Osceola Library Teens

“Hold Me Closer, Necromancer” by Lish McBride

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

This book has really impressed some of my librarian friends, so I thought I would read it for myself.

Sam is a normal guy, working fast food, just trying to make a living, when he runs into Douglas. Sam is immediately creeped out by Douglas, though he’s not sure why. Turns out that Douglas is an incredibly powerful necromancer – and he recognizes Sam as one too. Suddenly, Sam has an undead friend, a werewolf, and a spirit guide on his hands while he tries to avoid falling into Douglas’s clutches. Will Sam be able to fly under the radar? Or will Douglas see him as a threat and kill him?

This book was really funny. I know it seems weird to say that, after the review up above, but it’s true. Sam really felt like a regular guy, which made me like him instantly. Not to mention his buddies are pretty funny, Douglas is a really well-written villain, and it’s not too gorey. If you like your supernatural with some humor, this book is definitely for you. I really enjoyed it, and I give it a 9.5.

Read-A-Likes: Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry (funny, the undead), The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong (necromancy, regular kids and magic), The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (regular kids and magic, the undead/necromancy)

“Spell Bound” by Rachel Hawkins

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

This is the third (and final?) book in the Hex Hall series.

Sophie has had her powers locked down, and the last time she saw Archer, Cal and her father, they were in the vicinity of the burning Thorne Abbey. She was sent to her mortal enemies, the Brannicks, and can be possessed by a ghost. Life can’t get any weirder, right? Except for Lara Casnoff, whose grand plan is to turn all Prodigium into demons to “protect” the magical community. Will Sophie be able to retrieve her powers and stop the Casnoffs? Or are her friends and family doomed?

This book had a lot of running around, but not much story advancement. Nonetheless, Sophie still has her sense of humor and her friends are still true. If you’ve enjoyed the series thus far, you will love this third (final?) book in the Hex Hall series. I for one will be looking forward to Hawkins’ next novel for young adults. I give this one an 8.5.

Read-A-Likes: Hex Hall and Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (books 1 and 2), I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (funny heroine, teen love), Prom Dates from Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore (funny heroine, magic), Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (strong heroine, true friendships, vamipres)

“Bruiser” by Neal Shusterman

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

This book is on this year’s Florida Teens Read list for high school.

Bronte and Tennyson are typical siblings. When Bronte decides she wants to date Brewster, Tennyson is worried for his sister, because Brew has a reputation that includes a “Most Likely to Receive the Death Penalty” as voted on by his peers. But as brother and sister get to know Brewster, they must start believing in the impossible – and to protect Brew before it’s too late.

This one wasn’t as graphic as Unwind, but it had the same elements – teens trying to figure out who they are and own their lives. The ethical and moral dilemmas of having a friend like Brewster are the types of things teens struggle with all the time, so I felt like that part was realistic. It was a little too angsty for my taste, so I give this one a 7.5.

Read-A-Likes: Everlost by Neal Shusterman, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

“The Strange Case of Origami Yoda” by Tom Angleberger

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

This is one of the middle school books on the Sunshine State Young Readers list this year.

Dwight is the weird kid in the class – he shouts random words to be annoying, he wears embarrassing clothes, and now he’s got an origami Yoda puppet that he refuses to take off his hand. When Yoda starts dispensing advice that seems like magic, can Tommy trust Yoda’s advice about a girl he likes? Or will he be publicly humiliated in front of his entire school?

This was an odd little book. It’s written like a case study, so much of the story happens in the past. Tommy wants to believe in origami Yoda, while his friend Harvey doesn’t believe in him at all. It was a minor problem to write a novel about, but I enjoyed the pictures and different fonts for each character. This is definitely one for middle schoolers, not high schoolers, and I give it a 5.5.

Read-A-Likes (lots of drawings throughout the story): The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales by Chris Van Allsburg, Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

“Cinder” by Marissa Meyer

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

This is a new take on the Cinderella story.

Sisxteen year-old Cinder is the most respected mechanic in New Beijing. Only her closest family knows she’s also part cyborg. When Prince Kai visits her in the marketplace, begging her to fix his broken android, she intends to do only that. But when Cinder’s stepmother volunteers Cinder for medical research to save her sister, discoveries are made that could overturn everything Cinder has ever known and endanger Earth.

This was an amazing book! It’s light sci-fi, and it was so interesting. Cinder is a strong character, and I loved how she and Kai become friends. The only downside to this book was knowing that we have to wait until next year for the next one to come out. A 9.5 from me for a really new, unique and remarkable book.

Read-A-Likes: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Before Midnight: A Retelling of "Cinderella" by Cameron Dokey, Feed by M. T. Anderson

“Borderline” by Allan Stratton

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:47:00 +0000

This book is on this year’s Florida Teens Read list for high school.

Sami is always out of place. As a Muslim in a mostly white community, he’s been the target of racism most of his life. But when his father is arrested and accused of plotting with a terrorist, Sami knows it’s time to find out what really happened – even if it means his own death.

I didn’t think I was going to like this book, but I really did. Sami is a smart guy, just trying to live his life without getting beaten up, and dealing with his super strict father. The bullying felt realistic, as did the FBI’s raid on Sami’s house. And the racism from the adults in the book felt realistic too (sad as that is). Anyone who likes real life fiction would like this book. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Read-A-Likes: Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick, Efrain's Secret by Sofia Quintero, The Last Summer Of The Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork

“Out of Sight, Out of Time” by Ally Carter

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:06:00 +0000

This is the fifth Gallagher Girls book.

Cammie wakes up in a convent in the Alps – and realizes she doesn’t remember the summer. At all. She doesn’t even remember if the Circle is still after her. But things are almost worse at home – her friends are awkward around her, her mother and aunt are dealing with the trustees, and there may be a leak in the CIA. The only way to keep everyone safe is to retrace Cammie’s steps last summer, following clues Cammie left behind. Will they be able to protect a secret they don’t even know from the people who would do anything to obtain it?

This one is a bit more serious than the other GG books. While it is never explicitly spelled out, many of the adults in Cammie’s life think she was tortured, based on the condition of her body when they find her in the fall. Also, with her friends mad at her, Cammie doesn’t have the support system she’s used to having at school. But she is one of the strongest young women in teen fiction, and I’m really excited for the (I’m assuming) next book. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Read-A-Likes: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (the first Gallagher Girls book), Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

“Wonder Struck” by Brian Selznick

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:14:00 +0000

This book is by the author of the Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Ben has lived in Minnesota for as long as he can remember. One day he decides to leave for New York City, where his mother’s notes and pictures suggest his father might be living. Rose also runs away to New York City, but it’s a different city for her. With ever tightening circles, Ben and Rose are destined to meet.

My description of this book really doesn’t do it justice. One of the things I love about Selznick’s books is that they start kind of all over the place, and then it all comes together and totally makes sense. I also love all the pictures – at least half of the book is pictures, and it really adds an otherworldly feel to the storyline. I know it’s really big and heavy, but if you flip through some of it and think it looks interesting, you’re going to love this book. A 9.5 from me.

“Pandemonium” by Lauren Oliver

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:43:00 +0000

This is the sequel to Delirium.

Lena has managed to escape into the Wilds, even though her beloved Alex didn’t make it. As she tries to learn how to live without him, the Wilds teach her some hard lessons about life. When she infiltrates the DFA, the organization most dedicated to the cure, she meets Julian, the son of the head of the DFA. A rally goes terribly wrong, and suddenly Lena is fighting for her life again. Can she make it out alive again? Or will she succumb to the deliria affecting her?

Oliver consistently writes such great characters. I feel like I know Lena, like she’s one of my friends, which is why I care so much about her life. The changes with Julian feel natural, and I think it’s a great way to look at how love can change people. The cliffhanger ending was really excruciating (wait, what?!?), but hopefully it means that a third book is on the way – and soon! I give this one a 9.

Read-A-Likes: Delirium by Lauran Oliver (the first one), Fever by Lauren DeStefano, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

“Rip Tide” by Kat Falls

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:01:00 +0000

This is the second book about Ty and his world beneath the ocean’s surface.

Ty finds a township in the middle of nowhere under the sea. But when he checks it out, he discovers that the residents were murdered, chained in so they couldn’t escape. When things go bad with a trade, it’s up to Ty to do something, both to retrieve the hostages and to find out what happened to the township. Will he poke his nose into the wrong place? Or will he solve the mystery and make things better for everyone beneath the surface?

This one was just as good as the first one. I love reading about Ty and his mysterious world beneath the waves. The mystery was good (I didn’t figure it all out before the end) and even though he got awfully lucky in a few places, overall it was a great adventure, and I hope there will be more. A 9 from me.

Read-A-Likes: Dark Life by Kat Falls (#1), Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

“Bunheads” by Sophie Flack

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:15:00 +0000

This one is about dancers.

Hannah Ward has been dancing with the prestigious Manhattan Ballet since she was 14. Now, five years later, she’s ready for some solos and maybe even a promotion. As she struggles with weight issues and the fiercely tough competition from the other dancers, she is also dealing with the possibility of a boyfriend, a special admirer, and the pressures of being a professional dancer.

This was mostly a good book. My biggest complaint is the drinking – Hannah is only 19, yet she seems to be drinking most nights, and as a professional dancer, this seems incredibly unlikely. There were a few situations that seemed too contrived, but overall the book felt real. If you love to dance, or are interested in how professional dancers live and work, this book is for you. I give it a 7 out of 10.

Read-A-Likes: Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson, Marie, Dancing by Carolyn Meyer

Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:08:00 +0000

This book sounded exciting to me (teen spies in the time of Shakespeare) so I decided to read it.

Nathan Fox is an excellent actor, both quick and nimble for stunts. Which is why he’s the perfect choice to become a spy for England. Queen Elizabeth has many enemies, both at home and abroad, and Nathan is needed in Italy, to try to form an alliance with the Venetians. With his mentor, John Pearce, and his sister Marie, Nathan is off on a once in a lifetime adventure, filled with intrigue, plots, danger, and war. Will Nathan be a good enough spy to survive this mission?

I mostly enjoyed this book. The writing style was a little choppy at times, and there were moments of convenient coincidence (Nathan just happens to overhear important information he needs to keep going with his mission), that distracted from the story. But Nathan is a likeable character, and it was interesting to see a fictional account of how Shakespeare might have created his play, Othello. A 6.5 from me.

Read-A-Likes: Othello by William Shakespeare, The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood, Loving Will Shakespeare by Carolyn Meyer

“Switched” by Amanda Hocking

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:57:00 +0000

This book was recommended to me by one of my friends who is a Librarian too.

Wendy has never fit in. Her mother tried to kill her when she was just six, screaming that she was a monster. Her brother Matt and aunt Maggie are the only two people who refuse to give up on her. But Wendy discovers that her whole life has been a lie when she meets Finn Holmes. Finn is mysterious and watches Wendy like no one else. But when he finally talks to her, it’s to tell her that she’s a changeling, a supernatural creature who has been raised as a human, but who must now return to her family.

This book flowed pretty well, but I was frustrated with Wendy at times. She starts out the book as such a strong character, but then she lets the Queen just run all over her. It isn’t until the final page of the book that she takes matters into her own hands – if it had been me, I would have done something long before then. Still, it was a nice change from vampires, and I’ll definitely be reading the second book, Torn, when it comes out later this year. I give this one an 8.5 out of 10.

Read-A-Likes: Fallen by Lauren Kate, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

“Carter’s Big Break” by Brent Crawford

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:41:00 +0000

This is the second book about Will Carter and his everyday life.

Carter managed to survive freshmen year – yeah! Now he’s been talked into auditioning for a role in a movie, which is based on a book written by his favorite author. When Carter finds out he’ll be starring opposite Hilary Idaho, the biggest teen star on the planet, his stress levels jump – how is he supposed to talk her without screwing up? Can he really handle the pressure of starring in a movie? And how will he deal with being a “nobody” after being a “somebody” all summer?

This one was better than the first one, I thought, because while Carter is still immature (and thinking about sex a lot), he’s also growing into the kind of guy that girls would like to be friends with. There’s still plenty of crude humor, but now Carter is realizing that there might be more to life than just “getting a girl to have sex with you”. I give this one an 8.5.

Read-A-Likes: Carter Finally Gets It (the first one) by Brent Crawford, Swim the Fly by Don Calame, Flash Burnout by L. K. Madigan

“Always a Witch” by Carolyn MacCullough

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:48:00 +0000

This is the sequel to Once a Witch.

Tamsin Greene has been enjoying having a Talent – no longer is she the odd-woman out in her family. But the prophecy her grandmother made (about making a decision that could destroy her family forever) has been haunting her, and when she learns Alistair Knight Travelled back to 1887 to warn the Knight family, she knows she must Travel back to stop him and convince the Greenes of 1887 to make the Domani that will protect the family for generations to come.

This one was definitely weaker than the first one. There were a few too many coincidences, and the time travelling logic was a little odd (how would Grandmother remember the first timeline?), but those details tend to go unnoticed while reading. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting, which was refreshing (if a little sad). If you like reading about time travel, or Victorian-era historical fiction, you’ll enjoy this one. A 7 from me.

Read-A-Likes: Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough (the first one), Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Both Sides of Time by Caroline B. Cooney

“Angel” by James Patterson

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:36:00 +0000

This is the seventh (and penultimate) book in the Maximum Ride series.

Max is not dealing well with Fang’s being gone, especially since Dylan is still around and starting to look not-so-bad. But, as usual, Max doesn’t have too much time to deal with her feelings, because a mysterious group called the Doomsday Group is getting lots of international attention. The DG claims they just want to save the planet, but Max, Fang, and their flocks find out that the DG wants to do that by killing all the humans. It’s a race against time to keep the world (and the humans in it) safe.

I’m really interested to see where this series finishes. This one ended in more of a cliffhanger than usual, and I can’t see any clear way out for Max and her crew. If you’ve liked all the other Max Ride books, you’ll like this one too. The final book, Nevermore, is scheduled to be published in August. A 9 from me.

Read-A-Likes: The Angel Experiment (Max Ride #1) by James Patterson, I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

“The False Princess” by Eilis O’Neal

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:25:00 +0000

I had been wanting to read this one for a while, and when it made the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) list of Best Fiction for 2012, I finally had a chance to check it out.

Nalia has lived her whole life as a princess should – at court, learning how to run a country, discovering secrets about her castle. But just after her sixteenth birthday, the king and queen inform her that she is actually a nobody, an infant chosen to stand in for the princess for the princess’s protection, and now she can go home and allow the true princess to return. But what can Nalia (now Sinda) do? Her skills in languages and diplomacy won’t help her in a peasant’s life. And when she discovers dangerous magic flowing through her veins, and a secret that could put the ruling family in danger, she knows she must return to the city to make things right.

I really liked this one. Sinda is a smart character, trying her best to fit into village life, but also realizing that she never will. She has normal romantic inclinations, and makes normal mistakes, but when the fate of her country hangs in the balance, she doesn’t think twice about possibly giving up her own life to save her people. The ending was a tad predictable, but still enjoyable. For those who like strong female characters, or who like reading about girls who go on adventures, this one’s for you. A 9 from me.

Read-A-Likes: Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce, Mistwood by Leah Cypess, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

“Jolted: Newton Starker’s Rules for Survival” by Arthur Slade

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:04:00 +0000

This is one of this year’s Sunshine State Young Readers books for middle school.

Everyone in Newton’s family has been killed by lightning strikes. Newton is determined to beat the lightning, so he convinces his family to send him to the Jerry Potts Academy for Survival, where all students wear kilts, the teachers are a little crazy, and Newton is entrusted with a very special pig. Will Newton find a way to avoid an electrical death?

This was a very odd book. The short chapters are nice for being able to pick the book up and set it down quickly, but it doesn’t really help the story to flow. The chapter headings are funny and descriptive, but the ending was weird and unfulfilling. I loved Josephine the pig, though I think more could have been done with her. I give this one a 5 out of 10.

Read-A-Likes (but better): Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson, Shatterglass by Tamora Pierce, Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick, Getting the Girl by Susan Juby

“Crossed” by Ally Condie

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:33:00 +0000

This is the second book in the Matched trilogy.

Cassia has been looking for a way to escape the Society to go and find Ky out in the Outer Provinces. Ky has been holding on to the promise they made each other about remembering the other. When Cassia takes an opportunity to escape with a group of other girls being sent away, she meets Indie, a smart, resourceful girl who seems to know a lot. While in the various camps, Ky meets, and eventually runs away with, two other guys, Vick and Eli. With Ky on the run, will Cassia ever be able to find him?

This one was different from the first in that Ky narrated every other chapter. This was good when they were apart because it helped the story to keep moving, and gave a different rhythm to this one. There seemed to be a lot more angst in this one, but I’m excited for the third, after how this second one ended. If you liked the first one, you’ll probably like this one too. I give it an 8.

Read-A-Likes: Matched (#1) by Ally Condie, Delirium by Lauren Oliver, Divergent by Veronica Roth, XVI by Julia Karr

“Fang” by James Patterson

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

This is the sixth book of the Maximum Ride series.

Angel announces that Fang will be the first to die – and soon. Max doesn’t know what to do with that information, but she does know she would keep him safe at all costs. Then Dylan, a new winged teenager arrives, along with an evil scientist who wants to help the bird kids “evolve” into a superior race. With danger at every turn, and the flock falling apart, will Max really give anything to keep Fang alive?

Another great entry in the series, though there was less action in this one. There was a lot more of Max trying to do the right thing, but being distracted by her love for Fang. Angel’s coup in the middle is really entertaining, and the end leaves things hanging for the next book. If you’ve liked the other books so far, or if you like a little romance with your action, this is a great book for you. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Read-A-Likes: The Angel Experiment (#1) by James Patterson, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

“The Lady Grace Mysteries: Betrayal” by Grace Cavendish

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:22:00 +0000

This is the second book of the Lady Grace Mysteries.

Grace and the rest of court are off to visit the Royal Shipyards. While there, one of the captains falls for Lady Sarah, who flirts shamelessly back. When Sarah goes missing, a note arrives, saying that she has eloped with the captain. Grace knows Sarah would never do such a thing, so she heads off (with her friend Masou) to bring her back. Will Grace save Sarah’s reputation? Or have the adventure of her life?

This book was as enjoyable as the first. Grace is brave and loyal, even to those who don’t really deserve it, and even though her adventure takes her far from the court life she knows, she doesn’t break down and cry. Masou is a good friend, and I hope to see more of him in future books. Those who want to try historical fiction, or read more about Queen Elizabeth, would like this book. I give it a 7.5.

Read-A-Likes: Beware, Princess Elizabeth: A Young Royals Book by Carolyn Meyer, Conspiracy (Lady Grace Mysteries) by Grace Cavendish, Queen's Own Fool by Jane Yolen

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:49:00 +0000

I picked this one up because of the cool ring of fire on the front cover.

Beatrice lives in a society where 16 year-olds make a choice about their entire lives based on how they feel – if they want peace and love, they join the Amity; if they prefer a life of pursuing knowledge, they join the Erudite. Beatrice is a Divergent, a dangerous thing in her society, meaning that she doesn’t obviously fit in anywhere – she has many talents that are equal in strength. When she chooses to become Dauntless (the faction that values bravery over all else), secrets about the society she lives in come to light, and it’s up to her to protect herself from the evils who would use her.

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of a cross between The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Matched by Ally Condie. Roth takes time to build this world, but doesn’t slow the story down to do it. While the mysteries of Four were pretty obvious, there was plenty of action and personal growth to keep a reader’s interest. The pages just flew by, and I’ll definitely be reading the second book, Insurgent, when it comes out in May. A 9.5 from me for an excellent book.

Read-A-Likes: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Matched by Ally Condie, XVI by Julia Karr

“The Lady Grace Mysteries: Assassin” by Grace Cavendish

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:17:00 +0000

I love reading about Queen Elizabeth, so when I found out this fiction book was about one of her ladies in waiting, I knew I had to read it.

Lady Grace Cavendish is an orphan, looked after by her uncle and under the protection of the queen. She is a Maid of Honour, a lady-in-waiting to be. She must choose her future husband from the three men the queen has approved. One of the rejected men doesn’t take it very well, and storms off in a huff, only to be found dead later. Who killed him? And can Grace clear the name of the man accused, or will another needless death occur?

I liked this book. It was short and Grace is a likeable character. The notes about court and court life were accurate without being too graphic, and while it seemed a little easy for Grace to solve the mystery, it was still an interesting read. Those who want to try historical fiction, or read more about Queen Elizabeth, would like this book. I give it a 7.5.

Read-A-Likes: Beware, Princess Elizabeth: A Young Royals Book by Carolyn Meyer, Betrayal (Lady Grace Mysteries) by Grace Cavendish, Queen's Own Fool by Jane Yolen

“Where She Went” by Gayle Forman

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:16:00 +0000

This is the sequel to If I Stay.

It’s been three years since the accident. Adam is living the high life – his band has made it big, and he’s off on a world tour. But what only his band knows is that Mia broke his heart, and he’s never gotten over it. Every day is torture, because Mia isn’t there. So when a chance encounter leads to a night in New York with her, Adam knows it’s only a matter of time before she leaves again, and so he must make the most of the time they have left.

This was similar to the first one. There’s a lot of angst and heartbreak here, but it fits with the story. The flashbacks broke the flow of the novel a bit, and the part with the stranger’s iPod was kind of superfluous, but otherwise this was a great look at how two people who love each other can rip each other apart emotionally just by doing nothing at all. An 8.5 from me.

Read-A-Likes: If I Stay by Gayle Forman (the first one), Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

“The Last Little Blue Envelope” by Maureen Johnson

noreply@blogger.com (Osceola Library) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:12:00 +0000

This is the sequel to 13 Little Blue Envelopes.

Ginny has resigned herself to never knowing what her aunt Peg said in the final envelope after her backpack was stolen in Greece. But a mysterious stranger contacts her, saying he bought her backpack and found the envelopes. He suggests they meet so he can give them back, but he isn’t what he seems. And when Ginny goes to see her “kind of something” boy friend Keith, she gets a surprise that will change her - again.

Another across Europe adventure for Ginny and her friends. I’m a little surprised at the lack of adult supervision in this one, but I suppose there wasn’t much adult supervision in the last one either. I like that Ginny has grown, as she should, after her first adventure. The ending was a little too neat to be realistic, but otherwise I enjoyed this one. An 8.5 from me.

Read-A-Likes: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (the first one), Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson, An Abundance of Katherines by John Green