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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tween Tuesday Review: Secret Saturdays

Justin and Sean are tight. They've been best friends for two years. They live in the same building. They're mothers are both single moms, raising their sons. They both love to rap.

But lately, something's changed between them. Justin realizes that Sean's pulling away. He canceled on their Friday night plans with a lame excuse, but Justin saw his friend going somewhere with his mother.

Before long, Sean's putting other kids down and getting into fights. Justin isn't sure what to do. He wants to ask Sean what's going on, but Sean's doesn't seem interested in sharing his secret. Can Justin convince their other two friends to help him figure out what's going on with Sean?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this urban read. I liked the relationship between the boys - how close they were and yet how far apart they started growing. I love how Maldonado defines friendship - the ups and the downs. I liked how the three boys spent the weekend together, playing video games, listening to music, and creating their own music. I loved the creativity of their lyrics. There's a strong section on the book about bullies - being a bully and being a victim.  A strong tween book for readers about friendship, urban life, and bullies.

Cover Thoughts: I love the paperback version (above) so much better than the hardcover. I think this really grabs the eye.
Source: My Library

Fun Fact: I heard Torrey Maldonado speak at the YA Lit Symposium in a panel on Boys and Reading. He was a marvelous speaker.

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