Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami After reading the latest novel in Stacy Padula’s Gripped series, Kyle Banker was asked to share his opinion on some of the main characters. Taylor Taylor has dug himself into a deep hole within Bilotti’s drug dealing business. However, he is trying to get out of the gangContinue reading “Reflecting on Taylor’s Story: The Gripped Characters”
Tag Archives: Kyle banker
Alternating Storylines Maintain Suspense in “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story”
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami In Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula, I enjoyed the alternation between the storylines of Taylor and the Boston Police with Cathy and Chantal. I believe that this style worked best in Gripped 5 as Taylor’s situation kept its intensity as the reader was separated fromContinue reading “Alternating Storylines Maintain Suspense in “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story””
“Taylor’s Story” Sets the Tone for an Exciting 6th Novel in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story” by Stacy Padula is a book that displays the heavy consequences of substances to young adults in Montgomery. Part 5 of the Gripped series smoothly picks up the storylines from the previous novel, including the situations of Taylor and Cathy. In this novel,Continue reading ““Taylor’s Story” Sets the Tone for an Exciting 6th Novel in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series”
“Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story” Sends Imperative Message to Teen Readers
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami As a junior in college, I believe that the topics covered in Stacy Padula’s Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story, including substance usage and purchasing, are becoming vastly more common across high schools and colleges in the United States. While many young adults feel it is simple to stay awayContinue reading ““Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story” Sends Imperative Message to Teen Readers”
Teen Novel Effectively Shows the Effort Needed to Overcome Addiction & Begin New Life
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula is a novel that showcases the evident consequences of substance to young adults in Montgomery. Part 4 of the Gripped series picks up the storylines effectively from the previous novel, including the situations of Taylor and Cathy. In thisContinue reading “Teen Novel Effectively Shows the Effort Needed to Overcome Addiction & Begin New Life”
College Junior Shares Thoughts on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami After reading Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula, Kyle Banker was asked, How has your opinion of the Gripped series’ main characters evolved overtime? Luke I think Luke has developed stronger positive intentions with his life after reflecting on his past as a drug supplier. IContinue reading “College Junior Shares Thoughts on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters”
U-Miami Junior Discusses Stacy Padula’s Unique Writing Style in “Gripped”
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami In Stacy Padula’s Y.A. novel, Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors, I immensely enjoyed the dual storyline between Taylor’s unexpected secret life with his crime circle and the interactions of Cathy and Jason. This setup allowed for the reader to be learning more information about Taylor in oneContinue reading “U-Miami Junior Discusses Stacy Padula’s Unique Writing Style in “Gripped””
Y.A. Novel Prepares High School Freshmen and Parents for Social Pressures
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami The usage of drugs are more prevalent than ever, mostly in high schools and colleges. While many teenagers may feel as if they will be able to avoid drugs, most are influenced to take a substance at some point in high school or college to enhance their socialContinue reading “Y.A. Novel Prepares High School Freshmen and Parents for Social Pressures”
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”
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”
Kyle Banker on the 5th & Final Installment of the MLH Book Series
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami I think that all teenagers should read “The Forces Within” as they will learn a great amount about the final development of characters in the MLH series and how it could correlate to their own lives. All of the key messages that were mentioned throughout the series areContinue reading “Kyle Banker on the 5th & Final Installment of the MLH Book Series”
The Forces Within: Advice Between the Lines of a Y.A. Thriller
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami After “The Battle for Innocence,” every reader was left wondering about what Andy would say after they last saw him waking up in his hospital bed. After a long month in Montgomery, it is clear that things have changed since he was in a coma, as many relationshipsContinue reading “The Forces Within: Advice Between the Lines of a Y.A. Thriller”
Y.A. Novel Inspires Teens to Stick to Their Morals
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula is a very helpful resource for teens, as it proves if you stick to your morals, good things will happen. In relation to the main character, Chantal Kagelli, the reader saw her face many challenges in the novel, mostly through herContinue reading “Y.A. Novel Inspires Teens to Stick to Their Morals”
The Battle for Innocence
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami The transition from middle school to high school is very important, as it sets up teens for four crucial years of their lives. However, in the modern-day, this change may not be as smooth, as many teens are introduced to parties, drugs, alcohol, and sex. Yet, how exactlyContinue reading “The Battle for Innocence”
Order a Book, Help Save a Dog’s Life!
We will be donating 50% of July’s proceeds from Gripped Part 2: Blindsided to a Boston-based rescue that saves dogs from high-kill shelters throughout the Unites States. The cause is near and dear to our hearts because Baxter is a rescue, after all! To date, Last Hope K9 Rescue has saved the lives of over 7,600 dogs!
Kyle Banker Reviews “The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula – A Young Adult Novel
High school consists of the four most transformative years of your life, both academically and socially. The introductions of parties, substances, peer pressure, and popularity can completely change one’s personality and mindset. In “The Right Person,” Stacy Padula tells the story of a group of freshmen at Montgomery Lake High as they encounter and face countless social scenarios that change their lifestyles for the long run.
May’s Q&A with Kyle Banker of Beaver Country Day School
Kyle Banker of Needham, Massachusetts is a senior at Beaver Country Day School. He will be attending the University of Miami in the fall as a biology major. This month, Kyle read “The Right Person” – a young adult novel by Stacy Padula – and shared some insightful feedback.
What Should Readers Expect from Gripped Part 2 (To Be Released Later This Year)
It is very important for students of these ages to read Gripped Part 2 because it shows the honest truth of the massive drug problem that has risen from this generation. While it may seem from a parent perspective that topics in the novel may be over-exaggerated, that is certainly not the case. In fact, there are many more details in relation to withdrawal and overdose that have yet to be mentioned all because this topic is so thorough and relevant. Overall, while drugs may not be one of the first things you want to teach your child before going to middle/high school, it should be a definite priority considering the significant increase of substance abuse in the 21st century, and Gripped Part 2 effectively puts the problem into perspective.
Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Kyle Banker
There are a few different storylines running through Gripped Part 1 because it is setting up the rest of the series. What storyline do you find the most interesting and why? I think that the storyline between Cathy and Jason is most compelling to me because of their dual perspective of how they see theContinue reading “Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Kyle Banker”
Needham’s Kyle Banker on the “Gripped” Book Series’ Characters
The Gripped Book Series has an array of main characters, who range in age from twelve to twenty-three. Although they have vastly different struggles, values, and personalities, their lives are indisputably entwined. Kyle Banker, a Communications Intern for the Gripped book series, read “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told” and shared his insight on the characters. His responses are below:
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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