The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June

From School Library JournalGr 9 Up–With the divorce of their parents, the move to a new community, and starting a new high school, sisters April, May, and June are undoubtedly under a lot of stress. The manifestation of this pressure is the re-emergence from childhood of some special powers: April is suddenly seeing visions of the future, May can turn herself invisible, and June can hear people's thoughts. These abilities could give them the chance to do something important, but instead April tries to micromanage everyone's lives, May tries to escape her troubles, and June uses her abilities to be popular. Things come to a head when April sends May to spy on June during an unchaperoned party. The dialogue is sharp and witty (and often includes profanity), the characters are mostly likable, and the personality of each sister is clearly delineated (the first-person narration alternates among them) as is the strength of their relationship. Why these special powers have surfaced is never fully explained. This novel will appeal to teens looking for a light read._Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD_
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FromFor sisters April (16), May (15), and June (14), it’s been hard enough dealing with their parents’ divorce, a move, and a new school. But things get even more complicated after each girl unexpectedly rediscovers an unusual childhood ability: April can foresee the future; May can become invisible; and June can read minds. As the sisters try to manage their powers, they also fight about how best to use them, especially since April’s foreboding visions may involve family members. Events culminate in unexpected ways, but the perspective each girl gains about her abilities, priorities, and relationships ultimately brings positive change. Droll and dramatic, the first-person narratives rotate among conscientious and responsible April; sometimes-snarky outsider May; and popularity-aspiring June. With amusing detail, each girl highlights her individual challenges as she navigates the complexities of family, friends, school, and romance. While the girls’ narratives occasionally blur, their experiences, both everyday and fantastical, create an enjoyable, contemporary read about family bonds. Grades 9–12. --Shelle Rosenfeld