Chasers by James Phelan (first of Alone series)

The story opens with a catastrophic event. It could be a bomb, chemical warfare , even an alien invasion and this confusion heightens the tension in the story. The main character Jesse and three friends miraculously survive, climb out of the subway and find themselves in a New York in complete chaos. They manage to barricade themselves in a building that provides them with shelter and food while they plan a course of action . Most other survivors are infected with a horrible virus that gives them a raging thirst for any liquid, including human blood.
Through necessity , the characters quickly develop the maturity to start planning for their own survival, though there are leadership tensions between Jesse and Dave. The characters discover toughness and courage in themselves as they negotiate the snowy streets and fend off attacks from infected survivors.
The New York setting works well as the tall buildings, the river and Central park have particular parts to play in the story.
The author maintains a high level of tension and ends the story with a surprising twist.

The Loblolly Boy by James Norcliffe

“The Great House was a place for abandoned kids to be dumped. Some kids were orphaned; others were rejects. I’m not sure what I was . Probably a reject. “
Michael is bullied by the other boys at the Great House and mistreated by the Keepers... until the day he meets the Loblolly Boy and from one moment to the next, becomes invisible and learns to fly. His simple choice to become a Loblolly Boy , however, has very complicated consequences
In this magical , often sad story, Michael learns that getting what we want most doesn’t always make us happy.

Double Crossing by Eve Tal

Raizel and her father leave their poverty-stricken life and their beloved family in Russia to make a new life in America. But although they are leaving behind their fear of pogroms, other fears grip them as they head into an uncertain future.
Papa’s illness on board ship is an immediate problem to be faced, as new immigrants must pass health checks at Ellis Island before they are allowed into the country. Raizel’s scholarly father must also battle the temptations to abandon some of his religious practices in order to acclimatise to life in America. The usual meaning of ” double crossing” , that someone has been cheated or betrayed, can be applied to Raizel’s father who never imagined how the Jewish life that was so precious to him would present so many difficulties after he left his little home village.
Timid Raizel develops into a tough and feisty character, as responsibilities and decision-making fall to her while her father is ill.
The author explores the issue of retaining one’s culture in a new land and while she writes about a Jewish family at the turn of the last century, Raizel’s experiences have much in common with immigrants in other places and times.
The author continues the story of Raizel and her family in “Cursing Columbus”.