Songs for a Teenage Nomad

I seldom review books for young adults but recently read a YA novel that's so good it had to be shared. Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson is too edgy for younger readers because of the sorts of problems Calle, the protagonist, experiences, but it's so beautifully written I couldn't resist telling you about it.

Calle's single mother has kept moving around and changing boyfriends for her daughter's entire life so the girl has never been able to have friends or feel like she belonged anywhere. Finally they've arrived in a community where Calle (pronounced like Callie) develops relationships. Then her life falls apart again.

The plot is exciting, the characters are realistic, and the writing is beautiful and poetic.

I highly recommend this book for teens who like to read.

Fatality

Caroline B. Cooney is one of my favorite authors of Young Adult books. She has some unusual plot ideas and keeps things exciting without getting too close to X-rated material.

One example is Fatality, a fascinating story about a girl who steals back her diary from the police before they can read it or use it as evidence in a murder case. The reader keeps wondering what the secret information in the diary was until the very end of the book.

The book is also about relationships between friends and family, which play an important part in the plot.

Cooney's books are a bit too edgy for children, but appropriate for teen girls who like adventure. They also make readers think about what things in life are really important.