Julie Gonzalez

This is a very insightful novel about the ramifications of peer pressure and how a young man deals with the aftermath of a major personal tragedy. Perhaps Will, the "villain" of the piece, could have been less stereotypical and a bit more likable, but I found Conner's journey following the tragedy to be very realistic for the most part. I particularly liked the role of music in his life and the fact that he was able to work through some of his feelings of guilt, remorse, grief, anger, etc. by creating his musical composition--"Ladder of Glass." The book will get the reader thinking about some very difficult questions.… (mehr)

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Four boys. An abandoned rooftop. A gun. A game of Russian-roulette.

Connor Kaeden's life is changed forever. He and one friend are on probation. Another "friend" is in jail. His best friend is dead. What happens next?

Every one of Connor's relationships has been affected. His parents now question his every move. His younger brother won't even look at him. His older brother suddenly starts including him in his late-night escapades. His best friend's mother hugs him and tells him to visit anytime. Connor lives his days with constant reminders about what happened on that deserted rooftop, and the guilt that he should have done something to stop it.

With the help of his probation officer, Connor gets a job at a local hardware store hoping to earn the money to repay the fines and court costs his parents incurred. The work is satisfying and helps Connor with more than just money. Connor also finds relief when he resumes playing his violin. He often finds himself stopping work in the store's garden center to jot down a few bars of music that seem to express the turmoil in his mind. Basically, Connor tries to get his life back to what it once was. But is that even possible?

RICOCHET by Julie Gonzalez explores the emotional journey from tragedy to the gradual return of what might begin to pass for normal daily existence. This soul-searching, emotion-packed novel follows one young man and his family through the aftermath of one senseless act.… (mehr)

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Looking for a fun book? This one is for you. Many people grow up having had at least one imaginary friend. Jane White has an imaginary enemy.

It all started in second grade when Jane began writing to Bubba. Whenever life would throw her a curve ball to upset her or embarrass her, she would sit down and write Bubba a letter to complain. Bubba was always there to collect the blame or abuse Jane tossed in his direction. Imagine her surprise when one day she received a letter addressed to her from Bubba.

Named after an eccentric aunt, Jane hates her name, and finds herself constantly battling her strange family and friends. There is the half-brother who suddenly decides to leave his mother's house and move in with Jane's family. There are younger siblings who constantly annoy Jane. The family's father figure suffers a mid-life meltdown only to quit his job and begin a new career. Add to all that a bunch of odd neighbors who home-school their children and “collect” sounds. Jane's problems are actually quite typical, but her creative way of dealing with them makes her story well worth reading.

Author Julie Gonzalez expertly combines all this in a fast-paced story that will hold the attention of middle grade and teen readers, as well as any grownup who remembers their own roller-coaster ride to adulthood. This comic novel is a fine addition to any individual or library collection.… (mehr)