PARKER'S PICKS
Created by Kathy Parker, Librarian
submitted by Sherry Neimann
February 25, 2008
Parker’s Picks
February/March 2008
At First Sight, by Nicholas Sparks.
Another wonderful love story for all of you Nicholas Sparks’ fans! This picks up where, True Believer, left off. It continues the story of Lexie Darnell and Jeremy Marsh. It’s their journey of discovery with each other and themselves. Jeremy begins receiving mysterious emails concerning Lexie which adds to the suspense of the story. Is Lexie betraying him? Read it and discover the truth!
A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life, by Dana Reinhardt.
This book is on many “teen romance lists,” so I thought I should add it to the list after reading it. A fantastic “coming of age” story. Simone has a crush on a boy but he spends his time with another girl. Something many of young girls could relate to! Another storyline is, Simone is adopted. She is very happy with her family. Eventually her birthmother pays her a visit and her life changes. A box of Kleenex is recommended while reading this book!
Cupid: A Tale of Love and Desire, by Julius Lester.
A masterful and delightful retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Cupid! Psyche is a beautiful mortal girl that he loves. It’s about the difficulties with love. Julius Lester is a very good author of many books – you won’t be disappointed!
Heart on my Sleeve, by Ellen Wittlinger.
You’ll love the format of this book! It develops through emails, letters, and IMs exchanged by the characters. Chloe Gillespie is a graduating senior that faces the challenges of family, friends, and love. Chloe meets a boy, Julian, on a college visit and corresponds with him while she still has a boyfriend! She has feelings for both of them. Sound familiar??! It’s a heartwarming, heartbreaking, and coming-of-age story!
If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where’s My Prince?, by Melissa Kantor
Here’s a book you could read in one sitting – you won’t want to put it down! Lucy Norton is a “Cinderella character!” She has the wicked stepmother and stepsisters. Her father travels constantly because of his work. She’s the new girl at school – no friends – until she meets one of the most popular boys in high school, Connor Pearson! Then, everything changes for Lucy!
I am Rembrandt’s Daughter, by Lynn Cullen
This novel is a work of fiction, but it is based on historical fact about Rembrandt’s daughter, Cornelia. A love triangle ensues between Cornelia, Carel (the son of a shipping magnate), and Neel (her father’s pupil). Cornelia also is going through difficult times because her mother has recently died and her brother, whom she was very close to, marries and moves away. This is such a beautiful story and with stories such as this one, sadness and tragedy are deeply woven through it. If you have read, The Girl with the Pearl Earring or Burning Bright, you won’t want to miss this one!
Jinx, by Meg Cabot.
If you’re a Meg Cabot fan, you won’t want to miss reading this fabulous story! Jenny Honeychurch was: born during a thunderstorm, bad luck follows her everywhere – hence the nickname, Jinx, and she has a little secret – she has magical powers! Jenny moves to New York with her aunt, uncle, and her cousin, Tory. Tory doesn’t make Jenny’s new life in New York easy for her! Tory is after their neighbor, Zach, but Zach is attracted to Jenny. Tory begins brewing trouble because she knows the power that Jenny possesses and she wants it for herself! This is a great read!
Life on the Refrigerator Door: Notes Between a Mother and a Daughter, a novel, by Alice Kuipers.
In this age of cell phones, emails, and text messaging, fifteen-year-old Claire and her mother, communicate with each other by leaving notes on their refrigerator door. Claire’s mother is a doctor and is gone most of the time. Then a crisis occurs – Claire’s mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. This is a very touching and emotional book.
Oystercatchers, by Susan Fletcher.
Here’s another book you might not be able to put down! Amy lay in a coma for four years as her sister, Moira (older by four years), tells Amy the story of her life. Moira was always jealous of Amy and conveys this bedside confession to her. There are many growing pains which Moira goes through. Moira eventually meets, Ray, a boy she slowly grows to care about. As you read the story, you will follow Moira make great strides as a young adult and discover her true self.
Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli.
Sixteen-year-old, Leo Borlock, tells this endearing story from his perspective about life at his Arizona high school after the arrival of a new quirky girl – Susan McShane – aka – Stargirl. She is a nonconformist. She doesn’t fit the mold for “cliques.” Eventually she falls for Leo and lets everyone know it! You’ll fall in love with Stargirl!
