Gifted: Better Late Than Never [Paperback]

Marilyn Kaye (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2009 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Gifted (Book 2)

Goth girl Jenna Kelley has the ultimate tool to stage a teenage rebellion: she can read people’s minds without even trying. When her alcoholic mother is hospitalized, a stranger shows up who says he’s her long-lost dad and promises a better future. Too good to be true? Her gifted classmates think so, but Jenna is so determined to have a real parent around and a somewhat normal life that she might have lost her ability to listen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

School Library Journal

Kaye draws her readers in from the get-go, satisfying them in each book, but leaving them wanting more. Strong female characters take the lead in each title, but the author also brings in perspectives of the other “gifted” students throughout. Both selections are fast paced and entangling, giving them wide appeal, particularly for reluctant readers.

 

Teens Read Too

[Kaye] is working her usual magic by slowly giving readers a look at her cast of interesting characters.

About the Author

Marilyn Kaye is a former associate professor of library sciences and the best-selling author of numerous books and series, including Replica. Her book, Penelope, was recently made into a feature film starring Christina Ricci.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher; 1 edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753463008
• ISBN-13: 978-0753463000
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #367,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, January 14, 2010

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gifted: Better Late Than Never (Paperback)

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER is book #2 in the GIFTED series by Marilyn Kaye. Things pick up where they left off with Amanda, Jenna, and Tracey.

Jenna's drunken mother enters a two-week rehab program, and Jenna fears a possible placement in foster care. That's when Tracey comes to the rescue by asking her parents if Jenna can stay with them.

Another unusual development for Jenna is that her long-lost father shows up. He is full of apologies and promises. Everything he promises sounds terrific to Jenna, but the fellow members of the gifted group are suspicious of his sudden appearance.

Amanda experiences another body-snatching event. This time she feels pity when she observes Ken watching a soccer practice. She sees how much he wishes he could play and the switch happens. Being in the body of a hot guy is definitely disturbing, but Amanda thinks this might give her the opportunity to get Ken's attention focused on her and a possible relationship. She certainly isn't expecting what really happens, and it might just change her forever.

I don't know how many books Marilyn Kaye plans to have in this series, but she is working her usual magic by slowly giving readers a look at her cast of interesting characters. From the sneak preview included from book #3, HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW, it looks like Emily and her ability to see into the future will be the next featured character.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the teen/tween who says they hate reading!, October 16, 2009

By 

Trisha (Indiana, U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gifted: Better Late Than Never (Paperback)

Another fantastic book in the Gifted series. The focus has shifted away from Tracey as Jenna continues reading minds and Amanda snatches another body, only to fall in love with the ghost who talks to Ken (whose body she snatched). I will be passing these on to my reluctant readers - they are easy to read and full of action, so I know they will go over well.

0 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars gifted:better late than never, August 22, 2009

By 

Kristine A. Abner - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gifted: Better Late Than Never (Paperback)

my daughter love it and u could read this books and figure it out what book story will tell u !