The Swap by Megan Shull

Title: The Swap
Author: Megan Shull
ISBN: 97800623311696
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Released: August 26, 2014
Page #: 382
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Ellie spent the summer before seventh grade getting dropped by her best friend since forever. Jack spent it training in The Cage with his tough-as-nails brothers and hard-to-please dad. By the time middle school starts, they're both ready for a change. And just as Jack's thinking girls have it so easy, Ellie's wishing she could be anyone but herself. Then, BAM! They swap lives - and bodies!

Now Jack is braving sleepover parties, while Ellie reigns as The PRince of Thatcher Middle School. As their crazy weekend races on - and their feelings for each other grow - Ellie and Jack begin to realize that maybe the best way to learn how to be yourself is to spend a little time being someone else.

Told in alternating perspectives, The Swap offers fresh and funny insights into how the other half really lives. "
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First Lines: (Quote from the galley, see final version for edits)

"It's sunny and it's summer and the three of us are sitting on the scratchy cement edge of the Riverside Swim Club pool, dangling our feet into the deep end.
Page 1
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Review:

This was most definitely one of my favorite middle grade books I've read in a while.

Ellie and Jack are both in a tough spot at the beginning of school. They're unhappy about some big aspect of their lives and don't know how to change it. One witchy nurse changes all that - and puts them in each other's bodies. Each of them has a lot to learn about how differently they live... and it changes how they see their own lives.

I'm not sure how much of a review I can write about this book because I really loved it. I mean, the whole switching bodies thing is done really well. The things you wonder about are discussed easily. The whole bathroom issue, the morning situation for boys... it's all in there. And I feel like it's handled really well - and glossed over without it becoming too much of an issue.

I know some have complaints about the gender stereotypes, but I feel like it was fine. I mean, I can easily imagine these kids at any middle school, anywhere. Just because she plays for a soccer team that wears all pink and he has brothers who are so aggressive and tough, doesn't keep me from buying into the story completely. I love that the mean girl got called out so effectively and that both characters were able to help each other so much.

Now that I mention it, the whole sports and fitness thing was a really fun part of the story. The fact that both of them are very into team sports helped them understand each other even more. Their family lives are so different that you almost can't even understand how they could comprehend each other's struggles, but it works out really well.

The ending of this story almost left me in tears. There's a moment with Jack's father that really did make me tear up and I think it will have that effect on many readers. And I just loved how things wrapped up in a pretty package. I honestly don't think I could have asked for more from a middle grade book. I almost wish there were going to be more books about these characters because I loved them so much.

As you can imagine, I will be recommending this book to all of my upper middle grade readers. I think the whole physical differences discussions sort of push it outside of the early middle range... so this is almost more for the kid who is asking questions about body changes - mostly because it actually talks through some of it and might be a helpful tool. Either way, it's a great book and well written. I look forward to reading more from this author.
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Other Blog Review: 

Little Book Star
Sarah Reads Too Much
Between the Pages
Book Loving Me
Gizmo's Book Reviews
Lisa Loves Literature
Paper Riot
Pingwing's Bookshelf
Those Summer Reading Nights
Gisbelle's YA Obsession

Buzz Kill by Beth Fantaskey

Title: Buzz Kill
Author: Beth Fantaskey
ISBN: 9780547393100
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Released: May 06, 2014
Page #: 360
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"When seventeen-year-old Millie Ostermeyer makes a list of all the people who would want the football team's notorious Coach Killdare dead, she never dreams someone would actually murder him. As if one mystery weren't enough for this Nancy Drew-obsessed school reporter to solve, enter the divinely gorgeous Chase Albright, star quarterback. Who is this mysterious jock who speaks excellent French and likes obscure foreign films? And why is he giving geeky Millie the time of day when the supermodel-pretty cheerleader Vivienne Fitch is clearly throwing herself at him? Mystery and romance collide in this fun, witty murder mystery."

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First Lines: (Quote from the galley - see final version for edits)

 

"Head football coach 'Hollerin' Hank' Killdare was having such a massive meltdown that even from where I was standing in the Booster Club's concession stand, I could see his trademark blue vein popping in his neck and the usual flecks of spittle flying out of his mouth."

Page 1

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Review:

 

Senior Year. Murder. Drama. Love. Nancy Drew Addict. Quirky (read: AWESOME) Librarian. What's not to love?!

 

Millie is a successful reporter for her school's newspaper. She's won awards and is ready to take on the world! But after stumbling upon the body of their notorious football coach, her world is turned upside down. The detective on the case is a joke and she has to be sure her father isn't blamed for this. So Millie sets out to solve the murder... only to find herself paired up with Chase - a quarterback with a mysterious past. She learns a lot about herself and the people around her, but not before she falls hard for the jock.

 

I love stories like this. It's a well-put-together mystery that really keeps you guessing about the ending. There are a few mini-mysteries along the way that are pretty easy to figure out, but that just keeps things fun. The author did a great job unfolding the story in a way that keeps you on your toes.

 

The humor in this story was amazing. I mean, it's not LOL hilarious... it's witty and snarky and wonderful. That alone made me love Millie and wish that I was her librarian. She's got everything figured out in the world, so she isn't exactly welcoming of too much change. But she sure knows how to solve a problem: Research. And interviews. And being an overall great journalist. Not without some help from her favorite librarian. Can I just mention that I'm a HUGE sucker for a quirky librarian beloved by the characters?! Makes me think my profession is doing something right. :)

 

Relationships are always crazy, but I think the one between Millie and Chase is pretty authentic. They both come into things with baggage and become really good friends to each other. There is an understanding about how they are really just trying to solve the murder case and that they each have complementing strengths to do just that. Not to mention Chase's love of artsy films and the French language. Their own quirks are pretty awesome and it's fun to watch them clash at every turn. I think Millie's love of the late coach's dog is probably the most hilarious...

 

Anyway, I really dug this story and I'll definitely be passing it along to teens who love mysteries. I'm excited to have another good one to put in that pile. I've read other things by this author, but this was definitely my favorite.

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Other Blog Reviews:

 

A Lot Like Dreaming

The Book Lover's List

Geeky Chiquitas Book Blog

Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf

Pretty Good Gatsby

The Library Lass Booklikes Blog

Teens Know Best

We clearly need to get more people reading this book... :)

Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders by Geoff Herbach

Title: Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders
Author: Geoff Herbach
ISBN: 9781402291418
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Released: May 6, 2014
Page #: 311
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"From 'One of the most real, honest, and still funny male voices to come around in a while,' (YALSA) comes a brand-new cast of quirky characters, pitting self-effacing fat boy Gabe against an upstart dance squad in a battle over control of the school's soda machine.

When the machine's funds - previously collected by the band - mysteriously begin funneling to the already over-privileged dancers, the war is ON! And suddenly the leader of the band geeks is none other than the funny fat kid Gabe, who's sunk low enough that he allows even his best friend and teachers to call him 'Chunk.' No one will be safe from the Geekers odd brand of wrath: not the principal, the band teacher, the local newspaper, and certainly no the cheerleaders and their jock boyfriends."
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First Lines: (Quote from the galley. See final version for accuracy.)

"Ripping off the pop machine last night wasn't meant to be funny. It was my duty to all the geeks, burners, and oddballs in school because that machine sucks. Robbing it was serious business, okay?"
Page 1
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Review:

Band geeks. Burners. Oddballs. Cheerleaders. Jocks. Fat Kids. Fit Kids. One Vending Machine. One War.

Gabe has been arrested for robbing a vending machine. He never expected things to get so out of hand. People are egging houses, beating each other up, throwing rocks through windows... there is general havoc. Gabe just wants the band program to be recognized and funded. This is his story of how he tries to start a movement.

As a self-respecting Southerner, the term "pop" when discussing soda grates on my nerves like almost nothing else. I'm sorry to say that "pop" is the term used in this book. And it's used a lot. I mean, we're talking about a soda machine... of course they're gonna talk about it the whole time. But it made my lip curl every, single time. I'm hoping that doesn't color my actual thoughts on this story, though. Just know that I'm trying to put that aside.

The format of this story is very unique. You're starting this book after all of the action has taken place. You know that Gabe has robbed the machine. He's been caught. Now you're getting his story while he's sitting behind a table at a police station. It's his narrative about what happened. But it's a one-sided conversation. The voice of the interviewer/police officer is never heard. It's like he's talking to himself. There are answers to his questions, but you only know the answer by his reply. There are big swaths of time that you forget about it... until he addresses the interviewer directly. I'm not sure if I liked this, honestly. I wished to hear the other side of things as well... not just the one side of the conversation.

That being said, I loved the overall concept of the story. The band fighting back against the school and the cheerleaders to restore their funding. As a band alum, this obviously warms my heart. Gabe doesn't set out to become the leader, but he seems to be the only person who understands what is happening. So he starts making plans and figuring out ways to protest. They aren't exactly the ways I would protest, but they're still effective. He also starts meeting new people and changing his outlook on life. It's definitely a story about transformation - not just of Gabe, but of their town.

I know that funding in schools is a big topic right now. It's nice to see someone get incensed over it. Of course, the small town setting helps out with that. Cannot imagine a riot happening because of one school in a big district. But that's neither here nor there. There are a few times that the characters mention that it isn't because the money is being given to the dance squad, but that it was taken from them without any sort of vote or hearing. It's all about the fairness of the whole thing. And I think that was a smart way to phrase things. All extracurricular activities are important, but they have to be treated the same way.

I haven't read anything else by this author, but I've heard of his other stuff. I may have to check it out. But I think this book is going to appeal to teens who get excited about social change and clubs in school. That's probably a narrow group, but I think it also has enough humor and family drama to pull in quite a few readers. Plus, the cover is bright and fun! What better way to invite readers in?! :) 
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Other Blog Reviews:

Librarina
Sunk Treasure
Young Adult Books - What We're Reading Now

The Excessive Baking Book Lover

Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg

Title: Openly Straight
Author: Bill Konigsberg
ISBN: 9780545509893
Publisher: Scholastic
Released: May 28, 2013
Page #: 320
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Rafe is from Boulder, Colorado. He plays soccer. He hates tofu. He's won skiing prizes. He likes to write.

And, oh yeah, he's gay. He's been out since eighth grade, and he isn't teased, and he goes to schools and talks about tolerance and stuff. And while that's important, all he wants is to be a regular guy. Not that gay guy. To have that be a part of who he is, but not the headline, ever single time.

So when he transfers to an all-boys' boarding school in New England, he decides to become 'openly straight' - not so much going back in the closet as starting over outside it. The transformation works: Rafe revels in a new group of straight guy friends, and the chance to be 'just Rafe' at last. But things get complicated when he falls in love with one of his new friends... who doesn't even know that's a possibility.

A book for anyone who's ever felt trapped within just one part of who they are, Openly Straight is a funny, smart novel about being out, being real, and all the things 'be yourself' can mean."
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First Lines: (quote from the ARC - subject to change)

"If it were up to my dad, my entire life would be on video. 
Anything I do, he grabs his phone. 'Opal,' he'll yell to my mother. 'Rafe is eating corn flakes. We gotta get this on film.'
He calls it film, like instead of an iPhone, he has an entire movie crew there, filming me."
Page 1
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Review:

I picked up this book soully because the concept sounded very interesting. It seems like many teen books about the GLBT experience are about the coming out process. [Take that with a grain of salt, because I haven't read a ton of them.] This book took a whole different course.

Rafe has an awesome life. Great family, great friends, an awesome speaking gig about gay rights, anything he could ever want. But what he wants is to be a normal guy. Not the gay guy. So when he transfers to a new school, he sees this as a totally clean slate. He can be whoever he wants to be. Instead of announcing his sexual preference, he just keeps it all under wraps. And he finds himself having all new experiences. That is, until he falls for one of his new best friends...

Everyone knows what it is like to have one part of your personality completely define you. At least, to people who are only acquaintances. So I sort of feel like this theme is universal. The book talks a lot about labels and how different people fit into them. I really think the author did a great job handling this while keeping the characters lovable and realistic. When people talk about themselves, they would probably attach several labels to encompass every part of their personality. So it's interesting to think about what your one label would be and what you would have to do to change it.

Honestly, I loved everything about this book. The characters are fantastic. I loved how Rafe's parents were painted - sort of the crazy-loving Colorado hippies. Just really fun. And it was great that they were totally okay with anything. It's nice to see parents painted in a happier and supportive light in teen fic. Of course, there's also the super awesome teacher who knows what is going on. Lots of positive adults in this book!

I also would have loved to get a full view of Rafe's life before the big move. I imagine it would be fairly hilarious - considering the friendships he has.Not only does this book deal with the pressure of being openly gay, it also has several characters who are very closeted. It talks a lot about experimentation and trying to figure out who you really are. There is just so much to chew on that I've still been thinking about everything hours after finishing the book. 

I truly want to hand this book to all of my realistic fic fans. I really think it will resonate with many readers. It's a solid story with lots of food for thought. I really hope a book club or GSA/GLBT club in a school will read this book together. There are so many things to discuss! So definitely get this one for your libraries and be sure to hand it around.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Waking Brain Cells
The Pirate Tree
In Bed With Books
The Literary Omnivore
Reading Between Classes
In All Series-ousness
YA Guy
Candace's Book Blog
Pass the Chiclets
Lost in a Great Book

Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality 
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
ISBN: 9780545476997
Publisher: Scholastic
Released: March 1, 2013
Page #: 261
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Everybody loves Lexi. She's popular, smart, funny... but she's never been one of those girls, the pretty ones who get all the attention from guys. And on top of that, her seven-year-old sister, Mackenzie, is a terror in a tiara, part of a pageant scene where she gets praised for her beauty (with the help of fake hair and tons of makeup).

Lexi's sick of it. She's sick of being the girl who hears about kisses instead of getting them. She's sick of being ignored by her longtime crush, Logan. She's sick of being taken for granted by her pageant-obsessed mom. And she's sick of having all her family's money wasted on a phony pursuit of perfection.

The time has come for Lexi to step out from the sidelines. Girls without great personalities aren't going to know what hit them. Because Lexi's going to play the beauty game - and she's in it to win it."
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First Lines:

"Applying butt glue to my sister's backside is, without question, not the first way I'd choose to spend a weekend.
However, getting up close and personal is just one of the many glamorous tasks that are involved in being on Team Mackenzie."
Page 1
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Review:

I laughed. I cried. I swooned. No, seriously. This was really fun - it had a little bit of everything that makes an awesome realistic fiction book for teens. Was it a little predictable? Maybe. But it was fun and definitely worth the read. Plus, how could you pass up a book with a title as awesome as this one?!

So, Lexi's sister is a pageant child. All of their time, money, and effort goes to the pageant - including some of the money Lexi is saving up. They never have enough. She has fabulous friends and wants her life to change, desperately. She's tired of being overlooked by her family and crush... so she makes a bet with one of her best friends. She will start dressing nicely if he will talk to his crush. It works a little too well and things start spiraling.

Lexi was an awesome main character. She has just the right amount of sass and insecurity to really fall in love with her. Her family, on the other hand, needs some work. Only her friends see her for how awesome she is. I really wasn't expecting for her to be as emotionally complex as she ended up being. Plus, she has the whole boy drama that we all know and love. It takes quite the party to help her figure out who is best for her.

There is something so fascinating about pageants. I mean, there are obviously a lot of people who are - considering all the tv shows and such. But I loved getting the whole thing from the perspective of a sister who couldn't care less about the whole thing. This book has a few rah-rah feminist moments that are totally valid. Things like, do pageants really help self esteem... and that sort of thing. So it was interesting to sort of delve into that world. Especially when you're talking about children.

As usual, I'm not going to tell you what happens in the end. In fact, there's something a little shocking that happens in Lexi's family. I may have been a little emotional while reading this book to begin with, but I honestly teared up. The incident is well written and you feel like the author is handling the whole thing with care. I really appreciated that.

See? So this one is more than chick lit. A little less fluffy. But it really does have some great characters and you will find yourself rooting for them all to make good choices. I will definitely recommend this book to my realistic fiction lovers. It's a fast, fun read that will totally pull you in. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I might need to go find the rest of her stuff.
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Other Blog Reviews:


Katie's Book Blog
Tabitha's Book Blog
IB Book Blogging
The Closet Library
Rhapsody in Books
Reading Angels
The Book Cellar
Miss Print
Emily's Crammed Bookshelf
Rather Be Reading

Firecracker by David Iserson

Title: Firecracker
Author: David Iserson
ISBN: 9781595143709
Publisher: Penguin
Released: May 16, 2013
Page #: 336
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary:
"Being Astrid Krieger is absolutely all it's cracked up to be.

She lives in a rocket ship in the backyard of her parents' estate.
She was kicked out of the elite Bristol Academy and she's intent on her own special kind of revenge to whomever betrayed her.
She only loves her grandfather, an incredibly rich politician who makes his money building nuclear warheads.

It's all good until...
"We think you should go to the public school," Dad said.
 This was just a horrible, mean thing to say. Just hearing the words "public school" out loud made my mouth taste like urine (which, not coincidentally, is exactly how the public school smells).  

Will Astrid finally meet her match in the form of public school? Will she find out who betrayed her and got her expelled from Bristol? Is Noah, the sweet and awkward boy she just met, hiding something?"
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First Lines: (Quotation from the eARC. Subject to change.)

"My grandfather liked to say, 'The only time you are ever truly alone is when you are dead.' And I thought that was perhaps something to look forward to as I sat among my bags and trunks on the steps outside the front door of the Krieger estate."
Page 1
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Review:

So, I picked up this book because I love New Girl so much. Really. If the person who does that wrote a book, I would assume that it would be amazing. And I can honestly say that I've never read a book like this one.

Astrid got kicked out of boarding school after a cheating scandal. She knows that someone set her up - she just has to figure out how. She's from a family that is rich and powerful, but not in the good way. And she knows she needs to get back to boarding school... but her family has other plans. She gets sent to the local public school and her life is flipped. Now she has to recreate her group, her thinking, and her way of doing things.

I'm not even sure how to describe a character like Astrid. She's super smart, rich, spoiled, clever, crazy, and revengeful. It makes for a fun combination. She cares nothing about other people - except, maybe her grandfather. Any friends she makes are really just tools to help her get what she wants. And what she wants is power over other people. To make them fear her. She succeeded in her boarding school... but the public school is a different story.

This is a fast paced story that really takes you on a journey of Astrid reinventing herself. I didn't like her all that much in the first part of the book. She was too self absorbed and angry. She kept everyone at arms length and just did things because they were expected of her. It's not like she does a 180 at the end of the book, but things really come together nicely. You really start rooting for her.

I think this is the type of book that will appeal to many teen readers - especially those who are a little weird themselves. Astrid is the type of girl I think we all wish we were more like. She's fearless and won't back down from anything or anyone. She's also super snarky. I mean, who doesn't love that, right?!

So even though I only read this book because the cast of New Girl told me to, I'm glad I did. It's a fun story that will be well loved by those who find it. I recommend it to anyone who reads YA - especially adults. I think it will be one that we can latch onto. It's a fun story and I really look forward to whatever Iserson has up his sleeve next. 
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Other Blog Reviews:

Word Spelunking
My Library in the Making
The Young Folks
Boekie's Book Reviews
Marsha Lytle's Blog
YA Maven
Birth of a New Witch
Alice Marvels
You Can Read Me Anything

Also Known As by Robin Benway

Title: Also Known As
Author: Robin Benway
ISBN: 9780802733900
Publisher: Bloomsbury Teens
Released: February 26, 2013
Page #: 369
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Being a 16-year-old safecracker and second generation active duty international spy has its moments, good and bad. Pros: Seeing the world one crime-solving adventure at a time. Having a super cool job. Cons: Never staying in one place long enough to have friends or a boyfriend. Being sent on assignment to Russia - in the dead of winter. For Maggie Silver, the biggest perk of all has been avoiding high school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations. (If it's three digits, why bother locking it at all?) But when Maggie and her parents are sent to New York for her first solo assignment, all of that changes. She'll need to attend a private school, avoid the temptation to hack the school's security system, and befriend one aggravatingly cute Jesse Oliver to gain the essential information she needs to crack the case... all while trying not to blow her cover. From the hilarious and poignant author of Audrey, Wait! comes a fast-paced caper that proves that even the world's greatest spies can't develop a mission plan for love."
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First Lines: (quote is from the ARC - subject to change)

"I cracked my first lock when I was three. 
I know that sounds like I'm bragging, but really, it wasn't that hard. It was a Master Lock, the same combination lock that you probably have on your locker or bike."
Page 1
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Review:

I have read one other book by Robin Benway... and now I can say, everything I've read by this author has been hilarious. Like... LOL funny. I can't help but pass the books along to other people because they're so fun. So... yeah...

Maggie is the child of two spies. She can't help but learn the trade. Her specialty is cracking safes and a little bit of forging. All of this is going to help her when she gets her first solo assignment. She has to go to high school and befriend some handsome boy. There is way more to it than she expected - and she finds herself falling for the wrong person. All while being snarky, hilarious, and overall lovable.

Honestly, I wish I could be friends with Maggie. She seems amazing. I can only imagine how someone like that would really be. Of course, I'm not sure that a spy family is all that realistic. But who knows! It seems like a glamorous life and who doesn't want a taste of that?! I also loved her friend, Roux. She has the same snarky, silly personality that makes her lovable.

Can you imagine crashing into high school without having any sort of experience? Especially as a Junior. That would be crazy.The social politics could be overwhelming. Not to mention figuring out who you should and shouldn't talk to. School is stressful enough without all that stuff. But I thought it was so fun to see that setting through the eyes of someone who hasn't been there before. It makes for pure comedy gold.

Truly, I will read just about anything this author writes. I think I've missed one, so I'll have to go see if my library has it (I'm sure they do). I am just amazed at how much I laughed during this book. There are some serious themes as well - along with one high speed chase - but it is really a well done book. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't like it. Definitely give this author a shot!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Blue Sky Bookshelf
Alice in Readerland
The Bookstalker
Ageless Pages Reviews
After the Last Page
Makeshift Bookmark
Reading, Eating, and Dreaming
MARJOLEINBOOKBLOG

Dear Teen Me Blog Tour

Title: Dear Teen Me: Authors Write Letters to Their Teen Selves
Editors: E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally
ISBN: 9781936976218 
Publisher: Zest Books
Released: October 30, 2012
Page #: 192
Source: Advanced copy from the publisher for the Dear Teen Me Blog Tour

Summary:

"Dear Teen Me includes advice from over 70 YA authors (including Lauren Oliver, Ellen Hopkins, and Nancy Holder, to name a few) to their teenage selves. The letters cover a wide range of topics, including physical abuse, body issues, bullying, friendship, love, and enough insecurities to fill an auditorium. 

So pick a page, and find out which of your favorite authors had a really bad first kiss? Who found true love at 18? Who wishes he'd had more fun in high school instead of studying so hard? Some authors write diary entries, some write letters, and a few graphic novelists turn their stories into visual art. And whether you hang out with the theater kids, the band geeks, the bad boys, the loners, the class presidents, the delinquents, the jocks, or the nerds, you'll find friends—and a lot of familiar faces—in the course of Dear Teen Me."

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Review:

Have you ever wished you could go back and give advice to your teen self? I know I have - we pretend we know everything in high school. I wish I could kick myself into gear now that I'm so old and wise :).

Dear Teen Me is the brainchild of Miranda Kenneally and E. Kristin Anderson. Apparently it started with a Hanson concert and the need to gush to her teen self. And then the blog was born. Many people started writing letters to themselves and this book is finally the anthology of those letters.

I loved reading the stories from these YA authors. Not all of the authors are people I have heard of, but their stories ring loud and clear. This book contains everything from hair issues, friendships, love relationships, dealing with parents, and even abuse. There are some that are hilarious, but some that are so serious that you feel for them as teens.

But I think one thing that really made this book wonderful for me was the sense of success. Even those letters with heavy topics, they all end with "it will get better." Maybe not in five years, maybe not even in ten. But you will make it. That was sort of the overall theme for me. And that is a very possible message that I think all teens need to hear. Even if high school is awesome for them.

I know that I am often asked for real life stories from teens. There is something reassuring about hearing that things are the same for someone else. You're not alone. You're not the only one that feels that way. You're not the only one dealing with that thing. What a great message. I'm pretty sure I will recommend this book to just about everyone - teens and adults alike. I think any age can get something wonderful from this book.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Check out the other stops on the Dear Teen Me Blog Tour!

Wicked Sweet by Mar'ce Merrell

Title: Wicked Sweet
Author: Mar'ce Merrell
ISBN: 9780312607494
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: May 22, 2012
Series: N/A
Page #: 328
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Chantal is a planner, and her summer-before-senior-year plan requires best friend Jillian, resume updating, and studying for AP classes. Jillian wants something different, and is afraid to leave introverted Chantal in the dust. All that changes, though, when popular classmates Parker and Will suspiciously start hanging out with the girls.

Chantal only sees one thing: Jillian ditching her for Parker - a guy who can't even be trusted! Chantal's new plan will expose Parker and will for what they truly are, and along the way, get her best friend back with the littlest lie and a lot of mouthwatering cake. After all, what are best friends for?
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First Lines:

"When Jillian slips off her T-shirt, I swear I break out in hives. She must know I'm not prepared for my best friend in a string bikini. Surprises like this are for spontaneous people - not for me. Now I need more than cupcakes. I need an antihistamine."
Page 1
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Review:

So, this book is called a fantastic beach read - and I must agree. Even though I didn't read it on the beach... I wish I had been. Fun, sweet, and silly teen read. What more could you ask for.

Chantal is sort of obsessive. About her friends, her life plan, her summer projects, and now... cake. Her best friend Jillian has decided to take her life in a different direction - to the dating world. And Chantal is having a hard time handling it. Not to mention that two of the most popular guys are showing interest. Too good to be true. When Chantal learns a secret about these guys, she starts baking them cakes... mystery lurv cakes.

You know, there was a lot more to this book than I was expecting. There is a whole family focus that lets you see into the lives of our four main characters. There's a little bit of the "Your Family Shapes Who You Are" stuff - which makes a few of them very interesting. One has a thousand brothers, one has an overbearing/abusive father, one has a family with high expectations... and so on. It makes them see the world in very different ways. I liked that added bonus to the hs drama stuff.

Will and Parker are very interesting - typical high school boys. But they each have their own agenda for the summer. Every year they have challenges to complete, but this year it has to do with girls. I loved being able to see the friendships change throughout the book. Things became strained for a bit, but it seemed like everyone grew up a bit. That's something you don't see in many books like this.

The only thing that kind of irritated me was the switch in perspective. You have four main characters and each chapter flips to someone new. Sometimes I felt like I didn't get enough from each of them to really understand their position. And I had to stop a couple of times to remember which person has which life. But I liked getting every side of the story. I just wished for more, I guess.

Can you resist a book with a cake on the cover? I don't think I can. This one is worth picking up. It's light hearted and a feel-good story. Probably even more so now that school has started back now. It will keep you in the summer mood for much longer. I would recommend it to anyone who loves teen romances - it fits the bill perfectly.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Book Loving Mom
Frenetic Reader
Alluring Reads
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The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

Title: The Sweetest Thing
Author: Christina Mandelski
ISBN: 9781606841297
Publisher: Egmont
Released: May 10, 2012
Series: Standalone
Page #: 330
Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:
"In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately, everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.

But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems-only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.
Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients."
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First Lines:

"I make cakes. It's what I do. It's what I love.
But today, I'm standing over a mermaid, wondering what's wrong. She's as long as my arm, and beautiful - no doubt about that."
Page 1
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Review:

I am a total sucker for books that take place in bakeries or restaurants. There's something so sweet and innocent about that type of story (at least, that's the typical). Mix in a little family drama and this book fits perfectly in the genre - and I really enjoyed it.

Sheridan lives in a small town with her father and her grandmother close by. Her father is about to become a famous TV chef - and he's started to completely ignore her. Her grandmother owns the local bakery where Sheridan helps out when she can. But ultimately, she's an awesome cake decorator. Everyone in town knows to come to her. She's also looking for her mother who walked out on them years before. Then boys enter the picture and things get all confusing for her :).

I love that Sheridan decorates cakes. It's a really awesome artistic outlet that she sees as a connection to her mother. Not to mention that she's great at it. I think that addition to the story really gives this book a visual aspect that helps me picture everything else. You can also see how cake decorating has really shaped her life. From her childhood on... it's a great story element.

Then there's the boys... ah, the love triangle. When her life starts to get crazy - aka her dad talking about moving to NY - Ethan takes notice of her. He's the popular guy at school who had never spoken two words to her. But of course she's interested! Who wouldn't be?! Then you've got her best friend - Jack. Her dating Ethan has caused him to get hugely jealous and pretty much break off their friendship. Ohhhh the drama!

The fact that Sheridan is so family focused is very cool. She's worried about her mother returning to make them a whole family again. And she has her grandmother watching over her every move from her nearby apartment. But you can tell how much she loves them - and a lot of her worrying is about breaking up the family by her father's move for the TV show. It's all pretty endearing and I found myself really rooting for her to get the family she's always wanted.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It is a wonderful romance read - with some sugar thrown in. I read this book very quickly... mostly because I wanted to find out what would happen. It was such an easy and fun read - I'll be recommending this to anyone who is into romance and love triangles and, you know, cake decorating :). Really, it's worth a read and I look forward to more from this author!

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Other Blog Reviews:

Mrs. ReaderPants
Tumbling in Books
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The Garden of Books 

Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough

Title: Don't Expect Magic
Author: Kathy McCullough
ISBN: 9780385740128
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Page #: 247
Released: November 8, 2011
Source: From my library

Summary:
"Delaney Collins doesn't believe in fairy tales. And why should she? Her mom is dead, her best friend is across the country, and she's stuck in California with 'Dr. Hank,' her famous life-coach father - a man she barely knows. Happily ever after? Yeah, right.

Then Dr. Hank tells her an outrageous secret: he's a fairy godmother - an f.g. - and he can prove it. And by the way? The f.g. gene is hereditary. Meaning there's a good chance that New Jersey tough girl Delaney is someone's fairy godmother.

Even though she's not the pink and sparkly type. Delaney soon finds herself with a client: Flynn Becker, a boy at her new school who's hopelessly in love with a girl who doesn't know he exists. Flynn's wish is Delaney's command.

With her customized black boots and chopstick wand, Delaney does everything in her power to make Flynn's wish come true. But what happens when a fairy godmother needs a wish of her own?"
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First Lines:

"Of course I'm cursed with the most uncomfortable seat on the plane. The cushion's deflated in this bizarrely lopsided way, like somebody with one butt cheek exponentially bigger than the other sat there before me and crushed it."
Page 1
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Review:

What a crazy story! Can you imagine finding out that your dad is a Fairy Godmother?! And then finding out that YOU might be one, too?! Crazy town. But so much fun.

Delaney is sort of a punk. She's not happy about much - and has been shipped off to her absent-father's house after her mother's death. He's already a strange guy... but then she finds out his secret. He's not just giving people life advice - he's changing their lives as their Fairy Godmother. Or father, I guess. But Delaney decides she wants to take the fast-track to F.G.-dom. She hunts down people in her new high school to grant their biggest wishes... if only she can figure out what those wishes are.

Delaney kicks a lot of ass... no doubt about that. She designs her own boots, she glowers a lot, and really just wishes she was somewhere else all of the time. But she slowly comes to terms with the fact that she's stuck with her father. A guy she really doesn't know. And she's in a new town with a new school.... and everyone seems kinda happy all of the time. She sticks out like a sore thumb. But yet... she's super cool and makes friends very quickly - whether she wants them or not (not all that realistic, is it? :)).

Okay, I have to take issue with this cover. I mean, it seems really cute when you give it a passing glance. But if you really take it all in... you realize you're looking straight up the models skirt. I mean, seriously. Is that necessary? Couldn't we have chosen something a little longer? I would say something about the boots - they're not quite what the main character goes for - but that seems like a non-issue when you're staring up someone's dress. Otherwise, I really like it.

I love the crazy characters she meets at school, too. And the fact that she tries to figure them out while she's learning to be a Fairy Godmother. Tries to guess their inner desires... and to make them happen. I also really like that not everyone fits the mold that she starts out with... people are a bit more complex than she expected them to be. I thought that was a really nice touch.

So, this book was a fun story and fairly unique. I don't think I've ever read anything about someone being a Fairy Godmother before. Have you? I think this story did a great job exploring those posibilities. I think lots of girls will get into this book - it's hilarious and an easy sell. I look forward to reading more from this author, for sure.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Presenting Lenore
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Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Title: Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters
Author: Meredith Zeitlin
ISBN: 9780399254239
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Released: March 01, 2012
Page #: 282
Source: Copy from the publisher

Summary:
"So let's say you're fourteen and live in New York City. (Well, technically you live in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which is very close to and almost just like Manhattan... except not.) You'd think your life would be like a glamorous TV show, right? And yet...

You don't have a checking account, much less a personal Black American Express Card. No fake ID, either - not that you'd pass for twenty-one in a million years, even if you did. The only couture in your closet is a Halloween costume your mom made out of an old laundry bag when you were eleven. You've never been to a club or had a drink served in a martini glass or, frankly, done anything really NYC-ish at all.

You definitely don't have any secret powers, or friends who are vampires, or magical weapons stored in your parents' basement. You're about as normal and totally boring as a human being living in the most exciting city on the planet could possibly be. In other words? You're me: Kelsey Finklestein.

But don't despair, people - I'm starting high school in less than a week! This is going to be the year that I live up to all of my untapped potential - finally. I have to say... I'm feeling almost optimistic."
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First Lines:

"Here it is, practically mid-September, and it's still too hot to live. I'm in the den trying to find anything worth watching on TV (fat chance on a Sunday night), and I can feel myself melting all over the couch. I love how my parents spend a million dollars putting in central air and then don't want to use it because it's 'technically fall.'"
Page 1
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Review:

This book is absolutely hi-larious. Seriously, I LOL-ed through the entire thing. And y'all should know by now that I don't take LOL-ing lightly. And I tell you, I laughed enough that my husband thought I was losing it. And then I read parts of the book to him - which I never do - and he agreed that it was mildly humorous (but what does he know).

So, Kelsey... new Freshman. She and her three best friends have planned for this to be the best year ever. They're all gonna get boyfriends, excel in some activity, and totally make their mark on the world. But somehow, things are starting to fall apart. One of the friends has taken herself out of the equation. Kelsey is humiliated at every turn and is pretty sure that she'll never be the awesome person she planned on being.

The true gems of this story for me were all of the situations Kelsey found herself in. Like... wearing a hideous red blazer on the first day of school. Or her picture showing up in the school newspaper more often than it should. Or several intense soccer incidents. Or, you know, other stuff that I'm not going to ruin for you. :) Each one of them has enough hilarity in it to account for an entire story. But not Kelsey - she just continues to be awkward and wonderful.

I loved the dynamic of the four girls' friendship. They're trying desperately to keep their friendship in tact through their freshman year. It's hard and they seem to constantly be butting heads, but their friendship comes first. I think that's sort of an awesome lesson for those going through the same thing. Life changes, but your friends don't have to.

You guys, the ending is hilarious. Or, really, the lead up to the end. Things just get hilarious - and luckily Kelsey can laugh at the situations. I had to put down the book a couple of times to get myself together. :) Just so well done and it feels a little like you're reading someone's journal - not in format or anything... just the types of details and how snarky things get. I know the summary up there seems to be all about NYC, but I honestly forgot most of the time where it was set. This is totally a character driven story and it does that so well.

I will absolutely be recommending this book to many, many readers. I think it would be great for upper middle school and up. There are a few drinking situations and semi-sexual mentions that wouldn't be good for younger kids... but I think they will love it. Of course, it might scare them out of freshman year all together. I really hope this author has plans for more stories about Kelsey - I will totally read them. Though, I'd probably read anything she writes at this point!
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Literary Exploration
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Scary School by Derek the Ghost

Title: Scary School
Author: Derek the Ghost
Illustrator: Scott M. Fischer
ISBN: 9780061960925
Publisher: Harper
Released: June 21, 2011
Page #: 233
Source: Copy from the author

Summary:
"You think your school's scary?
Get a load of these teachers:
* Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire
* Dr. Dragonsbreath, who just might eat you before recess
* Mr. Snakeskin - science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
* Mrs. T - break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex!

Plus:
* Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
* The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And
* The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost!

Join Charles 'New Kid' Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends - including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the wolf - and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!"
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First Lines:

"It's not often that a new kid arrives at Scary School, but when one does, no one wants to bother learning yet another name, so they just call him or her 'new kid.'
Everyone knows that the human brain can only hold so many names. About fifty is all there's room for."
Page 1
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Review:

What a fun story! I cannot imagine a more entertaining middle school.

I can't imagine what it would be like to go to a monster school. I mean, the teachers are allowed to eat students and they are practically required to be frightening. The students aren't much better - but there are some humans. Of course, they might be zombies by the end of the school year.

One thing that really appealed to me about this book was the format of the chapters. I think it's a great idea to have fairly separate chapters. That way your reluctant readers can get into part of the story for a chapter at a time. Also, you learn about all of the various characters better that way. It's just a really good format for a middle grade novel.

I loved some of the irony in this book. The students have a part where they get super excited to meet Frankenstein and all they get is a chubby old guy... not at all what they expected. I also thought it was clever to have other schools come in for this Ghoul Games stuff. It gave the author the ability to come up with even more crazy characters - not that there weren't enough!

The ending is what really made me love the book, I think. No, I'm not going to give it away. But I just think it showed what a good story it is and how it can still teach some life lessons... even though it's not exactly the obvious point of the book. As a side note: I think my favorite mini-story was about Petunia. I love that she was purple, that she was followed by insects... just a really cute story.

Honestly, I think this book was adorable. I know that early middle school students will really get into it. I already have the second book in my hot little hands and I will have to read it soon. So much fun. I'll definitely be getting it for some of my middle schools. It's an easy sell :).
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Other Blog Reviews:

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Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald

Title: Getting Over Garrett Delaney
Author: Abby McDonald
ISBN: 9780763655075
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Released: January 24, 2012
Page #: 319
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession - ahem, affection - is her best friend, Garrett Delaney. For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to '80s indie rock - all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder - until he calls to say he's fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she's finally had enough. It's time for a total Garrett detox!

Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

Abby McDonald serves up her trademark wit and wisdom in this hilarious new novel."
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First Lines:

"You have to understand: I've been madly, hopelessly, tragically in love with Garrett Delaney for two years now - ever since the fateful day when I looked up from my list of the Top Ten Couples of All Time and saw him sauntering into the local coffeehouse."
From the Disclaimer (unpaged)
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Review:

This book was a 24 hour read for me. I really had a hard time putting it down. Probably because it was so fun and Sadie's life is far more interesting than mine :).

Sadie is just like every other girl with a crush... obsessed. Almost her every waking thought is about him. She spends her time thinking over every little thing to determine what it means. But while he's away for the summer, she realizes she has to let him go. And Sadie spends every waking moment NOT thinking about Garrett... mostly. She makes new friends, finds out what she's been missing, and becomes a whole new woman! That is... until he comes back. dun dun dunnnnn. :)

Okay, so I haven't read anything by this author before. I'm thinking that I should do some backtracking and pick them up. I absolutely loved this book. It was adorable and clever and funny... what more could a girl ask for? Not to mention that it really hits home. I'm not sure how many people were like this, but I had a massive crush in high school. Like in a sort-of-obsessed kinda way. So, unfortunately I really relate to that part of this book. I'm not the only one, I'm sure.

I really wish I had this book when I was in high school... it would have (hopefully) snapped me out of it. Not only is it an awesome story about a kick ass girl, it's also a how-to guide on getting your brain to stop obsessing over that one certain guy. I'm sure that's not the intent, but it probably would help someone. At least help them see the light. :)

Really, there are so many characters in this book to love. One of my favorite things is the rekindled friendship between Sadie and Kayla. It's amazing how much people can grow apart and how boys can really get inbetween girlfriends. But I loved seeing this friendship come back around - It doesn't happen often enough in real life. That was definitely my feel-good story line in this one.

I couldn't help but feel super proud of Sadie at the end of this book. She's much more awesome than I ever could have been. I'm sure that makes the story a little less realistic, but I really enjoyed her story. I will definitely be recommending this book to my chick lit lovers. Any fans of Stephanie Perkins stuff will probably get into this book as well. I'm a fan of McDonald now... gotta go check out some more!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Coffee Table Reviews
The Book Scoop
B's Book Blog
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Book Nerds are Pretty Too
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YA Book Nerd

She's with the Band by Georgia Clark

Title: She's With the Band
Author: Georgia Clark
ISBN: 9781742377636
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Released: October 01, 2011
Page #: 199
Source: Copy from the publisher

Summary:
"Mia Mannix has made a deal: in return for moving from the social backwater of the Snowy Mountains to life in the fast lane in Sydney, she promised her dad she'd give up music and concentrate on 'real' art.

But that was before she discovered new friends, a cool record store and a ridiculously hot rockstar.

She's With the Band is for every girl who's ever wanted to start a band, had a crush on the wrong boy, or made a promise she couldn't keep."
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First Lines:

"Life never starts when you think it will. When I turned fifteen, I figured I'd be tossed the keys to the city, make out with a hottie, and have a modest parade thrown in my honour. But all that happened was that I got out of doing the washing up."
Page 1
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Review:

It's been a while since I've read something very lighthearted and fun... And I'm glad I picked this one up to fill the void. There's nothing better than a good book about rockstars and crazy musicians.

The story is about Mia - whose father is a famous artist. They move to Sydney and Mia has promised to give up her guitar to study the fine arts at a fancy school. She soon realizes that the music culture at this school is much more where she belongs. She starts an undercover band to compete in the local battle of the bands - and is surprised by the outcome. There are lies, loves, and some serious crushes.

I really have to start this review by saying that you will need a lesson in Aussie-isms before you ever pick up this book. While it is a fun story, there were things I'm sure I just missed out on because there were terms and phrases that made zero sense to me. Most of the time I got the gist... others were a little difficult. But that's not really something I can complain about - since the book was intended for an Aussie audience!

What girl hasn't fallen for the amazingly hot rockstar?! Of course, not all of us have contact with any... ever... but lucky Mia meets one in her first day of living in Sydney. From then on, she is smitten. She is also lucky enough to find some awesome friends to help her figure out who she wants to be... even if that isn't who her dad wants her to be. Mia has that charm and fun outlook that many girls wish they had. People want to be around her and others want to be with her. It's a win-win :).

There are about a gazillion crushes and fails in this story. She falls madly in love with one guy... then not. Then another... then not. It's a crazy cycle. But that's kinda what being a teen is all about, isn't it? Figuring out what you like and realizing you're totally wrong in the next five minutes. I think that is portrayed really well in this book. You follow her ups and downs and inside out moments - especially when she is trying to find the perfect friends in her new school.

I think there are many characters that people can relate to within the story. I think my personal favorite is Emil. I rooted for him throughout the whole story. He just seemed like the nice guy that everyone should want in their lives. There's also her crazy friend Lexie. Who hasn't had a friend that sort of flies by the seat of their pants?! I know I have. They make life interesting... and Lexie does that for Mia's story.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun romp into the world of music and fame - even if I didn't understand all of the music references because I'm lame. I will definitely be recommending it to older teens (due to some topics not okay for younger ones). There probably aren't enough awesome musician novels. I'd say if you enjoyed Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway, you will love this book. So, definitely give this one a shot... and learn some Aussie-isms on your way through it. :)
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Other Blog Reviews:

M/C Reviews
Are there really not any other reviews? Y'all need to get on that :). If you do review it, let me know so I can add it.

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

Title: 52 Reasons to Hate My Father
Author: Jessica Brody
ISBN: 9780374323035
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: July 03, 2012
Page #: 337
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Famous teen heiress Lexington Larrabee has never had to work a day in her life. But all of that changes on her eighteenth birthday when her ever-absent mogul father decides to take a more positive approach to her life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever want to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there's anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it's dealing with the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her. Readers of all ages are sure to fall in love with Jessica Brody's delightful riches-to-rags comedy."
_________________________________________
First Lines:

"My father is going to kill me.
Actually, on second thought, he probably doesn't have time to kill me. But he is going to send someone to do it for him. He's really good at that. Sending people."
Page 3
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Review:

The story of a girl with too much money, too much time, and not enough common sense. Wouldn't that be a great problem to have. She does have problems though - the press. Her absent father. And her father's employees who seem to be out to get her. Because of her recent show of disregard for life in general, her father has decided to implement a year of menial jobs for her to do. Each one more tedious than the last. Not to mention that she now has a babysitter who is basically a robot.

In all honesty, I hated the main character from page one. Not in a "what a terrible chacter" or "I envy that life" kinda ways. It's more of a "I just want to shake some sense into her" thing. I do realize that I needed that opinion to really feel better about the ending. There are some changes that happen halfway through the book that make it all worth while.

This book was a little bit like watching a Disney movie. The characters are people you can really easily picture and understand. They seem to wear everything on their sleeves (for the most part). There are some funny parts where you think, "oh, that's just like her!" or something... then there are serious bits that don't seem so serious. See? Made for tv movie. Really, that's not a knock on the book - it's just an observation.

Um, update. I didn't see this article till after I wrote my review: http://www.jessicabrody.com/2011/01/52-reasons-film-option/

Because I'm such a girl sometimes, I would have liked a little more buildup into the relationship stuff. I was excited to realize where the relationship was going to go, but I had hoped for a little more of the pre-relationship jitters. I think smoe of my favorite characters were the ones at the different jobs. Especially Rolando. I loved that he made another appearance in the story later.

I really did have fun reading this story. It's light and easy and fun to think about an heiress learning to vaccuum - and other wonderful stuff like that. I think it will definitely find its place among all of the fun chick lit out there. If you're a fan of that genre, I'd suggest you get your hands on this novel as soon as it comes out. I've read other things by this author and loved them - and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in the future.
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Other Blog Reviews:

I've looked around, but I don't see any reviews out yet. So if you review this one, let me know so I can add it to my list here. Thanks!