Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

SYNOPSIS:  Roy thinks Montana is Heaven.  So when his family moves to Florida, he is miserable.  When looking out the school bus window, however, he sees a boy running.  Roy's decision to follow the boy and discover his story leads him to become involved in a fight for the miniature owls who make Florida their home.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I really enjoyed this story.  I think it would be an entertaining read for teen readers, especially those interested in animals.  I would caution, however, that there is some language in the book, so I wouldn't recommend it for young children.

AUDIENCE:  Preteens and Teens

RATING:  PG for language

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Holes, The Invention of Hugo Cabet

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

SYNOPSIS:  Alina, Quinn and Bea live in a time when the world has very little oxygen.  Everyone lives in pods, where they pay for the privilege of breathing.  Only the wealthy can afford to do strenuous activity or buy tanks to leave the pod.  When Alina has to run from the authorities, Quinn and Bea get entangled in her fight to make a better future.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this would be a fun adventure story, but in the end, I felt it was a bit heavily weighted on the environmentalism side.  Also, I felt the story was a bit weak, with too much drama, and oversimplified characters.  That being said, I'm sure other readers would enjoy the dystopian story.  For content, there was some sexual references and language, and violence.  I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sexual References, Language, and Violence

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Divergent, Partials

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

SYNOPSIS:  Hayley's life hasn't been easy.  Since her father has been relieved from active duty, he has suffered from intense flashbacks, and has anger issues.  As she tries to hold it together for both of them, she has to sacrifice some things, however.  Eventually, she has to question what is most important to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I like books that deal with important issues, but I think there was too much teenage angst and drama for me in this book.  In addition, there was quite a bit of sensuality and sexual references, plus some strong language and violence.  I would recommend skipping this book, or at least reserve it for mature readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Language, Strong Sensuality, and Violence

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Between Shades of Gray, A Corner of the Universe

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

SUMMARY:  Jane has been content to sit on the sidelines since her mother's death, but when she moves to Coney Island, she begins to see life might be better if she gets involved.  As she learns about her mother's past, she tries to figure out what is most important to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had a hard time getting into this book.  There was a lot of teenage drama, and the story wasn't easy for me to relate to.  However, it may be more interesting to a young person, especially one interested in the carnival as a setting.  As far as content goes, there was some sensuality and language, so I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Sensuality

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Along for the Ride, Lola and the Boy Next Door