Reviews written by Kim Baccellia, Staff Reviewer

I’m not usually a fan of ‘flashbacks’ as I feel they sometimes are jarring and slow down the pacing in an otherwise engaging novel. But there’s always exceptions to this and BEFORE I WAKE is one of them. ...

Imagine if the story of Cinderella might in fact be true. That's what you'll discover in the very imaginative CINDERELLA'S DRESS which is the PERFECT fantasy set in WW2 with a girl, a magical dress, and much more! What worked: This is a delightful tale that introduces...

One thing lacking in YA has to be diversity. So when I received a package from Penguin Teen with the contemporary romance LIKE NO OTHER, I had to read it. Only this novel is that and much, much more! What works: I love the voice...

I think everyone in high school knew of that 'girl' or 'guy' that was labeled bad and/or very loose. These were the people that seemed to have a story. I can't help but think of Rizzo in the movie Grease, and how isolated she became after rumors of her being...

Historicals are one of my all time favorite genres. I also love anything that deals with the Tudors. So when I found out there was a YA historical that took place in the 16th century around the time of King Henry VIII? I had to read it....

I was so excited to get this upcoming novel from Brenna Yovanoff. I'm a huge fan of her writing which is hauntingly beautiful with it's own rhythm. It's like poetry in motion. But then again she's part of the mega talented Merry Sisters of Fate which includes...

Right now I'm loving contemporary romances set in European places. KISSING IN ITALIAN caught my interest as it takes place in Italy. I'm a quarter Italian and I love to read books set there. What worked: The Italian setting which is a character. The...

This story caught my interest with the premise of some NYC teens being able to read minds after having the flu shot. Unique twist on the whole super powers premise. What worked: Hilarious with a fun voice. Think Gossip Girls get a funky flu shot...

Mystical. Magical. Some books just wrap you up in their spell. I know this is what happened with me once I opened The Falconer. The publishing director’s letter at the beginning of this novel warns readers of this. And believe me it delivers! ...

I love to peruse Justine Magazine's YA selection of upcoming books. One book blurb caught my attention. ...If Buffy was Southern and grew up with manners, sweet tea, and Cotillion, she'd be Harper Price. I knew I had to have this book! So I ordered a copy...

Love Kimberly Pauley's novels. And her latest ASK ME is no exception. What worked: Loved Pauley's modern day take on an oracle. Only in this case, high schooler Aria Morse can not only tell the future but doesn't know when her ability will strike. And...

There's a lot of promise in this paranormal story of a Fate that is doomed to live on Earth and the only way to return to Pyralis Terra is to kill a boy she finds herself attracted to. What worked: I love the unique twist on Greek...

Get ready for a new swoon worthy protagonist! Sixteen-year-old Rowan has lived among mortals but is surprised when his Queen mother summons him back to Avalon. She's abdicating the court and wants him to be crowned King. His mother hasn't been warm toward him in the past so...

Who ever thought reading a book on different phobias would be fun? SCARED STIFF uses a fun approach on learning about 50 different types of phobias. Each one has the facts behind it along with some famous phobics from celebs and other famous figures plus how to overcome...

Wow, hold on to your seat as this story is one adrenaline rush that is filled with suspense, intrigue, romance, and even aliens. What worked: This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm totally loving alien YA stories and this one doesn't...