Reviews written by Kim Baccellia

Reading Jo Knowles' books are like curling up on the sofa with a trusted friend. You know she 'gets' it and handles certain sensitive topics with quiet honesty. Her books always bring a smile to my face. SEE YOU AT HARRY'S is no exception.

Twelve-year-old Fern feels like no one sees her. Her family owes a restaurant and it's always crazy there. Then tragedy strikes and threatens to tear her family apart. In the end though there is hope that will heal.

I totally loved this book. Fern's struggles are so real. I could relate with the pesky younger brother and feeling like no one notices you. The tragedy is handled in a very believable way too. You feel for these characters and go through their grief and also smile at their journey through acceptance.

One scene did stand out to me. It had to be the scene when Fern gets on the bus with her brother Holden and witnesses the bullying he suffers from 'the twins' and how the bus driver does nothing to help. I felt this was an important scene and one that kids can relate to. Knowles handles it, like she does with her other books, in a honest way.

Beautifully written this tale will have you laughing and crying but mostly smiling with it's message of hope. This is a must read book and would be a great addition to any classroom and school library. The topics of bullying and death are handled in a sensitive and believable way that would be great for book club discussions.

Once more Jo Knowles has a winner book.

After Tristan is almost killed during a freak riptide he finds out he's not like other teens. What happens next takes him on an adventure not for the faint of heart.

I have to admit this story kind of took me off guard. For one it's different than the usual mermaid YA stories out there right now. It's told through the POV of a guy, which gives this story an unique twist. The author nails the voice so it's believable and not forced.

I liked Tristan. His humor was refreshing. I did buy the whole clueless thing when he was around girls. Tristan kind of reminded me of that guy in high school I knew that hid his insecurities behind humor and off the wall comments. It was fun to see what really goes on behind that kind of behavior.

The dialogue is snappy and fast-paced. Another plus to this story has to be the world Zoraida Cordova created. It's very vivid with details of the mermaid's world to how they can shape shift around humans. Also we learn more about merman which hasn't really been addressed in recent mermaid stories.

Layla, Tristan's friend, at times is over the top strong willed but I think she does that to hide how she really feels around Tristan.

I did feel some of the plotting was a tad bit slow especially right after he finds himself in the hospital after his near death experience in the riptide. Also the story at times feel a little disjointed at times. Later, though the author weaves in more action that helps even that out.

Engaging, vivid tale that shows the mermaid world in a whole different light told through the eyes of a guy.

I love multicultural stories with strong protagonists that end up solving the problem in their lives. In STARFIELDS we're introduced to nine-year-old Rosalba, who lives outside of Mexico City. She follows the ancient Mayan traditions of her ancestors including weaving stories of her people in blouses. Then a ladina girl from the city comes with her scientist father who's studying why the frogs are dying. Rosalba's father wants the ladinas to leave. He fears they will destroy his people's way of life. When her father was younger he was part of a rebel movement that fought against those trying to invade his land. Then the bulldozers come, trying to cut into the jungle to make a road to the city. Rosalba fears what the consequences will be.

I really loved this story that is authentic in it's portrayal of the Mayan and their rich culture. We see their way of life through the eyes of Rosalba. Though she can't read, she weaves in stories of her people in blouses, just like her mother and grandmother. Though Rosalba loves her culture and heritage she's curious about the new visits outside of her village. She wants to know more about the ladina's even though her father forbids it. Rosalba is strong with her descriptions of life in her village and also her observations of what happens with the arrival of the ladinas. She's not afraid to question and to search for the truth.

What I really loved was how the author weaves in the whole end of the world premise without being too preachy. Instead she shows, through the eyes of an ancient shaman, the consequences Rosalba's people have that are based on whatever choice they make in regards to those cutting into their jungle. Plus it's not an adult who takes a stand but rather Rosalba. Love this!

The weaving in of the shaman's voice is mystical and surreal. It gives STARFIELDS a tween BLESS ME, ULTIMA feel.

A great addition to any classroom library especially with the Mayan prophecy. Rosalba is a protagonist that is strong, courageous, and not afraid. Her love of her rich culture shows throughout this amazing tween tale.

Carolyn dreads going to her first day of high school as she doesn't fit what she considers to be the 'perfect' girl. She's plus sized and has her faithful two friends but she's nothing like Jennifer Taylor, who in Carolyn's eyes is nothing short of perfection. Though she fantasizes about being like Jennifer, she still remembers how she tormented her in middle school. Breathe, Carolyn, Breathe, was Jennifer's chant when Carolyn would become so nervous she'd hold her breath and pass out.

What I really liked about this novel is how the main protagonist isn't skinny but rather a healthy sized teen. Carolyn also deals with issues that are familiar with other teens such as struggling with wanting to be popular and fitting in. Her love of her family is shown throughout this book too. Another big plus has to been her attitude. She's not over the top negative or filled with 'tude which is refreshing in a market that at times is filled with darker stories. For teens that want a lighter story, this is the one for them.

It would have been so easy to have Jennifer be the stereotypical 'mean' girl. The author does a great job showing us the real Jennifer, who isn't all perfection.

The huge issue in this story is Jennifer's secret that not only high school but college girls have in common. How Carolyn deals with this information is the main crux of this novel. Jennifer's secret takes a toll on Carolyn in ways she can't even imagine. Add to that her crush, Jennifer's boyfriend, who seems to have taken an interest in her too.

If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor is a real, honest take on a girl who wants to be popular and then struggles with whether she wants to pay that price. I feel this book would be great for high school and book club discussions on food disorders and also peer pressure.

Wow, where do I even start with how much I loved this book? I loved Heidi Ayarbe's book COMPULSION with it's raw, unflinching tale of a football player and his OCD. I couldn't wait to read another one of her books.

And trust me, Wanted doesn't disappoint.

We see Michal, who attends Carson City High and is a town bookie. Yes, she places bets right in the back of her high school. She's also tough on the outside but inside we see a girl who struggles with fitting in and trying to make sense of the racism around her. I loved how we see her feeling like she's not sure which world she belongs to. She's half Mexican-American and is drawn to the family of her childhood friend Moch but shuns the life he chose with the gang. She uses her percentage of earings to buy expensive clothing, hoping that will erase where she really came from. She also plans to earn enough from being a bookie to leave Carson City to go to college where she thinks life will be much better.

Though she helps people place bets she doesn't do this herself until she meets Josh.

The chemistry between these two is slow building while we see both of their worlds and how far apart they are. All it takes is one decision that snowballs into something Michal finds hard to stop.

The writing is right on with scenes like the six word memoirs Michal, Moah, Josh, and her other classmates have to share. The passion and intense feelings of the differences between their worlds collide.

I love how Ayarbe isn't afraid to dig deep into your characters that can be raw and very unflinching. What happens next is kind of like a Robin Hood twist where Michal and Josh use their own version of vengeance for what they think at the time is good.

Engaging and gripping, I couldn't put this book down. The ending reminds me of one of my all time favorite YA authors, Ellen Hopkins, in that it leaves you wondering without holding nothing back. Love stories that are honest without being afraid.

Kuddos!

A must read for those who love contemporary YAs that are real with honest portrayals of teens.

I first found out about Jennifer Armentrout when I read her Lux series. I was instantly entralled with her characters and world. The writing isn't one dimensional but rather engaging with chemistry that sizzles. I wanted MORE. Then on Twitter I read about another series of Armentrout's. Better yet, her prequel DAIMON was up for .99 cents. So I downloaded it on my Nook.

I was hooked.

This novella drew me in and I couldn't put my Nook down. Thank goodness I recharged my battery the night before or I would have been very upset if it died. Yes, this short novella is that good. Think I AM NUMBER SIX meets ROSWELL the TV series but better written with characters you are instantly drawn to.

First off, Armentrout starts by showing us Alex's world in such a way that's it's not loaded with backstory dump. We see Alex on the beach with one of her human boyfriends before the scene that starts Alex off on the run.

Love, love, love this new Sci-Fi YA. What makes it rise above some of the others has to be the characters. I read somewhere that people forget stories, but keep strong memorable characters close to their hearts. This is the case with this series too.

I was really excited to find that the book PURE was out.

Guess what I'm reading next?

If you like books with strong protagonists in worlds that grab you by the collar, then this is the one. Be prepared for one intense and engaging ride!

When I saw the book trailer for this story, I knew I had to read the story! I love the whole twist on a teen thinking she's in some kind of funky witness protection program, on the run from the mob. Instead it's so much more. Family secrets are behind the truth of her constant moving around. Secrets that finally come to light when she moves and sees a hot guy watching her.

I really liked Jewel. She'd been through so much and then to find out her family hadn't been too truthful is an understatement. Yes, Jewel has some 'tude but she loves her younger brother and even tries hard to not stand out so much. Then add to this mix not one but two very hot guys. Both have their own strengths and conflicts. I can see why Jewel is confused on her feelings for either of them.

There's adventure, mystery, suspense, betrayal, and a high speed chase from Russia to Venice, Italy where Jewel tries to find the truth of what will happen on her seventeenth birthday. She's only heard rumors of what a spectral is and knows she needs to discover them before others get to her first.

A total must read for those who love The Secret Circle and other paranormals.

After I read TORN, book two in the Trylle series, I was kind of worried what would happen in the final book. I shouldn't have been. Let's just say I'm a huge fan of Hocking's books. She's a natural storyteller and this series shows that!

Wendy is torn between Finn and Loki. Add to that the whole idea that a war is brewing and she has a big part of this. I loved the revelation on why she's so important. There's twists and turns throughout that kept me on the edge. Got to love that! Also Wendy could very easily been whiny and sarcastic throughout the whole series but instead we catch glimpses of some of her vulnerabilities which strengthen her. No offense but the whole whiny heroine is getting kind of old.

There's action, suspense, and even romance that are fast-paced in this very satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite paranormal series. Hocking's world of the Trylle is part Grifter, part modern day fairy tale with characters that are very real.

If you haven't read one of Hocking's book yet, this is the series to start with. I can't wait for more!

I totally loved this book! First, the cover. Yes, I have to mention that. I felt the cover was perfect for the story. The clerks at Barnes & Noble, where I purchased my copy of this book, smiled when they saw it. You will too! Love that the cover isn't whitewashed but shows Nat as I picture her. Plus, also Rufus, who I can tell isn't too happy with his situation!

This is one hilarious, fun romp that made me want MORE! Nat's family has special abilities like her older sister who is a living lie detector and her 12 year-old-sister who's in high school. Nat's talent is being able to communicate with cats. Her mother is allergic so Nat ends up with the expensive hypoallergenic one. She's kind of embarrassed of her ability until she sees Rufus on TV screaming that his human is gone. Now her friends, who are equal parts quirky and lovable, convince her she has to help.

If you've seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off, you get an idea on the rollercoaster ride Nat and her friends go on.

My favorite character has to be Rufus. Yes, he's a cat but man he's filled with kitty 'tude and you know not to mess with him. Nat's interaction with Rufus and the other cats is so funny. One scene has Rufus with Meeta, Nat's cat, discussing how much Nat 'likes' this one guy, in front of him. Of course he doesn't understand 'cat' but Nat is dying of embarrassment. Readers will be hooting and giggling. I did!

CAT GIRL'S DAY OFF is a refreshing YA in a sea of dark paranormals out there. Plus it has characters you care about that aren't cardboard caricatures. A total must read!

I first found out about this novel in Justine magazine and knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed! There's so much to love about this book which starts with this sentence:

I should probably start with the blood.

That sentence grabs you and takes you on one amazing ride through a story that is part Revolution, another part Da Vinci Code. But let me tell you, I read The Da Vinci Code and The Book of Blood and Shadows is written much better.

While translating the 16th century letters of a woman, sixteen-year-old Nora Kane is thrown into a world of mystery, murder, and secret societies. The whole conspiracy theory of an ancient device, Lumen Dei, that is rumored to let someone actually communicate with God, is intriguing. What really makes this story though has to be the letters and how they closely end up intertwining with modern day Nora.

Where do I even begin on what I loved about this story? First, it's beautifully written with characters I cared about. Nora is brilliant but also kind of a social outcast. Chris, Adriane, and Max are her best friends with secrets of their own. I love how Wasserman weaves in Nora's world without it being a backstory dump. The rhythm sets you up for what the reader knows will happen later on.

This historical/religious thriller also isn't afraid to question. I love that. After I read this story I had to discuss with others how far would you go to find out if a theory, in this case, a religious device, was true or not.

The lush settings include a brief time in Paris add to the story too.

At the end of the book is a link to the author's website where you can find out more about the people behind the characters and the truth behind the story. Yes, I went and read up more.

This story brings YA novels up to a whole new level. Intelligent, lush, and nothing short than amazing, I highly recommend it.

I love this graphic book series from Graphic Universe.

This book introduces us to Nora Reilly who loves Jane Austen. Her family just moved into an old Victorian home. Seems others still live there. When Nora meets Tom, a ghost, who still lives in the house, it’s love at first sight. Her family though wants to get rid of the ghosts and nothing seems to help. Not the paranormal ghost hunters. Not psychics. Nora in the meantime finds herself falling in love with Tom. Does she really want him to leave?

I love the graphics in this series. This is a really fun series that uses the graphic novel format to tell paranormal tales. In this book there’s twists on the whole ghost hunter premise which is funny. Plus Tom and Nora's relationship reminded me of Meg Cabot's Mediator series. Only in this book, Tom can show himself to Nora’s friends who find maybe it’s not so cool to be dating a ghost.

Great read for reluctant readers and those who love paranormal tales as much as I do. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Beautiful illustrations capture the essence of the Depression-era while showing the building of the Empire State Building. As a former educator, I would have loved sharing this non-fiction picture book with my first/second graders. The rhythm of the text is very catchy, using words that make it fun to learn about the Empire State building. I love the illustrations and how the author breaks down what happened during the construction of this beloved building. The book conveys hope during this dark time. A must add to any educator's collection.

I've always loved reading about Medieval Europe. When I was a teen I read THE DISTANT MIRROR by Barbara Tuchman. I didn't care that it had over 1000 pages, to me reading about everything that happened in Medieval Europe was fascinating. So I was really excited when I heard GRAVE MERCY was coming out. What caught my interest had to be the whole premise of assassin nuns in 1488. Let's just say this book is nothing short of brilliant. Yes, I loved it that much.

The book starts off with seventeen-year-old Ismae, fleeing from a brutal arranged marriage. She finds shelter with the nuns at the convent of St. Mortain. The nuns here serve the old god of Death. Ismae finds she has been chosen to be one of the nuns and be trained as an assassin. She is sent on mission to the high court of Brittany, where she poses as the mistress of the mysterious Gavriel Duval.

There is so much to love in this story. Ismae is an assassin and does kill. The author could have made Ismae hard core without any feelings. Instead we watch as Ismae questions and also struggles with her feelings toward Duval. She's used to being ridiculed and scorned by her childhood villagers so to have any tenderness shown to her is confusing. Add to this the deadly court games of love and intrigue.

I love the court intrigues and the whole balance of power between nobility. The best part though has to be seeing a powerful woman who is able to make choices. Ismae is similar to one of Tamora Pierce's strong women protagonists. Let's just say Ismae is like a Medieval La Femme Nikita set in a world of nobility and intrigue.

Great pacing filled with lush descriptions and action will keep you glued to the pages. Reading GRAVE MERCY was like visiting an old friend. LaFevers is a master storyteller who weaves an awesome tale that you want to be trapped in. I devoured this story and wanted more. The mystery, suspense, and yes, even romance made me sad when I finished reading. The only bad thing is that I have to wait till Spring 2013 for the second book in this amazing series.

If you love YA historicals with strong protagonist, this is the book.

I loved Jana Oliver's first book THE DEMON TRAPPER'S DAUGHTER and couldn't wait to read more. FORGIVEN is the third book in this series. The book grabs you right at the beginning and doesn't let you go. Riley finds her dead father, Master Trapper Paul Blackthorne has been reanimated. This means he is basically a zombie and a slave to whoever purchases him. And to make matters worse she has to confess to her father that she was very close to Ori, a Fallen angel. Yeah, her life is pretty sucky right about now.

I love Riley. She's not the typical seventeen-year-old but rather a girl that has learned to live on her own wits. It's the future and the world has gone to hell...literally. Demons run wild through the streets. School is held in empty Starbucks coffee houses. Riley happens to be the only girl demon trapper in Atlanta and is blamed for all the troubles facing the trappers. She's lost so much since readers have first read this series. Her father died, her boyfriend turned on her, and she finds out she's supposed to save the Earth from Armageddon. She could very well be hard core and tough but Oliver shows us there's much more to this character. Riley struggles with what she did with Ori and also her feelings for Beck. I also love Beck. He comes off as being arrogant and a womanizer but there's much more to him. He cares deeply for Riley but still sees her as the twelve-year-old kid daughter of his master trapper. Boy, is he wrong on that!

Fast-paced action, with interesting characters in a not-too distant future takes you on a thrilling ride. Punchy dialogue adds to the strong chemistry between Riley and Beck. This isn't the usual Buffy wannabe paranormal. There's tons to recommend about this series: a strong protagonist who fights for what she believes in, multi-dimensional characters, and an ending that doesn't leave you hanging but rather hoping. I know I am. Plus, the author told me there will be a book four in this series as she couldn't leave us hanging! Yay!

Highly recommended for fans of strong protagonists.

I loved the story THE GODDESS TEST. The whole twist of the myth of Persephone and Hades fascinated me. I loved Kate and Henry and how a modern day girl could end up with a God. There's great romance along with Greek mythology. What's not to love?

In the second book, Kate comes back after being with James--Hermes--in Greece. She finds Henry standoffish. She's worried if she had indeed made a huge mistake. It seems as if Henry--Hades--still isn't over Persephone leaving him. Kate feels she'll never be like her. Then Henry disappears and Kate goes out to find him.

What worked for me in this sequel is the love story between Henry and Kate. She has so many misgivings and insecurities over their relationship. I mean, who wouldn't if you feel you have to compete with a former goddess? The beginning of the story was a tad bit slow but did build up when James and Ava--Aphrodite--go with Kate to find Henry. Calliope--Hera--is just as nasty as ever. She hates Kate and wants to destroy her. Cronus is mysterious and also very powerful. I feel there's more to him than what was revealed in this book. I can't help but think this issue will be addressed more in the next book in this series.

The Underworld isn't shown in total dark strokes but is more mysterious. The other gods and goddesses aren't shown that much as this really is Kate and Henry's story. That works for me as I feel too much would deflect from the story.

Good writing helps move the reader through the underworld as Kate tries to not only help find Henry but confront her own fears. Seems that even becoming a goddess is no guarantee of happiness. The chemistry between Kate and Henry brews slowly and doesn't erupt like some other YA romances out there. I liked that the gods, especially Henry, are shown with weaknesses that makes them easier to relate with.

There's a huge OMG revelation at the very end of this book that I didn't see coming. Can't wait to read the third book in this series.

Also check out the ebook novella THE GODDESS HUNT that takes place before this book in Greece.