Plot Summary:  15-year-old Iris Anderson wants to help her pop with his detective agency if he would just let her.  It’s 1942 and times are hard–her mother is dead and it’s hard to be a great detective when you lost a leg at the Battle of Pearl Harbor.   Exchanging upscale digs for rooms on the Lower East Side, Iris moves from an exclusive girls school to P.S. 110.  Falling in with the hip Rainbows, Iris finds herself sneaking around to dance at the Savoy in Harlem.  When one of the gang disappears and Iris realizes he had a connection to her old school, she decides to investigate.  But one lie leads to another and soon she’s lost her friends, her father’s trust and is no closer to solving the mystery and she may have put herself, her family and friends in danger.

Critical Analysis:  This historical young adult mystery is well-crafted on several levels.  It works as a young adult novel, exploring what it is like to deal with so much–death of a parent, war, changed circumstances.  It works as mystery, with a mysterious disappearance.  It works as historical fiction with pitch perfect period details.  Adding all these elements together and something like magic occurs to give the reader a glimpse into this world that literally jumps off the page.

Some of this is due to the protagonist, Iris.  She is appealing and compelling and oh so real.  But what Haines does is surround Iris with a whole cast of characters who stand on their own, secondary perhaps in the role they play but not in how they are portrayed and developed.  Some of this is due to the setting and time period.  I really felt like I was in the public high school bathroom when Iris meets Suse, or at the teen club playing games or crammed in the back of a taxi or dancing at the Savoy or walking the streets of New York while trying to avoid friends from the old neighborhood.  The historical details, including the slang and description of clothing and hair styles adds to the richness and reality of events.

When the mystery was resolved, I was a little disappointed, but upon reflection decided that a complicated solution suited such a complex layered tale.  Just as Iris has to come to terms with the complexities of changes brought about by a world at war, she learns there are no easy answers either.  I think that teens will pick this up and enjoy the story of a girl trying to make her way in an uneasy world.  I hope that some adults might give it a try, I think they will find Iris and Haines refreshing.  I am already looking forward to book 2, The Girl is Trouble, due out later this year.

Review Excerpts: “[A] meticulously crafted slow burn. . . . Haines writes gracefully, immersing readers in Iris’s perceptive thoughts, suffering, and transformation. Nuanced relationships and a social climate shadowed by ethnic tension and war result in a compelling reflection on a complex era.”—Publishers Weekly

“. . . the compelling characters, superb setting, and myriad twists and turns will keep readers intrigued till the very end.”—School Library Journal

“Take a powder, Nancy Drew. 1940s girl sleuth Iris Anderson is on the case. A stylish, slang-filled teen noir that is as entertaining as it is absorbing.”—Kirkus Reviews

“What makes this such a standout is the cast. Sounding like they’re right out of the 1940s (well, a 1940’s movie, anyway), the characters, young and old, pop off the pages. Iris, intriguing and infuriating, captures the tension inherent in the teenage years, no matter what the decade. This joint is jumping.”—Booklist

“Iris’ story has considerable crossover appeal, enticing both mystery lovers and historical fiction fans, with a cunningly devised plot and a cast of period-specific characters. . . .”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Reviewed from public library audio book.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Plot Summary:  Emily knows she is lucky–she leads an life many teens dream about–perfect parents, great friends and a spot at the prep school where her father is headmaster.  But why does she dream of fire and water and dying?  When oh so bad and oh so smart Del Sugar arrives, he brings a wildness and sense of rebellion that are irresistible.  When Del is expelled, Emily is left with a hard decision and a search for the truth.

Critical Analysis:  I loved Warman’s début novel, Breathless.  I was excited to see that this is a companion book of sorts but disappointed that there was not more crossover or connection between the two.  And while I did enjoy the story and I loved some of the characters, I did not find this as well crafted.  It felt much more melodramatic than the quiet intimacy of Breathless.  I also found it full of issues but less grounded.  And the handling of one issue in particular was extremely far-fetched, I don’t care how much money someone has.  And yet, some of the secondary characters and situations had that same spark.  And I know this book was not really written for me.  There are many teen girls out there who love melodrama and issue books, so I am sure they will love this.

Review Excerpts: “Emily’s story is compelling….The plot builds slowly and, for the most part, realistically. The main characters are well developed, and Emily’s thought processes…are particularly insightful and touching. Secondary characters add depth to the story.”–School Library Journal

“…Most memorable, though, are passages that show how painful realizations often arrive: through isolated flashes of intuition and experience that layer slowly into three-dimensional truths.”–Booklist

“Emily tries to deal with these issues as she is forced to quickly grow up in this well-written coming of age story that will have readers anxiously turning the pages as they and Emily’s discover the “skeletons in her closet.”–Children’s Literature

“In this dramatic, unpredictable, romance-gone-awry companion novel to Breathless (2009), Warman only improves as she revisits the boarding-school scene. Emily’s unflinching, multilayered narration and realistic dialogue capture the wishes and fears that drive teens. A page-turner to the bittersweet ending.”–Kirkus Reviews

“Warman, author of the excellent Breathless (BCCB 11/09), returns here to the boarding-school milieu she continues to depict with finesse and tantalizing detail; the hothouse intensity and ramped-up intimacy of life in Emily’s dorm is yearningly credible. A smart, sensitive melodrama.”–Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Reviewed from publisher provided advanced copy.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Bibliography

Plot Summary:  After the crash, Paige’s world comes crashing down around her.  One best friend playing the martyr, one losing herself in crazy diets and a boyfriend who is more distant by the day.  A mother who is concerned that Paige must keep up her image to keep her spot on the Homecoming Court and a sister who can’t stand her.  Paige finds comfort and solace in an unexpected place–creative writing class where an odd boy makes her forget and a compassionate teacher makes her think that she is more than how others see her.

Critical Analysis:  Yes, this début novel is a little on the long side, and yes, there are perhaps one or two too many subplots, and some secondary characters that are less fleshed out.  But this book is compellingly readable.  Backes has a distinctive voice and style that is quite unlike any other writing for teens today, and in Paige she creates an unreliable but completely relatable narrator.  There is a real grittiness to the characters and events, grounded in truth.  And yet  there is room for lighter moments and humor, even in the face of tragedy just as in life.  Teens do act this way, treat each other this way, talk this way.  And there are many out there who will identify with Paige as it is a rare teen who feels as though others’ perceptions match his or her true self.

Readalikes:  Princesses  reminded me of Between by Jessica Warman which also features an unreliable narrator of sorts who would be trying to keep her life together and stay in with the popular crowd if she weren’t dead.

Review Excerpts:  ”A well-executed first novel… Backes addresses guilt, deceit, homophobia, loyalty, and the burden of keeping up appearances in a brutally believable high school setting as Paige recognizes the weaknesses of loved ones and her own imperfections.”
—Publishers Weekly

“In this debut novel, Backes takes Dead Poets Society and brings it into the age of Mean Girls. Her writing style is witty while still being relatable, and the themes of acceptance and identity will ring true to teens… Backes re-creates a world that most teens already live in, with the overarching message that anyone can become more than what others perceive them to be.”—School Library Journal

“Paige’s journey out of the Mean Girls IT group won’t shock readers, but it unfolds with pleasingly realistic hesitations, as does her relationship with the new, uncool boy….But the writing is fluid, Paige is a likably unreliable narrator and the high-school setting is believably sordid. A mostly solid, if a little too long, high-school drama.”–Kirkus Reviews

Reviewed from publisher provided copy.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Bibliography

Plot Summary:  Petty thefts have been reported at Buckingham Palace, and Mary Quinn is working undercover as a maid to try to catch the thief in action.    In between domestic chores and fending off the prince, little seems to be going on.  When the prince witnesses the murder of a friend in an opium den and the accused shares the name of her long-lost father, Mary struggles to come to terms with her past.  At the same time, Mary realizes that a tunnel connecting the palace to the sewer is seeing a lot of use and fears for the security of the palace.

Thank goodness James Easton is there to work on the sewers.  Regardless of their past, they resolve to work together to solve the mystery for the good of the crown.

Critical Analysis:  There  is a lot going on  in this book, layered and complex as life often is, and Lee handles all the threads and characters with a deft hand.  While the mysteries do stand alone, I believe that much will be lost in the reading if you have not read the first two titles in the trilogy (A Spy in the House, The Body at the Tower) as some plot threads are related to past events and relationships and a few secondary characters make their reappearances. Lee excells at describing what life was like in Victorian times and even more so than in the earlier books, readers see the contrast between the haves and the have-nots, the wealthy and those who serve them, and the special treatment afforded the royal family.

Bibliography

Plot Summary:  Gloria’s country cousin Clara comes to Chicago help with her wedding to society’s favorite son Sebastian Grey.  She catches the eye of debonair Marcus which raises the hackles of Gloria’s best friend Lorraine.  All three girls will be changed by their visit to the hottest  speakeasy and their taste of the flapper lifestyle.

Critical Analysis:  This book has style and glamour (and booze) to spare.  I can see what some of the reviews about flaws, but I really don’t care.  I suppose partially because I love this time period and partially because my teen self can relate to Gloria and her friends.  And oh the drama.  What will Lorraine do next?  When when Clara’s secret be exposed?  Will Gloria go through with leaving her old life?  Shallow? Yes.  Superficial? Yes.  But so much fun!!!

Readalikes:  Larkin names The Great Gatsby as a book that inspired this series.  Published at almost the same time, Anna Godbersen’s Bright Young Things has similar setting, characters and themes (I liked Vixen just a little better).

Review Excerpts:  ”Debut author Larkin crams plenty of delish details of the era … does a good job of switching from one character to another, all the while lacing the stories together….the tale goes over the top at times. But this is fun, and a great cover will draw ’em in.”–Booklist

“Larkin’s frothy debut….Chick lit for the Gossip Girl crowd, the plot doesn’t hold up to scrutiny … and certain scenes betray a misunderstanding of race relations during the period.”–Publisher’s Weekly

“…Larkin writes a movie-like, mysterious plot which will keep readers surprised at events and uncertain as to character motives. The backdrop of 1920s Chicago is described colorfully and romantically.”–Children’s Literature

“The Prohibition era is an uncommon setting for historical fiction, and Larkin paints a glamorous (if shallow) picture of underground speakeasies and society parties of the 1920s….neither the culture nor the characters ever fully come to life and the historical details seem sketchy at best….the high drama will leave those readers eager for future installments in this series”–School Library Journal

Reviewed from public library audiobook.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase

Plot Summary: In 1958 Little Rock, 12 year old Marlee becomes friends with new girl Liz.  Brave and never at a lack for words, she helps Marlee overcome her fear of speaking in class.  But when Liz is gone from school, rumors swirl that she was a Negro passing for white.  Marlee realizes that isn’t what is important, true friendship is.  To stay friends, Marlee and Liz must defy their families and face integration head on.

Critical Analysis:  I want to tell everyone to read this book because it is important.  It covers in a very personal and intimate way a piece of recent history that is little known.  Everyone studies the Little Rock Nine, but there is little discussion about what happened the next school year–the governor closed local high schools to prevent integration.  Neighbors took sides on the issue, tensions were high or higher than ever before.  And the kids and teens lost out.

I want you to read this book because it is important, but you will love this book for the stories and the characters.  For the nuanced portrayal of all involved, families, neighbors, friends, teachers, leaders.  For the growth of many across the pages, for the beauty of friendship and mutual respect and the horror of hate.  From the mundane details of everyday life, and the painful shyness of Marlee to the important meetings and canvassing for votes and support and the scariness of retaliation.

Even in this supposed post racial world, there are still incidents that remind us all too well how little we have changed and how far we need to go.  What Lions of Little Rock tells us is that loving and respecting people for who they are not the color of their skin matters, and once we believe that, we have to work for change.

Review Excerpts:  ”Readers will root for a painfully shy girl to discover the depths of her own courage and find hope in the notion that even in tumultuous times, standing up for the people you love can’t be wrong. Satisfying, gratifying, touching, weighty — this authentic piece of work has got soul.” –The New York Times Book Review

“Levine’s characters fall on both sides of the integration issue, but she avoids painting them too broadly, and many of their views evolve over the course of the book. The best evolution, though, belongs to Marlee, who starts off almost pathologically shy and gradually learns to face her fears, find her voice, and speak up for what’s right.”–Publisher’s Weekly

“This engaging story, with its emphasis on the impact of friendship and on finding one’s voice when it is most important to be heard, will no doubt appeal to a broad range of readers and inspire many interesting conversations.”–Kirkus Reviews

Reviewed from publisher provided advanced copy.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase

The winners, randomly selected thanks to random.org:

Kimberly H., ARC and Random Buzzers code

Candice M., ARC and Random Buzzers code

Kat W., Random Buzzers code

Jen, Random Buzzers code

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left comments.

Bibliography: Fredericks, Mariah. (2012).  The Girl in the Park.  New York: Schwartz and Wade.  ISBN: 978-0375868436

Plot Summary:  When Wendy’s body is found in Central Park, headlines paint her as a party girl.  Other girls know Wendy as the wild child who is after their boyfriends.  Some students at the exclusive Alcott School are upset and others secretly glad, maybe she got what was coming to her.  But former best friend Rain, shy and quiet because of the cleft palate she was born with, remembers the Wendy who told her to stand up and speak up.  And when Rain starts to uncover the truth and the details don’t add up, will she find the voice to speak for her friend?

Critical Analysis:  True mysteries written for teens are rare enough, and I am glad to say that Fredericks does an excellent job of creating a taut well paced novel peopled with compelling characters in an ultra exclusive setting.  Rain and Wendy are especially well drawn, contrasting with one another.  Wendy is everything Rain is not, and the reader sees that Rain both admires Wendy for being able to be so bold, so loud and feels for her as Rain knows without asking that some of Wendy’s actions are born from deep emotional pain.

The details of Rain’s cleft palate are handled with care, which makes sense since Fredericks herself was born with one.  As Fredericks notes, “For a long time, that meant I didn’t talk a lot.  But I did listen.”  Exactly the same traits she has given to Rain, and this listening and observations from the edges of events are what leads to the putting together the pieces to solve Wendy’s murder.

Oh the mystery.  I want to say I didn’t guess the ending far in advance, but I did.  But I don’t think most readers will care.  The pacing sweeps the reader along and by the time you realize who did it, you will be so involved in Rain’s story and the suspense of events and when she will tell someone that you won’t care.  This book should have high appeal for teen girls, and while there is partying and alcohol use and adult situations, I can’t see much that would keep this out of middle schoolers’ hands.

Review Excerpts: “Rain’s voice provides an authentic portrait of grief and powerlessness, while Fredericks (Crunch Time) offers profound, provocative commentary on what it means to grow up in the age of Facebook.”–Publisher’s Weekly

“[B]oth Rain and Wendy emerge as fully rounded, flawed characters that teens will recognize and connect with. A satisfying whodunit with enough clues and red herrings to keep mystery fans happy.”–Kirkus Reviews

“Fredericks has constructed a taut, suspenseful mystery with convincing characters whose actions and motives propel the plot. Rain is an unusual, compelling protagonist, a watcher who must step reluctantly out of her comfort zone. Observant readers…will find as much satisfaction in observing Rain’s personal growth as in the solving of the intriguing mystery.“–Booklist

“”The story starts off slowly, gradually building to a surprise ending. Rather than a heavy-handed explanation of Rain’s cleft palate, details are sprinkled throughout the story, building readers’ understanding of her communication difficulties and readers’ compassion for her.”–School Library Journal

“The mystery unravels amidst a sensitive exploration of Rain’s coming to terms with her own quiet, demure personality, with its flaws and its advantages measured against Wendy’s extroversion and desire for recognition and love. The crime itself offers up multiple suspects before a triumphant resolution tinged with melancholy, a conclusion that highlights the fact that while growth is certainly possible, some people, unfortunately, never make it past the slights of high school.”–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The very real mystery of the story is a riveting background for Rain’s self-struggle, and the plot twists make this a true page-turner. This book will find a ready audience in fans of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti who are looking for something a bit edgier.”–VOYA

Giveaway:  I have two advanced copies of this title to share with you.  In addition, as an Ambuzzador for this title and I have special codes you can use to sign up for Random Buzzers that will give you enough “Buzz Bucks” (points) and special privileges to be eligible for a free book.  If you are already a member, perhaps you have a friend or teen who might like to join.  If you would like to be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment below with your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.  I will accept entries until Sunday night.

Random Buzzers:   An online community for teens from Random House, Random Buzzers is a fun, safe place for readers and writers to gather and share their favorite reads, chat with authors, win books, share reviews and tons of other fun stuff!  This week Mariah Fredericks is the featured author and you can post your questions for her to reply.

Reviewed from Netgalley electronic copy.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase

Bibliography

Plot Summary: 17 year old Sadie has been best friends and secretly in love with with Garrett for the past two years.  He parades a string of girls in front of her, oblivious to the one right in front of him.  Away at writing camp for the summer, Garrett falls yet again for someone else and Sadie has decided she’s had it.  With the help of her new co-workers at the local coffee shop and an old friend, Sadie comes up with a 12 step program for getting over Garrett Delaney.

Critical Analysis:  I must be honest and say that I have a huge book crush on Abby McDonald.  I love her books and by extension, her.  While she is similar in some ways to several others writing for teens today, she has something extra that is not present in say a Sarah Dessen.  In this book, I love that she has taken on a scenario that is very common for many teen girls–unrequited love and not just any, but that of your best guy pal.  But then she takes it to the next level and gives us unique characters, not just Sadie (and tell me that’s not a reference to Sadie Hawkins?) but a whole cast of interesting characters who come to be the center of Sadie’s life.  They are real and interesting and funny and work to distract her from her Garrett problem and in the end show her that she is so much more than a girl who is trying to hard to be what she thinks some guy wants her to be.

If I had a teen sister or cousin or niece, I would be giving her McDonald’s books–because they are well-written and funny and feature situations and circumstances that are relate-able.  I would hope she would read them and see that what the world tells her is not always right and that there is worth in being yourself, standing up for yourself.

Readalikes:  This book reminded me a great deal of Sarah Dessen’s Keeping the Moon which features another teenage girl finding new friends at her summer job and learning to value herself.

Review Excerpts: “ …McDonald (The Anti-Prom) turns the tragedy of unrequited love on its head as she traces her heroine’s determined and often comical efforts to find herself and become more independent. .”–Publisher’s Weekly

“A comedic and candid first-person narrative… Plain Janes and lovelorn teens will appreciate the sound self-help tips and be inspired by the stronger, deserves-better Sadie who emerges, ready to give love another chance.”–Kirkus Reviews

“Teen girls will relate to the all-consuming love portrayed here, will root for Sadie, and may appreciate the reminder to put self before boyfriends.”–School Library Journal

“McDonald moves with sure-footed grace through Sadie’s heartbreak and recovery, adding in the perfect pinch of schadenfreude for readers when Garrett finally realizes what a great girl he’s been missing all along. Sadie’s self-work is quietly inspirational and satisfying, offering genuine hope for the unrequited romantic.”–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Gentle and humorous, GETTING OVER GARRETT DELANEY is sure to be a hit with fans of Joan Bauer and Meg Cabot.”–Voice of Youth Advocates

“This book is a hilarious, honest, and thoughtful look at being a girl, falling in love and trying to find the right balance between believing in love and sacrificing too much for it.”–Justine

Reviewed from publisher provided copy.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

So excited to be chosen by Random House’s Randombuzzers program to be an Ambuzzador for this title.  I found it a very compelling read.  As a part of the Ambuzzador program, I have special referral codes for anyone who wants to join the program-you’ll get 15,000 Buzz Bucks just for signing up!  Leave a comment with contact info if you want in!  Look for more to come on The Girl in the Park coming soon…

Plot Summary: After 3 minutes under water, you’ll lose consciousness.  At 4 minutes, permanent brain damage can occur.  Death is possible at 5 minutes, likely at 7 and almost certain at 10.  When Delaney fell through the ice, it was 11 minutes before Decker pulled her out.  She should have been dead or in a coma.  Instead she walks out of the hospital and into a life that is changed.  Friends treat her differently, and a mysterious stranger seems to show up everywhere she goes.  But it is the strange physical attraction and response to people who later turn up dead that she can neither control or understand.

Critical Analysis:  Strong characterization, especially of Delaney, great tone and voice, feelings of loss, love and guilt alongside a dark and suspenseful tautly paced plot add up to a book that is more than the sum of its parts.  I finished this book several weeks ago but it has stayed with me.  First I identified with Delaney, a studious teenage girl who loves being with her best friend.  Rather ingenious in my book to have Delaney die and come back to life–signifies that transformation all teens go through.  How her friends react to the changed her is part of what makes the story heart wrenching.  And there is darkness…you can’t cheat death and not have darkness.  Darkness in Delaney, in Troy (who shares her gift (curse?), in people on their way to dying.  I don’t want to say too much, so I’ll stop there.  But I will say how refreshing to have a supernatural story that isn’t peopled with vampires, werewolves, angels, mermaids or any other mythical or magical creature.

Readalikes:  I was strongly reminded of Wake by Lisa McMann, dark and supernatural as well.  Whenever someone nearby falls asleep, Janey falls into their dreams.

Review Excerpts: “[A] captivating and intelligent story of love and death with a dash of the supernatural….The fluid writing, empathetic characters, and big questions raised elevate this paranormal romance into a haunting meditation on what it means to be human and to truly live. “–Publisher’s Weekly

“ Delaney is an engaging personality, and Miranda is able to sustain her protagonist’s sharp voice throughout. Mom, Derek, Troy, and several minor characters are realistic, distinctive, and interesting….readers will find Delaney delightfully genuine and her story compelling. “–VOYA

“This book works as a good teen drama plot with a supernatural twist, so many libraries will want this volume for those that only want a taste of the unexplainable. “–Children’s Literature

“The story sometimes seems to be headed toward the supernatural, and then it suddenly makes a sharp turn toward realistic science, and then back again. The love triangle, combined with the allure of danger, will carry readers through this story that pulls them back every time they might feel ready to give up.”–School Library Journal

“Teetering between tired, predictable romance and edgy thriller….An occasionally thrilling paranormal romance with enough spellbinding incidents to overcome the clichéd components.”–Kirkus Reviews

Reviewed from publisher provided advanced copy.  Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.