New Young Adult Book Entertains, Educates, & Engages Teens and Parents

Isabelle Semas By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts The plot of “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout” by Stacy A. Padula handles subjects such as substance abuse and relationship problems, both of which are prevalent in the lives of young adults. This book shows how even those who think they are “experimenting” with drugs can become ensnared in a … Continue reading New Young Adult Book Entertains, Educates, & Engages Teens and Parents

New Y.A. Book Shows Effects of Modern High School Peer Pressure

By Joanna Dakoyannis, Providence College Gripped 4: Smoke and Mirrors by Stacy Padula is the fascinating continuation of the story centered around a group of teens from Montgomery Lake High School.  They are influenced by older siblings and peers who are involved in drug and alcohol use. Taylor, the older sibling of Marc and Jordan … Continue reading New Y.A. Book Shows Effects of Modern High School Peer Pressure

Sophia Karnolt Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula

Sophia Karnolt Written By Sophia Karnolt, Kingston, MA The transition period from middle school to high school is a very big milestone in teens. You are introduced to peer pressure and it also tests how strong you are to yourself. Young teens are brought into situations including different substances which shape who they turn out … Continue reading Sophia Karnolt Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula

Xaverian Brothers Senior Reviews Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

By Joe Siracusa—Braintree, Massachusetts Joseph Siracusa, Xaverian Brothers High School Class of 2021 The novel Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy A. Padula portrays the damaged relationships of many characters as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. When Taylor, the older brother of Marc and Jordan, begins to attempt recovering from addiction, he has … Continue reading Xaverian Brothers Senior Reviews Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

Emily Han Discusses the Dual Timeline Development in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors”

Emily Han By Emily Han, Easton, Massachusetts As I read Gripped Part 4: Smoke and Mirrors by Stacy A. Padula, finding out how the characters’ past actions affected them in the present was my favorite part. The dual timelines in the novel show the choices the characters made previously as well as how those choices … Continue reading Emily Han Discusses the Dual Timeline Development in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors”

Mackenzie Wells Reviews “Gripped 2: Blindsided” by Stacy Padula

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula is a cautionary tale for young adults, but it is also a humanizing story of those who have fallen into bad habits. Eighth graders Chris Dunkin, Cathy Kagelli, and Jason Davids are an integral part of their clique in their community, and are … Continue reading Mackenzie Wells Reviews “Gripped 2: Blindsided” by Stacy Padula

Young Adult Book Teaches Teens the Importance of Choosing Relationships Wisely

Isabelle Semas By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided” by Stacy A. Padula unveils the raw truth behind prescription and recreational drug addiction. These topics—though uncomfortable to speak about with young teens—are far too prevalent in our society to be ignored. The Gripped series portrays exactly how this process takes place through an engaging storyline.  By … Continue reading Young Adult Book Teaches Teens the Importance of Choosing Relationships Wisely

Young Adult Book Captures Modern Teen Life & the Social Pressures Faced By High School Students

Sophia Karnolt By Sophia Karnolt, Kingston, MA & Thayer Academy As a senior in high school, I think all teenagers could benefit from reading "The Aftermath" by Stacy A. Padula, especially high-schoolers who feel they don’t know their place or anyone who feels lost. This book mainly focuses on the struggles of being caught up … Continue reading Young Adult Book Captures Modern Teen Life & the Social Pressures Faced By High School Students

“Gripped” Relationships: Jon Anderson & Chantal Kagelli

We continue our character relationship series with Jon Anderson and Chantal Kagelli whose relationship ends up being at the center of most drama that occurs in the two book series. This is true even years after their confusing breakup. But it didn’t start out dramatic—not at all. Jon and Chantal came together as kindred spirits, … Continue reading “Gripped” Relationships: Jon Anderson & Chantal Kagelli