Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti

Edition: Softcover, 308Publisher: Simon Pulse|Release Date: 2004|Genre: Contemporary fiction, love, family, friendship|
|Overall Rating: 5/5|
|More Books by Author: The Secret Life of Prince Charming, Wild Roses, The Queen of Everything, The Nature of Jade, Stay, The Six Rules of Maybe, The Fortune's of Indigo Sky, & The Story of Us (2012)

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It is summer in the Northwest town of Nine Mile Falls, and sixteen-year-old Ruby McQueen, ordinarily dubbed The Quiet Girl, finds herself hanging out with gorgeous, rich, thrill-seeking Travis Becker. But Ruby is in over her head, and finds she is risking more and more when she's with him.
In an effort to keep Ruby occupied, Ruby's mother Ann drags Ruby to the weekly book club she runs. When it is discovered that one of the group''s own members is the subject of the tragic love story they are reading, Ann and Ruby spearhead a reunion between the long-ago lovers. But for Ruby, this mission turns out to be much more than just a road trip...

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Once again Caletti has created a vividly adventurous (and humorous) home-spun coming of age story. My first Caletti novel was The Secret Life of Prince Charming and oh the characters! It's the same with Honey, Baby, Sweetheart. The characters are jewels...and the story is so familiar yet so enjoyable.
Ruby McQueen doesn't hang out with boys. She's a good girl, has one girlfriend, a love-sick insecure librarian mother, a little brother, and a chewing machine of a dog. Typical family, typical girl falls for the bad boy next door. Or is it?
I love how Caletti takes a stereotype plot like this and whips it around into a heartwarming story about something completely different–something that makes you sad when the last page turns. Ruby was naturally a keep-to-yourself type. When she suddenly catches the eye of the motorcyle-ridin' bad boy, Travis, Ruby unleashes her alter-ego that has been hiding inside her. Suddenly things starts turning upside-down. Does Ruby really like Travis or does she just like the thrill of the wind rushing against her skin as they zoom down the highway. When Ruby and her family become invovled in a complicated mission to help Lillian, an elderly woman and fellow book-club member, unite with her true love, Ruby gets a lesson in more than just love. Sometimes, adventure is way more exciting.


I love the characters–Miz June, Ann Bee, Harold (he's a hoot), Peach, Lillian, Chip Jr., Ruby, Ann, and even the guy in the whale van. They're so normal, they're people you know...but yet throw them together and you get an unforgettable journey of strength, love, friendship, and breaking away. The humorous yet serious advice the seniors give Ruby is uplifting and inspiring. Highly, highly recommend. If you're a Deb Caletti fan already–what are you waiting for!? Ages 13+


Read More Great Books Like This:
Ten Miles Past Normal by Francis O'Roark Dowell, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Faithful by Janet Fox, After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy, The Ruby Notebook by Laura Resau, A Little Friendly Advice by Siobhan Vivian, Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Edition: Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin, Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: January 2012
Genre: Contemporary fiction, historical fiction, 1950s, Civil Rights Era, Friendship
Other Books By Author: Best Bad I Luck I Ever Had
Overall Rating: 4/5

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Two girls separated by race form an unbreakable bond during the tumultuous integration of Little Rock schools in 1958.
Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family.
But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.

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There are quite a few books now about the civil rights movement or integration in the 1950s/60s. After awhile I kind of felt like that once I read a few books with this topic, I read them all. With The Lions of Little Rock, it was not just another integration story...it was way more. Although it followed the classic white girl meets black girl scenario, it had a unique twist and a lot of history. 
The main character in The Lions of Little Rock is twelve year-old Marlee who struggles with shyness and speaking for herself. When she meets the new girl in school, Marlee becomes fascinated with her. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be...and soon they become inseparable friends. After a troubling discovery one morning at school, Marlee realizes that although Liz wasn't what she seemed, their friendship and Liz's lesson about being courageous is more important. Even though being friends with Liz is fast becoming dangerous as the racial tensions between whites and blacks rise, Marlee learns to find her voice.


Combining a heartfelt come-of-age story in the backdrop of a turbulent time in American history, Levine shows us that friendship and making a stand are sometimes the most important lessons learned in life.
The Lions of Little Rock was nice, different look on the segregation wars. Taking place a year after the "Little Rock 9", Levine incorporates alot of history–sometimes little known–into a wonderful story of a very shy girl on the brink of change. Levine's writing was very lyrical and I'm glad the the events that were going on didn't take over the entire story of Marlee. I liked how everything was presented much better than any other novel I've read about this topic in history. Great book for middle graders and teens. (Ages 11+)

Dreams of Significant Girls by Cristina Garcia

Edition: 1st, Hardcover, 238
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR

Release Date: September 2011

Genre: Contemporary fiction, friendship, 1970s, social/teen issues

Overall Rating: 2/5

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Synopsis from Goodreads

Brought together each summer at a boarding school in Switzerland, three girls learn a lot more than just French and European culture. Shirin, an Iranian princess; Ingrid, a German-Canadian eccentric; and Vivien, a Cuban-Jewish New Yorker culinary phenom, are thrown into eachother's lives when they become roommates. This is a story of 3 paths slowly beginning to cross and merge as they spend the year apart, but the summers together. Through navigating the social-cultural shoals of the school, developing their adolescence, and learning the confusing and conflicting legacies of their families' past, Shirin, Ingrid, and Vivien form an unbreakable bond.

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Review
Advertised as being similar to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Dreams of Significant Girls was not at all what I expected it to be. First of all it takes places in the 1970s at a boarding school for wealthy girls. Not only do these girls attend the summer camp to get away from their parents, but to mingle with boys, take drugs, and drink. Perhaps not all of the three girls had these intentions but one girl in particular–Ingrid–was up to no good throughout most of the book. I dislike the atmosphere of the setting so much, after reading a 100 pages, I had to quit. 
The issues and events that came up in the story were not the only thing that bothered me. The plot itself was chaotic and jumped around from past to present, from girl to girl; I felt detached from them. Each character's voice was unique and different–I would have to say that was one of the few "good" things about this book. I did read the ending of Significant Girls and the story seemed to wrap up pretty well.


Overall, I just wasn't pleased with the whole subject of the story: puberty. Honestly it sadden me because I was excited to read Significant Girls. There are too many stories that deal with nothing but this, first hooking ups, etc. Perhaps there is more to the story but in those first 100 pages it seemed like the focal point of the girl's journey.
Also, I must add that the girls on the cover do NOT in anyway resemble girls from the 70s...I mean where the heck are the bell bottom jeans? The fringe? The babydoll tops? I don't think this was a smart choice for cover art.
So yes this was not the book for me but when choosing to read this book (or not!) my main point is that it was just too much like other books I've read–making it, shall we say, a not-so significant story. (Ages 16+)

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Content Awareness
Please be aware that this book contains mature elements such as sexual references/situations, language, drinking, and references to drugs. If you were to "watch" this book as a movie, I would definitely rate it PG-13.

Perfectly Invisible by Kristin Billerbeck Blog Tour

It's Daisy Crispin's final semester of high school, and she plans to make it count. Her long-awaited freedom is mere months away, and her big plans for college loom in the future. Everything is under control.

Or is it?

Her boyfriend is treating her like she's invisible, and her best friend is making her sell bad costume jewelry in the school quad—and hanging out with her boyfriend. To top it off, Daisy's major humiliation of the year will be remembered in the yearbook for all eternity. It's enough to make her wonder if maybe being invisible isn't so bad after all.

Can Daisy get her life back on track? Or is she stuck in this town forever?

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Dripping with humor, drama, and the ups and downs that follow the last couple months of high school, Perfectly Invisible had all the makings of a really great story but alas the plot was...no where to be seen? Daisy's glum outlook on her social life and high school goes from bad to worse when her would-be "boyfriend"and prom date suddenly shys away from her. To top things off things are starting to heat up with her long-time crush Chase, but is he who he appears to be? And what about the constant bullying and attention Daisy has been getting from Amber and her gang? Not to mention her parents over-anxious attitude toward her college plans.

I guess the #1 problem that I had with Perfectly Invisible was that when things started getting really good and interesting...the chapter would end and sometimes it would skip several days into the future without so much as a brief note to wrap-up what important climax had occurred in the chapter before it. It was a bit frustrating. The second thing I disliked was that the story was everywhere: Daisy's high school, Daisy's friend's family dilemma, Daisy's college and job woes, and then of course her continuous–and slightly annoying–struggle between Chase and Max. Also, Daisy's parents were just outrageous at times.
 Perhaps the thing that stands out the most is that even though it fits into the category of a Christian fiction book, I felt that the religious views pushed the characters in certain ways–almost robotically–rather than help them or the story along. Daisy takes her Christianity seriously but at the same time it seemed like she used it as a crutch to get her out of tight spots. Basically that is what the story is all about that the same time–Daisy learns to make her own choices based on her Christian outlook and not to get so wrapped-up in what other people may or may not be thinking.

Since Daisy comes from a pretty conservative Christian household readers who do not normally read religious fiction may very well be "shocked" so to speak by Daisy's dating rules. Not like any of it is at all unheard of of course, but I'm thinking that compared to main-stream "dating" it is different. Too different to be enjoyed is simply a matter of taste NOT a matter of religion.  Even though Daisy goes to a Christian school it is no different than a public high school. Mean girls stalk the hallways, playboys play ball, and the geeks usually go unnoticed...but with Daisy, it's about to change.

Despite Perfectly Invisible having some plot issues, I think Daisy is humorously good example of a slightly geeky only-child finishing high school and trying to find where God is leading her in the world of adulthood.  Daisy must prove everyone wrong–er right–and snag the boy and the college of her dreams.

Recommend? Yes, especially those h.s. seniors who are moving forward in both education and life. Interest would lean more to older teens. Ages 14+

Content: Mild sensuality/kissing. Reference to drugs. (PG)

Other Books By This Author| Perfectly Dateless (Universally Misunderstood 1), Split Ends, What A Girl Wants

|Pages: 266|Release Date: July 2011|Publisher: Revell|

|Genre: Christian fiction, contemporary fiction, chic-lit, relationships, school|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover: 4/5–faces! Not good|

|Overall Rating: 4/5|

This original review is copyrighted© by Books and Literature for Teens. Blog Tour possible by Revell/Baker House Publishing.

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie

Larkin Pace desperately wants a new camcorder. How else is he going to become the next great filmmaker? But his dad won’t give him any money, his sister is determined to make his life miserable, and his nemesis Dalton Cooke is trying to steal his girlfriend. Now this height-challenged aspiring director must chronicle his wacky life for a freshman English assignment.

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A hilarious take on the life of a “wimpy” teenager, The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is great novel for young teens (especially teen guys) who will relate to Larkin’s comical situations and outtakes on high school, family, and first love. Incorporating illustrations within the written novel is a perfect way to get anybody to read, especially with a generation of young readers who are use to visual communication. Detorie seems like a great author to watch for more graphic novels from.

Overall, The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is a light, humorous read just in time for summer and a great novel for fans who want to graduate from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I also might add that Detorie’s inspiration for Larkin writing about his freshman year via notebook blog might just be a interesting assignment to do for aspiring writers!

Recommendation: First of all because there’s limited choices out there in contemporary YA fiction for guys, I wanted to make a special recommendation for them; secondly I want to recommend it to any teenager: freshmen–like Larkin–middle schoolers, or even those who have already fled the high school scene. Fans of graphic novels will also enjoy Larkin's story. Ages 12+

Content: some crude humor (PG)

|Pages: 197| Release Date: April 2011| Publisher: EgmontUS|

|Genre: Contemporary, comedy/humor, high school, guy lit|

|Content Rating: 5/5| Cover Rating: 5/5| Overall: 5/5|

This review is copyrighted by Books and Literature for Teens. Special thanks to Jennifer.

Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan

Purple Daze is a young adult novel set in suburban Los Angeles in 1965. Six high school students share their experiences and feelings in interconnected free verse and traditional poems about war, feminism, riots, love, racism, rock 'n' roll, high school, and friendship.
Although there have been verse novels published recently, none explore the changing and volatile 1960's in America-- a time when young people drove a cultural and political revolution. With themes like the costs and casualties of war, the consequences of sex, and the complex relationships between teens, their peers, and their parents, this story is still as relevant today as it was 45 years ago.

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Purple Daze recounts the stories (based on real letters) of four teenagers on the brink of the Vietnam War and their last year of high school in the 1970s. While examining the current events of the time, the foursome face war, protest, a messy love triangle and the consequences of their mistakes as well as friendship. Eventually, the characters’s lives become as scattered as the world around them.

The most interesting thing about this book is the way it is written: a cross-between verse and prose. While the very short-style passages that are suppose to resemble the teenage mind is fun, the plot is not much more than blips of randomness. Understanding some of the dialogue or relationships between a few of the characters is a bit difficult because the passages were so quick and vague. Also, please be aware that there is a lot of talk of drugs, drinking, sexual references and content so this is not a good book for younger readers.

Purple Daze is a unique way of expressing life but I just didn’t like the plot nor the “focus” of some bits of the story. I did however, like the inspiration of one of the male characters (Phil). His character was based on a real guy the author knew in high school. She even dedicated the book to him: To Phillip Cole...because you waited.

Recommendation: Enjoyed the style but not the actual “story”. However I believe it was a good message about consequences and choices; not recommended for anyone younger than age 16.

Content: Language, drugs, alcohol, sexual content, descriptions of war (R)

|Pages: 197|Release Date: March 2011|Publisher: Running Press|

|Genre: Contemporary, historical fiction, war, love, friendship|

|Content Rating: 1/5|Cover Rating: 5/5|Overall: 2/5|

This Review is copyrighted© by Books and Literature for Teens. Special thanks to Nicole.

The Ruby Notebook by Laura Resau

Sixteen-year-old Zeeta and her flighty English-teaching mom, Layla, have traveled the world together, settling in a different country every year, making a whole new set of friends and adopting new customs. This year, they’ve chosen to live in Aix-en-Provence, France, an enchanting city full of fountains, creamy yellow light, and a fascinating group of scarlet-clad street performers.
Zeeta soon begins to receive mysterious notes and gifts from someone she calls her fantôme, or ghost, admirer. But she is expecting her boyfriend, Wendell—the love of her life, as her friends call him—to arrive in Aix for a summer program very soon. Zeeta brushes off her curiosity about her fantôme, and her simmering attraction to one of the street performers, Jean-Claude, until Wendell arrives and she begins to fear that her feelings for him have truly changed. Perhaps—like Layla—she’s simply not made for long-term romance. As Zeeta tries to draw away from Wendell, however, circumstances seem to force them together. Zeeta’s friendship with a local antiques dealer and his reclusive artist friend leads to a dangerous adventure. When Zeeta and Wendell join forces to find a secret underground spring whose water is rumored to bring immortality, they are forced to reconsider their own desires, and their beliefs about true love. Yet as soon as Zeeta decides that her mind has cleared, she’s confronted with the biggest shock of her life: the incredible true identity of her fantôme.Vibrant, warmhearted, and evocative,The Ruby Notebook is a remarkable novel about learning to accept love in all of its wondrous and imperfect forms.

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Zeeta and her world-traveling mom are back with a whole new adventure. After saying goodbye to her friends in the tropical mountains of Ecuador and her new boyfriend, the trio head to the mystical city of Aix-en-Provence in France, famous for its ancient-old fountains that litter the cobble-stone streets. 

Once again Resua has created whimsical characters (both familiar and new), a thrilling plot with adventure and mystery, and a setting that is just as exciting. Teens who have fallen in love with The Indigo Notebook will be sure to get swept away once more in Zeeta’s narrative as she rekindles her romance with Wendell and sets out on yet another journey with a group of charmingly lovable characters. 

The best thing about this book is, in my personal opinion, the setting–France! Reading Resau’s books are like stepping over into a far-away land and experiencing every little detail of it through a carefully crafted story. I absolutely loved reading the first book and The Ruby Notebook is just as good, if not better. Overall, wonderfully written sequel. (*Complete with a glossary of French words!)

Recommendation: Teens 12+ will be sure to enjoy both novels–highly recommend! (Reading the The Indigo Notebook first is probably best, but its possible to get without it.)

Content: Some sensuality (PG)

Buy or Borrow? If you read The Indigo Notebook and enjoyed it I wouldn't pass up purchasing this one.

Cover Talk: I preferred The Indigo Notebook's cover, something similar would have been just fine–the picture seems like it's a little blurry.

➥Read My Post With Laura Resau & Exploring Ecuador

➥Enter my giveaway and win THE INDIGO NOTEBOOK!

|Pages: 365|Release Date: Sept. 2010|Publisher: Delacorte|

|Genre: Contemporary fiction, teen romance, friendship, mystery|

|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover Rating: 3/5|Overall: 5/5

Review copyrighted© by Books and Literature for Teens. Special thanks to Laura & Emily at Delacorte.

The Trouble With Half A Moon by Danette Vigilante

Thirteen year old Dellie lives with the guilt that her little brother's death was her fault. Her mother cries all the time and because she wants Dellie to stay safe, she keeps her inside as much as she can. It doesn't matter that Dellie longs to go outside to be like other girls or that there's a boy she likes and he likes her too. All that matters to her mother is that she's safe at home. So, Dellie has no choice but to watch the world of her housing project through her second story window. 

Things start to change soon after new neighbors move in on the first floor. Trouble like this has never happened in Dellie's building before. Now there are men fighting on the stoop, gunshots echoing through the night and Corey, a hungry and abused five year old boy knocking on her door looking for something to eat. Corey reminds Dellie of her brother and even though their friendship is dangerous, she wonders if this time, she'll be able to do what needs to be done. Will she be able to save Corey?

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Despite its heavy topics of grief, loss, and urban life in the streets of Brooklyn’s Projects, Vigilante leaves plenty of room for development and discovery as she weaves a light, but impelling coming-of-age story.

Although Dellie’s situations are mainly impacted from her sometimes gritty surroundings, middle graders will connect with Dellie as she comes to peace with the death of her little brother and, as she experiences the many new things that also come with growing older. Through a simple yet thought-provoking dialogue, this debut author expresses what it feels like to loose the ones you love and to remember to have faith, even if we only see half of what is really there.

This is why I love (and enjoy) reading middle grade books so much. You get a wonderful in-depth and complex story in less than 200 pages yet still manage take away just as much from it as a YA or adult novel. I also liked the fact that Delli’s environment, race, and age didn’t overpower one or the other and were all presented equally throughout the book. Many times authors let only one of these details play the dominate role in showcasing their story. The Trouble With Half a Moon however, lets you flow with a variety of characters as Vigilante shows bits and pieces of Dellie’s neighborhood without loosing sight of the true message of the story. Overall, excellent writing and a great, enjoyable book for preteens.

Recommendation: Highly recommend. Even though it might be marketed towards young adults, I think middle graders would enjoy it much more. This would also be a very nice addition to a classroom library. Lots of good discussion topics! Ages 11+

Content: PG for some violence. More details!

The Last Straw: A quote from pg. 70

She [Miss Shirley] walks over to the moon and uses her fingers to trace where the other half should be. "Just because we cannot see this half of the moon doesn't mean it's not there," she says, studying me. "You have to believe it's there. Faith young one," she says...

|Pages: 178|Published: Jan. 2011|Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons|

|Genre: Contemporary fiction, coming-of-age, family drama, friendship, loss, grief|

|Content: PG|Age Group: Middle grade/YA ages 11+|Price: $16.99|

|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover: 4/5|

|Overall: 5/5|

Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson

After living in twelve places in eight years, Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Another new home, another new school...Calle knows better than to put down roots. Her song journal keeps her moving to her own soundtrack, bouncing through a world best kept at a distance.Yet before she knows it, friends creep in-as does an unlikely boy with a secret. Calle is torn over what may be her first chance at love. With all that she's hiding and all that she wants, can she find something lasting beyond music? And will she ever discover why she and her mother have been running in the first place?

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Songs for a Teenage Nomad is a artistic story of music and life as our heroine makes an unlikely difference in the lives of her new found friends and discovers the secret behind her mother’s nomadic ways.

The greatest–and most important–aspect in this novel is the numerous mentioning of songs and artists. While not entirely unique, it helps greatly with connecting to the feelings of the characters. From Bob Dylan to Coldplay, Calle recounts her story from past memories to present circumstances and brings a voice through a teenager’s best friend, music. The book is very poetic, yet edgy in a way that makes the characters shine through the sometimes gloomy events that come to pass. Treading in self-discovery themes, Culberston hits two birds with one stone as she depicts relationships and love in both the high school setting and, at home. Teens will enjoy Songs for a Teenage Nomad because of its simplicity and its whimsical melodic setting of the small, sea-side town. Culbertson is definitely a author to keep an eye on.

Recommendation: Highly recommendable to teen ages 12+.

Content: Some dramatic elements and a few bad words; PG

The Last Straw: A quote from pg. 130:

I hear music under the crash of waves before I see any place that could be producing it. Soon, though, hovering in the distant dark appears a ripple of neon, a sign that becomes legible only when I am standing directly in front of it: Lucky's.

|Pages: 240|Published: Sept. 2010|Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire|

|Genre: Contemporary fiction, relationships, family drama, friends, romance|

|Content: PG|Age Group: YA, ages 12+|Price: pbk. $9.99|

|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 4/5|Cover: 5/5|

|Overall: 4/5|

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

"Here comes the bride"–if she can pass chemistry. Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother who has a small personality complex (he thinks he's Jesus). Bronwen must have been switched a birth, and she can't wait to get away from her family for good. Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants–and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted, too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is it Jared she truly needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do?

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If I only had one word to describe I Now Pronounce You Someone Else I would say personality. Not very often do books have a personality all to their own. This book not only brings an almost-untouched plot to the table of YA, I Now Pronounce You throws in various aspects of a girl's life and a unique circumstance that most teens fear to tread.
Bronwen. That's a different name. It goes perfect with the story because this story isn't your typical YA novel. Bronwen, the narrator of this book, has a unique dilemma. Not only does Bronwen have a background of identity issues, insecurity, and family frustrations, she just told her boyfriend “no”. Oh, did I also mention she's getting married? Toppling on a sea of big life decisions, readers will watch Bronwen pull through... but not without a few twists in the mix. One thing I liked about I Now Pronounce You is that–no matter how many times I tried to guess the situation–Bronwen always surprised me.
Out of all the themes I Now Pronounce Someone Else incorporates: friendship, love, family, identity, and dealing with life decisions–I think perhaps the topic that stood out the most for me was the value of purity. No, no, this isn't a book about one of those girls who goes around talking about purity-rings or her virginity. No, instead our heroine displays a very strong sense of morals and heartfelt devotion. In a world almost void of virtues and innocences, Browden’s voice rings true. I believe many teen girls will relate to Bronwen's struggles, maybe even give them hope for the road ahead.
Bronwen's issues with her family and personal identity will also hit home-base with many teenagers. Because Bronwen's relationship with her mother is falling apart and is constantly hurt by her stepfather's seemingly uncaring actions, Bronwen feels unloved. In turn, she invents a sort of alter-ego, Miss Lilywhite. Family life is such a broad topic and although it is showing up more frequently in the market these days, parent interaction with teen characters is often largely ignored. Bronwen's battle with big decisions doesn't stop at college; Bronwen is swept off her feet by a man (yes, a man) who she believes to be The One. Whatever shall she do? Only Bronwen can decide... and the results?–a stunning drama you don't want to miss.

Recommendation: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a great book for teen girls. Finding a book that deals with these subjects so honestly and maturely yet with the lightness of a classic Young Adult novel is rare. My suggestion: skip your next read and pick up this one instead. Recommended to ages 12+.


This Book is For: Teens and older young adults who enjoy a good drama or romance story.
Content: Mild sensuality, coupe of bad words (_am), and some emotional family situations. A-okay for ages 12 and up.


The Last Straw: "Agreeing with crazy people is so much easier–and certainly more diplomatic–than disagreeing." - pg. 3 of I Now Pronounce You Someone Else


|Pages: 258|Published: June 2010| Publisher: Scholastics|Price: Hard. $16.99|
|Genre: Contemporary fiction, teen romance, drama, family drama, friendship|
|Age Group: YA, ages 12+|Content: PG|
|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 4/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall: 5/5|

OTHER SIMILAR AUTHORS & BOOKS:

The Lonely Hearts Club - Elizabeth Eulberg

Love Rules - Dandi Daley MacKall

Melody Carlson (Notes From a Spinning Planet series)

Lipstick Apology - Jennifer Jabaley

This review is copyrighted ©2010 by Books and Literature for Teens.

And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman + GIVEAWAY

➜WARNING! This review is of the sequel to And Then Everything Unraveled and may contain spoilers!

Jennifer Sturman's YA debut, And Then Everything Unraveled, really surprised me. It appeared to be a simple, summery beach read but there was more to the book than that. It had depth, an exciting story, and a mystery that was very intricate. By the end of the book, I was eager to find out what happened to Delia and her mother. When I was able to review And Then I Found Out the Truth, I had high expectations that it would all end with a big bang or an exciting ending. I did get a unexpected ending, but the rest of the book was slow, especially when dealing with the mystery. I guess Sturman didn't have much mystery plot left so a lot of things unrelated to Delia's mystery dilemma were added. It was fine for awhile but I was ready move to back onto the focal point of the story. The last couple chapters were rushed and though everything turned out peachy, I just thought And Then I Found Out the Truth didn't live up to the previous book.

Delia and Quinn's relationship definitely steps up a notch and was prominent throughout the novel. I think they made a cute couple even though Quinn seemed a little too perfect at times. Delia's a good heroine but I did get a little irritated at her for thinking Quinn would break-up with her. The humor was also lacking if you compare it to the first book. Delia's aunt Charlie was the most fun character and she seemed distant in Unraveled since her sense of humor and life was everywhere in the first book. I still didn't like the idea of the physic being involved in the case against the oil company–it made everything come together all too conveniently. Overall, even though I didn't enjoy it as much as would have hoped (nor did it live up to its big sister book), if you read the first novel, you have to read this one to find out what becomes of Delia, Quinn, the oil company's dangerous minions, snooty and suspicious Thad, Detective Rafe, Auntie Charlie, and of course, the Flying Monkeys.

Recommendation: Again, you gotta read it to find out what happens to everyone! Ages 12+

This Book is For: Teens who enjoy a little mystery and romance.

This Book is Not For: Teens who are hard-core mystery novel fans–you might get bored

Content: Some mild sensuality. Appropriate for ages 12-13 and up. (PG)

The Last Straw: A teaser from the book:

"You are checking in, yes?" the guy asked as I caught up with him in the entryway.

He wasn't much older than me, with friendly brown eyes. A brass nameplate above his breast pocket identified him as Manuel.

|Pages: 262|Published: July 2010|Publisher: Point|

|Genre: Contemporary fiction, mystery, teen romance|

|Content: Age appropriate (PG)|Age Group: 12+|

|Enjoyed It: 3/5|Content: 4/5|Cover: 4/5|

{Jennifer Sturman YA Mystery Giveaway}

Up for grabs is a hardcover copy of And Then I Found Out the Truth, the new paperback edition of And Then Everything Unraveled, and finally a magic 8 ball keychain. If you haven't read either of Jennifer Sturman's YA books, this is the perfect chance to get both! Good luck and happy reading :)

Special thanks to Point, Jennifer, & Toorja for letting BLT host this contest.

Contest Information:

• Fill out the form below
• Open to US residents only
• Deadline is Monday, July 19th, 12 AM EST

This review is copyrighted ©2010 by Books and Literature for Teens.




Other Reviews: Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf

Circle of Friends: Heather + Guest Post

A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence. Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…

..........................................

I can't quite pin-point my exact feelings about this book; possibly because it covered quite a bit of stuff on relationships. It's a touchy subject for everyone–teen and adults–and this book is a perfect example. Heather is a strong-headed girl who, at the beginning of the book, has a lot on her plate: a new job as a junior coach's assistant and a father who is diagnosed with cancer. With all this responsibility and adjustment starting, who would think Heather would get involved in a serious relationship with her best friend's brother, Mark. At first I couldn't stand Mark, I kept hoping Heather wouldn't fall for his somewhat-false interest in her; but she didn't. When they stared seeing each other more I began to feel like maybe they were meant for each other. After awhile though, Mark's true intentions were revealed and that really turned me off, especially when Heather didn't see it. I did enjoy reading the first half of the book, I just couldn't enjoy the rest because I don't care for Mark.
One other thing I must point is I think this book (or even this series) will appeal more to young adults that are older, maybe even in their college years. All of the characters are in their twenties and are married, except Heather. I don't mind this much, but I can't really relate with to them simply because I'm not married nor are my friends having babies.


Heather was an good read–still not liking Mark–but a heartwarming story overall. I didn't agree with how Heather and Mark took their relationship "to the next step", but I did appreciate the positive approach to marriage and friendship. It took some getting used to with the 3rd person narration, but smooth writing style all in all. Again, teens younger than 16 might not find this book very interesting, so I would only recommend to older teens.


|Pages: 275|Year Published: March 2010|Publisher: Dancing Lemur|
|Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance, friendship|
|Age Group: YA, ages 16 - adult|Buy/Borrow? Borrow|
|Content: Sensuality and language|
|Part of a Series: Circle of Friends, Book 5|
|Enjoyed It: 3/5|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover: 3/5|
|Overall|

Guest Post with Diane Wolfe

I’m very happy to visit Books and Literature for Teens today! Let me describe the series before diving into my current release.

The Circle of Friends is a Southern-based, YA series that follows a group of friends through relationships, school, and into their early careers. The stories intertwine as the characters learn that with belief and encouragement, they can overcome their challenges. Meant to inspire as well as entertain, these books have been described as “Encouragement Personified.”

This series has been a wild ride! Who knew a dream-inspired story would blossom into five books? It’s difficult to believe the end is approaching. I’m ready to bring the story full circle, though. I possess an outline for a sixth, but right now, it ends with Heather’s story.

Book V is the most unique of the series. It was certainly the most difficult to write. Heather was not my favorite character. I found it challenging to enter her head and write from a perspective so different from my own. Some days, I wanted to kill her! She’s so ornery, stubborn, and mean. Heather has many issues, and the supporting characters add to the challenges in a big way. From the feedback of early reviewers though, I think those struggles produced a really strong story.

Readers will experience no problems diving into Book V, even if they haven’t read the others. All five books in this series are stand alone stories. This book has the added distinction of beginning a few months after Book IV ends, so everything about Heather’s story is fresh and new. Fans of the series will certainly find a few surprises, while new readers will be thrust into the story right away.

For those ready to enter Heather’s world, be prepared! She’s tough and demanding. However, what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger…

- L. Diane Wolfe, Professional Speaker & Author www.thecircleoffriends.net www.spunkonastick.net  www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com

Thanks for posting with us!