Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Kerry Chaput's novel Chasing Eleanor focuses on Magnolia Parker and her struggle during the Great Depression. Magnolia's father abandoned the family, and her mother lapsed into depression, refusing to get out of bed. Magnolia did her best to provide for her two younger brothers, despite her mother's insistence that she would fail. When her mother died, Magnolia searched for a job. Mrs. Baxter offered to help her find employment and she became a housekeeper at the Pilot Butte Inn. Eleanor Roosevelt stopped at the inn, and Magnolia spoke to her. That evening Magnolia searched for her brothers and found them as a lightning storm started a forest fire. The following morning, Magnolia took her brothers to work with her. The inn fired her and once again she appealed to Mrs. Baxter for help. Mrs. Baxter assisted them but was unable to keep the family together. Upset, Magnolia sets out to find her brothers and Eleanor.

Chasing Eleanor is about a damaged heart. Magnolia's feeling of self-worth was so broken that her inability to trust others was a reflection of her state of mind. Her need to be in charge was to her detriment. When she asked for help, it didn't always come in a form that allowed her to control the situation. It also didn't occur to her that perhaps her brothers needed more than she could provide for them. Her father's abandonment and her mother's inability to show love crippled the entire family. I felt a ray of hope during Magnolia’s journey to reconnect with Eleanor Roosevelt. The supporting characters were vividly described and provided important encouragement to help Magnolia process her pain. I recommend Chasing Eleanor to readers who enjoy books that show progress in overcoming poverty and dire situations set during the Great Depression.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Shadow Runner by K.J. Fieler is a coming-of-age adventure story about Ada, a young girl taken from her affluent life and turned into an assassin. Ada is just ten years old when she is snatched away from her dysfunctional yet rich family by Nadine, a mistress with big aspirations for Ada. She teaches Ada how to steal and fight without getting caught, and Ada keeps these lessons close to her heart. Blood, hunger, and fighting become a regular part of Ada’s life. As a pawn in a dark and twisted organization for which she is just another fighting body, Ada learns to adapt. However, the real trouble begins when she comes of age and wants more for her life. Instead of the blood and the predatory behavior that is ingrained in her young mind, Ada wants something else. She can escape at the cost of the two people who mean the world to her. Will Ada be able to leave the shadows behind?

Gripping and gritty, Shadow Runner had my attention from the get-go. Set in 19th-century society but with a twist, the story opens with plenty of drama that made me sympathize with Ada. Losing her mother unsettled the family dynamic. Her father isn’t very attentive, and Ada wants that desperately. Even though Nadine mysteriously kidnaps her, she gets the attention and the purpose she desires. It is surprising, but she thrives in the dark and dingy atmosphere where she has to fight for everything so readily available to her before she was kidnapped. The story is sometimes dark and gruesome, but it is perfect nonetheless. K. J. Fieler ensures we are immersed in the action and drama from the very beginning. I enjoyed the intensity of the pace and how well it is crafted around Ada. Her growth directly impacts the story and made it better!

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Freeze Frame is a young adult coming-of-age novel by Tyler Beauchamp. Sixteen-year-old Will Horner is ready for a fresh start as a new student at Pinehurst Arts School. Plagued by visions and memories of his past, Will is eager to leave it all behind and pursue his dream of being a filmmaker. However, his father is firmly against any filmmaking endeavor, which he believes triggers Will's episodes. Soon, Will finds himself in the company of a talented group of individuals, each pursuing their medium of artistic expression. Will and his friends begin working on a short film project to win the prestigious PACA award, only to find themselves at a direct crossroads with famous YouTuber Rodrigo Silva and his Content Crew. Can Will and his friends make their movie? How will it be received?

Author Tyler Beauchamp sheds light on serious mental health issues with this poignant coming-of-age tale bound to tug at your heartstrings. Freeze Frame is about overcoming the odds to pursue one's dreams. Beauchamp's novel paints a moving portrait of teenage friendships, romance, and rivalry. The narrative has a nice flow and is complemented by a story filled with heart, humor, and drama. But it was the characters who stole the show. Beauchamp has crafted some believably nuanced characters who feel like actual teenagers. The way Will and his friends act and talk feels authentic, and the issues they face are the same real-life ones teenagers deal with. I thoroughly enjoyed Freeze Frame and highly recommend it to readers who love coming-of-age stories featuring compelling characters.

Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

On the Waterfront by Mike McCoy is the coming-of-age story of thirteen-year-old Danny Novak, a child of divorced parents in the early 70s who was eager to get away from his unhappy family by getting a job as a summer camp staffer. He first saw it as a welcome adventure and a good source of income before being awakened by the reality of hard kitchen labor and fitting into a dreadful place littered with bullies and weirdos. On the other hand, Danny did acquire some skills and did a lot of useful, amusing, and even forbidden stuff in camp. Most of all, he valued the chance to work on the waterfront, where things were more intriguing. Before being awarded the mile swim badge, Danny had to train under the meanest but most misunderstood boy who worked on the waterfront, Mark Colby. He was tough on Danny at first, but as they continued to deal with the mishaps, difficult situations, and the people at Camp Baker, Mark proved to be a trustworthy friend. Their common quest and struggles brought them closer and made them share the belief that a life of suffering can lead to a meaningful life. Years later, Danny would realize that what ultimately helped him mature in confidence, strength, and perspective was brought about by the imperfections, sufferings, devastation, and loss he had during that unforgettable 1972 summer. It was a pivotal time that made him see that learning and growing continue for our entire lives.

On the Waterfront is a semi-autobiographical short novel by Mike McCoy, with some people and circumstances being based on real-life experiences he had as a Scout in Camp Baker. Written from the first person point of view, the author has exploited this so the reader can easily step inside Danny Novak's thoughts and feel his emotions. It can be both comedic and heartbreaking to share the experiences of a young man who tries to grow up on his own. The author has a conversational and engaging style that uses a lot of teen slang at times and descriptive figures of speech on occasion. It has a deeply personal tone, easy pacing, and good character development that shape the narrative. The book's 70s pop culture references and activities are filled with nostalgia. If you are open-minded about what is sometimes regarded as the appalling immaturity of a teenage mind and are generally a fan of the coming-of-age genre, this book is for you. It's a sentimental, sometimes funny, poignant, and bittersweet short novel, which makes it an entertaining and even memorable read.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Queering: The Life and Death of Brooke Skipstone by Brooke Skipstone, is a lesbian romance novel written for young adults. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Taylor MacKenzie is a seventy-year-old grandmother, teacher, and writer who lives in Clear, Alaska. A closet lesbian, she finds happiness by writing lesbian and gay romance novels using Brooke Skipstone as a pen name. The name belongs to her late lover and best friend in college. Eager to reveal herself now as a writer of these novels and hoping for acceptance, she writes her autobiography focusing on her time with Brooke. Her husband Marshall accuses her of promoting a perverse lifestyle, and Levi, a local homophobic podcaster, exposes her identity to their conservative community. Her past also catches up with her as her homicidal brother, who just got out of prison, tries to locate her. Can she finally find the freedom and acceptance denied to her for such a long time?

Brooke Skipstone’s The Queering is a passionate romance novel with a strong gay theme. The author weaves together an intricate tapestry with several compelling characters forced to hide their true sexuality. This narrative has many unexpected twists and turns that will ensure the reader’s undivided attention. It’s an inspiring and unique story that pays tribute to gay love. When Taylor MacKenzie decided to write her autobiography, she was also trying to override the prejudices of society and that was a difficult and dangerous task. There is tension from the novel’s first page, and it’s palpable up to the end. With engaging dialogue and vivid literary style, it’s easy to be caught up in the lives of the characters. This emotive story about identity, friendship, and genuine love is beautifully written.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill transports you over 200 years into the future. Here, freedom and privacy are ancient memories. Everything that you do, even the slightest contact with anyone across the street, is closely monitored by AIs. Suppose you deviate from the city's terms by acting out of your own personal will? In that case, you risk years of being locked away in a camp, doing hard manual labor from sunup to sundown under brutal supervision, if not lowering your social credit rating. But is anyone in this world strong-willed and daring enough to represent those of us who so dearly wish that we need and deserve to be ourselves but are scared of being locked up? There is one. Although Kim works at The AI Company's regional headquarters and has even recently been promoted, she suffers from an emptiness that cannot be filled by her mind-blowingly intelligent refrigerator that knows what food is good for her health or the virtual reality ballgames. Grab a copy of this book to join Kim as she goes rogue and embarks on an adventure that leads to self-discovery.

The plot is relatively fast-paced, and the author's ability to inform the reader about this futuristic world takes you on a whirlwind trip right from the first chapter. Here, you will visualize Kim arguing with her ever-stubborn refrigerator that wants her to have tofu daily. You will also wish you had Kim's coffee maker, which springs into action even before she wakes up. Craig W. Stanfill did a good job reflecting on broken family ties and how they affect a child's upbringing. I felt sorry for Kim and everyone in the city who was forcefully taken from their birthmother at the tender age of four. I was also overwhelmed with emotion when Kim, as a child, was forced by her mentor to suppress every emotion, be it anger or happiness. I so dearly wished I could creep in and give Kim's heartless mentor the scolding of a lifetime. Terms of Service reads like a stream of consciousness as a young woman who has carried pain through many years of oppression gives us the hope that one day she might get the freedom to think for herself. This intriguing adventure ends with a satisfying conclusion that will leave you wanting to read the story again. Pick up a copy and enjoy.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Lost in The Ark by Val Agnew is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores family, faith, religion, and independence. Kate Bennett and her sisters learned three things from their mother: how to cook, how to clean a house, and most importantly, to leave her the hell alone. But when her mother succumbs to a blood clot in her brain, Kate remembers a pastor’s voice reverberating in her head: Trust God to smash obstacles. Kate had been dreaming of joining a religious organization called The Ark. Now that her mother is no longer around to forbid her from joining what she believed is a cult, there’s no stopping Kate from what she thinks is the fulfillment of her dream and her escape from her dysfunctional family. Within the confines of The Ark, Kate experiences the opposite of what she has always perceived the organization to be.

Lost in The Ark is a tale that may become widely shared much like Go Ask Alice. It serves as a reality check for young readers as to what happens when they fall short of managing their independence. Similarly, it teaches everyone to exercise critical thinking when it comes to charismatic leaders and the institutions they represent. There’s often something fishy about the business of salvation, the people who sell it, and why many of us are drawn to it. Val Agnew presents a strong narrative in short chapters that sustain your interest in the plot and keep you turning pages. It doesn’t take too long before you understand the aesthetic, moral, and pedagogic value of the storyline. It’s easy to remember The Ark’s stance on homosexuality is based on their literal interpretation of Scripture, one that begins to push Kate into doubt. This read is engrossing and it’s worth your time.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Melvin, the teen protagonist of The Accidental Summoning by Kos Play, is bullied daily, and his mom works too much. One day, his life changes in a rather unexpected way. He learns that magic is real. All he needs is a teacher to show him how it all works. Even though he has no experience, he attempts a summoning ritual to find the right teacher. He was hoping for someone like Gandalf. Instead, he gets a teenage girl upset about being pulled into another world. She’s not a wise teacher but knows she needs to teach Melvin about magic; otherwise, he can’t send her back home. Unfortunately, Melvin is unique and quickly attracts the attention of less-than-savory characters. Will Kalli go back to her world? Will Melvin master magic?

The Accidental Summoning is the first book in the System School series by Kos Play and ends on a note that isn’t a mean cliffhanger. However, it’s an ending that makes you want to read more. When I arrived at the end of the story, I was a bit sad because I quite liked being in the company of the characters even though they were so much younger than me. This is a lovely story with a good mix of fantasy, adventure, some action, a hint of funny romance, and a bit of coming of age. The two main characters are lovable, and you’ll care about what happens to them. I’m a fan of RPGs, so I enjoyed the idea of RPG elements becoming a part of real life. Implementing that idea was great, and I enjoyed every chapter.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Wow! What a fantastic magical adventure! This was the main thought that kept running through my mind as I read this brilliant piece of work by Derrick Smythe. In his book The Other Way (Passage to Dawn Book 2) the magical system in that world is brimming with artistic beauty. You will never tire of its splendor, which includes a magical hidden city, a dragon-like creature with two legs and a spiked tail, and brave warriors whose love for their kingdom will warm your heart. However, evil forces led by Magog, the demon God-king, threaten to consume this world's future. All hope is not lost, as it is expected that a prophecy will come to pass which predicted that a slave boy named Kibure will be the salvation. The She'yar, a group of women who believe Kibure is the true messiah, take him to Purgemon, a hidden island, where he learns how to control his magical ability. To defeat evil, Kibure must collaborate with others, including other magic users such as Lumáles and a disgraced priestess. However, they are dispersed and separated. How will they come together? Will Kibure master his magic before the conflict starts?

In The Other Way (Passage to Dawn Book 2), Derrick Smythe lights a brand-new flame in the magical realm to create a spellbinding tale. He maintains the book's allure by establishing several fascinating relationships between the characters, besides engrossing the reader in the exciting action. This maintains a steady pace while requiring the reader to review the lessons they have learned. Derrick also did a fantastic job of developing characters. We grow to like their personalities as we follow their exploits and they realize their true potential. We also become more excited as we root for their successes and feel sorry for them when things don't go their way. The author's masterful use of descriptive language dramatizes the events and creates an enthralling world for the reader. This feature contributed significantly. The structural organization used to orchestrate the work is unique and admirable. He divided the main subject into clearly defined chapter breaks, which were reinforced by a lovely prologue that summarized the story. There was nothing about the book that I didn't like. Instead, I thought it was a fantastic read that anyone looking for a compelling narrative, especially those who enjoy paranormal fantasy wouldn't want to miss.

Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

Stealing Freedom by Sylvia Leontaritis is filled with history, romance, and adventure. The story takes place during the buildup to World War II on the Greek island of Kalymnos, which was under an Italian occupying force. Popi, a sixteen-year-old girl, loves her Greek island world and is determined to save it from the Italians. She joins the resistance, along with a few of her girlfriends, and provides information to the leaders in a unique way. Her life becomes more complicated when she is helped by an Italian soldier and begins to fall in love with him. As the conflict intensifies between the islanders and the soldiers, where will Popi's loyalties lie?

I was totally immersed in Sylvia Leontaritis's book Stealing Freedom. Leontaritis's descriptions of the beautiful Greek island and culture swept me away to a different place and time. Popi is a strong female character who cherishes her culture's traditions but is not afraid to push the boundaries as a young woman with a passion. I loved so many things about this book; the unique way that messages were passed, the realization that people are often more complicated than we think, and the importance of cherishing the old but embracing the new. Popi and her brother Kosta come of age in a dangerous and challenging time. Leontaritis tells their story authentically with all the range of emotions that entails. She captures the overwhelming feeling that first love brings as well. Stealing Freedom is an outstanding historical fiction novel that will have readers eagerly turning the pages.