Look Both Ways: a tale told in ten blocks by Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason Reynolds is a must read author for ALL! Even though this book is a middle school read, we all laugh and learn so much about kids as the navigate school, going to and from school---all in their journey of life! What I loved most about this book was the authenticity that pops off each page, Reynolds gets kids, life on the streets and in neighborhoods! In the first tale told in this tale told in ten blocks, Jasmine and TJ's friendship is deep, strong and special. The "friendship bags" are called litter of love AND notes that say I've missed you. In Five Things Easier to do Than Simeon and Kenzi's Secret Handshake also have a special friendship, but Jason Reynolds has awesome descriptions, such as Fredo's Corner Store "always smelled like incense smoke trying to mask dirty mop water." Finally, the special way Jason Reynolds uses to describe his characters---handshakes "they grab hands, shake, shake, slide, finger grip, shake, shake. Then point to themselves, double fist pump throw a peace sign beside each of their right ears, point to each other, slap their individual fingertips together, rub the air as if they are holding a ball---bigger than the one in Kenzi's bag--then they thumb their chins and shake their heads at each other before ending it with a big hug." A must read that will thrill all Jason Reynolds fans and friends.

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Slay by Brittney Morris

Slay by Brittney Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a great, important read! Kiera Johnson is definitely one of my favorite protagonists; she is thoughtful, lives 2 lives--- she one of 4 African Americans in a mostly white prep school & asked really stupid questions about Black culture (as if she is the expert) and her 2nd life is in a black neighborhood where she is secretly the creator and moderator of a virtual reality game (which includes role playing (loved the names and costumes, cards (with Black connotations, some really hysterical & created by moderators and members) and different worlds, known as Slay. I loved how Kiera derived so much pleasure from Slay, so many online friends, and a true sense of Black community--hence players as Kings and Queens and can only join by invitation from a member (keeping an all black membership) until it is not. A must read, teens will love it for what it says about many different aspects of Black culture, history, and today's reality.

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The Guinevere Deception (Camelot Rising #1) by Kiersten White

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this fairy tale retelling of King Arthur and Camelot! Guinevere is conflicted about so many of the secrets she must keep (her magic and so much else) and as she arrives in Camelot to marry Arthur she finds out so many lies and secrets she is not sure what to believe. It seems everyone loves Arthur and when Guinevere is near him, she wants so many things (but she never tells him) it seems Arthur has this mesmerizing orbit every time Guinevere gets close (and that is hard bc he is always out in the kingdom) she really wants more...but Arthur has love demons and I was not a fan. I could not stop turning the pages bc I love Kiersten White's writing, characters, plot! Looking forward to what Book 2 will bring.

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Heart of Iron (heart of Iron #1) by Ashley Poston

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this scifi adventure which was such a wild ride, and dealt with such themes as family, journeys, friendship, romance, and choices. Ana is a fiesty heroine who wants to save her "metal" friend D09 and in the process stumbles into the world of the Ironbloods (evil mother, evil brother, Erik and very conflicted Robbert) which will turn Ana's world upside down. What I loved most about this book was the conviction which propelled so many of the characters (Capt Seige, D09, Jax, Robb, Ana) although I was not really happy with some of Ana's decisions bc of the way Di and others are impacted. Poston's writing, worldbuilding, characters kept me turning the pages, rooting for Ana and friends, and hopeful aboutthe second book, which I am going to get right away!!!

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Rogue Heart (Rebel Seoul #2) by Axie Oh

Rogue Heart by Axie Oh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 2nd book----Ama, Alex, PHNX, Jaewon, Tera, Su, and many more great characters. Ama begins the story and likes where she is working with a family who really cares about her---since she was made to be a weapon and exploited, this family does not know anything about Ama and accepts her. I loved whenever Ama sung, her voice and songs captured people's hearts (esp Su who faithfully came (he was disguised) to listen to Ama for 2 years). I loved her past romance with Alex and how they "find" each other, it was thrilling and the spying and keeping up a glamour was awesome. The battle tactics, the other Ama and Tera, the super soldier push was mesmerizing; I can't wait to read more Axie Oh books!!! Highly recommended.

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We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had no idea this was the beginning of a new series!!! I loved the narration by Kyla Garcia, the strong and multifaced character, Dani, who must never let anyone know where she really came from; even more intriguing was the inner dialog from Dani as she shed or donned her faces---she was such a winner at graduation she lands the highest role, Primera, to the highest ranking political family while also having to deal with her enemy, Carmen, being chosen as the Segunda (the wife who bears the children) in the Garcia home. I bit my nails as Dani spied for La Voz and at the same time warred with hating and being fearful while wanting to do so much more to help with the movement. The characters were all so interesting; Medio was a place of magic and beauty but there were so many who suffer under harsh government control, a wall, and lives lost due to no medicine or hospitals. I was not entirely sure about Carmen and their insta-friendship. She made 5 years of Dani's life hell, so I am going to wait until the 2nd book and see what really continues for Dani and Carmen. An exciting, thrilling read!

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Ransacker (Berserker #2) by Emmy Laybourne

Ransacker by Emmy Laybourne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in Emmy Laybourne's 2nd series! If you have not read her first Monument 14 series, YOU MUST!!! And with just 2 books in the Berserker series, I could not stop turning the pages! Back in Berserker, Norwegian brothers and sisters run to the United States from an evil Baron and try to hide their powers. But with these powers also come curses. With a wildfire destroying their home in the Wild West, the Hamsted family must break up for awhile to earn money to come home and rebuild. Steig and his sick sister, Sissel stay behind at a hotel to finish out the school year; Sissle discovers her power, has 2 men vying for her affections and she has a tough time keeping her secret (she tells both James & Isaiah she can find gold, with 2 very different reactions). Hanne and her beloved Owen and faithful dog, Daisy join a wagon trail and youngest brother while Ynut goes to live with an elderly couple who need his help. I could not stop turning the pages as I found out the Baron hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency to give daily reports on the Hamsted family! I enjoyed the life of the west, strong women living with constraints due to their "lot" in life, finding out even more about the ancient Norse Gods and religious beliefs, and fell in love even more with Owen, Daisy, Isaiah and the whole Hamsted family! A MUST READ series, thoroughly enjoyable!

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The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really DID NOT like the first two books in this series; Jude, the unrelenting meanness, anger, and hopelessness were awful...BUT I wanted to see how The Queen of Nothing would end (Would Jude continue to disappoint me?) but I remained hopeful as I listened to this last book in the series and I was rewarded!!! Teens will love the way Holly Black sows this last book, the plot and its characters together! I was surprised and happy with so many of the characters and their development- I especially liked new character, Grima Mog (since I listened I don't know if I spelled this correctly), who Jude is to "take care of" and stop her from killing and eating humans. She is fierce but her fight with Jude leaves her a little in awe and wonder of Jude...her surprising return later is the best! This time, I rooted for Jude and Cardan to find one another, rather than kill or hate each other to death. The reader finds out so much more about Cardan's curse. Black was flawless in this endeavor! The plot kept me listening all the time to awesome narrator Caitlin Kelly! Her voices were superlative, engaging and downright fun. So I have been floored and happy with Holly Black in this last book of the series and will continue to read her wonderful books. I was seduced by this book and teens will be too!

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How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith

How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Swoon Reads for the advance reader copy How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith, in exchange for an honest review. What I really liked about this novel is Quinn’s passion for debate and speech; she was one of the best; she knew it and worked tirelessly to be the best and become captain senior year. Only problem was Grayson; he is always her competition and the way Quinn sees it; Grayson gets things way too easily and she has been told countless times that he will do anything to win. Could it be his good looks (even Quinn notices) or the fact that his mother is in politics that make everything Grayson does look effortless? I really enjoyed the assignment mix-up in the wrong cubbies! Quinn was a dominating presence so the reader did not really get to know Grayson, except through others’ eyes and here say. I really wanted to see more of his character and personality. I liked Quinn’s drive but wished she was able to transfer this to her interactions with boys (friend, Carter and also Grayson); being insecure when it comes to boys she did not listen to her friends and family when they saw and realized things and Quinn did not. Readers will enjoy the surprises at the end of this fun rom com. I loved the resolution of this fun, enjoyable romance.

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Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advance reader copy Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff, in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love feisty Camryn as she is very publicly dumped after a three-year high school romance. Camryn has planned her life and college plans around Marc; so she is totally blindsided by him; even more when she finds out he has been seeing another “new” girl all summer while she was away as a camp counselor. But what teens will love MOST is how her friends get behind her and never stop encouraging her to be her best person (hadn’t she been doing that for the last 3 years?). Even more surprising is her new found friendship with the cheerleaders. Whether she is looking for Mr. Right or jumping into new school activities; Camryn’s search for new school clubs and/or priorities will lead her into a fast-paced, often humorous journey with this reader rooting for Camryn’s happiness and growing self-reliance. I loved Shani Petroff’s use of authentic teens, high school drama, best friends (and new friends) being forever and finding yourself. Highly recommended!

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The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruta Sepetys has done it again; this beautiful awful story of a Franco's dictatorship and the poor people of Spain who cannot tell/talk to anyone about what is really going on (as well as what went on for the 30 odd years Franco ruled with an iron grip). I truly loved Daniel as he visits Spain with his mother (who is from Spain) and oil man husband/father. He wants to be a photographer while he father expects him to go into the family business. While in Spain, he meets Ana, who works in the hotel and is assigned to his family. As Daniel becomes friendly with Ana, a diplomat's son, and a journalist, his life changes---he becomes aware that there is much he does not know about the people of Spain and there is little they will tell him, why? As Daniel delves deeper into the mysteries and secrets---lives are being threatened. What will happen to Daniel, his family and friends? I was so disturbed as I read this thoroughly researched book, while the true reports, commentary and oral history in each chapter shed a light on people who were held in a tight reign of silence, fear, and prejudice. A must read!

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Hero (Monster #3) by Michael Grant

Hero by Michael Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this series within a series (Characters from Gone series and Monster series with new mutant heroes and villains) where a virus rock has created horror type powers on people like Bob Markovic who was an unrepentant morally corrupt human and then he and his daughter got hit with the rock. But what Father does is opposite what daughter does. Bob infects people with totally painful viruses and lets them fester in screaming pain (they want death, Bob grants death when he wants to) while his daughter joins the Rockborn Gang to try to stop her father. I really liked the way Grant shows how morally abhorrent characters are while also allowing that the gang may have to inflict pain and death to help the greater good (even the authorities are asking for their help) and by enlisting Astrid from the Gone series, I could not stop turning the pages of this last, thrilling Gone chapter and the third and final Monster book in the series. While torn about how awful the world was, people still had hope for a better world and looked to the mutant teens for hope and help. Highly recommended!!!

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Birthday by Meredith Russo

Birthday by Meredith Russo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Russo's If I Was Your Girl, and Birthday was just as awesome. The covers are both books are so appealing, eye catching, and tremendous. Morgan and Eric's journey was epic. Born on the same day in the same hospital, parents become good friends and Morgan and Eric are BEST friends. What teens will like about their friendship was how very much they cared for each other and liked each other. There was total respect and Morgan really struggles after his mother's death; as a reader I was torn by his inability to tell anyone about his belief that he felt he was a girl. Yet I understood his vulnerability. Their journey was beautiful and bold. This is a must read and I thank Meredith Russo for writing an inspiring, hopeful book!

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Supernova (Renegades #3) by Marissa Meyer

Supernova by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The only good thing I can say about this book is that I loved the 2 narrators, Rebecca Solare and Dan Bittner, they were a great duo! But, I was so disappointed/aggravated with this last book in the series. I wasn't a fan of the first 2 books either. I felt there was too much description, too little known about many characters and way too much introspection from Nova (3 books worth). Nova really irritates me- she has not redeemed herself at all in the 3 books. In this book, her back and forth about Anarchists and the murder of her parents and her feelings for Adrian just wore me out. Adrian is naturally good---especially as the Sentinel, he goes against the Renegade code to help others. Nova was so combative, prickly, and torn. After three books, I expected and wanted a positive, inspiring feel but there was no redemption, that awful epilogue, and no amount of my rooting for Nova made her a likable character. I have to say that I loved The Lunar Chronicles and if Marissa Meyer continues to write these dark, complicated books, I will not be reading them. I did not like Heartless either.

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The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the journey of Canadian Norris Kaplan, hockey player, Haitian American, snarky, and moving to Austin, TX. His guidance counselor asks him to keep a journal of his observations of this new world, thus the title of the book. His ruminations, his real life interactions into the high school world, and just life in general all go into the field guide. Funny most of the time, but Norris' thoughts and mouth continues to get him in trouble. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

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