Book Pics- Young Adults

13 Little Blue Envelopes. An intelligently written contribution to an often overly trendy genre; this is an excellent alternative to books like The Clique or Gossip Girls, and is much more age appropriate!  This is a coming-of-age novel about a young girl who travels Europe and discovers herself in the process.  Written with humor and creativity.

Catherine of Aragon, Princess Elizabeth (the first), MaryTudor and Anne Boleyn  are the subjects of a series of Young Royals books by Carolyn Meyer.   Good reading and an excellent way to learn the history of England at several tumultuous points, through the fictionalized lives of these young princesses.

 Last Shot : A Final Four Mystery combines March Madness basketfball with a story of a fourteen-year-old Steven Thomas who wins a journalism contest and goes to cover the playoffs, only to overhear threats of blackmail that endanger not only the games but the players, and perhaps Steven as well.  Author John Feinstein covers sports as a journalist, and is a commentator for National Public Radio.

Flush is Carl Hiaasen’s second novel for young adults (after his successful Hoot).  Set in Florida, it is the story of a boy determined to stop the illegal polluting of the Florida Keys.  It is written with Hiaasen’s typical combination of good story telling, semi-zany characters, and important topics.