Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy A. Padula takes an extremely impactful look at the unfortunate truth about what can happen at seemingly innocent parties. Two female characters, Chantal and Michelle, end up in situations in which they unintentionally fall under the influence of substances. In both cases, … Continue reading An Impactful Book Full of Important Truths for Teen & Pre-teen Girls

Written by Gianna Arcabascio Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is a book of life lessons and real life situations, which allows readers to connect with the characters' relationships and emotions. Taylor, the main character, has dealt with a painkiller addiction since his torn ACL. He has struggled to get … Continue reading The New Novel Teens Will Want to Read

Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia The Aftermath by Stacy A. Padula is all about transformation. Reading this book could be the inciting incident that launches change in the lives of readers. Sometimes, seeing transformation in others is enough to create a discontent for the status quo in our own lives. Everyone has aspects … Continue reading Teen Novel Demonstrates the Power of God and Salvation

Written by Elizabeth Harvey, Emerson College Gripped Part 3: The Fallout is the fascinating third installment in the Gripped series, which features the young characters’ personal and group development throughout the summer before their first year of high school. This book picks up where Blindsided ended and expands on the subject of drug and alcohol … Continue reading New Teen Novel Sparks Important Conversations Between Friends, Parents, and Children

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Everyone goes through a reflection period where they can determine that they could be smarter and kinder with their actions and choices while in high school, especially as a freshman. After being exposed to parties, drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, and popularity, many teenagers can decide whether they are … Continue reading Fiction Book Helps Teens Prepare for High School

Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia When Darkness Tries to Hide by Stacy A. Padula tells a story of an entire community coming together in the wake of a tragedy; any divisive lines which were drawn between age groups or cliques are dissolved in the interest of the greater good. Many characters in this … Continue reading A Story of Hope & Redemption for Teenagers

Written by Elizabeth Harvey, Emerson College Gripped Part 3: The Fallout touches upon the use of Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax. For that reason, parents may not want their children to read the novel. However, although Gripped portrays substance use and abuse, it does so in a way that can be understood by tweens … Continue reading Uncensored Teen Novel Shares Important Truths That Should Not Be Ignored

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami As a freshman in college, I think that teenagers would benefit from reading “The Aftermath” by Stacy Padula, as it showcases the prevalence of drugs in high school, and how these substances can be very harmful to one’s life progression. However, it is important to see main character … Continue reading Teen Novel about Addiction Provides Hope for Redemption and Recovery

Written by Gianna Arcabascio As a junior in high school, I recommend Stacy Padula's novel, Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, to all young adults. This book is a great representation of what goes on in teeanagers’ daily lives. It also brings awareness of drugs and how easy it is for people to … Continue reading Teen Fiction Novel Raises Awareness about Addiction