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

Edited to add:

Bibliography: Nayeri, Daniel.  (2011). Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow.  Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763655266

Plot Summary:  Four novellas representing four different genres.  Toy Farm is a western unlike any other–a farm that grows living toys and a ranch the grows empty people.  Our Lady of Villains is science fiction, looking at how the near future morphs into the faraway future with the help of technology.  Wish Police is a police procedural about a team that locks up wishes that can’t or shouldn’t or won’t come true.  Doom with a View is a romance, if Death were in charge of the world.  So everyone dies in the end but love conquers all.

Critical Analysis:  Nayeri has written two previous books with his sister Dina, Another Faust and Another Pan.  Both were sort of retellings, or more re imaginings of classic tales and full of action, suspense and dread.  With these novellas. Nayeri wanted to do something a little different.  He decided to write stories that would appeal to boys and girls.  That would introduce readers to different kinds of stories that they didn’t realize they would enjoy.  According to his author’s note, he wrote all of them on his iPhone.

The sampler I have included the story Doom with a View.  I have to admit, it did take me a minute to get into the right frame of mind.  (The mention of The Princess Bride in the note should have been a clue.)  Nayeri has taken several age old tropes and turned them sideways.  Two families feuding but over the interior decorating world?  Two children destined to be together but they don’t even speak the same language?  One beautiful girl who Death takes by mistake is stuck in limbo, not waiting for the kiss of a prince, but for the paperwork and bureaucracy to clear up and return her to her life.  So so so funny!  I would have to say that this is unlike anything else being published for teens these days, and I only hope it is a sign that Nayeri has more in store, whether solo or with his sister.  I for one can’t wait.

There are some great commercials for the novels that I hope you will enjoy.

Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow – Our Lady of Villains Commercial from Candlewick Press on Vimeo.

Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow – Wish Police Commercial from Candlewick Press on Vimeo.

Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow – Doom With a View Commercial from Candlewick Press on Vimeo.

Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow – Toy Farm Commercial from Candlewick Press on Vimeo.

Also, you can download Toy Farm (Straw House) for free from Amazon for your own sample of these novellas.  And last, but certainly not least, the good folks at Candlewick are providing a copy for me to giveaway.  Just leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win!  Contest closes Saturday, October 29.

Review Excerpts: “[The] novellas riff on influences as varied as The Wizard of Oz, Mad Max, and the sardonic Death of Pratchett’s Discworld…Strong and assured, these stories seamlessly merge different styles, teasing out and playing with readers’ assumptions about how westerns, fantasy and fairy tales work…provocative and deeply satisfying.”–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.

The contest is now over.  Thanks to all who entered.  I enjoyed reading your comments.  Beth and Candice, please e-mail your mailing address to susan at readspace dot com

#21 Beth Dailey

The best summer ever? Lots of time to enjoy my passions of reading and floating in the pool, celebrating events (and non-events) with friends. Visting my family. Watching my flowers grow. Celebrating another summer has come.

#34 Candice M.

Thanks so much for your generous giveaway! Being able to buy a place with central air conditioning would make this the best summer ever! It gets HOT HOT HOT out in the San Fernando Valley!!!

Thanks to the generous people at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers I have not one, but two advanced copies of a recent favorite to give away: Twenty Boy Summer.  To make things interesting, I will also throw in another recent book from my stash.  In the book, Frankie and Anna vow to have the Absolutely Best Summer Ever!  To enter to win, leave a comment below telling me what would make this summer the best ever.  Winners will be randomly selected from all comments, and you have till Wednesday, June 3 at 6:00 p.m. (EST) to leave a comment and be eligible for the drawing.

You can see a video of Sarah Ockler talking about her book, or check out her personal site for more about the book, other debut authors, and a ton of other contests.