Ada, Legend of a Healer by R. A. McDonald

Ada is not your average fifteen year old.  She doesn't know her father, her mother's whereabouts are unknown and she is pretty tired of being bounced around in foster care.  Sure, she has her problems and isn't the easiest person to live with, but that's normal for a teenager, right?

When her current foster parents call Ada's social worker to come pick her up, Ada knows it is back to the half-way house for her until they find her another foster family.  But Ada is determined to live with her Aunt Jessie, and she does come to pick up Ada.  But Jessie is a bit different and likes to live on the road. 

She takes Ada to many hospitals and sick places, all along asking Ada if she has ever hurt herself badly and healed herself. Ada pays attention to the questions and learns that she has healing abilities like Jessie does. But Ada thinks it makes her a freak, not anything to be proud of

 But when a senator determined to using her abilities so he can be forever youthful is out to get her, the stakes heat up.  When Jessie disappears,  Ada goes to Paris where her mother was last seen, but dodging those that want to use her for only her abilities takes creativity and wit. 

Ada blooms in this novel.  We meet her as a troubled teenager who through trial, error and life, she manages to try and find her path.  Mystery, fantasy and a coming of age story mesh together into a phenomenal page-turner! McDonald is a masterful storyteller whose characters are brilliantly developed and compelling.  Not just for young adults - adults will enjoy this one too!