Update, September 2021--As I neared the end of my most recent review, Slay, I felt the need to turn a corner in my review strategy. Over the years I have taken care to choose novels that are popular enough to warrant a review and that are diverse in multiple ways, so as to offer something for everyone. Many books have taken me to spiritually dark places, causing me to reduce my reviewing. This is not enough, unfortunately. YA is not a morally healthy industry, and I feel its effects even with reduced reviewing. Yet, there are still wonderful books being written and amazingly talented authors who deserve to be found, and there are still teen readers who need literature that speaks to them. As of this month, I will begin seeking edifying, uplifting books. I will still pursue a variety, and I will still avoid overtly religious literature (since they don't tend to concern parents).
If you would like a specific book reviewed, please contact me through my "Cheri's Corner" page. If you would like to help me in this venture, which earns me no rewards other than the satisfaction of exposing this industry for what it really is and helping teens find truly good YA books, please visit the "How You Can Help" page.
If you would like a specific book reviewed, please contact me through my "Cheri's Corner" page. If you would like to help me in this venture, which earns me no rewards other than the satisfaction of exposing this industry for what it really is and helping teens find truly good YA books, please visit the "How You Can Help" page.
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What's In It?: The Concerned Parent's Guide to Young Adult Literature is a unique resource of more than 250 reviews (and counting!) for anyone concerned about the entertainment being marketed to our teens today. If you find it helpful or if you have suggestions for ways to improve the guide, please take a moment to send me your comments.
Check out these new titles!Click for a quick search of the most recent reviews.
Slay Greenglass House Tweet Cute Out of My Mind New Boy The Thing About Jellyfish The Unteachables 99 Days Dear Evan Hansen Calling all readers!What's In It? is in constant need of books reviews and feedback in order to make this resource as useful as possible. Please visit the "How You Can Help" page to learn more.
Why two review formats?As of June 2015, my review format has changed to an essay style. Though the new format will lack the precise detail of the old one, it helps streamline the review process significantly.
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YA GEM OF THE MOMENT:
The Saturdays,
by Elizabeth Enright For those who love old-fashioned, yet relatable tales, The Saturdays is a minor middle-grade classic written in 1941. Often forgotten, yet perfect for pre-teens and young teens who aren't yet ready for the YA genre, this first volume in "The Melendy Quartet" series is a gentle adventure tale perfect for a cozy, rainy-day escape. Those who loved the award-winning The Penderwicks Series will especially enjoy it. Does your teen need writing help? The Denim Beret Writing Program is an online program that seeks to serve the needs of teens and preteens who are ready to master the art of non-fiction writing. I offer both structured lessons and project-based mentoring for both homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers. I also offer grammar and basic literature instruction. Please browse my website for more information!
http://www.onceuponapen.studio/ |