Anomaly: Dystopian YA with a Twist

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Normally, I don't read dystopian books (think Hunger Games). Our world is weird enough without imagining what it will be like in the future after a horrific war or tragedy. However, my daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed Krista McGee's other books, so I decided to give Anomaly a try. I am so glad I did.

Thalli is different. And different is not good in the State that is left after a nuclear holocaust. But she feels deeply. She tries to hide, but she can't. To avoid annihilation, she becomes a test subject. The story winds through her learning about the real Designer as she learns about love. This story scrapes away to the essense of what is important: God, love, freedom. The pages turn effortlessly...and the ending left me longing for the next installment.

Bottom-line? This is an engrossing read and one my husband and 12 year old enjoyed as well.

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won’t threaten their lives again. But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli’s secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music. She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods. As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along. Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out… Purchase a copy here. Learn more at Krista’s website. Click to start reading Anomaly for free.

Search & Rescue Review

Cara here: Two of my writing friends have come together for a series for middle-grade readers. Set in Rock Harbor, Michigan, the setting for one of Colleen's series, this books brings back characters moms have grown to love in a book that is perfect for 10-14 year olds.  Here's my daughter's take:

In Search & Rescue, 8th grader Emily O'Reilly is accused of stealing a necklace. Even her dad believes she did it. Determined to clear her name, Emily begins a search for the truth.

I loved this book (4 out of 5 stars). It's one I'll re-read, especially when the next one releases. I'd read the adult Rock Harbor books and enjoyed seeing all the charcters from those books again.

Emily's deepest desire is for a puppy of her own that she can train to be a search and rescue dog. Her stepmom works with Bree training search and rescue dogs, and Emily can't wait to join their team. But her dad won't let her get a puppy because he thinks she stole the necklace. He forces her to give that money to the woman who lost the necklace. The only way to reserrect her dream is to prove she didn't steal the necklace.

Even though I figured out the mystery, I kept reading because I needed to know that I was right. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Enchanted Attic Review

Finding interesting fiction for tweens can be tricky. This new series by L.L. Samson (AKA Lisa Samson) does just the trick. The concept is that three kids (13 y.o. twins and a 14 y.o.) join forces to help story characters find their way back to their story worlds. 

In this first installment, Ophelia, Linus, and Walter interact with Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. While the original isn't necessarily a book I'd read with my 11 and 8 y.o.s, we were all engaged in this story that tied the story to a new framework. The narrator, a college janitor, peppers the story with big words, ideas, and literary instruction, but does it in a way that broadens the reader's understanding and is still engaging. There's a taste of magic to pull Quasi from Paris to Kingscross. The chapter titles are fun reminding me of the Percy Jackson series. And the chapters are short with exceptional cliffhangers that left my kids begging for just one more chapter. 

At the same time, reading a couple three chapters a day wasn't enough for my daughter, who disappeared with the book because we were too slow. We enjoyed this book so much that I've purchased the second -- Moby Dick -- and we're all eagerly awaiting the next adventure of Ophelia, Linus, and Walter.


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Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson

Because my daughter is a competitive gymnast, I knew this was a book we'd have to own as soon as I discovered it. Our family remembers well rooting for Shawn in the 2008 gymnastics. Watching her smile and intensity. The way she sparkled as she competed.

When I handed my daughter this book, I was curious whether it would resonate with her or be one she started and then put down. The pages flipped pretty fast as she learned more about Shawn and her journey. The book pairs her journey with her spiritual journey. It's told in a way that perfectly targets teens. The style is conversational taking you behind the scenes in the events in her life. Each chapter also ends with a Lesson I've Learned: a nugget of truth that applies to all of us.

This is a sports memoir with spiritual applications. A worthwhile read, and one I look forward to reading with my daughter next time.


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Starring Me Review

My daughter received Starring Me as an ARC when we were on a trip. The rest of the trip was filled with her giggles as she flew through this story. She liked it so much I decided I needed to try it too.

This story is a delightful story inside a story. Kara wants to be a star, but doesn't know for sure how that will happen. Chad is set to star in a new teen variety show, but his parents have made a requirement that they be allowed to pick his co-star. This story is a treat in the way that the contest to find his co-star unfolds and also in the way that it overlays a Bible story.

Perfect read for teens who want a little bit more in their books.

Here's more about the book:

Like Supernatural Fiction? Meet author Shannon Dittemore

Today, I'm delighted to introduce you to a new-to-me author who could become a fun friend. Shannon Dittemore's debut novel releases May 29...just in time for summer reading. I'm delighted the publisher is willing to give one reader a copy of this book, so be sure to leave a comment with a way to contact you! My daughter received this book when we were on vacation and loved it! That was enough for me to know I needed to get to know Shannon. So let's learn more...
    
1) Angel Eyes has a supernatural setting — it always fascinates me when authors can think that way. How did you get the idea for Angel Eyes?

I've always been fascinated with spiritual beings. When I was a teen, our church had a performing arts team and I always seemed to land the role of Satan. Whether Satan was biting the dust or getting knocked out in the Champion (thank you, Carman!) I apparently had the whole demonic thing down. I'm the daughter of a preacher and the wife of another one, so the supernatural is something I've grown up knowing about, learning about, believing   in from a young age. To turn my imagination loose on those ideas was very natural.

2) Is there any part of Brielle that might be borrowed from you?
The fear, certainly. I dealt with fear for a time. It's been a journey and I'm so grateful for God's help through it, but I understand what it is to be frozen by anxiety and terror. I've learned that being fearless isn't the absence of fear, but the refusal to let it govern your actions. I don't have it all down, but God's gracious and He's teaching me.

Brielle also references Neverland from time to time. I'm rather fascinated with Peter Pan myself.
3) What was the hardest thing about writing Angel Eyes?
Time. I'm certainly not alone in this, but finding the time with two young children at home is difficult. It's another thing God's helping me with.
4) Can you give people a teaser?
Sure! Angel Eyes is about a girl who returns to her small hometown after tragedy has struck. She has all the potential in the world, but grief and fear have taken over and she feels frozen, unable to move forward. Enter the boy next door. Jake's got a few secrets of his own, and there's something about his hands--his blazing hands--that has Brielle paying attention. Jake gives Brielle a gift that opens her eyes in more than one way and that's when all hell breaks loose. Literally.  
5) Will we get to see Brielle and her friends in another book?
I'm happy to report that Angel Eyes is the first in a trilogy of books. The second book is called Broken Wings and will be out next February. The third book is still untitled and I'm not entirely sure when it'll be released.
6) Why write for this audience? What draws you to teenagers?
This one's hard to answer. I'm not entirely sure why I write for teenagers. Maybe because I am still a teen at heart. Everything's still very raw, very real, and very important at that age. I like that. I think I live like that. Sometimes, like in the lives of teenagers, that makes things much more complicated than they need to be, but it's the way I'm wired. God helps me here too. Feeling is very important for teens and as a first class emoter, I understand entirely.
7) What do you hope readers will take away from Angel Eyes?
That they are not alone. That even when life throws craziness at you and when you stumble into dark places, you haven't been abandoned. If readers come away with something close to that, I've done my job.
Okay, where can readers connect with you? 

I'm everywhere, I think! I even have an Angel Eyes board on Pinterest.

My website and blog: http://shannondittemore.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/ShanDittyPinterest: http://pinterest.com/shanditty/

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavin

At our house right now, my tweens are racing through Andrew Klavan's books. Here's what my daughter says:

Crazy Dangerous is a well-written thriller. Sam is a regular boy who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances. He just wants to be a normal kid, but not pushed around anymore. Jennifer is a school mate with some type of mental illness. She talks crazy and hallucinates. This shouldn't impact Sam but it does because the thugs that are trying to mess up Sam's life are messing with Jennifer, too. Sam has a strong desire to protect Jennifer and stop whatever she's facing.

This was the first Andrew Klavan book I read. I enjoyed it so much, that I've now raced through the Homelanders series. The author's books are great because they are action-packed. They are impossible to put-down. And are perfect for kids who like to read stories about heroic struggles.

My 8.5 year old son likes his books because they are action-packed and heroic. The kid is in trouble the whole way through the book. My husband enjoyed the series because it captured all the angst of the teen years but equipped the main character for the struggles he would face.

The Embittered Ruby by Nicole O'Dell

The Embittered Ruby by Nicole O'Dell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is from my daughter who inhaled this book: Sixteen year old Carmen finds herself for an escape from her new home in New Jersey. After her parents divorce, her mom moves her and her sisters to an apartment on the wrong side of town. Everything she knows -- from her family to her friends -- is stripped away and she's desperate to somehow recreate what she once had. When all of her attempts fail, it feels like her life is over. She makes a string of bad choices in her attempt to break free. She's willing to do just about anything if it means creating a new family. These choices lead her to Diamond Estates in Colorado. At Diamond Estates she has to confront the consequences of her choices and decide whether to change or continue on her path. All along God's grace is waiting and wooing her...she just has to choose whether to accept it.

While Carmen made a bunch of bad choices, I liked her story because it showed me that no matter what we do God still loves us and won't leave us. No matter what we've done, God won't turn His back on us. He's still waiting for us to turn to Him. Her story pulled me in -- I literally read this book in one night. It hit our house, and I inhaled it. I also enjoyed the return to Diamond Estates...a place I loved in the first book Wishing Pearl.

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Girl Talk by Nicole O'Dell

Are you looking for a resource for the teen or older tween girl in your life? One that answers the questions buzzing through her head? This colorful, magazine-like book could be just the ticket. It's like sitting down with a big sister and couple of friends and asking them the questions plaguing you. With its colorful and wisdom filled pages, this book is designed to be a go-to for young ladies with questions about life.

Questions about life stuff–relationships, body image, fashion. . . ? Look no further! This fabulous resource offers awesome advice from popular author of teen fiction, Nicole O’Dell. 180 days of Q&As plus related scripture selections will encourage and challenge your faith walk.


Popular blogging trio--mother, Nicole O'Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie--offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice with a devotional flavor for girls ages 10 to 16. Culled from actual questions they've encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for girls on issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. 

Girls will find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge them in their faith walk. Girl Talk, presented in a trendy format that reads like a magazine, is a super tool for girls' small groups or for individual use. 

Halflings: in the vein of Percy Jackson thrillers

Halflings is the debut release by author Heather Burch. It is targeted to teens and has strong supernatural characters. I've been waiting for this book since meeting Heather at ACFW in September. My daughter stole the book the moment it arrived at our house. She literally couldn't put it down, reading it in the car, at the gym and everywhere in between.

Here's what she has to say:

Halflings was a really interesting book. It has a Percy Jackson feel minus the Greek mythology. It has a Christian spin with angels, hell hounds, demons, and other supernatural characters called halflings. All are battling over a teenage girl. The halflings are tasked with protecting her from the dark forces chasing her for unknown reasons. Nikki changes from a normal teenager to a girl fighting for her life. When the halflings first save her, she has no idea what they are other than they are gorgeous. Then she learns they are half angels/half human and determined to save her. She's just as adamant about protecting them. The battle is happening in a realm no one else can see. The Halflings look like normal teenagers to her friends.

Nikki isn't a Christian but through the battles begins to believe there could be more than science can explain. This is definitely the first book in a series that ends with the intensity of books like Percy Jackson.

What I liked most was the characters -- they were amazing because they were vibrant and I could picture them easily. Even though there are creatures in it that I've never seen I cared about them. A must read for lovers of mythic books.

The Jerk Magnet Review

When this book arrived at our house, my daughter scooped it up immediately. A day later she returned with it and plea for the next book. Melody Carlson is quickly becoming one of her favorite authors. 


Here's more from my daughter:


What if beauty is more than just skin deep?

Chelsea Martin is a teenager who blends in and is tired of it. She wants to be noticed, but isn't sure how to make that happen. In steps her future stepmother with the expertise and her dad opens his wallet. The next thing she knows, she's going shopping, her old clothes are in the trash, and her eyebrows are waxed. She's gone from plain to jaw-dropping, a transformation that changes her life in more ways than she anticipated. The girls start ignoring her while the guys start gawking. She's not sure she likes the transformation.

After she's moved to California and made a friend, she and her friend hide their identity at youth camp. Chelsea transforms back into her original self with her wallflower ways. She learns that beauty is so much more than skin deep...it goes to who you are. 

I enjoyed reading this book because it was filled with humor. At the same time Chelsea made lots of mistakes as she worked through her transformation. She learned to moderate her changes as she learned who she truly was. There are lots of lessons in that as we learn how to become who we really are. 

The River of Time Series by Lisa Bergren

When my daughter started reading Waterfall, my Kindle disappeared for a week until she had consumed the series. Here's what she says about the book.

I usually don't read a lot of medieval books. So I wasn't sure I would like this one. Boy, was I wrong. I really liked the time travel elements of the story. It was really cool because each time they entered a new world -- slipping from modern times to an medieval setting: battles and more. I really liked the she-wolf element -- the heroines are called the she-wolves of Normandy after a severe battle. Gabby and Lia show Marcelo and his friend that they are capable of fighting right beside the men. The book is packed with action with romance threaded in the story and a small dose of faith. These books are thrilling and great for readers (young and old) who love action and adventure in new settings.

Review: Confessions of a PK

I picked up this book because my mom ordered it for me. I wasn't sure what I'd think, but was willing to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did. It was AMAZING!

Addison Blakely is a very interesting character because she's a PK (preacher's kid) and that makes her special and unique from most characters in the books I read. I'm not a PK and after reading her story I'm glad! There's so much going on in her life. Dating Wes, the pretty much town thug. Surviving high school. Meeting her dad's expectation. And preparing herself for a marriage between her English teacher and dad.

She finally realizes that being a Christian is more than sitting at church because she has to. She felt the burden of all eyes at all times because she carried her dad's reputation and the church's. In the end she finds the freedom of real faith. I highly recommend to junior high and high school girls who want a great story.

Great Devotional for Tween Girls

It's been awhile since I've talked about books. So with the arrival of the new year (Happy 2012), I thought I'd tell you about a couple devotionals my older kids are working through this year. Both are designed for kids in the 9 to 12 year old range. You can take a peek at both of these devotionals here.

The first is Truth & Dare by Ann-Margaret Hovsepian. This book has a great lay-out. At the beginning of each day's devotion, there is one verse for the girls to read. Then there's a short story or illustration to go with it. That's followed by a Dare: a way to apply the Truth to their thoughts that day and then a triple-dog dare that helps girls bring what they've learned down to their everyday lives. At the end of the page there's a short journaling session. The book reads like they're sitting down with a big sister or older friend, and gleaning from her faith and experience. It also deals with the issues that confront them. Everything from fashion to music to touching the world.

My daughter (11) has a hunger to serve God and grow in her relationship with Him. This devotional gives her an opportunity to do that in a way that isn't too much. Instead, she is reading and interaction with the devotions solely on her own and because she wants to. I love that!

Here's more: "Dare to discover the secrets to a life that sparkles for God. You've got what it takes to make an impact on the world. This devotional is filled with powerful wisdom on everything from godly friendship and serving others to getting along with your parents and worshipping God. It's advice for real life from the greatest BFF of all: your heavenly Father."

Friday I'll tell you about one for boys.

Review: Wreath

This is a book that I picked up after meeting the author at ACFW in September. With my daughter's birthday in October, I had a feeling she'd like an autographed copy. I was right.

Here's what she has to say about this book.

This was my favorite book that I've read recently. Wreath is amazingly strong. She's able to move place to place with her mother and survives. But when her mother dies in her arms, Wreath is forced to leave home. She wants to start a new life where her mother grew up. She never met her dad, because he died before she was born. She ends up living in a junkyard that she names Rusted Estates. Wreath finds a job at an old furniture store that is going down the drain. But she's making a life.

I loved Wreath. She inspired me with the way she was so strong through everything. Sure she could have opened up and let people help her sooner, but she's still amazing.

Review & Giveaway: The Wishing Pearl

The Wishing Pearl is the latest book from my daughter's favorite author Nicole O'Dell. The moment she received this book, she disappeared to reappear after the adventure was complete.

Here's what she says:

I absolutely loved it, because Olivia Mansfield, the main character, is faced with a tough life. Her dad died in a car accident when she was seven. Olivia was in the car with him, and that's just the beginning of her troubles. She has an abusive stepfather (note: heavy content), starts going partying -- it would have been bad if her mom caught her, but it's even worse that her brother does -- and ends up in another car accident. She goes to Diamond Estate, similar to a Teen Challenge program but for girls only.

Olivia learns that she can't face everything on her own. She can't control life and has to turn everything over to God.

I kept reading because the book is filled with action and tough choices. It was fun to watch how she dealt with everything. She made some dumb choices, but it was fun all the same.

So if you're looking for a book that deals with the gritty details of life but shows you the way to hope, definitely give this book a try. Leave a comment because I have a copy to give away!

My Review: There You'll Find Me

Here's my take on this book...

If you've read Jenny's Save the Date, Finley is Alex Sinclair's little sister. There You'll Find Me is filled with such raw emotion and longing that I couldn't put it down. Don't let the YA categorization keep you from reading this book. Jenny takes these characters through issues that all of us can relate to: from the deep need to control our worlds to the search for a place it's safe to be the true me, she shines a light on our deepest needs. Then she masterfully demonstrates how Christ is the answer to all of our needs and longings. This story does not wrap up neatly, because life is that way. However, at the end you are left with a sense that Finley will be okay, that she will come out the other side a much stronger person...one that God can use.

And the best part? CBD has the book on sale for $6.99. Christmas shopping, folks!

Review: There You'll Find Me & Giveaway

This book was so good we're going to give your two perspectives. Today, my daughter is writing the review. Come back later for my review and a giveaway.

Here's the review:

AMAZING. It's very well-written. Jenny takes you to Ireland with the main character Finley Sinclair. Finley heads to Ireland for a foreign exchange program, but she's really there to find peace. Her dead brother spent his senior year in Ireland and she wants to recreate his experience and find his peace.

On the way, she ends up seated next to Beckett Rush, THE heart throb of vampire movies. She walks away, thinking she'll never see him again, only to find he's staying at the B&B her host family owns.

Finely is desperately trying to lose weight -- about the only thing in her world she thinks she can control. Between a foster grandma who is dying, a cross she can't find, and an audition that is bearing down on her, she needs something she can control. After reading this multi-layered book, I can't wait to read more of Jenny's YA titles. It's AMAZING.

Leave a comment and Jenny has agreed to send a signed copy to one lucky reader.

Review: Breaking Up is Hard to Do

My daughter is loving this series. She says they are really fun books. She flew through this one... yes, I know, she flies through most books, but she really did seem to enjoy this one. And with a cover like that, I have to admit I want to read it. Though my daughter insists I have to read the first one...first.

Here's what she has to say:

This book was completely fun. While there were some sad parts, Christine Lee does some really stupid and really silly things to get her dad and soon to be stepmom a part. She does not want them to get married at all. Christine is an interesting character because of her history. You have to have something special about you to be a miracle girl and for Christine it's that she was in the car with her mom when her mom died. Christine went through the windshield and didn't have a single scratch on her. That qualifies as a miracle.

Now she's trying to find her way in this new world without her mom. It's not easy, but the story is filled with laughs. I would love to know Christine in real life. She's trying hard to keep her friends together. I can't wait to read book three.

Always Watching by Brandilyn Collins

Amazing cover. Amazing characters. Amazing Story.

My almost eleven-year-old read Always Watching in two nights, probably as fast as I did. She loved the suspense. Shaley is a really strong character. You get the feeling of what it would be like to have a celebrity mom and away from home for months at a time. The characters became friends. Going back and forth between Shaley and the murderer's perspective made interesting and fun. My daughter is so like me -- she loved trying to figure out who did it before the story reveals the murderer.

The pacing kept the pages turning and her light burning way too late at night. But she had to know what happened next.

A great suspense for young adult readers and adults who enjoy a page-turner and don't mind a ya protagonist.