Two Unputdownable Books by Holiday House

The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza

From the publisher: Holiday House, May 14, 2024

Tegan Masters is dead.

She’s sixteen and she’s dead and she’s standing in the parking lot of the Marybelle Motor Lodge, the single most depressing motel in all of New Jersey and the place where Tegan spent what she remembers as the worst weekend of her life.

In the front office, she meets Zelda, an annoyingly cute teen angel with a snarky sense of humor and an epic set of wings. According to Zelda, Tegan is in heaven, where every person inhabits an exact replica of their happiest memory. For Tegan, Zelda insists, that place is the Marybelle—creepy minigolf course, sad breakfast buffet, filthy swimming pool, and all.

Tegan has a few complaints about this.

When Tegan takes these concerns up with Management, she and Zelda are sent on a whirlwind tour through Tegan’s memories, in search of clues to help her understand what mattered most to her in life. If Zelda fails to convince Tegan (and Management) that the Marybelle was the site of Tegan's perfect moment, both girls face dire eternal consequences. But if she succeeds…they just might get their happily-ever-afterlife.

A tender and edgy take on coming of age in the afterlife.

I really liked this book. I don’t find many that I keep reading, stay up late, take the book with me wherever I go so I can read it during downtimes. The premise is unique and intriguing. The two main characters are quirky teens with attitude, pain, joy, awkwardness, longing, denial, and love. Plus, they are funny and gross, sad and angry. They felt real. The family felt real and their reactions dealing with a difficult situation and real strife. We all have our coping mechanisms.

There are plenty of cringe-worthy moments and we all have those somewhere in our pasts. Or most of us do. 😊 I almost went to the end to see how it all turns out, but I didn’t. That shows great restraint when I’m gripped to a book. 

The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney by Carol Williams

From the publisher: Holiday House, May 7, 2024

Unmasking evil witches, rescuing kidnapped pets, saving the town from evil--exactly what kid reporter CJ Delaney had in mind for summer vacation.

When a boring old skatepark opening becomes the scene of a something truly strange, CJ Delaney can’t believe her luck. This is just the kind of big story she’s dreamed of breaking for the town's local paper.

With best friend Parker in tow, CJ is determined to get to the bottom of everything and save the town from evil. Isn’t this what summer vacation is for? But when all answers point to someone close, CJ stands not only to lose her byline but the scariest thing of all—the people and pet she loves.

With a strong, snappy voice and a warm sense of humor, The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney is a fast-paced middle grade mystery (with just the right amount of hair-raising thrills) that begs to be read cover-to-cover in one sitting. This debut from Carol Williams shines with love for its characters, college-town setting, and belief in the power of the written word.

This book is full of fun and appealing, quirky characters! There’s lots of action and great twists that will keep you reading. I enjoyed the supernatural element, along with the family and friendships, boss and coworkers. It’s fast paced with a terrific mystery.