, a lot of the plot seemed to be a repeat of the first book. I understand that relationship drama is the bedrock of a young adult book, but some of the angst felt stale. Despite this criticism, I would read more from this author. 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Attic Tragedy" b J. Ashley-Smith         

George, an unpopular, chubby girl, struggles with her gender, social identity, and sexuality. When she meets Sylvie, she is instantly attracted to her odd and peculiar personality. After standing up for Sylvie, and beating back the bullies, they are drawn together.         

This was a novella, and I felt that it did not have enough details to make the story interesting. Sylvie felt like a half formed character. She had possibility, but it was never really fully developed. The story hinted at things, but that was all. It felt like nothing really happened. Overall, a bust.

"Trowbridge Road" by Marcella Pixley         

This is a pre-teen, middle school book that addresses difficult issues of mental illness, AIDS, loneliness, and hunger. After her father dies of AIDS, June Bug's mother retreats into herself and creates complicated rituals of cleanliness and isolation. When Ziggy, another kid moves in down the street, June Bug befriends him. Together, they create a magical world where they can both be happy.          

This was a well written book. It addressed difficult issues in a relatable and sympathetic way. Although I felt very sad after reading the book, I think it will be an important read for younger teens. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"Music for Tigers" by Michelle Kadarusman          

All Louisa wants is to practice her violin and audition for a youth orchestra in Canada. Instead, her parents ship her off to Australia for the summer. In Australia, she stays with her Uncle Ruff, who rescues native animals. While there, she learns about the Tasmanian tiger, an animal thought to be extinct, and makes friends with Colin, a young boy on the autism spectrum. With the impending destruction of the secret tiger sanctuary, the three are determined to capture and relocate the last remaining tiger.          

This was a good middle school/pre-teen book. It was well written and engaging. The characters were multi dimensional and dynamic. The book also had an educational component, as it discussed wildlife preservation and native Australian animals. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"Layoverland" by Gabby Noone         

When Bea dies in a car accident, she finds herself in airport purgatory. In order to leave purgatory, she is tasked with helping five thousand people shift through their memories and find closure. When she is tasked with helping Caleb, she quickly realizes that he was the one driving the car that killed her.          

The setting was pretty interesting but that was about it. The characters were pretty stereotypical and the plot was a bit predictable. The plot and characters needed more depth, more dimension to hold my interest. The book was quick paced and easy to read. I see its appeal for a middle school audience, it just wasn't for me.

"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles         

When Odile joins the American Library in Paris, she is both shocked and dismayed when the Nazi's invade. Along with the rest of the staff, she does everything she can to keep the library open and to deliver books to patrons who can no longer visit the library. Odile's story alternates with the story of Lily in Montana during the 1980's. Lily, a pre-teen, befriends her lonesome neighbor Odile and slowly unravels her story.          

Although I enjoyed Odile's story, I felt that Lily's voice was too young. The contrast between their points of view was a bit jolting and a bit off-putting. Perhaps the author could have used an older teenager, or left off Lily's point of view altogether. I was also annoyed that Lily's story received closure but Odile's story did not. Because of these criticisms, what could have been a great book was a bust.

"Beware the Night" by Jessika Fleck         

Veda is one of the Basso, a second class citizen on the island of Bellona. On the island, society worships the Light, and often makes human sacrifices to appease the Light. The High Regent blames the Night for any societal ill, including the recent disappearance of Basso citizens.         

Although I enjoyed the pacing and characters of this book, I thought the world building left a lot to be desired. There were too many plot holes throughout. For example, they have landmines and explosives, but then fight with bows and spears. The High Regent starts a campaign against the Night after the first war, when Veda's parents were killed. That was probably 15 or 16 years ago. It didn't make a lot of sense that the fear and terror against the night would have built so quickly. At a minimum, the older residents would have known better. I hope the author can fix some of these plot holes in future books. Her writing style and characters were very compelling and I would like to read more from her.

"Defy the Sun" by Jessika Fleck         

This is a sequel to "Beware the Night." In this book, civil war has erupted between the Night, led by the Sindaco, and the Light, led by the High Regent.         

This book had many of the same problems as the first book, mainly huge gaping world building holes. In a tiny island with only two real villages, hundreds and hundreds of people are missing. The Lunalette legend was passed down via tapestry and by word of mouth for generations, however, the legend was only created by the Sindaco 15 or 16 years ago. Early in the book, Nico's wrists are bound by rope. He sticks his hands in the fire to burn the rope. His hands are burnt, but that is never mentioned again. Later, Nico heals from a life threatening arrow in his back in just a week or two. I know this is a young adult book, but seriously, fix these problems! Overall, a bust.

"The King's Questioner" by Nikki Katz         

Kalen works for the King as a mind reader. He has the ability to search a person's memories by touch. When the Prince falls into a coma, the king asks Kalen to search his mind for clues about what happened. While in the Prince's mind, Kalen uncovers a secret, one that even the Prince was unaware of. Long ago, a princess was born, but her abilities were blamed for her mother's death and as a newborn she was sent away. Once the Prince awakens, he remembers, and together, Kalen, the Prince, and Luna, a friend, journey to find the Princess.          

This was a well written and engaging young adult book. My biggest criticism is that I wish the author had gone into more detail about the world and the magic system. However, I don't think this really took away from the story. The book was fast paced and interesting, enough to hold my attention. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"Nameless Queen" by Rebecca McLaughlin         

The throne is passed on through magic - whoever the last name the King or Queen utters is emblazoned with a tattoo, marking them as the next sovereign. Coin is a nameless, a class of citizen with no name, status, or ability to move up in life. When Coin is emblazoned with the tattoo, everything changes.          

This was a well written and engaging story. The social hierarchy was a bit simplistic, but it worked well. The characters themselves were dynamic and life-like. I look forward to reading more from this author and set in this world.

"Safe Harbour" by Christina Kilbourne         

At 14 years old Harbour's father sent her north to Canada to live while he sailed their boat (and home) up to her. Camping in a ravine, Harbour optimistically awaits the day he is supposed to arrive. When the day comes and passes, she begins to panic, not sure what she will do without out. Lise, an older homeless teen, befriends Harbour, showing her all of the good places to get a meal, or merely to be when it is cold. As the days tick away, it becomes more and more obvious that something has happened to Harbour's dad and that she needs to make a new plan.         

This book was a bit slow moving. Just as Harbour was waiting on her Dad, the reader was left waiting for Harbour to come to the truth about her situation. This was very tedious at times. Although Harbour and Lise were realistic characters, I didn't really find the plot all that believable. Overall, this book just wasn't for me.

"Jane Anonymous" by Laurie Stolarz         

Abducted from her workplace, Jane spent seven long months in captivity. Her captor passed her food, and clean laundry through a cat door. Jane could hear other captives screaming and pleading. One night, Mason came to the duct in her room. His visits brought her comfort and kept her sane. Alternating with the present, Jane outlines her parents attempts to make her normal, and the confusion she feels on the outside.         

I could not put this book down. It was absolutely fascinating. I'm glad that the author included two different time-lines, it worked well with the story. Jane was an extremely realistic and sympathetic character. Overall, highly recommended.

"Beatrice On Her Own" by Rosemary Zibart         

Fleeing the war, Beatrice, a young England girl, is living with Clem, a nurse in Santa Fe. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, Clem makes arrangements to travel to across the country to train other nurses. Beatrice, moves in with her best friend. Nearby, a Japanese Internment Camp is being built.         

Although I found this book to be slow moving, I believe it will be very appealing to pre-teen or middle school age girls. Beatrice was a dynamic character, one I believe many will relate to. Although the book is fiction, I believe it can be an educational tool, to show what life was like during WWII, and to address the internment camps in the U.S. Overall, well worth picking up.

"The Hollow Queen" by Sherry D. Ficklin         

After the death of her parents, the rulers of Russia, Elizabeth is stripped of her title in favor of her half-nephew Peter. Prince Menshikov, the power behind the throne, threatens both Elizabeth and Peter's life.         

I had a hard time maintaining interest in this book. The characters were extremely stereotypical and lacked realism. The plot itself was extremely predictable. Both the love story between Elizabeth and Peter and the rivalry with Mechnikov was trite and a bit boring. Overall, a bust.

"American Royals" by Katharine McGee         

After the American Revolution, George Washington accepted the crown. Generations later, his family is still ruling America. When Beatrice, the heir apparent, learns that her father is dying from cancer, must choose a husband, to help rule beside her. Samantha chafes at her role in society, and resents being the spare to the throne. Samantha's twin Jefferson, handsome and intelligent, falls for Samantha's best friend, who he dates in secret.         

This was a fun and quick read. The characters were well developed and the plot seemed realistic. I think young adults will love this series and demand a sequel. Overall, well worth picking up.

"We Walked the Sky" by Lisa Fiedler         

In the 1960's, Victoria runs away from an abusive father and joins the VanDrexel Family Circus. After trying out a variety of jobs, she finds a talent for the tightrope and begins falling for one of the VanDrexel's sons. In the present day, Callie, Victoria's granddaughter, and her mother have left the circus to live and work at an exotic animal rescue facility. Callie, outraged that she is no longer walking the tightrope, is determined to rejoin the circus.         

This book was a bit boring. There was a lot of teenage angst, which was a bit off-putting. The book featured short alternating chapters, which made it feel like neither the story or characters were very well developed. Overall, a bust.

"I Escaped the California Camp Fire" by Brown, Peters, and S.D.         

When Troy's parents go out of town leaving him in charge of his little sister, all he wants to do is eat junk food, stay up late, and watch TV. Instead, he is woken by a black sky, clouds of smoke, and fire. Desperate to escape, Troy, his sister and their two pets try and drive away in their parents vehicle. When it becomes clear that the roads are jammed and the fire is almost on top of them, they are forced to flee on foot.         

This is a great middle-school or pre-teen book. It combines adventure, fortitude and survival together. Troy and his sister are both very believable characters. Although it was a bit too simplistic for an adult reader, I believe a younger age group will love it.

"Within Reach: My Everest Story" by Mark Pfetzer         

When teenager Mark Pfetzer sets his mind to something, he does it - including climbing Mount Everest. This book explores his interest in mountain climbing, and his journey to the most famous mountain.         

This was a very quick read. I believe pre-teens or middle school age children would love this book. I wish Mark had gone into more details about his climbs, which would have made the book a bit more interesting to an adult. Despite this criticism, it was well written, and I would recommend it to others.

"The Taste of Rain" by Monique Polak         

At the Weihsien Internment Camp, 13 year old Gwendolyn and her fellow classmates are prisoners of the Japanese. Gwendolyn idolizes Miss E, one of their former teachers. In order to maintain hope, Miss E. has the former class follow the Girl Guide Code. The Code requires them to do good turns, act courageous, and maintain standards, all amidst the horrifying and terrible conditions of the camp.         

I thought this was an excellent middle school book. Gwendolyn was a likeable and relatable character. The book did not shy away from the horror of the camp, but rather tried to show the hope and despair of the children. Overall, well worth reading.

"The Line Tender" by Kate Allen         

During the summer of her 12th year, Lucy and her friend Jeff are amazed when a local sailor catches a great white shark. Lucy immediately thinks of her mother, a marine biologist who died five years earlier. Spurred by the memory of her mother, Lucy tries to learn as much as she can about the shark. When Jeff dies in a tragic accident, Lucy once again feels the pain of losing someone she loves.         

Although I found this book to be a bit slow moving, I think it will be perfect for pre-teens and middle school children. Lucy was very likeable and relatable. The characters seemed realistic, and the book was a good blend of storytelling and information about sharks. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"Switchback" by Danika Stone          

When out on an overnight school camping trip, best friends Vale and Ash become separated from their class. Frigid temperatures, snow, and bears threaten their lives over and over. Ash, is an easy-going gamer with zero outdoor skills. In contrast, Ash is socially withdrawn - due to bullying - but very comfortable with nature.          

This was a quick read. It was well paced and moved nicely. However, the characters seemed a bit stereotypical and the plot was predictable. I think the dynamic between Ash and Vale will appeal to many teenagers, but the book just wasn't for me. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Tomb" by S. A. Bodeen         

Kiva lives a pampered life as one of the elite in ancient Alexandria. Her former best friend Seth is killed and she is chosen as a companion sacrifice. However, when she wakes on a space station, she is told that she has spent her life in virtual reality and has been chosen to go on a vital mission.         

I know that this is a young adult book, but it was just overly simplistic. Kiva only had a slight reaction to being told that her entire life was a lie. For a hormonal teenager, this just did not feel realistic. It made no sense, even with an explanation, that a life or death survival mission would be left up to two 15 year olds. Maybe this book should be marketed to an even younger age group. Overall, a bust.

"The Red Ribbon" by Lucy Adlington         

Walking home from school, Ella was arrested by the Nazi's and sent to Birchwood, a concentration camp. Lying about her age, she becomes one of the seamstresses, creating fabulous dresses for the wives of Nazi leadership and female SS officers. Ella becomes friends with Rose, another worker in the sewing workshop. Together, they do everything they can to survive.         

This was a well written and engaging young adult novel. I didn't particularly like how the author renamed things - i.e. Birchwood for Auschwitz-Birkenau, Department Store for Canada. It took away from the authenticity of the book. Despite this criticism, I would recommend this book and read more from this author.

"I Am Still Alive" by Kate Alice Marshall         

After losing her mother in a car accident, and trying to recover from her own horrible injuries, Jess is sent to Alaska to live with her father off the grid. When he is murdered and the cabin burned to the ground, Jess barely escapes. The reality of her situation quickly hits, and she realizes everything she has to do to survive.         

This was a really great book. The Before and After that the author used worked well to build up the story line. I thought Jess was a very interesting character, one I found myself able to relate and connect with. Overall, 5 stars!

"The Button War" by Avi         

Patryk and his friends live in a small Polish village occupied by the Russians. The Germans drop a bomb on the village, and then invade. Patryk and his friends have a dare, and the winner is the one who steals the best button from the soldiers. Determined not to let Jurek win, Patryk continues playing the game, despite the destruction and death that is occurring around them.         

I thought this book left a lot to be desired. Patryk and his friends seemed more like eight year olds than the twelve years olds they were supposed to be. There was no real ending or conclusion to the book. An epilogue or something was sorely needed. Overall, a bust.

"The Moonlight Palace" by Liz Rosenberg         

Agnes lives in the crumbling Kampong Glam palace in Singapore with her elderly relatives. As the descendant of the last sultan of Singapore, her family made a special deal, that they would own the palace as long as a male descendant lived. Poor and without income, the family relies on boarders to survive.         

This was a very interesting book. I know little about Singapore and found the culture absolutely fascinating. Agnes and her relatives were an eclectic group of characters. The author developed and flushed them out very well. Overall, highly recommended.

"The Book of Essie" by Meghan MacLean Weir         

Essie is the youngest child on a reality television show featuring her family's religious life. When Essie realizes that she is pregnant, she manipulates her mother into arranging a marriage to a gay boy from her high school that she barely knows. Everything Essie does, including contacting her sister who ran away years ago, is to secure her freedom from her oppressive family. In order to tell her story, Essie reaches out to Liberty, a journalist with a past just as crazy as Essie's.         

My biggest complaint about this book is that the author really tried to tell two stories, Essie's and Liberty's. She had them both unravel at the same pace and reveal at the same pace. The book would have been smoother and more impactful if Liberty's story was told upfront and the book focused on Essie. If this is the Book of Essie, the author should have focused more on her. Overall, I think this book will capture the imagination of teenagers, who will love the reality television aspects.

"The Sound of Freedom" by Kathy Kacer         

Anna's father is a gifted clarinet player employed with the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. As their community falls under the spell of Hitler, life becomes harder and harder for them. When he has a chance to audition for an orchestra in Palestine, he reluctantly takes a chance, leaving all he and his family knows behind.         

This was a quick and fast read. With well rounded characters and a fast paced story line, it is well suited for middle schoolers. It does not ignore the horrors of war, but addresses them in a way that a young teenager would understand. Overall, well worth picking up.

"Running on the Roof of the World" by Jess Butterworth         

Tash's community in Tibet is occupied by Chinese soldiers. When the soldier's come for Tash's family, Tash grabs her best friend Sam and flees across the mountains. Blizzards, nomads, hunger, and thirst are only a few obstacles they face.         

I thought this was a great book for pre-teens. It is an adventure story that also shares a different culture and perspective. Overall, well worth picking up.

"The Big Water" by Andrea Curtis         

When Christina's twin brother dies, she runs away and boards the steamship Asia. While on the Great Lakes, a storm topples the boat, leaving Christina scrambling in the water. With a dozen others, Christina finds shelter on a lifeboat, only to have it turn over and over in the water. By the end of the night, only Christina and one other are alive.         

Based on a true story, this was an interesting look at a little known disaster. Christina was a strong and dynamic character, one I found myself rooting for. I think the writing style is well suited towards young adults, particularly those who want a little adventure and romance. Highly recommended.

"Sadia" by Colleen Nelson          

Sadia is a devout Muslim, one who practices modesty and wears a hijab. When her best friend Nazreen begins to remove her hijab, Sadia feels conflicted and a bit left out. When she makes the basketball team, she finds her modest clothes hindering and restrictive.          

This was a fairly quick read. I would have liked to see how religion affected her in other areas, other than the book being hyper focused on the hijab. For example, prayer and diet were briefly mentioned, but didn't seem very important. The concept of passion projects was an interesting concept, and I would have liked to read more about them. Overall, the book felt a bit rushed and could have used details aside from basketball and the hijab.

"Blood Will Out" by Jo Treggiari          

When Ari wakes at the bottom of a well, she struggles to piece together her kidnapping. Alternating with the serial killer's voice, the story slowly unravels their stories.          

I was extremely disappointed with this book. Ari came across as a 12 year old, not the 17 year old that she was supposed to be. She was a very weak character, despite the author trying to paint her otherwise. I also thought the serial killer was extremely unrealistic. The characters were just wrong, they lacked realism. Overall, a bust.

"Body Parts" by Jessica Kapp         

When Tabitha is finally selected by a family for adoption, she is shocked to be kidnapped by an odd assortment of characters. The group tells her that she was raised for her organs and that "adoption" meant she was condemned to die. Her thoughts immediately turn to the kids she left behind in the foster care center and a plan to rescue them quickly forms.         

I think that young adults will enjoy this book. However, it felt like the premise was ripped off from The Island. There were so many contradictions and problems with the back story that the whole story came off as amateurish and poorly thought out. For example, if the kids were so worried that they had to hide in a bunker, why did they spend afternoons playing at a waterfall, visiting the town and eating ice-cream very publicly. This book was just a mess.

"Finding You" by Lydia Albano          

When Isla runs to the train station to wave her sweetheart goodbye, she is abducted and thrown into a train with a number of other kidnapped girls. After traveling for days, she along with a dozen other girls are selected and taken to a dungeon. One by one the girls are taken away until only a handful are left. Together, the girls escape and travel to the resistances camp.          

Although this book had an interesting premise, it just didn't feel real. The character and the story were watered down. Overall, a bust.

"Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M. T. Anderson         

An alien race has landed on earth. With their astute bargaining skills and advanced technologies, they have created a huge divide between the rich and poor. Adam and his family are dirt poor, struggling to earn enough money to feed themselves. When Adam and his girlfriend Chloe decide to record their experiences, the Vuvv watch fascinated, enamored with true love. Adam and Chloe begin to despise one another and when their relationship falls apart, the Vuvv demand their money back - after all, they were selling true love and true love lasts forever. Desperate, Adam enters an art contest, hoping to win enough to save his family.         

This was a very bizarre book, but in a really good way. I think it will be a big hit with middle schoolers and perhaps even teenagers. Overall, a hit!

"When I Am Through With You" by Stephanie Kuehn         

Ben and Rose have been an item throughout high school, ever since she announced that she was his girlfriend. So the big question is why...why did Ben kill Rose. From his jail cell, Ben writes out the story of their high school camping trip, and how half of them did not make it back alive.          

This was a well written and engaging novel. I was captivated by the characters and how they interacted with one another. The end, after Rose was killed and Ben was in jail, wasn't what I wanted or needed from the story, leaving the whole thing feeling a bit unsettle. However, sometimes that's how books end. Overall, a three out of five stars.

"By Light of Hidden Candles" by Daniella Levy          

Alma has inherited a gold ring, a ring that has been based down from generation to generation. When she decides to spend a semester abroad in Spain, she undertakes a project to uncover her families genealogy and the history of the ring. Manuel, decides to travel with her and search for his own family history.          

This book was extremely slow and extremely predictable. It unraveled exactly as I expected, there were no surprises or unexpected moments. During Manuel's chapters, Alma comes off as extremely ditzy. I almost wondered if she was the same confident woman from her chapters. Overall, a bust.

"As You Wish" by Chelsea Sedoti         

In the small desert town of Madison, everyone is granted one wish when they turn 18. Eldon, struggling with his decision, can only see how the townspeople are full of regrets.         

I thought this was an interesting premise but the characters were very stereotypical. The book also became very preachy towards the middle, which was off putting. Even though the book wasn't for me, I think pre-teens will enjoy it.

"This is Not the End" by Chandler Baker         

At the age of 18, you are allowed to bring one person back to life. Many forego using their resurrection, but weeks before Lake turns 18, her best friend and boyfriend are killed in a car accident. Throw into the mix a quadriplegic brother, who is planning on dying the day before her birthday, so he can be reborn whole. Lake has a horrible choice to make, who to bring back.          

This book had a very interesting premise. I wish the author had gone more into the idea of one resurrection at 18 and explained a bit more about the process. However, this is a book for teenagers, and they are probably more interested in her emotional dilemma. Overall, a well written and engaging book. 4 stars.

“The Underground River” by Martha Conway         

When May's cousin Comfort abandons her to work as a face for the abolitionists, May finds work as a seamstress upon a riverboat theater. Where she once relied upon Comfort to interact with other people, she is forced to develop her own voice and viewpoints and learn to become part of a group. The people who live and work on the riverboat are a mottled assortment, full of personality and life. As May is finally learning to trust herself and others, her cousin's benefactress approaches her, asking her to ferry the newborn children of slaves across the river to freedom.

     This was a fun, lively story. Although a bit predictable, the characters were interesting and dynamic. May was a bit naive and slow to grow, but overall she was a likeable character. I think this book would be a big hit under I would definitely pick up another book by this author.

“Radical” by E.M. Kokie           *** Warning Spoilers *** 

Bex is a prepper, she is ready to survive a catastrophic event but she is not ready to be accused by the FBI of terrorism after joining a local gun club. I didn’t particularly care for this book. It took forever for the plot to go anywhere. The FBI raid and arrest should have happened much earlier in the story. I would have liked to have read more about Bex’s time in jail, particularly between the time she spilled everything to her lawyer and when she got out. At the end, the author turned the book into a diatribe against the dangers of prepping, which was extremely off putting. Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

“The Book Jumper” by Mechthild Glaser        

When Amy travels to her mother’s childhood home on an island in Scotland, she is amazed to uncover the family secret. Children and young adults of her lineage can jump into a story and interact with the story. 

Although this book had an interesting premise it could not keep my interest. None of the characters seemed to have any personality. They seemed very stereotypical and bland. I do think teenagers or pre-teens would enjoy the story. For me, it was a bust.

“This Adventure Ends” by Emma Mills         

When Sloane moves from New York to Florida, she falls in with an intense, dynamic group of friends. Although I thought the characters themselves were interesting, I was never sure where the plot was going. After a while I grew kinda bored. I do think that the book will hold more interest for teenagers or young adults.

“First Offense” by Marti Green         

When Frankie is arrested for drug possession and sentenced to juvenile detention, everyone is shocked by the severity of the sentence. After being beaten, Frankie runs away from the detention center and is quickly hunted by the FBI. His attorney Dani tries to uncover why he was sentenced so severely, putting the pieces together one at a time to unravel the mystery.         

I thought this book was a bit unrealistic. The characters were a bit stereotypical and the plot seemed reused. The book moved at a fairly fast pace, which might appeal to pre-teens or teenagers. Overall, not a book for me.

“The Search for the Homestead Treasure” by Ann Treacy        

Martin and his family move back to the family homestead after the loss of Martin’s brother. Martin is intrigued by the idea of a hidden family treasure and finds clues in his late Aunt Cora’s diary. He befriends a gypsy boy, who would rather work the land than wander with his people.         

Overall this was a pretty good book. I think it is very appropriate for a younger age group. For me, it was a bit simplistic. The characters seemed a bit on-dimensional and the plot moved slowly. However, I doubt many pre-teens would notice.