Young Adult Books

A very entertaining book.

Growing up, everyone has lessons to learn. As we get older, we start to see that our parents are human beings--men and women--not just dad and mom. Thirteen-year-old Ruby Tuesday Sweet's awakening begins with the wedding of her older brother.

Sports have always been an important part of the Sweet household. Ruby Tuesday's dad, Hollis, is absolutely obsessed with the scores of the game--any game. Little does Ruby Tuesday realize that the reason Hollis is so concerned is not a simple love of competition, but a love of income: the Sweet family income. But during her brother's wedding celebration, a series of events gets the ball of awakening rolling for Ruby Tuesday and, suddenly, she is on the road with her rarely-present mother, Darlene, to hide out in Vegas with Hollis's crotchety old mother, Nana Sue. With her eyes opened wide by these two outspoken, independent women, Ruby Tuesday learns more about life--particularly her own--than she ever knew existed.

Kogler brings excitement and realism to Ruby Tuesday without crossing the line for adolescent readers. There is a lot of gambling slang used throughout the book, and readers may be rather confused by this language, just like their new friend Ruby Tuesday. But Kogler includes a glossary at the back of the book, and this will help readers decipher the "code" of the bookie-gambler world.

Fun and excitement, along with some rough awakenings for the naive-but-feisty heroine, make RUBY TUESDAY a coming-of-age eye-opener for both tweens and teens.

Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard

Ruby Tuesday Sweet's family has always been a little different from her classmates' families, but she never knew exactly how different. She had only a vague idea of what her father did, but now things are becoming a lot clearer. Ruby Tuesday has always known that her "Uncle" Larry, mother, grandmother, and father weren't like other people, sure, but now she knows that they're more than eccentric; they've been involved in some shady business, and now her father is in trouble following Larry's murder.

Ruby Tuesday and her mother, Daphne, skip town for a little bit until things blow over. Where do they go? To visit Ruby's grandmother, who lives with her pet iguana, 21, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Apparently, a lot of the secrets in Ruby's family go back to Las Vegas--and gambling. It's legal to gamble in Las Vegas, but Ruby's father and Larry were involved in that same business in California. Now, it's gotten them all into some hot water.

Ruby is just one of many fascinating, unusual, and well-written characters in a great novel by debut novelist Jennifer Anne Kogler. I also believe this is the first YA novel I've read taking place in Las Vegas, and that setting gives a lot to this book. Jennifer Anne Kogler has put captivating people in an enthralling location and written a funny, entertaining, original, and absorbing novel about them. It's a page-turner!

Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce
12/20/2006

4.5-BOOKS on WUAT = 5-STARS on Amazon

Ruby Tuesday is one of those rare books that successfully voices the weirdnesses, funninesses, sadnesses, and revelations of moving from a kid world to an adult one, while managing to throw an iguana-filled Vegas adventure into the bargain. Like Roald Dahl, Jennifer Anne Kogler infuses an alternatively dark and touching humor into her novel that catches hold of both adults and kids- although Kogler's protagonist, being a bit older, speaks more to adolescent confusion than childhood rebellion.

Unlike the worlds of Harry Potter or Lemony Snickett, recent hits that also transcend the kid category, the world of Ruby Tuesday, although decidely wacky, is refreshingly and very recognizably the real world. Although Vegas glitz, grimy casino backrooms, and mafia hitmen aren't exactly part of the normal tween experience, the gritty reality of realizing that parents don't always do or say the right thing, and that sometimes it's the kid that needs to forgive, is. The best parts of the novel plunge you, right along with Ruby, into the dicey contradictions of adult relationships and the tension between doing the right thing for the wrong reasons or the wrong thing for the right ones.

And as anyone who has read the book will tell you, we're all excited to see what Ruby will do next....

Insightful, hilarious, creative... Ruby Tuesday is impossible to place into a single genre. Its also impossible to put down. Though its hero is a 13 year old girl, her context is decidely unique. A bookie father, a rock-and-roll mother, an iguana-toting grandmother, and an adventure in Las Vegas a normal adolescence does not make. With Janet Evanovich-esque humor, its hard to believe that Miss Kogler pulls off a drama amidst her comedy. I was particularly impressed by how real her characters were even in an atmosphere few of us can relate to. A great adventure, its like Finding Nemo - appeals to all ages, with smart humor and lots of heart.

this book is very good thats all i can say! my friend wanted me to borrow it but she wouldent really tell what it was aboutbut i liked it very quickley into the book cause it gets right to the plot i mean the beggining dosent drag on till it gets good i mean it gets good straight off! and its a catholic book which is super cool cause its so hard to find appropiate books but this book it has a great influence! its one of my favered books! and its has two other books in the series!

As well as being a page turner filled with interesting characters and intrigue, this is a great story for teens who need to see that there are always consequences to the decisions they make. A friend used to say to his kids and mine, "You can make any decision you want, but you have no choice over the consequences." THE SHADOW OF THE BEAR reinforces that adage with a wonderful mix of mystery, danger, and romance. In my conversations with the author about this books' moral premise (see my book "The Moral Premise: Harnessing Virtue & Vice for Box Office Success") we came to an early determination that in "BEAR" sisters Blanche and Rose can be considered one character because they are nearly of one consciousness and goal, and that together their decisions (along with the decisions of the others in the book) center around this ONE THING, this moral premise, which describes naturally occurring causes and their consequences: "Foolishness and timidity lead to what is dark and dangerous, but courage and wisdom lead to what is light and life." For a book aimed at teen girls, this 61-year old male was absorbed in the storytelling of a great writer. Bravo!

With a snowstorm raging outside and her mother long overdue from work, Blanche anxiously awaits her mother's return. After all, this is New York City. Her sister Rose, on the other hand, is contentedly reciting poetry instead of studying her trigonometry.

Suddenly, a car door slams and a woman cries out. Blanche leaps to the window to see two dark shapes struggling in the swirling darkness. Is their mother okay? Out of the swirling darkness, enters Bear, changing their lives and home forever.

Who is this mysterious young man? Why does he have such an unusual name? Why is he out alone in the middle of a blizzard at night?

In this story of mystery, intrigue, and romance, Rose and Blanche, two teenage girls, strive to live their faith in modern day New York City. Faced with the typical problems of teenage life of wanting to be popular, follow the "in" crowd, and be accepted, the girls are faced with some tough choices.

How they deal with these situations is what sets them apart. In one particularly dramatic moment, Rose confronts Rob, a cocky, popular student, who all the girls pine after, and tells him in no uncertain terms what a "real" man is. In a world where immoral choices are considered the norm, this book is a refreshing treasure.

Unique and distinctively different, Rose and Blanche are real personalities. Blanche, who is shy and sensitive, wishes she was more like her younger sister Rose, who is more flamboyant and bold. However, it is Rose's curiosity, trusting nature, and desire to be popular that gets her into some rather serious tight spots. Fortunately, her spunk, creativity, and moral fiber, not to mention, God's Providence, get her out of them.

Hard to put down, my daughters read this story over and over again. This contemporary rendition of the Grimm's Fairy tale, includes true-to-life characters, who are real heroines, and a multi-level plot that is thick with mystery, intrigue, and healthy romance.

I think "The Shadow of the Bear" is a nice story. I didn't know the story of Snow White & Rose Red as sisters, so I didn't know what was going to happen.

I am a mid-20's Catholic youth minister and I enjoyed it. I would recommend it to my students as a quick read. It shows teenage girls living a life of faith modestly, and the two main characters have opposite personalities, so girls should relate to at least one of them.

I look forward to reading the sequel.

Some books just fall into your hands, and instantly become treasures you want to share with all you know. This is one of those books. It is a modern retelling of the story from the Brothers Grimm, of Snow White and Rose Red. It is the story of two brothers and two sisters, all of whom have lost much in life and are not fully what they at first appear. The sisters have lost their father and had to move back into New York City. The brothers have lost their mother and have both been convicted of drug charges. Then one fateful night their fates become somehow intertwined.

The sisters are Blanch and Rose, two girls who grew up in the countryside, and who now reside in the city. They live with their mother and attend secondary school. The first of the brothers we meet is named Bear; he has dreadlocks, is big and tough, yet upon spending an evening with the Brier sisters and their mother he reveals different parts of his past. He has a passion for life, loves poetry and takes the girls on outings. But there is always a dark side to a Bear and this one is no different. He has secrets and his story and journey are still unfolding. The mystery revolves around a murdered priest, an abandoned church and the school the sisters are attending.

This story is wonderfully told. The author draws you in and keeps you captivated from first page to last. Each chapter begins with a quote from the original fairy tale, and foreshadows what is coming, yet in New York the mysteries and magic of a fairy tale are very different from the German countryside. Regina Doman is a true storyteller, not just an author. His skill with the pen makes you see the action as it is taking place, and you feel so drawn into the story that you feel like a character sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what will happen next.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait to lay my hands on books two and three. This story was so captivating that it left me wanting more immediately. If you are looking for some great summer reading this term, give this book a try.

Storky is a fun book written from Michael "Storky" Pomerantz's point of view in diary form. It was fun to follow the daily happenings of this freshman boy. He starts out with a journal on the computer and then figures out someone may be reading his personal thoughts, so decides to just type the pages and print them out, but not save them.

Storky's sister reveals some of his inner most thoughts, showing that she was the one reading the journal. Being of nerd fame, all Michael wants to do is get through his freshman year of high school without being noticed too much.

Storky tries very hard to be accepted by his father, who lives outside the home--and tries to accept his mother's antics and deal with the mixed-up, crazy Jewish family traditions all while trying to maintain a semi normal life. Every day is a new adventure for Storky, right up until the end when his mother meets and marries his dentist. All through the dating process, he wants to hate Dr. Berman but finds he can't hate a man who has befriended him in the only way he knows how. Michael ends the school year planning another person's life and gets the girl, not the one of his dreams or that he thought he would get--but someone better.

Armchair Interviews says: Most of us can relate to that freshmen year in high school. Nice story from boy's point of view--written by D.L. (Debra).

Written in the journal-entry style a' la Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, this book will make anyone who has ever been a high school freshman laugh every few pages. The diary follows the first year in high school for Michael "Storky" Pomerantz, as he tries to lose his nickname, get a girlfriend, and learn about making the right choices in life. Unfortunately he is not only saddled with a useless divorced Dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, but other calamitous events in the life of a 14-year old: the uncontrollable male body part he nicknames "Rex" (who causes embarrassing things to happen while he is trying to impress girls at the blackboard with his Spanish skills), a mom who begins dating (gasp!) the pudgy family dentist, a friend who introduces him to alcohol, and Michael's own age-appropriate musings and wonderings about sex. First-time author Deborah Garfinkle (note that the publisher uses the "J.K. Rowling-don't-let-the boys-know-it-was-written-by-a-woman" name change), gets right into the head of a smart, sarcastic and sensitive young teen with great skill. The character of Michael is unmistakably Jewish and living a very middle-class, 3-times a year, Reform Jewish existence in San Diego. Librarians: beware of the maturity of the themes, but know there are many young high-schoolers who will be passing this hilarious book from hand to hand and waiting most impatiently for the certain sequel.
Reviewed by Lisa Silverman.

This book not only "swooshed" me back in time to my own high school days, but it also brought memories of my children's high drama of high school. How little reactions (both mental and physical) have changed since then ... and I confess, that was a looooooong time ago.

Although Storky's a male, and I'm a female, this author brought not only Storky's feelings but the feelings of all the characters into this story ... in funny and pathetic ways of which we can all relate.

And, YES, like most teen boys from time immemorial, there's the inevitable Miss Popular for Storky to lust after, an insensitive father ... and the other high school problems that will trigger the memories of all who read this well-written book. This is a page-turner for teens and for their parents and grandparents, also. I could see the "comic tragedy" of teens shining through the pages AND, in hind-sight, the healthy learning experiences for Storky and the realistic characters in this book.

I recommend this book for ALL AGES. It was a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for me. A great job, Debra Garfinkle! Keep 'em coming; you have found your niche.

Now I am Over 13, but Didnt Want An Account So Don't Get The Wrong Idea

Now Mike Pomerantz aka Storky is a freshman in highschool and is going through some normal teenage things.

I thought this was a well written book for a female women, but unless you have some real bad hormone problems most guys arnt like that(or that much of a pervert) So If Your A Girl And You Have Read This Book DO NOT THINK THAT EVERY GUY THINKS LIKE THAT.

This book was a highly entertaining book and slightly disturbing on my part but yeah...Well I would Highly Recomend This Book To People :)

A lot of people have talked about how this book about a GUY was written by a GIRL (or, rather, a woman). Yeah, she did it. Very convincing. But the real story is that really that she wrote a funny, touching, believable story about a character I wish I knew. Good show!

This book is excellent for Young Adult readers...and the parents who might want to read it to them. The world and creatures are imaginative without being silly, which is a fine line to walk. As an adult, I would have hoped that the characters were developed more, and that a *few* of the interactions were a bit less stereotypical, but I honestly enjoyed the book anyway. I'm admittedly finnicky about my fantasy, and I would recommend this book to any young adult without reservation. It has the same charm of Harry Potter without remotely resembling it, and for that I applaud the author(s).

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I bought a copy for my sister and told my friends about it. I believe that young people could easily get lost in the story and wish they were right there with the characters. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens to everyone. Keep up the good work.

If you've ever read a book about magic and liked it, this is the book for you. Not only does the magical atmosphere and simple wonder of this book draw every young and old reader inside it's pages, its original and exciting storyline holds them there. There's a character in there somewhere that everyone can relate to and they wide variety of magical-life can put a smile on anyone's face! Most people's minds will immediately go to Harry Potter if they hear about a book about magic, but don't be detered by that! This book is completely orignal and it's ideas are refreshingly new. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and I only wish I could've given this reveiw sooner!

The Stormholder, by Tricia Boone and Melissa Thomas:

Reviewed by C.S. Marks

Katie and Jack seem to be fairly typical eleven and thirteen year old kids; they play soccer, they argue with their parents about having to learn herb lore, and they tease and play and poke fun at one another. But there is one thing that separates them from most `ordinary' children: they are learning magic. It seems that Katie and Jack have a destiny awaiting them...one that leads them into the richly-imagined world of August in search of their missing parents.

August is peopled with strange and intriguing creatures, and it would be both difficult and undesirable to describe them here, as part of the joy of the book is in the discovery. Every page introduces a new and fascinating life-form (to my delight); it was as though I was opening up a new and exciting doorway with each successive chapter.

I would prefer to not reveal much of the story here, only to state that this is a tale of exploration and discovery, both of the new and magical world, and of Katie and Jack's abilities, history, and destiny. All is not as it has appeared, nor as they would have ever imagined.

This book is suitable for nearly any age reader...provided one enjoys tales of wizardry and magic. It flows well, and moves along at a smart pace. There is, at times, a distinctly Hogwarts ambiance, but not to the point of obscuring the book's own unique flavor. I enjoyed the exploration of wizardry in August, and found myself turning the pages to ask: `What's next?'

As to the actual execution of the book, I noted several points of interest. It was written by two authors, and at times I thought I could detect slight differences in style and word usage between them. The writing is generally solid and is an easy read. The use of words is colorful and rich.

The principal characters are interesting and well developed. One can tell that the authors understand young people; the dialogue and mannerisms of Katie, Jack, (and their friends, including my favorite character, Abby) is realistic and appropriate.

I believe that this book would be a welcome addition to the library of young people (as well as adults who enjoy YA fantasy), particularly if they are into magic (with a little bit of whimsy), wizardry (with a hefty dose of intrigue), and the enchantment that comes with a good, light-hearted story. Recommended.

My friend said......Marie, I think you will like this book.
Well, my fingers stuck to it as though Raam were barring me from entering a forbidden portal! A hint of C. S. Lewis and a smidgen of J.K. Rowling. This is analogous, however, to comparing Liz and Linda based on the fact that they both have blue eyes. "The Stormholder", aside from the "hint" and the "smidgen", is a whimsical fantasy both unique and original.

From the onset, the story pulls one into a magical funnel. "The Stormholder" introduces the young reader to herbs, to astronomy via Andromeda, to inspiration via Maya Angelou and physics via Einstein.....at times succinctly, but significantly.....at other times constructively didactic. Youngsters will revel in the mystery of the Black Hole and ponder the existence of the Wormhole whilst conjuring up images of elves, giants and witches. This book is more than delightful reading, it is a true learning experience. There will be those who dash to the computer or to Mom and Dad for more details, and there will be those who simply continue reading. The latter, most assuredly, will retain those golden nuggets deeply imbedded in their gray matter only to recall them in later studies. "The Stormholder" is, quite simply, a gem.

Eagerly await a re-visit to Coffer Cove and August. Precipa Mundo !
CMHD (Color Me Hook-ed)

In Straight, Francis gives us another of his honorable and vulnerable heroes who find themselves in trouble through no fault of their own. True, part of Derek Franklin's problems stems from not getting to know his much older brother, Greville, but the rest of his problems just seem to happen. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is never in one's favor.

Derek is a successful jockey whose ankle is broken in a fall in a race. Just after he learns that his brother has been killed in a freak accident. Now, Greville was a gemologist who tended to be more than a little paranoid. He loved gadgets and puzzles and lives in a house outfitted like a fortress. Unfortunately, the strength of the house does not prevent Derek from being pummeled and otherwise abused nearly to the point of death. The worst thing is that he doesn't know why. This is a story of many mysteries most of which have nothing to do with one another. True to form, though, the villain once identified, proves to have no compunctions about doing whatever it takes to get what he/she wants and for self protection. Or is that villains?

As the story unfolds, the reader finds out as much about the deceased Greville as Derek, his brother and sole heir. (There are two sisters who live abroad.) It's difficult not to care about both and to feel the regret about not getting to know someone before it's too late.

Straight is a typical Francis novel in that it's a fast read, one cares about the protagonist, and pretty much despises the antagonist. Few surprises when it comes to it, but one of Francis's good ones.

I hve been reading Dick Francis books for at least 15 years. My father introduced me to them. When I go on vacation this summer, some of them will accompany me. "Straight" will be one of them.

Greville and Clarissa had concealed their love affair for three years.

Greville was a middleman, who had traveled the world to search out reliable sources of semiprecious gemstones. The successful London company he founded would have the stones cut in Antwerp, Tel Aviv, New York, or elsewhere, then distribute the gems in quantity to creative designers and producers of fashionable jewelry. Greville also owned racehorses, starting when someone had given him one in settlement of a debt.

Clarissa was the attractive wife of an older British lord, who had pursued her. Greville became Clarissa's first love, as she became his. When he was not on a trip, and she could come to London, they would meet. When apart, which was most days, they had agreed to pause at a set time of day to think of each other, knowing that each was doing the same.

A sudden accident ended all this. Greville had been walking down the High Street next to a construction site, when collapsing scaffolding from high up, struck him, sending him to the hospital, where he never regained consciousness and soon died.

Here are Dick Francis's very first words of the story: "I inherited my brother's life. Inherited his desk, his business, his gadgets, his enemies, his horses and his mistress. I inherited my brother's life, and it nearly killed me."

The speaker is Greville's brother Derek, younger by nineteen years. Too tall for flat racing, Derek is a steeplechase jockey, which is especially dangerous because of the jumping. In the story he is, in fact, on crutches recovering from a broken left ankle injured in a race.

Derek's racing world and Greville's business world collide throughout the book. Derek must pick up the complex gemstone business traces, while undergoing continuing pressure from racing owners and trainers to hurry up and heal.

The company employees tell Derek that Greville did not deal in diamonds. In going to the bank, Derek discovers otherwise. The manager tells him that three months earlier the bank had loaned Greville a million and a half U.S. dollars, specifically to expand into diamonds, and would soon be looking to Derek to start repayment.

Where are the diamonds? Stolen? Who are the customers who wanted them? Greville's company business and his house are broken into. Derek is assaulted and shot at. The action is nonstop. The book is a fascinating, literate page-turner.

Note: Probably all of us readers like to notice where a book's title appears in the text, and to see the meaning in context. I frankly lost count after more than a dozen instances, many of them different -- from Intensive Care Unit monitor lines going flat, to straight thinking versus labyrinthine, to honest test reporting versus shadiness, just to name a few. And a big one near the end of the book, which I wouldn't want to reveal here. Your reading will have to decide which of the many applies most strongly. Or perhaps they all do?

This has to be one of my all time favorite Dick Francis novels. It has everything a mystery should have in it - murder, missing jewels, mayhem... In my opinion, it's going to be difficult for Francis to top this one, but I can't wait while he keeps trying!

Straight takes the reader behind the scenes of the jewel trade and it's not an industry that's always on the up and up. Derek Franklin has been on a roller coaster ride of late as his steeplechase jockey career is nearing the end with him sustaining yet another injury. During his forced leave to heal, Derek finds out that his older brother, Greville, has been attacked and is on his deathbed. After his brother succumbs to his injuries, Derek is told that he has inherited his brother's business. Too late to protect himself, Derek realizes that his brother was a target and Derek suspects it has something to do with a fortune in missing diamonds.

This isn't a direct "who dun it" but also has a few subplots that are enjoyable in their own right. When Derek is summoned to his dying brother's hospital bed, the interaction (or lack there of) made me very thankful for the close relationship I have with my brothers and sisters. This thankfulness was reinforced throughout the story, as Derek learns more about his older brother and begins to understand him.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Derek is sure that a clue is hidden in his brother's computer, but he is unable to access the correct password. Greville's secretary comes to the rescue. After hearing the clues left by Greville, followed by a brief mind struggle, she comes up with the correct code word and up pops a message on the computer screen congratulating her and promising her a raise. Now that's the kind of boss I want - he sounds fun!

The only negative some may have with this book is that it is a detour for Dick Francis. As most of his books revolve around horseracing, his devoted fans have come to expect that background. In Straight the only reference to horseracing is the fact that Derek is an injured jockey.

Want to read a mystery that will have you guessing until the end? If so, then this is the book for you to read next! It's very enjoyable and will have you wondering until the very end.

A reader knows what they are getting with a Dick Francis book. The mystery will be well plotted, the hero (usually a jockey or former jockey) will bravely face whatever trials that face him overcoming his troubled past and/or secret sorrow and the action will center around the some part of the racing world. Every once in awhile though a surprise pops up, this time the jockey is thrust into the totally alien world of gems.

Jockey Derek Franklin has been sidelined by a broken ankle, shortly after his brother Grenville is murdered. As Derek tries to settle the estate he finds himself drawn more and more into his brother's world of finance, gems and quirky little gadgets. Gradually he begins to sort out the mysteries surrounding Grenville's life and death but soon discovers that there are others who are determined to keep him from the answers. In the end, of course all is revealed.

This is a well plotted and clever mystery. The clues are all there for the reader to follow. The characters are well written, and draw the reader into the story.

This is my favorite of Maureen Johnson's books, and I've loved them all. Suite Scarlett was brilliantly written, with engaging characters who are, above all, REAL, which is why I adore her books so much. Johnson clearly knows what it's like to live in New York, to be a conflicted teen, and has obviously been around a lot of theater people. She holds the many threads of the plot together throughout, dropping nary a one, and keeping a wonderful balance between the drama and the humor of them all. This book is a delight from start to finish, and I'm so thrilled that she is writing a sequel.

SUITE SCARLETT
MAUREEN JOHNSON
Contemporary Young Adult

Rating: 4 Enchantments

At fifteen, everyone in the Martin family inherits a room in the family owned Hopewell Hotel to look after. Scarlett finds herself inheriting the highly coveted Empire room, but what should be a great birthday turns into anything but. Her family tells her they just let go the chef, which explains the burnt birthday breakfast and her older sister runs off to spend the day with her wealthy boyfriend. Even her adorable and hysterically funny older brother Spencer can't keep the smile on her face when they find out he may be forced to stop pursuing his acting dream and instead accept the scholarship he's been offered from culinary school.

Soon Scarlett finds herself assisting the Empire Suite's summer long guest, the unusual former starlet Mrs. Amberson who keeps coming up with odder and odder requests; all while trying to help Spencer keep himself from being forced into culinary school by helping with the off, off Broadway production of Hamlet and trying desperately not to crush too hard on Spencer's new acting partner, Eric, which might be the hardest thing of all.

There were parts of the book I really enjoyed and some where I felt the story slowed to a crawl. I really liked Scarlett's two older siblings, Spencer, an aspiring comedic actor and Lola, the beautiful sister with the wealthy boyfriend Scarlett and Spencer can't stand. The good scenes in the book were really good and there were several great laugh out loud moments sprinkled throughout. But I think my absolute favorite scene in the book is when Scarlett and her brother realize the impromptu rehearsals they've been holding in the basement of the hotel has an unexpected guest.

All in all, SUITE SCARLETT was a really entertaining read and I laugh every time I think of Hamlet on unicycles. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Johnson has in store for the characters in book two, scheduled for a 2009 release.
You can visit Ms. Johnson online at www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com and be sure to check out her interactive map http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102312066307931969077.000442d6d06efbd923692&z=13 with which has tidbits on many of the book's locations, and will occasionally feature hints on book two and Ms. Johnson's current whereabouts.

Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
July 2008

I've never been a huge fan of Maureen Johnson's. I know, it's a crime. It's just that none of the books of hers that I've read have made much of an impression on me. I do admit that she's a good writer and has some great story ideas, but out of the books I've read so far, I didn't really like them enough to say that she's one of my favorite authors. But, I think that may have changed after I read this book. While reading I thought to myself; this must be the kind of Maureen Johnson writing that has made people fall in love with her. It's really good! She's witty, precise, clever, funny, and her whole writing style made this book completely enjoyable to read. It's got nice flow and has enough little quirky things to it that nothing ever gets boring. I'm definitely understanding what people like so much about Maureen. I'm a fan now. Besides the writing, there were, of course, other elements that I liked about the book. I really liked the reality of it all. Maybe not the reality of the plot, because I have a feeling that that part was meant to be not so real and more funny and captivating, but I really liked how the author was able to write about the setting and the characters so that it felt as if you were there and you knew them. I've been to New York once, like five years ago so I don't really remember a ton, but from reading this book I was able to understand the whole dynamic and feel of the city which was cool. I'd love to be able to go and spend a week or two among the crazy hecticness of New York. It seems like it would be a really cool place to live. And besides the setting, the characters were completely awesome. They each had some interesting personality trait that made them unique. I also liked how the cute guy in this story had things wrong with him! Yay! Cheers for realistic and screwed up guys. Sure, I'm not as fond of Eric as I am of more unflawed guy leads, but I do admire him for having the strength to defy the character mold. Ha. Overall, I think Suite Scarlett was a super great book. I loved every part of it and am looking forward to the next Scarlett book with tons of anticipation.

The characters in Suite Scarlett are so appealing I wish that Johnson had not bothered with her somewhat improbable plot (We are to believe rooms in an historic landmark NY hotel can't be rented out!) and just written about her amusing Martin family. Mom and Pop are as translucent as most parents in teen books, but big brother Spencer is a very funny young actor wannabe, sister Lola is a serious and caring beauty, fifteen-year-old Scarlett is a sweetie, neither whiny nor Mary-Sueish, and her young sister Marlene is a plausibly bitchy eleven-year-old leukemia survivor. The adults in this book act like spoiled children and the teens deal with their problems with ingenuity and grace. Suite Scarlett is a fun read, if only to learn from the author that Scholastic keeps a Pensieve in its lobby.

This was really a great book. I found myself intrigued by the special bonds in the family (Spencer and Scarlett) and (Lola and Marlene). I especially loved Spencer's character! He had a wonderful sense of humor.
I actually laughed aloud so many times throughout this novel. It had some great moments and I found myself smiling at some of the ridiculous stunts the characters pulled. What I loved the most was how Mrs. Amberson called Scarlett "O'Hara". That woman was so full of overly-dramatic personality! I loved it!

I also liked the touch of romance it had in it. Perfect way to spice up the story. Eric was of course, charming and cute with his actions towards Scarlett.

Overall, I full recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a teen romance story with great laughs!

I'm so glad I finally found this book. I was beginning to think I dreamed reading this story and that there never was such a book! Now I have my answer as to the difficulty in findng this book--it's out of print. What a shame! Thank goodness for used book sellers.
I read this book while I was in high school about 10 years ago and absolutely loved this book. Susannah, a southerner, contends with the problems associated with living in the South during the Civil War. Amidst all the tragedies--near starvation, losing loved ones, leaving her home, she finds love in the least likely of places--a yankee and Union soldier named Caine Harding. Of course, in the end, they are able to be together, but the story and romance along the way is a lovely tale for anyone wanting some enjoyable reading... I'm saving this one for my daughter when she is old enough. (Much better for character building than stories about frivlous mall shopping, etc.)

I remember seeing this book in the back of my french class back in 8th grade. Someone had left it there so I had to pick it up. Looking at the cover, I didn't think I was going to like it because romance novels aren't my type of things, but as I read it, I grew to love it. Throughout high school, I checked it out at least ten times if not more. It made me want to read more of the Sunfires. ( I now own 14 of the books and am still collecting the whole series! )

Since I am a history and Civil War buff, I was glad to see that the book was true to the historical time period especially with how things were in the South compared to the North. Susannah is a girl I wish I could be. She's strong and has a lot of character strength, especially when she is faced with all the hardships she is faced with. I always read this book when I feel down in the dumps. Even at the age of 19, I enjoy this story just as much as I did the first time I picked it up, literally.

The Sunfire books were some of my best loved books when I was a young adult reader, and Susannah was my favorite. An exciting, touching, vivid portrayal of the Civil War south seen through the eyes of a young woman. It's a shame these books are out of print; I hate to think that young readers are being deprived of them.

This wasn't the best Sunfire I've read. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful book. It's an accurate picture of the life of a young girl during the Civil War. It was more emotional then exciting, which is alright. It kind of leaves you in a gloomy state. Usually in those books, the end is cheerful, and all the problems have been fixed, etc. But in the end, the war is still going on leaving me with a curiosity of how there life worked out for them. But all things considered, Susannah is a strong girl, who is aware of her strengths and weaknesses. How she took control of things was quite admirable. It really was an emotional roller coaster, at times I got so mad at her beau's sister I wanted to throw the book. Then the next minute I was near tears, then the next happy that she was in love. I think it was a good book, but I wouldn't suggest it to just anyone. You really has to be a romantic to enjoy this book. But if you are, then it's a great book.

Despite the image on the back cover, Susannah isn't Scarlett. She's a resiliant, strong girl who doesn't wallow in melodrama. War is not romanticized in this book - not only is the loss of life unflinchingly told, but the terrible price that those on the homefront faced - poverty, starvation, and a generally unsettled life. But this isn't a grim story, because of the romance between Susannah and Caine, a Union soldier, offers such hope and promise. When I was fifteen I was half in love with Caine myself... the ending is a compromise and feels realisitic - Susannah realizes that the home of her childhood is gone forever. A moving story of the Civil War, a wonderful romance, all told in Ransom's usual descriptive style. Ms. Ransom, I believe, makes her home in Virginia, and her love for the area is reflected in Susannah.

This novel is very special in a lot of ways, and part of what makes it so touching is that it is true. You will love and feel for the characters, and above all you will share in their humanity. If any reader looks at Palestine as some kind of bizarre foreign country they will never understand, they will be surprised to discover a place where they feel right at home and a family that is just like any other family in the world but has to struggle through hard times.

Ibtisam Barakat skillfully and meticulously described the typical life of a Palestinian child and the life of the Palestinian's living in the villages and towns of West Bank after the Israeli occupation.

If I wasn't sure Ibtisam is not one of my siblings, I would swear we grew up in the same house.

This book is simply magnificent. Thank you Ibtisam.

If you've lived a middle class existence, this book will make everything you've ever complained about seem very small and ridiculous. No car when you were 16? Sharing a bathroom with your siblings? Boo hoo. Ibtisam Barakat grew up with real problems. Violence, war and famine were never very far from her front door.

Despite this, Ibtisam Barakat is able to recount her childhood growing up in Ramallah without an ounce of self-pity. What could be a maudlin tale is told from the eyes of a child who simply knows nothing else. She plays up the street with her brothers, has pets, and finds comfort and whimsy in a piece of chalk.

Barakat is also largely able to sidestep the politics that infuse the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and present a simple story--growing up as a child, surrounded by war and uncertainty.

This sweet memoir of Palestinian experience is written with so much creatively poetic description that one can get lost in the beauty of the words. The story of a little girl and her family set around the Six-Day War with Israel is a gently written narrative of displacement and loss, family ties, and Palestinian culture that is a rare look at a part of the world and a situation that we Americans generally know little about. I did wish to learn more about the parent's thoughts and how they avoided feeling hatred for their enemies. This is a nonpolitical story, however, and readers are left fascinated by the cultural details and impressed by the perseverence of this close-knit family as they struggle with the realities of war. The author chooses to remember in order to "give my story to the world in the hope that no others ever lose their home, and that the world would lend them a hand if they fell." Amen.

There aren't many books on the Palestinian situation available for children, and fewer still that are memoirs. I actually managed to pick up and read Ibtisam Barakat's, "Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood," without ever realized that it was more than mere historical fiction. As a bilingual author and poet, Ms. Barakat could have written a straight up autobiography, but somehow the memoir is just as moving and intense a portrait as anyone could ask for. It gives her struggles a weight, balance, and arc that wouldn't necessarily belong in a standard series of personal facts. Tracing her life from just before the Six-Day War when she was three to her state as a teenager, Ibtisam remembers her struggles in an occupied Palestine and draws strength from her past.

Facts guide Ms. Barakat's pen, and the horrors of the Six-Day War speak louder than anything else. If dehumanizing occupation is inherently political, then yes, there are politics in this book. More than anything, though, I was struck by Ms. Barakat's ability to write without pointing fingers or blame. Her primary goal is to attain peace in the land of her birth. Mentions of things like bulldozers are only brought up in the beginning. In the past, Barakat will show small beautiful things, like a fig tree with a single early ripe fruit on it. There is no mention of what might happen to that tree in the future.

The prose itself is pretty good too. An Israeli soldier butchering his Arabic pronunciations makes, "the words sound like they have been beaten up, bruised so blue they can hardly speak their meaning." When shouting down a well she says, "We called out one another's names; the echoes returned to us as though our voices had grown older than we were." I liked that the teenaged Ibtisam felt so claustrophobic under her mother's attentions that she wrote, "Mothers and soldiers are enemies of freedom. I am doubly occupied." You learn things too. At one point we learn that the Arabic word for "imagine" is "batkhayyal" which means, "to see the shadow of a thought."

Of course, you want to know more. If we understand that this book is a fictionalization of Ms. Barakat's own life then we want to understand how she came to be a resident of Columbia, Missouri after a childhood as a refugee. The answer to this lies in two parts. In a final note in the book that reads "Giving Back to the World" she writes, "Without the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency ... millions of other children and I would not have gone to school or learned to read, write, and use our pencils to clear a tiny path through the wreckage of refugee life..." Later in the backflap of the book we learn too that the author, "grew up in Ramallah and has a degree in English literature from Birzeit University in the West Bank. She came to the United States in 1986 for an internship at The Nation magazine." Considering the number of starred professional reviews (at least three as of this review) "Tasting the Sky" has received already, not to mention its inclusion more than a few Best Books of 2007 lists, Ms. Barakat might wish to consider penning a sequel to her story. Perhaps one that follows her heroine through her tricky years of a teen. Such a novel might make for a lovely companion to Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, if nothing else.

Given the subject matter, I was intrigued by the suggested reading list at the back of the book. Barakat deals with some difficult issues, and I wanted to know which children and teen books she felt would best complement her own take on the conflict. The list consists of seven selections, both books and films, each one discussing the nature of peace and how to attain it. Each one also gives voice to the Palestinians living in the region, most also offering an Israeli perspective as well.

For many kids, the conflict in Palestine is a difficult topic to grasp. That probably goes for teens and adults as well, I'd wager. What Barakat's book offers is a modest introduction to the history behind some of the troubles via her own personal history. People who would like to include this in a unit for teenagers could consider pairing it with Joe Sacco's graphic novel Palestine for a more recent look at the problem. We may or may not see an answer to the hostilities in an occupied Palestine in our lifetimes, but at the very least we can know that there are voices out there like Ibtisam Barakat who are striving for a peaceful solution. As she says at the beginning, "Many countries have an intense involvement with the Israelis and Palestinians. But the approach of siding with one group or the other, caring about only one rather than both, seems to add to the strife." Let's hope she has more stories in her to tell.

1. A Time to Die/Lurlene McDaniel
2. Random House Children's Book, 1992, 154 pgs.
3. Young Adult
4. A Time to Die is a fiction story based on a young lady who has cystic fibrosis.

A Time to Die is a fiction story based on a young lady who has cystic fibrosis. Everyday she goes through therapy to help her breathe. She meets a boy named Vince, who also has cystic fibrosis. Vince helps Kara through the tough times, when Kara really needs someone by her side. They are both in and out of the hospital and are struggling to try to survive.
Lurlene McDaniel really showed in great detail the affects cystic fibrosis could have on a person's life. It is a wonderful book to read, especially if you do not know much about cystic fibrosis. Kara falls for a boy, which makes the book more interesting, because she does not want him to be turned off by the cystic fibrosis she has.
A Time to Die is a book you could not live without reading. This book left me with wanting to find more about cystic fibrosis and the book made me want to read more of Lurlene McDaniel's books.

this is a great book about a girl named kara who is dying of cystic fibrosis everyday she must endure therapy to thin the mucus so she can breathe i have cf as well and am so glad someone is trying to make people more aware of cf its such a horrible disease i hope other people read it and become more aware of this disease so a cure can be found

This story has to be on of the best stories in the entire One Last Wish series. It shows the hardships that teens that have Cystic Fibrosis have to endure daily. Kara Fischer, a girl with C.F., shows what she goes through every day with this disease, and how it affects her every day life. She deals with the same things we deal with and more; and it shows how determined she is to have a normal life. When she falls in love with Eric, and he finds out about her C.F., I was surprised to see what he did. This book is a heart-wrenching story that brought a tear to my eye while reading it. It is an amazing book with a great truth behind it. Showing all of the things that happen to the people suffering from the disease, in using a child for the main character, makes you relate to the character even more; whether you have the disease or not.
Lurlene McDaniel is an amazing author who does her research to make the story even greater. Knowing the facts about what is actually happening and putting it down with a plot and characters, teaches you about the disease or problem while keeping you interested. The powerful way she writes makes you stay intrigued, and makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens.
You want to know whether they are going to go out with someone or if they are going to get sick again. You begin to become that person and can feel what they are feeling, and can hear the voices of the other characters talking to you. You understand what is going on in their minds and what is in their hearts. Their feelings become yours; you cry when they cry, you feel the touch they feel, and you hear the words they hear. When you cry with them, you cry on both the inside and the outside as well. Your heart and eyes fill with tears and you just can't help but cry from both parts of you. You are them.

I really liked this book.I couldn't stop reading it.I realized how much I take life for granted.It is really sad to think about how much we take everything for granted.This book helped me.I really think it can help others be more appreciative.

A Time to Die has to be my favourite book in the OWL series. Kara and Vince's struggle to live is very inspiring and I admire them both for their courage and determination. Because I, along with my brother, am a victim of CF, I was glad to see someone trying to make the world more aware of this disease. I could really relate to Kara and Vince and found their thoughts and feeling about their disease to be similar to my own. This book is very well written with interesting characters and plot twists. This book brought a definite tear to my eye.

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS
TINA FERRARO

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Nicolette `Nic' Antonovich was dumped two days before the prom. But to her, that's all in the past, except for the fact that her unworn prom dress hangs behind her bedroom door and she might still, on occasion, slip it on. It is the perfect prom dress after all.

But things are starting to change. Rascal, who was the dumper to her dumpee, is suddenly starting to pay her an awful lot of attention. Her best friend doesn't want to hear another word about Rascal, let alone that Nic might be starting to fall for him all over again. Jared, her best friend's brother, is turning weird big brother on her. And even weirder, it almost looks like Rascal and Jared are fighting - over her!

Nic's a great character, a typical teenage girl who finds herself caught between two guys, her dream guy in Rascal and her friend Jared, whose behavior she just can't figure out lately. This book was a definite page turner, with several great scenes that stick in your mind once you close the cover.

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS is Tina Ferraro's first young adult novel.

Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews

Nicolette, a savvy, likable, down-to-earth sophomore, was asked to the prom by Rascal, the hottest boy in the junior class, which is something the reader wonders about for the whole book. Why would an upperclassman hottie scope out a lowly sophomore. That bit of information is disclosed in the end, and anyone who is or was a teen will recognize this typical teen behavior. In the meantime, Nic purchased the perfect pink vintage dress, and two days before the event, she was dis-invited because Rascal's old girlfriend moved back to town. Nic doesn't take it too hard; Rascal's explanation is plausible, and besides, she still has a mad crush on him. She hangs her dress on the back of her bedroom door and tries it on from time to time. Her mother suggests that Nic post a list to the refrigerator door to help work out her frustrations [Use #6: Use the beautiful pink material as a shroud after you die from complete and utter humiliation]. Narrated by Nicolette, this story is warm, funny, sparky and realistic. The main characters are simply captivating. Like having a second dessert, this is a girl/boy page-turner with a heaping of romance just the way we like it. You'll immediately recommend to your friends!

What a great cover!! ...and the perfect color to describe this sweet book!Prom Dress does not disappoint YA readers of any age. I would recommend it to many who would like a quick, delightful YA read. The strong writing and moral character of the book will please moms (it's not preachy, but Nic is definitely a good girl), while the cute story and modern language will keep the younger ladies' attention. Looking forward to How to Hook a Hottie.

There is something to say about a to-die-for pink prom dress and Tina Ferraro tells it perfectly in Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress. Ferraro spins a story filled with laughter and tears as we follow the lengths one teen will go to keep her normal life from falling apart. This novel is any girl's guide to best friends, hot guys, and one fabulous prom dress!

Tina Ferraro's TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS tells of Nicolette, dumped two days before prom by the hottest boy at school. But getting past the disappointment of no prom and an unworn dress brings Nicolette to more troubles: a best friend's problem brother, their changing friendship, thwarted romance, and challenges at home. The result's a fine, realistic story perfect for teen leisure readers.