Flipped

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Reading Level - 4.8

AR Points - 8

Bryce and Juli, childhood neighbors and schoolmates, grow up across the street from each other. There could not be two more different kids -- Bryce is popular and so afraid to make waves he is won't stand up for what his conscience tells him. Juli, on the other hand, follows her own rules and believes in justice.

Each encounter between them is told through their alternating points of view. Bryce's heart is in the right place, but he is too worried about looking like a fool. Juli's family has nurtured her independent spirit, so even though she isn't the most popular girl, she is at peace with herself. By the end, they both learn something about themselves and each other.

This story is actually a tale of the differences between the sexes, and how one incident can be seen so differently. It makes me wonder how often my viewpoint differ from what other people think of the same situation.

**** 4 Flippant Stars

Linger

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Reading Level - 5.4

AR Points - 14

In this sequel to Shiver, Sam has become human rather than werewolf, so he and Grace can finally be together. But then, of course, Grace begins to suffer from headaches and other symptoms from a previous wolf attack. Will Grace survive?

I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the first one. Unfortunately, the gaping plot holes and teen angst turned me off. Some of the minor characters play a bigger part, which only makes it worse, besides the fact that Grace's parents are ridiculous. Ugh.

** 2 Lingering Stars