By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Chris Dunkin’s Journey Chris’s story teaches readers that people can change. He tries to pull his life together and stop making bad decisions. Hopefully, readers will also learn from Chris’s journey about how much of an impact those you choose to be friends with has on you. Chris must distance himself from those who … Continue reading Isabelle Semas on Gripped 3: The Fallout’s Main Characters
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula is a mix of mystery and drama, one which readers will barely be able to put down. Stacy Padula uses her characters to bring light to the dark truth about drug addiction. Teens and parents alike will enjoy this “gripping” read. Taylor … Continue reading Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirros
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Picking up where Gripped Part 2 left off, Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula dives back into the life of Taylor Dunkin, promising athlete turned drug-dealer, and his fight to escape the Bilotti crime ring. His brother, Marc Dunkin, is determined to help him in any way he can. … Continue reading Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 3: The Fallout
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy A. Padula will have you captivated from cover to cover. The book picks up where Part 1 left off, with Taylor Dunkin trying to pull his life together after a hard struggle with substance abuse. Meanwhile, we learn more about Chris Dunkin’s past and personal … Continue reading Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 2: Blindsided
Who do you feel bad for and why? I pity Chantal. Lisa and Cathy know the truth about her and Jon’s breakup, but decide to take matters into their own hands by not coming out with the truth. This causes Chantal so much pain. They should have been honest with her. Who frustrates you and … Continue reading Isabelle Semas on The “Gripped” Characters
Who would you recommend Gripped Part 1 to and why? I would recommend Gripped Part 1 to Highschool students looking for a read with a realistic take on the temptations which face kids as early as middle school. This book addresses subjects such as underage drinking, drug addiction, and gossip. These things can’t be ignored, … Continue reading An Interview with Isabelle Semas on “The Truth We Never Told”
Who should read this book? For anyone who wants a thrilling read, I would recommend “The Forces Within” to you. Stacy Padula weaves themes of spiritual conflict throughout the plot, forming a mysterious and intriguing story. Whether you are a teen or a parent, it is sure to keep you on the edge of your … Continue reading Interview with Teen Reader & Writer Isabelle Semas on “The Forces Within”
Who would you recommend this book to and why? I would recommend “The Battle for Innocence” to all teens. For teens in highschool, it will help open their eyes to the fact that younger siblings, cousins, and friends look up to them, and will follow in their footsteps. For younger teenagers, it presents the dangers … Continue reading An Interview with Y.A. Reader Isabelle Semas on “The Battle for Innocence”
Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why? I believe those in Jason’s position would benefit greatly from reading “The Aftermath” by Stacy A. Padula—those who, like Jason, are so lost they can not see how dark their life truly is, and those who struggle with drug abuse. This book displays … Continue reading Q&A with Isabelle Semas on “The Aftermath”
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts The drama and mystery of “Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy A. Padula was engaging. The uncertainty of Taylor Dunkin’s plot mixed with the tension of Jason Davids’ and Cathy Kagelli’s storyline had me captivated from cover to cover. I also enjoyed how this book delved more into the … Continue reading Gripped 4: The Drama, Mystery, & Uncertainty Kept Me Captivated from Cover to Cover
Y.A. Books by Stacy A. Padula 