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Halpin, Brendan
7 Reviews
(3)
YA
When Lucas asks best friend Tessa to prom, she tells him she's a lesbian. Embarrassed, Lucas outs her and her wish to bring a girl to prom, sparking outrage in their Indiana town. Tension builds as the community turns on Tessa, while Lucas struggles to make everything right. Alternating points of view narrate this emotional, character-driven story about friendship and acceptance.
Reviewer: Lana Barnes
(4)
YA
Teen sensations Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers masquerade as a real-life couple to boost the ratings of their TV show. But when Jenna & Jonah's How to Be a Rock Star gets canceled, the costars realize--thanks to new face-saving roles as Beatrice and Benedick--that they're in love. Draggy patches slow the action, but fans of Shakespeare-repackaged-as-teen-fare will likely enjoy the ride.
Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger
(3)
YA
Complications abound when Declan's widower dad decides to marry the mother of Neilly, object of Declan's lust. For Neilly, the news comes on the heels of her father's pending gay marriage and her mother's pregnancy announcement. Told from alternating viewpoints, the narrative voices--complete with hot-running emotions--ring true as Declan and Neilly navigate the challenges of blended family life.
Reviewer: David Elzey
(3)
YA
Vivacious Liana escapes the world by studying science and kissing too many boys. Hank, who has Asperger's syndrome, is introspective and awkward. Their worlds converge during one overwhelming and confusing, romantically entangled summer. Through alternating chapters, the authors create distinctive and believable voices for their protagonists.
Reviewer: Katie Clausen
(3)
YA
Fourteen-year-old Amanda has Sever’s disease--a condition (non-life-threatening but annoying nevertheless) where bones grow faster than muscles. This fact contributes to Amanda only being JV goalie and "the Tallest Girl in the Class" while her "pretty and smart" friend Lena makes varsity soccer. The novel realistically presents the challenges of one girl’s freshman year; it's an engaging portrayal of a complicated time.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(3)
YA
Senior Brianna Pelletier doesn't want to be defined by having cystic fibrosis. The top-notch math student would rather "be strong, competent, genius-going-to-MIT Brianna" to her father and her friends (cheerleaders, a nerd, a ninth grader with CF, a calculus teacher). The story takes a while to hit its stride, but throughout, its teenage protagonist is heartbreakingly courageous in confronting her own mortality.
Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger
(3)
YA
Eddie has had a tough time since his dad died and his mom became addicted to drugs. When she's forced into rehab, Eddie moves in with relatives in Boston and begins attending his cousin Alex's experimental urban school. Studious, serious Eddie and irresponsible, fun-loving Alex have a positive influence on each other in this surprisingly (given the premise) amusing novel.
Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander
7 reviews
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