Common Sense Reviewer

  • Kate Pavao
  • Kate Pavao
  • California

About Me

I am a freelance writer who specializes in articles for and about teens. I like reading, camping and hanging out with my 5 year old daughter. Right now, I am spend too much time on Facebook.

What My Kids Love Now

Any audiobook, and movies like Brother Bear, Annie, and Enchanted.

House Rules

Friday night is movie night. Other than that, we don't let her watch much TV.

When the Kids Are Asleep…

We watch Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report and maybe some Letterman. We try to hit a movie once a month.

My Biggest Challenge Is:

Finding movies that are appropriate for kids that the adults enjoy, too.

Titles You’ve Reviewed

  • Book: Intertwined

    I rate this titleonand give it2.0

    Harlequin Teen romance with too many fantasy plotlines.

    Well, there is certainly something for everyone. Aden helps ghosts find peace on one page, and on the next he's fighting the vampire king to the death. There's time travel, zombies rising from ...

  • Book: My Soul to Take

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Not literary, but fun teen fantasy (and plenty of romance).

    Well, this is certainly not going to meet anyone's definition of a classic, but it is good fun: There are mythical creatures, a dark mystery, a romance, and even some humor along the way ...

  • Book: Bad Apple

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    School scandal story for teens is solid at its core.

    This book deals with some pretty heavy subject matter, but the author is able to present it in a way that won't overwhelm readers. They will certainly feel sorry for the misfit girl, but they will ...

  • Book: LIAR

    I rate this titleiffyand give it4.0

    Intense fantasy about a compulsive liar and/or werewolf.

    This book is simply thrilling: Is Micah actually a werewolf, or is she, as one teacher theorizes, simply a confused girl who's "rejecting [her] own body" by pretending to be something more ...

  • Book: The Other Girl: A Midvale Academy Novel

    I rate this titleiffyand give it4.0

    Fun prep school story, but full of racy content.

    Readers shouldn't expect to really be challenged here, but as far as fun, fluffy, prep school books are concerned, this one is pretty well done. The cast of characters may be somewhat predictable -- ...

  • Book: Tricks

    I rate this titleiffyand give it3.0

    Extremely graphic, gritty look at teen prostitutes.

    The characters all seem a bit too archetypical (the gay farm boy, the rich girl who feels unloved by her mother) but because the stories are written in verse, the pages turn quickly. The details are ...

  • Book: Peace, Love and Baby Ducks

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Realistic portrayal of sisterly love keeps story afloat.

    The relationship at the center of this book is well-drawn. Readers will easily relate to Carly, who wants to support and protect her little sister -- but is still jealous of the attention she ...

  • Book: After the Moment

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Honest look at how crazy first love can be; teens only.

    This book provides a real, rare look at a teen romance. Readers will connect with nearly all of the damaged characters, who are trying so hard to do the right thing and be happy despite all their ...

  • Book: The Season

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Feisty fashionista fights crime and stereotypes. Clean fun.

    This book has a lot going for it: fancy dresses, balls, formal dinners, romance -- and a murder mystery. Readers will appreciate the verbal sparring between Alex and Blackmoor and cheer when the ...

  • Book: Vamped

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Vampire series debut pales in Twilight's shadow.

    Teens will appreciate Gina's unique stake, or uh, take on vampirism -- she worries how she will survive eternity without being able ...

  • Book: Diary of a Chav

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Brit girl makes good in this slang-heavy charmer.

    Shiraz is an unlikely young adult heroine; a working-class girl who hangs out with hoodlums, and who dreams of finishing school and working in a sporting goods store. If she's not picked up for a ...

  • Book: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

    I rate this titleiffyand give it4.0

    All-nighter turns romantic in fun but racy read.

    You can see why this book would make such a fun movie: It's got too well-defined characters (mouthy but insecure Norah and sweet but heartbroken Nick), fast-paced dialog, plenty of drama, plus a ...

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