Passenger
(Passenger #1)
By: Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Audience: Teens - Grades 9 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles, but years from home. And she's inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she's never heard of. Until now. Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods-a powerful family in the Colonies-and the servitude he's known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can't escape and the family that won't let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, his passenger, can find. In order to protect her, Nick must ensure she brings it back to them-whether she wants to or not. Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods' grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home forever.
Alexandra Bracken has done it again. She has created a compelling story with characters that are charismatic, strong-willed, and above all, interesting. She’s created time traveling rules that are easy to follow and she doesn’t get lost in her own jargon. She has created a fast paced adventure that is daring and takes readers across the world and across time. She’s created a romance that is not only sweet but convincing. She has given us a viable history and an unknown future. In short, Bracken’s new novel is impressive and a story that is so easy to get caught up in that readers will constantly be saying “just one more chapter.” It is wonderful to see that this bright author has another hit under her belt and readers will definitely have grabby hands for the next installment in this duology.
(Passenger #1)
By: Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Audience: Teens - Grades 9 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles, but years from home. And she's inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she's never heard of. Until now. Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods-a powerful family in the Colonies-and the servitude he's known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can't escape and the family that won't let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, his passenger, can find. In order to protect her, Nick must ensure she brings it back to them-whether she wants to or not. Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods' grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home forever.
Alexandra Bracken has done it again. She has created a compelling story with characters that are charismatic, strong-willed, and above all, interesting. She’s created time traveling rules that are easy to follow and she doesn’t get lost in her own jargon. She has created a fast paced adventure that is daring and takes readers across the world and across time. She’s created a romance that is not only sweet but convincing. She has given us a viable history and an unknown future. In short, Bracken’s new novel is impressive and a story that is so easy to get caught up in that readers will constantly be saying “just one more chapter.” It is wonderful to see that this bright author has another hit under her belt and readers will definitely have grabby hands for the next installment in this duology.
Up to this Pointe
By: Jennifer Longo
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Audience: Teens - Grades 9 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Harper is a dancer. She and her best friend, Kate, have one goal: becoming professional ballerinas. And Harper won’t let anything—or anyone—get in the way of The Plan, not even the boy she and Kate are both drawn to. Harper is a Scott. She’s related to Robert Falcon Scott, the explorer who died racing to the South Pole. So when Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn, she finagles (read: lies) her way to the icy dark of McMurdo Station . . . in Antarctica. Extreme, but somehow fitting—apparently she has always been in the dark, dancing on ice this whole time. And no one warned her. Not her family, not her best friend, not even the boy who has somehow found a way into her heart.
Jennifer Longo has an exceptional gift for writing people. Her characters are so well developed and thoughtful that it's impossible to not feel what they're feeling and struggle alongside them. It also helps that her characters are not only real but incredibly charming. I felt this way about her debut novel "Six Feet Over It" and was duly impressed with her latest novel. Harper is an extraordinary character she is simultaneously mature for her 17 years but also has moments that remind readers that, yes, she's still a teenager as she finds herself completely lost when her "plan" goes south. Her decisions are rash and her reactions dramatic at times and while in the hands of anyone else this could run the risk of feeling artificial, but Longo masters her characters so well that readers can't help but understand exactly what Harper is feeling at that moment. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement! I also loved the dynamic between Harper and her family, Kate, Owen, and everyone at the McMurdo station. While these people are all secondary characters, they too had depth and were well developed adding much to Harper's own story, making them necessary.. In addition to Longo's amazing characters, the setting was perfection. Clearly the author did her research, and her descriptions of Antartica were stunning and complemented the story so well. The history of Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen as well as the information about the Winter Overers were utterly fascinating and were weaved masterfully into the narrative rather than dumped haphazardly into the reader's brain. The descriptions of San Francisco were also beautiful and definitely served as a wonderful contrast to the blistering cold of Antartica. There are so many more wonderful things to say about this book. Everything about it worked so well together from the characters, to the setting, to the story, to the alternating chapters that reflect time.
By: Jennifer Longo
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Audience: Teens - Grades 9 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Harper is a dancer. She and her best friend, Kate, have one goal: becoming professional ballerinas. And Harper won’t let anything—or anyone—get in the way of The Plan, not even the boy she and Kate are both drawn to. Harper is a Scott. She’s related to Robert Falcon Scott, the explorer who died racing to the South Pole. So when Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn, she finagles (read: lies) her way to the icy dark of McMurdo Station . . . in Antarctica. Extreme, but somehow fitting—apparently she has always been in the dark, dancing on ice this whole time. And no one warned her. Not her family, not her best friend, not even the boy who has somehow found a way into her heart.
Jennifer Longo has an exceptional gift for writing people. Her characters are so well developed and thoughtful that it's impossible to not feel what they're feeling and struggle alongside them. It also helps that her characters are not only real but incredibly charming. I felt this way about her debut novel "Six Feet Over It" and was duly impressed with her latest novel. Harper is an extraordinary character she is simultaneously mature for her 17 years but also has moments that remind readers that, yes, she's still a teenager as she finds herself completely lost when her "plan" goes south. Her decisions are rash and her reactions dramatic at times and while in the hands of anyone else this could run the risk of feeling artificial, but Longo masters her characters so well that readers can't help but understand exactly what Harper is feeling at that moment. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement! I also loved the dynamic between Harper and her family, Kate, Owen, and everyone at the McMurdo station. While these people are all secondary characters, they too had depth and were well developed adding much to Harper's own story, making them necessary.. In addition to Longo's amazing characters, the setting was perfection. Clearly the author did her research, and her descriptions of Antartica were stunning and complemented the story so well. The history of Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen as well as the information about the Winter Overers were utterly fascinating and were weaved masterfully into the narrative rather than dumped haphazardly into the reader's brain. The descriptions of San Francisco were also beautiful and definitely served as a wonderful contrast to the blistering cold of Antartica. There are so many more wonderful things to say about this book. Everything about it worked so well together from the characters, to the setting, to the story, to the alternating chapters that reflect time.
Bookishly Ever After
(Ever After #1)
By: Isabel Bandeira
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*Dazzling Debut!*
In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?
This is probably one of the sweetest romance novels I’ve ever read and whether or not you’re a book worm like Phoebe, I think everyone can relate to crushing on some type of fictional character or idealizing those who aren’t necessarily good for us but are pretty to look at. While this isn’t necessarily a hard hitting novel, filled with dramatic lessons about love and life, I was actually really glad about that. Phoebe and her friends are light-hearted and their banter and interactions ring true to a typical group of high school students making them incredibly life-like and relatable. Additionally, I absolutely adored Phoebe, not just because I saw a lot of myself in her but also because she’s just a really likable heroine. Even though she tries to change herself physically through her makeovers with Grace and she’s prone to emulate the experiences of her favorite book characters, readers still never get the sense that Phoebe isn’t being true to who she really is. It’s almost as if it’s impossible for Phoebe to not just be Phoebe. I loved this aspect of the novel and while I know many teen girls may put some of Phoebe’s moves to use, I appreciate that the underlying message is about being true to yourself and reality can be much sweeter than fiction. In addition to Phoebe, Dev is a fantastic love interest and while you may be pulling at your hair, yelling, “You both like each other, just kiss already!” half the fun of this novel is the chase and these two shy teens going through all the hoops and misunderstandings to discover that. Overall, this is a worthy addition to every YA collection as bookworms unite over this sweet and light romance that is not only adorable but rings true to the high school experience. I can’t wait to share this will all my friends who wear their book nerdery like a badge of honor.
(Ever After #1)
By: Isabel Bandeira
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*Dazzling Debut!*
In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?
This is probably one of the sweetest romance novels I’ve ever read and whether or not you’re a book worm like Phoebe, I think everyone can relate to crushing on some type of fictional character or idealizing those who aren’t necessarily good for us but are pretty to look at. While this isn’t necessarily a hard hitting novel, filled with dramatic lessons about love and life, I was actually really glad about that. Phoebe and her friends are light-hearted and their banter and interactions ring true to a typical group of high school students making them incredibly life-like and relatable. Additionally, I absolutely adored Phoebe, not just because I saw a lot of myself in her but also because she’s just a really likable heroine. Even though she tries to change herself physically through her makeovers with Grace and she’s prone to emulate the experiences of her favorite book characters, readers still never get the sense that Phoebe isn’t being true to who she really is. It’s almost as if it’s impossible for Phoebe to not just be Phoebe. I loved this aspect of the novel and while I know many teen girls may put some of Phoebe’s moves to use, I appreciate that the underlying message is about being true to yourself and reality can be much sweeter than fiction. In addition to Phoebe, Dev is a fantastic love interest and while you may be pulling at your hair, yelling, “You both like each other, just kiss already!” half the fun of this novel is the chase and these two shy teens going through all the hoops and misunderstandings to discover that. Overall, this is a worthy addition to every YA collection as bookworms unite over this sweet and light romance that is not only adorable but rings true to the high school experience. I can’t wait to share this will all my friends who wear their book nerdery like a badge of honor.
Underwater
By: Marisa Reichardt
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*Dazzling Debut!*
Morgan didn’t mean to do anything wrong that day. Actually, she meant to do something right. But her kind act inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. In order to move on, Morgan must learn to forgive—first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then, herself. But Morgan can’t move on. She can’t even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school. When it seems Morgan can’t hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.
The subject matter of this novel certainly runs the risk of being presented in a manner that is overly melodramatic, clichéd, or has a manufactured feeling. Reichardt doesn’t do that. Instead, she handles the drama in a quiet but very real way. Readers get an inside look into the life of guilt, trauma, and the healing process as well as the thoughts of a very true representation of a teenage girl. Despite what she’s endured and her methods of coping, Morgan is still very much a teenage girl. She still crushes on the cute, new boy next door, she still has body issues and insecurities, and she still misses having friends even though she’s the one who shut them out. This balance of trying to deal with feelings of guilt and the aftermath of a very traumatic event as well as the happenings of everyday teenage life is what makes this novel utterly unique and gives it an authenticity that makes readers want to keep reading. Additionally, the parallels between Morgan’s PTSD and her father’s were interesting in that readers get to see both sides of trauma. The relationships between Morgan and her family and her psychologist were also lovely and inspiring as Morgan understands her changing role in the dynamic of her own family. Evan is also very much a likable character and his relationship with Morgan definitely felt necessary in terms of her healing process, even if the development of the romance side of things felt a little rushed. However, this certainly didn’t detract from the story and readers would most likely root for Morgan and Evan to “just kiss already!” Overall, this is a moving story that teens will read and read quickly. The simplicity of the language allows themes of trauma, healing, family, friendship, and moving on to shine through and encourage discussion
By: Marisa Reichardt
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*Dazzling Debut!*
Morgan didn’t mean to do anything wrong that day. Actually, she meant to do something right. But her kind act inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. In order to move on, Morgan must learn to forgive—first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then, herself. But Morgan can’t move on. She can’t even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school. When it seems Morgan can’t hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.
The subject matter of this novel certainly runs the risk of being presented in a manner that is overly melodramatic, clichéd, or has a manufactured feeling. Reichardt doesn’t do that. Instead, she handles the drama in a quiet but very real way. Readers get an inside look into the life of guilt, trauma, and the healing process as well as the thoughts of a very true representation of a teenage girl. Despite what she’s endured and her methods of coping, Morgan is still very much a teenage girl. She still crushes on the cute, new boy next door, she still has body issues and insecurities, and she still misses having friends even though she’s the one who shut them out. This balance of trying to deal with feelings of guilt and the aftermath of a very traumatic event as well as the happenings of everyday teenage life is what makes this novel utterly unique and gives it an authenticity that makes readers want to keep reading. Additionally, the parallels between Morgan’s PTSD and her father’s were interesting in that readers get to see both sides of trauma. The relationships between Morgan and her family and her psychologist were also lovely and inspiring as Morgan understands her changing role in the dynamic of her own family. Evan is also very much a likable character and his relationship with Morgan definitely felt necessary in terms of her healing process, even if the development of the romance side of things felt a little rushed. However, this certainly didn’t detract from the story and readers would most likely root for Morgan and Evan to “just kiss already!” Overall, this is a moving story that teens will read and read quickly. The simplicity of the language allows themes of trauma, healing, family, friendship, and moving on to shine through and encourage discussion