Recommended Reads for Girls

• Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer; published by G.P. Putman's Sons: Young Adult
  
  Hope, a feisty waitress and high school student, tries to live up to her name amidst frequent moves and looney characters.
  When her boss decides to run for mayor, even though he's battling lukenia, Hope finds purpose, love and a home.
  This story is written with pluck and humor. I plan to read more of Joan Bauer's young adult novels.
  
• Diary of a Teenage Girl by Melody Carlson (part of series); Multnomah Publishers: Young Adult
  
  Written in diary form, the realistic yet unique life of Caitlin O'Conner captured the attention of my teenage daughter,
  Valerie, and our Bolivian student, Pati. They hurried through supper chores so they could run back to their room
  and read more aloud to each other.
  
• Spring Rain by Gayle Roper; published by Multnomah: Adult Fiction that fascinate teens

Featured Favorite Authors

• Ted Dekker; W. Publishing Group - www.teddekker.com

  Blink:    I didn't want to read it because of the weird eye on the front, but some of the students on the Portersville             Christian School newspaper staff told me I "Had to!" The beginning was strange and I would have quit reading if              they hadn't recommended the book. I'm so glad I kept reading. The book fascinated me with fast-paced action and              intriguing ideas. The whole thing is an imaginative word picture for how prayer works, but I was so involved with the              story that revelation came as a bolt of light, unexpected, and appreciated. When I told Ted this story, he smiled and              nodded. He said his books aren't aimed at teens, but many of them are discovering his books and spreading the word.

  Thr3e:   I haven't read it yet, but it won the highest award in Christina Fiction, The Christy.

  Black:   What an imagination this guy has! If you're a Tolkein fan, you'll be enthusiastic about this novel. I have the sequel,
              Red on order. The third book of the trilogy, White should be out now, too.