melody carlson is a fabulous writer. I spend hours reading her books. I have read all but three of her Diary of a teenage girl series. They are fabulous. ( )

NCLA Review -Author Melody Carlson is a seasoned, award winning author of over 200 books. Her talent as an author is apparent in this one of several titles in the series: Diary of a Teenage Girl. Maya Stark is only fifteen, but is much older than her years. She tries to cope in a dysfunctional family. Her parents are divorced, absorbed with themselves, and not the needs of Maya, who is self-taught and home schooled. Maya’s father was an 80’s rock star who is trying to revive his career. Her mother is addicted to drugs and depends on Maya for many of the things a parent would do for their child. When Maya finds out that her mother’s sister, who she did not know existed, has passed away, she discovers another side of her family that is caring and loving. Even as they grieve, Uncle Allen offers their home to Maya. Maya wonders if she can adjust to a new uncle and cousin who have different values and live in a Christian home. Rating: 4 —MMW Multnomah 2008, 246p, paper, 97816011421173, $12.99 [YA FIC] ( )