In Between

I haven't laughed so hard from reading a book ever. Jenny B. Jones' debut novel, In Between, is a hysterical read. Katie Parker's mom is in prison, and Katie is shipped off to live with pretend-o-parents, James and Millie Scott in the small town of In Between, Texas . When Katie discovers her new foster dad is a pastor, she dresses Goth for the first day of school, certain Millie won't let her out of the house. Her plans backfire and Katie is not only forced to go to school with black fingernails, but ends up sitting at the Goth table at lunch, seeing as that's where she looks to fit in. Unfortunately, a couple of her new friends are not the best influence, and Katie unknowingly is recruited for a midnight vandalism jaunt to the local vintage theater. Katie is the only teen nabbed by the coppers, who take her down to the station and inform her that the Scotts are the owners of the theater. Humiliated, Katie waits for her foster parents to send her packing. They don't, however, and Katie experiences some awesome tough love for the first time in her life. Katie struggles to adapt to her new, strange world, which includes church, smart friends, a massive dog, and a crazy foster grandma who rides a bicycle built for two. She tries out for the school play and falls for a cute and troublesome senior guy. Her new friend doesn't approve, foster granny doesn't approve, but Katie's of the opinion that what the Scott's don't know won't hurt them. It's a good thing God is watching out for Katie Parker, even though she doesn't have a clue. It's one comical situation after another with Katie Parker, whose fun, sarcastic voice keeps you turning the pages so fast they catch fire. This is a must read for teen girls...and girls of any age! Looking forward to book two titled, On the Loose: A Katie Parker Production, Act 2. Highly recommended.

In Between is one of a few novels I've read where I've actually cracked up every time I read it ... and on every other page. I kid you not. But not only is In Between laugh-out-loud funny, Jenny manages to weave serious issues into her stories right alongside the humor. And somehow it meshes beautifully. That takes skill. In Between is a YA novel, but it can be appreciated by all ages. In fact, My Dad read it and liked it just as much as I did. My thirty-something friend did as well. It isn't every day that a book comes along that can resonant with such a diverse age range. Whether you're a teen or not, Katie Parker is a girl we can all relate to. There's something universal about the challenges she faces. We all want to belong somewhere. We all want to be loved. We all need meaning in our lives. --C.J. Darlington

This is a great book for girls from 12-99. You won't want to put the book down until you are finished with it. I just can't wait to find out what happens to Katie in the next book. Jenny B. Jones is my new favorite young adult ficition author! Great summer read!

GREAT BOOK! This is a great book for everyone from young teens to adults. This book is a fun and easy read! I loved it and CAN'T wait for the sequal!

If you have a daughter this book is for you. If you have ever BEEN a daughter, this book is for you. If you are a teacher or someone who works with young women, this book is for you. Katie Parker engaged me in the first two pages. She has a droll wit that simply zings. And after all, as a former resident of Sunny Haven Home for Girls, and as a current resident of In Between, Texas, what can a girl do besides laugh at life's absurdities? Katie has been handed a rough deal in life. She has a drug-dealing mom in prison, a knife-wielding roomie at Sunny Haven, and new foster parents. Katie really exemplifies the old adage about "better the devil you know than the devil you don't." Ms. Jones carefully moves between hilarity and poignancy. She deals with very real issues without becoming heavy-handed or didactic. The novel moves quickly and provides what I call a "real ending." I know there's going to be a next book, and I know it's going to be as much fun as this one, but I didn't feel pressured into buying it to see how some situation or conflict is resolved. I hope many young women are given the opportunity to read this book; I know that they will relate well to Katie and might even learn a valuable lesson or two in between the belly laughs.