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.

Books Round up number 2

Solomon aka Shifty can talk his way out of most situations. However, this new foster home begins to test his limits. Shifty finds himself telling more lies and trying to get out more situations - mostly due to driving the van - without a license. When a new social worker comes knocking on the door, Shifty does his best to try to smooth things over. He feels lucky to be living with Martha and his foster siblings. But helping out around the house means taking the van which only brings trouble. Soon Shifty's in so deep, he doesn't know what to do next. He's trying to help out an elderly woman in the hospital, entertain his sister, and help keep the social worker from discovering any demerits. Can he keep his new family together?

I wish the cover of this book had been a little different, maybe with a city scene in the background. I have a hard time thinking teens will pick this book up on its own. However, once they do, they will be hooked. I was drawn into the book because Shifty kept getting into situations that needed some sweet talking. The drama and seriousness of the situation pulled at my heartstrings and it's a great read for teens digging urban realistic fiction.

Try Also: Tyrell
Snitch
and 13 Reasons Why

For her sweet sixteen party, Ashley's father sent her and a group of friends on cruise in the Bahammas. On the first day she realizes that she's not happy with her boyfriend (especially with so many other cute boys on board). They break up, leaving her free to flirt with Logan, who works on the ship. Ashley's having a great time except for the fact that someone's out to get even with her. At first, she thinks she's just being paranoid because of the missing girl from last year's cruise she just heard about, but then she faces the facts. A loosened balacony rail, a message in lipstick on her mirror, her dress torn to shreds, and a boulder almost crushing her leads her imagination running wild. She's so focused on her "accidents" that it barely leaves her time for fun with her girlfriends. Could her life really be in danger?

I waited for this book to come out and I'm excited to read more of her work. I really like mysteries and I'm happy that a bunch of teen mysteries are appearing. This book was good, except that I was 90% sure of the ending about halfway through the book. I wish that the ending of the book had played more into the suspect list, which was short. Romance and suspense make for a fast and fun read.

Try Also: Sleepless
A Year in Europe
and Wuthering High