Lupe, nicknamed Tiger, takes a dare to climb a tree. Careless, and carefree, Lupe falls from the tree and becomes paralyzed from the waist down. Lupe is at first depressed and unwilling to accept her disability to get on with life. At a rehabilitation center she discovers her "calling" and is able to accept her disability. I found this a surprisingly enjoyable read.
Reed Reads Score: 4
Thomas Wisdom is a seemingly perfect person, living in a seemingly perfect family. Influenced by his best friend, Thomas begins to question his perfect world. Two discoveries turn his life upside down, forcing Thomas to make decisions that have cosmic implications. A great read for science fiction fans. Forces the reader to think (as all good science fiction does). My only problem with the book is that Thomas is mature far beyond his twelve years.
Reed Reads Score: 4.5
Roberta's mother was murdered seven years ago. Her father has gone into the arcade business with his brother. Roberta and her family run the arcade. What follows is a myriad of events that eventually lead to Roberta's solution to her mother's murder. The problem with the book is how long it takes, and all the side stories the reader must get through to come to the solution. Read Tangerine , a far superior work by Bloor.
Reed Reads Score: 1.5
Tyler is forced to spend his summer vacation with uncle Pete, who happens to be a writer for a hit television comedy. Tyler decides that he wants to audition for a new part on the show. Readers will be interested in the somewhat contrived way of telling how a TV show is produced. It is no surprise that Mr. Atinsky writes for television. The book will hold your interest, is funny and at times warm.
Reed Reads Score: 3
Wil is forced to move to a small rural town, leaving friends and school. What at first seems dreadful turns into an adventure of self discovery when Wil finds a small island in a lake. He discovers a special place for learning, contemplation and a new awareness of himself, nature, new found friends and family.
Reed Reads Score: 3.5
America is a multiracial foster child who has fallen through the cracks of the system. Chapters are "then" and "now", the now chapters detailing his experience in an institution and his visits with Dr.B, a psychologist. The then chapters detail what happened to cause him to be institutionalized. Sad, difficult, and heart wrenching. Not for those who like happy stories. Recommended for 8th grade or mature readers because of strong language and mature themes.
Reed Reads Score: 4
Leo's life changed 4 years ago when his younger sister was brutally murdered. His family is destroyed and his mother becomes psychotic. Leo's mother blames him and beats him. In a sudden loss of sanity, Leo drives around, sees a girl and decides to abduct and murder her. The evening they spend together changes both of their lives. At once, horrifying and touching.
Reed Reads Score: 4
Jason is the last to see 7 year old Alicia alive. The police want a suspect and determine, with no evidence, that Jason committed the crime. The police call in Trent, a master of interrogation, who always gets a confession. The interrogation begins, becoming an interrogation that will change both of their lives forever. Powerful and disturbing. Best for mature readers. The last book by the late Robert Cormier, the author who broke new ground in young adult fiction with The Chocolate War.
Reed Reads Score: 4.5
