Emily is looking forward to a mellow summer working at Ferdinand's Fine French Restaurant; spending time with her boyfriend, Sam; and helping to teach his little brother, Riddle, how to read. It all starts out swimmingly, but before long, some unforeseen circumstances threaten to send her ideal summer off the rails. How could she know that an effervescent and worldly stranger with a sketchy past would roll into town and set her sights on Sam? Or that Sam and Riddle's criminally insane father was plotting a desperate and elaborate jailbreak to exact revenge on the family who "stole his sons' hearts and loyalty"? Destinies collide in Sloan's thrilling sequel to her heart-wrenching I'll Be There (2011). The fast-paced plot, complex story lines, and compelling characters grab readers from the get-go. This story of redemption will satisfy both new readers and fans of her work through to its brief but suspense-filled ending. Hand to followers of Barry Lyga's I Hunt Killers series.

Sam and Riddle (I'll Be There) are finally free of their abusive father, Clarence. When an alluring drifter girl named Destiny comes to town, Sam's relationship with Emily Bell is tested, but romantic drama takes a backseat when Clarence breaks out of jail to kidnap Emily. Cinematic scene transitions and snappy perspective shifts ramp up the tension in this lively, tender, satisfying sequel.

Gr 8 Up-After 10 years on the run with their paranoid schizophrenic father, brothers Sam and Riddle have found a home with Emily's family. Sam enrolls in school after a long hiatus, and Riddle emerges from his protective shell. Sam and Emily's burgeoning relationship is tenderly romantic in its authenticity. The boy finally breathes a sigh of reliefbut should he? Their father, Clarence, has escaped from jail with plans of revenge. Newcomer Destiny, figuratively and literally, sets her sights on Sam and is taking no prisoners. What should have been the summer of love for the young couple ends in a dramatic confrontation with the violent Clarence. Fans of Sloan's I'll Be There (Little, Brown, 2011) will be thrilled to be reunited with Sam, Riddle, and Emily in this immensely satisfying, heartfelt, and lyrical sequel. The author's simplistic writing style allows readers to connect intimately with the characters and makes for a truly compelling novel. The only flaw in an otherwise outstanding book is a too-tidy ending. Sloan succeeds in skillfully combining the tenderness of young love, various distinct voices, and fast-paced action. Teens need not have read the first book to understand the protagonists' background, appreciate where they are, and hope for the best for their bright futures. Laura Falli, McNeil High School, Austin, TX

Just Call My Name is an intriguing read that mixes the believable with just enough crazy to keep the reader interested. The characters are likeable with a very clear line between good and evil. Strong dialogue and genuine emotional concern for the welfare of others makes this a heart-warming novel.While the book moves at a quick pace with forbearance looming on the next page, the backstories for Sam and Riddle are too much to be covered in this novel. Reading the companion novel, I'll Be There (Little, Brown, 2011/VOYA August 2011) is recommended. Some may find the ending wraps up too neatly or that the Bell family is just too nice; others will enjoy the strong sense of family unity. The title is not indicative of what the story is about as the story is more about fitting in than reaching out. Sam is the main focus, but the tale is written so that each main character is seen through his or her own thoughts and actions. The adults have little influence or character buildup with the exception of Clarence. There is little dialogue between the Bell parents which makes both of their characters appear to be one-dimensional. This is definitely a book worth the read if you have the time.Juli Henley.