brandinh's review
3.0
As with any anthology there were stories I liked and stories I didn’t care for. Unfortunately, there weren’t any real stand-outs here, and far too many left me feeling meh.
The we-are-like-everybody-else-game by Ellen Wittlinger 3 stars
Cupid’s Beaux by Cynthia Leitich Smith 3.5 stars
Partial Reinforcement by Kerry Cohen 2 stars
When we were wild by Louise Hawes 3 stars
Lucky Buoy by Chris Lynch 3.5 stars
For a Moment, Underground by Kekla Magoon 4 stars
Storm Clouds Fleeing From the Wind by Zoe Marriott 4 stars
Choices by Mary Ann Rodman 4 stars
Quick Change by E.M. Kokie 3 stars
Call Me! by Ron Koertge 3 stars
A Crossroads by J.L. Powers 3.25 stars
Little Wolf and the Iron Pin by Katy Moran 4 stars
Three-Four Time by Erica L. Kaufman 3.5 stars
We Were Together by Ann Angel 3 stars
A Thousand Words by Varian Johnson 3.5 stars
The we-are-like-everybody-else-game by Ellen Wittlinger 3 stars
Cupid’s Beaux by Cynthia Leitich Smith 3.5 stars
Partial Reinforcement by Kerry Cohen 2 stars
When we were wild by Louise Hawes 3 stars
Lucky Buoy by Chris Lynch 3.5 stars
For a Moment, Underground by Kekla Magoon 4 stars
Storm Clouds Fleeing From the Wind by Zoe Marriott 4 stars
Choices by Mary Ann Rodman 4 stars
Quick Change by E.M. Kokie 3 stars
Call Me! by Ron Koertge 3 stars
A Crossroads by J.L. Powers 3.25 stars
Little Wolf and the Iron Pin by Katy Moran 4 stars
Three-Four Time by Erica L. Kaufman 3.5 stars
We Were Together by Ann Angel 3 stars
A Thousand Words by Varian Johnson 3.5 stars
simsbrarian's review
4.0
The Good: Most of the stories in this compilation touching on the good and bad of keeping secrets are clever, touching, or nicely dark and thoughtful. The writing is great in some, good in others. The stories are a decent mix of genres and there's some really nice diversity of race, gender identity and sexualities across the collection.
The Less Good: There were two stories which didn't strike a chord for me so clearly it's a mixed lot which means some stories may not work for each reader. Still; they are SHORT stories so it's easy to skip any that don't snag your interest.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers of Ellen Hopkins might be drawn to some of the darker stories as well as the short nature of them. There are a fantasy tale or two but the majority will appeal to realistic fiction.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
The Less Good: There were two stories which didn't strike a chord for me so clearly it's a mixed lot which means some stories may not work for each reader. Still; they are SHORT stories so it's easy to skip any that don't snag your interest.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers of Ellen Hopkins might be drawn to some of the darker stories as well as the short nature of them. There are a fantasy tale or two but the majority will appeal to realistic fiction.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
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