Gr 7 Up-Scott Hudson begins his freshman year of high school as a source of income to Wesley, the school shakedown artist. The girl he's known since kindergarten has blossomed into a goddess, but doesn't seem to know he's alive. He gets roped into writing the sports column for the school newspaper, even though he's not an athlete. On top of everything else, his mom is pregnant. As Scott maneuvers through a number of serious situations--bullying, a suicidal classmate, school dances--he still manages to be upbeat and true to himself. Overloaded with extracurricular activities and honors homework, he begins a journal filled with lists and tips for his expected sibling on how to survive freshman year. As the school year and his mom's pregnancy progress, Scott begins to find his niche at school in David Lubar's laugh-out-loud novel (Dutton, 2005). The main narration is more than capably done by Ryan MacConnell as Scott. The rest of the characters are voiced by a variety of actors, adding depth to Scott's experiences. Unobtrusive music throughout enhances the recording, including a lullaby whenever Scott writes in his journal for the baby. An excellent choice for public and school libraries.-Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
This month we’re hiding from the heat with new sequels from David Levithan and David Lubar, sweet romance from Huntley Fitzpatrick and Adi Alsaid, killer fantasy from Moira Fowley-Doyle and Colleen Houck, and more. Take them to the beach, bring them on vacation, or just read them in front of your air conditioner: they pair perfectly with lemonade, […]
With back-to-school season right around the corner, it’s time to start getting in the mood for bulging backpacks, questionable cafeteria food, and forgotten homework panic. High off the sun and summer break, it’s easy to forget real life isn’t your favorite teen movie, where insta-popularity awaits anyone who simply takes off their glasses. High school is […]
Today’s most exciting new releases include the start of a thrilling fantasy series, a psychological thriller centering on a PTSD-afflicted teen, and a heart-tugging follow-up to a beloved contemporary romance. Here are the books we’re falling asleep on way past midnight right now:
There are few readerly pains as acute as the wait between installments in your favorite series—and few experiences sweeter than finally jumping back into a fictional world you never wanted to leave. This month marks the release of four follow-ups to young adult books we loved, including one “sequel” we never dared hope we’d actually get. […]