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Ayarbe, Heidi
4 Reviews
(4)
YA
Seventeen-year-old Michal is a bookie with one rule: never place a bet for herself. But when charismatic Josh convinces Michal to do just that, the consequences quickly add up. Michal often comes across like a passive onlooker to her own life, and discussion of various social justice issues is given only surface level consideration. However, the course of events is compelling, making this a readable diversion.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(3)
YA
Jake struggles with a nearly debilitating obsession with prime numbers. He's certain that leading his soccer team to its third straight state championship will end his problems. In the meantime, he attempts to keep his mental illness hidden and his past in check so he can appear to be normal. Jake's anxious and desperate voice creates a tense, often heartbreaking story.
Reviewer: Randy Ribay
(3)
YA
Her con-man father imprisoned, fifteen-year-old Maya skips out on foster care. Traveling from Nevada to Idaho, Maya is joined by suicidal kleptomaniac Nicole and Klondike, a boy with Tourette's syndrome. The realities of street life, including prostitution and drugs, are confronted full-on; some graphic language underscores the bleakness. The ending of this searing story of survival is hopeful (if not quite believable).
Reviewer: Carolyn Shute
(3)
YA
Fifteen-year-old Kyle's best friend dies of a gunshot wound--and Kyle was holding the gun. Numb and grieving, he can't remember exactly what happened. He receives help from unexpected people, and the memories gradually begin to come back. This quick, affecting read successfully explores the tragedy of accidental gun violence.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
4 reviews
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