YA Books In Santa's Sack - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

A challenging collection of gritty YA novels by the versatile PD Workman, that definitely aren't for the faint-hearted, include:

Tamara's Teardrops:
Relegated to 'juvie' by poor life choices early on, Tamara falls under the control of cellmate Glock and that dominance rears its ugly head again soon after both are released, leading to long-term disaster for Tamara.

Mito: Medical Kidnap Files:
Gabriel and Mito are coerced into being subjects of a medical trial where it seems nobody believes their pleas for release and to be reunited with their families.
Scarily it's based on real events.

Ruby: Between The Cracks:
Ruby seems to be a most unfortunate young teen, whose life lurches from one disastrous event or circumstance after another. She crumbles mentally, physically and emotionally and perpetuates the inherited neglect and abuse of her earliest years, while exposing huge flaws in the so-called care system, that literally mean she falls between the eponymous cracks in society.

Henry: Breaking The Pattern.
Henry's a troubled young man from an abusive, broken home, and this book relates his resulting downward spiral due to drug, alcohol and sexual excesses, before an unexpectedly redemptive finale.

Definitely food for thought, but shocking and thought-provoking and not for those of a nervous disposition, as they pull no punches.
Why not try them all and see what you think of these honest, tell-it-like-it-is, series openers in YA Books In Santa's Sack and decide for yourself!

A great collection read with affection as this fine author knows what we like and how to write these book for teens. They emit such delight for everyone reader. Tackling real issues ,some needing tissues . That brings me nicely in to . Tamara in Tatooed Teardrops, fresh out of juvie and she’s mon her way…yeah back where she came if she’s not careful,allegations and navigating a challenging foster family . Clearing her name is a challenge ,can she succeed before time runs out? This is just one of the awesome stories. There’s Gabriel and his kind of hell, medical neglect and the kind. Then there the book with Ruby in it called Between the Cracks and that’s a sorry tale of,pain and challenges too. While battling her own demons there those who seek to bring her down . Excellent storytelling and compelling reading. Breaking the Pattern sees Henry weighed down with familial responsibility for his younger brother ,the baby ,as his mother’s suffering a manic depression . This is super writing .