Monday, April 11, 2011

Rock Star by Adrian Chamberlain

Published by Orca Book Publishers
Published on March 1, 2010

Rock Star by Adrian Chamberlain is about a teenage boy struggling in school and at home. He is attempting to find meaning in his life. Duncan turns from a bass guitar player in his school's orchestra to a rock star by joining a heavy metal band. In his transition to fame, Duncan becomes too preoccupied with his stardom and begins to lose his friends ans his father's respect. With the help of his father's girlfriend, Duncan is able o find balance and discover there is more to becoming a guitar hero than just playing in a band. This 114 page novel exposes the challenges and heartache of adolescence. I would recommend this book for young adults ages 13-16.

Ellen M., Age 16

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Best Foot Forward by Joan Bauer

Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons
Published on June 7, 2005

Best Foot Forward by Joan Bauer is about a teenage girl, Jenna Boller, who is attempting to recover from the death of a friend and find closure regarding her father's imprisonment. Jenna is a member of Al-Anon, which helps people who have alcoholics in their lives. She also works at a shoe store, Gladstone  Shoes. Jenna's father is in prison after she turned him in for driving while drunk. Work keeps her busy and also keeps her mind off her father. Her life becomes even more complicated when she meets Tanner Cobb, who was caught stealing. He gets a job at Gladstone Shoes in order to make up for what he has done. This 181 page novel is a quick read and exposes the challenges many young people face. I would recommend this coming of age book to young adults ages 12 to 15 who enjoy inspirational stories about characters their own age.

Ellen M., age 16