Book Review: Disappeared

DISAPPEARED by Francisco X. Stork tells the powerful story of siblings navigating a world of kidnapping and crime in Juarez, Mexico.

When her best friend is kidnapped, Sara uses her skills as a journalist to attract attention to her friend’s case despite death threats to herself and her family. At the same time, Sara’s brother Emiliano faces the question of whether to take the easy path into the world of crime or work hard to establish a legal business. Stork’s well-developed characters and authentic situations will draw young adults into this suspenseful story.

Librarians will find this to be a popular addition to the growing number of thoughtful, coming-of-age novels focusing on timely issues related to crime and politics along the American-Mexican border. Although the setting is different than Stork’s other novels, fans will quickly become immersed in this fast-paced thriller.

Published on September 26, 2017 by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Wildman

WILDMAN by J. C. Geiger tells the story of a life-changing road trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Lance’s life is under control until his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. A series of weird choices set him on a five day adventure that blends reality with magical realism. From train hopping and late night parties to a quirky romance, Lance’s quiet life will never be the same.

Librarians will find this coming of age story appeals to fans of John Green. The author’s blend of hilarious situations with authentic emotional connections will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction.

Published on Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on June 6, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Gemini

GEMINI by Sonya Mukherjee explores the lives of conjoined twins dealing with issues of identity and finding their own paths.

Seventeen-year old Clara and Hailey have vastly different ideas about their future after high school. Through alternating stories, these conjoined twins share their perspectives in this unusual coming-of-age story.

Librarians will find curious teens attracted to this story of unusual siblings. The combination of well-developed characters and an engaging examination of a rare medical condition blend for a unique experience.

To learn more about the author, go to https://sonyamukherjee.com/.

Published by Simon & Schuster on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Cresswell Plot

THE CRESSWELL PLOT by Eliza Wass tells the haunting story of a teen and her siblings suppressed by their strict, religious father.

To outsiders, the Cresswell family members are viewed as religious freaks. Castley Cresswell is tired of the plain clothing and strict home life, so she begins to explore the outside world. She soon learns truths that shatter her understanding of the world and set into motion events that will change her life forever.

Librarians will find this coming-of-age YA novel to be a hit with teens who enjoy delving into dark, chilling stories. The well-developed family relationships combined with the engrossing storyline will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.elizawass.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Every Exquisite Thing

EVERY EXQUISITE THING by Matthew Quick tells the coming-of-age story of a young adult transformed by a cult classic.

When Nanette befriends the recluse author of a cult classic, she begins to see the world in new ways. She starts dating, quits the soccer team, and rebels against her stereotypical suburban life. However, rebellion can be costly. Quick’s engaging writing style immerses readers in Nanette’s voyage of self-discovery.

Librarians will find teens drawn into this well-written story that combines classic teen angst and rebellion with emerging confidence and courage. Fans of realistic fiction and topics such as mental health will be lining up for this one. English teachers will enjoy the references to poetry and literature.

To learn more about the author, go to http://matthewquickwriter.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Honor Girl

HONOR GIRL: A GRAPHIC MEMOIR by Maggie Thrash tells the story of first love at an all-girl summer camp.

Maggie spends her summers at Camp Bellflower in Kentucky. From music to target shooting, she experiences the typical drama of summer friendships. However, the summer she turns 15, Maggie falls for a 19-year-old camp counselor. Camp rumors and melodrama don’t diminish her experience of first love.

Using flashbacks to her time in summer camp, the author skillfully weaves a story of self-discovery and young love. She also reminds readers that it’s impossible to revisit the past. Although the book explores a lesbian relationship, Thrash’s portrayal of teen angst and struggles with sexuality are universal themes.

The colorful drawings will appeal to the young adult audience. Librarians will find HONOR GIRL to be a popular addition to the growing number of quality graphic memoirs for young adults.

Learn more about the author at http://www.maggiethrash.com/.

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.

Book Review: Kissing in America

KISSING IN AMERICA by Margo Rabb takes an honest look at family, friends, and the world of romance for young adults.

Eva has read 118 romance novels, but real life is much more complicated. After her boyfriend moves to California, she decides to make a cross-country trip to surprise him. This coming-of-age, road-trip adventure explores a wide range of issues from family grief to self-discovery… and a bit of romance.

Readers will easily overlook the silly premise and enjoy Eva’s quest. Rabb has an excellent handle on contemporary issues and teen humor making the happiness and heartbreak feel authentic.

This book is difficult to pigeonhole. Librarians need to keep in mind that despite the title, it’s not solely a romance. Much of the book deals with Eva’s ability to deal with the death of her father and frustrations with her mother. The novel also contains lots of literary connections that could be distracting for youth without a background in literature. However for young adults who enjoy realistic fiction, this book has it all.

To learn more about the author, go to http://margorabb.com/.

Published by HarperCollins, May 26, 2015

Book Review: Gabi, A Girl in Pieces

GABI, A GIRL IN PIECES by Isabel Quintero is an outstanding work of realistic fiction with a strong Mexican-American cultural perspective. Gabi is a typical high school senior confronting teen issues including human sexuality, drug addiction, teen pregnancy, and binge eating. The story revolves around her friendships, family, and romantic relationships.

Written as journal entries, the story unfolds in a refreshing conversational style with a spattering of Spanish, witty reflections, and a growing self-awareness connected with Gabi’s heritage and family values.

Beyond the diary format, Quintero effectively weaves the use of poetry and letters throughout the narrative making the work a distinct contribution to young adult literature.

Isabel Quintero’s first novel presents an unforgettable character that reflects an entire generation of young women coming of age. Many teens will see themselves in this honest portrayal of everyday experiences from first kisses to weight concerns. What makes this novel particularly moving is the way it so effectively conveys today’s cultures within cultures from discussions of skin color to questions about religious belief.

Quintero provides a fresh new voice in contemporary Mexican American literature. This book should be on all the Latina awards lists, but more importantly on the mainstream best of 2014 lists.

Edelweiss ARC used for review