Lauren Myracle. SHINE

I'm amazed at the diversity of books that Lauren Myracle writes. You have the TTYL friendship series, the BLISS & RHYMES WITH WITCHES horror type books and the adorable ELEVEN series. SHINE is absolutely like none of those. It's special all on it's own.

If you're wanting a light summer read. This is NOT it. If, however, you're wanting something real, disturbing, thoughtful and gritty. This is your book.

The talented Lauren Myracle brings you into the small town of Black Creek, North Carolina. Cat's best friend, Patrick, has just been beaten into a coma. It's assumed to be a hate crime, since he's gay. In the small town of Black Creek, it's insinuated that he had it coming. The local police follow what little clues they have but don't seem that determined to do any real investigation. So Cat sets out to find out who did this to her best friend.

After being violated herself a few years before, Cat pulled away from Patrick and her friends. This slows her investigation down a little because she has to re-establish some relationships. Her eyes open wider as she delves deeper and deeper into her friends' lives over the past few years. As she slowly learns what happened to Patrick, she begins the process of healing herself.

I can't say that I enjoyed being in this world particularly, as I have with other books. But I did root for Cat and enjoyed reading it. The mystery sucks you in completely from page one. It's beautifully written. Lauren Myracle did a spectacular job in bringing this world to life. I walked the woods and climbed the rocks right alongside Cat. The book will resonate with many for a wide variety of reasons. But get ready to be shocked and saddened. Although, just as the title suggests - it's not a completely sad story!

Go visit Ms. Myracle's adorable website! I don't know when she redesigned it, but it's super adorable!! <3

Elizabeth Scott. BETWEEN HERE AND FOREVER

I've adored all of Elizabeth Scott's books. As you can see here, I've reviewed many of them. Some of them hit you over the head with their powerful prose and plot. Others have a quiet strength that builds to an emotional ending. BETWEEN HERE AND FOREVER is in the second category.

It sucks you in right away. Abby's sister Tess is in a coma. Abby has been visiting her every day since the accident. We learn from flashbacks and memories that Tess is the perfect daughter. Abby feels like Tess has always had it easy. She's pretty, smart and always knows how to act. Abby is the complete opposite. She feels pretty unsure of herself and has always been in Tess's shadow.

When a gorgeous guy begins working at the hospital, Abby gets an idea to wake up Tess. Eli had walked into Tess's room to drop something off and when he spoke, her eyes seem to move behind her lids. Surely, it's because she hears his voice, thinks Abby. So, she makes a deal with him to begin visiting her room and talking to her. Abby just knows that she'll wake up after listening to him. Then Eli will fall in love with her and everything will be back to normal.

But as Abby gets to know Eli, she discovers that she likes him. Plus, he's really acting interested in her. Abby's not sure how to handle that because guys never, ever like her when her sister is around. In addition to this inner conflict, Abby begins to discover some things about her sister that contradict her perfect image. She unravels the mystery surrounding her sister while attempting to unravel the mystery of her own trouble with love.

I enjoyed this sweet story of forgiveness, understanding and courage. You'll enjoy Abby's journey and root for her, like I did. Will she learn that she's worthy of love and be brave enough to give away her heart again?

For more about Elizabeth Scott and her fantastic books, go to her website. For more of my reviews of her books, go here for a listing.

Maureen Johnson. SCARLETT FEVER

“Monday arrived just like it always did, creeping in during the night like the neighbor’s cat, come to illicitly drop dead mice by the bedside.” *

Yeah, that’s why I adore Maureen Johnson.
Phrases like that.
Also, she creates the best characters. Scarlett is a wonderful main character in her own right, but Spencer her brother – wow, he’s something else altogether - so talented and witty. Mrs. Amberson, Scarlett’s boss is the embodiment of old Hollywood excessiveness, but in a totally charming way. Max is a new character in this book that I can’t wait to continue getting to know in the next book. And don’t get me started on the dog called Murray!

Oh and I also love her chapter titles. Here are a few examples:
Safety for the Stupid
Lies Everyone Knows
Lunch is for Suckers
Dinner is also for Suckers
Dawn of the Desperate

In case you didn’t know – SCARLETT FEVER is the sequel to SUITE SCARLETT, which I also adored completely. (see review here). You must read that one first.
On to my quick summary/teaser....The Hamlet production in the lobby of the Hopewell has just ended. The excitement has died down a little, and Spencer is looking for work. Scarlett is still working for Mrs. Amberson, especially after the show closing and the number of hotel guests dwindling. Scarlett is also depressed about breaking up with Eric. Mrs. Amberson decides to take on an additional client, a Broadway star named Chelsea who has an annoying brother, Max. Scarlett’s “job” is to keep an eye on him, and after objecting she realizes that he becomes intriguing. Then wonderful things happen for Spencer while simultaneously making him New York City’s public enemy #1.  Big news for Lola and Marlene continues to puzzle Scarlett. Bottom line = another great adventure with the Martin family. I really feel at home in their world. It also makes me want to like in New York City or at least visit for a while.
Read it. You’ll love it too. Now I want the sequel.

*Normally, I'd put a page number there, but Kindle doesn't use page #s. So, I give you location number 3413.

Katherine Paterson. FLIP-FLOP GIRL

How timely. Katherine Paterson just received a lifetime achievement award from the International Board on Books for Young People today! Well-deserved!
Now about FLIP-FLOP GIRL…
Vinnie is already dealing with the death of her father when her mother uproots her and her brother to go live with her grandmother in a new town. She’s angry and she feels guilty about her brother. Mason has stopped talking or eating. She thinks it’s because of her yelling at him at the funeral. In the new town, the only positive is her new teacher. She likes him a lot, and he seems to care about her. Then she encounters a mysterious girl who has a rare confidence about her, even though she appears to be an outcast. Her name is Lupe. She doesn’t have any decent clothes and she appears to only have one pair of shoes, orange flip-flops. Plus, while it bothered Vinnie that no one wanted to talk to her or play with her, Lupe seemed oblivious to this and happily played hopscotch alone. Perhaps this girl, this flip-flop girl, will be just the friend she needs.
This is a wonderful, honest depiction of the emotions a child goes through after a death. Vinnie’s anger and loneliness are intense. Lupe is an intriguing character. It’s a meaningful and compelling story you won’t soon forget.
Check out her website for more by Paterson (you know her from Bridge to Terabithia, Great Gilly Hopkins, Jacob Have I Loved, etc...)

Mary Downing Hahn. DEEP AND DARK AND DANGEROUS

(Since I'm an elementary librarian now, I'll be focusing on more younger audience books. I'll still review YA -you'll just see more children's reviews here than you did before.) Now, on to the review...

While going through a box of books, Ali finds an old torn picture of her and her aunt and a small snippet of another girl at Gull Cottage, the lake house the family owns. On the back of the picture is the name of her mom, her aunt and another name where the picture is torn beginning with a T. Ali asks her mom about it, but her mom clams up and refuses to talk about it. When her aunt comes to visit, she also refuses to divulge any information about this “T” person. She claims they didn’t hang out with anyone at Gull Cottage – just each other.
After 30 years of avoiding Gull Cottage, Ali’s aunt, Dulcie, decides to spend the summer there painting. She asks Ali her to join her so she can babysit her niece, Emma. Everything is set for a nice relaxing summer at the lake. But you see the cover, right? A mysterious girl who calls herself Sissy keeps showing up to play with Ali and Emma. But she’s mean and starts to become a bad influence on Emma. Also, bit by bit, Ali begins unraveling the mystery of the “T” person in the photo. It definitely doesn’t end up being a nice and relaxing summer at the lake.
I loved this ghost~mystery. It’s chilling, suspenseful and creepy. It kept me up late at night - I couldn't stop reading. It’s great for kids as young as 4th grade through middle school who liked to be scared.

I was happy to see that the author has written many books, check her out here.

Jerry Spinelli. SMILES TO GO

There’s something very comfortable about being inside a Jerry Spinelli book. His storytelling is so smooth. You glide along so easily. In his latest, SMILES TO GO, Will Tuppence is a skateboarder, chess player, stargazer, best friend, and big brother to Tabby. Will spends most of his time avoiding his little sister, who annoys him constantly. She shows up at his weekly game night with his best friends, she tries to steal his skateboard, she even shows up a at the high school party he attends down the street. Will is also struggling with the possible love connection between his two best friends, BT (a rebel guy everyone looks up to) and Mi-Su. When he sees the two of them kissing, Will realizes that, hey –wait, maybe he likes Mi-Su! Would she ever kiss him? The novel takes you on a realistic journey of the emotional ups & downs of teen life. It also has a dramatic event that causes Will to realize the importance of what he already has in his life and to stop worrying so much. A worthy read for sure, especially if you’re a Spinelli fan.

Check out Jerry Spinelli’s website here.

Although I like all his books, STARGIRL is still my favorite Spinelli title. Stargirl just spoke to me in a very intimate way. I think it's because of the way it celebrates someone who was 100% herself without conforming to societies rules (and the teenage society can be pretty darn harsh when you don't conform). Stargirl totally did not care what other people thought. How often do you come across people like that in real life?
Did you know Stargirl societies are cropping up in schools everywhere? Pretty cool. Check it out here. Also, Stargirl is under production as a movie. Wow, can’t wait for that!

Rachel Vail. LUCKY

Phoebe Avery is a lucky girl. She and her sisters live in a big house with a housekeeper and nanny. She has four wonderful best friends. And on top of all that, she and her friends are planning a fabulous end of year party to celebrate graduating from eighth-grade. They’ve planned every detail from the fashion photographer to the engraved invitations. Now Phoebe just needs to find the perfect dress. (Of course, if everything is going perfectly, you know it won’t stay that way – otherwise there’d be no book, right?) Phoebe does find the perfect dress, the dress that really makes her feel beautiful. Then a crisis in her family endangers her entire way of life. She’s too scared to tell her friends, so she hides it as long as she can. Will Phoebe begin to realize what is really important in her life, or will she long for the days before the crisis?

This was a nice fun book about friendship and remembering to be grateful for what you have. I enjoyed it. I found the different personalities between the friends really well written. I could really see all of them clearly. The interactions and dialogue was also realistic for eighth grade girls (I’ve been around them long enough to say that!). Plus, the sisters had a fun & true dynamic.

This is the first of a trilogy. The book jacket states that there will be two more books that are told from the other sisters' points of view. That sounds intriguing, so I’ll be on the lookout for those.

This is the first one I’ve read from Rachel Vail. Click here to find out more about her or click here to check out her other books.

Maureen Johnson. SUITE SCARLETT

Wow! I just spent such an exciting time in New York with some zany and heartwarming characters (at least if feels like I was there!). Fifteen-year-old Scarlett and her family live in a small 5 story historic hotel called the Hopewell. Lola is the older sister with beauty and a great personality. Marlene is the younger sister who has experienced major illness in her past. Spencer is the older brother and Scarlett’s best friend. Spencer is an actor and quite the comedian. Business in the hotel hasn’t been great, so the family is struggling. Spencer has been awarded a scholarship to culinary school, but it’s the last thing he wants to do. He feels pressured by his parents, because they could use some financial help. But, he really wants to pursue his acting career. When Ms. Amberson, an intriguing new guest, arrives at the Hopewell, she brings a lot of ideas, money, and a unique perspective on life. She certainly shakes things up, but will it be for the best or will she bring disaster?
The greatest part of this quirky, fun novel is the characters. All the main characters are so unique and special. I enjoyed spending time with them. To me, that’s what a great book is all about. If you don’t want to be with the characters, then you won’t keep reading. Ms. Amberson is a hoot! And I really cared about the family. The idea of the family living in a hotel was also interesting to me. I spent about 5 years in the hotel business, but it was with big chain hotels, so this little family run, historic hotel was fun place to be. Plus, the situations that they get themselves in and out of are hysterical. I laughed and had a great time!! Highly recommended for all. (and what a gorgeous cover!)

Maureen Johnson has written many other great books.

Check out her website here

And her blog here

She says the just finished the sequel. Woohoo! Looking forward to it!

Deborah Lynn Jacobs. CHOICES

Wow! What an intriguing book. Kathleen has just lost her brother in a car accident. She’s devastated. Then strange things begin to happen. She wakes up to a different reality each day. One day she’s Kathleen, another she’s Kate, and then Kay and Kathy. In one reality she’s lost her best friend and her mother is in a downward spiral, while in another she’s still has her best friend and her mom is doing great. But one aspect is constant in all realities – Luke. He seems to follow her to each world. Perhaps he has some answers to what is going on? She also wonders if she can find the “reality” where her brother is still alive.
The premise of the book really piqued my interest. Fortunately, it turned out as cool as it sounded. I really enjoyed this book. Now I’ll have to check out the author’s other books.

Nancy Werlin. RULES OF SURVIVAL

Matthew’s mother is crazy. And she is the kind of unpredictable crazy where he and his sisters are always on edge wondering when she will explode. Matthew and Callie do their best of take care of their younger sister most of the time, since their mom is away a lot. Sometimes she comes home and acts “motherly” and cooks dinner, but other times she comes home angry and mean. Things finally come to a point where Matthew decides to take action. Their mother has chased off the only decent boyfriend she’s had after he found out how crazy she is, and this has brought her evil and madness to a whole new level. Matt asks for help from the only adults around, and he hopes that something will change. He wants more than anything to get them away from his mother or someone won’t survive.
This is one of those stories that sticks with you for a long time. The saddest thing in the world is when someone who is supposed to protect kids is actually their worst enemy.

The author has written some other really great books. Check her out here: http://www.nancywerlin.com/index.htm

Nancy Etchemendy. THE POWER OF UN

Wouldn’t you love the power to go back in time and “undo” events in your life that? Like a bad or tragic event? Gib is visited by a strange old man, who smells like lightning, one night in the woods. The man gives him a home-made looking device that looks like a remote control. He calls it an “unner.” He tells him to be careful with it and then leaves. Gib is curious, but then goes about his life. A tragic event happens later that night and Gib decides to “undo” it by going back in time. But, things are happening differently and he’s worried he’s changed the wrong events. Will he be able to change the inevitable, or are some things meant to happen? This was one of those suspense filled novels that I couldn’t put down. I had to finish it at once! It’s a great way to sample Science Fiction, if you aren’t sure you like Sci-Fi. You’ll like this one.

Adele Griffin. WHERE I WANT TO BE

It’s difficult to say much about this novel without giving too much away, but I’ll try. Jane and Lily are sisters who enjoyed playing together as young girls. As they grew older, they grew apart. Jane has a difficult time around other people. She has a hard time distinguishing between reality and fantasy. Her parents medicate her to help her lead a normal life. Jane really misses her imaginary world and decides to go off her meds, and tragedy strikes. Jane is hit by a car (and I’m not giving anything away, since this info is given to the reader at the very beginning). The story begins with Lily trying to come to terms with her sister’s death while dealing with her own guilt. The story focuses on both sisters, how different they are, and how they relate to each other. It’s an insightful and moving novel.

Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout. THE BLACK SHEEP

In a moment of despair, Kendra Bishop fills out an application for a reality show where two teenagers switch places. She figures anybody else's life must be better than hers. After several months go by, she’s forgotten all about it, until a TV crew shows up at her house. Kendra ends up agreeing to do the show. She thinks it will be a nice break from her strict, banker parents. Her parents have her living under so many rules that they have an actual book of rules. She goes to an all girl school, so she never gets to meet guys, let alone date them. She dreams of more freedom and independence. But, when she meets her temporary “new” family in California, she is in shock. The parents are hippies with lots of children and since Kendra's an only child herself, this will be a big adustment. Also, the whole family is obsessed with the declining sea otter population. She begins to wonder exactly what she has gotten herself into. I was attracted to this book because of the intriguing premise. I’m sure most of us have thought about what it would be like to trade places with someone. I enjoyed this look at behind the scenes of a reality show, but mostly I enjoyed the lively characters. From the family members in California to the comical producer, they were all truly wonderful. Plus, there’s a little action and a little romance. I highly recommend it.

ECLIPSE, THE KEY TO THE GOLDEN FIREBIRD

Stephenie Meyer. ECLIPSE
Yea! I’ve been waiting for this one to come out. This is the third in the trilogy by Meyer. The first is TWILIGHT and the second is NEW MOON (reviews below). For me, this one was deeper and richer. You learn more about Jacob’s history, as well as some of the Cullen’s history. Plus, the threats of Victoria and the Volturi are heightened and must be dealt with. Some major decisions are made, but some things are left hanging for book four. I was left wanting more. But I still loved it!






Maureen Johnson.
THE KEY TO THE GOLDEN FIREBIRD
May is the smart daughter in the family, so she is sent to a private school. Her older sister, Brooks, is the beautiful, athletic one, while the youngest, Palmer, is shy, but also a great pitcher. Even though they are different, they have fun spending time together. Then when a tragedy happens in their family, things start to fall apart. May sees bad things happening to her family and feels the burden of being the “responsible” one. Will the family be able to pull together again? In addition to this drama, May’s childhood friend is spending a lot of time helping her learn to drive. She begins to wonder if he is just a “friend” anymore. This was a wonderful book about family and friends. I really enjoyed the characters. The author did a wonderful job of creating real, deep, interesting characters.

CRUTCHER, HADDIX, WESTERFELD, TRUEMAN, CORMIER

Crutcher, Chris. STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES. Wow, wow, wow. This novel really displays Crutcher's talent as a storyteller. He weaves together the past and the present so skillfully. Plus, this is a meaningful tale about friendship and much more. I can't even go into a summary without going on and on. There's too much to say. I was really moved.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. AMONG THE HIDDEN. This group of books has been out a while, and I finally got the chance to read them. The premise is a futuristic society where it is illegal to have a third child, for population reasons. The story is told from a third-child's point of view, Luke. He is hidden in his house because if he is found, he will be killed. He sees a shadow in the house near him and wonders if there are other third-children out there. Risking his life, he takes a chance to meet this other child.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. AMONG THE IMPOSTERS. The sequel: Luke is able to get out of hiding with a fake ID and is sent to a boarding school under the new assumed identity. There he meets other third-children. They are working on plans to challenge these laws, but danger lurks around every corner.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. AMONG THE BETRAYED. This is not a direct sequel but a companion novel: from another characters point of view, Nina. I’m sure it's great, but I wanted to continue to read about Luke. So, I went to "BARONS"

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. AMONG THE BARONS. Luke must leave the school and go live with a Baron family. Why? He soon learns of several different plots against him and others. Who does he believe??

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. DON’T YOU DARE READ THIS, MRS. DUNPHREY. A lot is packed into this short 128 pg book. At first Tish was reluctant to keep the journal required by her teacher. Then, she decides, oh well, the teacher said she wouldn't read it if I didn't want her to. The journal becomes an important "friend" and she begins writing down everything she can't tell anyone else. This is a wonderful, meaningful book. I won't soon forget Tish and her family.

Westerfeld, Scott. UGLIES (1) I had seen this novel many times, and the premise always intrigued me. Finally, I got to read it. It was much more than I expected.. In this futuristic society, everyone has plastic surgery at sixteen to conform to an “ideal” standard of beauty. The society assumes that if everyone is "pretty" than no one needs to pay attention to outward appearances anymore. Before you have your operation you are an “ugly” (hence the title). Then after you have it you are called a “new pretty.” Anyway, a character named Shay decides she likes her face the way it is and doesn't want to have it operated on. She and a group of others are rebelling against this mandatory policy. Many other secrets are found out about this “ideal” society. Very suspenseful!!!

Westerfeld, Scott. PRETTIES (2) I had to read the sequel instantly! The sequel was just as good as the original. I'm really attached to the characters now. I can't say much more about this one without giving away events in the first one. But you'll want to read it if you liked UGLIES.

Westerfeld, Scott. SPECIALS (3) Due out in May 2006. Can't wait for this one to come out!!

Westerfeld, Scott. THE MIDNIGHTERS#1. THE SECRET HOUR. Jessica moves to the small town of Bixby and soon realizes there is a secret hour every night at midnight. She and a few others, who were born at the stroke of midnight, are able to move about in the secret hour. Everyone else is frozen. This is a very cool action-packed, part science fiction, part horror story.

Westerfeld, Scott. THE MIDNIGHTERS #2. TOUCHING DARKNESS. It gets even better with part 2. Secrets are revealed, and it is just as suspenseful and action packed as the first. The minute it ended, I wanted to read the sequel, but yikes, it isn't out yet!
(I’m really getting into Scott Westerfeld!)

Westerfeld, Scott. THE MIDNIGHTERS #3. BLUE NOON Due out in March 2006. Can't wait for this one to come out!

Trueman, Terry. STUCK IN NEUTRAL. Wow! Imagine remembering everything you've ever seen or heard. But, you can't communicate in any way. Your family doesn't know you are smart. They aren't sure your brain even works. That is 14-year-old Shawn's situation. Now, he finds out people are wondering if he even deserves to live. I wasn't able to put this one down! This is a book you'll never forget!! Suspenseful and thought provoking.

Trueman, Terry. CRUISE CONTROL. The companion novel to STUCK IN NEUTRAL. This is the same story but from Shawn's brother's point of view, Paul. Paul is a great athlete and student. He has everything. He struggles with the fact that his life seems so great, but his brother seems to have nothing. He also deals with his disrespect for his father, who deserted the family. It was awesome to read the story from this point of view.

Cormier, Robert. THE CHOCOLATE WAR. I finally got to read this classic. After reading I AM THE CHEESE (unusual, freaky, excellent book) several years ago, I've been wanting to read more from Cormier. THE CHOCOLATE WAR is set at an all boy's private school called Trinity. There is a secret society, the Vigils, that assigns tortuous tasks to boys to carry out, whether they want to or not. Jerry Renault unwittingly stands up to the group. However, the Vigils, don't take kindly to people disobeying them. This is a chilling, haunting book. I highly recommend it!