Good Girls By Laura Ruby
It’s the ultimate modern girl’s dilemma – hot guy who has been the lust object for some time; decide to take some action to get hot guy’s attention; you are getting down to business when unbeknown to you you’re about to star in your own Pammy/Tommy event thanks to the advent of technology – mobile phone with camera!

Good girl ……becomes bad girl extraordinaire overnight when an unknown foe takes her pic during a private moment and distributes said pic to the entire school and to HER PARENTS!!! It is the stuff that nightmares are made of and an issue that rings true for many who could no doubt relate to the mortification, horror and shame over how a few moments of pleasure can morph into your worst nightmare.

This thoroughly modern tale takes you through the teen girl’s angst over how to get a boy’s attention, how getting that attention doesn’t always make you feel good about yourself, and how petty jealousies can lead to some serious soul-searching about yourself, your friends and that boy who was the catalyst for it all. Captivating reading and thoroughly spot on about teen issues today.

BB rating: 5/5

Solo By Alyssa Brugman
This is no ordinary teen tale about boys and girls. This is a behind the scenes glimpse into the tortured minds of troubled teens. Mackenzie is sent to a teen boot camp for troubled teens where she is amongst peers who share equally horrifying and tragic pasts that have invariably had a role to play in their being lumped together in this camp to discover themselves. Through Mackenzie we get a glimpse of her childhood as she reflects.

Then, as part of her time at camp, she has to spend 24 hours alone in remote Australian bushland, with only her tortured thoughts to keep her company. Through this journey we learn about a little girl whose childhood was lost through no fault of her own. She battles with her demons and you are left feeling poignantly moved by the plight of her and children like her who were never given a proper chance. Truly moving and raw.

BB Rating: 5/5

The Shadow Thief By Alexandra Adornetto
Shades of Harry Potter, shades of Lemony Snicketts and an undeniable talent for concoting a lavish and captivating tale around an outlandish world, inhabited by a eclectic cast and some lovable heroes. It is the stuff of a child’s wildest imaginings, brought to life by an author who is well qualified to know what captures that imagination.

Alexandra Adornetto, at just 15, has written an incredible tale – the first in a trilogy, documenting the inhabitants of Drabville and in particular, two of its most colourful children – Milliplop Klompett and Ernest Perriclof. They set out seeking an adventure and find it in a gothic mansion, inhabited by the madcap Mayor and his wife, who adopt the children. Their new home is filled with secrets that could save the town of Drabville. These two unlikely heroes set out to release their town and set course on an adventure that sees them battling the darkest of evils – greed. A great read that has you eagerly awaiting the next installment.

BB Rating: 5/5