45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) by K.A. Barson

45 POUND (MORE OR LESS) is a must read.  Not only is it an entertaining story, but it speaks to increasing concerns about body image and eating disorders.  Its message will come through loud and clear to those dealing with weight issues, and even extends to friends and family of those struggling with their weight.

Just like most of us, Ann has dieted many times, and usually ended up weighing more than when she started.  Inspired by an infomercial promising easy, quick results, Ann invests her entire savings in the Secrets 2 Success diet plan.  Simply follow their exercise program and eat their specially formulated meals and she is guaranteed to lose that weight.

Ann is also inspired by the fact that her aunt is getting married in several months and has asked her to be a bridesmaid.  The thought of trying on dresses terrifies her.  Hopefully, she can lose 45 pounds in time for the wedding.

Complicating matters for Ann is a mother obsessed with staying slim, a cute guy with dimples who keeps showing up at the mall where she works, and a stereotypical "mean" girl who works with her at The Twisted Pretzel.  Ann desperately wants to lose weight, but when she sees how her dieting obsession and her mother's fixation with weight is effecting her four year old sister, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) is the debut novel of author K.A. Barson.  Her combination of humor, quirky characters, and insight into issues of weight and dieting make this a novel that should be read by all girls and their moms.  I can't wait to see what she has to offer next.

EVIL BEHIND THAT DOOR by Barbara Fradkin

This is the other complimentary copy I received from the Rapid Reads collection at Orca Book Publishers.  Once again it offers a high interest/low level solution for older YA readers.

Cedric "Rick" O'Toole makes ends meet by working as a handyman.  When he is asked to help clean up an old farmhouse for a high school classmate recently released from prison, he has concerns about what he might be getting himself into.  Rick and Barry weren't exactly the best of friends, but Rick knows Barry is dealing with some heavy stuff at the moment so he agrees to do the work.

Several issues add to the mystery of EVIL BEHIND THAT DOOR.  First, Barry's parents have both mysteriously disappeared.  Searches have turned up nothing so Barry has inherited the family property and wants to sell it as soon as possible.  Another issue arises when Barry sees Rick trying to enter a locked room in the basement.  Barry immediately stops Rick telling him that there is evil behind that door and he should never open it.

As one would expect, Rick does open the door, and what he finds is indeed evil.  Readers will anxiously turn the pages to get the answers to what Rick finds and the mystery of Barry's missing parents. 

PICTURE ME GONE by Meg Rosoff

Twelve year old Mila is looking forward to an adventure with her father.  Traveling from their home in London to visit her father's best friend in New York should provide something to brag about when she gets back home.  She promises her mother she will watch out for her absent-minded father and they depart.

The first disappointment comes when Mila discovers "New York" means a thinly populated area of upstate New York not the hustle and bustle of New York City.  The second unfortunate element of the trip happens when she and her father arrive at the home of Matthew and his wife Suzanne to find that Matthew has disappeared. 

Sensitive to the tension in their hosts' home, Mila begins to consider all sorts of scenarios involving the missing man.  He left behind his wife and young son as well as his loyal dog, all the while knowing his best friend had planned a visit.  Talk about strange! 

More details reveal that as son about Mila's age died in a car accident three years earlier.  Matthew was the driver of the car and had been prone to depression since the death of his son.  His wife Suzanne suggests that perhaps Matthew has gone to a cabin farther north so Mila and her father head off in that direction.

PICTURE ME GONE follows young Mila and her father as they attempt to solve the mystery of a missing friend.  Mila's unusual relationship with her father and her uncanny ability to interpret people and situations will keep readers on their toes as each new twist and turn is revealed.  This thought-provoking new novel by Meg Rosoff is due for release in October 2013.

THE BARRIO KINGS by William Kowalski

A big thank you to the publisher for providing THE BARRIO KINGS for review.  I have long been a fan of Orca Publishers and their high interest/low level offerings.  When I heard about Rapid Reads from Raven Books (an imprint of Orca) for older YA students in alternative ed programs, I really wanted to check one out for a new program my school is offering this fall.  One of the publisher reps kindly sent two my way.

THE BARRIO KINGS features a young man named Rosario Gomez facing the next challenge in his life, that of breadwinner and father.  Once a member of the Barrio Kings gang, Rosario has turned his life around.  He is about to earn his GED and get a well-deserved promotion at the grocery store where he works.  It couldn't come at a better time since his girl friend is about to deliver their first child. 

Just when it seems that everything is perfect for Rosario, an old friend is released from prison and makes contact with Rosario.  His old friend suggests that the two of them along with the Kings should seek revenge for what happened to Rosario's brother.  Should he ignore the promise he made to his girl friend or rejoin his old gang and help lead the fight?

THE BARRIO KINGS is slightly over 100 pages, reads quickly, and contains just the right combination of action and drama to interest reluctant readers.  With characters living in the adult world, there is definitely more appeal for alternative ed/adult ed readers attempting to improve reading skills.  I look forward to reading another Rapid Read selection.

FREAKBOY by Kristin Elizabeth Clark

FREAKBOY by Kristin Elizabeth Clark follows three characters struggling with transgender issues.  Written in verse, it is a fast read that will speak to teens questioning their sexuality.  With a release date of 10/13, FREAKBOY handles a sensitive subject with care and compassion.

Brendan studies hard and has been a dedicated member of the wrestling team.  He thinks it is pretty cool that his girl friend is also a member of the team.  It gives them plenty of time together, but lately, Brendan has been struggling with something he can't share with her.  He loves Vanessa, but he sometimes finds himself being jealous of the fact that she is a girl.  Brendan sometimes pictures himself as a girl.  He even goes so far as to purchase a green, satin bra.  When he tries it on in the privacy of his room, he loves the curves it creates.  But Brendan is extremely frightened by the term transgender and isn't sure how to deal with his feelings.

Vanessa loves Brendan, but she is losing patience with his shifting moods.  One day he is the tough wrestler and doting boy friend, and the next day he claims he needs space and time alone.  She knows he has battled depression since his parents' divorce and his mother's remarriage to a jerk he doesn't like, but there is something else bugging him that he isn't willing to share. 

Angel meets Brendan when he shows up at the teen center one afternoon.  Despite a challenging childhood, Angel has come to terms with being transgender and works to help other struggling teens.  Not sure of what Brendan's problem involves, Angel gives him a phone number and offers to help any time.  Will he take advantage of the offer or can't he face his fears?

The three personalities intertwine to weave an inspirational story of facing fears and coming to terms with what makes each of us unique.

THE F- LIST by Julie Halpern

I anticipate some will be offended by the title, but please don't let that stop you from picking up a copy of Julie Halpern's latest due out on Nov. 11, 2013. 

In this teenage take on the "bucket list," Halpern tackles such difficult topics as loss of a parent, illness of a friend, and young love.  She does it in a no-nonsense, sometimes gut-wrenching directness.

Alex is just getting used to the fact that her father is gone.  Killed in a taxi accident, he left behind teenage Alex, her twin brothers, and their mother.  It hasn't been a year yet since his death when Alex is jolted by another potential tragedy.  Becca, Alex's best friend since elementary school, announces that she has cancer.  Can Alex's quirky toughness get her through this latest challenge?

Alex is surprised when her friend reveals a bucket list she created and even more shocked when Becca asks Alex to help her complete each item on the list in case she doesn't survive.  The girls rename the list the F- It List and the adventure begins.  What Alex doesn't count on is dealing with feelings of guilt when she finds herself in a relationship with Leo Dietz who she has long worshipped from afar.

Although, the title, the language, and some of the sexual references might not be for the faint of heart, THE F- IT LIST takes readers on a heartfelt journey of what it means to be a true friend.

THE GIRL WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE by April Henry

Imagine waking up on the floor of a cabin, tasting blood, realizing someone has pulled off several of your fingernails, and now they are talking about killing you.  If that isn't scary enough, add in the fact that you don't have a clue about where you are or even who you are.

Author April Henry's new thriller THE GIRL WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE takes readers on a frightening adventure as a teen tries to piece together events leading her to a backwoods cabin and two men who want her dead.  When she is able to escape, she takes off in an SUV belonging to one of the men in hopes of finding some answers. 

She winds up seeking help from a security guard at a nearby resort only to find out he plans to hold her prisoner in the back of his security vehicle until someone from a mental facility comes to pick her up.  She might not know much, but she does know she isn't this Katie person they claim committed assault and escaped from a loony bin.  Once again she takes off and looks for a place to hide until she can decide what to do next.

A mall parking lot looks like it might provide some protection, and a McDonald's restaurant will give her a place to clean up and get something to eat.  Exhausted, she dozes off and is awaken by the cute guy who waited on her.  When the two men show up looking for her, he offers to help.  Can he help her figure out who she is and keep her safe from the men who want her dead?

THE GIRL WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE is due out in August and promises to be a great end of summer read.  Keep an eye out for this one at your local library or bookstore!