The Silver Star question

No, I think it has a nostalgic feel that makes one remember or wish for a childhood like that of Bean, but I think the style is still adult. It reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird a little. (also cited in the book itself)

I dont' think that Silver Star should have been classified as a YA novel, however, a mature YA would probably like this book. It would however, be a good introduction for a YA to the author, and I myself would have read it as a YA, but I loved,loved and loved to read and often raided my parents bookshelves when I couldn't get to the library-usually when I was grounded! The folks sure knew what would affect me!

I agree with Carol, not a general YA title but definitely a good introduction to an older/mature YA reader.

Totally YA. I was a high school librarian for many years and this certainly had the feel of a book that kids in grade 9 or 10 would appreciate. I wouldn't even think it had enough meat for a senior student. It was pretty thin and predictable -- although Walls herself said that she wasn't sure she could write fiction. Sadly, she was correct.

I recently read this and it was forgettable, so a weaker YA book that appeals to kids who aren't normally readers, sure, it would work. I didn't realize when I read it that it was categorized as ya.

I personally recently requested that my local library get this book and put it in their YA section... I definitely agree with those who say it's great for a more mature YA reader. I wish YA books would start to be a bit more like this. Gives teens a better picture of life than some of the novels currently being published as YA.

I'm having a hard time understanding why this book allegedly topped the NY Times bestseller list. It is strictly YA and should have been released as such. Disappointing after her previous two very memorable memoirs, and her book about gossip and the rise of the tabloids, Dish.

I would give this to my 15 year old who still enjoys YA, but likes to get out of that realm from time to time. I do agree it is a "mature YA" novel. I enjoyed it, but it is an easy read. I read it in less than 24 hours.