Reviews written by Kimberly Pauley

I probably shouldn't admit it, but I normally avoid Lurlene McDaniel's books because, darn it, they make me cry. Between Ms. McDaniel and Nicholas Sparks, they could prop up the tissue industry all on their own. But everyone needs a good cry now and then. However, that...

The most amazing thing about this book is that it was written when the author was just twelve. That shows an astounding level of commitment; many adults can't finish a novel, especially one this long (a whopping 518 pages!). The author's imagination is also very evident, as each page is...

Star Sisterz is a new series out from Mirrorstone (Wizards of the Coast). In each novel, the heroine is presented with a confusing out-of-the-blue dare meant only for them. In Nova's case, it is "Act like a rock star in front of a group of strangers." Will she do it...

Everyone, sometimes secretly and sometimes not, likes to read about familiar places and familiar things. Reading Evangeline Brown and the Cadillac Motel brought me back to when I was young and we had just moved to Florida. We lived for the summer in a motel much like Evangeline's while we...

A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove is one of the most searched-for books on Young Adult Books Central and generates some very emotional reviews. So I had to read it. Author James Moloney was kind enough to send me a review copy and I'm glad he did. To...

Ellie McSnelly and Carrie O'Toole, characters in Katie Couric's The Brand New Kid return in The Blue Ribbon Day. This time, both Ellie and Carrie want to be on the soccer team, but only Ellie makes the grade. Carrie is disappointed and sad, but her mother tries...

I was really, really quite enjoying this book. It had an easygoing but tense vibe going like in Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. Mysterious missions, an anti-hero good guy...you never really knew what was going to happen next. In fact, you could just about say that...

This sweetly illustrated kid's book is quite cute and a good read for any child fascinated by flying and pilots. Told very simply and with brightly colored illustrations, readers follow Violet's actions as she gets her plane ready (handing out some safety advice on the way) and takes a family...

P. W. Catanese's first novel is a continuation of the old favorite Jack and the Beanstalk. Years after the original story takes place, Jack is now a rich old man. His legendary exploits are just that the stuff of legends. He lives a quiet life. Nick, on the other...

Madison, Holly, and Lina come up with a way to get dates and take care of their Interpersonal Human Development (IHD) project: set up a website and quiz their fellow students to find out who is more obsessed about sex boys or girls. Mads has...

Walter Mosley's first book for YA readers is quite an unusual one. Interlacing history and science fiction together, he creates an intriguing world that will draw readers in. Ostensibly about slavery, this is really a book about freedom. 47 is a young slave living on a plantation. After having led...

Have you got a reluctant reader? Have I got a new series for you. Gordon Korman's On the Run: Chasing the Falconers is a fast-paced mystery/adventure that will have kids on the edge of their seats. Kind of like The Fugitive for kids, Aidan and Meg...

It's rare to find a novel that never uses a quote mark and even rarer to find one that pulls it off. That's not the most important thing about this book, or even the most interesting, but it is a quirky tidbit that I found intriguing. The...

Wow, this book makes me so glad that Im not back in middle school anymore. Shoot, looking back, Im glad I wasnt in the popular crowd. I wasnt a complete outcast (somewhere in the middle of the social hierarchy), but I didnt have that pressure of trying to maintain my...

Right around the time that this book came out, the author (Bill OReilly) was embroiled in a bit of controversy regarding his personal behavior. Im not going to comment on that thats beyond my realm of expertise or interest but I will say that its a shame that...