Review: Girl Overboard

Marina loves marine biology and her boyfriend. She's taking a six week course to see which one she loves more. Originally, Marina and her boyfriend were going to go to college together far away from landlocked Vermont. But his plans change when his mom uncovers a deadly illness. Now, Marina's not sure if she can give up her dreams and stay with him. This is her one chance to figure out her future.

The boat, an amazing luxurious ship, will sail through the Caribbean from Miami to the Bahamas, to Utila, and to the Dominican Republic before heading home. There the students from all over the world will have a chance to swim with dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Each student will have an opportunity to interact with one of these animals in their habitat while learning marine biologist tasks.

Marina meets people with her same interests and begins to form bonds. She loves her roommate. She meets a boy who makes it clear that he's interested in her. Marina also attempts to stay in touch with Damon during her course. He's not very talkative and they can't seem to connect. Is this course a sign they're not meant to be together?


My Thoughts: I LOVE this series and for some reason, I missed this one. Now I've read them all. I liked this one, but not as much as the others mainly because the romance didn't ring as true to me. I think this is because I really didn't like Link. I loved reading about the S.A.S.S. program - the marine biology course in the Caribbean.

The Cover: Cute and flirty.

Source: My Library

Other books in series: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/html/youngreaders/features-sass.html

Review: Up Over Down Under

Eliza's dad works for the EPA in Washington D.C.. He's a highly respected position, which means Eliza's behavior plays a factor in his profile. As a result, she's been the perfect daughter, but when an opportunity arises for an exchange program, she's thrilled to be on her own down under. Billie, on the other hand, can't wait to become involved with the political aspect of saving the environment. She's taken a hands-on approach in the past, but now she can actually make a difference. Both girls couldn't be happier about the exchange, but things don't turn out as planned. Eliza gets herself into hot water break the rules for a boy while Billie grows frustrated with the time it takes to make anything happen in the political world. Before she knows it, she's headed for trouble. Will the time in different countries change the girls' outlook on life and jeopardize their place in the hosting home?

Up Over Down Under is part of the S.A.S.S. series (which I Love), but this is even better as it's a bonus book - two stories in one and it doesn't disappoint. I love the exploring new countries, new friendships, new families, and new boys. I loved how the stories intertwined because it deepened the story.

*book provided by authors at the ALA Midwinter Tweet up*

Where I got it signed and met Noah Harland who was really nice. Then we chatted a bit on twitter after the event where he mentioned that this is his first book and that he mostly wrote Eliza's adventure while Micol Ostow (author of the first S.A.S.S. book Westminster Abby and Crush Du Jour - awesome books btw) wrote Billie's story.

Great Call of China

Cece's spending the summer in China - the nation of her birth. She was adopted when she was 2 years old. For her, it's more than just coming home; she's out to find her beginnings. While there, she's enrolled in the S.A.S.S. summer program. She's really looking forward to digging up the history of China and learning all that she can. Plus it doesn't hurt that she's caught the eye of the cutest boy in the program. Her roommate is a bit of a flake. Her expectations of China didn't prepare her for reality, but she's still having the time of her life. She's just not sure if she's brave enough to tackle finding out about her past. Will she miss her one chance?

I LOVE the S.A.S.S. series, each is written in a different place with a different author. I confess, I look for each new one. This one was awesome - heart wrenching (I did shed some tears). I love the culture shock and the friendships formed. Plus the Wall scene REALLY made me want to do the same thing - great writing!

Check out the author Cynthea Liu's site for more details, including an awesome video.