Divine Secrets

Divine has come a long way from her Hollywood diva-ish ways. She's no longer that girl vying for attention from the photographers, and is blessed to know what it's like to live a normal life. Granted she's experienced some things, thanks to her parents being who they are, but for the most part, Divine Matthews-Hardison is an average teenager. In part 3, DIVINE SECRETS, Divine is besieged. Madison wants to reconcile, but she's experienced the pain of heartbreak and doesn't want to ever feel that way again. Alyssa is considering sex with Stephen in order to prevent a break-up. Her father is newly married and wants her and her step-mom, Ava, to become friends. Her mom is saying she isn't involved with Kevin Nash, an actor; the tabloids are saying they are. Juggling all of this, Divine notices that Mia, one of her BF's is in serious trouble. Mia adamantly denies that her relationship with her new boyfriend, Tim, is the problem. Divine has noticed the changes in Mia's behavior and worries that she's diluted by foolishness. After some persuasion, Mia confided in Divine, swearing her to secrecy. Soon Mia's secret completely takes over causing Divine to constantly worry and live in fear that her friend will be seriously injured. Divine has to decide whether to violate the friendship code and tell Mia's secret. DIVINE SECRETS, part 3 in the Divine series, deals with physical abuse, teen pregnancy, forgiveness and dating. I'm enjoying the development of the characters and how the topics are always are rerouted to living right with God. Parents, your teens will love this series. It comes filled with drama, consequences and a real perspective.

The Ups and Downs of Being Round Once again Jacquelin Thomas has used real characters and realistic situations to teach valuable lessons in an inspirational way. She opened my eyes to the fact that domestic violence is not just an issue that adults and married couples deal with, but it is also happening to teens. The main character, Divine, gives young men and women a role model that is realistic, thus making it ok to stand for something positive when peer pressure tends to pull you in the opposite direction. Even though I am pushing 30, I am totally hooked on this young adult series. This is the third one that I have read and I can't wait to read the next one. I wish this was around when I was a teenager. As an educator and social worker I HIGHLY recommend this to young people everywhere.