This book is a sequel to one called THE PERFECT SCORE, which I had not read. It does make reference to events in the earlier book, so read that one first if you want a fuller experience (though it is… Read More ›
Diversity
Fresh Ink
This book is an anthology of twelve stories by assorted YA authors. (I say stories, but to me they read more like vignettes.) The collection is designed to bring together diverse characters underrepresented in mainstream YA literature. We’ve got your… Read More ›
Ship It
I can’t think of a school library in Texas that can get away with putting a book with gay porn scenes in its collection but if that’s your school then by all means keep reading this review. SHIP IT tells… Read More ›
No Fixed Address
Seventh-grader Felix Knutsson and his mother, Astrid, find themselves living in a van after his grandmother dies and his mom has mismanaged her inheritance (and her life in general). Astrid is not a good parent. She is mouthy, judgmental, a… Read More ›
Ten After Closing
High school senior Scott just thinks he has problems. At home his unemployed, depressed, alcoholic dad is becoming increasingly abusive towards him, his mother and his younger sister Evie. Even though he has several outstanding college offers for the fall,… Read More ›
Heretics Anonymous
Thanks to a dad who is rapidly climbing the corporate ladder, Michael Ausman has moved four times in ten years. Once again he is starting over at a new school in a new town, this time at a private Catholic… Read More ›
Toaff’s Way
On the book jacket, we read, “Sometimes Toaff wondered if he was the only squirrel on the whole farm who had questions. He hoped he wasn’t.” With that invitation, I delightfully read about the adventures and insights of a grey squirrel as… Read More ›
Fawkes
In England in the year 1604 teenager Thomas Fawkes is preparing to take the test that will determine his source of color power while also anxiously waiting to receive his hand-crafted mask from his father, Guy–both events that will mark… Read More ›
Questions I Want to Ask You
In this book Patrick (“Pack”) is a high school senior about to graduate. His mother left when he was small and he doesn’t remember her at all. His dad, a cop, raised him, and they get along well. In younger… Read More ›
Down and Across
Soon-to-be high school senior Saaket “Scott” Ferdowsi has a problem: he has no passion for anything that gives him direction in life. He easily loses interest in activities, then drops them, and moves on to something else. Or not. His… Read More ›
Before You Buy YA 