Oliver Ames Senior Recommends Young Adult Novel to Teens & Parents

By Emily Han, Easton, Massachusetts

I recommend Stacy Padula’s latest novel, Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors, to both teens and their parents because it shows an honest point of view relating to the topics of drug and alcohol use. It can prepare teens for situations that they may have to address in high school. Peer pressure and relationships are new concepts that many teens have never had to face before. 

Since the Gripped book series is centered around teenagers, they are the focus of these situations. Therefore, all the topics covered are relevant, as they could all be encountered in a teenager’s life. If teenagers are unprepared for these scenarios, then they could make the wrong decisions when facing them in their own lives. 

Parents should also read the book to learn about what kids are facing everyday as well as how their kids could be affected. Parents are not fully aware of how drugs and alcohol—as well as the kids themselves—have changed since they were in high school. The Gripped book series offers a point of view that parents will not get by only observing their own children. Pick up a copy of this book today.

About Emily Han

Emily Han is a senior at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Massachusetts. She is the captain of her varsity field hockey team and a leader on her club team, Lead The Way. She is a member of National Honor Society and a founder of the PAWS Club and an active member of the Jimmy Fund Club. Her hobbies include scuba diving, exercising, and volunteering at local field hockey clinics and with Save The Bay.  She plans to attend the College of William & Mary next year. 

Articles by Emily:

Teens Relate to New Y.A. Book Series

Refreshing Y.A. Book Prepares Teens to Make Difficult Decisions

Emily Han on the “Gripped” Characters

Easton Teen Says Y.A. Novel Is Too Relevant To Be Ignored

Teen Fiction Novel Exposes Consequences of Substance Abuse