Books with author Monica Lo

This is the first book in a series of stories about Freckles, a friendly, huggable cocker spaniel named for the cute brown spots on his nose, who sets out to see the world one adventure at a time. His first stop is Grand Cayman Island and his only wish is to see the stingrays. Read to find out if Freckles gets his wish and meet his new friends who show him around the island: Tim Turtle, Sandy Piper, Iggy, the blue iguana, and Captain Bob. Stay tuned for further adventures with Freckles. Coming soon........

In a world before social networks made it a routine act performed with a click, “like” is a state of mystery and meaning among teenagers navigating the halls of Wadena Senior High School. Fifteen-year-old Monica is sure she would be happy if only she had a boyfriend, but first she endures a litany of boys who think flirting is accomplished with insults and other shenanigans. After her first kiss, performed on a dare and described in the pages of Dear Diary as “the pits! Gross! Dirty!” Monica learns the truth about French kissing from a charming outsider. Navigating relationships and learning the meaning of like—or love—is far trickier.Set in a “hick town” on the windswept plains of Minnesota where a teenager’s social calendar is marked by basketball games, cafeteria dances and playing Pac-Man at the bowling alley arcade, Truth, Dare, Double Dare, Promise or Repeat examines the fateful year Monica devotes to reeling in a keeper of a boyfriend like so much walleye. With self-deprecating humor, authenticity and awkward details captured on the pages of the diaries Monica faithfully kept at the time, it’s a story that reminds us what it feels like to be a teenager again, grappling with timeless questions of desire, loyalty and finding answers.This book is for every teenager trying to navigate the maze of finding true love, or at least true “like,” and for every woman who grew up in the ’80s who might have forgotten all she learned during those seemingly simpler times.

Everything in Gabriel Kane Foster's life is shady: his family's move from California to Hawaii immediately after his sister dies, his parents' strange relationship with the relatives, and the fact that his deranged Mother is constantly carrying his sister around in a bottle. And then there are the secrets. So many family secrets. Can Gabe stay strong while adjusting to his new life without Makena? “Makena’s Shadow” is a Young Adult novel that takes place in Pupukea on the famed North Shore of O’ahu. It is a coming of age story written from the point of view of a thirteen (and-a-half) year-old boy who, born and raised in the mainland, is forced to immerse himself in the culture of his ancestors. Without his older sister beside him, or his grieving parents to guide him, he finds himself lost, angry, and alone in a world that doesn’t make sense to him. When his cousins challenge him, he takes them on and discovers the depth and beauty of his heritage, the calm that the ocean brings, and the excitement of the sport of outrigger canoe paddling."Lee does a commendable job capturing the voice of a disaffected teenage boy. Gabe’s struggles come across as authentic and true to life... vibrant depictions of Hawaiian culture and language—vital to the characters’ lives—are skillfully blended into the story... a worthwhile glimpse into a colorful culture." --Kirkus Reviews"Lee deftly presents teenage angst and the feelings of being uprooted from home and dropped in a completely new environment. Her portrayal of Hawaiian culture is honest and straightforward... Employing a realistic writing style, Lee authentically describes how many people deal with grief and change. This comedic and fast-paced coming-of-age story is engaging...A great title for those looking to add diverse works to their collection." --School Library Journal

In a world before social networks made it a routine act performed with a click, “like” is a state of mystery and meaning among teenagers navigating the halls of Wadena Senior High School. Fifteen-year-old Monica is sure she would be happy if only she had a boyfriend, but first she endures a litany of boys who think flirting is accomplished with insults and other shenanigans. After her first kiss, performed on a dare and described in the pages of Dear Diary as “the pits! Gross! Dirty!” Monica learns the truth about French kissing from a charming outsider. Navigating relationships and learning the meaning of like—or love—is far trickier. Set in a “hick town” on the windswept plains of Minnesota where a teenager’s social calendar is marked by basketball games, cafeteria dances and playing Pac-Man at the bowling alley arcade, Truth, Dare, Double Dare, Promise or Repeat examines the fateful year Monica devotes to reeling in a keeper of a boyfriend like so much walleye. With self-deprecating humor, authenticity and awkward details captured on the pages of the diaries Monica faithfully kept at the time, it’s a story that reminds us what it feels like to be a teenager again, grappling with timeless questions of desire, loyalty and finding answers. This book is for every teenager trying to navigate the maze of finding true love, or at least true “like,” and for every woman who grew up in the ’80s who might have forgotten all she learned during those seemingly simpler times.