What do you think?
Rate this book
Gifted #2
Better Late Than Never
Teenage goth Jenna Kelly can read anyone's mind without even trying. When her alcoholic mother has to go into hospital, a stranger turns up who says he's her long-lost dad, and promises her a better future. While Jenna is happy to discover what it's like to have a proper parent, the gifted class have their concerns, but will Jenna listen?
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
73 people are currently reading
1748 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Kaye
155 books428 followersI was born in New Britain, Connecticut, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. I also spent a year (5th grade) in Montgomery, Alabama, and a year in Ann Arbor, Michigan(8th grade). As a child, I always wanted to be a writer, but I had lots of other ambitions too. I wanted to be a teacher, a librarian, a movie star, the president of the United States, and a ballerina.
I didn't achieve all my goals. I never became a movie star, the president of the U.S., or a ballerina. But I've been a teacher and a librarian and most of all, a writer. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always kept a diary. I wrote poems, stories, plays, songs and lots of letters. Writing wasn't easy for me, but it felt natural and right.
I've always read a lot, too. I was an English major at Emory University (I love Shakespeare), and I also received a master's degree in library science at Emory. I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago, and I taught children's and teen literature at St. John's University in New York for over 20 years. Now, I'm a full-time writer, living in Paris, France - the most beautiful city in the world.
I didn't achieve all my goals. I never became a movie star, the president of the U.S., or a ballerina. But I've been a teacher and a librarian and most of all, a writer. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always kept a diary. I wrote poems, stories, plays, songs and lots of letters. Writing wasn't easy for me, but it felt natural and right.
I've always read a lot, too. I was an English major at Emory University (I love Shakespeare), and I also received a master's degree in library science at Emory. I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago, and I taught children's and teen literature at St. John's University in New York for over 20 years. Now, I'm a full-time writer, living in Paris, France - the most beautiful city in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 4, 2009
Ages 10+ (some crushes, no language)
Jenna’s mom is in rehab, and a man claiming to be her dad has shown up. At first, she’s wary. But Stuart Kelley is charming, and Jenna can’t read his mind like she can others. What would it be like to finally have a father?
Amanda doesn’t seem to have learned anything from her swap with Tracey Devon. She’s harboring a crush on Ken Preston, another Gifted kid (and the only one she dubs to be at the same cool-level as her). She schemes to swap bodies with him to make him fall for her, but what happens is unexpected: when she accidentally takes over as Ken, she starts to have feelings. Not for Ken, but for Rick, one of the dead spirits who communicates with him.
Though a little more heavy handed than the first, Gifted #2 is still fast paced and enjoyable. At the end of this book, it seems like Amanda has learned her lesson. I hope that’s the case, because shallow, catty and status-obsessed Amanda is tiresome. No former student teachers make a reappearance, but I hope we find out what was going on in a later book.
Older teens are bound to find this series ho-hum compared to Kelley Armstrong's teens-with-powers series. Still, for the fifth through seventh grade reader who's a fan of the supernatural it's a good bet.
Jenna’s mom is in rehab, and a man claiming to be her dad has shown up. At first, she’s wary. But Stuart Kelley is charming, and Jenna can’t read his mind like she can others. What would it be like to finally have a father?
Amanda doesn’t seem to have learned anything from her swap with Tracey Devon. She’s harboring a crush on Ken Preston, another Gifted kid (and the only one she dubs to be at the same cool-level as her). She schemes to swap bodies with him to make him fall for her, but what happens is unexpected: when she accidentally takes over as Ken, she starts to have feelings. Not for Ken, but for Rick, one of the dead spirits who communicates with him.
Though a little more heavy handed than the first, Gifted #2 is still fast paced and enjoyable. At the end of this book, it seems like Amanda has learned her lesson. I hope that’s the case, because shallow, catty and status-obsessed Amanda is tiresome. No former student teachers make a reappearance, but I hope we find out what was going on in a later book.
Older teens are bound to find this series ho-hum compared to Kelley Armstrong's teens-with-powers series. Still, for the fifth through seventh grade reader who's a fan of the supernatural it's a good bet.
September 2, 2018
http://www.writingis.fun/%D0%B4%D0%B5...
Днес ще ви говоря за една малко стара поредица, на която за жалост няма да можем да прочетем книги 3,4 и 5, тъй като беше спряна доста отдавна. И все пак е доста бърза и приятна за прочит и може лесно да се намери - особено по време на панаира на книгата (винаги има намалени бройки - така аз се сдобих с моите). Тъй като сега наваксвам с книги, от преди няколко години, дойде времето да отметна и тези. Предстои ви едно комбинирано и дълго ревю - с информация за сюжета от неиздадените при нас книги!
Днес ще ви говоря за една малко стара поредица, на която за жалост няма да можем да прочетем книги 3,4 и 5, тъй като беше спряна доста отдавна. И все пак е доста бърза и приятна за прочит и може лесно да се намери - особено по време на панаира на книгата (винаги има намалени бройки - така аз се сдобих с моите). Тъй като сега наваксвам с книги, от преди няколко години, дойде времето да отметна и тези. Предстои ви едно комбинирано и дълго ревю - с информация за сюжета от неиздадените при нас книги!
September 15, 2010
I have to say that this book was just as predictable as the first, except that her real father would be dead and Ken would talk to him. My liking of Amanda did not improve in the least bit, it infact, fell even more. It was an accident that she got in his body, but she could have just pretended that she was Ken, and not give herself the poem. I'm wondering what is up with Robot Amanda though, it is really awkward, but needed so that she doesn't end up in a hospital for those long days she was in other people's bodies.
I did find that I liked Jenna even more, though she is really naive, but I think it was more of wanting a father than actually believing in he was her father. I also think this fake father is also working with Serena. I remember when Serena hypnotized her in the first book, and she said the reading of the guy's mind took only 10 minutes, but she was out 30, Serena could have hypnotized her into admitting things about her disappearing father and her mother and then make her forget. Jenna was an interesting character, and she was in pain, so I feel really sympathetic towards her.
It was obvious he was using her though, because how come he went to a fancy restaurant when he was almost broke and then gamble all of his money? It was even more obvious, because how could he run into someone he knew and was playing a poker game. Then he asks her to gamble to buy a house with the money he wins using her, and she has no clue how it will all end. I'd have said no then explained it was more of the fact that Tracey's parents wouldn't appove, and the system wouldn't allow her to go too. There was that wanting of a father that made her forget that she shouldn't use her gift that way.
Finally, Amanda falling in love with a dead guy, awkward! I guess needed to develope her character more though.
In all, I really enjoy these books, and when I read them in one day, I enjoy it even more. Quick, easy reads for anyone.
I did find that I liked Jenna even more, though she is really naive, but I think it was more of wanting a father than actually believing in he was her father. I also think this fake father is also working with Serena. I remember when Serena hypnotized her in the first book, and she said the reading of the guy's mind took only 10 minutes, but she was out 30, Serena could have hypnotized her into admitting things about her disappearing father and her mother and then make her forget. Jenna was an interesting character, and she was in pain, so I feel really sympathetic towards her.
It was obvious he was using her though, because how come he went to a fancy restaurant when he was almost broke and then gamble all of his money? It was even more obvious, because how could he run into someone he knew and was playing a poker game. Then he asks her to gamble to buy a house with the money he wins using her, and she has no clue how it will all end. I'd have said no then explained it was more of the fact that Tracey's parents wouldn't appove, and the system wouldn't allow her to go too. There was that wanting of a father that made her forget that she shouldn't use her gift that way.
Finally, Amanda falling in love with a dead guy, awkward! I guess needed to develope her character more though.
In all, I really enjoy these books, and when I read them in one day, I enjoy it even more. Quick, easy reads for anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2012
The second book of the Gifted series concentrates more in Jenna, and her long lost father that suddenly shows up at her front door. He claims he is back to see her and redeem himself for leaving her 13 years ago, befor she was even born. At the same time Amanda, the bodysnatcher, finds herself inside the body of Ken, the boy she likes. But while inside him she can use his gift, hear dead people, and soon one of them will take a very special place in her heart and cange her forever.
This book was as adorable as the first one and maybe a little bit heartbreaking since things didn't end up as good as one might wish them to. I really enjoyed seeing more of Jenna and Amanda and watch them grow through out the book through their experiences. Also we get to see a little bit more of the other characters too, learn more about their powers.
I've alreayd started reading the next one in the series. Even though it's a middle grade series I find myself truly enjoying it. These books are small, fun and cute, exactly what I need between the more heavy YA.
This book was as adorable as the first one and maybe a little bit heartbreaking since things didn't end up as good as one might wish them to. I really enjoyed seeing more of Jenna and Amanda and watch them grow through out the book through their experiences. Also we get to see a little bit more of the other characters too, learn more about their powers.
I've alreayd started reading the next one in the series. Even though it's a middle grade series I find myself truly enjoying it. These books are small, fun and cute, exactly what I need between the more heavy YA.
July 10, 2010
This was yet another easy and solid read. I loved how the author had a few dilemma's both moral and emotional coming from Amanda. I think she's finally turned a corner after having visiting yet another body. So I'm hoping with the next few books Amanda actually starts acting how she feels, so that when she does swap bodies - she isn't disapointed in herself again.
Jenna on the other hand - I hate how it turned out for her. It was interesting to finally 'hear' what the mind reader was thinking and the book overall was quiet entertaining but it could have added a tad more info about Jenna's gift and why she can't hear certain people's thoughts.
Jenna on the other hand - I hate how it turned out for her. It was interesting to finally 'hear' what the mind reader was thinking and the book overall was quiet entertaining but it could have added a tad more info about Jenna's gift and why she can't hear certain people's thoughts.
December 30, 2015
As I said about the first one the book is written in a language apropriate for children which was the thing that annoyed me. Liked this one better than the first and there is definetely potential in these stories, I just feel it wasn't fully developed.
Kind of disappointed that only the first three are out in my country. I guess I grew to like them.
Now I have to write an email to the publishing house haha. Off to start the third one!
Kind of disappointed that only the first three are out in my country. I guess I grew to like them.
Now I have to write an email to the publishing house haha. Off to start the third one!
September 21, 2009
Continuation of the Gifted series: book 2. Surprisingly, I thought it wasn't bad. Not great but not bad. Writing is a bit simplistic but the plot is what kept me going. Ending is predictable but you do wind up caring for the characters. I really wanted to give it 2 1/2 stars but couldn't figure out how to do that so hence, the three stars.
August 7, 2009
best i love it cant wait till # here today gone tommarow comes out!!!!!!!!!!!!11
July 6, 2025
This is the first book of the series I'd read, but I didn't think to review it before donating it long ago to a free library. Somehow I found another copy, so review time!
This is a curiously good story for being about middle school X-Men, though as with all the other book covers, it feels like the model is too old. She looks at least 16 to 18, not 14!
In this volume, the story revolves primarily around Jenna but also around Amanda,* focusing on Jenna's father** and Amanda's random preoccupation with dating Ken. It's a little frustrating, the way Jenna initially doesn't trust Stuart (her supposed father) but just happens to decide on an extremely tenuous theory of hers that he's legit, since she thinks she can't read family members' minds—although she has one KNOWN family member whose mind she couldn't read, besides several non-family members whose minds she can't read. But then, I guess there's no story, otherwise.
Amanda is even more frustrating, mostly because I don't really like the type of person she starts out being: preoccupied with popularity and her self-image. It's one thing to like yourself, but at the expense of everyone else? Also, popularity—especially SCHOOL popularity—only means anything when everyone knows who you are, so once you're out of school... what do you have?
On the whole, I like the series because the story progression and resolutions have so far made sense to me, without resorting to any ridiculous gimmicks. Or, well... the gimmicks are already ridiculous from the premise, but *within the expected limits of said gimmicks.* I also appreciate that the characters show some growth and, I guess... get over themselves? Like, they're all better off at the end of each story, even if they don't necessarily ANNOUNCE to the WORLD that they're all friends.
Curious about Carter, though. Of course I remember the least about him, since he's treated practically as an Also Ran and has no real presence here. Really need to find the rest of the books at some point. Luckily for each one, their situation is re-explained every time like with The Baby-Sitters Club books, so each one can be read by itself relatively painlessly!
*who I actually have a hard time with as presented, 1. because she's so full of herself, and 2. because her name is the same as one of my schoolmates who was regularly the target of bullying for the usual reasons, so it's a bit jarring reading her being so proud of herself... at least this character matures somewhat by the end of the story
**Spoiler! (I mean, MAYBE that comes up in future books—I forget since I haven't read all the books, much less in order.)
This is a curiously good story for being about middle school X-Men, though as with all the other book covers, it feels like the model is too old. She looks at least 16 to 18, not 14!
In this volume, the story revolves primarily around Jenna but also around Amanda,* focusing on Jenna's father** and Amanda's random preoccupation with dating Ken. It's a little frustrating, the way Jenna initially doesn't trust Stuart (her supposed father) but just happens to decide on an extremely tenuous theory of hers that he's legit, since she thinks she can't read family members' minds—although she has one KNOWN family member whose mind she couldn't read, besides several non-family members whose minds she can't read. But then, I guess there's no story, otherwise.
Amanda is even more frustrating, mostly because I don't really like the type of person she starts out being: preoccupied with popularity and her self-image. It's one thing to like yourself, but at the expense of everyone else? Also, popularity—especially SCHOOL popularity—only means anything when everyone knows who you are, so once you're out of school... what do you have?
On the whole, I like the series because the story progression and resolutions have so far made sense to me, without resorting to any ridiculous gimmicks. Or, well... the gimmicks are already ridiculous from the premise, but *within the expected limits of said gimmicks.* I also appreciate that the characters show some growth and, I guess... get over themselves? Like, they're all better off at the end of each story, even if they don't necessarily ANNOUNCE to the WORLD that they're all friends.
Curious about Carter, though. Of course I remember the least about him, since he's treated practically as an Also Ran and has no real presence here. Really need to find the rest of the books at some point. Luckily for each one, their situation is re-explained every time like with The Baby-Sitters Club books, so each one can be read by itself relatively painlessly!
*who I actually have a hard time with as presented, 1. because she's so full of herself, and 2. because her name is the same as one of my schoolmates who was regularly the target of bullying for the usual reasons, so it's a bit jarring reading her being so proud of herself... at least this character matures somewhat by the end of the story
**Spoiler! (I mean, MAYBE that comes up in future books—I forget since I haven't read all the books, much less in order.)
March 25, 2023
I am really enjoying this series, I'm especially liking the character development. I can't wait to get to know more about the other characters. Tracey is far more interesting than in the first book. Thanks to Amandas intervention she has a personality. I felt so sorry for Jenna, with a mother that useless is it any wonder she would be so willing to believe anybody who took an intrest in her. It is also nice to see how Amanda is developing. Im getting very curious about some of the other characters in the class.
August 28, 2017
only thing i didn't like was book 1 was pretty focused on 2 characters, this one was about the main from the previous and another. the second was supposed to be the focus but it was way too back and forth sometimes . but overall a great book!
October 25, 2019
An easy to read series, this time we get to know about Ken a little more… Again, like the first book we follow two stories at once, and because it’s so well written we’re about to read with ease. Now to find the third book!
January 19, 2020
La historia del grupo de adolescentes continúa ahora presentando un poco más de la personalidad de dos de sus protagonistas, un poco exasperante hasta que recuerdas que son adolescentes, no sólo con los problemas típicos de la edad sino con los que conlleva tener los dones que cargan.
September 19, 2025
⭐⭐, 5
Sinceramente no es lo fuerte de esta saga su historia. Es un caos, personajes, trama y gestión de la misma.
Lo mejor es el tratamiento de algunos conceptos (muy específicos) de algunos personajes.
Sinceramente no es lo fuerte de esta saga su historia. Es un caos, personajes, trama y gestión de la misma.
Lo mejor es el tratamiento de algunos conceptos (muy específicos) de algunos personajes.
May 25, 2017
Easy read. someone who is thinking of reading or just starting to read this is an ideal book that would give them the confidence to continue reading.
May 30, 2017
This review the same as the first one in the serie. I just want to add that I read the books a while ago, and forgot to update.
January 6, 2019
Интересна история за баща, който се появява от нищото. Но твърде, твърде предвидима. Знаех почти дословно какво ще се случи и как ще го напише авторката. Много посредствено писане.
November 10, 2019
interesting plot, but writing could be better
April 25, 2020
↠ 3.75 stars.
Read
October 22, 2020great second book to marilyn's series it was just as good as the first book called out oof sight out of mind. perfect equation of magical abilities and mystery.
June 11, 2021
I liked it a lot but it also felt like there was so much about Amanda and not enough about Jenna. Also the ending came so soon and it felt rush in a way.
Also why did Stuart leave so sudden?
Also why did Stuart leave so sudden?
Want to read
September 15, 2021great
August 30, 2022
No juzgo las decisiones de Jenna porque fácilmente podría ser yo.
November 5, 2023
The focus has shifted away from Tracey as Jenna continues reading minds and Amanda snatches another body, only to fall in love with the ghost who talks to Ken (whose body she snatched).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
interesting book about body snatchers, people reading others minds, people who talk to the dead.....it was a good book....didn't turn out quite the way i thought.....but it was good....
August 31, 2025
This series is very cute and fun.
January 14, 2023
This book focuses on Jenna, the goth girl at school, who can read minds. Her mother ends up in rehab for alcoholism and suddenly, a stranger appears in her life who claims to be her father.
This was a fun read as well! We learned more about Jenna but some questions were left unanswered. The book ended on a cliff hanger. Part of the book, we also saw more of Amanda and she eventually takes over Ken’s body. She has a huge crush on him, so she figures if she takes over his body, Amanda can make him ask herself out. In theory, it should work, but she doesn’t end up doing that. Her part was focused more about the fact that Ken can hear dead people in his head. Amanda starts chatting with “Rick”, who died as a teenager and keeps talking about his former girlfriend Nancy. I do hope we learn more about Ken and his gift later on.
This was a fun read as well! We learned more about Jenna but some questions were left unanswered. The book ended on a cliff hanger. Part of the book, we also saw more of Amanda and she eventually takes over Ken’s body. She has a huge crush on him, so she figures if she takes over his body, Amanda can make him ask herself out. In theory, it should work, but she doesn’t end up doing that. Her part was focused more about the fact that Ken can hear dead people in his head. Amanda starts chatting with “Rick”, who died as a teenager and keeps talking about his former girlfriend Nancy. I do hope we learn more about Ken and his gift later on.
March 1, 2020
Fantastic read, couldn't put it down and read cover to cover
May 3, 2012
"Better Late than Never" (Gifted 2) by Marilyn Kaye p158 is when the movie star lookalike father claimant, that walked out on teen mindreader Jenna's pregnant-with-her mom, suddenly returns after future-predicting friend Emily sees a dark-haired handsome stranger will make her cry. I would've tried checking the truth inside his head first, stayed suspicious, and accept the iPod gift. These kids are not my idea of fun. The only inspiration is (spoiler?) the part of the ending where teacher Madame offers support, suggests they all stick together - against the bad adult; what about against full-time misery-maker-for-many bullies like Amanda, Queen of Mean?
When self-obsessed Amanda follows stud Ken, wanting to trade places so he'll ask her out and restore her reputation as Queen of Cool, I started skimming until his tears of regret, unable to play soccer (why?) after his vague accident, enabled her body-snatching mind to turn boy. Not as funny as I'd hoped. When she was library researching Ricky and beloved's surnames, I wanted to continue - where was Nancy now? lonely single in memoriam? moved on married? Improbable ending. My fake tattoos were easy to remove.
I'll read another because the concept still intrigues, or maybe skip to Ken's story, because Amanda's epiphanitic from-outside revelationary dislikes never last. Motivations of normal school Queen of Means are not found here. I wouldn't spend time with one in real life unless forced; why waste free time?
http://www.giftedseries.com
Website has summaries of 6 books, 9 gifted students, author, audio clips, videos and download (pdf file onscreen, so you print from there I guess, seems not saved) of 4 colored bookmarks (pink Amanda, purple Jenna, tan Emily, and blue Ken - latter 2 eyecolors) bookstore links. Videos crashed. Audio clips are partial "bit of first chapter" narrated by author comes across nasally New York (20 years teaching) clear, on-off switch only. Print pdf samples are full first chapters. U.S. (Borders goes to BN) and Canada (Amazon and Indigo) all go to #4 Finders Keepers, but U.K. finds PanMacmillan with page not found error message.
(Spoilers:
Granted Jenna is a fatherless poor 13; I was sheltered naive fatherless kid too, but supposed father who wants her play poker in Vegas "for a house" without a for sale sign? I thought Tracey was brilliant to get hairs to send away for DNA testing; where does she get $250? The ending is totally improbable. Jenna's real father, dead 8 years, knows all about the fake and contacts her via Ken. Also, Amanda falls in love with dead Rick (and vice-versa - the ultimate long-distance romance - clever) in a few days and bam! learns to be more understanding.)
True story aside: We were kids ~8. Friends didn't like their drunken mother, so I played detective, looked up their separated dad's phone number in the Toronto phone book (common name, took more than one try), and (honest!) they lived with him happily ever after.
When self-obsessed Amanda follows stud Ken, wanting to trade places so he'll ask her out and restore her reputation as Queen of Cool, I started skimming until his tears of regret, unable to play soccer (why?) after his vague accident, enabled her body-snatching mind to turn boy. Not as funny as I'd hoped. When she was library researching Ricky and beloved's surnames, I wanted to continue - where was Nancy now? lonely single in memoriam? moved on married? Improbable ending. My fake tattoos were easy to remove.
I'll read another because the concept still intrigues, or maybe skip to Ken's story, because Amanda's epiphanitic from-outside revelationary dislikes never last. Motivations of normal school Queen of Means are not found here. I wouldn't spend time with one in real life unless forced; why waste free time?
http://www.giftedseries.com
Website has summaries of 6 books, 9 gifted students, author, audio clips, videos and download (pdf file onscreen, so you print from there I guess, seems not saved) of 4 colored bookmarks (pink Amanda, purple Jenna, tan Emily, and blue Ken - latter 2 eyecolors) bookstore links. Videos crashed. Audio clips are partial "bit of first chapter" narrated by author comes across nasally New York (20 years teaching) clear, on-off switch only. Print pdf samples are full first chapters. U.S. (Borders goes to BN) and Canada (Amazon and Indigo) all go to #4 Finders Keepers, but U.K. finds PanMacmillan with page not found error message.
(Spoilers:
Granted Jenna is a fatherless poor 13; I was sheltered naive fatherless kid too, but supposed father who wants her play poker in Vegas "for a house" without a for sale sign? I thought Tracey was brilliant to get hairs to send away for DNA testing; where does she get $250? The ending is totally improbable. Jenna's real father, dead 8 years, knows all about the fake and contacts her via Ken. Also, Amanda falls in love with dead Rick (and vice-versa - the ultimate long-distance romance - clever) in a few days and bam! learns to be more understanding.)
True story aside: We were kids ~8. Friends didn't like their drunken mother, so I played detective, looked up their separated dad's phone number in the Toronto phone book (common name, took more than one try), and (honest!) they lived with him happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews