Adjusting to high school is typically difficult. There's so much to deal with: a new campus, new classes, new teachers, more homework, higher expectations, not to mention new classmates that could become your friends or your enemies. Much of this is true about middle school as well, but the stakes can definitely be raised in high school.

THE TRUE MEANING OF CLEAVAGE by Mariah Fredericks truly captures the freshman year of high school. I wrote the following review when it was released, and I think just as highly of the book now as I did then.

When I first saw the spine of this book, the title struck me as a little shocking. I was struck again upon looking at the cover and seeing the photographed girl wearing a necklace which was the twin of my own. The combined shocks made me immediately read the summary, which sounded like a typical coming-of-age story: Sari and Jess have been best friends for years, but upon entering ninth grade, Jess (the self-proclaimed sci-fi geek) feels like she is losing Sari (the prettier one).

However, this book is anything but typical. It is phenomenal. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. The work is much deeper than the title implies.

Jess is an artist and prefers sketching characters from her favorite comic book; Sari is far more into the high school scene, with status and popularity, and she falls very hard for a senior boy who is already in a committed relationship. This is no crush - this is an obsession, and the reader will truly worry about Sari as she lowers her standards and does things for a boy who is using her. Being a person who loves books set in the voice of the 'third wheel,' the person observing from afar, I found this book more powerful coming from Jess' point of view and applaud the author for choosing that writing style.

The book takes place over an entire school year, September through June, yet it moves along quickly and quite well. After reading the book, I realized that the title was chosen not only to make people pick up the book, but to signify the space between - in this case, the space between the girls.

Highly recommended, especially for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, Sarah Dessen, Carol Plum-Ucci and Cecil Castellucci.

In 1918, Hattie Brooks receives word that an uncle she's never known has passed away and left his homestead in Montana to her. She travels across the country to plant roots in this new place. She is understandably hesitant when she first realizes how much work she has to do to "prove up" her land, but she tackles the many jobs with determination and her own two hands. Those hands also craft letters to her friend Charlie, who is fighting in France, and articles for the newspaper. She befriends a lovable family and others in town as she fights to stake her claim.

This memorable pioneer tale is perfect for fans of Little House, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Women. Though shelved in teen fiction, this heartwarming story is suitable for kids of all ages. Adults will love it too, especially those who love turn-of-the-century historical fiction and WWI homefront stories. This is the kind of book which could be shelved in three different areas of the library or bookstore and find a following in each place.

I highly recommend Hattie Big Sky, especially to families with children of various ages. Hattie is an admirable leading lady with a great head on her shoulders, unflagging determination, and a big pocketful of hope.

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In 1918, Hattie Brooks receives word that an uncle she's never known has passed away and left his homestead in Montana to her. She travels across the country to plant roots in this new place. She is understandably hesitant when she first realizes how much work she has to do to "prove up" her land, but she tackles the many jobs with determination and her own two hands. ( Read my full review. )

Author Kirby Larson now shares her family's stories - and a thing or two about cow pies - with readers.

Tell readers about the real Hattie, whose trials and tribulations inspired your novel. How much of the story is fiction, and how much is non-fiction?

The real Hattie, Hattie Inez Brooks, married my great-grandfather when she was in her 30s. Our family knew/knows very little about her childhood. I was able to verify that she had indeed homesteaded near Vida and an internet pen-pal provided me of a photo of her when she was 20ish. She was a behind the scenes person her whole life, it seemed, so I was especially glad to be able to give her a leading role in my book. The story is carefully researched and nearly every event is based on fact, but tweaked to make it work for the story. For example, I did read in one homesteader's journal about a time when a wolf bit off a calf's tail. That brief entry led to the scene with Violet, Hattie and the wolf.

We briefly discuss the end of the book, so avert your eyes if you have yet to read the book!

( Click if you HAVE read it... )

Spoilers over. Resume reading.

Any chance for a sequel?

I genuinely thought I was done with Hattie's story when I completed HATTIE BIG SKY, but so many people have written asking for a sequel that I am currently mulling that over. I have to find the right story to tell and haven't done that yet. I was at work on a middle grade historical novel, but am going to set that aside for a bit to work on another young adult historical. ( Read more... )

Take a trip to Kirby's website.