Lauren Myracle Books In Order

Publication Order of Crestview Academy Books

Publication Order of Flower Power Books

Publication Order of Internet Girls Books

Publication Order of The Life of Ty Books

Publication Order of Upside-Down Magic Books

Publication Order of The Winnie Years Books

Chronological Order of The Winnie Years Books

Publication Order of Wishing Day Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

Lauren Myracle
Lauren Myracle is an American author of children and young adult fiction writer known for encouraging parents to expose their children to different kinds of books and let them pick the message. Born in Colorado in 1969, the author went to Colorado State University and graduated with an MA in English. She later went to Vermont College and now holds an MF in Writing for Children and Young Adults. After a short stint in teaching, the talented author decided to focus on her writing.

Myracle’s debut novel, Kissing Kate, was selected in ALA’s Best Books for Young Adults and was also listed among Top Ten Youth Romances by Booklist. Today, Myracle has over 70 distinct works to her name, and her readership continues to grow by the day.

ttyl
ttyl comes first in the Internet Girls series. The book tells the story of three girls, Maddie, Angela, and Zoe. All the girls are good friends and in the tenth grade. On their first day of school, the girls vow not to let school split them apart. They look forward to having fun times, exploring boys, and getting into all kinds of mischief together. However, as the weeks pass, the three friends realize that tenth grade comes with math torture, queen bee encounters, and enough boy to occupy their time.

In this story, a jerky boy leaves Angela feeling sad while Maddie is going to commit one mistake that will make her the talk in school. Angela is clearly obsessed with boys, and it is interesting following her as she learns a thing or two about this unfamiliar territory. Good girl Zoe is also falling in love with a flirty teacher, and her friends have to step in enough times to prevent things from getting out of control.

The most outstanding thing about this book is that it is written in text message form. There is also enough drama to keep you glued until the end. However, behind the drama is a coming-of-age story. The girls go through tremendous growth in the book, and it is amazing how they stay connected even with all the things happening in their personal lives. It is notable how strong the characters are, and this helps them overcome the challenges they encounter in their young lives.

From the style to the language used, the author has done a good job of mimicking the young girls’ voices. Any girl 10 years and up will identify with all the characters and possibly understand whatever they are going through. All characters have a lot of depth, and it is hard not to get emotionally invested and wonder what will happen to them in subsequent books. The part about the teacher seducing Zoe is disturbing, but this happens in schools more than adults would want to believe.
ttyl is an entertaining young adult read that throws you into the world of teenagers and all their insecurities. There are many teenage girls’ problems that will come up in the story, and it is interesting how the girls handle them the best way they know-how. The book is characterized by interesting characters, an intriguing storyline, and a unique plot. While the teenage speak may need some getting used to, the drama will keep you entertained to the last page. Since the book is only slightly over 200 pages, you can enjoy it all in one sitting.

Shine
Shine tells the story of Cat, a sixteen-year-old living in a tight-knit Southern community. For the most part, Cat enjoys spending her days in her small town where no one can keep a secret. However, when her friend is viciously attacked, the way Cat views her home and those around her changes. It doesn’t help that those supposed to find the crime perpetrators seem eager to sweep things under the carpet. What is she to do if she cannot let such injustice go? Can she solve the mystery behind the attack on her own and ensure that justice is served? What will it cost her to go against everyone in her quest for justice?
Patrick is Cat’s best guy friend. He is also openly gay, which doesn’t sit well with some people in this little town. A vicious hate crime leaves him with serious injuries, and as he lays comatose in the hospital, the town sheriff is trying to wrap up his case. It is clear that Patrick’s attack was a hate crime. However, the sheriff wants to blame outsiders and quickly write off this case. Cat is so annoyed by the sheriff’s stand, and with little, if any support, she decides to do what anyone would do for a dear friend, find the attackers and make them pay.

This is a heartbreaking yet realistic story filled with flawed characters, small-town problems, and a teenager who is trying to find their voice. For Cat, this is a coming-of-age story. The teenage girl gets to break from the shell caused by her past traumas and discover her own truth. Through Patrick’s attack, we get to see how bigotry impacts individuals and society at large. It is a shame that societies that do not embrace differences and change exist, and many have to suffer from their rigidity. Despite all the darkness, it is admirable that Cat chooses to act even with little support from family and friends.
Shine is a grim tale filled with many problems, few solutions, and a good number of wounded souls. The setting is vivid and the storyline so believable this reads like a true story. While it is said that Patrick has to suffer for being true to himself, it is admirable that Cat sees things his way and fully supports him. By working on finding the gay-basher with no support, Cat also finds herself and realizes just how courageous she is in the face of danger. This story will pull you right in, and the poverty, devastation, and inhumanity will break your heart. Fortunately, Cat serves as a ray of light in a rather grim world. You will fall in love with her from the start, flaws and all, and see her blossom into a confident young lady.

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