Fat Cat

Fat Cat
by Robin Brande

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Realistic Fic / Humor / Romance

Cat is overweight. Long ago she believed she wasn't pretty and no one would ever be her boyfriend, and she accepted that.  But then comes Mr. Fizar's rigorous science class and naked hominids.

She wanted to change.  Thus resulting in a science experiment with her as the lab rat.

The rules: 1) No modern conveniences. 2) Only the kinds of foods early hominids ate are allowed.

And there's a chance this has to do with a boy who broke her heart.

Fat Cat was insightful into problems teens have, was funny, and even informative: It's stuffed with great characters, both lovable and not so lovable.  Cat's strong, smart, and funny.  Amanda is the best friend you've always hoped for.  This is one inspiring book full of humor and heart.

Boyfriends With Girlfriends

Boyfriends With Girlfriends
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Fiction / Romance

Sergio likes both guys and girls, but he's only ever dated girls before.  Lance has known since he was little that he's gay/  When they meet, there's an instant spark, but will it work out?  Allie's liked guys her whole life and she's been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Chip, for 2 years.  But when she's introduced to Kimiko, she realizes she's falling for her - hard.  Kimiko has had a crush on Allie ever since they met, but it's hard for her to believe that Allie could (or would) like her back. Can they both admit it to each other and be in a relationship?

Sanche introduces readers to four very real teens who are trying to figure out where they place in the world - and with each other.  He does a wonderful job of displaying the doubts and uncertainties of being in love, as well as being bi.  Society has needed more good books about bisexuality for a long time, so it is terrific to see him bring this book into society.

Edgar and Ellen Series

Edgar and Ellen Series
by Charles Odgen

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Fantasy / Humor / Adventure

Sinister twins Edgar and Ellen have known Pet, a hairy one-eyed creature, for as long as they can remember.  During their elaborate pranking they stumble upon a fatal secret.  As the dark secrets of Pet and the town of Nod's Limbs' history and people unravel, Odgen keeps you turning the page with his beyond humorous writing.  This series is definitely a favorite!

The God Box

The God Box
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Fiction / Romance

Paul always thought that Angie was his one and only soulmate.  But then Manuel transfers to their school and flips Paul's life upside-down.  Manuel is the first openly gay teen their small town has ever met, and yet he says he's a committed Christian.  Talking to Manuel makes Paul reconsider thoughts he has kept hidden, and listening to Manuel's interpretation of Biblical passages on homosexuality causes Paul to rethink everything he's ever believed. When Manuel's outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, it results in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

I thought that "The God Box" may be a book that not only changes lives but saves them.

The False Prince

The False Prince
by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

A canning nobleman shows up, gathering orphaned boys with Sage along with them.  The nobleman, Connor, plans to train the boys as a passable impersonator for the long-lost prince of the kingdom with him as the puppeteer in the background.  He claims this is for the good of the kingdom but defiant Sage knows that's more than questionable.  It's a fight to become the perfect prince as all the others will surely be killed.

Right off the bat, readers will root for Sage, his voice and sarcastic humor capturing their attention.  It's hard to not cheer for such a lovable character who's determined to stay true to himself. 

Watching layer upon layer of deceit and treachery unfold keeps you on the edge of your seat until the shocking and dangerous secret is revealed.  

I absolutely loved this book and no doubt made it one of my favorites.

Rainbow High

Rainbow High
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Fiction/Romance


Jason Carrillo - The best looking athlete in school, has looked forward to earning a scholarship for college. But soon he finds love, and Kyle.

Kyle Meeks - A swim-team star, finally in the relationship he's wanted.  Being in love feels great, so much that he can't even think of giving it up to attend Princeton. It's something he's worked for for his entire existence.

Nelson Glassman - Eccentric and outgoing; might be HIV positive.  Even though Nelson fears testing positive, if he is infected Jeremy might stop protecting him and push him away.

High school's coming to an end, they're facing graduation and prom.  Life's a piece of cake, right?  Ha ha, right...

I thought Sanchez did a fantastic job of displaying the hardships that gay and bi teens face in life.  It's a pleasure to see him creating a "new type of romance" in his books that not many other books have.