Diamonds and Deceit by Leila Rasheed - OPTIONAL

Rasheed, Leila Diamonds and Deceit (at Somerton), 432 p. Disney, 2014.  Mature Content: PG (liaisons, without being descriptive, one intimation of a homosexual relationship that is also not descriptive); Language: G; Violence: G.  

Ruby used to be his servant, but now she is the adopted (formerly bastard) daughter of Lord Westlake.  Moving from downstairs to nobility is not easy; the gentry can be more cutting and malicious than Ruby ever thought.  As she navigates the social morass of Pre World War I England, affairs of the heart seek to trip up not only Ruby, but everyone around her. 

For your teen girls who adore the Luxe series, Rasheed has also written a scandalous tale of romance.  Akin to a trashy romance novel, without the graphic-ness of that genre, Rasheed includes all of the glitter this last glittering moment before war descended to break the class barriers.  It isn’t always easy to keep the many plotlines and characters straight, but Ruby and her half-sister Ava are the mainstays here.  

HS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare-OPTIONAL.

Shakespeare, William, Romeo and Juliet. Pgs 214. Ember, 2013. $8.99. Language: G, Mature Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

A retelling of the famous tale of Romeo Juliet, this book has the original text and then, the adapted screenplay used in the motion picture. Although anyone who has read and loved the story will prefer the original story, the screenplay is fairly well-done and keeps true to the original tale. Recommended for most library collections. MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle -- NO

Myracle, Lauren The Infinite Moment of Us, 340 pgs. Amulet Books, 2013. $17.95. Language: R (80+ swears; 22 'f'); Mature Content: R (several very detailed, very intimate scenes)

Wren Gray lives to please her parents, but as graduation nears she realizes that their dreams for her are not the same as her dreams for herself. But how can she overcome her people-pleasing ways and break the news to her parents, when it might cause a family rift forever? Charlie Parker has been in love with Wren forever. Secretly. From afar. The truth is, she doesn't even know his last name. But when he lands in the hospital where she volunteers, they have their first honest, open conversation, and the sparks fly. Can this good girl who wants to be a little less good make it work with a former bad boy who loves her deeply?

Oh, how I wanted to love this book. I'm a sucker for romances, and the gorgeous cover promised just that. Plus, I've heard good things about Lauren Myracle's books. Unfortunately, I had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters, especially Wren, who makes it seem as if only children are guaranteed to be messed up for life. It also felt as if many of the scenes were rushed, with a lot of dialogue but very little introspection or action. The ending, especially, came fast. As for mature content, The Infinite Moment of Us was extremely explicit -- more so than many adult books I've read. Normally I'd just mention that in a review and recommend the book for public libraries only, but with the lack of compelling story to back it up, I find I can't recommend it at all. Perhaps the book will go over better with readers of New Adult rather than Young Adult.

HS -- NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewed by: Caryn

Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub - ADVISABLE

Taub, Melinda Still Star-Crossed, 340 p. Delacorte Press, 2013.  $17.  Violence: PG (sword deaths, fighting).  

In the peace declared by Prince Escalus after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is ready to break into bloodshed at just a wrong look.  The prince has ordered Rosaline and Benvolio to be married as a sign to bind the two houses together, in hopes to ward of more deaths.  Both parties, however, are not happy about the arrangement.  Rosaline, especially, has no kind thoughts for the House of Capulet, as they abandoned her and her younger sister to a barely manageable cottage after they were orphaned.  Secrets are swirling around Verona and someone is determined to plunge Verona back into civil war.  Even Livia, Roasline sister, has a very deep secret.  Who has the clues needed to stop murder?  

For lovers of Romeo and Juliet, or even of high romance, this is a very welcome book.  I  love a well-crafted continuation of the tale and this very well done.  And the cover will help sell the book.  

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - - ESSENTIAL

Green, John The Fault in Our Stars, 313 pgs. Dutton Books; 2012. $17.99 Language: PG13 ( 95 swears 1 F) Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G.  

Hazel is living with cancer, she needs extra oxygen to breathe and has to take things easy.  But when she meets Augustus at her cancer support group meeting, her life begins to change.  

This book is poignant, funny, sad; I couldn’t put it down.  It’s more than a cancer story, it’s about relationships, death, family, friendship, a must read. One sex scene (tasteful, not graphic) and teen alcohol use (no partying)  Highly recommended. MS HS ESSENTIAL Lisa Librarian

Lauren's Beach Crush by Angela Darling-NO

Darling, Angela, Crush: Lauren’s Beach Crush. Simon Spotlight, 2013. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Contet: PG

Seventh grader, Lauren likes to plan out everything. So, when things don’t go intended as she tries to get a cute boy to notice her, Lauren is thrown off her game. Her friend, Chrissy tells her to be herself, but can Lauren learn to go with the flow and trust her instincts?

Too much of a he loves me, he loves me not book. Although the book has potential for teaching preteens a good lesson, the characters are generic and don’t spark a relationship with the reader. It’s saving grace, however, is that it does eventually get to the feel-good message that one can predict from page 1. Would not recommend for most schools. EL (4-6). NO. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High