Never judge a book by it’s cover, but what about the title? I was sucked in as soon as it came across my email! It rolls off the tongue while suggesting an exciting plot with quirky characters – the suggestion does not disappoint. Liberty Lane is a spunky 14 year old vegan who loves peanut butter and pickles (but not together) and hates to see injustices go without consequences. The author, Shaylene King, has spun a modern-day retelling of the biblical story of Esther and included a lot of high jinks covered in glitter. As I was trying to describe this book to my husband, all I could come up with was a wholesome reality show like The Voice set in junior high with a Christian version of Hannah Montana.
Liberty Lane O’Shea has learned of an amazing opportunity in regards to joining Sir Frederick Preparatory School’s Royal Crown competition. There’s a scholarship and possible recording deals at stake; neither of which Liberty wants to miss out on. The competition is some of the best teen voices in the country – and Seth Ramos, the son of a criminal that Liberty’s father, Judge O’Shea, had a hand (or gavel) in sending to prison. Her cousin advises her to not let her family’s identity be made known for fear that she would be unfairly targeted by Seth and his entourage.
With every sort of predicament that Liberty finds herself in, some of her own making, she finds reasons to stand courageously and do the right thing. Scriptures come to mind as she faces challenges, which helps her in on-the-spot decision-making… even when it was tough. This is a fantastic book option for our preteen and early teen young women. As they read the 146 pages detailing Liberty’s experience in the Royal Crown competition, they will find themselves inspired to live for God and what He says is right. With an additional short detailing of the story of Esther and an added bonus of 10 discussion questions after turning the page from Liberty’s story, this book stands out from the rest in its own “rebelution.”
I recommend this book for preteen and young teen girls to add to their summer reading list. Parents can’t go wrong with this wholesome and fun book to help inspire their daughters to embrace the time they were born into – such a time as this.