"Scarlett Fever" by Maureen Johnson

Scarlett Martin is back in another funny adventure in New York City. She is still working for the theatrical agent, her brother is still auditioning for roles he never seems to get, her sister is still broken up with Chip and working retail, and her younger sister seems nice. The hotel is still falling about and rarely has guests. In the midst of all this we come to adore Scarlett, her attitude and her resilience. She is smart, strong and self-reliant. She also discovers a new love interest-Max. However, Johnson ends the book not in the way we might expect. Lola flies off to Las Vegas to marry the rich ex-boyfriend and Scarlett finds that her first love from "Suite Scarlett" is back and he still loves her. But how does Scarlett feel? The door has definitely been left open for a third book to answer all the questions. Perfected suited for middle schoolers.

"Numbers" by Rachel Ward

When I finished reading "Numbers" by Rachel Ward I was left with that thought in my mind-that's it? But after reflecting on it for a day or two I realize that my initial reaction wasn't quite accurate.

The book is the story of 15 year-old Jem who has an amazing secret- when she looks in your eyes she sees the numbers that represent the day of your death.

As if this wouldn't be enough for any teenager to cope with, she is now on the run with her boyfriend Spider. They were on their way to ride the London Eye when Jem realized many of the people on their way there all had the same number. Fearing danger, she and Spider take off running just as a huge explosion rocks the London Eye.

This book isn't so much about the numbers. What it is about is a young teenager who comes to realize that life is not about dying, but life is about living. This is an intriguing read although due to language and sex it would find a much better home in high school.