Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard - OPTIONAL

Hubbard, Kirsten Wanderlove, 352 pags. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, March 2012.

Language - R (68 swears, 7 "f"); Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G

HS -- OPTIONAL

Eighteen-year-old Bria is struggling after a horrible break-up with her long time boyfriend and in an effort to escape her unhappiness, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America with Global Vagabonds. It isn't what she expects, and when the chance comes to travel with two backpackers instead, she swallows her reservations and does so. Over the next few weeks she rediscovers herself and her art (there are drawings by the author in the book), and finds a little romance, too.

I really loved this book. Bria has a very strong voice and her growth as a character is satisfying. The writing was great and I loved the drawings interspersed throughout the novel. Bria's adventures in Central America was very interesting and had a satisfying ending. My only reservation for this book is the content.

Rebekah, youth services librarian