by Anderson, Laurie HalseLia has a lot of issues: with her parents, with friends, with herself. She deals with them by starving and cutting herself. Although she has been through inpatient therapy and promises to be better, her world comes crashing down once again when her former best friend is found dead in a hotel. Lia did not know that Cassie tried to call her (33 times) the night that she died, and that knowledge crushes Lia. She stops eating and starts cutting herself again in a desperate attempt to gain some control over her life and make her problems disappear. But, everything quickly spirals out of control. Laurie Halse Anderson tells the story from Lia’s perspective, confronting the topics of anorexia and “cutting” in this Read more…

by Paterson, Katherine”Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” These words have been thrown at Louise for as long as she can remember. She was Esau, forever in the shadow of her sister Caroline; second place to her delicate, beautiful, talented, younger twin sister. Caroline stole everything from her; her family, friends, even her name. So Louise began to learn the ways of the water, going to places Caroline could not. Women were not supposed to love the water. The men were to love the water, but respect its power. Without a chance to escape and the shadow of her sister always over her, Louise fought back. She loved the water, hated the island. But when the chance came to leave, could she do it? – reviewed by Elizabeth, , Read more…

by Zarr, SaraSamara Taylor knows that everyone expects her life to be picture perfect—she is the pastor’s daughter, after all. During one particularly scorching August, Sam’s mother gets a DUI and enters rehab, leaving Sam alone with her father who seems to have the right words to comfort everyone but her. Then the sudden disappearance of a 13-year-old member of Sam’s church youth group seems unreal. As the search for Jody extends from hours into days, Sam questions not only her belief in God but also her faith in her father, her mother, and the people she thought she could trust in her community. Sam isn’t expecting a miracle, but she certainly would welcome one.- reviewed by Amy, ImaginOn, Read more…

by Myers, AnnaWitch! Dru and Gabe would not have known how this word would touch their lives when their mothers died, leaving them to be passed from family to family. Eventually, the two are sent to live in different households. At first, Dru feels a real sense of belonging with the Putnams. But young Ann’s desperation to please her mother, along with Mistress Putnam’s desire to bring justice to those she feels wronged her, leads the family down a path that can only bring destruction. Dru joins in the hysteria – at first because of her devotion to the Putnams, and later to protect Gabe, her true love. Anna Myers takes a horrifying page from our nation’s history and adds fictional characters to create a compelling story. – reviewed by Read more…

by Sweeney, JoyceDoesn’t everyone need a guardian angel? The only difference for Hunter is that he knows that he has seen Gabriel in a vision when he was in the orphanage. Since then, he has been through several foster homes and had almost forgotten. When his latest foster father dies unexpectedly, Hunter no longer has protection from his foster mom who never wanted a boy child in her home. He has had to use some of the excuses he had written down just in case. He finds that he has the need for prayer. Imagine his surprise when his paryers start coming true. Is this guardian really too good to be true or is this the beginning of a great thing? What would you do in his place?- reviewed by Linda, North County Regional, Read more…

by Jinks, CatherineNina, 15, writes books about Zadia Bloodstone, heroic crime-fighting vampire. Nina, herself, has been a vampire since 1973 and isn't writing from experience because real vampires are a sickly bunch that wouldn't stand a chance against anyone. Hence, the Reformed Vampire Support Group. When one of the creepier members, Casimir, doesn't answer their calls they look for him, but find only a pile of ash and a sharpened stake. The group blames Nina; her fearless fictional character has no doubt scared someone into hunting and killing all vampires. Nina and Dave, the only one of the group who can drive, set off to find Casimir's murderer. The Reformed Vampire Support Group is a delightfully satirical look Read more…

by Bauer, JoanJenna has just turned 16 and gotten her drivers license. Her life should be full of excitement and hope for the future. Instead she has to deal with her low grades and an alcoholic father. She does have a job selling shoes after school, which is something she is really good at. She would rather see someone in a pair of quality shoes than the shabby things sold at bargain chain stores. When Mrs. Gladstone, the owner of the store asks Jenna to drive her across the country to visit her other stores will she get more than she bargained for? Along the way Jenna learns some old truths and meets new and old friends. Will this help Jenna in other parts of her life?- reviewed by Linda, North County Regional, Read more…

by Ockler, SarahHow do you tell your best friend that you were, and maybe still are, in love with your other best friend who just happens to be that friend’s older brother? And can you really die of a broken heart? These questions torment Anna when she should be having the best summer ever. Anna and girlfriend Frankie are vacationing in Zanzibar Bay, California–3000 miles from last year’s freak accident that took Matt from them. Even though Anna tries to forget Matt, her first love, by agreeing to play ‘twenty boy summer,’ she just can’t let go. Then she meets Sam. Can Anna move past her feelings of guilt and loss? Ockler’s sensitive and lyrical storytelling, like constant moving ocean waves, reminds us that life and love move on Read more…