Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers

Isabelle Semas By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Based on the content of this book, I would recommend Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story to college and high school students. The topics introduced, as well as the ages of the characters, would be most applicable to that audience.  That being said, people of many ages will enjoy the mystery andContinue reading "Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers"

William & Mary Freshman Reviews “Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story”

By Emily Han, College of William & Mary Gripped 5: Taylor's Story by Stacy Padula is a fantastic continuation of the Gripped Series. We see Taylor Dunkin continue to struggle with trying to get out of the Drug Dealing ring, while still being fearful for his life and the repercussions of leaving. The ripples ofContinue reading "William & Mary Freshman Reviews “Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story”"

Teen Fiction Novel Shows the Impact of Drugs on Relationships

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula is a book that showcases significant shifts in relationships within Montgomery. In this novel, Chris Dunkin is still continuing to stay away from drugs and parties, but that has come with the question about whether he should hold onto CourtneyContinue reading "Teen Fiction Novel Shows the Impact of Drugs on Relationships"

UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers

By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire As a junior in college, I would like to recommend Gripped 5: Taylor's Story by Stacy Padula to teens who may be susceptible to drug use. Most teens do not realize the consequences of getting into drugs, and this book is a perfect example of how drugs canContinue reading "UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers"

Duxbury High School Junior Reviews ‘Gripped’ by Stacy Padula

Written by Maya Daly, Duxbury, Massachusetts Stacy Padula’s Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, is a realistic depiction of teens of all ages and their battles with peer pressure and substance abuse.The story brings in many characters of all different ages who all unite through a common friend group and environment. One ofContinue reading "Duxbury High School Junior Reviews ‘Gripped’ by Stacy Padula"

Teen Novel Sends Hopeful Message about Recovery

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula 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, the author feels there is much to be learned. I believe that there is aContinue reading "Teen Novel Sends Hopeful Message about Recovery"

Duxbury High School Junior Recommends Y.A. Novel ‘Gripped’ to Teens – Here’s Why

Written by Maya Daly, Duxbury, Massachusetts Stacy Padula’s young adult novel, Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, is a realistic depiction of teens of all ages and their battles with peer pressure and substance abuse. Though I have not gotten into situations of the same magnitude as shown in Gripped, I relate toContinue reading "Duxbury High School Junior Recommends Y.A. Novel ‘Gripped’ to Teens – Here’s Why"

A High School Senior’s Take on Taylor & Marc Dunkin in ‘Gripped Part 1’

WRITTEN BY JACK STANTON, MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Jack Stanton Jack is a senior at Medfield High School where he is the founder and president of the school’s Investment Club. He has a passion for business and finance, engaging his interests in other business-related clubs such as DECA. Jack is a member of the Varsity Lacrosse andContinue reading "A High School Senior’s Take on Taylor & Marc Dunkin in ‘Gripped Part 1’"

A Teen’s Perspective on Chris Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli in ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’

Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA Kate Peterson is a senior at Notre Dame Academy. She is the captain of her schools varsity ski team and a member of the tennis team. She is in NDA’s National Honor Society and is involved in her school’s Growing Greener, Spanish, and Model UN clubs. Kate traveled toContinue reading "A Teen’s Perspective on Chris Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli in ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’"

Medfield High School Class Leader Recommends ‘Gripped’ to Teens

WRITTEN BY JACK STANTON, MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Jack is a senior at Medfield High School where he is the founder and president of the school’s Investment Club. He has a passion for business and finance, engaging his interests in other business-related clubs such as DECA. Jack is a member of the Varsity Lacrosse and Hockey teamsContinue reading "Medfield High School Class Leader Recommends ‘Gripped’ to Teens"

Notre Dame Academy Senior Uncovers Valuable Lessons for Teens in Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’

Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA Kate Peterson is a senior at Notre Dame Academy. She is the captain of her school's varsity ski team and a member of the tennis team. She is in NDA’s National Honor Society and is involved in her school’s Growing Greener, Spanish, and Model UN clubs. Kate traveled toContinue reading "Notre Dame Academy Senior Uncovers Valuable Lessons for Teens in Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’"

Medfield High School Student-Athlete Shares Why Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped’ Series Is a Must-read

WRITTEN BY JACK STANTON, MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Jack Stanton Jack is a senior at Medfield High School where he is the founder and president of the school’s Investment Club. He has a passion for business and finance, engaging his interests in other business-related clubs such as DECA. Jack is a member of the Varsity Lacrosse andContinue reading "Medfield High School Student-Athlete Shares Why Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped’ Series Is a Must-read"

Chris, Jason, & Cathy in “Gripped 3: The Fallout”

Stacy Padula's Gripped book series for young adults covers controversial topics such as substance abuse, which may deter some hesitant parents and schools from recommending the books to teens. While Gripped Part 3: The Fallout exposes readers to Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax, the author's intention is to educate tweens and teens on drug and alcohol abuse. The novel focuses not on the use of drugs, but how the use of drugs negatively impacts relationships, family dynamics, and athletic and school performance. After reading the novel, it is clear that the message behind the stories told is not only about drug use, but connects to a bigger social issue of how we can stop this cycle in teenage society.

Here’s Why Parents Should Want Their Teens to Read “Gripped”

Stacy Padula's Gripped book series for young adults covers controversial topics such as substance abuse, which may deter some hesitant parents and schools from recommending the books to teens. While Gripped Part 3: The Fallout exposes readers to Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax, the author's intention is to educate tweens and teens on drug and alcohol abuse. The novel focuses not on the use of drugs, but how the use of drugs negatively impacts relationships, family dynamics, and athletic and school performance. After reading the novel, it is clear that the message behind the stories told is not only about drug use, but connects to a bigger social issue of how we can stop this cycle in teenage society.

Y.A. Fiction Novel Teaches Valuable Lessons in an Entertaining Way

Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA The young adult book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is a great read. It teaches many valuable lessons, ranging from friendship to drug addiction. Through the experiences of one of the main characters, it addresses the epidemic of opioids to teenagers in aContinue reading "Y.A. Fiction Novel Teaches Valuable Lessons in an Entertaining Way"

‘Gripped’ Series Addresses Social Issues Relevant to Today’s Teen Culture

Written by Megan Farinacci, Medfield, MA I really enjoyed Stacy Padula’s book, Gripped Part 3: The Fallout. The novel starts off in the present day and jumps back eight months, then comes full circle, ending in the present day. As a reader you are able to see the character development throughout the book. As manyContinue reading "‘Gripped’ Series Addresses Social Issues Relevant to Today’s Teen Culture"

Y.A. Fiction Novel Sends Important Message to Teen Readers

Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA I recommend Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula to middle school and high school students. They are the perfect age for this book because it relates so well to teenagers' everyday lives. The characters are in their age group and going through tricky experiencesContinue reading "Y.A. Fiction Novel Sends Important Message to Teen Readers"

Megan Farinacci On ‘Gripped Part 2: Blindsided’

Written by Megan Farinacci, Medfield, MA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula puts drug abuse into the perspective of young adults, even reaching a middle school aged audience. The book focuses heavily on the younger characters who will soon be attending high school. Although the topics covered in this book are not what manyContinue reading "Megan Farinacci On ‘Gripped Part 2: Blindsided’"

Gripped 2: Blindsided – A School Book Or Not?

Written by Charlie Hallal - Hingham, Massachusetts The drug use and sexual content in Gripped 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula will likely get it banned from schools, but the topics are too relevant in teenage culture to be ignored. This book should be read by kids in middle school and high school to teach themContinue reading "Gripped 2: Blindsided – A School Book Or Not?"

Y.A. Fiction Novel Addresses Crucial Issues For Teenagers

Written by Megan Farinacci, Medfield, MA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula was extremely eye opening. It is crucial for these issues to be addressed in a novel for young adults. In this novel, we see how even middle schoolers are affected by drugs and alcohol. This sequel focuses on fourteen year old ChrisContinue reading "Y.A. Fiction Novel Addresses Crucial Issues For Teenagers"