Empowering Story For Teens
581598
My daughter and her friends love this book!  Numerous times throughout the story my daughter would talk with me about how she related to several of the characters.  Just like my own children, the characters in The Clover Tree are faced with familiar challenges and triumphs in school, sports, family, and friendships.  During these experiences and throughout the chapters of the book, the author introduces a meaningful lesson that people of all ages should/could embrace.  I read this book before my daughter and, after she finished, together we used the Interactive Supplement to The Clover Tree to discuss the ways she can actively participate in manifesting her own hopes and dreams.  I only wish that I had been introduced to this concept when I was a teen and empowered myself at a younger age!  Highly recommend.
191158
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 4 is a very inspiring book for teenagers living in our crazy everyday world just like you and me. From rough times with friends, to dealing with the death of a loved one, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 4 shows the true meaning of what it's like to be a teenager. It is written from the hands of ordinary teenagers who face the victories and hard times that we all have had our fair share of. If not, we are sure to face these challenges in the future. This book is filled with stories of life, love, and learning that sometimes we all need to hear to know that we are not alone.

One of my favorite stories in this book is from the section of Overcoming Obstacles. The story is titled Tear-Stained Eyes. It starts off when a girl took her boyfriend to the airport because he was leaving for college.  She was so heart-broken because she had to see him leave, and wondered if he loved her as much as she loved him still. Before he left, they promised each other that they would always love each other, but wouldn't keep in contact. A month goes by and she still has the same feelings for her long lost boyfriend, but later that night, you wouldn't imagine what showed up on the front porch.

Of course you would have to read the book to know the ending. I wouldn't want to ruin it for you right? I would definitely recommend this book to teenagers of any sort. The stories you read could change the way you view other teenagers, as it did to me.
3252845
I enjoyed this story and think it would be great to have around for teenagers who find themselves in trouble,  especially girls. Readers get to meet Mirra, a teenager who starts out in just a small amount of trouble that escalates and takes readers on a life ride of tragedy that too many have experienced. I think the author does a great job with the feel of this story and a look into a life not all have seen but should know is out there.
4555292
Again, this author pulled me into a story I was not sure I wanted to read about.  Once into the characters lives and their dreams, I really hated for the end to come.  Ninie doesn't soft coat the hard things in people's lives, or pretend they can be easily overcome, but she demonstrates how each of us can overcome with enough determination and selflessness.  Powerful storyteller.  Great for teens on up.
4042494
A great story with a positive message about not giving up
2118401
This book's strength is its storytelling.  Maggie, 15, falls for female camp counselor Erin, 19.  What follows is pain and confusion, as Maggie struggles with this development and what it means for her identity and future.  Thrash doesn't wrap things up with a pretty bow, and that's okay.  It's real.  I'm sure this book is going to find a lot of young people in a place where they desperately need it.  For the rest of us, it's an invitation into someone else's life, narrated by a skillful writer.  This book stood out to me because of the depth of emotion conveyed, and the story allowing teen Maggie to have all those feelings, without needing to put them into adult perspective.  Powerful stuff.  I also enjoyed the cast of teenage girls with various personalities, who aren't always perfect and aren't always horrible.  Teens are stereotyped in media far too often, so that was refreshing.

I do wish that Thrash had gotten someone else to draw the book.  She has a good sense of how she wants the panels to flow, but the careful attention Thrash gives to the characters' interactions and emotional states isn't mirrored in her drawing ability.  A different artist would have better complemented the excellent story.
4036930
This really does allow an adult to relate to teenagers. His writing includes his own personal journey that reflects a most challenging life. Its concise and empowering.
3576582
Such a strong and empowering little book. Keep Holding On is a story that was written from the heart and should be on ever tween and teen's mandatory to-be-read pile!

Keep Holding On is about Noelle, a teen who is being neglected by her mother and bullied at school in addition to going through the normal ups and downs of a regular teen -
self doubt, insecurities and pride.
She doubts that she is able to stop the things that continue to happen to her.
Without any encouragement from anyone in her life, she has no idea as to what she is capable of.
Noelle also doesn't like to take charity from anyone when she feels that it wouldn't be necessary if things in her life were normal aka her mother would step up and make the right choices.
 She doesn't allow herself to hope that she is worthy of more.
Until something happens to one of her fellow classmates that forces her to question herself and finally realize that she is more than capable of taking matters into her own hands.

Keep Holding On is encouraging and reminds all of us, no matter the age, that we are not alone and that we should always hold on, no matter what.

*I recieved a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
4462602
Ko'Ture was a great book for teens. I recommend every teen to get this book as it deals with real issues that many still don't want to talk about or want to associate their child with. While the book was hard for me to follow from scene to scene, and the character development for some of the main characters weren't complete for me; I would love to read the rest of this story.

I commend Author Saunda Cunningham for tackling teen issues and hopefully it will deter some of our youth from making some of the bad decisions that we see and hear of more often than not.

The cover is excellent.

Woman to Woman Literary Sistas
Lacha'Mitchell
Founder/President
1116786
I was pleased to find a courageous, teen heroine in this expansive adventure about never giving up. This story kept my attention to the end; it was a good read and I enjoyed it. In fact, it left me wondering about where the protagonists' paths might go in the future; what trials and tribulations might they face? Were there a sequel to this story, I would definitely buy it!
1132294
This book was very powerful and relatable. I think this book is a perfect read for teenagers because a majority if not every teen that reads this book knows someone who has experienced one of these girl's stories or who has experienced it themselves. This book allows women to know they are not alone and to be empower but can also warn females of the dangers of love. For teen boys, these stories can help them lrarn and understand the power they can have over a female and hopefully will want to do better and be better.
5734
A fun, female-empowering superhero story to get younger kids reading graphic novels.  I have to second the reviewer that suggested this be a cartoon series as I would totally watch that!
4381352
Miss Domino
  LaToya 'Cookie' James and Lyric James are like oil and water.  Cookie is the quiet and reserved sister and Lyric is the boisterous older sister that is the "It Girl" within their social circle.  Raised by a tough bible-gripping, churchgoing single mother, the girls experience the fast life and learn some harsh life lessons along the way.  Readers quickly learn that Cookie is the responsible one of the two sisters.  She takes on adult responsibilities by running the household caring for their bed-ridden mother.  Lyric on the other hand cares more about 'self', parties hard and runs the street with various boys from their neighborhood.  When Cookie decides to 'come out of her shell', her life changes dramatically.

  "Cookie:  A Forth Worth Story" is a cautionary tale that will keep the reader turning the page.  The sisters often find themselves in risqu situations that they can barely get themselves out of.  A rape of a best friend, and the death of another friend forces Cookie to realize that life is not as easy as she thought it would be.  The story honestly describes what happens when a young girl grows up too fast and the painful consequences that are experienced.

  Based on a true story, author Tamika Newhouse vividly tells a gripping story that many of today's teens can relate to.  Newhouse is the author of "The Ultimate No No" and the CEO of Delphine Publications.  Like other adult Street Lit authors that now write for a teen audience, Newhouse has written a responsible solid story.  She takes the reader to the edge and yanks them back without describing events of the story in a graphic manner.  Teens will enjoy reading "Cookie: A Forth Worth Story," because it's highly relatable and a fast read.  Moreover, the story will generate discussion among teens and really force them to think about their choices in life.

  Newhouse leaves the reader wanting more at the end of the story.  I was so relieved to learn that the sequel "Cookie Too:  Lyric's Song," will be released in early 2012.  I plan to include this book in my high school library collection in 2012 for my die-hard and picky teen Street Lit readers.  In addition, I highly recommend that other librarians purchase the book for their library collections as well.  The book will surely be a hit with teens and will generate discussions for days to come.
1978449
This book is a must read for teens and parents of teens because it shows the power of rumors and how all the little things that people don't think matter, how much they can matter to someone. It also teaches a lesson to teens that you need to think about the consequences of their actions. Clay Jensen is the main character who is mysterious at first, but once he listens to the tapes, especially the story about him, he realizes just how much he liked Hannah and how much he wished he would have given her a chance. Hannah Baker is the girl who committed suicide and she is characterized throughout the whole book and you can see how much she changes. Both main characters are extremely dynamic and change a lot throughout the book. Hannah Baker kills herself and no one really understands why. Then one by one, 13 people find out why. These 13 people have something to do with why she killed herself. She records these tapes with her story on it and mails them to the first person. All she asks is that these people listen to their story and mail them to the person who has the next story. The book was written in a conversational tone. You are reading it as if you are Clay Jensen, the narrator listening to the tapes. So you hear what Hannah is saying on the tapes and you hear what Clay is thinking about the tapes while he listens. Hannahs words are italicised so it is not too complicated to figure out how is talking/thinking when. There were a few times I had to go back and reread parts because I had it backwards, but that was due to me reading too fast to see what happened. The book was well written and not hard to understand. There was minimal higher level vocabulary. In 13 Reasons Why, the main theme is of respect and reputation. Hannah reputation is destroyed because no one respects her after on boy disrespected her. Many rumors are spread about her, just like many people in middle and high school. This book is relatable becuase who hasn't had a rumor spread about them, whether it is awful or something stupid, it still hurts. This book hits an emotional level in most people. This book is a must read for teenagers and teen parents. Suicide has become a prominent threat to teens and young adults over things like problems in this book. This book shows that there is hope because there is probably at least one person who cares about you, you just have to try to find them. If you like novels like Looking for Alaska you would probably enjoy this book.
4745674
I enjoyed this grouping of short stories and would recommend it to young adults. It is a quick read of several different styles of writing with an underlying theme of hope. It is a great gift idea for teens who are looking to read more and like something uplifting. Nice series of books.
2835109
The Exceptionals by Erin Cashman is a fantasy adventure for pre-teens through young adult readers.  The main character, Claire Walker is an ordinary high school student at public school.  Her father is a professor, and her mother is the vice-principal at Cambial Academy: a boarding school for students who have special abilities and talents.  The students at Cambial do not have magical abilities, but rather exceptional and sometimes a bit paranormal qualities.

I really liked Claire, and her new friends at Cambial.  I could empathize with her wanting to keep her special gift a secret.  Her relationship with her mother and siblings, as well as some of the other students made the story more realistic and interesting to me.  The mystery surrounding the missing students kept my interest til the very end.

I liked how the author made sure that the ending was both a dramatic finish to the story, but also left it open just enough to make the reader want more.  I really enjoyed reading this book, and hope the author writes a sequel.  A great story for ages 12 and up, in my opinion.

*I received a free copy of this book for this review.  All reviews are my personal and honest opinion.
2492532
Don't Come Here, Julie!, is a science fiction story geared toward teenagers. The main character, Julie, is extremely similar to teenagers that exist in our real lives--independent know-it-alls! This fiction story focuses on, Julie, who is originally from Rinda but is a human unlike most of its other inhabitants. Her mother, Eva, recently became the Ambassador to Norandia. Julie attends boarding school on Earth and was directed to go to her aunt's home in Rinda after attending a tiring year at school. Julie misses her mother and wants to go see her instead of going to her aunt's house. Despite her wishes to go and see her mother, Julie gets on line to go to her aunt's like her mother requested.  At the last minute, Julie becomes her own boss. Julie feels she deserves an explanation for her mother's request for her to stay away from Norandia and abruptly decides to change her plans.

Assuming that she knows what's best for her, Julie changes her ticket and journeys to see her mother in Norandia. In her haste to modify her plans, Julie was unaware of the social problems occurring that her mother failed to mention. Her mother didn't want her to worry so she never informed her of the chaos that was ensuing. It's not until she arrives in Norandia that Julie realizes that she may have made a grave mistake but it was too late to turn around.

This book teaches the reader valuable lessons regarding parental guidance, diversity, respect and other social skills--trust, empathy. I highly recommend this book to preteens and teenagers. I think it would be a great addition to the summer reading list, classroom, school and home libraries as well as public libraries or agencies. This book is written in a tone easily understandable for the age group discussed and it is just long enough for them to get lost in Julie's adventure on Norandia. It is a vivid story stealing the reader's attention from start to finish. I look forward to sharing this book with the teens and educators in my life while hoping the author writes a sequel to this great story. Well done P. Joy Webster!!