Gardner's debut, coming-of-age novel is set in the 1970s and she shed light on some very tough issues which teenagers face, including physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, and alcoholism. Fourteen-year-old Lacy has been hurt by and seen her mother hurt by her father too many times. In a quick act of bravery, she packs a… Continue reading Queen Anne’s Lace by Dawn Gardner
Tag: Abuse
The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Originally published in Library Journal, January 2019. Loigman's second novel follows Jewish sisters Ruth and Millie Kaplan from their childhood in Brooklyn to adulthood living at an armory base in Springfield, MA. The eldest by three years, Ruth is held to almost impossible standards, while Millie, with her striking looks and pleasing manner, gets away… Continue reading The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman
The Competition by Cecily Wolfe
Originally appeared in School Library Journal, November 2018. Grade 7 & Up: A diverse cast of characters take part in the Penultimate, an Ohio state writing competition, where 100 teens battle for a full college scholarship. Mary Sofia (a Latina) lives in a shelter. Her mother blames her for the unforgettable, tragic night her abusive… Continue reading The Competition by Cecily Wolfe
Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert
It is my pleasure to be a tour stop for the blog tour of Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert. Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert is a young adult contemporary romance novel with very mature themes and language. I would not recommend it for readers under the age of 18. I would place it in the New… Continue reading Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert
Where I Live by Brenda Rufener
Originally published in School Library Journal, November 2017. Grade 9 & Up - Secretly living in Hinderwood High, teenager Linden is homeless and working two jobs to afford living essentials. After her mother was killed, she ended up in Oregon at her grandmother's nursing home, before she died too. Linden, white and homeless, and her… Continue reading Where I Live by Brenda Rufener
Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia
Holy Romance Novel, Batman! This one is going to the top of my YA romance favorites list! This is the first of Kami Garcia's novels that I have read, but I am now kicking myself for not reading her other ones already! You probably hear this a lot, but I literally couldn't put this book… Continue reading Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia
