(2) 4-6 On the cusp of middle school, eleven-year-old Willa learns that her divorced father has been dating her best friend Ruby's mother--and that Ruby and her mother plan to move into their Manhattan apartment. Through Willa's accessible first-person narration, readers witness her sensory processing issues becoming exacerbated by the mounting changes. Willa's humor, honest reactions, and strong sense of identity offer readers going through their own big changes some solace and understanding.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2019

(3) YA Virginia's stressful home life becomes more so when her brother, Byron, is arrested for sexual assault. A relationship with cute Sebastian offers a welcome distraction--even after Virginia learns that his sister is Byron's accuser. Timely subject matter and the return of relatable, body-confident protagonist Virginia make this a welcome follow-up to The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(2) 4-6 After Hannah's best friend Sophie moves away, Hannah meets Emme, the new girl next door, who had the nerve to move into Sophie's old house. Luckily, Hannah eventually comes around. With humor and honesty, Hannah and Emme narrate alternating chapters, describing their friendship's growth and setbacks over the next six months. Mackler has a spot-on understanding of fifth graders and their emotional concerns.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2015

(3) YA Mackler tackles weighty topics in her latest novel, which traces the ups and downs of five high school students--including a popular girl, a musician, and a genius--from freshman orientation to graduation. Despite the long time span and rigid structure, these characters (and their shared surroundings) are well developed, and many plot twists will come as a surprise.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(2) YA It’s 1996. When Emma loads an AOL disk into her computer, she’s surprised to see something called “Facebook” pop up. After some investigation, Emma and her best friend, Josh, discover Facebook allows them to see what happens fifteen years in the future. The story works on many levels: identity quest, romance, cultural commentary. Emma and Josh’s alternating narration keeps the plot moving.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2012

(3) YA Jena describes her vacation at a Caribbean island resort where her life intersects with three other teens--her family friend Skye and brothers Dakota and Owen, each of whom narrates his or her own story. Mackler constructs four distinct protagonists; though each section stands alone, the book's appeal lies in the tracing of its characters' "tangled" lives.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) YA This companion to Vegan Virgin Valentine finds V living with her grandparents in New York state and dating nice-guy Sam. As her feelings for Sam grow, she gets scared and kisses another boy, then embarks on a solo road trip to visit her flaky mom in Texas. V's vulnerability is palpable, and readers will root for her to come to peace with herself.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) YA Seventeen-year-old Mara, a classic overachiever, has her life shaken up when her wild sixteen-year-old niece moves in. Vivienne, known as V, is Mara's exact opposite, and the two butt heads over everything. Eventually, Mara loosens up a bit and V gains some stability and self-esteem in this fast-paced, often humorous novel.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(2) YA When Virginia's brother, whom she worships, is found guilty of date rape, she finally begins to acknowledge her picture-perfect family's dysfunctions. An insecure girl desperate for the approval of her weight- and appearance-obsessed family, Virginia believably transforms into a confident young woman. Mackler does a fine job introducing girls to a very cool chick with a little meat on her bones.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2003

(4) YA Her parents' trial separation completely upends Sammie's world, leading to an unplanned move with her mother to a cramped New York City apartment. There she meets Phoebe at the dog-walking park and finds romance with Eli, the son of a family friend. Sammie's wry adolescent voice and attempts to cope with her parents' troubles ring true, even if her character isn't strikingly original.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam