Review: The Education of Hailey Kendrick

Title:  The Education of Hailey Kendrick
Author:  Eileen Cook 


     From Amazon, "Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her.  She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.
Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped.


They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?" 


     Occasionally I will email or write an author to tell them that I really like their book, but in this case, I couldn't even wait until the end to let author, Eileen Cook, know how much I liked this book.  (I actually emailed her twice, which may have caused her to worry that I have stalker syndrome).
     I have to say that I liked many things about this book, but my favorite was the main character, Hailey Kendrick.  I know that Hailey is a fictional character, but she seemed so real that I truly felt as if I knew her.  I liked the fact that she was flawed and had problems, but was still willing to work on herself and had integrity.  I found myself rooting for her and actually yelling at the people who mistreated her (out loud... no less, which added to piling up evidence that I'm strange!) It also seemed that every time that Hailey tried to do the right thing somehow it always backfired on her and she would add to her problems instead of solving them.  (I think I identified with this so much because I do it all of the time.)
     Needless to say, I really liked this book!  It is the perfect choice for a quick read that makes you laugh and think at the same time.  I can't wait to see when Eileen Cook's next book comes out... (I promise I won't email stalk you!)

Review: Babe in Boyland

Title: Babe in Boyland
Author: Jody Gehrman


     From GoodReads, "Natalie, a seventeen-year-old former drama club member who now writes a relationship column for her school newspaper, decides to go undercover as a student at an all-boys boarding school so that she can figure out what guys are really like."


     First off, I have to say that I love, love, love the cover!  Haven't seen anything like it before.  Secondly, I am a huge fan of the movie She's the Man (and no, it isn't because hottie Channing Tatum is in it!) and this book reminded me of that movie a couple of times.  The girl on the front cover kind of looks like Amanda Bynes... but I digress.
     I liked that the main character, Natalie, who writes a column for the student newspaper under a male pseudonym, feels like she isn't appreciated by the know-it-all editors and decides to do something about it.    She decides to go undercover at an all-boys boarding school to figure out the male psyche. (I know tough assignment!) Anyways, after finding out she's rooming with Emilio, the sensitive and sexy doormie (cue Channing Tatum), the reader knows that she's in for a challenge.
     Overall, I really liked the book, but was somewhat disappointed by Natalie's letter towards the end of the book and thought that author, Jody Gehrman, could have delved a little deeper into the "male world" than she did. But with it's hijinks and humor, Babe in Boyland is sure to be a hit with teenage girls.

Guest Review (Kaylee): Wish

Title:  Wish
Author:  Joseph Monninger


     From GoodReads, "Bee’s brother, Tommy, knows everything there is to know about sharks. He also knows that his life will be cut short by cystic fibrosis. And so does Bee.

That’s why she wants to make his wish-foundation-sponsored trip to swim with a great white shark an unforgettable memory.

But wishes don’t always come true. At least, not as expected. Only when Bee takes Tommy to meet a famous shark attack survivor and hard-core surfer does Tommy have the chance to live one day to the fullest.

And in the sun-kissed ocean off a California beach, Bee discovers that she has a few secret wishes of her own. . . . "


     After talking about elements of great story openings last week in class, I can honestly say that Wish does not have many of the elements, but is a book that you should keep reading because it does get better after a slow opening.  Wish should appeal to readers that like realistic fiction because it is written in a way that makes you feel like you are part of the action.
     The main character, Bee, is very believable and Tommy is a sweet little boy who is pretty mature for his age, which I think is due to his life-threatening condition.  I would recommend reading this book because it makes you appreciate all of the things in life that you might take for granted.

Review: One Night That Changes Everything

Title:  One Night That Changes Everything
Author:  Lauren Barnholdt


     From GoodReads, "Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen—the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper. 

Like it’s not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They’re giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they’ll post her secrets online—including the ones that aren’t just about her.

Eliza’s sure of only one thing: she isn’t going down without a fight. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide … "


     I was so excited to read Lauren Barnholdt’s latest book.  As usual she didn’t disappoint me!  One Night That Changes Everything had all of her writing qualities present.  Her books always have excitement, romance and suspense.  Every time I read her books I lose a little sleep because I can’t put it down.    One Night That Changes Everything is about a girl named Eliza and her quest to hide her most precious secrets.  To make matters worse her ex-boyfriend Cooper has to follow her around for the night. By the end of the night she learns a lot about herself and the others around her.  I would highly recommend any books that Lauren Barnholdt has written.

Review: The Duff

Title:  The Duff
Author:  Kody Keplinger


     From GoodReads, "Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face. 

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley. 

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone."

     There are some books that once you pick up, it is difficult to put them down... for me, this was that book.  I started the book at 9:00 p.m. and finished at around 1:30 a.m.  The Duff was quickly paced and I couldn't wait to see what happened.  I was very surprised to find out that author, Kody Keplinger, isn't that far out of high school.  

     The main character, Bianca, is extremely sarcastic.  So much so that some people reading the book might not like her too much.  I like her sarcastic nature.  She's the girl in high school that says what's on her mind and that you wish you could be more like.  Underneath her sarcastic attitude lies a girl that is afraid to let people in, including both her family and friends.  Bianca's nemesis in the book is Wesley, the bad boy that is known for his non-committed relationships (that's teacher-speak for one-night-stands!)  The bickering between these two was constant and often hilarious.  There was always an underlying chemistry between them that made me as a reader know that something was up between these two.  

     As a parent and teacher, I was surprised by some of the language and content in the book, however, I'm sure that some teens will appreciate Kody Kepplinger's honesty and strait-forwardness regarding these issues.  

Review: Cold Hands, Warm Heart

Title:  Cold Hands, Warm Heart
Author:  Jill Wolfson


     From GoodReads, "Dani was born with her heart on the wrong side of her body. In her fifteen years of life, she’s had more doctor’s appointments, X-rays, and tests, and eaten more green hospital Jell-O than she cares to think about. Fourteen-year-old Amanda is a competitive gymnast, her body a small package of sleek muscles, in perfect health. The two girls don’t know each other, don’t go to the same school, don’t have any friends in common. But their lives are about to collide."


     This novel did something that a lot of novels do not, it made me act.  Many good novels make you ponder and think of something in a different light and this novel did this as well for me, but it also made me act... by checking the organ donation box when renewing my driver's license.  I will never think of organ donation quite the same way after reading this book.  This is the amazing story of a fourteen-year-old girl who is seriously injured in a gymnastics accident.  Her family decides to donate her organs and the story continues through the eyes of the recipients of said organs and also the story of the gymnasts older brother.  This novel could have easily switched to something more sugary, but the author, Wolfson, stayed true to the characters of the book and made them heart-wrenchingly believable.  I was truly inspired reading this book and I think many others will be too.  I was happy to see that this novel is nominated for the 2012 Nebraska Golden Sower award in the Young Adult category and I am eager to get it in the hands of many readers.

Review: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters

Title:  Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters
Author:  Natalie Standiford


     From GoodReads, "The Sullivan sisters have a big problem. On Christmas Day their rich and imperious grandmother gathers the family and announces that she will soon die . . .and has cut the entire family out of her will. Since she is the source of almost all their income, this means they will soon be penniless.

Someone in the family has offended her deeply. If that person comes forward with a confession of her (or his) crime, submitted in writing to her lawyer by New Year's Day, she will reinstate the family in her will. Or at least consider it.

And so the confessions begin...."

     As a mother I was intrigued about the confessions of three teenage girls.  It was interesting to ride along with each daughter and hear each thought and indiscretion each revealed.  I kept reading to see which one I felt had done the most damage and who could be the one to offend their grandmother.  Reading each confession you could see how different each daughter was and the different perception of  what could have been the offending incident.   I also liked how each girl learned, healed and felt remorse on their confessions.  The end was unexpected and surprising which definitely left me smiling as I closed the book.

 

Review: Bruiser

Title:  Bruiser
Author:  Neal Shusterman


     From GoodReads, "Tennyson:Don't get me started on the Bruiser. He was voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty" by the entire school. He's the kid no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone hears disturbing rumors about. So why is my sister, BrontË, dating him? One of these days she's going to take in the wrong stray dog, and it's not going to end well.BrontË:My brother has no right to talk about Brewster that way—no right to threaten him. There's a reason why Brewster can't have friends—why he can't care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can't be explained. I know, because they're happening to me.Award-winning author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love."


     In 2008, Neal Shusterman's The Schwa Was Here, was nominated for the Nebraska Golden Sower Award.  Prior to the nomination, I had never read any books by Neal Shusterman, however, I liked the book so much, picking up Bruiser, was an easy choice.  I think what I like most about Shusterman, is the way that he speaks to his readers without preaching his point.  He also doesn't talk down to his readers and assumes that they will be able to understand his intricately woven language or at least look up some of the words  (I admittedly do this at times).  
     Bruiser started out with such brutal reality that I couldn't wait to see what happened.  It did take awhile for me to figure out what the deal was and I will admit that once I figured out what was really going on, I almost put down the book.  I am glad that I finished it though because it turned out to be an intense story on just how deep the power of love and friendship can go.  

Review: The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

Title:  The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin
Author:  Josh Berk


     From GoodReads, "Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .) 

Those who prefer their heroes to be not-so-usual and with a side of wiseguy will gobble up this witty, geeks-rule debut."

     I wasn't sure whether or not I would like this book after I read the description, but decided to give it a try.  I must say that I am really glad I did.  I must say that I really enjoyed that the main character, Will Halpin, has a disability, but doesn't let that keep him from trying new things... so much so that he transfers from a deaf school to a public school.  I loved Will's sense of humor and found myself laughing out loud from his sarcastic humor.  It also helped that his sidekick, Devon Smiley, is the coolest geek I've read about in years. The book was incredible... funny, mysterious, and typical (or not) teenage drama!  I would highly recommend reading it.