Storytelling

The Brothers Torres

Disney-Hyperion, 2008

Frankie Torres has always looked up to his older brother Steve, and with good reason. Steve is a popular senior who always gets what he wants: girls, a soccer scholarship, and lately, street cred. Frankie, on the other hand, spends his time shooting off fireworks with his best friend Zach, working at his parents' restaurant, and obsessing about his longtime crush, Rebecca Sanchez. The situation with the richest, preppiest kid in school starts to simmer — and when Steve is bent on retaliating, Frankie starts to think his brother is taking the respect thing too far. He may have to choose between respecting his brother and respecting himself.

"Frankie is as memorable a character as Sherman Alexie's Junior Spirit in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Flecked with Spanish phrases and authentic street slang, Frankie's story is as poignant as it is hip and funny."

School Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Frankie's observations on life, friendships and family loyalties wittily punctuate the narrative, ensuring that readers will listen closely to this unlikely hero."

Publishers Weekly

Lucky Fools

Disney-Hyperion, 2012

David Ellison dreams of acting at Juilliard, but he's expected to attend nearby Stanford University, just like all of his classmates at hard-driving Oak Fields Prep. As if wasting his private school education weren't enough, David is also on track to destroy his relationship with his girlfriend when he finds himself falling for his new co-star. With his Juilliard audition approaching, Oak Fields is thrown into chaos as a mysterious prankster begins attacking the school's highest achievers, determined to sabotage their college aspirations. Anyone who excels is a potential target.

"A hardhitting, bitingly satiric yet poignant tale of a senior year from hell."

Booklist

In Too Deep

Disney-Hyperion, 2013

Annie Fleet, master scuba diver and history buff, is determined to make her crush notice her on a school trip to Mexico. But her teacher has other plans: he needs Annie to help him find Cortez's long-lost treasure. Suddenly Annie finds herself scuba diving in pitch-black waters, jetting to Hawaii, and hunting for the priceless Golden Jaguar. But someone else wants the gold — and needs Annie dead.

"Voorhees has created a heroine who is not to be underestimated — smart, self-possessed, and incredibly witty. Voorhees nails the teenage voice. A frothy and fun adventure."

School Library Journal

"A fun summer romp. The danger, history, travel, romance, and vividly described scuba-diving scenes will draw readers deeply in."

Booklist

On the Free

Lerner Publishing Group, 2017

Santi agreed to join the Bear Canyon Wilderness Therapy program for one reason: less time in juvie. Amelia signed up to prove a point. Victor — well, no one can figure out why Victor's on the trip, but he's definitely not there to make friends. When disaster leaves the trio stranded in the Colorado wilderness and short on supplies, they'll have to band together long enough to survive the elements. And Victor's plan might put them all in danger — if local predators don't reach them first.

"Thrilling, suspenseful, and fast-paced, this is an edge-of-your-seat read."

Booklist