Is it better to wait until you reach adulthood to explore your gifts and opportunities or launch out now, even though you may dive into a cascade of adult-sized troubles? You may even be challenged to grow stronger faster.Each of us crosses through the gateway from childhood to adulthood at some point in life. For some, that point comes early; for others, it arrives much later. Once we pass through, we find that we can't go back. The gateway closes tightly behind us.Since kindergarten, four very different girls have been friends, calling themselves the Nutellas, stuck together by their passion for their favorite delicious, gooey lunch. As they have aged, their disparities have become as pronounced as their similarities, but they have continued to be there for each other through thick and thin.Now in junior high, Samantha, Dorothy and Brittany rally around their mutual bestie Chelsea on her quest to make her smartphone time more productive, at her father's prodding, by launching an e-commerce business. This seemingly worthwhile aspiration takes the four out of their childhood comfort zones in American suburbia and into a sometimes dangerous new adult-like world filled with thefts, lawsuits, fraudsters and troubles with legal authorities.Despite their multiple close calls with disaster, Chelsea and her three tight friends overcome internal conflicts and survive to see another summer vacation. Chelsea cements her friendship with classmate Jeff Buckingham, who proves that a close friend of the opposite sex can sometimes be very handy to have.The Gateway to Danger is a great read for any young adult who intends to ignore age limits and reach for the skies today, despite the dangers-hopefully with a little help from his or her friends.A few editorial reviews: There was much to enjoy in this very readable book, in particular the well-imagined central character of Chelsea, whose reflections on a variety of subjects-overcoming differences and prejudices, the value of family and friendship, the importance of never giving up on aspirations and learning from mistakes-come across in an appealingly candid voice that will surely speak to young adults as well as older readers. - L.L.The Gateway to Danger is, for the most part, a five-star book. It's an enjoyable read with fun characters, and you learn a lot about e-commerce in a casual and entertaining way. - V.M.The Gateway to Danger was an unexpected read for me. It was well written, nicely edited and seemed to flow with little effort. The characters, "Nutellas," felt real, especially the dialogue between the young girl and her father. It covers a strange mix of e-commerce, young adulthood and cat protection. There's also a sprinkling of Christian themes, which are by no means overwhelming in any place. - J.S.In a nutshell, this book revolves around four friends who have this amazing bond, supportive parents, and a pinch of characters who give a taste of villain in the story. Most importantly, it demonstrates that having ideas to start a business is one thing and having the zeal to "not give up" come what may is another. And yes This book is indeed apt for young adult readers. It would motivate you to work towards achieving something out of your life, utilize your time efficiently, learn from mistakes and value relationships. - A.K.This is a wonderful read to follow along as the girls learn about starting and running a business. I even learned a lot from the things they did and the events that happened. I loved how all of the girls were different, from their religion, social standing, and families, yet they were all there for each other through the end. - J.B.
