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HarperTeen/Geringer
10 Reviews
(3)
YA
Incisive short stories by An Na, M. T. Anderson, K. L. Going, Beth Kephart, Chris Lynch, and Jacqueline Woodson explore transitional moments in the lives of young people on the cusp of adulthood. Without minimizing the pain of death, disillusionment, or romantic disappointment, each author offers a vision of an emerging individual who forges ahead with an even stronger sense of self and purpose.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(3)
YA
His promising football career kaput after a knee injury, sixteen-year-old Cody drops out of high school. After learning of ex-girlfriend Clea's disappearance from her elite Vermont boarding school, Cody sets off to investigate. Danger looms as he interacts with locals and rich boarding-school kids and uncovers secrets. Abrahams has crafted a suspenseful mystery with well-drawn characters.
Reviewer: Carolyn Shute
(3)
YA
Mystical Mama Inez presides over a gathering of storytellers invited to re-balance the world on its axis by sharing their tales. Essentially a short-story collection within the frame of a novel, this lyrical, thought-provoking debut adapts fairy- and folktales, presenting each with an inspired twist or new perspective: Cinderella's footman, for example, laments his transformation from lizard to man.
Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby
(3)
YA
The summer before Abby turns thirteen, her ten-year-old sister, Becky, disappears. Abby's parents keep her in the dark about the investigation, even as their family unravels. The book spans two years, between Becky's disappearance and her being found, and Cantor successfully combines mundane elements of life going on with the family's unbearable tension (though the story's ending is rushed).
Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor
(3)
YA
The summer after her mother's death, Katie works as a gardener at a recluse's mansion. Mysterious secrets are buried throughout the estate, and the effort of unearthing them stirs Katie's own heart as well. Kephart's sensuous writing enriches this story of grief and memory. The narrative is also enhanced by a sophisticated layering of the theme of restoration.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(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
(3)
YA
Libby witnesses the sexual abuse of her new friend, Angie, who implores Libby to keep it a secret. Tormented by feelings of guilt and betrayal, Libby nevertheless realizes that a real friend would expose the truth. Cumbie dramatically depicts Angie's defiant behavior and Libby's inner turmoil and provides a plausible resolution to the story.
Reviewer: Rita Soltan
(4)
YA
New York City–raised teenager Matisse is forced to move upstate with her artist parents after her father's Parkinson's disease prevents him from working. Matisse's disdain for rural life grows tiresome and supporting characters, such as an overalls-wearing love interest, are flat, but her struggles to repair communication with family and friends and to accept her father's debilitating illness are moving.
Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot
(3)
YA
Fifteen-year-old Rosie narrates this tender story about taking care of her grandfather during the last days of his life. Every afternoon, Rosie sorts through piles of stuff at Grandad's house while he shares the memories behind each fluffy red feather, scrap of fabric, travel book, and worn-out record. A sense of sadness and love pervades the mood of this beautifully told story.
Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett
(4)
YA
Phoebe's cousin Leonard sports rainbow sneakers and offers makeover tips at Phoebe's mom's salon. Not everyone appreciates Leonard's individuality; he's bullied by a local thug and one day disappears. Characters rich with personality at the beginning are, in the end, overwhelmed by the book's too many big messages.
Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett
10 reviews
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