THE TOWN WITH NO MIRRORS by Christina Collins

 

I highly recommend THE TOWN WITH NO MIRRORS by Christina Collins. It grabbed me on the first page and there was no stopping.

Can you imagine never seeing your reflection? Zailey never has seen her face. She is fascinated by the faces she sees every day in her small community, but she knows it is wrong to stare. She knows it is even worse that she secretly sketches the faces she sees. 

Living in Gladder Hill means superficial thoughts and ideas are prohibited. There are no mirrors. In fact, all reflective surfaces have been illuminated. Zailey's neighbor is evicted when it is discovered that he has a silver spoon. 

The community was created to insulate people from physical fascinations. There are strict rules and conditions in Gladder Hill, but Zailey is getting more curious every day. When an argument with her grandmother ends in a horrible accident, Zailey is airlifted to the hospital where she discovers the world outside Gladder Hill. 

Inspired by body image issues and eating disorders, author Christina Collins creates a world designed as a utopia, but like many utopias, things end up more like a dystopian experience. This one will stick with readers long after they finish.

FINDING LOST by Holly Goldberg Sloan

 

Since Cordy lost her father, she has been searching for something to convince her mother that they should stay in the town she and her brother have always lived in. Staying where she remembers her dad and all they shared is her number one priority.

When Cordy finds a homeless little dog, she is sure this is the answer. She christens him "Lost" and they do everything together. Cordy is thrilled that her mom seems to adore the little dog, too.

A trip to a visiting vet turns up a problem with Lost's health. The reason for his horrible bad breath is some rotten teeth that need to be removed. When the cost seems impossible, the vet suggests a plan that will cost them nothing. He also seems to be taken with Cordy's mother. That could be good or bad. Only time will tell.

Author Holly Goldberg Sloan doesn't disappoint with another of her heartwarming tale about family, friendship, and love. FINDING LOST is a sure winner. 

AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins

 

Elise has discovered using words sparingly is the best plan for her. She and her mother live in the same house but rarely communicate. Her mother barely provides what Elise needs physically and even less emotionally. After always being homeschooled, Elise's mother declares she can attend public school. 

Entering school for the first time as an eighth grader isn't easy. It just takes a few days for Elise to realize this is also a place where not talking is best. She even uses a notebook to keep a tally record of how few words she can use in a day.

Elise is growing suspicious of her mother's activities. She realizes that she has never celebrated a birthday. In fact, she didn't even know there was such a thing until she sees her best friend celebrating. Her mother disappears into a shed in the backyard, and she takes off in the car to parts unknown. When Elise confronts her mother, she is told there is nothing to know.

AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins will draw readers in immediately and take them along on Elise's journey to fit in and learn the truth about her past.