Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen is a novel with characters who display strength and perseverance while dealing with life changing, difficult circumstances. Viola Li is a die hard comic book fan. She is also an advocate for many different causes; she loves to bake and cook, raising money to donate and educate others about these important issues. At one such bake sale, Viola suddenly develops an extreme sensitivity to sunlight; this turns out to be much more intense and serious than she and her family originally thought. She can no longer attend school because of the florescent lights; she can no longer drive because windows don’t block out the light; she can not be on her phone or computer for longer than 15 minutes at a time because the lights will burn her; she is forbidden see her love interest, Josh, because her parents feel as though he makes risky decisions rather than working to protect her. Viola could choose to give up, but rather than doing that, she comes up with a Plan B that just may work for her future.
The characters are very likable and well developed. The author has clearly done her research in regard to photosensitivity; the situations are realistic and believable. This book is a great addition to any library because of the diverse characters and topics presented.
Eighteen years ago, two princes, heirs to the kingdom of St. John del Mar, were kidnapped and murdered by the rivaling kingdom of Mondrago. Three friends, Elias, Mercedes and Ulises were all deeply affected on a very personal level. So what happens when maps show up hinting that the little princes are in fact alive just hidden? Should the friends go searching for the truth, even if it’s the most dangerous path?
In The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell, the author takes the story of Robin Hood and adds a new spin. The main characters are all based upon characters found within the original tale, but the adventures are completely new. The main character, Silvie, has escaped her town and home because of the cruel ways of her brother, the town sheriff. Silvie and her best friend Bird have made a new life for themselves in the forest. Here they welcome others who need help or want a new way of life. This small band of “rogues” slowly grows to resist the traditional ways. They all look to Silvie as their leader. Amidst the adventure and survival is also a story of love and family in the non-traditional sense. Although a bit predictable in the end, the story moves quickly and will entertain readers both familiar and not with the Robin Hood story.
Will deals with all of his emotions, troubles, and thinking by walking. Ever since his dad died 3 years ago, he’s been walking to try and rid of the past and make sense for what he’s feeling. Will has many people in his life that he cares about and who care for him in return. One friend, Playa, has been in his life since early elementary school. Although they are not in constant contact with each other, they still have a connection. When Will learns that Playa was raped at a party one night, he feels a sense of guilt – thinking he may have been able to stop it. After the incident he decides to show Playa his care and concern by bringing small gifts to her doorstep. In addition to trying to take care of Playa, he begins to spread small acts of kindness to others in his life. Although Will thinks this is caring for those in his life, it is also a great way to help him deal with the loss of his dad and the emotions that brings about.
The book Keeping the Beat is a murder mystery that keeps the reader’s attention by slowly revealing the details through multiple characters’ perspectives. The book begins with a murder then shifts back in time to chronicle the events that lead up to it.
