Get Psyched

Get Psyched #1

by Janet McLaughlin

There's more at stake at this year's two-day National Cheerleading Competition than taking first place. Lives will be changed and possibly even lost if fifteen-year-old Zoey Christopher doesn't take action. She knows she'll need help, but who to trust is the problem. No one knows about Zoey's gift and she wants to keep it that way. Being fifteen is tough enough. Being fifteen and psychic, as Zoey would tell you if she trusted you, really sucks. At practice the night before the competition, Zoey gets a vision about a fellow cheerleader whose life is in danger. Later she gets more sensory hints: a cheerleader surrounded by smoke and a panicking crowd; a vendor covered in ashes. To further complicate her life, she meet Josh, whose very touch sends her sensory system into overload. Circumstances force Zoey to tell Josh, and her friends Becca and Mike, about her visions. The foursome band together to stop the fire that threatens to destroy the hotel/convention center and the lives of so many of her fellow cheerleaders.

212 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

I have been involved in the communication field most of my adult life as either a writer, teacher, or editor. I am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Florida Writers Association and am an avid fan of cheerleading competitions, especially those involving my grandchildren. I live in Florida with my husband Tom. My other passions involve tennis, traveling, walking, and meeting people.

"Different"

Twelve-year-old Izzy wants to be like everyone else, but she has a secret. She isn’t weird or angry, like some of the kids at school think. Izzy has Tourette syndrome. Hiding outbursts and tics from her classmates is hard enough, but when a new girl arrives, Izzy’s fear of losing her best friend makes Izzy’s symptoms worse. And when she sees her crush act suspiciously, runaway thoughts take root inside of her. As the pressure builds and her world threatens to spin out of control, Izzy must face her fear and reveal her secret, whatever the costs.

Authentic and perceptive, Different shines a light on the delicate line of a child’s hopes and fears and inspires us all to believe that perhaps we are not so different after all.

Reviews

[Gail Hedrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am not normally a fan of paranormal, psychic, or other-worldly reads, I thought I 'd give this YA book with a great cover a chance. Thank goodness, I did as I found a new main character to follow. Becca's adventures through high school, boys, cheer team, and life will be challenging, but my vote lies with her. It won't be easy as she learns to handle her special abilities, but somehow, I am confident she will prevail. Get your copy of Get Psyched! You won't be disappointed!

[Jodi Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book! I recommend it for children ages 10-13, but I enjoyed it so much I recommend it for parents as well!!!

[Susan Banghart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old cheerleader, Zoey Christopher, is gifted with her grandmother's psychic abilities. But when she's haunted by visions of a burned team member at a national cheerleading competition, Zoey's gift feels more like a curse. Her life is further complicated by her new teammate, Becca, who is equally gifted at stirring up trouble.

Then Becca's boyfriend and his friend Josh show up at the competition. Zoey is distracted by her attraction to Josh and her ominous dreams. She's sure someone is planning to set a fire, endangering lives. Burdened with this knowledge, she tells Becca of her premonitions and she's relieved when Becca believes her. Becca insists on enlisting the boys help and with Zoey as guide, the four teens go after an arsonist, hoping to catch him before disaster strikes.

Janet McLaughlin's debut novel is a fast, enjoyable read. Tween girls will love Zoey and her best friend, Becca.