Little,
K. (2011). Circle of secrets. New York: Scholastic Press.
Realistic Contemporary/Supernatural:
Ten-year old Shelby Jane’s mother abandoned her a year ago. Now, filled with resentment
and hurt, Shelby must return to live with her mother in small town Bayou
Bridge, Louisiana. With her daddy overseas, Shelby feels alone and unwanted,
especially when her schoolmates start tormenting her. However, as she slowly
becomes entranced with the wonders of the bayou—secret notes in blue-bottle
trees, charm bracelets, and a wisp of a girl she befriends in the local cemetery,
the relationship she shares with her mother becomes stronger. Nevertheless,
there are dark secrets in these bayous waiting to be discovered—Shelby Jane as
eager to unearth them as her mother is to bury them forever. This is a
wonderful book for young middle-school age children carrying a strong message
of forgiveness and redemption. And, as the title indicates, there are circles,
metaphorical and real, that serve to draw the past and the present into one.
Giles, G. (2010) Dark song. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
Contemporary Realistic: Ames is a model teenager living with little sis Chrissy and her parents in more than affluent means.When rumors erupt at Ames' private school that her father is in trouble, Ames is the last to know that her father has embezzled from his company and has barely avoided jail. For the first time in her life, her mother and father are keeping secrets, arguing and distancing themselves from their children. Becoming the target of her mother's disgust and her father's fall into alcoholism, Ames starts acting out in ways which eventually get her arrested. As a last resort, her family moves to Texas to take over one of her grandfather's rental properties. There Ames meets Marc--a boy she firmly comes to believe will rescue her and Chrissy from her dysfunctional family.Tragically, her 'savior' brings Ames to the brink of irredeemable actions. This book is recommended for high-school age readers owing to the inclusion of sex and violence. Although the plot becomes predictable, the character development is believable and the circumstances which lead Ames into a downward spiral are those which affect today's teens. The reader will especially enjoy the contemporary and witty dialogue between Ames and her peers.
marr, m. (2007). Wicked lovely. New York: Harper Collins.
Supernatural: Two fairy kingdoms oppose each other in this novel. The Winter Queen, Beira is opposed against her son, Keenan. A mere Summer Prince, Keenan has sought for nine centuries to find his mortal queen who will join him as Queen of Summer, making him King. And, though he’s made bad choices in the past, he thinks that he’s found the ONE in Aislinn. However, Aislinn is also a Sighter, with an ability to see fairies. Beyond that, she has a mortal boyfriend, Seth, and he has accepted her fairy challenges. Will Keenan succeed in claiming Aislinn as his queen? Or will Beira succeed in defeating her son? Winter or Summer, which shall reign? This novel has the most interesting aspects of dichotomy posed, but it is very hard to get through. An excess of characters are introduced and dialogue between these characters often prevents the advancement of plot. Several times I found myself picking up the book and rereading the previous chapter to remind myself of important events. It’s a fabulous premise and the ending holds twists that I hadn't foreseen. Still, my impression is young adults will get mired in the confusing dialogue, wallow in the wandering plot and give up on the novel.
Contemporary Realistic: Ames is a model teenager living with little sis Chrissy and her parents in more than affluent means.When rumors erupt at Ames' private school that her father is in trouble, Ames is the last to know that her father has embezzled from his company and has barely avoided jail. For the first time in her life, her mother and father are keeping secrets, arguing and distancing themselves from their children. Becoming the target of her mother's disgust and her father's fall into alcoholism, Ames starts acting out in ways which eventually get her arrested. As a last resort, her family moves to Texas to take over one of her grandfather's rental properties. There Ames meets Marc--a boy she firmly comes to believe will rescue her and Chrissy from her dysfunctional family.Tragically, her 'savior' brings Ames to the brink of irredeemable actions. This book is recommended for high-school age readers owing to the inclusion of sex and violence. Although the plot becomes predictable, the character development is believable and the circumstances which lead Ames into a downward spiral are those which affect today's teens. The reader will especially enjoy the contemporary and witty dialogue between Ames and her peers.
marr, m. (2007). Wicked lovely. New York: Harper Collins.
Supernatural: Two fairy kingdoms oppose each other in this novel. The Winter Queen, Beira is opposed against her son, Keenan. A mere Summer Prince, Keenan has sought for nine centuries to find his mortal queen who will join him as Queen of Summer, making him King. And, though he’s made bad choices in the past, he thinks that he’s found the ONE in Aislinn. However, Aislinn is also a Sighter, with an ability to see fairies. Beyond that, she has a mortal boyfriend, Seth, and he has accepted her fairy challenges. Will Keenan succeed in claiming Aislinn as his queen? Or will Beira succeed in defeating her son? Winter or Summer, which shall reign? This novel has the most interesting aspects of dichotomy posed, but it is very hard to get through. An excess of characters are introduced and dialogue between these characters often prevents the advancement of plot. Several times I found myself picking up the book and rereading the previous chapter to remind myself of important events. It’s a fabulous premise and the ending holds twists that I hadn't foreseen. Still, my impression is young adults will get mired in the confusing dialogue, wallow in the wandering plot and give up on the novel.
Meyer, C. (1993). White lilacs. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Books
Historical Fiction: Freedom Town is a nine square block of inner city Dillon, Texas set in 1921. All of the free black families, owning businesses or servicing white families, live comfortably in this area--until the white folks of Dillon decide they'd like a park in the central area of their town. A petition is circulated, a vote is taken and Freedom Town is no more. All the houses, businesses and churches are moved outside of Dillon to a poorly irrigated area called the Flats. 12-year old Rose relates the summer Freedom was moved, memorializing the placement of homes, businesses and churches in her sketchbook. The continuity of family and community that Meyers establishes serve to make this novel a page turner. The celebration of Juneteenth by the black residents of Dillon is sharply contrasted with the white residents' celebration of Independence Day and the irony is subtle but clear. This is one of my favorite young adult books to-date and a highly recommended read for ages 11 through adult.
Grant, M. (2008). Gone. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Dystopian: Perdido Beach, CA is a normal modern-day town until a Thursday morning in November. At 11:18 a.m. that day all adults, age fifteen and older, disappear. Children are left to fend for themselves, and the good guys and bad guys quickly emerge. The Fallout Youth Zone (FAYZ) is a 10 mile wide circular area surrounded by an impermeable dome. It quickly becomes a battleground as children vie for food, shelter and power. Add to that the fact that mutations are occurring as children develop super powers which they will use for either good or evil. As might be predicted the climax results in two factions of children battling for ultimate control of the FAYZ. At 550 pages plus this is not a quick read, but it is a page-turner. Grant keeps the pace rapid and action flowing; although there are many characters, they are easily identified through their various powers and the reader has no trouble keeping track of who's who. Suspension of belief is credible in this book up until the last 100 pages. Towards the end the reader may be asking, "where did that character come from?" or "how does this scene fit in the plot?". Nonetheless, I found Gone a delightful escape read, and am confident teen fans of the dystopian genre will enjoy it as well.
Anderson, L. (2000). Fever 1793. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Historical Fiction: Set in Philadelphia, PA in 1793, young Mattie Cook lives with her widowed mother and her grandfather above their family’s coffeehouse. Whispers of a fast-spreading disease down by the docks cause only mild concern—until close friends and employees are stricken. The yellow fever epidemic has gained its stronghold in Philadelphia. Medical wisdom of the day dictates getting out of the close quarters of the city and into the countryside. Mattie and her grandfather join the exodus, having to leave her mother behind. Events unfurl though that send them back to the city, only to find her mother gone and their home ransacked. As Mattie and her grandfather weather the awfulness of this disease and the accompanying social unrest, the reader becomes entirely engrossed in discovering the fate of Mattie’s mother. The language, setting, and customs are all historically accurate, as well as the fact that this disease did actually strike in late summer of 1793. Anderson begins each chapter with a quote from that time period, pertinent to the chapter’s content. Moreover, the reader is entertained with historical figures of the day (Benjamin Rush and George Washington) visiting the coffeehouse for respite. Middle-school readers will enjoy this book and its powerful return to a time which they have knowledge of and can experience through the eyes of a child their age.
Fleischman, S. (2008). The
trouble begins at 8: A life of mark twain in the wild,wild west. New York:
Greenwillow Books.
Biography: The life of Samuel Clemens, from birth to his late years, is told in an engaging, humorous style in this book with 19th century language used in all the appropriate ways. From Clemens’ boyhood to his young years on a steamboat, to his adventures as first a gold miner, later a newspaper journalist, and finally a writer and story-teller, Fleischman follows not only the man himself but his relationships with family, mentors and antagonists. Clemens adopted the pen name Mark Twain when he first started writing humorous fiction, and that is the name most associated with this famous author. Interesting tidbits throughout, such as how Twain modeled Huckleberry Finn after himself as a boy growing up in Hannibal and his own personal views of racism in the South, add another dimension to the reading of Twain’s classic novel. Fleischman intersperses black, white and sepia toned photographs, sketches, and poster bills throughout the book, lending a visual insight into the historical period. This biography of the famous man may not be as comprehensive or sophisticated in its analysis as previously published biographies, but it is one of the most approachable and the perfect choice for a young adult wishing to learn about Mark Twain and his historic life.
Stone, T. (2010). The good, the bad, and the barbie: A doll's history and her impact on us. New York: Viking.
Nonfiction: The history of Barbie, the doll manufactured by Mattel, is the focus of this book by Tanya Lee Stone. Starting with a brief biography of the inventor, Ruth Mosko Handler and her marriage to the co-founder of Mattel, Elliot Handler, the book takes us through Handler’s inspiration for the doll and her passion to make Barbie a reality. Ensuing chapters range from the controversy of occupational and multi-racial Barbie to the manners in which the doll was ‘played with’ and/or abused and neglected. Throughout Stone keeps a sense of humor, while balancing the extreme opinions about Barbie. Does Barbie project an impossible body image and instill in young girls a negative sense of self? Why was Barbie the target of many girls’ rage or frustration? Stone acknowledges these questions and uses research-based studies to address these controversial issues. Whether the reader has a strong opinion about the effect Barbie had on young girls or not, the extensive history of this icon is at once entertaining and enlightening. Photos of Barbie through the years are primarily in black/white, though some artwork inspired by Barbie and more recent issues of the doll are displayed in color. Sidebars are interspersed with quotes pertinent to the pages’ content and are alternately hilarious and poignant. And, for readers who love the research side of nonfiction, Stone includes an extensive bibliography and source note citation. Young adults will find the reading very accessible and will almost certainly be drawn into the history of the subject.
Kuklin, S. (2008). No choirboy: Murder, violence, and teenagers on death row. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Nonfiction: This book is comprised of six chapters. Four chapters relate stories of convicted teenage murderers that were sentenced to death row; the first three are told by the offenders themselves and the fourth is told by the offender’s mother and brother. The fifth chapter interviews the family of a 17-year-old boy killed in a robbery, lending insight into how parents and siblings try to forgive a decade later. The sixth and final chapter is the author’s interview with prominent anti-death penalty attorney, Bryan Stevenson; he discusses the life events which lead him to his convictions and his involvement with two of the teenage death-row inmates featured in earlier chapters. Honest and stark, the interviews with the inmates themselves will evoke pain and sympathy in some readers. One, only fourteen at the time of his crime, appears barely literate and still seems confused as to why his older brother involved him in the murders. Kuklin does not put words in the mouths of those she interviews, but resonant throughout is the immaturity and poor decision-making ability of the subjects. No Choirboy’s foremost message as a young adult book is inescapable: take heed, this is what can happen as a result of drug-addled judgment. Simultaneously, the book prompts the more mature young reader to reflect on the social justice implications for prison reform.
Historical Fiction: Freedom Town is a nine square block of inner city Dillon, Texas set in 1921. All of the free black families, owning businesses or servicing white families, live comfortably in this area--until the white folks of Dillon decide they'd like a park in the central area of their town. A petition is circulated, a vote is taken and Freedom Town is no more. All the houses, businesses and churches are moved outside of Dillon to a poorly irrigated area called the Flats. 12-year old Rose relates the summer Freedom was moved, memorializing the placement of homes, businesses and churches in her sketchbook. The continuity of family and community that Meyers establishes serve to make this novel a page turner. The celebration of Juneteenth by the black residents of Dillon is sharply contrasted with the white residents' celebration of Independence Day and the irony is subtle but clear. This is one of my favorite young adult books to-date and a highly recommended read for ages 11 through adult.Grant, M. (2008). Gone. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Dystopian: Perdido Beach, CA is a normal modern-day town until a Thursday morning in November. At 11:18 a.m. that day all adults, age fifteen and older, disappear. Children are left to fend for themselves, and the good guys and bad guys quickly emerge. The Fallout Youth Zone (FAYZ) is a 10 mile wide circular area surrounded by an impermeable dome. It quickly becomes a battleground as children vie for food, shelter and power. Add to that the fact that mutations are occurring as children develop super powers which they will use for either good or evil. As might be predicted the climax results in two factions of children battling for ultimate control of the FAYZ. At 550 pages plus this is not a quick read, but it is a page-turner. Grant keeps the pace rapid and action flowing; although there are many characters, they are easily identified through their various powers and the reader has no trouble keeping track of who's who. Suspension of belief is credible in this book up until the last 100 pages. Towards the end the reader may be asking, "where did that character come from?" or "how does this scene fit in the plot?". Nonetheless, I found Gone a delightful escape read, and am confident teen fans of the dystopian genre will enjoy it as well.
Anderson, L. (2000). Fever 1793. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Historical Fiction: Set in Philadelphia, PA in 1793, young Mattie Cook lives with her widowed mother and her grandfather above their family’s coffeehouse. Whispers of a fast-spreading disease down by the docks cause only mild concern—until close friends and employees are stricken. The yellow fever epidemic has gained its stronghold in Philadelphia. Medical wisdom of the day dictates getting out of the close quarters of the city and into the countryside. Mattie and her grandfather join the exodus, having to leave her mother behind. Events unfurl though that send them back to the city, only to find her mother gone and their home ransacked. As Mattie and her grandfather weather the awfulness of this disease and the accompanying social unrest, the reader becomes entirely engrossed in discovering the fate of Mattie’s mother. The language, setting, and customs are all historically accurate, as well as the fact that this disease did actually strike in late summer of 1793. Anderson begins each chapter with a quote from that time period, pertinent to the chapter’s content. Moreover, the reader is entertained with historical figures of the day (Benjamin Rush and George Washington) visiting the coffeehouse for respite. Middle-school readers will enjoy this book and its powerful return to a time which they have knowledge of and can experience through the eyes of a child their age.
Fleischman, S. (2008). The
trouble begins at 8: A life of mark twain in the wild,wild west. New York:
Greenwillow Books. Biography: The life of Samuel Clemens, from birth to his late years, is told in an engaging, humorous style in this book with 19th century language used in all the appropriate ways. From Clemens’ boyhood to his young years on a steamboat, to his adventures as first a gold miner, later a newspaper journalist, and finally a writer and story-teller, Fleischman follows not only the man himself but his relationships with family, mentors and antagonists. Clemens adopted the pen name Mark Twain when he first started writing humorous fiction, and that is the name most associated with this famous author. Interesting tidbits throughout, such as how Twain modeled Huckleberry Finn after himself as a boy growing up in Hannibal and his own personal views of racism in the South, add another dimension to the reading of Twain’s classic novel. Fleischman intersperses black, white and sepia toned photographs, sketches, and poster bills throughout the book, lending a visual insight into the historical period. This biography of the famous man may not be as comprehensive or sophisticated in its analysis as previously published biographies, but it is one of the most approachable and the perfect choice for a young adult wishing to learn about Mark Twain and his historic life.
Stone, T. (2010). The good, the bad, and the barbie: A doll's history and her impact on us. New York: Viking.
Nonfiction: The history of Barbie, the doll manufactured by Mattel, is the focus of this book by Tanya Lee Stone. Starting with a brief biography of the inventor, Ruth Mosko Handler and her marriage to the co-founder of Mattel, Elliot Handler, the book takes us through Handler’s inspiration for the doll and her passion to make Barbie a reality. Ensuing chapters range from the controversy of occupational and multi-racial Barbie to the manners in which the doll was ‘played with’ and/or abused and neglected. Throughout Stone keeps a sense of humor, while balancing the extreme opinions about Barbie. Does Barbie project an impossible body image and instill in young girls a negative sense of self? Why was Barbie the target of many girls’ rage or frustration? Stone acknowledges these questions and uses research-based studies to address these controversial issues. Whether the reader has a strong opinion about the effect Barbie had on young girls or not, the extensive history of this icon is at once entertaining and enlightening. Photos of Barbie through the years are primarily in black/white, though some artwork inspired by Barbie and more recent issues of the doll are displayed in color. Sidebars are interspersed with quotes pertinent to the pages’ content and are alternately hilarious and poignant. And, for readers who love the research side of nonfiction, Stone includes an extensive bibliography and source note citation. Young adults will find the reading very accessible and will almost certainly be drawn into the history of the subject.
Kuklin, S. (2008). No choirboy: Murder, violence, and teenagers on death row. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Nonfiction: This book is comprised of six chapters. Four chapters relate stories of convicted teenage murderers that were sentenced to death row; the first three are told by the offenders themselves and the fourth is told by the offender’s mother and brother. The fifth chapter interviews the family of a 17-year-old boy killed in a robbery, lending insight into how parents and siblings try to forgive a decade later. The sixth and final chapter is the author’s interview with prominent anti-death penalty attorney, Bryan Stevenson; he discusses the life events which lead him to his convictions and his involvement with two of the teenage death-row inmates featured in earlier chapters. Honest and stark, the interviews with the inmates themselves will evoke pain and sympathy in some readers. One, only fourteen at the time of his crime, appears barely literate and still seems confused as to why his older brother involved him in the murders. Kuklin does not put words in the mouths of those she interviews, but resonant throughout is the immaturity and poor decision-making ability of the subjects. No Choirboy’s foremost message as a young adult book is inescapable: take heed, this is what can happen as a result of drug-addled judgment. Simultaneously, the book prompts the more mature young reader to reflect on the social justice implications for prison reform.
Filipovic, Z. (1994). Zlata's diary: A child's life in sarjevo. London, England: Penguin Books.
Autobiography: Zlata Filipovic started her diary in
1991 at the age of eleven. It commences with her excitement at being in
fifth grade, her pride in her academic and musical studies, and her growing
concern about reports of unrest in the surrounding region. Then, in April of
1992, Sarajevo becomes the target of bombings and snipers, and recordings
are of her experiences with war being raged in her city--lack of food and
utilities, concern for her relatives and friends’ well-being, nights and days
spent in their cellar during the bombings. Yet through the war, Zlata records
joyous times: birthdays, seeing her grandparents after four months of being a
hostage in her own home, piano lessons, intermittent school classes, and frolicking
with her pets. Her recordings after the first anniversary of the Sarajevo siege
become ones of frustration with the “kids”, the political parties she views as
playing games with people’s lives. Despair can be seen in her later writings
during the fall of 1993. It’s during the fall of 1992 that Zlata's diary is noticed
by her teachers and excerpts are published. By the summer of 1993, journalists
around the world are flooding to Sarajevo to interview her. In one
heart-wrenching entry, Zlata records that her interview will be seen in the
United States that night on ABC’s Person of Interest. That same evening she’ll
be sheltering in her war-torn home without electricity and very little food.
This auto-biography is easily accessible to middle-school age children; it
provides a child’s progression from what she views as a wondrous childhood to
one of strife and loss of innocence. Young adult readers will be drawn into
this diary; and, as I did, desire to learn more about Zlata and her life since
her escape to Paris in December 1993.
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