Autumn Falls

October 20, 2014
In actress Thorne's YA debut, sophomore Autumn Falls, stuck with a name "that calls me out as a complete klutz and seasonally challenged," moves with her family to Florida after her father's accidental death. There, Autumn's Cuban grandmother gives her a magical journal and tells her it "could change your life." And the journal does seem to make Autumn's wishes come true, leading to the temptation to seek revenge when she is bullied by pretty, popular Reenzie ("Pro tip... you want to take care of out here. Heat can make breakouts even worse"). Thorne's book has a fun premise and some silly moments (such as when one of Autumn's written wishes has Reenzie slip and fall in a pile of dog poop during track practice), and a few of the characters have inauthentic affectations, such as Autumn's grandmother's belief that there are sleeping pills in the ice cream at her assisted living home. But as Autumn begins to realize the problems with payback, her insights help compensate for an over-the-top and oversweet final scene. Ages 12âup. Agent: Matthew Elblonk, DeFiore and Company.

October 1, 2014
A magic diary handed down to a teen girl following her father's death eases and complicates her transition to a new school. Sophomore Autumn Falls, so named because it was her dad's favorite season, quickly connects with a group of quirky classmates when she starts at Florida's Aventura High. Unfortunately, when clever, kind, gorgeous Sean takes notice of her, she unknowingly incites the wrath of Reenzie, his childhood best friend, who's in love with him. Some truly wicked bullying follows, and once Autumn begins to understand that her dad's old diary seems to make her wishes come true, it becomes hard for her to resist using it to fight back. This light read by teen actress Thorne mixes realistic drama with the vague paranormal power of the diary, explained by Autumn's grandmother as having to do with the zemi on its cover, an icon believed by the ancient Taino people of Cuba to house spirits. There are other references throughout to Bella's Cuban heritage, so while it's not completely out of context, more development of this concept would have strengthened the story. Bella's moral quandaries about the diary are believable though too easily resolved at times.A somewhat open ending suggests there is more to come. Fans of teen romance will be glad of it. (Paranormal romance. 12-18)

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November 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-At the start of this realistic novel by the Disney Channel actress, Autumn Falls's father dies in a car accident. Already planning to move to Aventura, Florida to take care of Eddy, their grandmother, the grieving family settles in the quiet town. Switching to a new school gets even harder for Autumn, when on her first day at Aventura High, her brother runs his skycam into her, which leaves a giant bump on her forehead. Someone takes a photo and posts it on the student portal. Not long after that, her lock is switched on her locker and she can't open it. The pranks continue to make her adjustment period difficult. Autumn begins to write in a journal that Eddy gave her, and magical things occur. Every time the protagonist writes "I wish" in her journal, she receives her wish, just not always how she expects it. A feel-good book with believable and well-developed characters and an evenly paced plot. Teens will appreciate how Autumn learns to be true to herself in this interesting twist on wish-fulfillment. Its discussion of bullying, death, friendship, and family makes it a timely and resonant read.-Jesten Ray, Seattle Public Library, WA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2014
Grades 7-10 After a cross-country move following her father's death, Autumn Falls is having a hard time finding her footing. Several social gaffes at school immediately cement her outsider position, while attention from crushworthy Sean makes her the target of Reenzie, the resident queen bee, who has launched a school-wide campaign to humiliate Autumn. Her grandmother, Eddy, gives her a posthumous gift from Autumn's fathera journal that Eddy claims will change Autumn's life. Autumn is skeptical, but when wishes recorded on its pages start coming true, she can't deny the journal has special powers. The question is, How will she use them? Media-savvy actress Thorne adds another feather in her cap with this formulaic but entertaining novel about the importance of staying true to oneself. Colorful secondary characters, especially the anagram-spouting J. J. Austin and loud-mouthed Amalita, help add dimension. Humorous dialogue and awkward high-school moments keep things light, even while exploring ethical choices that teens face on a daily basis. Name recognition guarantees a built-in fan base for this breezy first novel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)