All You Are

Gr 7 Up—In these slim, uneven novels, the main characters choose unusual "gifts" and then learn lessons about love and life as they use their new abilities. In All You Are, Da'Quan is desperate to join the "in" crowd. When a mysterious man in his dreams offers him a psychic talent, Da'Quan eagerly accepts the ability to channel the best and worst qualities of his friends. With Daniel's basketball skills, for example, also comes crippling insecurity. Terrell's ease with girls also brings a reading disability. As he gains these insights and more, Da'Quan must decide whether joining the popular crowd is worth the price. In Certain Signals, the weaker of the two installments, Rashawn accepts the ability to detect sexual attraction. He hopes to use his gift to find a girlfriend. Unfortunately, his ear burns whenever he's around anyone who's experiencing attraction to anyone else in the room, leading to some awkward situations. The novels have a breezy, enjoyable writing style and sympathetic characters, both African American teen boys. However, the stories aren't as compelling or plot driven as they could be—though "Will I ever find a girlfriend?" is no doubt a central question for many teens, the stakes don't seem that high. Purchase for collections that need more high-interest, lower-reading level titles with diverse characters, but fans of the "Bluford High" series (Scholastic) may be disappointed by the lack of drama.—Miranda Doyle, Lake Oswego School District, OR