In My Mailbox (21)

In My Mailbox (IMM) was started by The Story Siren a few years back, and is a great way for bloggers to give the books they are reading (or are planning to read) a quick mention.  I've not done an IMM post in several weeks, so I have a bunch of books to report...

Stolen Away
By Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Children's Books
Publication Date: January 17th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
I haven't read any of Alyxandra's other books, but I've heard great things.  I love books about fae and changelings, so I wanted to give this one a shot.  Plus, I think the cover is pretty.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
By Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Poppy
Publication Date: January 2nd, 2012
Source: Publisher
Goodreads Synopsis
I'm reading this right now, and so far, I am really enjoying it.  I was really excited when it came in the mail, especially because it's a finished copy.  Gotta love that!  Stay tuned for my review, which should be up in a day or two.

Lexapros and Cons
By Aaron Karo
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux BYR
Publication Date: April 10th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
This looks absolutely hilarious, and I'm thinking it will be one of the funnier books of 2012.  Plus, the MC is named Chuck Taylor, and of you know me, you know I live in mine!  Stay tuned!

The Peculiars
By Maureen Doyle McQuerry
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: May 1st, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
I was sold when I read the line in the synopsis that said, "...will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance."!  This one sounds like it's going to be great!

The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls
By Julie Schumacher
Publisher: Delacorte BFYR
Publication Date: May 8th, 2012
Source:  ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
With a title and cover like this book has, I could not pass it up.  It looks so fun!  I am really excited to read this and wish I didn't have so many books in the TBR ahead of it...

First Date
By Krista McGee
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: January 10th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
This is next on my TBR after I finish The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.  It looks really cute, and I think my daughter would really enjoy it, but of course, with her being only 10, I have to read it first...

The International Kissing Club
By Ivy Adams
Publisher: Walker Children's Books
Publication Date: January 3rd, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
I just finished this, and it was really cute.  Perfect for readers that love a light, flirty, fun Contemporary read.  Check out my full review HERE.

Life Is But a Dream
By Brian James
Publisher: Fiewel & Friends
Publication Date: March 27th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
I fell in love with this cover, and had to check the book out.  It seems that the cover is totally fitting to the synopsis.  It sounds amazing, but totally heartbreaking.  I can't wait to read it!

After the Snow
By S.D. Crockett
Publisher: Fiewel & Friends
Publication Date: March 27th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
I featured this awhile back as a Waiting on Wednesday post because I love survivor stories.  I'm really, really looking forward to reading this one!

Whisper
By Alyson Noel
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: April 24th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
I've read and loved all of the previous books in the Riley Bloom series, and they keep getting better, so I have high hopes for this one.  Plus, all of the covers in this series are gorgeous.

Supergirl Mixtapes
By Meagan Brothers
Publisher: Henry Holt
Publication Date: April 24th, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
Honestly, I just love the cover of this book.  I had to read it for that reason alone.  Let's see if the story lives up to the awesome, retro cover idea!

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
By Jesse Andrews
Publisher: Amulet
Publication Date: March 1st, 2012
Source: ARC/NetGalley
Goodreads Synopsis
Great title.  If it doesn't grab your attention, I don't know what will,  The story behind it looks good too.  The cool cover is a bonus.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone
By Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Publication Date: September 27th, 2011
Source: Gift
Goodreads Synopsis
I know I am probably the last person in the YA blogoshpere to read this, but I finally have a copy!  I've put off reading this FAR too long.

Carrier of the Mark
By Leigh Fallon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: October 4th, 2011
Source: Gift
Goodreads Synopsis
My awesome Secret Santa, Kate over at ExLibris, sent me this book for Christmas.  I've been wanting to read it FOREVER, so I was super excited!  Thanks, Kate!

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
By Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf BFYR
Publication Date: October26th, 2010
Source: Gift
Goodreads Synopsis
Another book my Secret Santa, Kate from ExLibris, sent.  Generously awesome, isn't she?  Check out her blog!  She's a great reviewer and does some kick-ass giveaways too!

Shattered Souls
By Mary Lindsey
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: December 8th, 2011
Source: Gift
Goodreads Synopsis
I've been looking forward to this for a long, long time!  It's gotten great advance buzz and it definitely has one of the most stunning covers of 2011.

The Marked
By Inara Scott
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: April 3rd, 2012
Source: ARC/Publisher
Goodreads Synopsis
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Delcroix Academy: The Candidates, and have been looking forward to a sequel for over a year.  Well, it's finally here!  Thanks, Disney-Hyperion!

Bloodrose
By Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: January 3rd, 2012
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
The final book in the Nightshade trilogy, and I am almost scared to read it.  I've heard nothing but amazing things, and I have very high expectations.  Team Ren, all the way!

Review: The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Publisher:  Walker & Company

Publication Date:  January 3rd, 2012

Piper, Cassidy, Mei, and Izzy have been best friends their whole lives. And they've always agreed on one goal: to get out of tiny Paris, Texas, and see the world. The school's foreign exchange program seems like the perfect escape: Piper will go to the original Paris; Mei will go to China; Cassidy will go to Australia; and Izzy, unable to afford the program, will stay at home. To add spice to their semester away, and to stay connected to their best friends, the girls start The International Kissing Club, a Facebook page where they can anonymously update one another and brag about all the amazing guys they're meeting. After all, these girls are traveling abroad: amazing guys abound at every turn! But sometimes fun, flirty vacation flings turn into more serious romances, and sometimes you don't return from abroad the same person you were. Will the girls' relationships-and their friendships-be able to survive?

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I really thought this book was going to be a lame Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants rip-off, but I decided to give it a shot anyway because I thought it was something that teen girls would find relevant to their own lives.  I was certainly right about the second half of my statement; this book is definitely relevant to this generation of teen girls with its story centered around a Facebook fan page and its references to Twitter and Foursquare.  What I was wrong about was the assumption that this would be a lame rip-off!  It was an entirely different story and very, very cute.  I think teen girls will absolutely adore this book.

This book is very character driven as it is told from the POV of the four girls featured on the cover.  I instantly liked Mei, Cassidy, and Izzy.  They were all nice girls with their heads on straight.  Mei is focused and driven, and while she had her own personal issues to face, she did it head-on, and without dragging other people into the drama.  Izzy is shy and a bit dim at times, but not stupid; she doesn't read social cues well and has a hard time standing up for herself.  She calls herself "Invisabel" because she feels like no one notices her, but I felt like a lot of that was self-inflicted.  She grew up a lot in this story, and while she still has a long was to go, I see a bright future for her.  Cassidy was my favorite character.  She is fiercely loyal, driven, and outspoken, almost to a fault.  I felt really bad for Cassidy, because although all the girls had varying degrees of family drama, in my mind, hers was the worst because he mother instilled all of her hatred and fear of men into her so that she had serious trust and love issues, and that just sucks.  I was happy to be on her journey with her because I think she grew the most and in the most profound way.  Finally we have Piper... I didn't like Piper from the get-go.  She is shallow, self-absorbed, and insipid.  Sure, her mother is a witch, and the mean girl at school has had her in her sights for years, but Piper doesn't do anything to improve her lot, and then dramatizes and provokes, bringing more attention to herself.  She feels so sorry for herself, but really, she has a pretty cushy lifestyle, even if Mommy Dearest is majorly overcritical and unloving.  So she "kissed a pig" and it went viral.  Big freaking deal.  Although she grows a little bit in this book, she doesn't improve my opinion of her much.  I think the authors tried to write her as a sympathetic character, but she just never came off that way for me.  I liked the boys as well, especially Lucas, who is about as perfect as a boy could be, and I'm glad my favorite character got him as a love interest.

As for the story itself, it was very cute.  I liked that everything wasn't tied up neatly with a bow, and I thought the authors (Ivy Adams is a pen name for writing trio, Tracy Deebs, Emily McKay, and Shellee Roberts) did a good job portraying average, small-town, American life.  They also really nailed the dynamics of the high school hierarchy, which gave the story credibility.  The thing I liked the most though, was that they did a great job writing the girls' reactions to their new surroundings (or in Izzy's case, her hometown, without her three only friends).

Overall, I really liked this book but I didn't love it.  It was slow in a few places, and like I said, I really didn't like Piper much, and since she was the most prevalent voice in the book, I felt like the book was brought down a notch.  That said, it was a very light, flirty, and fun read that I would definitely recommend it to teen girls and adult readers that a big into Contemporary YA Romance.  However, if you're a reader looking for a book with substance, you may want to skip this one.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  There is lots of sex talk in this book (characters having sex, considering having sex, talking about other people and their sexual activity, etc.), quite a few swears, and lots of mean-girl antics, and irresponsible internet use, with little, if any, consequence.  There's also a good bit of teen drinking with no consequence.  I would say this is a HS level book for content.  Grades 9 and up (ages 14 and up).

Review: Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publication Date: June 28th, 2011

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

Tera Lynn Childs’s sequel to Forgive My Fins offers another tail-flicking romance with plenty of fun, sun, and underwater adventure.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I've loved every Tera Lynn Childs book I've read.  They are such a breath of fresh air!  I always have a feeling of levity and a sunshiny glow when I'm finished.  Although Fins Are Forever is not my absolute favorite of her books, I still adored it (my favorite so far is Sweet Venom).  It picks up where the first book, Forgive My Fins, left off and continues Lily's story.  She is happily in love with Quince and her life is pretty much just peachy, even if it is on land.  She has plans for her future with Quince and although she misses Thalassinia and her family, she feels like she has made the right choice.  Right?  Add a bratty, banished cousin and a hottie prince from another mer-kingdom to the mix and Lily's peachy life plans start to unravel...  I don't want to spoil, so I won't give any more info about the story, but I will say that I am happy that there will be a 3rd book (Just For Fins, Katherine Tegen Books, July 3rd, 2012), because although the end was fine, I would love to know more about what happens next in Lily's life.

The story was, as per Tera's MO, very cute.  Heavy on the romance, but not sickeningly so.  I think Tera tried for a love-triangle, but that fell flat because Lily and Quince are too strong a couple, which in my opinion, is a good thing.  I like to see a couple sure of each other and not so fickle as to be drawn to the first new person to show interest.  As with the first book, I loved Tera's descriptions of Thalassinia best.  I want to live there!  Then, of course, there were the characters.  Lily is a nice girl- there's nothing to dislike about her- she's the daughter every parents wants to have, the BFF every girl wants, and the perfect girlfriend; Quince is great, maybe a little too perfect, but I guess their perfect coupledom is part of the book's charm.  I loved getting to know feisty Doe since she ended up being a favorite character.  She spiced things up and kept the book from being boring.

Overall, I thought this book was great.  Not as good as the first book, but it definitely served its purpose by lightening my mood after a slew of heavier books.  Like I mentioned before, I am so glad that there is going to be a 3rd book, because I am not ready for this story to be over.
My Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  Very clean.  There's are a few make-out scenes, but I wouldn't even call those PG-13; nothing hot and heavy.  No violence, no cursing.  This book is fine for ages 10 and up (5th grade+).

Audiobook Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Publisher:  Putnam Juvenile/Penguin Audio

Publication Date:  November 29th, 2011

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

This book was fantastic- I can't believe it too me over a month to get around to reading it!  To be honest, I put off reading it because I didn't like the cover.  I know, I know... But I can't help it.  Bad cover equals bottom of the TBR pile until someone convinces me to read it.  (I know I'm not alone in this, so publishers take note!)  Anyway, this book got so much love and so many rave reviews from bloggers, that I had no choice but to grab it when my library got the audio...  I'm so glad it did!  I was right when I mentioned on my Top 25 YA Books of 2011 post that I thought this would have made the list if I had gotten to read it in time; not only would it have made it, it would have been UP there on the list- like possibly top ten.

There are many reasons why I loved Legend, but I would have to say that first would be the characters.  This story is told from the POVs of two very different people, from very different backgrounds, thrown together in an impossible situation.  As their affection grows for one another and truths are revealed, confusion ensues, their relationships with other people evolve, and their characters grow.  They both have complicated histories, making them more alike than you would initially think based on their vastly different upbringings and opportunities.  I also enjoyed the supporting characters; I didn't necessarily like them all all, but I liked how they fit with the story, and the fact that Lu took the time to develop them, despite their rather minor roles.  The book would still have been good, had she not done that, but it was so much better because she did.

The plot and pacing were also great.  By telling the story from alternating POVs, Lu was able to reveal things about each character without the other knowing about them, which helped me, as the reader, better understand what was going on, while still keeping the mystery alive.  I thought there was a nice balance of action, emotion, and intrigue in this story; I think the mass appeal of this book has everything to do with that.  The story was original and well thought out, and the world was convincing and well rendered.  The only small issue I had was that it was a bit predictable at times, but I really don't think that it mattered much in the end.  I still give it a 5-star rating, and am still looking forward to reading its sequel on release day (or sooner, should I be lucky enough to get an advance copy), even if it also has an ugly cover...

I really enjoyed the audio.  Narrators Mariel Stern (June) and Steven Kaplan (Day) did a wonderful job with the voices of their characters.  They both had nice tone and read at the perfect pace for the story.  They breathed life into their characters and made them very human to me.  The casting could not have been better!  I highly recommend giving this book a try in audio format.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★  

Grade Level Recommendation:  This book is pretty benign as far as YA goes.  No sex.  It is graphically violent in a few places, so I wouldn't indiscriminately hand it to a 4th grader, and there are a few swears, but overall, it is pretty clean.  I would say that it is fine for 5th grade and up (ages 10+) and a good option for a pretty advanced younger reader (3rd-4th grade) who has been exposed to some YA already; I would have let my advanced 5th grader read this in 3rd or 4th grade.  Anyone who has read The Hunger Games or watched Star Wars will be fine with the level of violence, which is really the only "issue" in this book.  This book is  a GREAT read for both genders, but I think boys, in particular, would really like it.

WWW (22) and Waiting On Wednesday (January 4th, 2012) AND Cover Reveal: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

W. W. W. Wednesday is hosted by Should Be Reading a great blog that I subscribe to. Here's how it works... Each Wednesday I will answer the following questions:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you'll read next?


With the  holidays, my weekly memes fell by the wayside, but now that we're through all that madness, and my three monsters are back in school, I can be on top of them again.  I'm really excited about the books coming out in 2012!

What are you currently reading?

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams~ I thought this was going to be a lame Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants rip-off, but it's actually quite different and very cute so far.  Stay tuned!

New Girl by Paige Harbison~ A modern retelling of Daphne du Maurier's classic Rebecca.  So far, it's sticking to the original pretty well, but I still like Rebecca better.  The jury is still out...

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young~ I'm listening to the audio of this awesome book and it's okay.  I think I prefer reading the print version though; the narrator's voice is kind of annoying...

What did you recently finish reading?

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi~ What a way to kick off the new year!  This book has totally lived up to the hype.  It is an awesome Dystopia!  This book came out yesterday, and you all should really get a copy!  Read my review HERE.

Legend by Marie Lu~ I listened to the audio of this and it was really, really good.  I said in my Top 25 of 2011 post that I thought this one would have made the list if I had gotten a chance to read it before the list went up; I was right.  Excellent!  Review coming soon.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer~ Another book that released yesterday, that was phenomenal. I initially didn't think it would be my thing, but it was awesome! A must read for 2012, especially if you like fairy tale retellings.  Read my review HERE.

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder~ I think this is Maria's best book yet.  If you are a fan of High Fantasy and/or liked her Study series, you will love this book.  I'm so annoyed that I have to wait a year for the release of book #2, Scent of Magic.  Read my review HERE.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare~ Cassie's best book yet!  I have never been so conflicted over a love triangle in my entire life, and that includes any that I may have been a part of!  I thought that I might like The Infernal Devices better than The Mortal Instruments after I read Clockwork Angel, now I'm sure!  Read my review HERE.

What do you think you'll read next?

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith~ I got this in the mail last week (Thanks, Little, Brown BFYR!) and am really excited to read it!  I've heard great things about it so far!  Stay tuned!

Fracture by Megan Miranda~ One of my New Year's resolutions is to stay on top of my NetGalley books.  Out of sight, out of mind has been my problem, so I'm keeping a calendar to keep the NetGalley titles in sight.  This is the next release on my NetGalley list, and probably one of my most exciting!

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor~ I finally got a copy of this for Christmas, so as soon as I get caught up on my ARCs, I'm reading this!  I've heard such amazing things about it!

Blood Red Road by Moira Young~ I've been wanting to read this but haven't gotten to it.  I just got the audio version of it from the library, so I'm going to give it a listen.  I've heard the audio is the way to go with this book anyhow.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is another fun blog event. Hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, this event gives us a chance to talk about the books we anxiously await the release of. Since there is ALWAYS a looooooong list of books I'm waiting on (I actually keep a spreadsheet), I figured this is one that I MUST do.

My post is actually late today because the cover of this week's WoW was revealed today, and rather than post it with the placeholder cover, I wanted to use the real deal and kill two birds with one stone- cover reveal AND WoW post, sooooo without further ado...

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, Book #5) by Cassandra Clare

In Book 5: City of Lost Souls, the Shadowhunters struggle to piece together their shattered world after a betrayal by one of their own leaves them reeling.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I love all Cassandra Clare's books.  In this series (The Mortal Instruments), the books keep getting better and better as the series progresses, so I have really high hopes!  Having recently read Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, Book #2), I'm eager for more of Cassie's writing, and isn't this cover STUNNING?

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Publication Date:  May 8th, 2012

My Expected Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ +++


What are you Waiting On this week?

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publisher:  HarperCollins Children's Books

Publication Date:  January 3rd, 2012

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I had super high expectations of this book.  Not only has it gotten rave reviews from multiple YA bloggers whom I respect, but it has gotten much author love as well.  I went into this book expecting to be blown away and I was!  What an awesome start to what I am quite sure is going to be an excellent series.  Veronica Rossi has raised the bar for post-Hunger Games dystopia authors!

I have to admit that when I first read about this book, I wasn't sure.  The synopsis made the story seem a bit dull and predictable.  Don't get me wrong, I knew I wanted to read this, but it wasn't quite top of my list... It should have been!  The plot and pacing were awesome; never a dull moment, never a time when I said, "I totally saw THAT coming!".  This book was so expertly balanced.  The action was believable and very intense, while the more vulnerable moments were written with such a light touch.  I found myself gritting my teeth during the heart-pounding parts, and tearing up during the emotional parts- often these elements of this story only pages apart.  As for the idea behind the story?  It is unique and well represented.  There were subtle twists and surprises that kept me on my toes and reading until 4am because I had to know what would happen next.

The characters were impressive as well.  At first I thought I wasn't going to like Aria, but she turned out to be one of my favorite characters.  Same with Perry.  My favorite character had to be Roar though.  He has a quality that while difficult to pinpoint, makes you instantly like him.  The characters evolved throughout the story, and I never felt like I was given too much or too little information as the story unfolded.  I was equally impressed with the world building.  Rossi's descriptions of the sky, terrain, and the desolate nature of the environment outside the pods pulled me fully into the story.  I loved the way they the environment was described through those with enhanced senses.; that is what brought this world to life.

If you're looking for a great book to kick off your 2012 Debut Author Challenge, look no further! If you are a fan of Dystopia, Action/Adventure, even Sci-Fi, look no further!  I can't really imagine anyone being disappointed with this book.  Phenomenal!  A great way for me to have kicked off 2012!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  This book is violent at times, and it is implied that Perry is no virgin, but this book is otherwise pretty clean.  I would say that it is appropriate for ages 12 and up (7th grade+).