 I love to read young adult novels and often get the chance to review them. One of the first ARCs I was asked to review was YA and I've never looked back. While I promote, read, and love YA from Crescent Moon Press, I do read other YA novels and share them with my grandchildren. One of my favs is Traitor's Son. This is the second book in the series and is great as a stand alone or as the next book in the series. Blurb: In Trickster's Girl, when Kesla's journey comes to an end, she passes the pouch and the quest on to someone else. She picks Jason, a native boy she thinks will be able to finish the job. But in fact, a family feud has cut Jason off from his traditional roots, and he is even more doubtful and resistant than Kesla was. But Raven, now a beautiful girl, is quite persuasive and manages to convince Jason this is something not only that he can do, but that he must if he wants to heal his family and the earth. Amazon 4 Star Review Shape-shifting, paranormal romance for the teen! What a great series for the pre-teen to teen in your household! Not only did I enjoy the novel, but my grandsons did too. I loved the Native America lore, the characters were believable and very well-written. I really hated to put the book down. Even the adult will fall under the book's spell. The story is fast-paced, emotionally driven, and has one whopper of an ending. My only downside is there are times when the novel reads slow--or perhaps the character is a little too cliche to my liking. In any case, Ms Bell is a terrific writer that I am pleased to share with the teens in my life.  Another great book for the pre-teen is Losing It. I really can't say enough good things about this book. Blurb Bennett Robinson loves baseball, especially watching Dodgers games with his dad while munching on burgers and fries—the perfect “game food.” Baseball even helped Bennett and his dad get over his mom’s death from cancer. But there’s no way Bennett could ever play baseball. Bennett is fat, the kind of fat that gives you belly button sweat stains and makes it tough to get off a sagging couch. But on one perfect, baseball-watching day, everything changes. Bennett’s dad is taken away on a stretcher, and Bennett doesn’t know if he will live or die. Now Bennett has to move in with know-it-all Aunt Laura. And she’s making it her personal mission to Get Bennett Healthy. Bennett knows that Aunt Laura will take over his entire life if he lets her. It’s time for Bennett to step up to the plate. Because maybe there are some things a Fat Boy can do . . . like talk to a girl, run a mile, and maybe even save his own life. Erin Fry explores the issue of obesity with heart, depth, and humor in this unforgettable debut novel. Amazon 5 Star Review What a great book for the kid struggling with weight issues and low self-esteem. Uplifting, funny, heart warming, and attention grabbing, Losing It is a winner in our family. Bennett is self-conscious about his body. He loves sports and spends most of his time watching them and eating the junk food that comes with the territory. His mother died when he was five and he lives with his father. After his father suffers a stroke, he has to move in with his aunt. Suddenly the old couch potato Bennett faces numerous challenges including a healthy diet and becoming a part of something other than the couch. I have to say, Losing It, is a great first novel. It tackles difficult issues a sensitivity I found inspiring. Kudos to a great new children's author.  And lastly, The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons Blurb The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons is a beautifully written middle-grade fantasy adventure that Newbery Medal–winning author Katherine Applegate says is "as magical and mysterious as the sea itself." Ever since her parents died, Lucy's house has magically awakened. An enchanted flute plays when danger is near. A sparkling mist unlocks drawers of family secrets. A mysterious woman named Marni arrives. The magic helps Lucy keep her house out of the hands of her greedy Uncle Victor. As Lucy and Marni fight to stop Victor, Lucy makes unexpected friends and discovers the power of courage. But will it be enough to prevail in the face of her evil uncle? Readers who love novels like Avi's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle or the American Girl books will love the timeless adventure in The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons. Amazon 4 Star Review An orphaned girl, a missing aunt, and two guardians who want to get their hands on her inheritance. A dash of magic, a smidgeon of things that go bump in the night, and you have a tale that any little girl will love. This is a sweet middle grade read with all the things you'd expect from a book of this type. Yes it's been done before, but if you have a little one that reads as much as I did when I was small, one more won't matter. While the ending leaves you hanging, it is still a good lead in to the next book in the series. If there was one complaint, that would be it. I'd like to know more about the 'magic' and the mysterious woman. Other than that, this is good book for middle grade readers. Enjoy! I wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. The kids are coming with the grandkids and I know I'll be one busy grandma. Have fun in the sun, stay safe, and enjoy your family. Life is short--kiss those you love--and never take anything for granted. (((Hugs))) Louann 
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