Tag Archives: family problems
Teen Voices and The Poet X: Keep a Journal
Note: This is a YA book review as well as a comment on teen writing, so I added it here from my personal blog A recent experience with a teen writer had me going back to The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. … Continue reading
Memoir: Educated
Tara Westover, the author of Educated, grew up in the country, in view of Buck’s Peak, in Idaho. Previous books I’ve read about the ‘heartland’ and its ‘real American’ inhabitants—whatever that is supposed to mean to those that use the … Continue reading
“My Kind of Crazy”
My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul Hank Kirby comes up with a great idea for asking popular Amanda Carlisle to the prom. How then does he manage, with just a box of sparklers, to light up Amanda Carlisle’s … Continue reading
Sports Books: “The Final Four”
The Final Four by Paul Volponi The hoop action between the Michigan State Spartans and the (underdog) Trojans of Troy University is nonstop, heart-pounding excitement. While the semifinal NCAA championship game is played, the novel focuses on four players: … Continue reading
Drug Abuse “In Ecstasy”
In Ecstasy by Kate McCaffrey Fifteen-year-old Sophie and Mia are longtime best friends, who, as the novel opens, are getting ready for a big party. Sophie is more outgoing. Mia is socially awkward and just hopes to get through … Continue reading
“I Will Save You”
I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña I Will Save You opens with a startling scene as Kidd Ellison appears to throw himself and his old frenemy, Devon, into wild danger in an irrational attempt to save Olivia, … Continue reading
Mystery: “The Night She Disappeared”
The Night She Disappeared by April Henry Gabie agrees to switch nights working at Pete’s Pizza so that Kayla can do something else. Probably go on a date although she’s recently broken up with her boyfriend and doesn’t say … Continue reading