Caroline Cooney

age 13+ A gripping, emotionally complex page-turner. Parents need to know that this gripping page-turner is likely to inspire serious thinking about the importance of families. some Mild references to adolescent sexual desire. Janie approaches having sex, decides against it, but later hints that she may agree to sex in the future. some Janie discovers that she was kidnapped from her real family. Initially, she is unsure whether the parents she has now are the kidnappers.

Review by Diane H, Reviewer Last updated on 07 Jul 2021 My Recommendation Freddy is a stoner. But he loves his grandmother very much. Unfortunately, dementia has its hold on her so tightly that Freddy has to put her in a memory care home. Despite being busy glass-blowing beads and pot pipes, Freddy visits his grandmother frequently. But Freddy has his own problems with The Leper, who is cleaning his dirty money through Freddy’s sales at bead conventions.

I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! By Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by Tim Warnes Reviewed by Sonya VanderVeen Feddema A vivacious young girl imagines taking all her beloved stuffed animals on an adventurous excursion through an enchanting winter wonderland. In cheerful verses, author Caroline B. Cooney portrays the girl’s exuberance as she describes to her companions the hugs she’s going to give each one. To her polar bear, she says: “I’m going to give you a polar bear hug.