Yesterday I read Judy Blundell's YA book What I Saw and How I Lied. This story is a fascinating read for many reasons. The setting begins in Brooklyn and then moves to Palm Beach, Florida. Time period is 1947. I doubt if the title was the author's original choice, but I have to admit, for many teen readers, it would definitely jump off the shelf. Evie Spooner, age fifteen, comes of age in this story as she makes a choice that saves her family. That she is able to tell her lie and get beyond her own disgust and heartbreak shows the resiliency and growth of this strong, teen character. I particularly enjoyed the author's deft handling of the time period. The story's plot involves blackmail, adultery, young love and budding sexuality. Did I mention murder? A National Book Award Winner, What I Saw and How I Lied will appeal to readers for many years to come.
Before the SCBWI writer's conference last weekend, I was able to read The Spirit Window by Joyce Sweeney. Joyce is a Miami based writer who also does writing coaching. No wonder she is sought by developing writers. She is a master. The Spirit Window was published in 1998 and is skillfully written with many layers of interest. The underlying problem deals with suppressed feelings of both fifteen-year-old Miranda and her father. Both have buried feelings about Miranda's mother's death. A visit to Florida and the subsequent death of her grandmother provide the catalyst to help both acknowledge and face their long buried feelings of loss. Preservation of natural areas is an important sub-theme and a summer love story between Miranda and nineteen-year-old Adam contributes to a heartwarming story.
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