Out of Reach

Out of Reach by V.M. Jones follows Pip who dreads his father's behavior at his soccer games.  When he happens into a climbing gym and finds out that he's a natural he suddenly starts to believe in himself and develops his own identity.

I loved this book and could not put it down, reading the entire thing in one sitting (and that's not usual for me currently).  Pip's journey seems authentic and his search for independence is one that kids can identify with.  This is a book that I would buy for the boys in my life.

Appropriateness:  This is a male focused book but the story is one that will speak to girls as well.  The only bit of adult content is a mention of condoms as a joke and a worry that a boy is using Pip's female best friend for her body.  I would recommend this book to readers 11-15.

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Spark (A Sky Chasers Novel)

Spark is the second book in the Sky Chasers series.  The last book ended with the kids on the ship alone and their parents being held hostage on the other ship.  This book takes off where the last book ended with Kieran having a major power trip and refusing to listen to reason while Waverly and Seth tries to save the ship which is in major trouble due to Kieran's refusal to listen to anyone.

I found myself speeding through this book, there was just so much going on.  The characters however were a little too black and white.  I found myself getting so upset at Kieran who seemed so stupid that you could hit him in the head with something and he'd refuse to acknowledge that anything was there while Waverly was always right and always had the right answer.  There were several great twists and turns with the mystery and the ship and the politics between the two ships kept me interested.

Appropriateness:  There was no adult content in this book although it was very violent.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+





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Returnable Girl

Returnable Girl by Pamela A. Lowell follows Ronnie, a girl who has been in and out of several foster homes after being abandoned by her mother.  Ronnie has to deal with the same problems as other kids along with the uncertainty of her future and her inability to trust those that care for her.

This was a terrific novel.  It deals with a tough subject without seeming too much like an after school special.  Ronnie is deeply flawed but the author does a good job at making the reader understand where her flaws come from and root for her to make good decisions.  I really enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down.

Appropriateness:  There's talk of sex and drugs and drinking but none of it is put in a positive light.  I would recommend it for readers 12+

Here Where the Sunbeams are Green

Here Where the Sunbeams are Green by Helen Phillips follows sisters Mad and Roo who have traveled to Central America to find their father who is a bird expert who wrote a strange letter to Roo.  As soon as they land they notice that things in the Lava Bird Volcano area are very strange.  The sisters will use their magic and their smarts to solve the mystery and save an endangered bird whose very existence is important to the safety of the community.

This is a delightful and magical book.  I loved Roo and Mad who are both strong female heroines who were complex and interesting.  The green message of the book was fantastic and one that kids will enjoy.  While I did have problems being engaged at the beginning of the book the vague creepiness that was evident kept me hooked and I was glad that I kept with it.  The story was original and magical.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book and it is more creepy than scary.  There is a bit of romance in a does he like me way that is appropriate for a young middle school character.  I would recommend this book to readers 9-14

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Barn Boot Blues

Barn Boot Blues by Catherine Friend follows Taylor McNamera a girl whose parents pick up and move to a farm from the city.  Taylor not only has to adjust to a new school and community but she also has a new burden of farm chores.  Can she convince her parents that they need to move her away from the farm?

This is a great book that tweens will really love.  Taylor has a personality and a basic set of problems that kids will be able to relate to.  I sped through this book, unable to put it down.

Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book.  I would recommend it for readers 10-14

Listening for Lucca

Another Student Review

  Listening for Lucca by Suzanne LaFleur follows Sienna who is a girl who can see things.  She sees ghosts from the past, trying to use them to help her little brother Lucca.  She feels that the things from the past will help Lucca will be okay. 

This is a wonderful book that is interesting and will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The characters of Lucca and Sienna and their problems make for an interesting read that caused my reader to race through the book.

Appropriateness:  This is a great book for middle grade girls.  There's a bit of romance but not enough to put off readers.  I would recommend this book to readers 10-14

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