Scarlett Dedd by Cathy Brett

Scarlett Dedd is dead. All her life she's had to deal with cracks and puns about her last name; being pale and thin didn't help, either. But now she really is dead due to a tragic mushroom mix-up. There are some cool things about being dead, but mostly she misses her friends, who are still very much alive. Scarlett gets a great idea: she can use her new invisibility and other supernatural gifts to cause some...accidents around her friends. At first her friends were intrigued by the idea of being haunted, but now they're starting to get scared. Will Scarlett go through with her plan?

Poor Scarlett. Her life didn't sound like much fun while she was alive (bratty brother, self-absorbed parents, second-hand clothes, self-involved friends), and then in death she still barely seems to catch a break. I did wonder why she would go to so much trouble to kill her friends, because, well...they didn't seem like good friends in the first place. Aside from Psycho, her not-really-boyfriend-even-though-they-had-mutual-crushes, no one seemed that affected by her death. But somehow Scarlett's internal logical made it make sense. Talking about the story is just one element of the book. It's format makes for quite a reading experience. It's not really a graphic novel; there's too many pages of prose for it to be considered that. But the book does have lots of illustrations and at times even the placement of the text becomes part of the art. I think the ideal reader for this would be someone who reads both graphic novels and 'word' novels; they might have an easier time getting into the flow. But don't let that scare you off from picking it up or suggesting it to readers who like funny supernatural stories (especially because there's not a lot of violence, not really, considering that it involves dead people and attempted murder). While the story wraps up nicely, there are also enough threads left that could be spun into more stories. I wouldn't be surprised if Scarlett makes another ghostly appearance someday!

Check out Cathy Brett's website.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Fat Vampire by Adam Rex
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Ember Fury by Cathy Brett

Red Heart Tattoo by Lurlene McDaniel

Morgan is furious when someone set of fireworks in the middle of the pep rally that she planned and organized. It's going to ruin all of the work that she's put in as president of the student council. Her boyfriend is really supportive, but her best friend is distant and withdrawn, and there's a new guy - a strange guy - who is making her feel things that she's never felt before. Then, on the day before Thanksgiving, something terrible happens. A bomb goes off in the school. People are injured, some critically, and others are killed instantly. Morgan's life will never be the same.

(Mild spoilers below)

There's a nice amount of tension in this book. The identity of the bombers is only revealed at the end, so the readers are kept in suspense and have to guess which - if any - of the main characters are involved. There's a lot of drama in a short amount of pages, and the bombing turns it into a true life-and-death situation. People are never the same as they were before, even if they were able to escape injury. The characters sometimes seem like stock characters, but they're given personality and quirks to save them from being caricatures. I particularly liked how the ending of the book was true to Morgan's identity as a strong woman and student; it could so easily have gone in a different way, but reinforced the idea of living a life that's full of possibilities. Fans of Lurlene McDaniel will find a lot of pages packed with emotion and a story that's speeds a long with a quick pace.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House Children's Books/Delacorte Books for Young Readers.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland
Heart to Heart by Lurlene McDaniel
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

The Little Woods by McCormick Templeman

Years ago, Calista Wood's sister disappeared in the woods behind a private school; Cally never saw her again. Now Cally is a teenager and attending that same private school. None of the other students know of her connection to the disappearance. Another student disappeared recently - that's why Cally could start in the middle of a semester. Some say that she ran away while others think that she was murdered. As Cally digs deeper into the mystery she uncovers more about her own story, but getting closer to the truth could put herself in danger.

I have a particular fondness for books set at private boarding schools, because there's something that happens when you take the parents out of a story. There are some parents/adults in this book, but they're all at the edges of the action. The book succeeds in creating a creepy atmosphere where people are not to be trusted and anything seems possible. I had trouble figuring out where the story was going to go because I had no idea what was even possible. Is something supernatural happening in the woods? Or is it much more terrestrial? Is Cally in danger, and is there anyone who can trust? It worked in different ways: Cally is an outsider to the school community (and the woods), but she's also an outsider to the kind of rich, fast-lane life that the other students live. This creepy, spooky, mystery is a great pick for a summer read (particularly if you want to read it in the daylight).

Check out McCormick Templeman's website.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House Children's Books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Fall by Colin McAdam

All Alone with Daddy by Joan Fassler illustrated by Dorothy Lake Gregory

Ellen's mom is going out of town. That means that Ellen is going to be all alone with her father. She's looking forward to taking care of him. She tries to be like her mother. She has a lot of fun and loves getting all of his attention. When her mom comes home, though, she's not sure how she feels about sharing Daddy again.

I came across this book in a thrift store, and I knew I wouldn't be leaving without it. It's apparently part of a series that looks at psychological issues through picture books ("Children's Series on Psychologically Relevant Themes"). It was originally published in 1969, which means that even aside from the subject matter I like looking at the illustrations of the fashions of the day. I've had it for a few years now, and I still don't even know what really to say about it. Ellen's feelings are presented as normal and no one tries to make her feel bad for having them. In fact, no one tries to do anything about them at all; she deals with them all on her own. It's hard to say whether or not her parents know anything about her feelings (although dressing herself up in her mom's clothes might have given her dad a clue, neither of them now about her dream where daughters marry their fathers and have children with them). The ending of the book is a bit too retro for me (Ellen deciding to grow up to be just like her mom and marry someone just like her Dad, complete with the image of her running towards a boy) but I do find this book to be a fascinating glimpse into so many things including child psychology, gender norms, and 1969.

 

Read it with: 

Billy and Our New Baby by Helen S. Arnstein

I Have Feelings by Terry Berger

Things I Hate by Harriet Wittels and Joan Griesman

The Man of the House by Joan Fassler 

Rush for Gold: Mystery at the Olympics by John Feinstein

Being aspiring reporters means that Susan Carol and Stevie are often in the right place at the wrong time...or the right place at the right time to foil someone else's plot. Susan Carol also has other special skills. She's a top swimmer who is on track to compete at the Summer Olympics in London. It should be a wonderful time, but she's weighed down by agents and coaches and everything that goes along with being an elite athlete. But it's more than that; is it possible that there's an international conspiracy going on in her event? Susan Carol and Stevie have solved mysteries before...but this time it's personal.

This is a great tie-in with the upcoming Summer Olympics. I love reading novels about athletes and the Olympics. Susan Carol and Stevie are both highly motivated, smart characters with believable moments of naivete. It was a little weird to see real life people (mainly swimmers) appearing in the story as fictional characters; I don't know why this strikes me as stranger more than in movies, but it does. Overall, though, it's a fun sports story with a bit of a mystery and a friendship (and possibly more) between two likeable teen characters.

Check out John Feinstein's website.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Go for the Gold by Elizabeth Levy
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein
Beneath the Surface by Michael Phelps

Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman

It's the summer before Angel's last year of high school. Her best friend has everything: good grades, a good boyfriend, a good plan for the rest of her life. Angel's grades aren't spectacular, she's having trouble figuring out what she wants from relationships, and has no idea what to do after high school. But a lot can change in a summer, particularly in a place where as much happens as a town on the Jersey Shore.

One of the things that I love about reading is that it can introduce you to worlds you've never experienced, and life on the Jersey Shore is one that's new to me. I used that to explain away things that didn't quite make sense (like why a teenager is allowed to live on her own, just because her mom owns another house next door) and just let that wash over me. There are many things about Angel that made for a great character. She's a strong, confident girl who has a grounded attitude towards sex and love. She doesn't always make the best decisions and she doesn't always think with a clear head. She loves her family and her best friend but has a hard time figuring out where her life is going to go next or seeing. It's not a long book but it doesn't need to be; it dips in and gives readers a glimpse at a point of Angel's life. Given that I felt like I needed to wear sunscreen just looking at the cover, this is a great pick for a summer read; add it to your beach tote bag along with sunglasses and a bottle of water.

Check out Beth Ann Bauman's website.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Wendy Lamb Books/Random House.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Rosie and Skate by Beth Ann Bauman
A Shore Thing by Nicole Polizzi
Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

Elizabeth Margaret's life has always gone according to plan. High school valedictorian: check. Summer internship at a law firm: check. Acceptance at an Ivy League university: check. Then she gets the chance to spend the summer with her aunt - an aunt that she barely knows. As Em unwinds at her aunt's resort, she starts to question the direction of her life and wonders about what she really wants. Mixed in with her own self-discovery is the uncovering of long held family secrets that threaten to shake (and possibly destroy) the foundation of her family. It's going to be a summer that Em never forgets.

There's a lot to be mined from the teen on the cusp of something more, particularly someone who has always lived by someone else's rules. I had a bit of a hard time into the novel at the beginning; Em's family (with the exception of her sister) seem to be so cold and formal, and some of the dialogue seemed forced. Then I realized that it seemed forced because it was forced - all of the interactions seemed to be driven by duty and obligation.  But once she arrived at her aunt's place, the change in tone was so complete. There were times when the book reminded me of Gilmore Girls (a single mom, running an inn, a bit of a free spirit, creating family out of friends), but the story very clearly spins into its own space. Fans of Gilmore Girls and summer reads should definitely toss this one into their beach bags.

See more about author Shannon Greenland at her website.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Penguin Publishing.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Specialists: Model Spy by Shannon Greenland
The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Ha
Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

DJ Rising by Love Maia

For Marley Johnnywas Diego-Dylan, music just isn't an interest; it's part of who he is. Music is as essential as breathing and just as natural. His days are filled with school and work (and thinking about Lea Hall, the girl of his dreams) and supporting his heroin-addicted mother, but when he lets loose on his turntables, all of that fades away. His goal of becoming a professional DJ seems even closer when he gets the chance to show his stuff in public. That sets in motion a chain of events that give Marley (now DJ Ice) the chance to be the hottest young DJ in the city. The intense schedule of work and DJing is stretching him to the limit - and his mother is getting worse. How is Marley going to balance it all?

Without knowing anything of the DJ world, DJ Rising managed to bring me inside the world of clubs and music. That's one of the key strengths of this book; the story of trying to be the best, to overcome opposition, and to prove yourself is universal, no matter what industry you're in.  Marley is a character you can't help but root for, but I discovered just how deep my connection was to him. Partway through the book, he experiences a terrible, devastating betrayal. When I read this part, my stomach just dropped. I felt physically ill for his loss. At the other end of the spectrum, Marley's passion for music, dance, and joyful expression grabbed me. I love when characters are passionate and inspired; it helps them to feel like three-dimensional people. This is an incredible debut for author Love Maia and a great book for teen readers to dive into.

Find out more about Love Maia at her website.

Find it at IndieBound. 

I received an advance copy from Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

Read it with:
Playground by 50 Cent
Boy21 by Matthew Quick
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

It wasn't Perry's idea to take Gobi to the prom. She is the Lithuanian exchange student living with Perry's family and while Perry was friendly with her, they weren't exactly close. But there they were, at the prom. Following a small physical altercation, they leave but instead of heading home, Gobi insists that they drive into New York City for one unforgettable evening. And between dodging bullets, staring down possibly dangerous men, and evading the police,  it will definitely be a night that Perry will never forget.

It took me awhile to get into this book because I wasn't ready (or willing) to hand myself over to it at the beginning. I kept asking questions about the story: Why doesn't Perry just stand up to his parents? Who's Gobi working for? Is this making any sense? I told myself to read 50 pages before I made any decisions, and the next thing I knew I was 130 pages in. It kind of snuck up on me and pulled me in. Information was parceled out over the course of the book, and while I wish that there was at least a bit of explanation of Gobi's motives and role earlier on, I was satisfied with what was revealed. Another thing that kept me turning the pages was that it seemed like it wasn't always adhering to common YA romance/adventure fiction conventions. People get shot. People die. There are repercussions from actions. When I expected one thing to happen, another would happen instead. This kept me on my toes while reading and pushed me to finish the book to see what happens. I read the entire book in one sitting, and I think that that was the best reading experience for the book. I can easily this being a movie because it had so many great cinematic elements (the transformation from quiet wallflower to hot assassin, chase scenes, a great ending).

Check out Joe Schreiber's blog.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Chasing the Dead by Joe Schreiber
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
Fat Vampire by Adam Rex

Out of the Box by Michelle Mulder

Ellie is nervous about spending the entire summer at her aunt's house. She gets along fine with her aunt, but she's only ever spent a couple of weeks there - and that was when Alison, her aunt's partner, was alive. Will Jeanette be different this summer? But even worse than that are Ellie's worries about her parents. They need her at home in order to keep the peace; without her, they could be headed for a divorce. When Ellie arrives at Aunt Jeanette's, she isn't sure how to act, but it isn't long before she settles in, making friends and having fun. She even discovers a rare Argentinian musical instrument with a mysterious past. But no matter how much fun Ellie has at her aunt's place, she can't shake the fear of what's happening at home. Is her family falling apart? And is it all her fault?

It's difficult to read a book where a character as likeable as Ellie has been so thoroughly damaged by a troubled family relationship. Her mother treats her like an adult and expects her daughter to provide support for her issues; her father is emotionally checked-out and spends most of his time avoiding the family altogether. At the same time, though, Ellie has been conditioned to think that any individual thoughts or wants are an indication of a familial rebellion, and her self-esteem is almost nil. Watching her sabotage her friendships and chances at happiness is heartbreaking. The story has many serious elements - Ellie's family trouble, Jeanette's grief and mourning, a subplot about the people who disappeared in Argentina in the late 70s and early 80s - but there's also many fun and sweet elements. It's not a long book, but there is so much power packed into its pages that it would be shame for people to miss this story.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
After Peaches by Michelle Mulder
The Gravesavers by Sheree Fitch
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne M. LaFleur

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The last place Hadley wants to be is on an airplane. If her fear of enclosed spaces wasn't reason enough, she is also on her way to London to attend her father's wedding...to a woman she's never met. Even worse, she was four minutes late for her flight and had to take the next one, which will mean she might be late for the wedding she didn't want to go to in the first place. But this change in plans means that she meets Oliver, the friendly British guy who's sitting in seat 18-C. She's in 18-A. The next few hours are going to be very interesting.

This is an engaging book that balances heavy family dynamics with an incredible meet-cute between two teens. Set over a twenty-four hour period, the storyline jumps around enough to keep it interesting but not so much that it gets confusing. Hadley and Oliver are both strong characters; either of them could easily carry their own book. There's a lot going on with these two in terms of their families; both of them are kind of messed up in terms of relationships, and they could probably benefit from some therapy, yet it's hard not to root for them from the get-go. I don't want to give away too much of the ending, but let's just say that when I set down the book after finishing it, I was very satisfied.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Party by Tom Leveen
You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

Carly just had an amazing summer experience at a wilderness camp and returned home feeling transformed. But she wasn't back in her wealthy Atlanta neighbourhood for very long before things started getting hard. Her younger sister, Anna, is no longer her "little" sister, and everyone at school has noticed Anna's transformation from little girl to super hottie. Carly struggles to understand their new relationship and the privileged world that she lives in, while learning that not everyone shares her views on things.

It was refreshing to read about a sisterly relationship like the one between Carly and Anna. They were each others' biggest defenders as well as the ones who knew exactly which buttons to push. How messed up is it to be jealous of your younger sister? Or to be mad at her for things that she can't control? These scenes were balanced with Carly's new understanding of her world of privilege, and her frustration with people who had different points of view than her own. There's relationship drama, school drama, and family drama - basically, all the difficult parts of growing up and finding you own personality.  True, it might be a bit of a stretch to be including this book in my "25 Days of Christmas" posts, but there is a section where Carly joins up with some classmates to provide Christmas presents to the "less fortunate," and Carly starts to think about the nature of Christmas and selfish/selfless gestures.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Bliss by Lauren Myracle
Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June by April Benway

Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene

While the battles of World War II are taking place overseas, the war is about to come to the small town of Jenkinsville, Arkansas. German POWs are being transferred to a nearby facility and the entire town seems to be a bit on edge. Watching the tension is twelve-year-old Patty Bergen. Patty is struggling with a lot of things: she's terrified of her father's abusive temper, her mother is always insulting her, and she's one of the only Jewish people in her small town. When she meets Anton, one of the German soldiers, she's amazed by his intelligence and his kindness. Then Anton escapes from the prison facility, and Patty's world is about to change forever.

(Some spoilers below)

I first heard of this story when I fell in love with the TV Movies - Daring to Love forum thread at Television Without Pity. So many people seemed to have such strong memories of both the book and the TV movie. This book wasn't really what I thought it was going to be - I pictured it being more of a romance, but due to the striking age difference between Anton and Patty (including her being only twelve at the time), I would have a hard time even thinking of it being based on romantic love. I was also surprised by the examination of race and the casual, institutionalized racism, although if I had really thought about the setting and the time period I shouldn't have been surprised (but probably still shocked at its extent). The edition that I read, the Open Road Media eBook edition, includes an "Author's Affidavit" at the front of the book where Bette Greene confesses that Patty Bergen is based on her and the book is based on her life. Reading the book took on a bit of a different light after that, making it even more difficult to read about "Patty's" mother and father and how they treated her. 

Summer of My German Soldier, the TV movie starring Kristy McNichol, aired in 1978. Someone has put the movie in its entirety up on Youtube, but I have no idea how long it will last until someone pulls it down.

Also check out Jezebel's look at Summer of My German Soldier.

I read a review copy of the eBook from NetGalley courtesy of Open Road Media.

Read it with:
Morning is a Long Time Coming by Bette Greene
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Starring Sally J. Friedman as Herself by Judy Blume

Playground by 50 Cent

Butterball is not happy to be going to therapy. What does someone like Liz understand about his life? He's teased because of his weight. His parents are divorced and he barely sees his dad; even worse, his mom moved him to a place that he hates. He has no friends, and the one friend he did have... well, he doesn't want to talk about that. Yeah, things might not be that great, but how is therapy going to help anything?

(Spoilers below)

Is it too much of a backhanded compliment to say that this book is better than I thought it was going to be? I'm usually not that optimistic about books written by celebrities - even a New York Times bestselling author like 50 Cent - for children, and even more hesitant for books that have some kind of obvious message. In this case, the issue is bullying, and the twist is that it's told from the perspective of the bully. Particularly strong were the scenes where Butterball realized how his actions affected how other people - including girls - saw him (as well as the incredibly sad and frustrating scenes where Butterball's dad engaged in his own destructive brand of parenting). The revelations near the end about Butterball's mom could have been handled a bit better (by both the character and the author), but maybe this will help to contribute to the normalization of gay parents in children's literature. The ending was a bit too neat for my liking, but it might go over better with younger readers who will take away a positive message about redemption.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene
From Pieces to Weight by 50 Cent
My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer by Jennifer Gennari
Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice? by Paula Danziger

Lauren has realized that there aren't many perks of being fourteen.  She's not a kid, but she's definitely not an adult. High school is filled with stupid rules around what you need to do to be popular, and harsh actions that come when you break the rules - like dating a younger guy. Her parents still hold all the power, and they don't want to see that she's growing up. A law class at school captures her interest, but it gets her wondering: can you sue your parents for malpractice?

I realized a little while ago that my life needed more Paula Danziger in it (and frankly, with a cover like this one, how could I resist?). There's a whole bunch of tween-early teen books that I seem to have largely skipped when I was in the actual age bracket, so I'm exploring some of them now. Reading this book was like peering in on some kind of time capsule in terms of women's rights and gender relations, which I found fascinating. Sometimes it's hard to take all of the teen-related angst (like, is it really that big of a deal if someone's who's 13 dates someone who's 14?), but I think that's because it's tinged with my own memories of being that age.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger
P.S. Longer Letter Later by Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin
It's Not What You Expect by Norma Klein

The Implosion of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin

Aggie Winchester's life just became extremely complicated. Her friend Sylvia is pregnant - and the father refuses to publicly acknowledge Sylvia or the baby. On top of that, a new girl at school is driving a wedge between Sylvia and Aggie's friendship. Aggie's mom, who is also the principal, is undergoing cancer treatments. And all of this is coming to a head as a rumour starts that Aggie's mom interfered with the prom court elections to prevent Sylvia, a pregnant Goth, from winning. Add in some boy trouble of her own, and Aggie isn't sure what to do anymore. Will things ever get back to normal?

One thing that I thought worked particularly well in this book is how Lara Zielin nailed the high school dynamic of a friend that you're friends with because of circumstance, not because you necessarily like them. Aggie is a particularly interesting character because she's still trying to find out who she is. She doesn't necessarily want to be a Goth, but she doesn't necessarily want to live exactly as her parents want her to. Her rebellion seemed realistic. There was also some extremely questionable parenting choices being made by Aggie's parents, but unlike, say, Wait Till Helen Comes (one of the first books that inspired by 'questionable parenting' tag), the choices are understandable if not necessarily right. Sometimes the strands of the dramas seemed to be bordering on a bit too much, but Zielin has a strong writing style that kept everything in check.

Check out Lara Zielin's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Prom Kings and Drama Queens by Dorian Cirrone
Donut Days by Lara Zielin

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Jill has had a big hole in her life since her dad passed away in a car accident. It's been the worst year of her life. She's retreated from everyone - her mom, her boyfriend, her friends - and everything and hasn't found a way to go on living. Mandy had one beautiful moment with a boy that she loved and now she's looking for a family to adopt her soon-to-be-born baby. Jill's mother has made a plan to adopt Mandy's baby, bringing all three of them together into each others' lives. Mandy's keeping a lot of secrets, and Jill is reluctant to open up to anyone. Will any of them be able to find what they need?

I love this book. Jill and Mandy are two such strong characters. Either one of them could carry their own story, but joining them together allows for such a deeper story. We got to see each character through each others' eyes. At first I could completely see Jill's perspective and wondered why anyone would want to enter into an adoption without legal agreements and written protection. But then, as Mandy's story unraveled, her actions and perspective started to make more sense. Her life growing up was awful and Jill (and, at times, her mother) was making assumptions based on her own position of privilege. Solid supporting characters were actual characters and not story-based props. Based on her other books, I'm not surprised that I enjoyed Sara Zarr's latest, but finding out how much I enjoyed it was a fun discovery.

See more at Sara Zarr's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
Calli by Jessica Lee Anderson
Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler

Myra's life is dominated by duty and practicality. As the second-oldest child in a large family, someone is always asking her for something. She has to look after the younger kids so her mom can work evenings. She has to keep her pregnant older sister calm so that nothing happens to the baby. Without her, the family would probably implode. After a bad breakup, Myra's even more confused about who she is and what she wants to do with her life. Maybe that's why she's spending so much time researching birds and science and a scholarship opportunity to the Galapagos Islands. The idea of going away to study birds in South America is completely ridiculous...but maybe not completely impossible.

I really enjoyed this book and the way it showed a character becoming interested in science and research. Myra is a main character can easily carry her own story. She's a smart, caring, capable teen who's stuck between keeping her family together and trying to make plans for her own life. This book, though, spins this classic teen dilemma in new and interesting ways. At some parts of the book I was so frustrated by Myra's parents. They were asking so much of Myra that it was coming at the expense of her own future. But they weren't bad people; they just didn't have the financial resources to provide everything they wanted for their children. (Minor spoiler alert) I was really happy to see that at the end there's a moment where, in the midst of blaming Myra for the actions of another person, her parents start to realize what they've been asking of Myra. This is a solid choice for teen readers, especially teen girls who are trying to decide if they have the power to 'fly.'

Check out Kristen Chandler's website for more information on Girls Don't Fly.

I received an advance review copy courtesy of Penguin Canada.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Wolves, Boys, and Other Things that Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
Contents Under Pressure by Lara M. Zeises
Everything I Was by Corinne Demas
Populazzi by Elise Allen

Brooklyn, Burning by Steve Brezenoff

Kid's been living on the fringes of Brooklyn and about to slip through the cracks. Working off-the-books (and not entirely legally) at a bar provides some food and a basement place to play music, and some days that seems like enough. Kid, 16, no longer lives at home, and hasn't for awhile; you can usually find a place to crash somewhere, even if it is on the street. Then someone answers an ad that Kid placed about a band; the ad is old, and a lot has changed since it was first placed. Kid must face what has happened and also find a way to keep moving forward - before everything falls apart.


This was a challenging book for me, but challenging in a wonderful way. I am a visual reader; I picture the characters, action, and setting as I read. Not knowing many details about Kid (namely, is Kid a guy or a girl?) was difficult for me, and caused me to challenge many of my assumptions about gender and narrative. The whole story evokes a very retro atmosphere; except for some of the details, I wouldn't have been surprised to learn that it was set in the 1970s. That added for me a strange 'the more things change, the more they stay the same' vibe that ran through the story. I'm afraid that this all sounds much more negative than I mean it to - I did really like this book, but it was not an easy book to read, and even though it's just over 200 pages, it really did loom large in my head during and after reading it. I definitely recommend checking it out.

Find it at IndieBound.

Find out more at Lerner Publishing.

Check out Steve Brezenoff's blog.

I read an advance reading copy at NetGalley. Brooklyn, Burning will be available on September 1, 2011.

Read it with:
The Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff
You by Charles Benoit
In Trouble by Ellen Levine
Brooklyn! An Illustrated History by Ellen M. Snyder-Grenier

Everything I Was by Corinne Demas

Life is pretty good for Irene. She likes her private school, enjoys her friends, and her parents take care of everything she wants and needs. But then her father loses his job, and the family faces an uncertain financial situation. While they regroup they move in with Irene's grandfather. Her mother has a hard time adjusting to their new life, and her father carries a lot of guilt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy around with him. Irene likes being with her grandfather and is even starting to make new friends, but her mind is still on her old life. How is Irene supposed to move on with her life when she can't forget everything that she had - and everything that she was?

Over the last year or so there have been a number of books that have addressed what it was like for kids, tweens, and teens whose parents lost their jobs in the economic downturn of the late 2000s. Irene is a very sympathetic character who tries her best to deal with the way that her life changes. I liked the themes of perspective and how people see different things in the same situation. From the cover I thought that this might be a dramatic story (or maybe even a supernatural one) but it's a very down-to-earth story about finding out that your parents might not have all of the answers that you thought they did.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Carolrhoda Books.

See Corinne Demas' website for more information about this and her other books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Dark Song by Gail Giles
All the Things You Are by Courtney Sheinmel
What Happened on Fox Street by Tricia Springstubb
The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas