Pasadena

High School Fiction

F/M  Smith, Sherri L.  Pasadena.  Putnam, 2016. 229p.  978-1-101-99625-6.  17.99.

In this modern noir style novel set in Pasadena, CA, Jude is called home from her vacation back east when her best friend, Maggie is found dead. Not believing that her death was suicide and against everyone’s wishes, Jude starts snooping around. Her investigation uncovers secrets, and not just those about Maggie. Jude is not a likeable character. She’s mean and rude and it’s no wonder she has few friends. The novel keeps readers on their toes trying to figure out what really happened, but in the end, when the mystery is solved, the wrap-up is a let-down. Mature language and lots of references to sex make this a book for older teens only. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial Branch

Saving Montgomery Sole

General YA Fiction

F/A  Tamaki, Mariko.  Saving Montgomery Sole.  Roaring Brook, 2016.  240p.  978-1-62672-271-2.  17.99

Montgomery Sole is a 16yo girl with two moms, a younger sister and a total of 2 friends in a small California town. She’s obsessed with the abnormal and started a high school Mystery Club, where the 3 of them discuss the weird and unexplained every week. When the White family moves to town, things get uncomfortable for Monty. Reverend White is a semi-famous preacher who wants to “save the American Family” and Monty’s family is anything but normal. While Monty’s sarcasm made her likeable, the character seemed way too naïve for a 16 year old. All the build-up and drama resulted in too tidy of an ending as well. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial Branch