Life as We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Reviewed by Ms. Merrigan

When a meteor is predicted to make a head-on collision with the moon, the entire world turns out to watch the big event. But the impact has unforeseen consequences, knocking the moon out of orbit and triggering tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions throughout earth. Miranda, a 16-year-old Pennsylvania girl, keeps a diary detailing the end of life as she knew it. She and her family must make tough decisions and sacrifices in order to survive. This book kept me reading far into the night as things turned from bad to worse for Miranda. Despite everything, her family must maintain loyalty to each other and hope for the future in order to keep on going.

Hugging the Rock, by Susan Taylor Brown

Reviewed by Ms. Merrigan

When her mother walks out, Rachel is left with Madison the dog and a father that she barely knows. Rachel's mother always said that her father was a rock, but does this mean that he's dependable and strong or cold and unapproachable? Slowly, Rachel comes to understand better her parents and the family secrets that have brought them to this point. Written as a series of poems, this bittersweet book is a fast read that gives you lots to think about when you are finished.