I just read an advanced readers copy of The Spell Book of Listen Taylor, by Jaclyn Moriarty. It was fabulous--quirky characters, a family mystery, both funny and tender, but who was it written for? The book cover says its for 14 and up yet all the main characters but one are adults with adult concerns. Let's face it, no 14 year old is that interested in a list of "Irritating Things About My Husband", are they? Maybe I'm wrong about other 14 year olds, but I would not have cared for that at 14 or 16 or even 18. Listen Taylor (and isn't that a great name?) is 12 but I don't think she's the main character, but merely part of a large ensemble cast who work together to tell the story of the spell book and how it came to be. She's the one who works the spells but not the reason the book exists or even more than peripherally involved in the family mystery. So, although I loved this book, I won't be buying it for the store, because where would it get shelved? We have no spot for it.
But that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it, just not for teens. Watch for it, it comes out in September and I'd be happy to order a copy for you if your interested.
