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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/everything-that-was&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81l0XZd7KpL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Everything That Was by K.R. Hansen delves deep into the layers of grief, memory, and the longing for connection in the wake of unimaginable loss. Prudence "Pru" Spellmeyer is navigating her senior year in high school after the tragic death of her older brother, Davis. This disorienting journey unfolds through Pru’s struggle to deal with her grief...){kind=link}
Everything That Was
K.R. Hansen
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Everything That Was by K.R. Hansen delves deep into the layers of grief, memory, and the longing for connection in the wake of unimaginable loss. Prudence "Pru" Spellmeyer is navigating her senior year in high school after the tragic death of her older brother, Davis. This disorienting journey unfolds through Pru’s struggle to deal with her grief, the disintegration of her family, and the relentless pull of memories that haunt her. All she wants is to finish college and leave, but for her to succeed, she will need help. That is how Steve Nolan, her crush from childhood, who she hates for being the cause of her brother’s death, reconnects with her. Steve helps her with geometry, but she becomes emotionally dependent on him as she struggles with recurring dreams about her brother. Can the hand that caused the pain be the same to bring healing?
The characters are vividly crafted, with Pru's complex emotional landscape providing the narrative with heart. Her interactions with her distant parents, whom she refers to as "Robo-Dad" and "Zombie Mom," deepen the sense of isolation and fragmentation in her life. Davis's absence leaves a void in her life, and the memories of their close, almost telepathic bond linger heavily in her attempts to forge a new path. Pru's relationship with Steve—Davis's best friend—increases the level of tension as their shared history both comforts and complicates her grief. Set in a small, suffocating town, the backdrop amplifies Pru's feelings of entrapment. The familiar spaces become laden with reminders of Davis, prompting Pru's desire to escape to the city. K.R. Hansen skillfully contrasts the mundane setting with the vivid memories Pru has of a time when happiness filled the air, mainly through her bond with her brother. This is a beautifully crafted narrative about loss, grief, and healing, infused with humanity and realism. Everything That Was is a page-turning read.
Everything That Was by K.R. Hansen delves deep into the layers of grief, memory, and the longing for connection in the wake of unimaginable loss. Prudence "Pru" Spellmeyer is navigating her senior year in high school after the tragic death of her older brother, Davis. This disorienting journey unfolds through Pru’s struggle to deal with her grief, the disintegration of her family, and the relentless pull of memories that haunt her. All she wants is to finish college and leave, but for her to succeed, she will need help. That is how Steve Nolan, her crush from childhood, who she hates for being the cause of her brother’s death, reconnects with her. Steve helps her with geometry, but she becomes emotionally dependent on him as she struggles with recurring dreams about her brother. Can the hand that caused the pain be the same to bring healing?
The characters are vividly crafted, with Pru's complex emotional landscape providing the narrative with heart. Her interactions with her distant parents, whom she refers to as "Robo-Dad" and "Zombie Mom," deepen the sense of isolation and fragmentation in her life. Davis's absence leaves a void in her life, and the memories of their close, almost telepathic bond linger heavily in her attempts to forge a new path. Pru's relationship with Steve—Davis's best friend—increases the level of tension as their shared history both comforts and complicates her grief. Set in a small, suffocating town, the backdrop amplifies Pru's feelings of entrapment. The familiar spaces become laden with reminders of Davis, prompting Pru's desire to escape to the city. K.R. Hansen skillfully contrasts the mundane setting with the vivid memories Pru has of a time when happiness filled the air, mainly through her bond with her brother. This is a beautifully crafted narrative about loss, grief, and healing, infused with humanity and realism. Everything That Was is a page-turning read.
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The Borealis Queen
Henry Guard
2025 Silver Medal
391 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Borealis Queen is an epic action-adventure tale by Henry Guard. Set in primeval North America during the end of the Ice Age, the story follows Nin, a young woman whose life irrevocably changed the day warriors from the Lithic tribe razed her village, butchered her people, and took her captive. Nin somehow manages to escape the clutches of the Lithic and its ruthless leader, Gore. But now, she must survive the brutal terrain and the cold while navigating prehistoric predators. Soon, Nin makes a name for herself as the tamer of the legendary beasts known as the Shadows and an Urbarak pack follows her around. When the Thal tribe rebels against the tyrannical Shermat, Nin must lend them her strength and protect them from Shermat's rage and the Amagi storm.
The Borealis Queen might remind readers of the Mel Gibson-directed movie Apocalypto. Like the Hollywood hit, this book is an action-packed survival/adventure story with fantastical elements underlining the narrative. Henry Guard has woven a gripping yarn full of action, suspense, mystery, and intrigue. The author drops the reader into the midst of the action from the get-go, and it's a non-stop thrill ride from there. The plot is fast-paced, and each chapter brings a new set of surprises that will have you biting your nails in anticipation of what comes next. Nin is a likable protagonist. Her bonds with various animals make her easy to root for as she battles overwhelming odds to survive and protect those she cares about. Her character development throughout the story was one of the highlights for me. I highly recommend this novel to action-adventure lovers.
The Borealis Queen is an epic action-adventure tale by Henry Guard. Set in primeval North America during the end of the Ice Age, the story follows Nin, a young woman whose life irrevocably changed the day warriors from the Lithic tribe razed her village, butchered her people, and took her captive. Nin somehow manages to escape the clutches of the Lithic and its ruthless leader, Gore. But now, she must survive the brutal terrain and the cold while navigating prehistoric predators. Soon, Nin makes a name for herself as the tamer of the legendary beasts known as the Shadows and an Urbarak pack follows her around. When the Thal tribe rebels against the tyrannical Shermat, Nin must lend them her strength and protect them from Shermat's rage and the Amagi storm.
The Borealis Queen might remind readers of the Mel Gibson-directed movie Apocalypto. Like the Hollywood hit, this book is an action-packed survival/adventure story with fantastical elements underlining the narrative. Henry Guard has woven a gripping yarn full of action, suspense, mystery, and intrigue. The author drops the reader into the midst of the action from the get-go, and it's a non-stop thrill ride from there. The plot is fast-paced, and each chapter brings a new set of surprises that will have you biting your nails in anticipation of what comes next. Nin is a likable protagonist. Her bonds with various animals make her easy to root for as she battles overwhelming odds to survive and protect those she cares about. Her character development throughout the story was one of the highlights for me. I highly recommend this novel to action-adventure lovers.
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Zephyr's Flight
Ray Strong
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
A girl who dreams of being a Dragon Rider grows up idolizing her father. Astria becomes even more determined to become a rider when he goes missing. Years later, she still has no dragon. Then, she finds a flightless young dragon. As Zephyr becomes her companion, she defies the elders, and when Zephyr finally flies, he accepts Astria as his rider. Seen as a danger and a rebel, Astria faces exile. She learns to look after herself in the wild, trading pelts for needed provisions. When she notices a military threat, the council allows her to return to the village only under certain conditions. As she fulfills her role to save her family and friends, she discovers love, loyalty, and sacrifice. In the end, did she fulfill her promise to the dragons? Will she be able to rise above her people's prejudice and superstition? Zephyr's Flight by Ray Strong tells a story of courage and determination.
Zephyr's Flight by Ray Strong is an epic fantasy filled with action, exhilaration, and wonder. The characters are realistic, with thorough backstories and convictions. The world where Astria lives is well-developed, and the world-building is impeccable. Many themes are touched on, and the search for the safe place where you truly belong is the strongest. While Astria strives to fulfill her longing to live free with her dragon, she displays courage to take on responsibilities that lead to loss and heartache. She shows a sense of duty and perseverance that surpasses her age. The dragons are just as much characters as the people and have a prominent place in both the history and future of Astria's village. Though the novel starts with the notion of being a standard young adult fantasy, it develops into an intricate and epic adventure that deals with the harshness of war and the people and animals who lay down their lives for others. Zephyr's Flight implies much more than just a dragon flying; it symbolizes the yearnings and dreams of young people in a harsh and unforgiving world.
A girl who dreams of being a Dragon Rider grows up idolizing her father. Astria becomes even more determined to become a rider when he goes missing. Years later, she still has no dragon. Then, she finds a flightless young dragon. As Zephyr becomes her companion, she defies the elders, and when Zephyr finally flies, he accepts Astria as his rider. Seen as a danger and a rebel, Astria faces exile. She learns to look after herself in the wild, trading pelts for needed provisions. When she notices a military threat, the council allows her to return to the village only under certain conditions. As she fulfills her role to save her family and friends, she discovers love, loyalty, and sacrifice. In the end, did she fulfill her promise to the dragons? Will she be able to rise above her people's prejudice and superstition? Zephyr's Flight by Ray Strong tells a story of courage and determination.
Zephyr's Flight by Ray Strong is an epic fantasy filled with action, exhilaration, and wonder. The characters are realistic, with thorough backstories and convictions. The world where Astria lives is well-developed, and the world-building is impeccable. Many themes are touched on, and the search for the safe place where you truly belong is the strongest. While Astria strives to fulfill her longing to live free with her dragon, she displays courage to take on responsibilities that lead to loss and heartache. She shows a sense of duty and perseverance that surpasses her age. The dragons are just as much characters as the people and have a prominent place in both the history and future of Astria's village. Though the novel starts with the notion of being a standard young adult fantasy, it develops into an intricate and epic adventure that deals with the harshness of war and the people and animals who lay down their lives for others. Zephyr's Flight implies much more than just a dragon flying; it symbolizes the yearnings and dreams of young people in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Recommend this book:
Remember Pompeii
The Wanshiqi Trilogy
Kika Emers
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Kika Emers brings us brilliant fantasy in the first volume of The Wanshiqi Trilogy: Remember Pompeii. Kali Brewster is about to turn 17, again. For over 200 lifetimes, she has found a way to die just before her birthday. Her tonggan, Hunter, is her soulmate and has been helping her with this specific task every time. Kali has been forced to reincarnate into different human forms for what she did in Pompeii. It’s her punishment as a Wanshiqi. Her parents and grandparents endure this punishment with her. All she has to do is reach 17 and go through qifa for her sentence to end and for every one of them to return to the Wanshiqi realm. Kali has her reasons for not wanting to go through qifa. But what if this time there is a reason to live?
Author Kika Emers has created a world steeped in Mandarin Chinese lore. With a descriptive glossary and pronunciation guide at the end, Wanshiqi is brought to life for readers and is easily understandable. Full of brilliant characters with loads of personality, there are a few who will become favorites. Stimulating the senses on all levels is noticeable and makes it that much easier to submerge oneself into this book. Written in the first-person narrative from the perspective of the main character, Kali, makes this story more personal. Chapters are a manageable length that makes for easy reading. You won’t want to put Remember Pompeii down as the plot keeps you hooked. Suitable for young adults and fans of fantasy, Remember Pompeii is a must-read! I look forward to the next book.
Kika Emers brings us brilliant fantasy in the first volume of The Wanshiqi Trilogy: Remember Pompeii. Kali Brewster is about to turn 17, again. For over 200 lifetimes, she has found a way to die just before her birthday. Her tonggan, Hunter, is her soulmate and has been helping her with this specific task every time. Kali has been forced to reincarnate into different human forms for what she did in Pompeii. It’s her punishment as a Wanshiqi. Her parents and grandparents endure this punishment with her. All she has to do is reach 17 and go through qifa for her sentence to end and for every one of them to return to the Wanshiqi realm. Kali has her reasons for not wanting to go through qifa. But what if this time there is a reason to live?
Author Kika Emers has created a world steeped in Mandarin Chinese lore. With a descriptive glossary and pronunciation guide at the end, Wanshiqi is brought to life for readers and is easily understandable. Full of brilliant characters with loads of personality, there are a few who will become favorites. Stimulating the senses on all levels is noticeable and makes it that much easier to submerge oneself into this book. Written in the first-person narrative from the perspective of the main character, Kali, makes this story more personal. Chapters are a manageable length that makes for easy reading. You won’t want to put Remember Pompeii down as the plot keeps you hooked. Suitable for young adults and fans of fantasy, Remember Pompeii is a must-read! I look forward to the next book.
Recommend this book:
680 Miles Away
Tara J Stone
2024 Honorable Mention
290 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by P. Rosenthal for Readers' Favorite
Evie is twenty-three and lives in Colorado, while Sam is seventeen and lives in South Dakota. Evie was given up for adoption, and Sam's mother died in a tragic car accident. Despite these differences, they share similar attributes and bear a striking resemblance to each other. Through divine providence, Sam's boyfriend, Tobias, encounters Evie during a service call with his uncle. Despite differences in their hairstyles, Tobias is amazed by their resemblance and promptly informs Sam. As Sam and Tobias plan a visit, it becomes clear that Evie is hesitant to confront the emotional pain such a reunion might bring, as there are many uncertainties to consider. Discover whether Evie and Sam are doppelgängers or long-lost sisters in Tara J. Stone’s 680 Miles Away.
Tara J. Stone’s 680 Miles Away is a captivating work of Christian fiction. This reality-based story is suitable for young adults, but its appeal is not limited to one age group. The intriguing plot immediately captivates the reader's attention. Its romantic elements intersect with themes of family, love, faith, and hope. Believable dialogue makes the characters highly relatable. Thus, it is easy to become invested in their lives. The lessons in the story have a positive impact on the reader's values and mindset. One of the most memorable and valuable messages can be paraphrased as follows: "Always assume your loved one’s best intentions." Several quotes are interspersed throughout, and the end thoughtfully includes a song list and Author’s Notes. Fans of wholesome romance and spiritual topics will love 680 Miles Away.
Evie is twenty-three and lives in Colorado, while Sam is seventeen and lives in South Dakota. Evie was given up for adoption, and Sam's mother died in a tragic car accident. Despite these differences, they share similar attributes and bear a striking resemblance to each other. Through divine providence, Sam's boyfriend, Tobias, encounters Evie during a service call with his uncle. Despite differences in their hairstyles, Tobias is amazed by their resemblance and promptly informs Sam. As Sam and Tobias plan a visit, it becomes clear that Evie is hesitant to confront the emotional pain such a reunion might bring, as there are many uncertainties to consider. Discover whether Evie and Sam are doppelgängers or long-lost sisters in Tara J. Stone’s 680 Miles Away.
Tara J. Stone’s 680 Miles Away is a captivating work of Christian fiction. This reality-based story is suitable for young adults, but its appeal is not limited to one age group. The intriguing plot immediately captivates the reader's attention. Its romantic elements intersect with themes of family, love, faith, and hope. Believable dialogue makes the characters highly relatable. Thus, it is easy to become invested in their lives. The lessons in the story have a positive impact on the reader's values and mindset. One of the most memorable and valuable messages can be paraphrased as follows: "Always assume your loved one’s best intentions." Several quotes are interspersed throughout, and the end thoughtfully includes a song list and Author’s Notes. Fans of wholesome romance and spiritual topics will love 680 Miles Away.
Recommend this book:
Searching for Zen
A Tale of Divine Destiny
Albert T Franklin
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Searching for Zen: A Tale of Divine Destiny is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres. Penned by author Albert T Franklin, the plot follows a humble boy given a divine destiny, thrusting him into a journey of self-discovery and perilous adventure in a world where Earth intertwines with realms of fantasy and science fiction. From humble beginnings, our hero embarks upon a life-changing journey, struggling to understand his purpose amidst doubt and loneliness. However, as Zen comes of age, he finds strength within himself, builds a family from strangers, and discovers love, all while facing trials that amplify as his power increases. Through his quest, Zen learns that true power lies not in his abilities alone, but in the bonds of love, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Author Albert T Franklin has crafted an immersive and transformative story, transporting audiences into a richly imagined world where fantasy and reality merge with great balance and conviction. The narrative flow brings Zen's journey to life, evoking a wide range of emotions as we follow him through triumphs and tribulations, sitting right on his shoulder to feel every second of emotion. The themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of love are gently inserted early on, building gradually into a tale that strongly reminds us all of the importance of inner strength and human connection in overcoming life's challenges. This beautiful message is carried into the atmosphere and mood of the settings and action sequences too with complementary descriptions to match the emotional tone. As Zen grappled with his divine destiny and the sacrifices it demanded, I found myself rooting for him more and more and feeling inspired by his resilience and determination. Overall, Searching for Zen is a captivating fantasy novel that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Searching for Zen: A Tale of Divine Destiny is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres. Penned by author Albert T Franklin, the plot follows a humble boy given a divine destiny, thrusting him into a journey of self-discovery and perilous adventure in a world where Earth intertwines with realms of fantasy and science fiction. From humble beginnings, our hero embarks upon a life-changing journey, struggling to understand his purpose amidst doubt and loneliness. However, as Zen comes of age, he finds strength within himself, builds a family from strangers, and discovers love, all while facing trials that amplify as his power increases. Through his quest, Zen learns that true power lies not in his abilities alone, but in the bonds of love, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Author Albert T Franklin has crafted an immersive and transformative story, transporting audiences into a richly imagined world where fantasy and reality merge with great balance and conviction. The narrative flow brings Zen's journey to life, evoking a wide range of emotions as we follow him through triumphs and tribulations, sitting right on his shoulder to feel every second of emotion. The themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of love are gently inserted early on, building gradually into a tale that strongly reminds us all of the importance of inner strength and human connection in overcoming life's challenges. This beautiful message is carried into the atmosphere and mood of the settings and action sequences too with complementary descriptions to match the emotional tone. As Zen grappled with his divine destiny and the sacrifices it demanded, I found myself rooting for him more and more and feeling inspired by his resilience and determination. Overall, Searching for Zen is a captivating fantasy novel that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Recommend this book:
The Story of Briar
Coming of Age in Rural East Texas
Ian Griffin
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
The Story of Briar: Coming of Age in Rural East Texas by Ian Griffin is a heart-warming look at a struggling family in the first half of the twentieth century. When Russell and his fiancee, Cheyenne return to East Texas to attend his grandfather Roy’s funeral, they listen attentively as their grandmother, Joy, known to all as Briar, begins to relate the amazing story of their younger lives growing up in this rural backwater. Joy had got her nickname, Briar, from her father, when she was just a little girl. A true tomboy, Briar was quick to anger and would fight anyone, girl or boy, who threatened her or made fun of her family’s situation. Through the lows of the Great Depression, a world war, and the highs of meeting and falling in love with the man of her dreams, Briar kept her outlook positive and built a life to be proud of. However, Russell will also discover many family secrets and have many of his questions answered by his grandmother’s revelations.
The Story of Briar is one of family, love, and the indomitable spirit of one young girl, with a little bit of mysticism and magic thrown in for good measure. Author Ian Griffin has done an incredible job of illuminating readers not only with a wonderful familial story but also giving readers an insight into life on the margins of rural East Texas. I loved the young Briar, her spirit, her feistiness, and her unwillingness to back down to anyone regardless of their age and size. Her maturity when forced to take over as the “Ma” of the family at such an early age was a testament to her true character and poise. I also greatly enjoyed the gentle introduction of magical happenings related to the stream that ran through the family’s property. No matter what happened to Briar and those she loved, she would always fight back with the courage and strength of a mother bear protecting her cubs. This is a wonderful social history of a period and a place that perhaps sadly has long disappeared from our landscape. This is a thoughtful recounting that wraps readers in a warm blanket and will leave them sighing with contentment. A wonderfully relaxing and refreshing read amidst the chaos and tension of everyday life. I can highly recommend this book for a break from the trials of the day.
The Story of Briar: Coming of Age in Rural East Texas by Ian Griffin is a heart-warming look at a struggling family in the first half of the twentieth century. When Russell and his fiancee, Cheyenne return to East Texas to attend his grandfather Roy’s funeral, they listen attentively as their grandmother, Joy, known to all as Briar, begins to relate the amazing story of their younger lives growing up in this rural backwater. Joy had got her nickname, Briar, from her father, when she was just a little girl. A true tomboy, Briar was quick to anger and would fight anyone, girl or boy, who threatened her or made fun of her family’s situation. Through the lows of the Great Depression, a world war, and the highs of meeting and falling in love with the man of her dreams, Briar kept her outlook positive and built a life to be proud of. However, Russell will also discover many family secrets and have many of his questions answered by his grandmother’s revelations.
The Story of Briar is one of family, love, and the indomitable spirit of one young girl, with a little bit of mysticism and magic thrown in for good measure. Author Ian Griffin has done an incredible job of illuminating readers not only with a wonderful familial story but also giving readers an insight into life on the margins of rural East Texas. I loved the young Briar, her spirit, her feistiness, and her unwillingness to back down to anyone regardless of their age and size. Her maturity when forced to take over as the “Ma” of the family at such an early age was a testament to her true character and poise. I also greatly enjoyed the gentle introduction of magical happenings related to the stream that ran through the family’s property. No matter what happened to Briar and those she loved, she would always fight back with the courage and strength of a mother bear protecting her cubs. This is a wonderful social history of a period and a place that perhaps sadly has long disappeared from our landscape. This is a thoughtful recounting that wraps readers in a warm blanket and will leave them sighing with contentment. A wonderfully relaxing and refreshing read amidst the chaos and tension of everyday life. I can highly recommend this book for a break from the trials of the day.
Recommend this book:
Colors of Truth
Paula Paul
2024 Gold Medal
300 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Colors of Truth is a work of fiction in the coming-of-age, interpersonal drama, and recent history genres. Penned by author Paula Paul, the tale follows Caroline and Pearlie, two teenage girls in 1950s Texas. Despite living in the same town, their lives differ greatly: Caroline is a white farm girl, while Pearlie is a black girl who, along with her family, works on Caroline’s family farm during the summer. They ride the same bus to separate schools. Through the alternating narratives of this deeply moving and thought-provoking read, the plot reveals how their lives become intertwined during a pivotal summer, culminating in a murder that impacts both girls deeply.
The alternating voices of Caroline and Pearlie provide a profound insight into their contrasting yet interconnected lives, and these voices are confidently crafted with deep emotional ties and brilliant thought presentation. Caroline's perspective highlighted the privileges and struggles of a white farming family, while Pearlie's narrative vividly portrayed the harsh realities of racial segregation and labor in the 1950s, and both sides were developed with respect and understanding. The murder mystery element added a great sense of suspense and urgency once the plot got rolling, but more importantly, it served as a catalyst for examining deeper social issues, and this always stayed central to the story and deeply relevant in everything that played out. The repercussions of the murder on both girls' lives poignantly illustrated the pervasive impact of racism and inequality with a fascinating and realistic look at the complexities of friendship and justice in a segregated society. Overall, Colors of Truth by author Paula Paul is an accomplished and unforgettable read that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Colors of Truth is a work of fiction in the coming-of-age, interpersonal drama, and recent history genres. Penned by author Paula Paul, the tale follows Caroline and Pearlie, two teenage girls in 1950s Texas. Despite living in the same town, their lives differ greatly: Caroline is a white farm girl, while Pearlie is a black girl who, along with her family, works on Caroline’s family farm during the summer. They ride the same bus to separate schools. Through the alternating narratives of this deeply moving and thought-provoking read, the plot reveals how their lives become intertwined during a pivotal summer, culminating in a murder that impacts both girls deeply.
The alternating voices of Caroline and Pearlie provide a profound insight into their contrasting yet interconnected lives, and these voices are confidently crafted with deep emotional ties and brilliant thought presentation. Caroline's perspective highlighted the privileges and struggles of a white farming family, while Pearlie's narrative vividly portrayed the harsh realities of racial segregation and labor in the 1950s, and both sides were developed with respect and understanding. The murder mystery element added a great sense of suspense and urgency once the plot got rolling, but more importantly, it served as a catalyst for examining deeper social issues, and this always stayed central to the story and deeply relevant in everything that played out. The repercussions of the murder on both girls' lives poignantly illustrated the pervasive impact of racism and inequality with a fascinating and realistic look at the complexities of friendship and justice in a segregated society. Overall, Colors of Truth by author Paula Paul is an accomplished and unforgettable read that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Eleanor
Kerry Chaput
2023 Finalist
287 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Shadow Runner
K.J. Fieler
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
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!
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!
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