• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12
• Reading age: 7 to 10

Craig is raising his little brother while his mother and her drug-dealing boyfriend ruin their lives. Manda's parents are teetering on the edge of divorce. How will Craig and Manda learn to let go of their anger and find the courage to move into adulthood when they see only flaws in their parents?

Carol Moreira is an award-winning journalist based in St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia. Her debut novel, the young adult book Charged, was published by James Lorimer in 2008. She is currently editor of Celtic Life International magazine.

Carol Moreira's profile page

Charged, written by Carol Moreira, tells the story of two 15-year-old friends, Craig and Mandy, who are living through some tough times with their families. Craig's mother is involved with a new man who Craig believes is yet another of a long line of losing boyfriends. Mandy's parents are on the brink of divorce, and on top of this, Mandy is struggling with the guilt of causing her mother's skiing accident. When things come to a climax, Craig and Mandy need their friendship more than ever to cope.

Moreira has written about two families and two friends. She has intertwined two stories with an ending that holds many surprises. This story is also about growing up and taking responsibility for your own actions and doing the right thing. The author chose the title to promote the theme on two levels. First the two main characters are "charged" as they try to find their way and fit in with their families. Second, at the end of the novel, Craig's potential stepfather is "charged."

A compelling story and must read.

Highly Recommended.

Christina Pike is the Principal of St. Francis School in Harbour Grace, NL.

Canadian Review of Materials Vol. XV, No. 8

"A compelling story and must read. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"What I found especially compelling about Charged is the strong sense of responsibility, and of right from wrong, demonstrated by protagonists Craig and Manda. These are ordinary "good" kids, the kind that we all hope to raise, or that we know from down the street -- not the more rare bad-seeds that often hit the media."

"Moreira gets beyond the angst into the way Craig and Manda think, and paints a credible picture of growing up in today's world. The story might be set in the Halifax area, but the challenges are faced by young adults everywhere."

The Chronicle Herald (Halifax)

A great read

by zoe.r2005

Charged by Carol Moreira is a fascinating read. The two protagonists, Craig and Manda, are childhood friends. As teenagers, both of them have strong sense of responsibility. On the contrary, their mothers need their help. Craig assists his mother and takes care of one of his younger brothers. He also senses that his mother’s boyfriend isn’t trustworthy. On the other hand, Manda, encourages her mother when she goes skiing, and looks after her after her mother’s accident. When Manda discovers her father’s affair, she attempts to help her mother out of her mental dismay.

The story also reveals affection and love between these two young adults. Manda has crush on Craig, but Craig tries to avoid being close to her. The author successfully describes the inner world of these characters. There is some suspense in the story. What would Manda do after she knows her father’s secrete lover? What Craig would do when he learns that his mother’s boyfriend is a drug dealer? Does Craig love Manda?

The story is well-written. The two storylines entwine with different viewpoints of Craig and Manda. The author portrays two role models for teens. Life is not fiction, but fiction can create an ideal life.