Worst of Friends
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain
In this age of political awareness, this book is a great reminder for big and little kids of how two important American presidents weathered their friendship.
Thomas Jefferson was a tall, quiet man while John Adams was short and talkative. Their friendship was based on agreeable differences, until they became political rivals--eventually becoming the 2nd and 3rd president of the United States.
Time passed, allowing both to leave their respected offices, creating a new space that often time comes with age. On January 1, 1812 John decided to write his old friend a Happy New Years letter, unsure whether he would receive a response. Of course Tom wrote back and their friendship was rekindled, both acknowledging each had a right to their own opinion.
Amazingly these lifelong friends both passed away on the same day, July 4, 1826...the 50th anniversary of American independance.
----------Though a picture book written for younger readers, a good introduction to history for any age.
Without Tess
by Marcella Pixley
When I was little I loved to play all things make-believe.
I played Barbies, cops and robbers, house and school. At a certain age though, most of us stop playing make-believe. We stop believing in the magic of being someone or something else. But what happens when you don't stop believing? What if you grow up believing you have wings that help you fly or you become a seal in water?
In Without Tess, we discover that Tess, Lizzie's sister and best friend, is unable to grow out of her magic. Tess is gently shown as having a mental illness that the family seems unaware of until it's too late. The neighbor friends offer an honest voice, bringing the girls back to reality or showing the difference between realities.
At the beginning of the book I enjoyed the childhood make-believe, but found the sadness creeping in as I realized Tess was delusional. There are not many YA books written about mental illness from such a young age, but it is a reality that should be shared.
Always enjoying a happy ending (without spoiling it), I was pleased to see Tess let go and move on to the next phase of her teenage life.
Teen Psychic
by Julie Johnson
Author, Julie Johnson, does a wonderful job exploring ancient stories with current teen stories. From the first page, you receive an open, honest message from a teen who needed to explore her voice...her communication--hoping the reader will discover their inner voice.
Filled with information about listening to your own intuitive voice, chakras, shamanism and more, the reader--whether a teen or adult, are offered meditations, breathing exercises and ancient stories to help the reader listen to themselves. To become more sensitive. More psychic.
