Book Review: The Book of Dares for Lost Friends

THE BOOK OF DARES FOR LOST FRIENDS by Jane Kelley is the heartwarming story of what it means to be a friend.

When Lanora starts middle school, she decides to drop her longtime best friend Val and seek new friendships. However when Lanora’s reinvention turns out badly, Val comes to the rescue with the help of a cat, a strange boy, and some new friends.

Although set in Manhattan near Central Park, Kelley’s story transcends time and place. Her deep understanding of friendship and families make the situations and dialogue feel authentic. Readers will enjoy Kelley’s well-developed characters and interesting plot twists. Subplots involving issues such as homelessness, shoplifting, and divorce are all on target for the middle-grade audience.

Librarians will find this quiet, hopeful story to be popular among middle-grade youth who enjoy realistic fiction with a hint of magic. Perfect for the coming-of-age crowd transitioning from elementary to middle school, the universal themes will appeal to many children.

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

Published by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on July 14, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: The Secrets of Blueberries, Brothers, Moose & Me

THE SECRETS OF BLUEBERRIES, BROTHERS, MOOSE & ME by Sara Nickerson tells the heart-warming story of twelve-year-old Missy who takes a job picking blueberries over the summer.

In this coming-of-age story, Missy learns that the world isn’t black and white, good or evil, or even right versus wrong. Instead, connections like divorce and remarriage, friendships, sibling relationships, and a family farm feud contain multiple perspectives that evolve over time.

Nickerson’s conversational writing style is perfect for middle grade youth negotiating a constantly changing world. Many youth will relate to Missy’s wide range of emotions regarding work and family.

Librarians will find a large audience for this realistic, coming-of-age novel that bridges the middle grades and young adult genres. While any of today’s novels contain over-the-top drama, this quiet story is a good choice for readers seeking relatable characters and authentic situations with a twist of secrets and the feeling of magic.

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

Published by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin on July 21, 2015.

Book Review: Mosquitoland

MOSQUITOLAND by David Arnold follows the gripping journey of a teen runaway on a thousand mile quest to visit her mother.

From mental illness and substance abuse to divorce and evolving relationships, this well-written, young adult novel offers the full range of emotions alternating between moments of hilarious self-discovery and overwhelming melancholy. Through interesting narrative, snarky monologues and heartfelt letters, Mim reveals layers of her personality and an engaging backstory that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Arnold’s quirky characters and witty narrative will appeal to teens seeking a contemporary novel with depth. Mim’s doubts about her own stability and confusion about her relationship with adults will strike a cord with many teen readers.

Librarians are always looking for works of realistic fiction that contain the depth of emotion that many teen readers seek. Mim’s journey and specifically her struggle to understand her own sanity will be a draw for the ya audience.

Road stories represent a popular sub-genre for teens. Add this to your library’s collection of books that reflect both physical and spiritual journeys.

Published by Viking March 3, 2015.