Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Rallison, Janette
10 Reviews
(3)
4-6
A magical compass, a cursed mirror, and the search for a princess lead eighth grader Hudson and his quirky friend Charlotte to the magical land of Logos, where words, thoughts, and memories hold power. An engaging fantasy set in a world that brings to mind The Phantom Tollbooth (author Rallison's favorite childhood book) yet feels fresh and solid.
Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan
(4)
YA
In this follow-up to My Fair Godmother, fairy Chrissy sends modern-day girl Tansy (plus her family and her crush) to the Middle Ages. There Tansy gets embroiled in the stories of both Robin Hood and Rumpelstiltskin. The plot is occasionally sluggish, but it features a likable protagonist who creates her own fairy tale (including moral) with courage and humor.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
YA
Annika's little brother, Jeremy, is about to have cancer surgery. Determined to grant him a wish, Annika heads to Hollywood to track down--and bring home for a visit--Steve Raleigh, the star of Jeremy's favorite TV show. Annika's wacky encounters (e.g., a runaway snake on set) and anxiety for her brother make the story both comical and poignant.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
YA
Modern-girl Savannah's fairy (or rather "fair"; she's quite inept) godmother sends her to the Middle Ages. In order to return home, Savannah has to help schoolmate Tristan become a prince. Rallison's first venture into fantasy proves successful, as there's enough chick-lit romance and wit mixed in with the dragons, knights, and magic to please fans of either genre.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
YA
In this companion to All's Fair in Love, War, and High School, cheerleader Chelsea's got what it takes to be popular in her small town. But when her troubled younger sister, Adrian, and Adrian's grungy rocker boyfriend, Rick, lash out, Chelsea's comfortable lifestyle begins to get messy. Rivalries, romances, and moral conflicts abound in this quick-paced high school tale.
Reviewer: Marika Hoe
(4)
YA
Giovanna has no choice but to back her twin brother in his bid for student body president, even when it precipitates a painful breakup with her hunky, popular boyfriend, who supports the opposition. Is the campaign worth Giovanna's heartbreak? A classic Romeo-and-Juliet setup and juicy school politics add life to this predictable piece of chick lit.
Reviewer: Lauren Maggio
(3)
YA
While working at the mall as a perfume spritzer, Charlotte sees Bryant, her friend's boyfriend, flirting with another girl. Charlotte then embarks on various complicated schemes to get proof of his infidelity. Every move seems to lead her to Colton, Bryant's cute best friend. Clumsy and self-conscious, Charlotte is a likable protagonist who injects spirit into a conventional plot.
Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor
(3)
YA
Alternating narrators Cami and Josie are best friends and basketball teammates. When Ethan, the guy Josie likes, appears more interested in Cami, their friendship begins to unravel. Through both humorous and poignant situations, the girls learn to repair their friendship and open themselves to new relationships in this comic romp.
Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck
(3)
YA
Popular cheerleader Samantha Taylor decides to run for class president to improve her college application (she tanked the SATs). She also makes a bet with antagonistic classmate Logan that she can go two weeks without insulting anyone. In the process of both efforts, Samantha learns about herself and finds romance with (gasp!) Logan. This is briskly paced, undemanding, and sometimes funny fare.
Reviewer: Lauren Adams
(3)
4-6
Thirteen-year-old McKay, a star on the baseball field, can't seem to make it to first base with girls, particularly Serena, a seemingly confident classmate. Like so many boys his age, dating scares him. In this upbeat account of adolescence, McKay decides to concentrate on being a friend to girls rather than Serena's boyfriend, and his self-deprecating wit creates a likable character.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
10 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.