Children & YA

“This hybrid of steampunk and alternate American history features a hell-raising girl’s school, Atlantis, and three highly likable leads in a yarn rip-roaring from start to finish…. Moments of humor and pathos enliven the history and fantasy. Though the main plot concerning Archie’s parents is resolved, there is plenty to address and discover in a sequel.”

“This time, Aria comes to Caroline Mason. At her all-girls’ prep school, Caroline is being bullied. She eats lunch alone and is picked on by her classmates every day. The ringleader of the mean girls is Lily Pierce. But Lily isn’t an ordinary bully: she used to be Caroline’s best friend”

“Rather than skating on the surface of a time-honored plot twist, Morrill portrays each Sloane with the grit to cross-train in a new skating sport, the perseverance to withstand the competitors’ bullying and high jinks, the honesty to be true to new friends or at least struggle in the challenge, and the grace to respect each other’s futures. As the Sloanes’ Prince and the Pauper/Parent Trap switcheroo unravels, they come together with friends and families for a sweet and satisfying resolution.”

“In an unpredictable world, McDaniel suggests that sometimes, things can remain the same forever. Readers will swoon over this story of love despite impossible odds and be captivated by the longevity of the connections.”

“The UFO story line culminates in a confusing sequence which may leave readers wondering whether it was real or not, while the ending has the nostalgic feel of an adult looking back on one’s childhood rather than the musings of an authentic tween girl. Despite these minor drawbacks, Pelletier has crafted a timeless coming-of-age story set in small town America. Hand this book to readers who enjoy good, old-fashioned stories.”