Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

At the end of chapter 1 Samantha is killed in a (teen drunken) car crash. In chapter 2 Sam wakes up and it's the same day and she is very much alive. She gets to relive the day 7 times apparently to try to live that day the right way. What will she do differently? What will she do the same? I was so looking forward to reading this book based on reviews I had read. However, as a parent I found it quite disturbing. The teens drink, smoke (cigarettes and pot) regularly, cut classes constantly and are promiscuous. Restaurants serve liquor without asking for IDs. There are no consequences for not showing up in class. Parents don't seem to notice the smell of tobacco or booze. Older teens will devour this book and there are parts I did enjoy. I am happy to say that by chapter 6 there is finally a designated driver. Reading it made me feel like I did something right as a parent.

Cosmic by Cottrell Boyce

Liam is a 12 year-old boy who is very big for his age. So big he is not only mistaken for a teacher but is also able to pose as the father of a classmate. In COSMIC Liam winds up the only adult with a group of other 12 year-olds on a spaceship. In space. Liam has brought along his father's guidebook to dealing with teenagers and Liam uses the guidance of the book to help deal with the other kids especially when they are possibly lost in space.

Meet Ally Carter

Want to meet Ally Carter the author of "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls)" and "Heist Society." She'll be in southern California next week. Here's her tour schedule.

http://tinyurl.com/GG4Tour

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Check out this movie trailer for FLIPPED which is coming out August 6.

http://flipped-movie.warnerbros.com/