Reviews of traditional or indie published books, new and old, for the older ones (think: teens).
*Note: TMWR realizes not all books included in this category may be appropriate for all teens. Please use your own judgment before reading this book with your child.*
Climbing the Stairs Author: Padma Venkatraman Publisher: Speak Genre: Young Adult Subgenre: Historical Fiction; Military; Lit & Fiction Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at writer’s conference Synopsis: Life for fifteen year-old Vidya holds tremendous promise. Despite living in British-occupied India during the 1940s with a rigid caste system in place, she aspires to attend…
On Call in Hell Author: Cdr Richard Jadick © 2007 with Thomas Hayden Publisher: NAL Caliber (Penguin) Genre: Non-fiction, Autobiography / Memoir Subgenre: War – military, Medical, War Memoir, History Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at book fair Synopsis: The memoir of Commander Richard Jadick tells the story of his time in Iraq during…
Mockingjay Author: Suzanne Collins © 2010 Publisher: Scholastic Press Genre: YA literature & fiction Sub-genre: Self-esteem & reliance, self-respect; Action-adventure & sci-fi Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased by husband Synopsis: The revolution that President Snow eluded to in his threats to Katniss has come to life. District 13 is thriving and ready…
Allegiant Author: Veronica Roth © 2013 Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Genre: YA Literature & Fiction Subgenre: Action & Adventure (Science Fiction), Social & Family Issues (Values & Virtues), Science Fiction (Dystopian) Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at retail store Synopsis: Tris and Four return in this third and final installment of…
Tell Me Where it Hurts Author: Nick Trout, DVM © 2008 Publisher: Broadway Books Genre: Non-fiction Subgenre: Doctors & Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pets & Animal Care – Essays Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at book fair Synopsis: A memoir from a practicing animal surgeon in Boston, Tell Me Where It Hurts takes…
Between Shades of Gray Author: Ruta Sepetys © 2011 Publisher: SPEAK (Penguin) Genre: YA Historical Fiction Subgenre: Holocaust, Military, Europe Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Recommended and loaned to me by another busy mom! (But I will be buying my own copy!) Synopsis (Amazon blurb): “Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life–until Soviet…
The Book Thief Author: Markus Zusak © 2005 Publisher: Picador Genre: YA Lit Subgenre: Historical fiction, Holocaust, Family & Social issues Reviewer: Sara Book received by: From mother. Synopsis: (Amazon blurb): It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel…
Catching Fire Author: Suzanne Collins Publisher: Scholastic Press © 2009 Genre: Young Adult Literature Subgenre: Social & Family Issues, Science Fiction, Survival Stories Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased for household Synopsis from Amazon: “Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it…
Insurgent Author: Veronica Roth © 2015 Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Genre: YA Literature & Fiction Subgenre: Sci-fi & Fantasty, Dystopian, Values & Virtues Reviewer: Sara Synopsis: The five factions of dystopican Chicago have plunged into war, led by the ruthless and power-hungry leader of Erudite. Abnegation is largely in ruins, Dauntless is divided, and…
Calico Joe Author: John Grisham (© 2012 by Belfry Holdings, Inc) Publisher: Bantam Genre: Literature & Fiction Sub-genre: Sports, Coming of Age, Family Saga Reviewer: Sara Synopsis: Summer, 1973. The baseball season would prove unforgettable: Joe Castle, a quiet man from small-town Calico Rock with a mighty swing, rose from the minors on…
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