Stuck in Y.A. Books

S.R. Johannes Top 10 Middle Grade/Tween Books I didn’t read much tween or middle grade books until I started writing one. So my list does’t go back as far as it probably should. But this is my top ten, mostly of recent books with a few classics. Radiance by Alyson Noel I love this book. Based on timeline, Alyson and I were writing our books at the same time and I love how they work parallel to each other. Riley is from the Evermore series and she becomes a soul catcher. I think Riley and Gabby would be good friends. Harry Potter series by (oh…what’s her name?) Seriously, need I say more? This book put children’s books on the map and has done so much for reluctant readers. But for me the plotting and character building was perfection. Selling Hope by Kristin Tubb I love how she weaves the historical element of the comet and Buster Keeton into this book Princess For Hire series by Lindsey Leavitt I think this series was adorable. I loved the concept of stepping in for another ...

Title: On the Bright Side Author: S.R. Johannes Pages: 282 Publisher: Coleman & Stott Expected Release: January 31, 2012 Summary ( Goodreads ) As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven. Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger managemen...