In 2004, Simon & Schuster began publishing romantic comedies for teens as part of their Simon Pulse imprint. The titles were few and far between that first year, but as interest increased, so did the number of titles. Quite a few were released in 2005. Now the line has been firmly established and new titles come out every other month. Simon Pulse romantic comedies are finding their way into the hands and hearts of readers and booksellers.

I was delighted to discover that many of the stories have the main characters deal with school, friends, family, afterschool activities, college worries, and more. In other words, the books are not just about getting the guy, but also about getting the scholarship, reconnecting with parents, balancing school with work, and thinking about life and future careers.

All of the stories star everyday American girls. Most of these stories take place in high school, while others are set during the summer or in college. Some of the tales take place in small towns, others big cities, a few overseas. Rather than being pared-down versions of stereotypical adult romances or competing with the current racy and materialistic teen bestsellers, these are contemporary stories that are surprisingly quirky and, for the most part, refreshingly clean. In general, these paperback stories are recommended for readers over the age of 13. If these books were films, most would carry a PG rating, some a PG-13 rating due to dating situations and the occasional curse word. In other words, they would star Amanda Bynes.

I have spoken to many authors whose stories have been published by Simon Pulse, as well as Amy Saidens, who designs the book covers for the line. Every single author responded to the interview questions with enthusiasm and kindness. Nearly all of them share my love for The Great Gatsby. Check out our exclusive interviews!

Niki Burnham (Do-Over)
Jennifer Echols (Major Crush)
Kelly McClymer (Getting to Third Date)
Aimee Friedman (A Novel Idea)
Erin Downing (Dancing Queen)
Micol Ostow (30 Guys in 30 Days)
Amy Saidens (book cover artist)
Wendy Toliver (The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren)
Jamie Ponti (Animal Attraction)

Here is a full list of Simon Pulse romantic comedies in order of release. If a title is bold, I read it.

( Read more... )

Jennifer Echols created a blog for the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies. Add it to your bookmarks!

I also posted about the Simon Pulse Ro-Coms at the SparkLife blog for SparkNotes.

From Cigna -

The National Eating Disorder Association has named February as National Eating Disorder Awareness Month. In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Approximately 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder (NEDA, 2005). This is a disorder with life and death consequences.

Below are some of the symptoms of Eating Disorders identified by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV-TR):
* A person who refuses to maintain body weight that is at or above the normal weight for the age and height of the individual. This would be measured by weight loss leading to the maintenance of body weight less than 85% of the expected weight gain during the period of growth.
* The person shows an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even if the person is under weight.
* The person has a distorted outlook on their body image.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, please acknowledge them, confide in someone, and start striving for your best self and your best health. There are many people out there who will help you. If you are a teenager, please tell your parents or other adults that you trust. No matter where you are or how old you are, you may call the NEDA Toll-Free Information and Referral Helpline: (800) 931-2237

Book Recommendations

Sometimes, it's easier to read about something than talk about it. I highly recommend the following fictional stories that deal in part with eating disorders:

On Pointe by Lorie Ann Grover (ballerina protagonist struggles with body image and weight)
Nothing by Robin Friedman (protagonist binges and purges in secret)
Purge by Sarah Darer Littman (protagonist is put in treatment for her bulimia; the book is being released in April 2009)
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr (protagonist binges when stressed; secondary plot, not the main plotline)
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (the protagonist's older sister refuses to admit she has an eating disorder; secondary plot, not the main plotline)

For more books about these and other serious matters, visit my Tough Issues for Teens booklist.

I also posted about this matter and reviewed some of these titles over at the SparkLife book blog.

Additional Links

In February 2008, Lorie Ann Grover started a thread at the readergirlz forum about National Eating Disorder Month in hopes that others will share their thoughts and stories. Join us at the readergirlz forum.

Thanks to E. Lockhart for picking up this post.


Contact The National Eating Disorder Association:
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
603 Stewart St.
Suite 803
Seattle, WA 98101
Business Office: (206) 382-3587
Toll-Free Helpline: (800) 931-2237
info@NationalEatingDisorders.org

Get your flashlights ready, because this is a book to read late at night when huddled under the covers.

There once was a young girl named Coraline who moved into a new flat with her mother and father. The neighbors are friendly, if not a bit odd and a bit confused, repeatedly calling her "Caroline" by mistake. The little girl is a self-proclaimed explorer, taking walks around the neighborhood no matter what the weather. With both of her parents occupied by work, she counts the doors at home, and figures out how to open up a door which is supposed to open up to nowhere - more specifically, a brick wall...

Coraline's curious nature is akin to that of Alice (in Wonderland), Anne (of Green Gables), and other young heroines that are famous, fantastic, and fictional. Far from being a damsel in distress, Coraline is witty, intelligent and aware. Her 'White Rabbit' comes in the shape of a black cat who has no name; as he wryly explains to her, cats know who they are so they don't need names, unlike insecure human beings.

This intriguing and creepy story is just right for readers of all ages, especially fans of Lewis Carroll and John Bellairs. This book will certainly satisfy loyal followers of the author Neil Gaiman and the artist Dave McKean. I read Coraline immediately upon its release and continue to recommend it on a regular basis. If this book had been released when I was a child, I would have read it as often as I read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

Other Versions of Coraline

A graphic novel version of Coraline, adapted and illustrated by P. Craig Russell, is also available. Not only does Russell keep the story in tact, but he brings the characters to life with his beautiful illustrations. The graphic novel is certain to please those who loved the original book. It will also appeal to those who haven't read the book (yet!) and/or those who prefer comics and graphic novels to full-length novels.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the cat in Coraline? He's one of my favorite fictional felines. Some of my favorite pictures in the graphic novel include him, naturally. I was also amused by the fact that Coraline (at the start of the graphic novel) and I were wearing almost the exact same outfit.

Coraline has also been made into a stop-motion 3-D feature film, which was in February 2009. While I enjoyed it, but I definitely preferred the book to the film. The film had a great many changes, such as making Coraline's family American and setting the story in the USA. I didn't see the need to do that. My favorite elements of the film were the music, the mouse circus, and the cat. There needed to be more of the cat. (You knew I was going to say that, didn't you?)

Key to My Heart

On the afternoon of December 27th, 2008, while waiting for the bus, I spotted a black key on the back of the bench. Clearly, silently, it was awaiting me. Oversized and looking to be made of plastic, it resembled something from a Fisher-Price toddler vehicle, and the rounded top looks like a button with four little holes. Thinking that I could string it onto a thin cord or chain (after washing it, of course) and make it a necklace, I picked up the key with my thick gray glove. I was surprised by its (slight) weight; it was made of metal. Then I saw the inscription on the key and nearly shrieked. Though I managed to contain myself so I wouldn't alarm passersby, I couldn't help grinning like the Cheshire cat. Written on the key was simply:

coraline.com

Yes, I have a key to Coraline's flat. How cool is that?

Otherwhere
Visit MouseCircus.com - Neil Gaiman's official website for young readers - as well as coraline.com

Recommended Reads
If you like Coraline, you'll also enjoy the following books!

For young readers - really, for all ages:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll
The OutCast series, four books by Christopher Golden and Thomas E. Sniegoski
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Books by John Bellairs, including The Mummy, the Will, and the Crypt
Books by Mary Downing Hahn, including The Doll in the Garden
The May Bird trilogy by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Prince of Stories: The Many Worlds of Neil Gaiman by Hank Wagner, Christopher Golden, and Stephen R. Bisette (non-fiction)

Related Posts
SparkLife: Coraline
Cats Cats Cats
Favorite Fictional Felines
Sassy Sidekicks of Children's Literature
Prince of Stories: The Many Worlds of Neil Gaiman by Hank Wagner, Christopher Golden, and Stephen R. Bisette

Sometimes you want a book that's intense and deep—but sometimes you just want something light, sweet, and maybe even a little cheesy. It can help you break away from a crazy day.

As part of the month-long Valentine's Day celebration going on at SparkLife, the SparkNotes blog, I wrote a little something about teen book series published in the 80s and 90s, such as Sweet Valley High, The Girls of Canby Hall, Merivale Mall, and Sisters. I would have mentioned even more series, but I ran out of space! I did manage to squeeze in Degrassi, since they republished some of the original Degrassi Junior High books, and Saved by the Bell.

Yes, that's right - Saved by the Bell books do exist! Zach and Kelly were totally one of my favorite 80s/90s TV teen couples -- and that's saying something, because I'm not super romantic. When the spin-off Saved by the Bell: The College Years was canceled, the show ended with Zach and Kelly's marriage. Most of the books (25, to be exact) take place in high school, though they released a few books (5?) set in college. (Thanks to this site for the verification.)

Read the Flashback Romance piece over at SparkLife!

Related Booklist: Juvenile Series of the 80s and 90s

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, love is definitely in the air -- and on the page! Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll be publishing a series of Valentine-ish posts at the SparkNotes SparkLife book blog.

Now, I'm not the romantic type myself. I've picked what I hope to be an interesting variety of titles: contemporary releases, cheesy books from the eighties and nineties, personal favorites, underrated authors, and more. I won't be just talking about your typical boy meets girl stories. I'll also be talking about stories in which boy loses girl or vice-versa. I'll be talking about boy meets boy. I'll be talking about first dates, second chances, and last dances.

On February 3rd, I discussed books about First Crushes, including:
- What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
- In the Cards: Love by Mariah Fredericks
- I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
- Good Enough by Paula Yoo
- First Kiss (Then Tell) anthology by 25 authors

Love reading (or watching) Gossip Girl? Can't get enough of books set in blog or diary format? Get ready for the The Bradford Novels by Micol Ostow. With all of the frienemies and romantic entanglements, this series will definitely appeal to fans of Gossip Girl. It will also attract those who read the Pretty Little Liars books by Sara Shepard, which also take place on Philadelphia's Main Line.

In western Philadelphia, there's a wealthy area of suburbs called the Main Line in which the posh and the pretty play by day and party by night. Now, readers can journey there, thanks to The Bradford Novels by Micol Ostow. Set an a private school, these books are filled with blog entries brimming with gossip, secrets, and lies. Characters post entries in their private journals as well as their school blog.

The first book, GoldenGirl, introduces readers to Spencer Kelly. Rich, respected, and athletic, Spencer is fierce and poised on the field and off. Her best friends are Paige Andrews (aka FrontPaige) and Madison Takahashi (Madison_Ave). Popular Paige is hiding something that happened to her the previous summer, while Madison is busy designing clothes and playing the violin. Then a new girl named Regan and Spencer's old boyfriend Jeremy enroll, and things get really messy. Spencer finds herself drawn to Jeremy and considers breaking up with her current boyfriend Tyler. Meanwhile, Spencer befriends Regan, even though the California girl's rehab rep precedes her.

When Spencer writes in her personal online blog, All That Glitters, she tells all - but not for all to see. Each chapter is an entry marked with a privacy setting, so you know if it's public (for anyone to read), restricted (only her BFFs have access to posts marked "VIPs" - and they leave plenty of comments!) or private (posts marked "the vault" are for Spencer's eyes only).

Also read my review of GoldenGirl: A Bradford Novel by Micol Ostow at SparkLife.

The second book, Fashionista, will be all about Mads, one of Spencer's best friends. Fashionista will be available in August 2009.

The buzz about the Bradford series has spread, thanks to the blogs and other websites related to the series. These sites offer exclusive content and interactive opportunities for readers. The main characters even have blogs (some through Blogger/Blogspot, others through Tumblr) and Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace accounts.

Check out this video interview with author Micol Ostow on Vimeo!

Bradford Novels Author Video (HD) from FlirtyGirl Productions on Vimeo.

Do you love discussing books? If you want to start your own book group, but you're not sure what to do or where to begin, you have plenty of things to consider: when and where you'll meet, what kinds of books you want to discuss, how many people you'll invite, and more.

SparkLife asked me to write a little something about book clubs. Two little somethings, in fact. Part 1 was posted yesterday, and part 2 will be posted tomorrow.

Please continue reading this article at SparkNotes! Thank you!

Related Posts:
Help out an eighth-grade book club
Readergirlz: January 2009
Readergirlz press release

In her Magic in Manhattan series, Sarah Mlynowski blends fantasy and comedy together to make one magical, funny smoothie. (Mmmm, strawberry-banana!) If you like Bewitched and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, then you'll definitely like these books.

Rachel thinks her life is pretty average - until she learns that her mother and her little sister Miri are witches and she is not. She's stuck being an ordinary high school girl while they're bonding over spells and potions. How unfair! Maybe, though, she can get some of Miri's talents to rub off on her - or on her crush, to make his head finally turn her way.

Bras & Broomsticks was Sarah Mlynowski's first book about Rachel and company. Rachel is a modern-day New York teen, and she's got the sassiness to prove it. The sprinkling of sibling rivalry betwixt and between the sisters is more about Sarah's envy of Miri's powers than either girl disliking the other. In fact, they get along quite well, and they're pretty close to their mom, with or without magic.

After Broomsticks came Frogs & French Kisses. Though Rachel has finally been permitted to hang out while Miri trains - as long as she wears a (very unfashionable helmet) when they go flying - she tends to be more of a hinderance than a help. It seems that wherever Rachel goes, trouble follows. Nevertheless, she sticks out her chin, grins, and tries again. And again. She might not be a witch, but she has a power all her own: determination.

( If you want to be spoiled about events which occur in the second, third, and fourth books in the Magic in Manhattan series, then by all means, click here and continue reading this review. )

Read the books in order:
Bras & Broomsticks
Frogs & French Kisses
Spells & Sleeping Bags
Parties & Potions

Check out my interview with author Sarah Mlynowski!

I reviewed this series for SparkNotes SparkLife.

I also included this series on my Funny Fantasy Novels for Kids and Teens booklist.

Since childhood, Noelle has had two best friends: Keeley, pale and freckled and privileged (especially when compared to Noelle's family), and Nadio, Noelle's twin and life-long confidant. Nadio and Noelle have always had an unshakable bond - until now.

The summer between their sophomore and junior years, Nadio starting doing things that didn't interest Noelle, like running, and Keeley took a trip to England and came back a different person. At least, that's how Noelle feels. She can't quite put her finger on it, but something about Keeley has changed beyond the obvious (like her attitude and her attire) - something Keeley doesn't want to talk about. While silence pushes the girls apart, Keeley and Nadio are drawn together. They keep their developing romance a secret from Noelle. Their happy little triangle is no longer equilateral. Lonely and lost, Noelle seeks attention from Parker, a dangerous and alluring boy covered in tattoos and tension, and Jessica, a party girl with a car.

This is What I Want to Tell You is an affecting story about relationships - how they change as people drift apart or come back together, and how the people we love reflect who we are and shape our shapes and our movement. It's also a very quick read. Nadio and Noelle narrate the book in alternating chapters. Most of the passages I marked were Noelle's. Some examples:

When I met Parker I thought I could make him fill in all those spaces and gaps that my brother and Keeley left behind, even though the shapes were all wrong. - Page 7

Why don't people ever see the way other kinds of love can wreck you? What about the way being left out of love can wreck you? - Page 148

There's a certain strength in being alone. - Page 221

These are Noelle's thoughts, the things she can't bring herself to say.

Now here's Nadio, looking at his sister:

She looked suddenly like every year of our life. She was three and six and eight and eleven and scared somewhere and looking up at me, wordlessly begging me to help her across the river or bear the first day of school. She'd stopped asking for these things with her eyes a long time ago, but there it was again. - Page 199

Nadio has an absolutely beautiful passage about what makes a family that I'd quote here if it didn't come so late in the story. I have been very careful to not give away too much in this review, plus I'm aware that lines from the advance copy could be changed or cut prior to publication, so I won't quote that passage here and now. I will say this: You'll know it when you read it, and you'll nod in affirmation.

Keeley is vital to this story. I wanted so much to see her art, and I listened to every single word she said to either twin. At one point, she tells Noelle:

Everything is gonna change, but we always have each other. The history of each other. That's who we are. - Page 207

This is What I Want to Tell You by Heather Duffy Stone will be published by Flux in March 2009.

Related Posts:
Booklist: Tough Issues for Teens
Booklist: Multiple Narrators
Booklist: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Person
Imprint: Flux
Poetry Friday: The Foresters by Alfred, Lord Tennyson - a piece which is significant to Noelle

Sometimes, what you don't do can be as consequential as what you do.

Parker was a good girl. A nice girl. A cheerleader. A straight-A student.

Then something happened. Something which changed Parker completely. Something she wishes she could change. Her mood, her grades, and her spirits have all plummeted. Haunted, Parker is no longer the girl she once was - and she doesn't want to be, not anymore.

Courtney Summers' debut novel is not to be missed. From its first page, Cracked Up to Be is raw and real. The writing will immediately strike a chord with readers. When the characters speak, they sound authentic: some kids swear and some kids laugh while others toss out a word or two while swallowing down what they really want to say. Adult readers will quickly be transported to the halls of high school and feel as if they never left. When worries and bravado and the sound of lockers opening and shutting fill the space between classes, the air becomes so thick with activity and words and things that she's no longer a part of that sometimes Parker just can't breathe.

With everything referring back to a party and alluding to something that transpired there, there's an element of mystery to the story. That element will inspire the desire to keep reading, not only to find out what happened then but also see what happens next.

In a way, there are three Parkers - past, present, and future - and all of them are worth knowing. Repulsed by her former self, she acts out on purpose, pushing everything and everyone away. Once perfect, whole, and untouchable, she is now a broken girl. Shattered. As she struggles through her senior year, she may or may not find all of the pieces of herself. If those pieces can come back together again, Parker might be able reclaim herself - if she even wants to - but she'll have to let go of some heavy things in order to do so.

I highly recommend this title, which I have included on my Best Books of 2008 list.

I also reviewed the book at SparkLife and Young Adult Books Central.

I had the honor of interviewing the author, Courtney Summers. Read the interview.

A Personal Note

I feel very lucky to have been one of the book's earliest readers. I didn't know Courtney prior to reading this book; I was not her associate, her editor, her writing partner, her publicist. After reading this book, I couldn't stop talking about it - while reading it, actually - and I marked at least thirty pages in the book with my trusty little Post-It flats. (I may edit this post later this week to include my favorite lines and quotes from the book.) Due to my loud support and ongoing praise of the book, I have a list of friends and customers awaiting its release. I can't wait until they read it. The book is very thought-provoking, and I anticipate some really great discussions. I hope that other reviewers and bloggers enjoy the book as much as I do.

Book Excerpt

Imagine four years.

Four years, two suicides, one death, one rape, two pregnancies (one abortion), three overdoses, countless drunken antics, pantsings, spilled food, theft, fights, broken limbs, turf wars - every day, a turf war - six months until graduation and no one gets a medal when they get out. But everything you do here counts.

High school.

Read the first chapter of Cracked Up to Be. (Not suitable for younger readers.)

Further Reading

I recommend the following titles alongside Cracked Up to Be:

Swollen by Melissa Lion
The True Meaning of Cleavage by Mariah Fredericks
The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson