Seven Presidents High School Series by Donna Crupi

Surrounded by phony people at school and living with the pressures of an alcoholic father at home, Jordan has no place to be himself except at his grandfather’s senior center. Elle is stuck between superficial friends and her desire to fit in at school the way she feels when she volunteers at the senior center. In spite of Jazmin’s secret plan to make Jordan and Elle a couple, they can’t stand one another... moreSurrounded by phony people at school and living with the pressures of an alcoholic father at home, Jordan has no place to be himself except at his grandfather’s senior center. Elle is stuck between superficial friends and her desire to fit in at school the way she feels when she volunteers at the senior center. In spite of Jazmin’s secret plan to make Jordan and Elle a couple, they can’t stand one another. They don’t see anything they have in common even as the ‘six pack’ tries to pressure Elle into becoming a girly-girl which she definitely is not, and then attempts to turn Jordan into some kind of Jersey Shore wannabee. Independently, Jordan and Elle successfully escape the six-pack’s clutches, but fall prey to the meddling forces of the senior center. This time, they don’t stand a chance as they realize that there might be something between the two of them after all. Then, Jordan’s world comes crashing down on him. Can he face DYFS and keep them from taking him and his sister away? With Elle’s help and a couple of feisty veterans, Jordan learns that anything is possible. A realistic portrayal of teenagers facing life issues. Warning: If sweet handholding and intimate kissing is not for you, put down this book immediately. But, if you feel old people have nothing to offer, then you seriously need to sit down and read this book. *Liability Disclaimer: The reader may experience the urge to find a date and sit on their front porch at night watching the stars and sharing secrets. Also, senior citizens beware: teens may realize you have something to offer and may want to get to know you. Be prepared to share stories and bake cookies. Also, pasta may be attempted to be cooked from scratch - don’t ask, just enjoy. less

With an American born mother and a French born father, life for Jean-Luc growing up in France is anything but boring. Heather is a Jersey Girl, born and bred. When the two are paired up to work on a social studies project, their differences appear insignificant as a friendship begins to develop. However, Heather can’t fight her insecurities... moreWith an American born mother and a French born father, life for Jean-Luc growing up in France is anything but boring. Heather is a Jersey Girl, born and bred. When the two are paired up to work on a social studies project, their differences appear insignificant as a friendship begins to develop. However, Heather can’t fight her insecurities. Choosing a local boyfriend over Jean-Luc seems like a no brainer, but to Jean-Luc who has lived with a younger brother with leukemia, he realizes he has to be honest with his feelings for her. When Heather isn’t brave enough to choose Jean-Luc he puts distance between them in order to protect his heart from getting crushed. Unfortunately, this leaves her exactly where her new interest Marcus wants her; alone and unprotected. Jean-Luc’s priority must be to his family and his brother Lonnie. Can Jean-Luc protect Heather from a distance while his love for her threatens to destroy him? Sometimes, faith alone is not enough. Action needs to be taken… A heartwarming story of teenagers from different backgrounds coming together. Jean-Luc and Heather are just two teens in love. Sadly, life has them living on different continents and simple solutions aren’t easy to come by. Warning: Hidden in this story of first love is the lesson of life and how precious it is. Serious preaching is done about being true to yourself and to those who deserve your loyalty. Issues of date rape, Rophenol, and sexting are subtly thrown in for good measure and safe dating is basically forced down everybody’s throat without them even noticing. Nice, huh? *Liability Disclaimer: Reader may spontaneously start speaking French and following European soccer. less

Life didn’t end when Martin was struck down as an eight year old boy riding a bike. Living up in heaven had its perks, but for Martin, something was always missing. Kassie did her best to get by, but always felt alone even when she was surrounded by her closest friends. Except when he came to visit. Kassie had always known that she was haunted, but it wasn’t until that one day in class that she found out who her secret ghost was. Now being together is a necessity... moreLife didn’t end when Martin was struck down as an eight year old boy riding a bike. Living up in heaven had its perks, but for Martin, something was always missing. Kassie did her best to get by, but always felt alone even when she was surrounded by her closest friends. Except when he came to visit. Kassie had always known that she was haunted, but it wasn’t until that one day in class that she found out who her secret ghost was. Now being together is a necessity. Figuring out why they are able to be together is the challenge. And worrying if they will ever be apart is their biggest fear. Finding the meaning of life is a gift. This story addresses the topics of life and death, religion and God from a teen perspective. A very definitive view of heaven and our role in it is provided. Perspective is built upon belief and facts. From this understanding, answers are revealed. Warning: This book may give comfort to someone who is grieving a lost relative. It may also help someone who is having issues with depression. Although the topic of suicide is addressed, the book in no way advocates any specific form of treatment. It simply presents one situation where a life is saved by people who show they care and let someone at risk know they are loved. less