The Other Side of Freedom, by Cynthia T. Toney, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Sal Scaviano is a teenaged boy growing up during the days of prohibition.  His family hails from Italy and has settled in a town called Freedom.  Their life in the new country represents all his family has worked and sacrificed for to offer hope for a greater future.  The Scavianos have worked hard to grow their small farming business.  They are not wealthy, in fact, at times they've had to do without.  But they have earned the respect of those in their community and in their field of work.

One day Sal overhears an argument between his father and uncle, and a gang of Italian mobsters.  It seems there's money to be made in bootlegging now that prohibition is in place.  The mobsters need local connections and want to involve Sal's family.  Despite his family's resistance, they are forced into the mobster's scheme and when they do the results are devastating.  Sal and his best friend, Antonina, do their best to clear his family's name.  But doing so proves to be more challenging than they ever could have imagined.

Author Cynthia T. Toney has crafted a riveting coming of age novel which skillfully blends this tale with the historical elements of that era.  As the young man struggles with knowing whom he can and cannot trust he learns the blurred lines between right and wrong are not always so easy to discern. Toney's The Other Side of Freedom is a powerful story that will resonate with readers of all ages.  Recommended for home and school libraries.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Whizbang Machine, by Danielle A. Vann, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Elizabeth is an extraordinarily mature fifteen year old girl.  Of course, her life circumstances have caused her to grow up faster than most kids her age.  An only child, her father passed away a few short weeks after her grandmother's death.  So when her grandfather, bereaving and heartbroken, escaped reality to travel the world, she and her mother were left to pick up the pieces of their lives on their own.  Now, eight years later, Elizabeth's grandfather has returned home with a mysterious typewriter which he believes is somehow connected to his family, and in particular, to Elizabeth.

The Whizbang Machine is an incredibly suspenseful book which will have readers of all ages eagerly turning pages with enthusiasm as they wait to see what will become of Elizabeth and her eccentric grandfather, Jack.  Author Danielle A. Vann displays rare talent as a story-teller in this thrilling book which will leave readers anxiously awaiting the sequel to this delightfully engaging read.

The Whizbang Machine is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Castle Blues Quake earns the CLC Seal of Approval

The Castle Blues Quake is the story of Pepper, a young girl whose family moves across the country to Santa Cruz where she knows no-one. Her mom is thrilled to be moving into her dream house, while her dad is happy to be starting his dream job in California, but Pepper is just sorry to be leaving the big apple and her best friend Chrissie. Soon after settling into their new home Pepper meets a mysterious boy, Corey, who is living in her backyard shed. He tells her he needs her help to find his lost grandfather, a traveling musician, before Social Services finds him.  

Linda Covella has written a teen mystery full of unique twists which keep this story moving at a pace that will keep readers engaged clear through to the suspenseful finish.  The Castle Blues Quake is the first book in the Ghost Whisperer Series.  Even the most reluctant readers will find this book intriguing and are sure to anxiously await the next book in this series.

The Castle Blues Quake is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Book about teen depression earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Kaylee has it all, she's popular, a cheerleader, and the homecoming queen at her school.  She's cheerful and outgoing until a major event occurs, turning her world upside down.  - Suddenly she begins to have severe panic attacks and suffers from extreme depression. Her family moves, hoping the new location will help.  But the panic attacks persist to the point that staff in the emergency room are beginning to know her by name.  As her situation worsens, she is institutionalized.

Kaylee resists her treatment and is resentful that she's been placed in a "nut-house".  But with time, she begins to heal.  Ultimately, she comes to realize that asking herself "What if?" is a pointless question that only causes her pain.

Kaylee, "The What If?" Game is a powerful novel addressing issues relevant with youth suffering from anxiety and depression.  Author Christine Dzidrums has approached a sensitive topic with insightful tenacity.  This book is sure to resonate with youth who are trying to cope with feelings of hopelessness.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Money And Teens earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Money and Teens is a book every teen should read. It provides valuable insight on topics ranging from checking accounts, to taxes, and everything in between. Answers to questions relating to credit, which so many of us came to experience first-hand by trial and error, are covered within this book. Armed with the information in Money and Teens, young adults can learn how to avoid the pitfalls which cause so many to fall into financial peril.

Authors, Wes Karchut, M.B.A. and Darby Karchut, M.Ed., have created a guide on nearly every aspect of personal finance. Their practical advice provides teens with financial skills which will effect them now and in their adult lives. Included within the pages of this book are a diverse array of money-related topics which students may have always wondered about, as well as others they may not have even been aware of.

With an informative and enlightening student loan finance section, this book would make an excellent addendum to any planning materials for college students. Money and Teens is a valuable reference guide which should be kept accessible on the bookshelf and referred to again and again. The readability of this book makes it a perfect addition to every student's reading collection.

 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com