Carol Lynch Williams, . . Dell/Yearling, $4.99 (136pp) ISBN 978-0-440-41810-8
PW wrote that "many middle-grade girls will nod in recognition [with the] 12-year-old narrator of this chirpy, occasionally cloying novel," who is perplexed that her mother has gone "from cool to geek" seemingly overnight. Ages 8-12. (Aug.)
"She embarrasses me more than should be allowed," says the 12-year-old narrator of this chirpy, occasionally cloying novel. "She" is Laura's impulsive mother, a model turned Continue reading »
An 11-year-old girl and her younger sister enjoy a summer that is full of adventures but cut short by tragedy. ``A distinctly Southern flavor, swift pace and ebullient characters distinguish this Continue reading »
Elyse Donaldson, the plucky narrator of this touching book, plans to write her first novel during her eventful 12th summer. She knows how to write it (with different colored crayons for each Continue reading »
In this teen comedy cum love story, Williams (The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson) alternates the points of view of Sage and George, two high school wannabe-authors secretly enamored with each Continue reading »
Aspiring novelist Elyse's devotion to her grandmother, a victim of Alzheimer's disease, is mixed with embarrassment and sorrow. ""In place of pat solutions, the author offers small but honest Continue reading »
Williams picks up where she left off at the end of Kelly and Me, when 11-year-old Leah Orton is left to cope with the sudden death of her younger sister, Kelly, victim of an aneurysm. A highly Continue reading »
During the first disturbing chapters of this novel set in Florida, Williams (Kelly and Me; Adeline Street) graphically describes the abuse of two sisters by their apparently psychotic mother. Mrs. Continue reading »
""If my great-grandmother Ola hadn't died, I might never have known her,"" begins 10-year-old Josie in this sketchy novel about her pilgrimage into the Ozarks to attend Ola's memorial service. During Continue reading »
Williams (The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson) pens another story of a girl in deep distress, this time profiling ninth-grader Carolina McKinney, struggling to cope with the accidental deaths of her Continue reading »
Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire
Paula Yoo
Via vivid prose, Yoo (From a Whisper to a Rally) depicts the events surrounding the acquittal of the four police officers who brutalized Black motorist Rodney King in 1992 L.A. Continue reading »
Using alternating POVs set in three timelines, Fung (Living with Viola) crafts a poignant tale of generational strife, rebellion, and self-acceptance, inspired by the creator’s Continue reading »
Lynn weaves historical fiction, fairy tale lore, and simmering romance to craft an electric and harrowing Dust Bowl–era debut. When teenager Stella Fischer meets handsome Continue reading »
In a gentle allegory, delicately worked, stipple-textured forest scenes create an idyllic home for Little Bear, who loves his favorite rock and his cozy cave. Soon, though, a Continue reading »