Reviews written by Kimberly Pauley

There are quite a few Holocaust books out there (including some really famous ones, like Night and The Diary of Anne Frank), many with somewhat similar (though all incredibly emotional and moving) stories. Hiding Edith is a little bit different. Or, at least, it tells a part of the story...

Sheree is young and tough on the outside, but shes now in the middle of a situation shes not sure she can handle. In a story thats all too real and all too common, Ree Ree is following in her mothers footsteps: shes young, single, and pregnant. ...

Now heres a different kind of story. Gilly and Sam are two girls going nowhere fast, until one night they meet this really freaky guy who uses a birds entrails to tell them&well, not exactly their fortunes&but what they each want more than anything. He tells Gilly,...

Jack Plank Tells Tales was the first book to come from Natalie Babbitt (of Tuck Everlasting fame) in 25 years. In this charming story, Jack is an ex-pirate (not that he was ever a very good bloodthirsty pirate, anyway) trying to make his way in the world. ...

In this wordless graphic novel from Shaun Tan, you are swept along on a journey that many have gone on before moving to a new, foreign place in order to better yourself (and provide for your family). The drawings are wonderfully detailed and evocative, with a kind of magical...

This book is technically not a young adult book, but it certainly has crossover appeal for teen girls. Think of it as chick lit meets Bewitched (or, if Bewitched is too old school for you, think Sabrina the Teenage Witch). Katie Chandler is a completely non-magical...

This new picture book from Marilyn Singer (and illustrated by Carll Cneut) is a winner for urban dwellers. As baby is being strolled around the city, a veritable assault of noise happens. There are horns beeping, cell phones ringing, dogs barking&a cacophony of city noises (clacking, clanging, banging, you name...

Echo is a fairly typical fifteen-year-old with typical teenager issues (boy trouble, friend drama-rama, and the ever present high school tensions). But on top of that, shes dealing with the murder of her older sister, Zoë. It has been over a year since it happened, but Echo is still dealing...

You can consider this a bonus book in the Uglies series (an extra, if you will&sorry, I couldnt resist). While Tally Youngblood is in it, the story isnt hers. Instead, this is the story of Aya Fuse. Shes a teen living a few years after the mind-rain that Tally and...

As an expectant mother-to-be, I was a wee bit taken aback when this review book came in the mail. Heres a book for a problem I didnt even know existed (and lordy, I hope I never have to deal with it, but who knows). It Hurts...

The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z is a cute addition to the alphabet picture book category from Steve Martin (yes, the actor, comedian, & writer Steve Martin and unlike some celebrity-turned-authors, he is a talented writer) and Roz Chast. However, it almost feels like it...

Its taken me a long time to write up the review for The Year the Gypsies Came. Im not really sure why, to tell you the truth. Its a beautifully evocative story and told well by the author, Linzi Glass. Its also etched with sadness. Set in...

Thoms father is a disgraced superhero and his mother has (literally) disappeared. Hes a basketball star at school, but everyone keeps their distance because of his family situation and, perhaps, because they sense that something is different about Thom. There are actually a lot of things that...

Luna, by Julie Anne Peters, is a really, really emotional book that brought me to tears more than once. The story is told in the voice of Regan sister to Liam, who is transgendered (a girl born into a boys body). Liams nighttime life as Luna in his basement...

Totally Joe is a totally awesome book with one of the most engaging (and, dare I say it adorable) characters Id seen in a while. Joe is in the seventh grade and hes gay. Hes also comfortable with himself because his family supports him (even though he hasnt actually...