Waiting on Wednesday is brought to you by Breaking the SpineChameleon by Charles R. Smith
Released: Oct. 5, 2009 (I meant this to be my WoW post last week).
In his first novel, the Coretta Scott King Author Honor winner evokes the bittersweet summer of transition for an LA teen, shooting the breeze with his boys, tightening his D on the court, and doing a colour check - making sure nobody's wearing blue or red, which some Crip or Piru carrying a cut-down golf club could see as disrespect. Then back to Auntie's, hoping she isn't passed out from whiskey at the end of the day. Now that Shawn is headed for high school, he wonders if he'd be better off at the school in Mama's neighbourhood, where he'd be free of Compton's hassles. But then he wouldn't be with his fellas - cracking jokes, covering each other's backs - or the fine Marisol, who's been making star appearances in his dreams. Dad says he needs to make his own decision, but what does Shawn want, freedom or friendship? With teasing, spot-on dialogue and an eye to the realities of inner-city life, Chameleon takes on the shifting moods of a teenager coming of age.
The Door of No Return by Sarah Mussi
Release Date: Nov. 10, 2009 (Paperback version. Hardcover already out).
I think this book is YA although Amazon says 9-12. It sounds like it's YA though.
Zac Baxter's grandfather has always told him that he's the descendant of African kings, whose treasure was stolen when his ancestors were sold into slavery. Of course, Zac brushes this off as a tall tale -- until his grandfather is murdered and their apartment is completely ransacked. Clearly somebody is after something.
Heeding his grandfather's dying words, Zac is off to Ghana to track down his family's history. But what did his grandfather mean when he said that Zac had the map to the treasure? Following every clue he can find, Zac begins to suspect that the treasure is real, and hidden in one of Ghana's old slave forts. Too bad the killers always seem to be one step ahead of him. With no one he can trust and with everything to lose, Zac races against time as he tries to uncover the truth about the past -- and a fortune in gold.
They sound awesome and since I got some money for my birthday I can hopefully buy them (and other books!) soon.
I loved both of these books, especially Chameleon. That book is so freakin good. It just makes me want to scream because it didn't get the attention it deserved. I may repost my Chameleon review I loved it so much.
ReplyDeleteThe QP cover for the Door of No Return is very nice.
Look forward to seeing these on Male Monday.
I have Chameleon in a pile, I am quite excited about it, really want to hear what you think if you get it.
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