Five Young Adult Reviews

Spy! By Anna Myers
Twelve year old Jonah Hawkins has been taught to be loyal to the King all his life by his father. A new teacher, Nathan Hale, has come to New London to take over his school. Jonah has come to love and respect his teacher. His teacher, Master Hale, is a patriot, but first desires to make a difference in his students lives. On the brink of revolution men are called to take sides. Jonah wants to remain neutral to honor not only his father, but Mr. Samuel Hale, who has taken in him and his sister after the death of his father as well as Master Nathan. Nathan goes off to war, Jonah moves with his adopted family to New York. When they meet again, Jonah’s loyalty will be put to the test.

This historical fiction story is told in alternating views: that of Nathan and that of Jonah. It has elements of courage, patriotism, betrayal and forgiveness. An enjoyable read for all ages.


The Last Exit To Normal by Michael Harmon
Ben was 14 when his dad announced that he’s gay, his mother takes off leaving him with his dad and boyfriend, Edward. Three years later after getting into major trouble they move from Spokane to Rough Butte, Montana. While Ben is dealing with his anger toward his dad for trashing his life, Miss Mae, Edward’s (the boyfriends) mother, doesn’t put up with any of his “business” and teaches him to respect their country ways. She puts him to work and demands respect.Ben meets the neighbors – Angry, bitter Mr. Hinks and his 11 year old son, Billy. Who is not only weird, but Ben is sure is being abused by his father. He also meets beautiful Kimberly and her friends.

When certain events happen, Ben is blamed which brings out tensions that still have not been resolved between father and son. Ben is determined to get to the bottom of what is happening and begins to uncover some long held secrets that become dangerous.

This is a brutally honest teenage coming of age story. I read this well-written, funny, suspense filled book quickly and recommend it for older teens to adults.


Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
I enjoyed how Ruby grew as she interacted with her sister and brother-in-law, neighbor Nate, employer Harriet and the kids from her elite prep school. The subject matter in the book is heavy but not sugar coated. This was my first Sarah Dessen book and it won’t be my last.

Product Description: Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now she’s living in a fancy new house with her sister Cora—a sister she hasn’t seen in ten years—and her husband Jamie—creator of one of the most popular online networking sites. She’s attending private school, wearing new clothes, and for the first time, feels the promise of a future that include college and her family. So why is she so wary? And what is Nate— the adorable and good-hearted boy next door— hiding behind his genial nature? As Ruby starts to see, there’s a big difference between being given help, and being able to accept it. And sometimes, in order to save yourself, you’ve got to reach out to someone else.


Ten Cents A Dance by Christine Fletcher
Ruby Jacinski is 15 and has to quit school to work to help support her family at the dawn of WW II. She takes over for her mother at the meat-packing plant whose arthritis is just too bad to continue working. Her only pleasure is meeting her friends to go dancing. The neighborhood bad boy tells Ruby she can rake in the money by working at a dance academy. She soon learns that it is not a dance academy at all, but a dance hall where she will dance with men for money. For 10 cents lonely men purchase a dance with the pretty girls. Since dancing is what she loves, and what she is good at she is sure she will be making a lot of money in no time. But she finds herself in more trouble than she imagined all the while keeping this secret from her family.

I was mesmerized and could not put this book down as I was lost in Chicago in the 1940s. While this is a YA book, it does have some adult situations.


The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
This a novel based on the true story of a Hitler Youth, Helmuth Huener. He is a high school age boy when Hitler begins to rise in power. In the beginning he is caught up in the promises and hope. But as he sees the rights of the people especially the Jews being taken away, he is unable to remain silent. The story is told as he sits in prison awaiting execution in a series of flashbacks knowing he had done the right thing.

Historical fiction is a favorite genre and I couldn't put this book down once I started it. Well written, emotional and a must read. A lengthy author’s note distinguishes fact from fiction, and includes many black-and-white photos of Helmuth with friends and family.


When The Black Girl Sings by Bil Wright
This book deals with some heavy issues in a very sensitive, realistic and authentic way. The story was moving, funny, honest and very enjoyable even though the ending was predictable.

Summary: Lahni Schuler is the only black student at her private prep school. She's also the adopted child of two loving, but white, parents who are on the road to divorce. Struggling to comfort her mother and angry with her dad, Lahni feels more and more alone. But when Lahni and her mother attend a local church one Sunday, Lahni hears the amazing gospel choir, and her life takes an unexpected turn. It so happens that one of Lahni's teachers, Mr. Faringhelli, has nominated her for a talent competition, and she is expected to perform a song in front of the whole school. Lahni decides to join the church choir to help her become a better singer. But what starts out as a way to practice singing becomes a place of belonging and a means for Lahni to discover her own identity. In this moving book, acclaimed author Bil Wright tells the story of one girl's search to find a home where she truly belongs.