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Recommend this book:
Weresisters
Jade Clark,Shelley Stoehr
2015 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite
Weresisters by Jade Clark and Shelley Stoehr is an action-packed young adult paranormal read. The book is divided into two sections following two different characters: Kyra and Selene. The first half follows Kyra, a 16-year-old girl who cannot recall anything from her life before the age of ten. Kyra has the interesting ability to “mind speak” with her adopted dad and ends up becoming a werewolf. This is when things get crazy because not only is she a new werewolf, but now there is an insane guy hunting her down, intent on making her his new lab rat. The second half of the book follows Selene, another werewolf, who unleashes her blood lust when she kills a human. This puts her on the run as she attempts to control her raging wolf nature and keep her abilities under control. The author does a superb job of seamlessly weaving the two halves of the book together, creating one cohesive storyline.
I found Weresisters to be an entertaining and suspenseful story. I liked how the author wove the two stories of Kyra and Selene into one book and the book cover sums up the characters perfectly. A central theme that I got out of the book was that no matter what life throws at you, no matter what dire circumstances you find yourself in, you must remain strong and true to yourself. You can come out stronger and more resilient on the other side if you try. The two protagonists were very strong female leads and I think readers and fans of young adult paranormal genres will find a lot to like here.
Weresisters by Jade Clark and Shelley Stoehr is an action-packed young adult paranormal read. The book is divided into two sections following two different characters: Kyra and Selene. The first half follows Kyra, a 16-year-old girl who cannot recall anything from her life before the age of ten. Kyra has the interesting ability to “mind speak” with her adopted dad and ends up becoming a werewolf. This is when things get crazy because not only is she a new werewolf, but now there is an insane guy hunting her down, intent on making her his new lab rat. The second half of the book follows Selene, another werewolf, who unleashes her blood lust when she kills a human. This puts her on the run as she attempts to control her raging wolf nature and keep her abilities under control. The author does a superb job of seamlessly weaving the two halves of the book together, creating one cohesive storyline.
I found Weresisters to be an entertaining and suspenseful story. I liked how the author wove the two stories of Kyra and Selene into one book and the book cover sums up the characters perfectly. A central theme that I got out of the book was that no matter what life throws at you, no matter what dire circumstances you find yourself in, you must remain strong and true to yourself. You can come out stronger and more resilient on the other side if you try. The two protagonists were very strong female leads and I think readers and fans of young adult paranormal genres will find a lot to like here.
Recommend this book:
The Crossings
Barry Kienzle
2015 Bronze Medal
176 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
The Crossings by Barry Kienzle is a delightful coming of age story that follows young George “Georgie” Martin as he hops on a freight train from his home near Cincinnati, Ohio, determined to experience the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Georgie, once an innocent altar boy, crosses paths with many unique individuals. From each, he learns a valuable life lesson. Georgie’s experiences help him to grow from a child into a man, from a naïve little boy into a wiser soul. Georgie is dealt a significant blow during his journey, and it is during this journey that he learns the importance of depending upon oneself and others, the importance of self-sufficiency as well as inter-connectedness.
Barry Kienzle’s debut work is a lovely story of adventure, growth and maturation. It would appeal to readers young and old, but is targeted towards a young adult audience, a niche it fits well. The Crossings has many lessons to teach its readers, but not in a preachy, interminable fashion. I found the book to be an easy to follow read, short enough to read in one afternoon, and very well worth the time. It is clear that Mr. Kienzle spent a great deal of time researching the time period in which this story takes place, the 1930s, and that this book was very lovingly written. Based on an actual experience in the life of the author’s father, this book was a joy to read. Through Georgie’s travels, we are taken along on his passage from boy to man, and it’s a trip worth taking.
The Crossings by Barry Kienzle is a delightful coming of age story that follows young George “Georgie” Martin as he hops on a freight train from his home near Cincinnati, Ohio, determined to experience the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Georgie, once an innocent altar boy, crosses paths with many unique individuals. From each, he learns a valuable life lesson. Georgie’s experiences help him to grow from a child into a man, from a naïve little boy into a wiser soul. Georgie is dealt a significant blow during his journey, and it is during this journey that he learns the importance of depending upon oneself and others, the importance of self-sufficiency as well as inter-connectedness.
Barry Kienzle’s debut work is a lovely story of adventure, growth and maturation. It would appeal to readers young and old, but is targeted towards a young adult audience, a niche it fits well. The Crossings has many lessons to teach its readers, but not in a preachy, interminable fashion. I found the book to be an easy to follow read, short enough to read in one afternoon, and very well worth the time. It is clear that Mr. Kienzle spent a great deal of time researching the time period in which this story takes place, the 1930s, and that this book was very lovingly written. Based on an actual experience in the life of the author’s father, this book was a joy to read. Through Georgie’s travels, we are taken along on his passage from boy to man, and it’s a trip worth taking.
Recommend this book:
Wind Catcher
A Chosen Novel
Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef
2015 Gold Medal
287 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel is a young adult fantasy novel written by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef. Juliet Stone feels like she's being torn in two different directions. Her mother, a successful Native American lawyer, has enrolled her in an exclusive preparatory academy, Bartens. Juliet misses the friends she's always gone to school with, and the girls at Bartens haven't been very welcoming. Her mom is going on a business trip for a few days, and Juliet's irritated that her grandfather, Sicheii, will be coming to stay with her. She has always been very close to her grandfather but not so much lately. Juliet decides to play hooky for the day and calls her best friend, Troy, to see if he'll come along.
Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef's young adult, coming of age fantasy, Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel, is well-written and highly entertaining. Juliet is a strong and fearless character who just wants to be a normal kid, but her destiny is something entirely different. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with her grandfather, Sicheii, who is a Native American medicine man, and Troy, her childhood friend and companion. Wind Catcher is also filled with action and adventure as Juliet and Troy try to find out the mystery behind an old photo Juliet found. This very unique and refreshingly original contemporary fantasy has elements of high epic fantasy woven throughout it, and it will surprise and delight even the most jaded fantasy readers. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in The Chosen series. Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel is most highly recommended.
Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel is a young adult fantasy novel written by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef. Juliet Stone feels like she's being torn in two different directions. Her mother, a successful Native American lawyer, has enrolled her in an exclusive preparatory academy, Bartens. Juliet misses the friends she's always gone to school with, and the girls at Bartens haven't been very welcoming. Her mom is going on a business trip for a few days, and Juliet's irritated that her grandfather, Sicheii, will be coming to stay with her. She has always been very close to her grandfather but not so much lately. Juliet decides to play hooky for the day and calls her best friend, Troy, to see if he'll come along.
Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef's young adult, coming of age fantasy, Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel, is well-written and highly entertaining. Juliet is a strong and fearless character who just wants to be a normal kid, but her destiny is something entirely different. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with her grandfather, Sicheii, who is a Native American medicine man, and Troy, her childhood friend and companion. Wind Catcher is also filled with action and adventure as Juliet and Troy try to find out the mystery behind an old photo Juliet found. This very unique and refreshingly original contemporary fantasy has elements of high epic fantasy woven throughout it, and it will surprise and delight even the most jaded fantasy readers. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in The Chosen series. Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Turquoise Tattoo
Vaya Dauphin
2014 Finalist
286 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Vaya Dauphin’s novel, The Turquoise Tattoo, is a mystical tale set in North Island, New Zealand. Scarlet Flint’s mother is dead and she is left by her absentee father in the care of her Aunt Sarah. The young woman is telepathic and before her departure from Australia to New Zealand, where her Aunt Sarah is opening a veterinary practice, she starts to be bothered by new images that keep appearing like turquoise tattoos on her skin. In her new school in Waihi College, she picks a fight with Manu James and meets Sterling, who tells her that she has special abilities given to her by her Maori ancestors. Scarlet thus discovers her elemental powers and learns the secrets of her past. In the process, she is caught in an ancient battle that for her is a matter of life and death.
The Turquoise Tattoo is a young adult coming of age fantasy that takes us from Australia to the Maoris of New Zealand. As we follow the adventures of unwilling elemental Scarlet Flint, we cannot help but empathize with her. Technically an orphan, she is ripped away from Australia and thrown into a new environment that is foreign to her. In the first few chapters of the novel, Vaya Dauphin has successfully set the stage for the next chapters in Scarlet’s life and, at the same time, intensifies the reader’s curiosity and excitement. What follows certainly does not disappoint - and the ending is something that one may not expect at all. Written with just the right pace and in crisp language, the plot of the story is as fluid as it is creative. This is a book that will keep you burning the midnight oil until the very end.
Vaya Dauphin’s novel, The Turquoise Tattoo, is a mystical tale set in North Island, New Zealand. Scarlet Flint’s mother is dead and she is left by her absentee father in the care of her Aunt Sarah. The young woman is telepathic and before her departure from Australia to New Zealand, where her Aunt Sarah is opening a veterinary practice, she starts to be bothered by new images that keep appearing like turquoise tattoos on her skin. In her new school in Waihi College, she picks a fight with Manu James and meets Sterling, who tells her that she has special abilities given to her by her Maori ancestors. Scarlet thus discovers her elemental powers and learns the secrets of her past. In the process, she is caught in an ancient battle that for her is a matter of life and death.
The Turquoise Tattoo is a young adult coming of age fantasy that takes us from Australia to the Maoris of New Zealand. As we follow the adventures of unwilling elemental Scarlet Flint, we cannot help but empathize with her. Technically an orphan, she is ripped away from Australia and thrown into a new environment that is foreign to her. In the first few chapters of the novel, Vaya Dauphin has successfully set the stage for the next chapters in Scarlet’s life and, at the same time, intensifies the reader’s curiosity and excitement. What follows certainly does not disappoint - and the ending is something that one may not expect at all. Written with just the right pace and in crisp language, the plot of the story is as fluid as it is creative. This is a book that will keep you burning the midnight oil until the very end.
Recommend this book:
The She Wolf
T.L. Needham
2014 Honorable Mention
114 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The She Wolf is a fantasy novella for young adult and preteen readers written by T.L. Needham. Ted Bredwell and his family have moved away from their house in the city to the outer suburbs. Ted's not too thrilled with the change, but his parents have explained it all to him. His dad had been out of work for a year, and they needed to sell their house. The builder of this new housing development had offered them this rental property at an affordable rate. Still, Ted misses the city and wonders about the farms and wilderness surrounding him. When we first meet him, it's a late summer evening and he and his little sister, Skye, are waiting for their parents to come home. They're late and both kids are hungry. Ted's on the front porch with his dog, Chase, when suddenly Chase is up and alert. They see a huge dog where the pasture lands meet the woods and hear a mournful howl, and Chase breaks free to pursue it. Ted's parents do finally arrive with all their possessions, but Chase doesn't return.
T.L. Needham's young adult and preteen coming of age fantasy, The She Wolf, is engaging and quite fun. Ted's adventures in the woods across from his house are marvelous, and the author's deft touch with nature writing makes each scene come alive. Coming of age stories are one of my favorite genres and The She Wolf did not disappoint my expectations. Ted conquers fears and risks parental displeasure and injury to find his missing dog. Along the way, he discovers an inner strength and resolve, and comes to appreciate and love the natural surroundings of this new home and its inhabitants. There's so much to The She Wolf: adventure, mystery, fantasy and football, and it's all beautifully put together. It's highly recommended.
The She Wolf is a fantasy novella for young adult and preteen readers written by T.L. Needham. Ted Bredwell and his family have moved away from their house in the city to the outer suburbs. Ted's not too thrilled with the change, but his parents have explained it all to him. His dad had been out of work for a year, and they needed to sell their house. The builder of this new housing development had offered them this rental property at an affordable rate. Still, Ted misses the city and wonders about the farms and wilderness surrounding him. When we first meet him, it's a late summer evening and he and his little sister, Skye, are waiting for their parents to come home. They're late and both kids are hungry. Ted's on the front porch with his dog, Chase, when suddenly Chase is up and alert. They see a huge dog where the pasture lands meet the woods and hear a mournful howl, and Chase breaks free to pursue it. Ted's parents do finally arrive with all their possessions, but Chase doesn't return.
T.L. Needham's young adult and preteen coming of age fantasy, The She Wolf, is engaging and quite fun. Ted's adventures in the woods across from his house are marvelous, and the author's deft touch with nature writing makes each scene come alive. Coming of age stories are one of my favorite genres and The She Wolf did not disappoint my expectations. Ted conquers fears and risks parental displeasure and injury to find his missing dog. Along the way, he discovers an inner strength and resolve, and comes to appreciate and love the natural surroundings of this new home and its inhabitants. There's so much to The She Wolf: adventure, mystery, fantasy and football, and it's all beautifully put together. It's highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Twist
Roni Teson
2014 Silver Medal
244 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Twist is a contemporary thriller written by Roni Teson. Beatrice Malcomb has been living with her aunt and uncle in Southern California ever since her mother died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, an incurable neurological condition, and her father was put on the FBI's most wanted list. She misses her home and life in Seattle, especially her best friend Amilee. Bea meets Lucas Drake when he accompanies his father, a plumber and friend of her aunt and uncle, on a repair job at their home. She's never been very interested in the boys who seem to flock around her, but Lucas is different. Somehow, Bea is intrigued by the blond, funny surfer boy who just happens to go to the same school as she does. Their instant attraction leads to an intense and wonder-filled afternoon at the beach, a blissful moment which becomes a prelude to a nightmarish series of events.
Roni Teson's novel of intrigue, Twist, is powerful and compelling. It starts out as a 'love at first sight' story, but it is so much more than that. Twist is narrated alternately by Bea and Lucas as they try to navigate the forces arrayed against them. Bea has a series of unsettling interactions with her fugitive father and the FBI, and Lucas is savagely beaten and left with traumatic brain injuries and amnesia. Teson is a masterful storyteller who weaves high technology, intrigue, and advanced medical research into this modern-day tale of star-crossed lovers. I got so involved in their stories that I couldn't put the book down. Twist is a marvelous story and is highly recommended.
Twist is a contemporary thriller written by Roni Teson. Beatrice Malcomb has been living with her aunt and uncle in Southern California ever since her mother died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, an incurable neurological condition, and her father was put on the FBI's most wanted list. She misses her home and life in Seattle, especially her best friend Amilee. Bea meets Lucas Drake when he accompanies his father, a plumber and friend of her aunt and uncle, on a repair job at their home. She's never been very interested in the boys who seem to flock around her, but Lucas is different. Somehow, Bea is intrigued by the blond, funny surfer boy who just happens to go to the same school as she does. Their instant attraction leads to an intense and wonder-filled afternoon at the beach, a blissful moment which becomes a prelude to a nightmarish series of events.
Roni Teson's novel of intrigue, Twist, is powerful and compelling. It starts out as a 'love at first sight' story, but it is so much more than that. Twist is narrated alternately by Bea and Lucas as they try to navigate the forces arrayed against them. Bea has a series of unsettling interactions with her fugitive father and the FBI, and Lucas is savagely beaten and left with traumatic brain injuries and amnesia. Teson is a masterful storyteller who weaves high technology, intrigue, and advanced medical research into this modern-day tale of star-crossed lovers. I got so involved in their stories that I couldn't put the book down. Twist is a marvelous story and is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
, who was orphaned at the age of four and placed under the care of Mary Immaculate Queen Orphanage. Not having remembered anything of her life before the age of four, her identity was wrapped up within the walls of the “prison” of the orphanage and the...){kind=link}
Sinful Purity
The Sinful Series Book 1
K. A. Standen
2014 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Sinful Purity by K. A. Standen, is a coming-of-age story of a young girl, Mary Elizabeth (Liz), who was orphaned at the age of four and placed under the care of Mary Immaculate Queen Orphanage. Not having remembered anything of her life before the age of four, her identity was wrapped up within the walls of the “prison” of the orphanage and the nearby St. Matthew’s church. Along with a friend, Kelly, they begin to dream of a life outside the walls and iron gate. Kelly’s brother Bart even helps feed Liz's dream by sneaking “unauthorized” reading material to her. When Liz finally escapes the iron gate of MIQ to go to college, she is still shackled by its spiritual bonds. With the help of two good friends, Caleb and Lucy, and the unfailing love of Zack, the love of her life, she begins to see what life outside the physical and spiritual constraints of MIQ and St. Matthew's is really like. She has to fight not only the forces of the institution, but her own inner demons in order to hold onto her new found freedom as she grows to discover her true identity.
In Sinful Purity, K. A. Standen expertly contrasts the issues of bondage and freedom on two different levels: the institutional and the inner spiritual. It is a story filled with deep inner tension as Liz works her way out of the darkness of hidden childhood and into the light of freedom. The plot is thoughtful and well-developed and the reader will feel the inner conflict and tension that grips Liz. It is almost impossible to put this book down as the reader pursues each of the suspenseful twists and turns which Liz faces as she unravels the identity that lies beneath. This is a thought provoking masterpiece which will serve the reader well as it questions the deeper truths of bondage and freedom. An honest book. Highly recommended reading.
Sinful Purity by K. A. Standen, is a coming-of-age story of a young girl, Mary Elizabeth (Liz), who was orphaned at the age of four and placed under the care of Mary Immaculate Queen Orphanage. Not having remembered anything of her life before the age of four, her identity was wrapped up within the walls of the “prison” of the orphanage and the nearby St. Matthew’s church. Along with a friend, Kelly, they begin to dream of a life outside the walls and iron gate. Kelly’s brother Bart even helps feed Liz's dream by sneaking “unauthorized” reading material to her. When Liz finally escapes the iron gate of MIQ to go to college, she is still shackled by its spiritual bonds. With the help of two good friends, Caleb and Lucy, and the unfailing love of Zack, the love of her life, she begins to see what life outside the physical and spiritual constraints of MIQ and St. Matthew's is really like. She has to fight not only the forces of the institution, but her own inner demons in order to hold onto her new found freedom as she grows to discover her true identity.
In Sinful Purity, K. A. Standen expertly contrasts the issues of bondage and freedom on two different levels: the institutional and the inner spiritual. It is a story filled with deep inner tension as Liz works her way out of the darkness of hidden childhood and into the light of freedom. The plot is thoughtful and well-developed and the reader will feel the inner conflict and tension that grips Liz. It is almost impossible to put this book down as the reader pursues each of the suspenseful twists and turns which Liz faces as she unravels the identity that lies beneath. This is a thought provoking masterpiece which will serve the reader well as it questions the deeper truths of bondage and freedom. An honest book. Highly recommended reading.
Recommend this book:
Out of Bounds
Bob Moseley
2013 Finalist
192 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Kelly Atwood for Readers' Favorite
“Out of Bounds” by Bob Moseley is the gratifying and intriguing story of Jason Jefferson, an injured high school football player who turns to journalism while recovering from a torn ACL. Jason begins writing for the school newspaper after being inspired by a film in his journalism class. Naively Jason dives into investigative reporting trying to emulate his heroes Woodward and Bernstein, and ultimately uncovers a real scandal at his school that lands a little too close to home. Jason must grapple with his desire to hold on to his friendships, or save the people he cares about while investigating a story that could affect the lives of everyone at Hillsboro High School.
Bob Moseley really hit home on a heartfelt and unique coming of age story, and kept me at the edge of my seat throughout the story. I couldn’t put it down. I felt myself become nervous for Jason, and eager for him to uncover the plot. Even though the story breached some more serious topics plaguing professional and high school sports today, it made me feel content and relieved when the last page was read. The story proved that doing the right thing, even though it may not necessarily be what everyone wants, can be exactly what you need. I would recommend this story to readers of any age, because you are never too old to learn to have the courage to do what is right. Had me from the very first page!
“Out of Bounds” by Bob Moseley is the gratifying and intriguing story of Jason Jefferson, an injured high school football player who turns to journalism while recovering from a torn ACL. Jason begins writing for the school newspaper after being inspired by a film in his journalism class. Naively Jason dives into investigative reporting trying to emulate his heroes Woodward and Bernstein, and ultimately uncovers a real scandal at his school that lands a little too close to home. Jason must grapple with his desire to hold on to his friendships, or save the people he cares about while investigating a story that could affect the lives of everyone at Hillsboro High School.
Bob Moseley really hit home on a heartfelt and unique coming of age story, and kept me at the edge of my seat throughout the story. I couldn’t put it down. I felt myself become nervous for Jason, and eager for him to uncover the plot. Even though the story breached some more serious topics plaguing professional and high school sports today, it made me feel content and relieved when the last page was read. The story proved that doing the right thing, even though it may not necessarily be what everyone wants, can be exactly what you need. I would recommend this story to readers of any age, because you are never too old to learn to have the courage to do what is right. Had me from the very first page!
Recommend this book:
January Black
Wendy S. Russo
2013 Silver Medal
336 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Dianne Bylo for Readers' Favorite
Set in a world that is similar to our own, “January Black” by Wendy S. Russo is an intriguing mystery, a sweet love story, and has a twist at the end that will bring a smile to your face! Young Matty Ducayne has caught the eye of King Hadrian with his brilliant mind, intense curiosity and his ability to think outside of the box. Hadrian gives Matty a deceptively difficult question to answer: What is January Black? Matty has no time constraints, but there is only one correct answer and with the help and support of Iris, he undertakes a two year journey to find the solution to the king’s question. Throughout his search, Matty comes to many wrong conclusions, finds a sweetly sincere love shared with Iris, opens his eyes to the reality of the world around him, and learns that knowledge should always be shared. Once Matty realizes he has the answer, he makes a daring move that could cost him his life. He must trust in what the answer means, how it will affect the actions of those closest to him, and that his life will be changed forever!
I was completely enthralled by the world Wendy Russo created in this story and kept hoping that I would magically find more pages after reaching the end! With its unique plot-line, smooth prose, and charmingly brilliant characters, I can highly recommend "January Black" to anyone who loves a book that can be read and re-read, again and again!
Set in a world that is similar to our own, “January Black” by Wendy S. Russo is an intriguing mystery, a sweet love story, and has a twist at the end that will bring a smile to your face! Young Matty Ducayne has caught the eye of King Hadrian with his brilliant mind, intense curiosity and his ability to think outside of the box. Hadrian gives Matty a deceptively difficult question to answer: What is January Black? Matty has no time constraints, but there is only one correct answer and with the help and support of Iris, he undertakes a two year journey to find the solution to the king’s question. Throughout his search, Matty comes to many wrong conclusions, finds a sweetly sincere love shared with Iris, opens his eyes to the reality of the world around him, and learns that knowledge should always be shared. Once Matty realizes he has the answer, he makes a daring move that could cost him his life. He must trust in what the answer means, how it will affect the actions of those closest to him, and that his life will be changed forever!
I was completely enthralled by the world Wendy Russo created in this story and kept hoping that I would magically find more pages after reaching the end! With its unique plot-line, smooth prose, and charmingly brilliant characters, I can highly recommend "January Black" to anyone who loves a book that can be read and re-read, again and again!
Recommend this book:
Desert Rice
Angela Scott
2013 Gold Medal
188 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed By Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
When twelve year old Samantha wakes up to a dead mother, she and her fifteen year old brother Jacob have to hide the body and scramble fast to leave their West Virginia home or face the possibility of being forced into being charges of the state. The prospect of being separated in foster care is not an option. They have to make a run for it, leaving Jacob in control of their destiny. They pack their personal belongings, raid their sparse pantry, collect what money they can find, and flee the confines of their tattered mobile home to ride off into the sunset in their junky Chevy. Days turn into nights and then into days as they struggle to drive on gas fumes, camping in the car and surviving on canned foods. Jacob is aware of the danger of his budding sister’s appearance. He cuts her hair and insists that she dress as a boy. Samantha is not happy with this dysfunctional transition into teenage years, but does as her brother says. Their dwindling finances forces them to halt their travels in Arizona long enough for Jacob to find work and for Sam to meet Jesus.
"Desert Rice" is a heart-wrenching tale of two youngsters fighting to stay together and doing whatever is necessary to escape an abusive past. I applaud Angela Scott’s depiction of one brother’s loyalty and devoted sense of responsibility to his sister. The guilt he feels in not keeping her safe is palpable in every turn of the page. This book is character-driven. The plot flows smoothly with excellent pacing. This book will stay with you long after you close the cover.
When twelve year old Samantha wakes up to a dead mother, she and her fifteen year old brother Jacob have to hide the body and scramble fast to leave their West Virginia home or face the possibility of being forced into being charges of the state. The prospect of being separated in foster care is not an option. They have to make a run for it, leaving Jacob in control of their destiny. They pack their personal belongings, raid their sparse pantry, collect what money they can find, and flee the confines of their tattered mobile home to ride off into the sunset in their junky Chevy. Days turn into nights and then into days as they struggle to drive on gas fumes, camping in the car and surviving on canned foods. Jacob is aware of the danger of his budding sister’s appearance. He cuts her hair and insists that she dress as a boy. Samantha is not happy with this dysfunctional transition into teenage years, but does as her brother says. Their dwindling finances forces them to halt their travels in Arizona long enough for Jacob to find work and for Sam to meet Jesus.
"Desert Rice" is a heart-wrenching tale of two youngsters fighting to stay together and doing whatever is necessary to escape an abusive past. I applaud Angela Scott’s depiction of one brother’s loyalty and devoted sense of responsibility to his sister. The guilt he feels in not keeping her safe is palpable in every turn of the page. This book is character-driven. The plot flows smoothly with excellent pacing. This book will stay with you long after you close the cover.
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