12 Things to Do Before You Crash & Burn by James Proimos

Hercules' father dies and his mom sends him to stay with his uncle Anthony in Baltimore.

Herc is sure the two weeks at his uncle's will be boring beyond belief.  The train ride looks promising when he sits by a really hot girl.  When she leaves a book behind, Herc is determined to find her to return it.

His uncle also has a plan.  Herc is to accomplish a task each day he's visiting, in order to keep him busy.  He can't blieve it--but when he does the first task by accident and the day works out, he decides it can't hurt to try the rest.

A very short novel.  The story isn't bad and there's enough to keep you entertained.

Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman

Sergeant Jerry Brown is asked to look into the case of Kevin Johnson, a 13-year old arrested for car theft and kidnapping. Kevin was with another 13-year old, Christy, driving Christy's dad's car.

Kevin has a few secrets to keep and isn't sure if he can trust Sergeant Brown. His own father was killed in the line of duty, and Kevin doesn't know how to handle the grief and anger that comes with that. He's sure that he was doing the right thing for Christy, but it has definitely gotten him into big trouble.

As Kevin tries to help Sergeant Brown with another case, play soccer, and keep his nose out of trouble, something will have to give. When he finally decides to tell what happened the night in question, will it all work out?

This is told in alternative voice and has many subplots. They are mostly handled well--the subplot of the illegal alien feels like it came out of left field. Kevin and Jerry are both great characters. The chapters aren't identified with who is speaking, but it's easy to figure out. Highly enjoyable.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Scarlett just turned 15, and in her family, that means she's in charge of one of the rooms at the small hotel her family owns and runs. She's given the key to the Empire Suite, one of the best rooms, and the least likely to have a guest.


That's before Mrs. Amberson appears and wants the Empire Suite. Soon Scarlett is not only taking care of the Suite, she's become Mrs. Amberson's personal assistant. When her older brother's acting group is in trouble of shutting down their production, Mrs. Amberson steps in to save the show. But her assistance comes with a price, one that Scarlett may end up regretting. She puts everything on the line...Spencer's job and her family's livelihood. But the show must go on...and anything's possible in New York City.


I enjoyed the story, but the main star was New York City. It's described so well that most of the time, I felt I was running around with Scarlett. There are many dimensions to the story here, and I enjoyed sitting back and watching everything unfold. Dynamic.