Book Review: Mare's War

Davis, Tanita S. Mare’s War. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 341pp. Ages 11-17

Mare is not your ordinary grandmother. She doesn’t sew or knit. She wears stiletto heels, drives a flashy red sports car, and believes she is too young to be called Grandma. Ocatavia and Tali have the opportunity to spend their summer getting to know the grandmother they never knew, yet neither is thrilled about the idea. Tali had planned to spend her summer saving money for a car. Octavia hoped to hang with her friends. However, Mare has other ideas, such as driving from California to Bay Slough, Alabama, for a family reunion. The journey will be one they never forget as Mare tells stories about her time in the Women’s Army during World War II. Wittingly charming and hilariously intriguing, this book’s storytelling style will grab tween and teen's attention until the very end.

Book Review: After

Efaw, Amy. After. New York: Viking, 2009. 350pp. Ages 14-18

Devon is determined, driven, and pregnant at fifteen. She has everything going for her until she is arrested for the attempted murder of her child. Devon has blocked out her pregnancy, as she is unable to face the reality of what has happened. She begins to withdraw from everyone and everything she loves. Even after she has the baby and dumps it in the trash, she remains in denial of her pregnancy and murder. However, as memories of that night come to light, does Devon really know what she did? The front cover of the book displays a reflection of the truth that Devon hides from herself. Teens will likely find the book topic vividly realistic and appealing, as they are drawn into the mind of Devon from beginning to end.

Book Review: Almost Perfect

Katcher, Brian. Almost Perfect. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. 360pp. Ages 14-18

Sage has a secret. Logan has a problem. He is still in love with his ex-girlfriend Brenda even though she cheated on him; Logan hopes Brenda will come back to him. Sage is the new girl in school, strangely beautiful and the perfect girl to help Logan get over his feelings for Brenda. Logan is instantly drawn to Sage, but she is not allowed to date, so they decide to be friends. The chemistry between Logan and Sage becomes too much when they kiss and Sage reveals her secret. She is a boy. Struggling to come to terms with this revelation as his world gets turned inside out, Logan’s strength and understanding is tested. Witty and heartfelt, this is a must read for any teen coming to terms with their sexual identity or the acceptance of others.