Alice on Her Way

From School Library Journal Grade 7-10–This 16th book in the series (not counting the three prequels) is as frank and candid as its precursors. Alice, now almost 16, has a new boyfriend, goes to New York with her school, and participates in a program at her church. At first, she bristles when her dad signs her up for "Our Whole Lives," but is won over by its open exploration of sex, commitment, and responsibility. Sam, attentive to a fault, tests Alice's feelings about intimacy. Her relationship is contrasted with that of Faith, whose boyfriend is abusive, and Pam, who has oral sex with a boy she doesn't know well and regrets her impulsiveness when they get back to school and he ignores her. Homosexuality and interracial dating are given brief and accepting mentions. Alice faces all challenges with her trademark mix of confusion and maturity. A subplot has her trying for her driver's license–it takes her a while to get it, but as with many other of her achievements, she works hard until she succeeds. Alice's fans will continue to enjoy this likable girl-next-door who wrestles with the pressures and pleasures of modern life and growing up.