"From the Ashes" by Jesse Thistle - A memoir of a life surviving the streets

From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle is a true story, and what a story it is!  Jesse tells how he grew up and it was far from the ideal childhood.  In his teen years and beyond, he made some wrong choices and suffered the consequences.  It is inspirational because he turned his life around.  This was a very honest book and I enjoyed it.  He told his story very well and I think anyone would like this book!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"touch blue" by Cynthia Lord

touch blue  by Cynthia Lord is a children's book about Aaron, a 13-yr.-old foster boy who gets placed in a home on an island off Maine with Tess (11) and her younger sister, Libby.  He is angry that he is not allowed to call or see his mother.  When Tess discovers he plans to run away to look for her, Tess comes up with a plan to get them together so they can talk.

I enjoyed this book because it showed how different life was on an island near Maine.  I also liked the silly superstitions Tess shared throughout the book and how Aaron's was able to make a contribution to the community and adjust to life on the island.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 41:  "Please?"  he asks.  It's been four years since I've heard from her.  If Natalie gets mad at her, my mom might not write to me again."

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Fast Break" by Mike Lupica

Fast Break by Mike Lupica is a fast read because it is so good!  It is about a 12-yr-old boy named Jayson who sees basketball as his way out of the projects.  When his mom dies, the guy she was living with abandons Jayson and he finds himself on his own, hungry and stealing bread and peanut butter to live.  This book is about him growing into a better teammate and also turning his life around with some help.

I loved this book because it drew me in quickly and I couldn't help but pull for Jayson to have a good life.  There is a lot of basketball in this book at middle school level; however, the main story line is more about Jayson overcoming obstacles in his life and learning to trust people.  I got so absorbed in this one that I missed my bus stop and didn't even notice until another rider told me!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)  

Teaser from page 25:  He walked toward the store and knew in his heart that he was being walked right into the Child Protective Services system.  He didn't know how it worked or where he was going, but he was smart enough to know that the game was officially over.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Bruiser" by Neal Schusterman

Bruiser by Neal Schusterman is a contemporary fiction novel but with one special boy, named Bruiser. Somehow, he has an unusual power to take on himself the pain of those he cares about, like his younger brother and his Uncle. His uncle tries to protect him as best he can be keeping him home so he doesn’t make friends. He just goes to school and comes home, until Bronte decides to be nice to him. Her brother, Tennyson, doesn’t like her seeing Bruiser at first, but then also becomes his friend, realizing he’s not really so bad after all. Bruiser is wired to only receive pain, not give it.

Teaser from page 14:  I hate him.  I hate the concept of him.  He's a freight train of bad news barreling at my sister.

I thought this book was just okay because Bruiser was so unbelievable in what was an otherwise modern-day contemporary fiction book. The story was pretty good and it kept my interest but it wasn’t near as good as the other books I read by this author.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)


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"When Friendship Followed Me Home" by Paul Griffin

When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin is about Ben Griffin who is not big on friendships.  Being a foster kid, he has had to experience a lot of pain in his young life by people leaving him.  However, that all change when he befriends a homeless dog who leads him to meeting a young girl!

I liked this book a lot.  The story moved along well and I thought all the characters were very believable.  I never really had it figured out, which is very good!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Problem With Forever" by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem With Forever by Jennifer Armentrout is a beautiful, inspirational story about Mallory a/k/a "Mouse" and Rider, two kids who were in an abusive foster home together accepting their past but looking to the future.  After being split up for four years, Mallory getting adopted while Rider was in a group home and foster home, they wind up in the same high school for senior year and reconnect.

I liked both the main characters who were well developed and grew throughout the book.  There are many references to The Velveteen Rabbit book that is closely related to the main theme of this book so I would recommend reading that as well.  It is the book Rider used to read to Mallory when they were kids and that was her favorite.  There is a lot of relationships that make this a very realistic, contemporary fiction novel.  I really liked Carl and Rosa too, doctors who adopted Mallory.  I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it, especially to teens.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

In The Problem With Forever by Jennifer Armentrout, Mallory is a young teen girl who spent time in a foster home that was not a good situation, but could always count on a young boy named Rider.  After years of being home schooled when she was taken in by a nice couple, she is ready to go to a regular high school for her senior year.  She thinks she can do this.  On the first day of school, she sees someone she recognizes--Rider!

I really enjoyed this book a lot!  Mallory was a fantastic character as was Rider.  The writing was very good too.  It had me from page 1.  I think you should read this one.  I can't imagine anyone not liking this!
(Gerard's review 6-1-16, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Defender" by Graham McNamee

Defender by Graham McNamee is a creepy mystery about family secrets that Tyne and her friend, Stick accidentally discover and proceed to figure it out.  Tyne is the building superintendent's high school daughter who is really tall and plays center on her basketball team.   When Tyne find's a dead girl's cut up body hidden in her basement wall, she thinks her dad knows something about it or had something to do with it.

This is a very quick read that I liked okay.  It is creepy though but had a good ending.  To me, this came across as a bit unrealistic that Tyne and Stick could put together the pieces to the mystery so easily.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"On the Loose--A Katie Parker Production" by Jenny B. Jones is Heartwarming, Funny

On the Loose by Jenny B. Jones is the second book in the Katie Parker Production series that is as good as the first, In Between. Katie, a foster teen, continues to experience teen drama, lives through a tornado, forms more friendships and deepens her relationship with her hilarious foster grandmother. When her foster mom, Millie, is diagnosed with Cancer, Katie worries about what will happen to her. As Katie continues attending church with the Scotts and getting more involved with the youth group, she continues to struggle with her own faith.

I am enjoying this YA inspirational Christian fiction series very much and look forward to reading the final book in this series, The Big Picture. The author is a high school teacher who spends a lot of time with teens and her writing certainly reflects that. This is a fun read as well as a touching one and I love her writing style! I highly recommend this light, fun read to anyone who enjoys books about teens and family.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

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"Ana of California" by Andi Teran is Heartwarming and Enjoyable! (Updated)

Ana of California by Andi Teran is the heartwarming story of Ana Cortez, an orphan who is approaching 16 and has been bounced around from foster home to foster home. She lives in L.A. where her father, mother and grandmother were shot by rival gang members. She finds herself in a new situation to avoid living in a group home, being a summer intern on Abbie and Emmett’s farm in northern California. When she is attracted to Cole, a boy everyone warns her to stay away from, she ignores their advice and they become friends.

I loved this story because Ana is such a likable character who tries to do the right thing but still ends up in bad situations. She always worries that Abbie and Emmett will send her back so tries very hard to work hard and please them. It shows how one person can make a difference and overcome one's past by moving forward. I loved how Ana found ways to use her artistic abilities too. I recommend this as a good beach read—very enjoyable!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's thoughts:
Ana of California by Andi Teran is about a young teen girl named Ana. Ana is an orphan and has made the rounds of foster homes. Now she is down to her last chance. Make it work at this place—a farm or else she goes back to a group home. Can Ana do it? Can she make a go of it at the farm or not. I really liked this and cheered for Ana the whole way. I thought this book had enough action to keep my interest and is well worth reading. (5 stars)

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"In Between--Katie Parker Production" by Jenny B. Jones - book 1

In Between by Jenny B. Jones is a delightful Christian fiction YA book 1 in the Katie Parker Production series.  This is about Katie, who moves from the group home that she is in because her mother is in prison for dealing drugs, to a foster home with a Pastor and his wife in the little town of In Between, Texas.  She has a very low opinion of herself and doesn't trust anyone at the beginning of the story, but after making some poor choices and experiencing kindness, her attitude slowly changes and she adjusts to her new life. 

I really liked the writing style and the story.  I liked how the church youth group welcomed and accepted Katie and how Frances was such a good friend to her even when Katie resented her a bit.  The grandmother was hilarious and I enjoyed the humor and the close relationship that developed between her and Katie.  The characters were believable and the story moved along quickly.  I was drawn into it right from the start and was never bored.  It was heartwarming to see the growth in Katie throughout the book.  I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about teens and their personal growth.  This is the first in the series and I hope to continue in it.   
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Book 2 - On the Loose (Loved this one too!)

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"Slammed" by Colleen Hoover Was Better Than Expected! (UPDATED)

Slammed by Colleen Hoover is about an 18-yr.-old girl, Layken, who grows a lot in just a year. She has a lot of drama going on her senior year including her father’s death, moving, romance, lung cancer and caring for her 9-yr.-old brother. That’s half the story, with the other half being about her 21-yr.-old neighbor across the street named Will and his 9-yr.-old brother. Will’s parents both died in a car accident and Will became his younger brother’s legal guardian. He is working towards a teaching job but then falls for Layken.

This book just drew me in very quickly and deals with heavy issues in such an interesting way. It is packed with feeling and mostly good advice that is given through Will and Layken’s mother, Julia. I was both amused by funny things that happened and touched by some tender parts. I even cried at one part involving Layken’s best friend, Eddie. One of the themes is poetry-what it is and why write it. This is the first book I read by this author and look forward to reading more.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard read this too--here's his review:
This YA novel is about a young girl named Layken (Lake).  Her mom, younger brother and her move from Texas to Michigan.  Her dad passed away.  She meets a young man named Will.  His younger brother  connect right off, but does Layken and Will connect?

This is an outstanding read because all emotions are at play here.  You feel connected to the characters very quickly.  This is a page turner I loved!  The good news is that there is a follow up book that I will read too.  (5++ stars)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Five Days Left" by Julie Lawson Timmer is one We Both Liked! (UPDATED)

Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer contains two story lines:  the first one is about a woman named Mara who is battling severe health problems; the second one is about Scott, a teacher, who takes in a younger brother of a star pupil of his.  When the boy's mom wants her son back, Scott has a hard time letting go.  Although the Scott story line is good, the Mara story line is gripping!  The endings of both are stunning.  It doesn't get much better than this!  I found this book very hard to put down, finishing it in just two days.  LOVED IT!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review 10/11/14, 5 stars:
I liked Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer for the following reasons:
(1)  I learned about Huntington's disease, one I had never even heard of before;
(2)  Since I am a legal secretary, I could identify with the career aspect of Mara and her secretary;
(3)  The story line about Scott, a teacher, having temporary guardianship of Curtis was very interesting to me;
(4)  It brought out a lot of emotions for me:  sadness, anger, sympathy, empathy and
(5)  I wasn't sure how either story lines would end.

I felt very sad for Mara and her family and could easily understand why she planned to commit suicide.  I loved how Scott took in Curtis while his mom was in jail and was so upset at the thought of losing him.  It was kind of an interesting sideline how the author brought Mara and Scott together through an online forum that they both used for support.  This book shows how sometimes people need strangers who they can open up to as Mara did with her cab driver, Harry, a recovering alcoholic and with the online forum.

I was more interested in Scott's story line than Mara's because Mara's was just so sad.  In Scott's, I at least had hope!  I think this would make for a good book club read!  

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is a story about a young boy who tragically loses his mom at a young age.  To remember her, he takes a picture from an art museum.  This book mostly centers on the boy growing up and his placing with his foster families and then his dad who ran off and came back.  The boy also becomes involved in the criminal world.  Does anyone miss the painting he stole?  

Although this book is long, don't let that deter you.  It is well worth the time.  I enjoyed it. 
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)
 
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Death of Bees" by Lisa O'Donnell

A Page Turner debut novel

For the most part, The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell is narrated by two sisters, Marnie and Nelly.  Their parents are dead and with no relative around, they fear going into foster care and being separated.  So, what do they do?  You will have to read the book to find out.  I enjoyed this from page 1.  It's a good page turner as I wondered if the plan the girls came up with would work or if they would be found out.  This is the author's first novel.  I'll be looking for more of her work!  (5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Almost Home" by Joan Bauer

The girl, Sugar, has a rescue dog, Woof!  Woof!

First off, Almost Home by Joan Bauer is not a dog book in spite of the cover. It is a very good children's book about a young teen girl, Sugar Mae Cole, who finds herself homeless and put into foster care. I liked how it was written as well as the story. I loved Sugar and found myself cheering her on through her ordeal. This is a feel good book that I recommend.
(Gerard's review)

Almost Home by Joan Bauer is an inspirational story about how Sugar, her dog Shush and her mother, Reba lose their home and persevere to get their lives back to "normal."  Both are sweet people that are likeable characters.  Sugar expresses her feelings in poetry and thanks to some nice people who come into her life, finds herself in a good home.  I liked how the dog sort of parallels Sugar's growth as it gets braver throughout the book after having had a bad start.  The issue of trust is also addressed, especially trusting the right people. 

I enjoyed this book because it shows people can rise above bad circumstances and gives hope to kids who may be going through hard times.  I really liked how the mother instilled an attitude of gratitude in her daughter through a silly thank you card game and the challenge to "live bold." 
(Karen's review) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"One For The Murphys" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

One For the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is about being someone’s hero and showing unconditional love. Although it is considered juvenile fiction, I really liked it! The main character, Carly, has been neglected and abused but finds a good foster home while her mother recovers from a beating she took from her husband. Julie Murphy, the foster home mother, is the wife of a fireman with three boys that shows kindness and love to Carly who doesn’t quite know what to make of it. This heart-warming book has humor, a good message, and is a touching quick read. It made even made me tear up at certain parts. If you like stories about kids and family, I recommend this one! It will tug at your heartstrings.
 (Karen's review, rating 5 stars)

Here's a trailer for the book:
(This is the author's debut novel, her first draft of it received the Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Children's Literature.)


This book was recommended by I am a Reader, Not a Writer. Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We are linking this up to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop in response to this prompt: Book Review time! Recommend a great book, perfect for these stormy fall days! We'd like for you to subscribe so you get all our reviews. Click the link to check out the other prompts and perhaps link up a post of your own.

"Don't Turn Around" by Michelle Gagnon

Noa and Peter are both on the run from the bad guys for different reasons. When they meet up and combine forces, Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon really goes into over drive! WOW! I loved this book and was into it from page 1. There is plenty of good action, characters that I cared about and great story lines! What more could you ask for? I am definitely going to read the sequel.
(Gerard's review, rating: 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Pushing the Limits" by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is told by Echo, a young teen girl who was Miss Popular. Then a nightmare happened that still haunts her, and she can't remember it! Noah, is a young teen boy who is dealing with the death of his parents and trying to get his brothers and him together again. The attraction between Echo and Noah forces her to push the limits.

This book is awesome! I got into it from page one and just kept turning pages. Echo and Noah seemed so real, it really didn't seem like a book at all and I loved the ending. Make it a point to read this YA book--it's that good!
(Gerard's review, rating 5+ stars)

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is a teen romance between a girl named Echo and a boy named Noah who both have scars from personal issues and are helped by the same clinical social worker.  Their relationship has ups and downs which make it believable and both decide to work together to get a look at their files for answers.  Loved the ending which inspires kids to look to the future and not get stuck in their past!

I was surprised at how good this book is—better than I expected and I loved the ending.  My favorite character was Noah but also liked Mrs. Collins, the clinical social worker.  It was also refreshing to finally read a book about foster care that showed a true picture with a variety of different types of foster homes including a very good one.  I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys books about teens.  I look forward to reading Dare You To, a story about one of Noah’s friends, Beth.
(Karen's review)

For another review of this, see Jodi's Book Reviews.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Deceit" by Brandilyn Collins

Deceit by Brandilyn Collins starts out good and gets better and better as it goes!  Baxter Jackson, a widower who lost both his wives in "accidents," is highly respected and a great guy in the community with some dark secrets.

 The story goes back and forth between the present and the past when his foster daughter lived with him and his wife. Melissa is a 15-yr.-old daughter of alcoholic parents who goes into foster care when her mom dies, leaving her all alone.  She feels like she hit the jackpot when she first sees her new home that looks like a mansion and the two nice people, the Jacksons, who are taking her in.  The church friends of the Jacksons are eager to meet her but she has very low self-esteem and doesn't think anyone would ever want to be her friend.  All the main characters in this book, Jackson and his wife, Linda, her friend Joanne, and Melissa are all deceitful, but Melissa is the only one of them who does not profess to be a Christian. 

I loved this book because of the suspense, the interesting story line of Joanne trying to get justice for her friend, Linda, who she believed was killed by her own husband, the elder in her church.  Melissa was the biggest surprise to me and actually was the biggest deceiver of all who I at first felt sorry for.  This book certainly doesn't show Christians in a positive light, but is thought-provoking and shows actions speak louder than words and non-believers do watch the way Christians live their lives.  This is a page turner I won't soon forget and had a hard time putting down.  See my teaser from this one.
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

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"You're Next" by Greg Hurwitz (UPDATED)

You’re Next by Gregg Hurwitz is a complex and mysterious novel about a family man who goes to great lengths to protect his wife and little girl from being killed by the bad men who are after him because of who he is. Mike was abandoned at the age of 4 and grew up in foster care waiting for his dad to come back for him. He made a good life for himself but when he found out he and his family were in danger and couldn’t go to the cops for help because there was an alert out that he was a suspected terrorist, he turned to a friend from his childhood.

I liked this book because it had lots of suspense, action and mystery to keep me reading. Although I was confused at the beginning because it jumped around a bit, I stuck with it and the second half really took off. I felt the pressure Mike was under and really liked the Casino caper when Mike tore the safe out of the wall of the office with the help of his friend, Shep. It has a great ending and emphasizes the importance of stamina and loyalty. Never give up!  I read this because Gerard said it was so good.  Now I recommend it to you--you're next!
(Karen's review)

Gerard's review:
Wow, oh WOW!  You're Next by Greg Hurwitz is a page turner!  The novel is about Mike, who is left on his own at age 4 so his childhood is not so great.  He overcomes that though and things go well until one day people start coming after him, his wife, and even his daughter!  He turns to his one true friend from childhood for help.  I really enjoyed the ride this book gave me.  Make the time to enjoy it for yourself!


Have you read this one? What did you think of it?  


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