Unlovable (Port Fare Series #1)
by Sherry Gammon

Publisher’s Note:  Port Fare, New York, has fallen into the clutches of true evil. The Dreser brothers have arrived with a scheme to increase drug sales in the area by whatever means possible. Seth Prescott is part of MET (Mobile Enforcement Teams) a branch of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). He's been assigned to work undercover at Port Fare High, and things aren't going very well, until senior Maggie Brown enters the equation. He's harbored a secret crush on her from day one, and now that she is in the center of the case, he's trying to stay clear and objective while walking the line between business and unrequited love.

Maggie is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes, but is she an addict, or is there another reason for her appearance? She struggles with her feelings for Seth, fearing he is just another person who will eventually let her down, as everyone in her life has done thus far.

Maggie has spent her life caring for her alcoholic mother. A task that has left her heavily burdened and alone. Before long, her mother's health takes a turn for the worst, sending Maggie's life into a tale-spin.

While Seth works relentlessly to inject fear into the dealers and flush them out into the open, Maggie fights to stay alive as the hunt turns deadly.

Seth and Maggie's romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery.


Overall Review: Unlovable grabbed my attention from the first page and didn’t let go!  It’s very well written and kept me turning the pages and thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading!  It is stark and realistic, horrifying and dramatic, and full of romance and overcoming hardships—I loved it!  I loved the story—the idea that you can rise above the terrible situations you may be given in life, and improve your own surroundings! 

Maggie grew up with an alcoholic mother who continually yells and screams at her (when she’s not passed out on the couch) while Maggie takes care of everything, asking for only love in return!  I liked the character of Maggie:  She isn’t a whiny pushover.  She is responsible and trying to care for her mother.  Yes, she is emotionally backward—she is too afraid to let herself love and be loved, and once she does, she almost seems to go a little overboard and become clingy, but I felt that that was realistic.  She finally meets someone who seems genuinely interested in her and shows her what it’s like to be loved and cared for—why shouldn’t she hold on as tight as she can?!  Seth is the perfect guy—handsome and a gentleman to boot!  I LOVE Seth, and his friends Booker and Cole!  This novel closes on the story of Seth and Maggie, but there are two more coming on the lives of Booker and Cole, and I can’t wait to read them!  

The romance between Seth and Maggie is sweet and slow.  The bad guys are scary; the good guys are awesome!  This novel is fulfilling on many levels!  I laughed, I cried, I look forward to reading more from the Port Fare series and this new author!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: One mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild to Moderate throughout

VIOLENCE: Moderate to Strong throughout

MATURE THEMES: Moderate to Strong

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+

There is only one mild incident of profanity; it is a religious call for help.

There is a lot of kissing involved—some of it is very mild and sweet, some is a bit more intense, and some are not so nice (creeps who steal kisses)!  Two characters are attracted to each other, and there is a slight strain of romantic tension throughout.  A character laments that her chest is too small.  There are two characters whose thoughts often turn to rape.  A character is obsessed with sex and is always trying to get girls to sleep with him, often trying brute force.  This same character is always using innuendos that are crude.  This mostly takes place in high school, so we also have the added drama of rumors of people dating/making out/sleeping together/being gay.  There are some mild to slightly moderate make out scenes.  Two characters (a boy and girl) stay in the same house alone for an extended period of time (nothing more than kissing happens).  There are some ‘bubble bath moments’ and bedroom moments, but they are mostly innuendos and nothing takes place.  There is some underage dating: A 21 year old undercover cop (posing to be a senior in high school) falls in love with his assignment who happens to be a 17 year old high school senior.  A character enjoys stealing away others’ boyfriends and making out.

There are a few very violent characters.  A character enjoys killing people by stabbing them repeatedly.  Some of his murders are described in more detail than others, but there are quite a few (at least 7).  The drug dealers offer drugs to young children, and kill young people who won’t try their drugs.  A shoot out between police and a drug dealer ends up with the dealer dead and an officer dead.  There are some fatal accidents (drunk driving, airplane failure, home robbery) that cause the death of many characters.  There are chapters from the point of view of two drug dealers that include embezzlement, death, murder, rape, beatings, revenge, etc.  A character is very mentally and verbally abusive.  A character is stabbed with a sword (he is killed).  A character shoots and kills another in self defense.  A small animal is killed with a knife.  There are many threats and tense moments.

The mature themes are moderate and include drug and alcohol abuse (in high school and beyond), undercover work, alcoholism and neglectful parents, and overcoming mental/verbal abuse.  The life situations presented are seriously difficult hardships.

Unlovable is recommended for ages 16+.

A Million Miles From Boston
by Karen Day

Publisher's Note: School's out! That means Lucy is off to her favorite place: Pierson Point, Maine, where she spends summers with her family. And as she tries to forget her worries about starting middle school and about Dad's new girlfriend, Lucy can't get there soon enough. Pierson Point is where she feels most like herself, and where memories of her mother, who died when Lucy was six, are strong and sacred.

But this summer, nothing is the same. Ian, a boy from home in Boston, comes to Pierson Point with his family. Ian is loud, popular, and mean. He and Lucy can't stand each other. To top it off, Dad wants his girlfriend to become a bigger part of Lucy's life.
Karen Day's engaging novel shows that people aren't always what they seem, and that friendship can be found in the most unusual places.

Overall Review:  A Million Miles from Boston was wonderfully written by an author who really understands the ‘young’ young adult audience. It is full of blossoming social awkwardness, and yearning to be seen as mature and competent. Karen Day realistically depicts Lucy’s emotional development as we see her go from being confused about her mother’s death to accepting it, and also as Lucy learned to accept and appreciate her father’s new girlfriend. The story was realistic and meaningful, and is absolutely perfect for an 11 to 14 year-old.  A fantastic book for any young (or old!) reader.  Overall Rating is 4.5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE: 9+

Karen Day does a great job in keeping this book clean while still lightly addressing some difficult subjects. There is no violence, profanity, or sexual content. However, there are several mature themes such as dealing with the death of her mother, watching her father begin a relationship with a new woman, a family with alot of conflict, and some teen vandalism. Although this book does address these touchy subjects, it never goes into a lot of description about any of these events. Karen Day brought up the subjects only enough to get us thinking about them.  This book could be read and enjoyed by any age.

 A Million Miles from Boston by Karen Day is a Squeaky Clean Read for Ages 9+.

This review was written by Shelley
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Wendy Lamb Books for a review

Haunting Violet
by Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher’s Note:  Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

Overall Review:  How would you react if suddenly you could see all the spirits wandering around us…and they could see you?  Violet’s mother is pretending to be someone she’s not, and forces her daughter to go along with her schemes: She’s a widow, she’s a lady, she’s a famous Spiritualist…or maybe not.  That all changes when Violet suddenly has what her mother pretends so spectacularly to possess:  She’s a bonefide Medium!  I spent most of the book wanting to strangle Violet’s mother—and absolutely loving Colin and Elizabeth (Violet’s friends).  I found myself cheering for Violet and Colin often, and I can’t say I was sad when her mother… well, that you’ll have to read for yourself!  The main ghostly visitor drove me crazy sometimes, as I just wanted her to spill it already!  But, then, where’s the fun in that??

Haunting Violet is set in the London area in the late 1800’s.  This has to be my favorite era and place.  I love the balls, dresses, parties, and lengthy stays at country estates…there are the terrible ‘gossipmongers’ and all those snooty people who feel that lineage and titles are more important than people!  We have people sitting around waiting for the next scandal and more than happy to pass along all the lurid details to their friends!  Of course, not everything is true to the period, such as some of the language and behaviors, but it was all so entertaining, it was fairly easy to overlook!

The mystery surrounding the murdered ghost did keep me guessing for the most part, and was sometimes almost ‘Scooby-Do-esque’ as we suspect person after person and wander around in circles as we try to figure out ‘whodunit’!  Ms. Harvey has a very engaging style of writing that didn’t drag and I found this novel to be seriously entertaining!  If you are a fan of Victorian Era romance, mystery and ghostly visitors, this fits the bill!  Full of romance, thrills and humor, Haunting Violet is pure fun!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: Some Mild to Moderate instances

VIOLENCE: Some mild to moderate instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: Some mild and one moderate instances

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+

There is quite a bit of profanity filtered through.  It’s fairly mild, for the most part, and a lot of it is what was said during that time period and area of the world.  About half of the profanity is ‘English’ profanity.  At times it did seem that there was probably more language than would have been used during that era, and there were moments when that made the feeling of the novel more contemporary than historical.  A character finds out she is an illegitimate child, and she begins to use the more vulgar word for it often.

There was one slightly moderate ‘make-out’ scene that was short, but still a touch descriptive.  Mostly, the sexual content was mild.  There were some stolen (and not so stolen) kisses; thinking about being with another person; and mentions of some ‘unsavories’ that a character probably visited because he was ‘old enough’.  A character admits to having an affair (that’s all that’s said).  A character tells another to move because he can see through her nightgown.  A character decides to change professions and becomes someone’s mistress. 

With the violence, there were a few minor scuffles—a bit of fist-fighting here and there over a girls’ honor.  Some characters are drugged at a séance (in order to ‘see’ ghosts).  A character is murdered (drowned) and we slowly, in bits and pieces, learn about what happened to her (drowning, drugging, strangling).  A character is almost possessed by angry ghosts, more than once.  At times, the descriptions of the ghosts that are seen are a little disturbing, as they still have evidence of the way they died on their ‘person’.  A character is almost killed by a falling urn and a chandelier that have been tampered with.  A character seriously beats up (kicking, punching, scratching) another while trying to escape being killed.  A character stabs another, threatens many with a gun, and tries to drug them before killing them (they are not killed).

Most of the themes are moderate: Finding out you’re an illegitimate child—and then discovering that your parents, neither of them, want you; Having a mother who cares nothing for you; lying about your identity; pretending to be something you’re not in order to gain prestige, fame, and fortune; Mediums and Spiritualists and the ability to see ghosts and ‘talk’ with them; Stealing and Pickpocketing.

Some other things: There is a lot of drinking involved, especially one character in particular and all the men; Some characters us a Ouija Board to contact spirits; there are many séances—most of them are fictional, but some become ‘real’.

Haunting Violet is recommended for age 16+.

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Bloomsbury for a review

When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead

Publisher's Note:  This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.  By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.


Overall Review:  Children have long had many excellent choices in the fantasy genre, but few accessible, outstanding science fiction options so it is refreshing to see a first-rate science fiction contribution from Rebecca Stead in her second novel,  When You Reach Me.  Stead’s debut novel, First Light, was solid writing, but in When You Reach Me she finds her voice.  The story is related in first person by Miranda, fluctuating between a straight-up narrative and musings directed to a mysterious person who has been leaving notes and clues for Miranda.  Miranda’s genuineness as a character and an authentic world wrap the reader in the narrative.  The brilliance of the book is that all the seemingly trivial and mundane details included in the story (and dismissed by the reader) are essential to the conclusion and explanation of the events.  When You Reach Me is a clever puzzle, skillfully resolved, and a deserved Newberry Award Winner.  Overall  Rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

 
Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  two mild instances

PROFANITY:  four mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  none

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP:   9+

Violence included a character punching and hitting another character.  A character breaks some ribs and an arm in an accident.  A character dies in an accident with a truck.

Four mild instances of profanity were noted.

When You Reach Me is a clean read for ages 9+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling for a review

Gregor the Overlander
(The Underland Chronicles #1)
by Suzanne Collins

Publisher's Note:  When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, Suzanne Collin's debut marked a thrilling new talent, and introduced a character no young reader will ever forget.

Overall Review:  Gregor the Overlander is told in true Suzanne Collins style (author of The Hunger Games): ‘Regular’ creatures made larger than life, overwhelming odds, strange companionships that just seem to work, and high adventure…all while fighting for your life!  Here is a world where life-sized bats, cockroaches and spiders are your friends and allies; and the rats, well, in the simple words of the cockroaches...excuse me, crawlers..."Rats Bad"!  Life is all played out in huge caverns far underground: The Underland!  Even with all the adventure and intensity, there is a wonderful humorous edge throughout that I loved.  Gregor’s little sister, Boots, is a special 2 year old treat!  That sweet, innocent little toddler stole every heart she met—including mine!  I loved her rapport with her cockroach friends—so cute!  And when her screaming tantrum helps them escape a tight situation?  Priceless!  Gregor the Overlander is not just another generic fantasy series.  There is depth to the story: the characters are well developed and true to life, and there are some great twists that keep everything moving—and keep you wondering how they’ll manage.  I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: NONE

VIOLENCE: Many mild instances and a few moderate instances throughout

SEXUAL CONTENT: NONE

MATURE THEMES: Mild to moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

While there is no profanity or sex at all in this book, there is quite a bit of violence.  There is a skirmish where rats attack—a character is knocked out, some are bitten, the two rats are killed by the sword.  A war breaks out and many characters die.  Usually, it’s told matter-of-factly (‘so-and-so is dead’), but once in awhile a small amount of blood is involved.  Spiders eat other insects/spiders and it’s a little gross.  Some characters escape a spider web and it’s a little scary.  A character is crushed by a rat.  A group of rats are running across a bridge, the bridge falls, and they land in water full of piranhas.  A character is killed by a rat’s tail.  Many rats (and a character) fall down into a pit and die.  A character discovers that they are a 'rager', meaning that they are a natural born warrior.  The violence is necessary to the plot, and is actually well done (and for those wondering, there is less violence than in The Hunger Games, as this series is aimed toward a younger age group).  It never became overly grotesque and is fairly tame. 

Some of the more moderate themes are dealing with the loss of a parent or family member, and facing scary enemies and death; some of the mild themes are making hard decisions and facing your fears. 

While the violence is fairly mild, due to the sheer amount of it, this is recommended for ages 14+.

Harriet the Spy
by Louise Fitzhugh

Publisher’s Note: Meet Harriet M. Welsch -- one of the most unforgettable, funniest characters in children's literature. Harriet is a girl with only one ambition in life: to be a spy. She works hard at it -- filling her secret notebook with observations about her parents, friends, and neighbors. But when her classmates find her notebook and read her mean comments about them, Harriet finds herself shunned by everyone. How can she put her spying talents to good use and make her friends like her again?


Overall Review:  Harriet the Spy is not your average spy story—nor is it your average ‘coming of age’ story.  There is a great deal of depth as we follow Harriet through a very difficult time in her life.  For Harriet, when it rains, it pours, it seems.  She is thrust into a horrible situation as she finds herself completely alone:  Ole Golly (her nanny of 11 years) has left, her parents are too busy to talk to her, and her friends have all turned against her.  Harriet is such a lovely and flawed character—the perfect ‘kid’!  She is self-centered and self-preserving and I constantly found myself wondering if she would ever figure out how to make things right, but I loved her for it!  She calls herself a spy—and was very good at seeing outward appearances.  I enjoyed following her on her spy route and watching the antics of the different people she spied on: The Dei Santi family with their restaurant, Little Joe Curry with his street urchins, Harrison Withers and his cats, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and their ‘baby’…  What funny characters! 

There is nothing shallow in this book.  It is complex and full of morals and lessons.  The emotions are deep and resonating.  I felt the hollow hole after Ole Golly’s leaving; the anger and hatred when the notebook is found and everyone shuns her; the loneliness of feeling that no one loves you nor wants you around; the crush of your spirit when they take away that which is most precious to you and what makes you who you are.  I read this out loud to my children, and we had some great discussions—it brought up some very interesting points about life and growing up.  Harriet the Spy takes you on a journey of self-discovery.  It is at the same time funny, heart breaking, hilarious, and frustrating, and is a coming of age story that will strike a chord in children and adults alike!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: A few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: NONE

VIOLENCE: A few mild instances

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 12+

There are a few mild instances of profanity in this book(6). 

The violence usually consists of the average middle school vindictive acts: hitting others (or imagining hitting others), tripping people, chopping off someone’s hair, etc.  There was also a lot of shouting (one character was always a bit frustrated) and some mild mental abuse, such as shunning, mocking, breaking another’s spirit. 

The mature themes are fairly mild, such as: dealing with the sudden loss of a close friend/loved one, dealing with ostracism, and learning to stand on your own two feet. 

Harriet the Spy is a Clean Read for ages 12+!!

Penny From Heaven
by Jennifer L. Holm

Publisher's Note:  It’s 1953 and 11-year-old Penny dreams of a summer of butter pecan ice cream, swimming, and baseball. But nothing’s that easy in Penny’s family. For starters, she can’t go swimming because her mother’s afraid she’ll catch polio at the pool. To make matters worse, her favorite uncle is living in a car. Her Nonny cries every time her father’s name is mentioned. And the two sides of her family aren’t speaking to each other!

Inspired by Newbery Honor winner Jennifer Holm’s own Italian American family, Penny from Heaven is a shining story about the everyday and the extraordinary, about a time in America’s history, not all that long ago, when being Italian meant that you were the enemy. But most of all, it’s a story about families—about the things that tear them apart and bring them together. And Holm tells it with all the richness and the layers, the love and the laughter of a Sunday dinner at Nonny’s. So pull up a chair and enjoy the feast! Buon appetito!


Overall Review: Penny's idea of Heaven involves butter pecan ice cream, the Dodgers, and her big, loud, Italian family.  But this summer isn't exactly heaven.  She's living through a horrible haircut, days filled with boredom because her mom is too afraid of polio to let Penny go to either the pool or the movie theater, and her cousin Frankie's crazy schemes.  With gentle wit and great historical details, Jennifer Holm weaves a pitch-perfect historical fiction about family, honesty, and growing up.  Penny From Heaven kept me hooked from beginning to end! Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Very mild

VIOLENCE: Mild

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There is very mild profanity (no actual expletives, only phrases like "we knew all the good [Italian] curse words"). There is mild violence—there are a few minor brawls, and one character is injured in a household accident. There is no sexual content (a girl has a crush on a boy and wonders what it would be like to kiss him, but it's very innocent and not dwelt on). Mature themes consist of family secrets and serious injuries.  Penny From Heaven is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Reads for ages 9+.

This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Books for Young Readers  for a review

Hattie Big Sky
by Kirby Larson

Publisher's Note:  For years, sixteen-year-old Hattie's been shuttled between relatives. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she courageously leaves Iowa to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim near Vida, Montana. With a stubborn stick-to-itiveness, Hattie faces frost, drought and blizzards. Despite many hardships, Hattie forges ahead, sharing her adventures with her friends--especially Charlie, fighting in France--through letters and articles for her hometown paper.

Her backbreaking quest for a home is lightened by her neighbors, the Muellers. But she feels threatened by pressure to be a "Loyal" American, forbidding friendships with folks of German descent. Despite everything, Hattie's determined to stay until a tragedy causes her to discover the true meaning of home.  Newbery Honor Book.


Overall Review:  I considered myself a pretty mature sixteen-year-old, but I had nothing on Hattie Inez Brooks, the protagonist of Kirby Larson's beautifully-crafted novel Hattie Big Sky!  At sixteen, orphan Hattie ("Hattie Here-and-There") inherits a land claim in eastern Montana.  Grateful for the chance to leave her less-than-loving Aunt Ivy, Hattie packs up and leaves Iowa for the land of the "big sky." While working for ten months to prove up her uncle's claim, Hattie deals with recalcitrant farm animals, bigoted neighbors, and the harsh reality of the First World War.  Hattie's spirit and spunk won me over immediately!  Larson's prose made me feel like I was right in the middle of the wide skies and blue flax fields of Montana.  My only complaint was that the book didn't last long enough!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Very mild

VIOLENCE: Mild

SEXUAL CONTENT: Very mild

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 12+

There is some extremely mild profanity (mostly consisting of references to profanity and not actual epithets).  There is some mild violence; a homesteader's barn is set on fire, a few schoolboys try to throw rocks at another schoolboy, a few cowboys threaten men with violence (and knock one down).  There is some extremely mild sexual content—a boy touches a girl and she thinks that it feels like an electric charge.  Mature themes consist of war, prejudice, and making the best of unpleasant circumstances.  This book is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 12+.

 This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling for a review

See Content Reviews for Similar Books:

Like Jake and Me
by Mavis Jukes

Publisher’s Note:  In this Newbery Honor-winning story from 1984, a new family builds a relationship as a stepfather and stepson celebrate their differences and take heart in their similarities.  Alex feels that he does not have much in common with his stepfather Jake until a fuzzy spider brings them together.

Overall Review:  Like Jake and Me is a fabulous example of a book that says a lot with very few words.  Little Alex is trying to help his step-father, Jake, but is usually brushed off with that age-old phrase, “Maybe another time.”  Then comes a moment in time when Alex helps Jake—in this instance, Alex realizes that even a grown man and a ‘real’ cowboy can have fears that seem just as simple as his own, and Jake realizes that Alex is a person, too.  We see a very sweet bonding moment between a boy and a man who are trying to form a new family.  It is very perceptive for such a short book, and deserves multiple readings to discover the many layers.  For a child, it’s a fun story of a boy helping a man find a spider.  For an adult, it’s a touching reminder of those moments where we learn from and grow closer to our children.  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Very Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

This sweet little book has no profanity, no violence, and no sexual content.  One character undresses piece by piece searching for a poisonous spider, and there is a picture, but there are strategically placed hats and shadows, so nothing is seen; it is rather humorous.  The themes are very mild and include overcoming your fears, and realizing that whether adult or child, we are not all that different on the inside.  Like Jake and Me is written for very young readers, and is most definitely a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+!

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling  for a review

Johnny Tremain
by Esther Forbes

Publisher's Note:  This story of a tragically injured young silversmith who ends up hip-deep in the American Revolution is inspiring, exciting, and sad. Winner of the prestigious Newbery Award in 1944, Esther Forbes's story has lasted these 50-plus years by including adventure, loss, courage, and history in a wonderfully written, very dramatic package. It's probably not great for little guys but mature 11-year-olds or older will find it a great adventure.  1944 Newbery Award Winner.

Overall Review: Set against the stirring backdrop of the early days of the American Revolution, Johnny Tremain is the story of a young apprentice silversmith whose talent is surpassed only by his high opinion of himself. After a horrible accident forces him to dramatically change the course of his life, Johnny is caught up in the growing unrest in Boston as the citizens of the American colonies protest taxation without representation. Through secret meetings, stirring speeches, and daring deeds, Johnny gains a deep understanding of and appreciation for the need to fight for liberty and justice. Johnny Tremain is an engaging book, with a vivid cast of characters and a well-researched plot. I loved watching Johnny go from an arrogant apprentice to a strong young man with firm convictions. I especially liked that, while the book is obviously from the point of the view of the American colonists and pro-revolution, the British soldiers Johnny meets had great depth of character as well. Forbes does an excellent job of showing the heartbreaking complexity of war, while balancing it against the need to fight for truth and freedom. This is a book every American should read! Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!



Content Review:

PROFANITY: A few mild

VIOLENCE: Mild

SEXUAL CONTENT: Very mild

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 12+

There are a few mild expletives, many of them creative made-up oaths. There is some mild violence, mostly relating to war; there are also a few scenes in which young boys get into fights with other young boys (nothing is ever described) and one scene where the main character sees a man who has been tarred and feathered. One of the main character's friends dies. There is very mild sexual content—a young girl is seen dressed in a light shift. When confronted, she says that she's been told she's too young to be scandalous (it's implied that if she was older, her lack of dress would be sexually provocative). Mature themes consist of war, sacrifice, and the need for freedom.  This book is recommended as a Clean Read for ages 12+.

Thiis review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Children's  for a review