A Year in an American High School

ridiculous/hilarious/terrible/cool:
a year in an american high school
Author: Elisha Cooper
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Dial (March 13, 2008)

ridiculous/hilarious/terrible/cool: A Year in an American High School is an interesting, nonfiction YA book. The author sent a copy to me, and I planned on doing a review from a mom's point of view, but something interesting happened. My 15 old son saw the book and asked what it was. I explained and he shrugged, of course. Next thing I know he wants to take it to school and read it. That was great. Then it got even more interesting. My son had it sitting on his desk while he finished up some work and a girl he knew grabbed it and read the first 30 pages. She gave it back and asked if she could borrow it, but apparently there was a waiting list. Another friend on the bus had already called dibs on the book. Wow, this was weird. Teenagers not only wanted to read a non-fiction book without being asked, but they are calling dibs on it. I'm thinking Mr. Cooper will love hearing about this phenomenon:)

The book follows six seniors and two juniors through the entire school year and tells their stories. The language does get rough at times, there are a few awkward guy/girl moments plus drinking and drug use. It's for mature 14 year olds or kids 15 and up. My son talked to me alot about the book as he read it and afterwards. The students in the book don't attend a public high school like he does, it's a prep school, but my son said that didn't really bother him. They were interested in things that all teens are: sports, drama, college, relationships, and family. He was really glad that the author included an epilogue at the end so he could find out what happened with each kid afterwards.

I know it's hard to let our teens read about things that are awkward like sex and drugs, but all they have to do is pick up a newspaper or watch the news to get a hard dose of reality. We can't protect them forever, so I think it's better to PREPARE them. Sitting them down out of the blue and saying "Hey, let's talk about drugs." is often an awkward and one-sided conversation. Reading a book together and chatting about the kids in it, is MUCH more relaxed and interesting for our kids.

You can visit Elisha Cooper's website here and the book can be ordered there too. ridiculous/hilarious/terrible/cool would make a great gift for any teen in your life. I'm really glad that my son and I read it and had such cool discussions. I think you will be too.

~Moonsanity

The World of Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely
by Melissa Marr
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 328 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins

Summary: Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale

I picked up Wicked Lovely last week, partly to read for my YA Week, but also because I've been wanting to read Melissa Marr's writing for a long time and just hadn't gotten the chance. Her book did not disappoint. It's creative, eerie, romantic, suspenseful and kept me on edge right up until the end of the story. The only character I was truly convinced was being truthful was Aislinn, or Ash as her friends call her. She is a haunting young woman who has been able to observe the fae her entire life, but was warned there were three rules she must abide by at all times:

1. Don't ever attract their attention.
2. Don't speak to invisible faeries.
3. Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Ash is a strong character, but at the same time she is young and inexperienced. Suddenly the rules she's been taught by her grandmother throughout her life are no longer holding true. She has never told anyone else that she can see the fae. She needs a friend to confide in as things change and overwhelm her. Seth, her best friend, wants more than friendship, the fae want her as well, and her grandmother wants to hide Ash until it all goes away. I loved Wicked Lovely for many reasons, including the characters, the writing, and the plot, which kept me guessing and moving forward at a quick pace just to see what would happen next.

It was really refreshing to read a YA novel without vampires for a change. Don't get me wrong, I love to read vampire fiction, but it's also nice to find a book with a unique fantasy world. Melissa Marr has created an unseen world of the fae, who can be beautiful but deadly. Appearances are almost always deceiving, and manipulation is a way of life. I don't want to give any more information about the plot because it's best to read it with no spoilers.

Mom Notes: Wicked Lovely is a mature YA Novel with mentions of drugs, drinking, sex and swearing. I would say it's for age 16 and older because of the mature themes. I thought the topic of sex was handled very well. Ash is a virgin, and her attitude and that of her boyfriend is a good one. It's realistically handled, written as I remember feeling as a teenager, which is confused, and wanting to go farther but not wanting to make a mistake. Ash's boyfriend is experienced, and lives alone, which will be uncomfortable for some parents, but I know the situation is not an uncommon one. I always recommend that parents read books along with their kids (before or after they do) so they can discuss it with them. I do this with my 16 year old son quite often.

Harper Collins has released a free electronic edition of Wicked Lovely with bonus materials. On this page you can download that, plus a two part story in the Wicked Lovely world.

Wicked Lovely Series
1. Wicked Lovely (2007)
2. Ink Exchange (2008)
3. Fragile Eternity (2009)
4. Radiant Shadows (2010)
5. Stopping Time, Part 1 & 2 (ebooks)

You can visit Melissa Marr on her website, her blog and on Twitter:

-Melissa's LiveJournal

-Melissa's Website

-Twitter Account

~Moonsanity

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Blue Bloods
Book 1
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Available at Indie Bound, Powell's Books, Barnes & Noble.

SUMMARY: Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner-and happy that way. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler's life changes dramatically. She has a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest off all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.

I picked up Blue Bloods because I had heard so much about the series and wanted to give it a try. It did take me awhile to decide to read it because it takes place at a private school where the students are extremely wealthy and live for designer clothing and the New York social scene. This is so hard for me to relate to since I grew up on a farm in a small rural community. However, within the first three pages I relaxed, as the main character, Schulyer, is described as chipping at her black nail polish, and wearing duct-taped sneakers. She buys true thrift store finds, not expensive clothing made to look aged. I like that Schulyer is her own person, despite the constant temptation to give into her peers and join the "in crowd". Not that she is isn't tempted. Blue Bloods is a slightly more mature read than some YA novels I've reviewed this week. I would say 16 and up, maybe 15 for mature kids. It will appeal to girls more than it will boys, though it isn't overly sappy as far as the romance goes.

The author's blurb in the back of the book states that she has written for Glamour, Marie Claire and other fashion magazines, as well as appearing on television as a fashion expert. This comes across in Blue Bloods in the descriptions of the clothing, shoes and the modeling scenes in the book. However, the fashion doesn't take over the plot, which has some good twists and turns. As I was reading the first few chapters I thought I knew what was coming, but I was surprised at several turns in the plot. It had the signs of a first book in a series where I could tell nothing would be wrapped up by the end, but it was a good read and ended in a spot that didn't have a horrendous cliff hanger, like some series tend to do.

I enjoyed Blue Bloods, and thought the concept of vampires coming to America on the Mayflower original and fascinating. The author provides pages of a diary throughout the book from a young woman who sailed with the ship and the pieces fall together for the reader as the end of the book nears.

Mom Notes: The sexual elements in the book aren't too detailed, but they are present, including a scene where one couple undresses to have sex but are interrupted. Another female character in the book is especially fond of young men, and "feeding". As I said before, the book is a little mature for younger teens. I thought that over all, Blue Bloods was a good read for older teens as far as lessons in learning to be yourself, not giving in to peer pressure and standing up for what is right.

You can learn more about the author and the books on her website: http://www.melissa-delacruz.com

The series includes:
1. Blue Bloods (2006)
2. Masquerade (2007)
3. Revelations (2008)
4. The Van Alen Legacy (2009)
5. Misguided Angel (2010)
6. Bloody Valentine (2011)
Keys to the Repository (2010)

~Moonsanity

We Interrupt YA Week for a Winner!

The winner of our drawing for The River Kings' Road, A Novel of Ithelas by Liane Merciel is:

Kelsey...who said:
Medieval and fantasy: two great combinations! This book sounds GOOD.

Visit Kelsey at www.thedoortowonderland.blogspot.com.

We will now continue with our YA goodness...

~Moonsanity

Bite Me! YA Interview and Review

Bite Me!
Author: Melissa Francis
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble.

SUMMARY: AJ Ashe isn’t your typical seventeen-year-old vampire—as if there is such a thing. Her ex-boyfriend—whom she’s still totally in love with—is now her stepbrother. A former classmate—who, um, she may or may not have turned into a vampire—is stalking her. And now, apparently, the fate of humankind lies in her little undead hands. Whatever happened to the good old days when all a vampire girl had to worry about was the occasional zit and hiding her taste for blood?

I bought Bite Me! on sale and was intrigued by the cover and the description, though I hadn't read anything about the author or the book previously. I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the writing style. The main character A.J. is 17 and we learn in the first sentence that her mom is getting married. She likes the man who will be her stepfather, she loves her mom and she wants her mom to be happy. So what is the problem? She's been dating her brother-to-be for months and now they have to break it off. It's the right thing to do, but it's breaking A.J.s heart. Plus, their new blended family doesn't know everything about one another which makes it even more stressful. A.J., her mom and her sisters are vampires, and they can't tell anyone. Can you imagine?

I loved the main characters in Bite Me!, and the plot twists which kept me guessing. Who should A.J. trust? The reader isn't really sure until the end of the book reveals all. I thought the author captured the teen angst that makes high school a roller coaster of emotions. A.J. deals with issues such as jealousy, loyalty, friendship, love and fear. She learns that her actions have consequences, something that all of us deal with sooner or later.

Bite Me! has humor, action and romance. It's a fast, fun read for ages 14 or 15 and older. There are sexual situations, but no sex. I thought it was handled well by the author.

Mom notes: I loved the main character's mom, and their relationship. When A.J. was upset she ran straight to her mom, who as a vampire, wouldn't judge her and knew how to help her. A.J.s mom MADE the time to help, even at work. The issues A.J. has with a teacher and the consequences of NOT telling anyone about it were something that has happened to many kids, and unfortunately doesn't always have a good ending. It's an important lesson for kids to learn.

INTERVIEW WITH THE FABULOUS MEL
Melissa graciously answered my nosey questions, so I could share them with you during YA Week. Don't forget that every comment this week enters you for a chance to win Bite Me! and four other YA books.

I loved your book, especially A.J 's mother and their relationship. Why did you decide to make them so close, and not give them a "typical" teen/parents relationship?

Honestly, I hated the relationship I had with my mom growing up. No trust, always combative, etc. I don't have that relationship with my teens and decided that I can't be alone. So I put a lot of 'us' into the book.

Did you find writing YA different from writing adult fiction? Did you find yourself thinking about what you wanted teens to take away from your book?

YA isn't that different to me except the angst and melodrama is elevated a bit more. (because honestly, teens are nothing if not dramatic! LOL) I want kids to read, get lost in the story, imagine themselves as the main character, and come away satisfied. I want girls to understand that they are strong and wanted them to read a story about a heroine who, even though is very flawed and made lots of mistakes, was also strong enough to know she could rescue herself.

How the heck did you come up with the idea of a boy and girl who were dating finding out they were going to be brother and sister with almost no warning after dating so long?

Well, I always thought that could happen in real life and one day I just started really playing with the idea. And the more I thought of it, the more intrigued by it I became. How devastating would that be if you were a teen and in love for the first time? And wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am I had a story!

Thanks Mel:) Love Sucks! , Mel's next book, will be released on July 27, 2010. Be on the lookout for it this summer!

-You can visit Mel at her website here: http://www.haveyoubeenbitten.com/

-Download cell phone wallpapers in Bite Me! themes here: http://www.haveyoubeenbitten.com/downloads.html

~Moonsanity

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

Eleventh Grade Burns
The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Author: Heather Brewer
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Summary: Things have taken a darker turn for the half-human teenager with an appetite for blood. Joss, a vampire slayer and Vlad’s former friend, has moved back to Bathory. A mysterious and powerful new vampire, Dorian, appears with a shocking secret and an overwhelming desire to drink Vlad’s blood. And Vlad’s arch enemy, D’Ablo, has a sinister plan to eliminate Vlad once and for all. With death threatening from every angle, Vlad will have to use every ounce of his skill and training to survive, but nothing can prepare him for what awaits him in the end.

I won Eleventh Grade Burns from Steph at http://stephsureads.blogspot.com in one of her contests where I was allowed to choose YA books.

I've been wanting to read Heather Brewer's books for awhile now, but with such a huge To Be Read shelf, and blog tours coming up I had put it off a bit. When I won Eleventh Grade Burns I decided to read it for my YA Week. What did I think of Vlad and his world? I loved it, both as a mom and a reader.

The author did a great job dropping in past events so I had no problem understanding what was happening in the book. Vlad is a teenage vampire who's entering his junior year of high school. Instead of worrying about AP classes and ACT or SAT tests, he's trying to keep his family together, protect his friends and keep himself alive. I loved how the author kept Vlad down to earth, and slipped in things that would concern any 16 year old. He may be able to read minds but he's the only one without a car, at least among his friends. He has super speed, but that isn't going to help him pass his trigonometry test. Vlad's having trouble figuring out his feelings for two different girls. His best friend wants to kill him, but he still wants to hang with him. I have two teenage sons, 15 and 16 years old, and I know how teenagers think and feel. The author hit the nail on the head when it comes to the trials and tribulations of being a teenager.

Eleventh Grade Burns isn't a romance, though there are issues with girls and guys. It would be a great read for boys or girls from ages 13 teen and up, possibly younger depending on maturity and reading level. It has action, suspense, twists and turns but it also has drama and humor that keeps it from being too dark of a read. The author does a great job of being hip with out going over the top.

Mom Notes: The author scored big with me as a mom. The adults weren't idiots, but they weren't perfect either. They cared for their kids, and admitted when they made mistakes. There weren't any sex scenes but there was teen romance. One situation brought up the issue of making out just to make out, instead of caring about the person and getting to know them. There was violence because it's a book about vampires, but it wasn't horrendous or over the top. The idea that there are always consequences to our actions was there as well.

Eleventh Grade Burns is the fourth book in Vlad's series. The fifth book is coming out in September 2010 as well. I love all the covers, especially this last one that shows Vlad's face.

Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
1. Eighth Grade Bites (2007)
2. Ninth Grade Slays (2008)
3. Tenth Grade Bleeds (2009)
4. Eleventh Grade Burns (2010)
5. Twelfth Grade Kills (2010)

You can find out more about Vlad and his series at Heather Brewer's website here: http://www.heatherbrewer.com/.

Heather is on Twitter here.

Vlad also has his own website:

http://www.vladtod.com

Young Adult Review Guidelines

When I review YA books I review them first as a reader just as I do with any other book. I'll give you my opinion on characters, writing style and the plot plus I'll let you know the type of book it is, whether paranormal romance, adventure, etc. After I review the book for those things, then I will let you know how I felt about it as a parent. I may love a YA book myself, but that doesn't mean I think it should be read by all teenagers. I will always tell you what age group I feel comfortable recommending the book to.

To give you a little background on how I know the minds of teens and preteens, I have three children who are now 10, 15 and 16. My 15 year old is reading at his correct reading level, my 16 year old is reading at college level. All three enjoy different types of fiction and non-fiction. I don't consider myself an overprotective parent, but at the same time my husband and I do put limits on our teenagers when it comes to movies, television and books. Every parent knows their own kids best, so I can only make recommendations based on what I feel is appropriate.

If you ever have a question about the content of a book I've reviewed and want me to be more specific just leave me a comment or email me and I'll be happy to share more.

~Moonsanity