Common Sense Reviewer

  • Terreece Clarke
  • Terreece Clarke
  • Ohio
  • 3 kids: ages 0, 2, 5

About Me

I have been a freelance journalist/writer since 1999 for a variety of magazines, Web sites and newspapers. I received my B.A. in Public Affairs Journalism from The Ohio State University, Go Bucks! I live in Columbus, Ohio with my husband and two daughters and I am self-professed chocoholic. I am a proud two-time inductee of the Who’s Who in Black Columbus Publication - 2007 & 2008.

What My Kids Love Now

My four year-old loves everything Hannah Montana, Highschool Musical and Noggin related. My 18 month-old loves any kind of music, any upbeat tempo and she starts shaking her hips!

House Rules

Not too much TV, in bed by 8p.m., eat your veggies

When the Kids Are Asleep…

I watch Grey's Anatomy and documentaries uninterrupted with my hubby!

My Biggest Challenge Is:

time management, scheduling and getting enough sleep!

Titles You’ve Reviewed

  • Book: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

    I rate this titleonand give it5.0

    Dramatic story of forgotten teen civil rights hero.

    Phillip Hoose captured the feel of the Civil Rights movement and personal story of Claudette Colvin in this easy to read, highly engaging work. Visually, the novel is stunning with photos, ...

  • Book: Jumping Off Swings

    I rate this titleiffyand give it3.0

    Fast-moving coming-of-age tale with sex and consequences.

    Jo Knowles makes a common story more interesting by presenting it from four different perspectives: Ellie's, Josh's, Josh's friend Caleb's, and Ellie's best friend Corinne's. That gives layers, ...

  • Book: Half-Minute Horrors

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Clever, scary collection with big-name authors.

    HALF-MINUTE HORRORS is spooky, creepy, disturbing, and hilarious. The book is filled with quick stories and drawings whipped up to scare the pants off of every kid, and a few parents, that have ...

  • Book: Diary of a Witness

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Intense tale of school bullying, loss, and isolation.

    Author Catherine Ryan Hyde takes readers inside the world of two bullied teens. Through Ernie, a kind, meek, overweight teen, Hyde highlights a world where jocks rule, cool girls ridicule, and ...

  • Book: The Fairy Godmother Academy #1: Birdie's Book

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Delightful, exciting adventure for girls who love fantasy.

    Author Jan Bozarth has written an adventure story with a lot going for it. The characters are strong, lovable, and come with all the vunerabilities real girls have. Instead of creating a fluffy ...

  • Book: The Door of No Return

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Lost African prince adventure/mystery with a unique premise.

    This is a fantastic adventure story from new author Sarah Mussi. She has created a story rich in detail, intrigue, action, and history. Mussi's way of weaving the African slave trade into an ...

  • Book: Glass Houses

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Light, fluffy vampire series big on fun, small on plot.

    Vampires are everywhere these days, and this book opens yet another vampire series. Author Rachel Caine does a great job creating a ...

  • Book: If I Grow Up

    I rate this titleiffyand give it2.0

    Very violent, stereotyped look at life in the 'hood.

    When a book is set in an urban setting where poverty, poor choices, and lack of opportunity are prevalent, critics tend to call the book "gritty." However, many of these books only feed ...

  • Book: Jumped

    I rate this titleiffyand give it1.0

    Exploitive book about girl violence is a waste of time.

    Rita Williams-Garcia's book JUMPED is really only good to use as an example of antisocial behavior run amok in a school that seemingly has only enough adult authority to keep students barely in ...

  • Book: Tiger Moon

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Fantasy tale of adventure and intrigue in colonial India.

    Author Antonia Michaelis weaves two marvelous tales within this novel, creating rich characters, enchanting scenes, and wonderful adventure. She does a fantastic job of blending deities, ...

  • Book: One Lonely Degree

    I rate this titleiffyand give it3.0

    Teen deals with rape, divorce, and friendship issues.

    Author C. K. Kelly Martin does a great job of developing believable, likable characters. The story is compelling and engaging, and teens will definitely be able to relate to all the teen angst and ...

  • Book: The Secret Life of Prince Charming

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Teen's quest for truth is compelling; some strong profanity.

    Author Deb Caletti does what she does best here: Create layered, developed characters readers will love to read about. The novel is beautifully written, and the story is intriguing and timely for ...

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