Codes for Reviews

First Initial (Overall Rating):
E = Exceptional
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
NR = Not Recommended

Second Initital (Reading Level):
A = Average Reading Level
E = Easy
M = Mature

“The views expressed are of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their respective institutions.”

For more information about YAR, please email Dora Ho at dorah2005@gmail.com


Friday, October 5, 2012

Pinned


General YA Fiction

G/A Flake, Sharon G. Pinned. Scholastic, 2012. 240 p. 9780545057189 $17.99

Autumn is a star wrestler with a huge crush on the smartest guy in school, Adonis. Adonis was born without legs but he doesn't let his wheelchair stop him from success. When he isn't studying, he is tutoring others or running the chess club but he doesn't really have friends.

Autumn is outgoing, friendly and not good in school at all. She can barely read at a 3rd grade level and forget about math. All she cares about is wrestling, baking and getting Adonis to notice her. She plans to open a restaurant with her best friend Peaches.

All of this changes when her parents give her an ultimatum: bring up her grades or no wrestling.

Told in alternating chapters, Autumn and Adonis' voices ring true.

Sarah Mae Harper, CoLAPL- AC Bilbrew

the wrap-up list


General YA Fiction

F/A Arntson, Steven. The wrap-up list. Houghton Mifflin, 2013. 420 p. 9780547824109 $15.99

Gabriela is sweet sixteen and never been kissed but now she only has one week to live. She has been chosen for departure. Her wrap-up list includes first kisses for herself and her three best friends and, most importantly, a pardon. If she finds out her Death's secret weakness, she will be pardoned and allowed to return to her life.


This magical-realistic tale does not really give explanations for why the world is the way that it is. Nor does it really explain Deaths and Departures. I was left wondering "why?"

Sarah Mae Harper, CoLAPL- AC Bilbrew