Tricks (YA) (4.5/5)
Even though I knew to expect grit and hard to read content, since I've read all of her books, Hopkins tricked me with Tricks as it was more gritty and horrific than I expected. Told in alternating narration, this book investigates how teenagers end up in the world of prostitution. Horrific to read at times, this book is extremely powerful. I look forward to her new book in the fall.
I own this book.
High Heels are Murder (4.5/5)
Second in a cozy mystery series, Josie returns in this book to continue mystery shopping while trying to clear her mean neighbor's daughter of being a murder suspect. Cheryl is accused of murdering Mel, a shoe salesman with a foot fetish. I enjoy this series and will continue with it.
I got this book from paperbackswap.com
Beanball (YA) (4.5/5)
A verse novel, this book tells the story of Luke, a good high school baseball player and how he is hit in the head with a pitch. Alternating narrators (Luke, his parents, his teammates, the opposing team etc) tell the tale of that itch and the aftermath. A good, quick read.
I borrowed this book from the public library.
All the Broken Pieces (YA) (4.5/5)
A verse novel, this book tells the story of Matt Pin, a teenager whose childhood was in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He faces prejudice in school, hurt feelings of his mom sending him away, and guilt about leaving his younger brother behind. Matt begins to participate in a Vietnam Vets support group and his caring adoptive parents, baseball coach and music instructor help him sort out his feelings about things. A good read.
This Full House (YA) (4.5/5)The third book in the series that began with the book Making Lemonade. This verse novel has LaVaughn accepted into an advanced Science program that help her chances of getting into college and starting a new life. Jolly and her children play a pivotal role in this book. I don't think it is necessary to have read books 1 and 2 before this one.
I borrowed this book from my public library.
The Coven (YA) (4.5/5)
Second in a ya series. Morgan is 16 and has recently found out she is a witch. In this book, she continues to discover more about her heritage and her parents. This was a quick read and I will continue with this series. There are 13 or 14 books in this series, I believe.
I borrowed this book from our public library.
