The Natural Beauty Book (Klutz) by Anne Akers Johnson
Ages 12+
Klutz - September 1, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Klutz books are definitely my go-to for kid birthday and holiday gifts. I feel good because they’re getting a book which inspires creativity, but the kids are always pleased to break open the craft supplies and kick it into high gear. The Natural Beauty Book has wonderful recipes for pampering a girl from head to toe, using natural ingredients like apples (the apple mask is amazing) and oatmeal. Can you just picture a bunch of girls taking over your bathroom and kitchen to create a special spa night? Good, clean fun!!

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Pop by Gordon Korman
Reading level: Young Adult
Publisher: HarperTeen (August 25, 2009)
Cautions: family death

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The clues are all there, but it takes the new kid on the block to figure out that the town’s hero — a famous NFL player — is slowly deteriorating, potentially from the punishment of his glory days in football. This book is an melange of teen angst, compassion between friends and the sad decline of a brilliant athlete.

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The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti
Simon Pulse, March 2008
Ages: 12+
Cautions: language, kissing

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The timeless “money can’t buy happiness” tale gets a cute, young twist in Deb Caletti’s The Fortunes of Indigo Skye. As 18 year old Indigo tells you her story, you find yourself rediscovering what really matters.

Indigo explains the way her life used to be and you begin to understand how intensely she loves her dysfunctional family, adorable boyfriend, and being a waitress. Caletti makes her genuine personality shine and you’re instantly attached to Indigo. But everything changes after a new customer gives her a 2.5 million dollar check - even if Indigo refuses to believe it.

Caletti delivers nonstop entertainment hand-in-hand with intangible lessons on what is truly important in life. When Indigo suddenly finds herself in the middle of too much change, you hope more and more with each page that she will find a way to make it right.

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye was impossible to put down and I strongly recommend this clever and enjoyable read.

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One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin
Random House Books for Young Readers, May 2009
Ages: 14+ (Kiwi recommends 16+ at least)
Cautions: Sex, language

Kiwi Magazine Review:
After reading C.K. Kelly Martin’s novel, I find myself hesitant to recommend it to the suggested 14+ age group. A tale of a young girl struggling to get through high school, Finn’s story is genuine and relatable. However there are some parts that are a little mature for this audience. A near-rape experience, rough language, and “stoner” references, my suggestion is for parents to try and read One Lonely Degree before their teenage daughters.

All age-appropriate debates aside, the author demonstrates a deep understanding of the complex mind of a young teenage girl. Dealing with the deterioration of her parents’ marriage, well-founded trust issues with boys and a complicated, growing crush on her best friend’s boyfriend (who also happens to be her long, lost childhood friend), Finn bravely tackles all the challenges St. Mark’s High School throws her way.

References to a mysterious night four months ago will keep your curiosity rising until Finn finally explains that party, that night with Adam Porter that left her emotionally shaken - although she’d never show it.

Martin captures the essence of the teenage girl who just can’t seem to find her place in a truly authentic way. And maybe I’m naïve or old-fashioned, but I found One Lonely Degree a little too mature for the 14+ audience.

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Stick It!: 99 DIY Duct Tape Projects (Spiral-bound) by T.L. Bonaddio
Running Press Kids- June 9, 2009
Ages: 12+
Cautions: Very addictive

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Now that duct (or duck) tape comes in so many cool colors, you can explore the plethora of crafts, accessories and accents you can make with this sticky fun on a roll. The ideas in the book are definitely unique and will have all of the other kids experiencing creation emulation. Great gift book!

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I So Don’t Do Spooky by Barrie Summy
Ages: Young Adult
Cautions: Ghosts and stepmothers
Delacorte Books for Young Readers - December 8, 2009

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Sherry has a typical family life — father is a workaholic, stepmother is an overly health-conscious middle school math teacher and mom is a ghost. Oh, and so is grandfather. Meeting in the back room of the Dairy Queen, which is a ghost portal, she becomes part of a team to solve a mystery of who is trying to harm her stepmom. Although the book seems like it is trying too hard to cram many concepts and twists into the book, Sherry is entertaining and humorous, all while dealing with stalkers, ghosts and a boyfriend stealing 8th grader.

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Amiri And Odette - A Love Story by Walter Dean Myers
Javaka Steptoe
Scholastic - 2009
Age: Young adult (12+)
Cautions: Gang violence

Kiwi Magazine Review:
A modern-day Swan Lake set in the mean streets brings a new perspective and breathes new life into this classic love story. Amiri and Odette find love but find it hard to sustain when the world around them is so cold and frightening. The text twists, turns and soars while conveying today’s take on Swan Lake.

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The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer
Scholastic Press, January 2009
Ages: 14-18
Cautions: References to drugs, alcohol, sex and violence, language

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The School for Dangerous Girls is exciting at every turn. Hidden Oak is a boarding school created to “reform” bad girls when their parents have had enough of their trouble-making. It isn’t long before you realize that this school is not what it seems.

Eliot Schrefer’s words will have you anxiously wondering what is really happening at this school as the main character, Angela, becomes determined to uncover the twisted truth. Schrefer truly understands these girls and shines a light on their struggles in a fun way.
The novel’s quick chapters keep the story intriguing and make it difficult to put the book down while you wait for the school’s dark secrets to be revealed.

This book is perfect for teenage girls with or without a dangerous streak, or anyone who has always wanted one.

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The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, June 2009
Ages: 14+
Cautions: Violence, teenage crush with kissing

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Sarah Rees Brennan does an excellent job of depicting the main character, Nick. He’s scary, dark and conflicted, but she takes you past his harsh demeanor and really makes you root for this character. The banter between the four main characters is relatable, funny and young.

Despite the seemingly slow start to the book, filled with tons of explanations, the plot really picked up and was fun to read. Brennan provides almost constant suspense, making you want to hurry to each next page as the boys go from being hunted by magicians and demons, to actually doing the hunting.

A foreshadowed twist remains unexpected throughout the book. As details are revealed one-by-one, you find yourself piecing together the puzzle right alongside Nick.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love the fantasy genre except for those who find themselves a little squeamish with multiple violent scenes.

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The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
Farrar, Straus and Giroux - October 27, 2009
Cautions: None
Ages: Young Adult (13+)

Kiwi Magazine Review:
This book is frothy, not too sweet and full of strong character and delicious flavor. Jane is a barista at a coffee shop and makes the connection between people’s drink styles and their love interests. In the style of Jane Austen’s Emma, Jane can make matches for everyone but herself. This is a wonderful romantic book with a new twist on the matchmaking theme.

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