In The Battle for Innocence by Stacy A. Padula, a Young Adult/Realistic Fiction novel, the main character, Jon Anderson, is thrown into just what the quote above says: a whirlwind. The story is set in western Massachusetts, and is a back-story to the Montgomery Lake High book series.
Tag Archives: ya fiction
A Teen’s Take on The Aftermath by Stacy Padula
Review Written by Kelly Mitchell – Newton Country Day Class of 2018 It has been three weeks since a terrible storm left Andy in a coma, and for Jason Davids, nothing has been the same. Jason, the most popular freshman boy at Montgomery Lake High School, recognizes that he needs to make a change inContinueContinue reading “A Teen’s Take on The Aftermath by Stacy Padula”
A High School Senior Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula
Charlotte’s Thoughts: In “The Battle for Innocence,” the reader gains valuable insight into the background of the Montgomery Lake High characters. This book is important for the audience to understand how many of the relationships in the present day came to be, like Chantal and Jon’s friendship. It is surprising to see how much theirContinueContinue reading “A High School Senior Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula”
Doug Llewelyn to Interview Author Stacy Padula on Friday 1/26/18 at 4:00PM
Best-selling young adult author Stacy A. Padula will be interviewed about her book series and college counseling company today at 4:00PM by Doug Llewelyn (host of the People’s Court and creator of Judge Judy). The interview will air on live radio: CUTV News, New York.
Featured Book of the Month: The Forces Within
Montgomery Lake High #5: The Forces Within After being trapped inside his own body, unable to communicate with anyone but his own thoughts, Andy Rosetti finally wakes up from the coma that controlled his life for one month. But upon awakening, Andy finds himself and his friends in an unfamiliar setting: a mansion riddled with secretsContinueContinue reading “Featured Book of the Month: The Forces Within”
It Begs the Question – Can Faith & Reason Co-exist?
Can faith and reason co-exist? Every day, teenagers are faced with difficult situations that challenge their faith and moral compass. The Aftermath follows a group of students from Montgomery Lake High School, specifically Jason Davids and Jessie Robins. At age fifteen, Jason appears to have it all together: high grades, popular friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and any drug that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After attempting to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie, a quiet and rather plain girl, who is the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything Jason opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along?
Q&A on Book #1: The Right Person
Q&A with Kelly Mitchell |
Kelly is a very insightful teenager, who has a knack for perceiving underlying meanings and concepts within works of literature. As an author, I am truly blessed to have her on staff as an intern. Kelly is applying to many prestigious colleges this year, and while I will be sad to lose her, I could not be more proud of her. Below is a short series of questions I asked her to complete about Book #1 “The Right Person.”
A Senior in High School Reviews “The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula
This book depicts the struggles many kids encounter during their high school years through the eyes of compelling characters. I recommend this book to both students currently in high school and middle schoolers preparing for these tricky years. It is a reminder of God’s presence in our lives and the importance of seeking strength through him in times of uncertainty.
A Teenage Synopsis of When Darkness Tries to Hide
The second book in the Montgomery Lake High Series, When Darkness Tries to Hide, continues the journey of the students at MLH as they venture further into the depths of high school. After following the stories of Chris and Courtney in The Right Person, the focus shifts to Chris’s wayward, childhood best-friend of almost a decade: Jason Davids.
A Teen’s Critique of MLH #1 by Stacy Padula
I think many high schoolers, especially those feeling consumed by the constant social pressure, will be able to relate to the ups and downs the characters in The Right Person face. Their struggles with the sudden prevalence of drugs and alcohol in Montgomery Lake is very real to new high schoolers suddenly faced with these difficult choices. I would recommend this book to all teenagers, but especially those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse or those who feel they might be at risk of future abuse.
A Teen’s Q&A about Montgomery Lake High #1 “The Right Person”
The fact that this is a universal story is the most appealing thing about the book. It also focuses on teenage relationships which are very appealing to middle school and high school aged students. Teenagers often look to movies, tv, and books and apply the lessons or stories they see to their own lives. This book focuses on a love story and various relationships which makes it a very entertaining, yet still educational read, including elements of both drama and comedy which grasp the attention of the target audience. The character development is also very appealing and creates a story that is able to resonate to teenagers.
Live TV Interview tonight at 8:30
Tonight at 8:30, Stacy Padula will be a guest on the TV show “It’s in the Word” with a 3 other Massachusetts authors. The show will be aired live here: https://www.bnntv.org/tune-in/community-tv and on Boston TV through BNN.

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