
17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus #1)
Book
"My name is Prudence Penderhaus. I've never done anything remarkable. Never even bothered to look...
Young Adult Mystery

Never Hurt Me (The Wish Makers, #3)
Book
Everyone has a wish. Desiree’s just got real. For years, hippie-genie Desiree has been living...
Young Adult Fantasy

Bound to Survive (The Magic Within #1)
Book
In a realm where wizards govern, treachery is about to descend... Born of prophecy, a boy is torn...
Young Adult Fantasy Action and Adventure

The Legend of the Lost Child
Book
Life has never been easy for Jace, but things have quickly become more complicated. With a new...
fantasy young adult
People grieve in many different ways, as Shari Arnold shows in her young adult novel <i>Neverland</i>. It has been four months since seventeen-year-old Livy lost her little sister Jenna to leukemia. Her mother has become a workaholic, her father a ghost, but Livy has become determined to help as many sick children as she can, either by reading to them or becoming a bone marrow donor. Livy’s life revolves solely around the children at the hospital but things begin to change when she meets the mysterious Meyer who takes her out of her comfort zone and challenges her to have fun.
As suggested by the title, <i>Neverland</i> is based upon the well-known story of Peter Pan. Meyer, like Peter, loves an adventure and whisks Livy away to do things she would never have thought to do on her own. By showing Livy how to have fun, Meyer hopes to encourage her to move on, but the big question is, is Livy ready to live without her sister?
The first part of the book has a contemporary setting that makes the story appear to be the typical girl meets boy who makes everything better type of novel, however the second section is completely different. Part two is so full of fantasy and magical ideas that it feels like a completely different book. Initially it was exciting when Meyer was something of an enigma, but suddenly the story becomes childish and fake once his true identity has been revealed, thus making the novel less gripping.
Nonetheless, <i>Neverland</i> is very moving as is anything regarding the death of young children. Arnold provides an interesting retelling of the delightful fairytale giving a totally new meaning to the children who do not grow up. Those who enjoy contemporary and fantasy novels will enjoy both elements however some readers expecting a young adult love story may be disappointed with the unrealistic turn the novel takes part way through.

Restore Me: Shatter Me Book 4
Book
The book that all SHATTER ME fans have been waiting for is finally here. The fourth incredible...
science fiction fantasy young adult

The Midnight Peacock: The Sinclair's Mysteries
Book
A fast-paced historical mystery adventure for readers aged 9+ years, with gorgeous Edwardian period...
young adult crime

Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Furyborn: Empirium Trilogy Book 1 in Books
Jul 10, 2018
My rating would be a 4.5 but since I cannot do a half star I'm going to round up to 5. The plot was fascinating and I loved all of the characters that I read. This book was jam packed with action, swoon worthy heroes, and some really powerful women. I loved that Rielle & Eliana had their flaws and I loved that we got to know them on a fundemental level. It was fun to see the growth in them.
All in all, I really liked this story. I probably wouldn't consider it young adult though. I think it belongs in the adult fantasy section.

Children and Vulnerable Witnesses in Court Proceedings
Book
Children Panel solicitors, local authority lawyers, children's social care workers and CAFCASS may...

Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) in Books
Feb 19, 2018
I liked Alina from her first appearance as a young orphan. She’s smart and wily, and it seems like she is the one instigating if she and her friend Mal end up in trouble. She’s neither whiny, nor arrogant and entitled like she could have been growing up an orphan in a Duke’s home. Rather than feel sorry for herself, she grows into a young woman willing to accept the life that she’s been given, never thinking of herself as anything particularly special. She isn’t perfect; she can be naive, but then learns from her mistakes.
I have to admit that I knew almost nothing about this book going in. I was attracted to the cover (which I kept seeing everywhere), so when Barnes and Noble had the Nook book on sale, I decided I’d finally check it out. What I found was a tale of friendship, betrayal, love, and adventure. I wasn’t disappointed, and if you are a fan of Young Adult, Fantasy, or are just looking for a unique adventure, I don’t think you will be either.