Weyn, S. (2004). The Barcode Tattoo. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. Point Thriller imprint.
•Plot Summary
Kayla is on the verge of her seventeenth birthday when her world falls apart. Already advised that despite her artistic talent she will not be eligible for scholarships due to sub par grades in her computer classes, she is devastated when her father commits suicide for unknown reasons related to the tattoo almost everyone in the U.S. over the age of seventeen has begun to wear, tattoos that contain information about everything from blood type to life history. Her mother becomes an alcoholic drug user, but will not tell Kayla what she knows, not even after Kayla finds her mother reading the FBI file on her father. The file reports more than just bank information and salary details now as well, it also contains information about a person's genetic code, information that world technology leader Global-1 is using in order to weed out Undesireables. Suddenly, only those with the right genetic information can advance in their jobs, and others (like Kayla's father) are fired. Global-1 has been manipulating the world food supply since 2015, but now they are also placing microchips in healthy babies, while the ones that show genetic codes given to predispositions for heart disease or mental illness (again like Kayla's father-a potential schizophrenic) are simply left to die in cold rooms or given lethal injections. As part of a group of young people trying to fight back against the barcode trend, Kayla becomes involved with charismatic Zekeal, but he is working as part of a group for Global-1, finally convinced that a rebellion will never succeed. Ultimately, Kayla flees to the Adirondack Mountains, a place she has been having visions about since she first joined with the group. Led by the psychic energy of a woman named Eutonah, Kayla and others develop their mental abilities rapidly, no longer influenced by the dulling work of Global-1's tactics or the company's strategy of disallowing further human evolution without their intervention. Together with the boy she loves, Mfumbe, Kayla at last feels enough resolve and assurance in the cause to plan a meeting in Washington, D.C. in order to overthrow the work Global-1 has done.
•Critical Evaluation
This is a heart-pounding race for time sort of novel, in which it's easy to get lost. Kayla is not a superheroine, even after developing her psychic abilities well enough to revive a dead bird, but this makes the story seem more plausible. She and her friends are young people caught in a complex series of manipulations by adults, and this novel helps revive the concept of be careful who you believe, and why.
•Reader’s Annotation
Good read for those concerned about how technology is homogenizing society as a whole, and the implications of being too easily led down a certain path.
•Information about the author
Suzanne Weyn was born in Flushing, New York, in 1955. Her father, Theodore, was a pharmacist, her mother, Jacqueline, an artist. Like Kayla, Suzanne was interested in art, but also theatre and literature all through high school and college. She graduated from Binghamton University in 1977, and became an editor of teen magazines for Starlog Press.
She has written over fifty novels for children and teens, mainly from the science fiction and fantasy genres, and has worked as an editor for Scholastic, Inc. She also teaches classes on expository and business writing for City College of New York, and NYU. She and her husband, William Gonzalez, have been married since 1986, and have two daughters.
•Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller
•Curriculum Ties
Computers, Technology, Global Commerce
•Booktalking Ideas
Dystopian novels, global takeover by corporations, loss of identity, de-civilization
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12/Ages 14-19
•Challenge Issues
N/A/
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I've always been interested in dystopian novels, and the concept of having to revert to a simpler lifestyle in order to avoid the "machine". When I picked up this novel, I thought it was only another sci fi thriller about the barcode, a concept discussed when I was in middle/high school, as a sort of "what if" concept. That Kayla and her friends ended up in the mountains, and regained some of what humanity might have lost or was slow in achieving due to too much tech, was just an added bonus.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Parrotfish
Wittlinger, E. (2007). Parrotfish. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN-10: 1416916229
ISBN-13: 9781416915222
•Plot Summary
Angela Katz-McNair has spent her entire life feeling like she was trapped in someone else's body, not the body of the boy he was meant to be. Now the time has come to change all that, and Angela has become Grady, making the shift from female to male at that most public of teen places-school. Grady's friends and family each have their own very individual responses to the news, some (like Grady's brother and father), taking the news better than others (like Grady's mother, sister, and Grady's former best friend, Eve). Grady's new friend, Sebastian, is writing a report on parrotfish, a species that can transition from female to male, and hopes that Grady will feel better about his own transition in seeing that he's not alone. When Eve finds out that her new "friend", Dayna, is planning to sabotage Grady, she has the courage to call Sebastian so that a plan can be laid to catch Danya in the act. The would-be saboteur loses most of her friends as a result, and Grady becomes an unsuspecting minor hero of the school.
The backdrop to the chaos is Grady's father's Christmas holiday traditions of putting up eight thousand decorations, and acting out a Dicken's style scenario (right down to the vests and Tiny Tim's crutch), despite the fact his wife is Jewish. Grady has fallen in love with Kita, his gorgeous classmate who has also stood up for him against Danya, but who ultimately ends up back with their friend, her ex boyfriend, Russ. Whereas it would have been easy to leave Grady as a hurt teen learning harsh lessons about being transgendered, the reader is instead given a wonderful Christmas play by the entire family (which now includes Sebastian, Eve, and the new family dog).
•Critical Evaluation
A simplistic look at life as a transgendered teen, which while it could have more intense, does a fairly good job of giving the uninformed a view into this phenomenon.
•Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for younger and older teens, a good introduction to the transgender experience through the eyes of a young person.
•Information about the author
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Social Science
Sexual Education
•Booktalking Ideas
Transgendered persons, bullying
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12/Ages 14-19
•Challenge Issues
Possibility of individuals protesting that being transgendered is unnatural, but as Sebastian points out, these people can be shown precedents in the animal kingdom.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Book part of the curriculum, but I might have chosen it anyway, having had transgendered friends since college.
ISBN-10: 1416916229
ISBN-13: 9781416915222
•Plot Summary
Angela Katz-McNair has spent her entire life feeling like she was trapped in someone else's body, not the body of the boy he was meant to be. Now the time has come to change all that, and Angela has become Grady, making the shift from female to male at that most public of teen places-school. Grady's friends and family each have their own very individual responses to the news, some (like Grady's brother and father), taking the news better than others (like Grady's mother, sister, and Grady's former best friend, Eve). Grady's new friend, Sebastian, is writing a report on parrotfish, a species that can transition from female to male, and hopes that Grady will feel better about his own transition in seeing that he's not alone. When Eve finds out that her new "friend", Dayna, is planning to sabotage Grady, she has the courage to call Sebastian so that a plan can be laid to catch Danya in the act. The would-be saboteur loses most of her friends as a result, and Grady becomes an unsuspecting minor hero of the school.
The backdrop to the chaos is Grady's father's Christmas holiday traditions of putting up eight thousand decorations, and acting out a Dicken's style scenario (right down to the vests and Tiny Tim's crutch), despite the fact his wife is Jewish. Grady has fallen in love with Kita, his gorgeous classmate who has also stood up for him against Danya, but who ultimately ends up back with their friend, her ex boyfriend, Russ. Whereas it would have been easy to leave Grady as a hurt teen learning harsh lessons about being transgendered, the reader is instead given a wonderful Christmas play by the entire family (which now includes Sebastian, Eve, and the new family dog).
•Critical Evaluation
A simplistic look at life as a transgendered teen, which while it could have more intense, does a fairly good job of giving the uninformed a view into this phenomenon.
•Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for younger and older teens, a good introduction to the transgender experience through the eyes of a young person.
•Information about the author
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Social Science
Sexual Education
•Booktalking Ideas
Transgendered persons, bullying
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12/Ages 14-19
•Challenge Issues
Possibility of individuals protesting that being transgendered is unnatural, but as Sebastian points out, these people can be shown precedents in the animal kingdom.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Book part of the curriculum, but I might have chosen it anyway, having had transgendered friends since college.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Hindenburg 1937
Dokey, C. (1999). Hindenburg 1937. New York, NY: Pocket Books.
ISBN-10: 0671036017
•Plot Summary
Anna Becker has, along with her brother (Kurt), been raised by their grandfather. She and her grandfather are virtually inseparable, and he has always taught her not just about literature, but also how to think for herself. After receiving a telegram, which he throws into the fire, Anna's grandfather suffers from an attack. She has been at his bedside, but he is dying, and gets her ticket for the trip they have been planning, out of his bedside table. He is asking her to promise him something, but dies with the Hindenburg ticket in hand, prompting Anna to understand he wishes her to take the trip that they had planned. The Hindenburg is the pride of Germany, currently on the verge of WWII, and very much swelling with nationalist pride due to Hilter's programs. Anna has no desire to be in any of the programs, but Kurt has entered the military, and their grandfather's death has placed him in charge of her future. Disinterested in her opinion, Kurt says that he has arranged for her to be a companion to the daughter of his friend, and that when she is ready she will be married to a German officer. Horrified, Anna tries to reason with her brother, but demures finally so that she can escape. Packing her items, she has a telegram delivered to her brother saying that his friend has become ill, and he must return to Berlin immediately. Anna is meant to follow, but instead goes to board the Hindenburg, alone. Aware that at sixteen she should not be seen without anyone else, she latches onto a handsome young man, pretending to be with him for the benefit of the inspectors. He plays along, but Anna is engaged in conversation with him when she hears a familiar voice. Turning, she is struck by the presence of Karl Mueller, a man who'd claimed to love her, then abandoned her. Her plan works smoothly, however, and she boards without anymore real trouble. Trouble finds her, however, when Karl reveals that the other man (Erik Peterson), with whom Anna has been talking a great deal, is believed to be a saboteur. For Germany, Karl insists that Anna spend her time with Erik, learning what she can-then reporting it back to him. Through a series of heated encounters with both men, Anna feels lost, and is helped by an older woman with whom she has become friends aboard the airship. Following her heart, Anna and Karl are drawn back together, and he explains he is not a spy for the Nazis as she believed, but for the airship maker, Zeppelin Company. Erik finds them together, but everything has been revealed too late, the ship already bound for disaster. Erik throws Anna from the ship as it begins to come apart, and she hits the ground a few feet below, the airship having been landing during the conversations. She survives, but Erik is killed, as are many others. Two days later, and as with her grandfather, Anna is holding vigil at Karl's bedside. He dies, and she realizes she will be returned to Germany, and what Kurt has arranged. Despite Karl's former threats to send her back unless she helped him spy on Erik, plans had been made with Karl's friend to rescue Anna, and only then is able to anticipate, with hope, a better future.
•Critical Evaluation
Although Anna occasionally comes across as somewhat flighty, her overall characterization is believable. At sixteen, her dilemma of feeling for two men is understandable, and the reconciliation with Karl appropriately warm, without being overblown. The explanations of the Hindenburg's workings, and the plot for Erik's sabotage are plausible.
•Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for older teens, as some of the romantic scenes might be dull to younger readers.
•Information about the author
Cameron Dokey was born in the Central Valley of California, daughter of a professor of philosophy, creative writing, and literature. She studied archaeology at Sonoma State University, but went into Shakespearean theatre, and met her husband while working as an actress in Seattle.
Dokey has written over thirty novels. Of these, several have been retellings of traditional fairytales, and three are novels based on the popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. She still lives in Seattle with her husband, and the couple have four cats.
•Genre
Historical Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
History
•Booktalking Ideas
Hindenburg disaster
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 11-12/Ages 16-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I love historical fiction, and felt there wasn't enough in my reviews. After watching a recent television program about the Hindenburg, I was interested in knowing more about it, and it was not a setting I had ever seen in a novel before.
ISBN-10: 0671036017
•Plot Summary
Anna Becker has, along with her brother (Kurt), been raised by their grandfather. She and her grandfather are virtually inseparable, and he has always taught her not just about literature, but also how to think for herself. After receiving a telegram, which he throws into the fire, Anna's grandfather suffers from an attack. She has been at his bedside, but he is dying, and gets her ticket for the trip they have been planning, out of his bedside table. He is asking her to promise him something, but dies with the Hindenburg ticket in hand, prompting Anna to understand he wishes her to take the trip that they had planned. The Hindenburg is the pride of Germany, currently on the verge of WWII, and very much swelling with nationalist pride due to Hilter's programs. Anna has no desire to be in any of the programs, but Kurt has entered the military, and their grandfather's death has placed him in charge of her future. Disinterested in her opinion, Kurt says that he has arranged for her to be a companion to the daughter of his friend, and that when she is ready she will be married to a German officer. Horrified, Anna tries to reason with her brother, but demures finally so that she can escape. Packing her items, she has a telegram delivered to her brother saying that his friend has become ill, and he must return to Berlin immediately. Anna is meant to follow, but instead goes to board the Hindenburg, alone. Aware that at sixteen she should not be seen without anyone else, she latches onto a handsome young man, pretending to be with him for the benefit of the inspectors. He plays along, but Anna is engaged in conversation with him when she hears a familiar voice. Turning, she is struck by the presence of Karl Mueller, a man who'd claimed to love her, then abandoned her. Her plan works smoothly, however, and she boards without anymore real trouble. Trouble finds her, however, when Karl reveals that the other man (Erik Peterson), with whom Anna has been talking a great deal, is believed to be a saboteur. For Germany, Karl insists that Anna spend her time with Erik, learning what she can-then reporting it back to him. Through a series of heated encounters with both men, Anna feels lost, and is helped by an older woman with whom she has become friends aboard the airship. Following her heart, Anna and Karl are drawn back together, and he explains he is not a spy for the Nazis as she believed, but for the airship maker, Zeppelin Company. Erik finds them together, but everything has been revealed too late, the ship already bound for disaster. Erik throws Anna from the ship as it begins to come apart, and she hits the ground a few feet below, the airship having been landing during the conversations. She survives, but Erik is killed, as are many others. Two days later, and as with her grandfather, Anna is holding vigil at Karl's bedside. He dies, and she realizes she will be returned to Germany, and what Kurt has arranged. Despite Karl's former threats to send her back unless she helped him spy on Erik, plans had been made with Karl's friend to rescue Anna, and only then is able to anticipate, with hope, a better future.
•Critical Evaluation
Although Anna occasionally comes across as somewhat flighty, her overall characterization is believable. At sixteen, her dilemma of feeling for two men is understandable, and the reconciliation with Karl appropriately warm, without being overblown. The explanations of the Hindenburg's workings, and the plot for Erik's sabotage are plausible.
•Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for older teens, as some of the romantic scenes might be dull to younger readers.
•Information about the author
Cameron Dokey was born in the Central Valley of California, daughter of a professor of philosophy, creative writing, and literature. She studied archaeology at Sonoma State University, but went into Shakespearean theatre, and met her husband while working as an actress in Seattle.
Dokey has written over thirty novels. Of these, several have been retellings of traditional fairytales, and three are novels based on the popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. She still lives in Seattle with her husband, and the couple have four cats.
•Genre
Historical Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
History
•Booktalking Ideas
Hindenburg disaster
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 11-12/Ages 16-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I love historical fiction, and felt there wasn't enough in my reviews. After watching a recent television program about the Hindenburg, I was interested in knowing more about it, and it was not a setting I had ever seen in a novel before.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
What I Saw and How I Lied
Blundell, J. (2008). What I Saw and How I Lied. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN-13: 9780439903486
•Plot Summary
Evie Spooner has always thought her mother (Bev) was beautiful, a woman with the looks of a movie star, and that her step-father, Joe, was just the sort of dad she'd wanted during a childhood of harsh living. It's 1947, and the lean years of WWII are over, rationing has ended, and Joe has started three appliance stores. Then, one night the phone rings, and the next morning Joe has Evie and her mother along for vacation in Palm Beach. It's the off season, and their hotel as very few guests, but it's at the pool that Evie meets Peter Coleridge, who served with Joe. As it turns out, the two made off with a small fortune in goods that had been confiscated first from the Jews by German soldiers, and then by Joe and Peter when the Nazi's surrendered. But Joe made it home first, and rather than save Peter's share as promised, he invests some, and keeps the rest. During this vacation, Joe meets Tom Grayson, and the two plan to buy/manage a hotel together, but Tom is thrown out of the existing hotel when it's discovered that he is Jewish. Evie falls in love with the handsome, sincere Peter, unaware that her mother has been carrying on an affair with him. It isn't until Joe, Bev, and Peter go out in a boat right before a hurricane hits Florida, that the truth begins to surface. Evie knows that what is described as an accident, may have been murder, and that her parents might have killed Peter in order to keep the remaining money. Following the inquest, during which Evie lies about having her own affair with Peter, she removes the remaining money from its home on a closet shelf. Joe had planned to use the money as a down payment on a dream house, but Evie gives it to Mrs. Grayson, knowing it means she will have to continue living with parents that might have lied to her, and Joe's mother, who while she paid for legal services, never even asked if Joe had killed Peter at all.
•Critical Evaluation
A smart read, it begins with an Evie that has managed to remain naive, despite the troubles she and her mother went through before Joe arrived in their lives. In the midst of falling in love, and knowing possible betrayal, Evie quickly matures into a woman.
•Reader’s Annotation
This book may initially come across as suitable for younger teens, but it quickly advances to what could be a wonderful film noire script. One could see this being a Hitchcock style film, especially with the late 40's setting.
•Information about the author
Judy Blundell was living in Palm Beach when she began thinking of the plot for this novel, so many of the street names are ones with which she is in fact familiar. Currently, she lives in Katonah, NY with her husband and daughter.
In 2004, her novel Premonitions became an ALA Reluctant Readers Best Picks and was also chosen by the New York Public Library as a 2004 Best Books for the Teen Age. She is working on the fourth book of the popular The 39 Clues series, and under the name Judy Watson, is working with Lucas Films by writing a journal for the Star Wars character Queen Amidala.
•Genre
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
•Curriculum Ties
History
•Booktalking Ideas
Racism following WWII, teenagers in the courtroom
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 11-12/Ages 16-19
•Challenge Issues
Evie is only fifteen, but she's in love with an older man, one her mother is having an affair with, and who is likely the target of her parents' homocide attempt. In combination, any of these factors could make this novel one to be challenged, but Blundell has set the entire novel in such a surreal way, that one almost overlooks the more reprehensible elements, even as they are pointed out.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I liked the cover on this one, it reminded me of Hollywood glamour, and I've always been a fan of movies from the 30's and 40's, especially the mysteries.
ISBN-13: 9780439903486
•Plot Summary
Evie Spooner has always thought her mother (Bev) was beautiful, a woman with the looks of a movie star, and that her step-father, Joe, was just the sort of dad she'd wanted during a childhood of harsh living. It's 1947, and the lean years of WWII are over, rationing has ended, and Joe has started three appliance stores. Then, one night the phone rings, and the next morning Joe has Evie and her mother along for vacation in Palm Beach. It's the off season, and their hotel as very few guests, but it's at the pool that Evie meets Peter Coleridge, who served with Joe. As it turns out, the two made off with a small fortune in goods that had been confiscated first from the Jews by German soldiers, and then by Joe and Peter when the Nazi's surrendered. But Joe made it home first, and rather than save Peter's share as promised, he invests some, and keeps the rest. During this vacation, Joe meets Tom Grayson, and the two plan to buy/manage a hotel together, but Tom is thrown out of the existing hotel when it's discovered that he is Jewish. Evie falls in love with the handsome, sincere Peter, unaware that her mother has been carrying on an affair with him. It isn't until Joe, Bev, and Peter go out in a boat right before a hurricane hits Florida, that the truth begins to surface. Evie knows that what is described as an accident, may have been murder, and that her parents might have killed Peter in order to keep the remaining money. Following the inquest, during which Evie lies about having her own affair with Peter, she removes the remaining money from its home on a closet shelf. Joe had planned to use the money as a down payment on a dream house, but Evie gives it to Mrs. Grayson, knowing it means she will have to continue living with parents that might have lied to her, and Joe's mother, who while she paid for legal services, never even asked if Joe had killed Peter at all.
•Critical Evaluation
A smart read, it begins with an Evie that has managed to remain naive, despite the troubles she and her mother went through before Joe arrived in their lives. In the midst of falling in love, and knowing possible betrayal, Evie quickly matures into a woman.
•Reader’s Annotation
This book may initially come across as suitable for younger teens, but it quickly advances to what could be a wonderful film noire script. One could see this being a Hitchcock style film, especially with the late 40's setting.
•Information about the author
Judy Blundell was living in Palm Beach when she began thinking of the plot for this novel, so many of the street names are ones with which she is in fact familiar. Currently, she lives in Katonah, NY with her husband and daughter.
In 2004, her novel Premonitions became an ALA Reluctant Readers Best Picks and was also chosen by the New York Public Library as a 2004 Best Books for the Teen Age. She is working on the fourth book of the popular The 39 Clues series, and under the name Judy Watson, is working with Lucas Films by writing a journal for the Star Wars character Queen Amidala.
•Genre
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
•Curriculum Ties
History
•Booktalking Ideas
Racism following WWII, teenagers in the courtroom
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 11-12/Ages 16-19
•Challenge Issues
Evie is only fifteen, but she's in love with an older man, one her mother is having an affair with, and who is likely the target of her parents' homocide attempt. In combination, any of these factors could make this novel one to be challenged, but Blundell has set the entire novel in such a surreal way, that one almost overlooks the more reprehensible elements, even as they are pointed out.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I liked the cover on this one, it reminded me of Hollywood glamour, and I've always been a fan of movies from the 30's and 40's, especially the mysteries.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Lisa, Bright and Dark
Neufeld, J. (1969). Lisa, Bright and Dark. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN-10: 0141304340
•Plot Summary
Lisa Shilling has everything going for her, at least on the surface. She is intelligent, beautiful, has a wondering relationship with her equally fantastic boyfriend (Brian), and three of the best friends a teen could have (Mary Nell, Betsy, and Elizabeth). Unfortunately for Lisa and her friends, she is also losing her mind. When explaining to her parents over the dinner table doesn't cause Lisa's parents to believe her condition, and her school counselor (Mr. Benrstein) seems unwilling to help, her friends agree to work as a group to help Lisa work through her problems. It takes Lisa stabbing herself with pin holes to have Mr. Bernstein talk to her parents, and then he only advises that her problem is related to stress and problems with Brian. She is sent to a home with elderly people, left alone to do as she likes, even after her return. But Lisa's bright days are dwindling, and more often she is wearing dark clothing, skulking about, whispering or talking to people that aren't there, and instilling fear in her classmates and school faculty. When she attacks brutally Elizabeth, the friends try speaking with her Lisa's parents, but they never see her odd behavior. Her English personality shields away that part of Lisa from their view, making it impossible for her behavior to cause them concern. Lisa's mother is concerned more with her image than her daughter's potential behavior, and Lisa's father is often away on business. As Lisa's behavior becomes more and more erratic, the friends agree not to let Lisa out of their sight. Betsy has finally realized why Lisa made friends with the coolly beautiful Elizabeth, and why Elizabeth did not fight back when attacked-Elizabeth experienced something similar. One evening while they are grouped at Betsy's house, her father comes into the room, and even Lisa greets him warmly. From there, she turns around, walking through a plate glass door. Bloody, she passes out on the lawn, and her mother is called. Mrs. Shilling strikes Elizabeth when she tries to explain she needs to listen, that Lisa is ill, and then tells the girls that Lisa's problems are their fault. She insists they not be around her daughter any longer, and after her stay at the hospital ends, Lisa returns home. Summer is closing in, and everyone except Betsy is scheduled to leave. Elizabeth also disappears for a few days, and Betsy is left to wonder what happened to her. When Elizabeth returns, it's because she has been to New York, and has brought her own former psychiatrist (Neil Donovan) home to see Lisa. News arrives in the paper that a teenage girl had swallowed barbiturates and been hospitalized, prompting the friends to find out if it was Lisa. Confirming that it was, and knowing her father is on his way back, the band of five (friends and psychiatrist) go to visit Lisa. She cries, glad there is someone finally present to help her, and the friends soon learn she is expected to return to school in about seven months. She may have a harder time than before, because the odd behavior that scared her schoolmates into silence won't be as apparent, but the story of her being in care will make her a target of ridicule.
•Critical Evaluation
Well-written, creative, yet informative look at life for a teen whose life is going out of her control. Lisa's plight is heart-wrenching, without being overly dramatic. Her friends' attempts at aid are individualized, and believable.
•Reader’s Annotation
Recommended for older teens, and those curious about mental health problems.
•Information about the author
John Neufeld was born in Chicago, and at age ten decided that he wanted to be a writer. He worked at writing through high school and college, finally moving to New York, where he worked in publishing.
He has written thirteen novels, primarily for young adults. Lisa, Bright and Dark was made into a television program, and was made a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year.
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Psychology
•Booktalking Ideas
Mental health issues, depression
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Mental illness runs in my family, and my mother has suffered from several "episodes" in her struggle. Even in today's society often goes misdiagnosed or untreated, especially among teens, and for many of the reasons held by Lisa's parents. I almost didn't include this one in my novels, because it was very personal, but I felt it was important to include a title such as this one in my selections.
ISBN-10: 0141304340
•Plot Summary
Lisa Shilling has everything going for her, at least on the surface. She is intelligent, beautiful, has a wondering relationship with her equally fantastic boyfriend (Brian), and three of the best friends a teen could have (Mary Nell, Betsy, and Elizabeth). Unfortunately for Lisa and her friends, she is also losing her mind. When explaining to her parents over the dinner table doesn't cause Lisa's parents to believe her condition, and her school counselor (Mr. Benrstein) seems unwilling to help, her friends agree to work as a group to help Lisa work through her problems. It takes Lisa stabbing herself with pin holes to have Mr. Bernstein talk to her parents, and then he only advises that her problem is related to stress and problems with Brian. She is sent to a home with elderly people, left alone to do as she likes, even after her return. But Lisa's bright days are dwindling, and more often she is wearing dark clothing, skulking about, whispering or talking to people that aren't there, and instilling fear in her classmates and school faculty. When she attacks brutally Elizabeth, the friends try speaking with her Lisa's parents, but they never see her odd behavior. Her English personality shields away that part of Lisa from their view, making it impossible for her behavior to cause them concern. Lisa's mother is concerned more with her image than her daughter's potential behavior, and Lisa's father is often away on business. As Lisa's behavior becomes more and more erratic, the friends agree not to let Lisa out of their sight. Betsy has finally realized why Lisa made friends with the coolly beautiful Elizabeth, and why Elizabeth did not fight back when attacked-Elizabeth experienced something similar. One evening while they are grouped at Betsy's house, her father comes into the room, and even Lisa greets him warmly. From there, she turns around, walking through a plate glass door. Bloody, she passes out on the lawn, and her mother is called. Mrs. Shilling strikes Elizabeth when she tries to explain she needs to listen, that Lisa is ill, and then tells the girls that Lisa's problems are their fault. She insists they not be around her daughter any longer, and after her stay at the hospital ends, Lisa returns home. Summer is closing in, and everyone except Betsy is scheduled to leave. Elizabeth also disappears for a few days, and Betsy is left to wonder what happened to her. When Elizabeth returns, it's because she has been to New York, and has brought her own former psychiatrist (Neil Donovan) home to see Lisa. News arrives in the paper that a teenage girl had swallowed barbiturates and been hospitalized, prompting the friends to find out if it was Lisa. Confirming that it was, and knowing her father is on his way back, the band of five (friends and psychiatrist) go to visit Lisa. She cries, glad there is someone finally present to help her, and the friends soon learn she is expected to return to school in about seven months. She may have a harder time than before, because the odd behavior that scared her schoolmates into silence won't be as apparent, but the story of her being in care will make her a target of ridicule.
•Critical Evaluation
Well-written, creative, yet informative look at life for a teen whose life is going out of her control. Lisa's plight is heart-wrenching, without being overly dramatic. Her friends' attempts at aid are individualized, and believable.
•Reader’s Annotation
Recommended for older teens, and those curious about mental health problems.
•Information about the author
John Neufeld was born in Chicago, and at age ten decided that he wanted to be a writer. He worked at writing through high school and college, finally moving to New York, where he worked in publishing.
He has written thirteen novels, primarily for young adults. Lisa, Bright and Dark was made into a television program, and was made a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year.
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Psychology
•Booktalking Ideas
Mental health issues, depression
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Mental illness runs in my family, and my mother has suffered from several "episodes" in her struggle. Even in today's society often goes misdiagnosed or untreated, especially among teens, and for many of the reasons held by Lisa's parents. I almost didn't include this one in my novels, because it was very personal, but I felt it was important to include a title such as this one in my selections.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Secret Life of Bees
Kidd, S. (2002). The Secret Life of Bees. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
ISBN-10: 0670894065
•Plot Summary
Lily Owens barely remembers her mother, and the day her mother died is just as vague. Lily's father, a brute named T.Ray, had loved Deborah, but turned against Lily because he says she was the one who shot her mother. Since that time, Lily has been taken care of by Rosaleen, a local African-American woman. When Rosaleen decides she is going to vote, the local racists get involved, and Rosaleen is beaten before taken into custody. Determined to escape, Lily springs Rosaleen from the hospital, and the two embark on a journey to Tiburon, South Carolina, where Lily knows her mother escaped when she tried to leave T.Ray prior to her death. While en route, Lily comes across a picture of a black Mary, one like her mother owned. She asks the storekeeper about the honey bottle on which the picture is attached, and the pair go to the Pepto-Bismol pink house owned by August Boatwright. When they arrived, August's sister (June), is immediately suspicious. Their sister May, who turns out to be mentally unstable due to the death of her twin years before, is completely inviting, as is August. After speaking with Lily, who claims she is going to Virginia to look for her aunt and offering to do work for some money to get there, it's established that both Rosaleen and Lily with remain to help. August teaches Lily everything she knows about bees, and Lily becomes friends with an African-American teen (Zach) who is later arrested when the authorities think he is responsible for throwing a bottle at a white man, breaking his nose. The family, Lily, and Rosaleen decide to keep the news from May, but when she finds out, she goes to her wall where normally she scripts her troubles down, and then places the pieces of paper into the wall to recover. This time, she doesn't recover, and her remains are found. Lily is told the story about how the Black Madonna came into the lives of the group, about how the figure (a ship's figurehead) had washed up on the shore when the slaves sent up their prayers for aid. Zach is released finally, although it it too late for May, and he is not quite the same individual that Lily had developed an attachment to through their hours alone with the bees. August relays to Lily the story of her mother, who August's mother had taken care of as a child, and about how Deborah had fled T.Ray before. she gives Lily the few remaining objects Deborah left behind, and when T.Ray comes to claim Lily, August talks him out of it. Lily runs to his truck to say goodbye, despite the years of abuse T.Ray exposed her to, because she knows it was because of her mother not loving him any longer. August, June, and their friends help one another in raising Lily, she attends school, and retains her connection to the Madonna.
•Critical Evaluation
Sad, but warming story about a young girl's desire to find out about her mother after years of abuse and neglect. The elements of the Black Madonna's influence on the lives of the Boatwrights and their friends, is inspiring.
•Reader’s Annotation
Written for adults, thought the main character is a pre-teen. Suitable for tween through adult audiences.
•Information about the author
Sue Monk Kidd grew up in Sylvester, Georgia and did not work toward becoming a writer until she was in her 40s, when she took a graduate course on writing at Emory University. Following this course, she wrote for several small literary publications, and has become well known for her novels and semi memoirs on the topic of mother and daughter relationships.
She has garnered several awards, including two New York Time's Bestseller Awards. The Secret Life of Bees was made into a motion picture in 2008, with several notable actors involved (Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Paul Bettany). Kidd now lives in Charleston, SC with her husband, and dog (Lily).
•Genre
Historical Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
History
Government
Social Sciences
•Booktalking Ideas
Race relations in the South, the Civil Rights Movement in America, Black Madonna
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-Adult
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Even though the main character is fourteen when the book begins, she grows exponentially, and I wanted to include more multicultural content in my selections.
ISBN-10: 0670894065
•Plot Summary
Lily Owens barely remembers her mother, and the day her mother died is just as vague. Lily's father, a brute named T.Ray, had loved Deborah, but turned against Lily because he says she was the one who shot her mother. Since that time, Lily has been taken care of by Rosaleen, a local African-American woman. When Rosaleen decides she is going to vote, the local racists get involved, and Rosaleen is beaten before taken into custody. Determined to escape, Lily springs Rosaleen from the hospital, and the two embark on a journey to Tiburon, South Carolina, where Lily knows her mother escaped when she tried to leave T.Ray prior to her death. While en route, Lily comes across a picture of a black Mary, one like her mother owned. She asks the storekeeper about the honey bottle on which the picture is attached, and the pair go to the Pepto-Bismol pink house owned by August Boatwright. When they arrived, August's sister (June), is immediately suspicious. Their sister May, who turns out to be mentally unstable due to the death of her twin years before, is completely inviting, as is August. After speaking with Lily, who claims she is going to Virginia to look for her aunt and offering to do work for some money to get there, it's established that both Rosaleen and Lily with remain to help. August teaches Lily everything she knows about bees, and Lily becomes friends with an African-American teen (Zach) who is later arrested when the authorities think he is responsible for throwing a bottle at a white man, breaking his nose. The family, Lily, and Rosaleen decide to keep the news from May, but when she finds out, she goes to her wall where normally she scripts her troubles down, and then places the pieces of paper into the wall to recover. This time, she doesn't recover, and her remains are found. Lily is told the story about how the Black Madonna came into the lives of the group, about how the figure (a ship's figurehead) had washed up on the shore when the slaves sent up their prayers for aid. Zach is released finally, although it it too late for May, and he is not quite the same individual that Lily had developed an attachment to through their hours alone with the bees. August relays to Lily the story of her mother, who August's mother had taken care of as a child, and about how Deborah had fled T.Ray before. she gives Lily the few remaining objects Deborah left behind, and when T.Ray comes to claim Lily, August talks him out of it. Lily runs to his truck to say goodbye, despite the years of abuse T.Ray exposed her to, because she knows it was because of her mother not loving him any longer. August, June, and their friends help one another in raising Lily, she attends school, and retains her connection to the Madonna.
•Critical Evaluation
Sad, but warming story about a young girl's desire to find out about her mother after years of abuse and neglect. The elements of the Black Madonna's influence on the lives of the Boatwrights and their friends, is inspiring.
•Reader’s Annotation
Written for adults, thought the main character is a pre-teen. Suitable for tween through adult audiences.
•Information about the author
Sue Monk Kidd grew up in Sylvester, Georgia and did not work toward becoming a writer until she was in her 40s, when she took a graduate course on writing at Emory University. Following this course, she wrote for several small literary publications, and has become well known for her novels and semi memoirs on the topic of mother and daughter relationships.
She has garnered several awards, including two New York Time's Bestseller Awards. The Secret Life of Bees was made into a motion picture in 2008, with several notable actors involved (Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Paul Bettany). Kidd now lives in Charleston, SC with her husband, and dog (Lily).
•Genre
Historical Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
History
Government
Social Sciences
•Booktalking Ideas
Race relations in the South, the Civil Rights Movement in America, Black Madonna
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-Adult
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Even though the main character is fourteen when the book begins, she grows exponentially, and I wanted to include more multicultural content in my selections.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Teach Me
Nelson, R. (2005). Teach Me. New York, NY: Razor Bill.
ISBN-13: 9781595140852
•Plot Summary
"Nine" Carolina is a focused young woman, months away from her high school graduation, whose life has always revolved around astronomy and her best friend, Schuyler. But the day she meets her new English teacher, Mr.Mann, all that begins to change. What starts as conversations about Emily Dickenson, becomes a heated love affair with discussions of marriage and children. Switching between her present plans, and memories about their time together, the reader travels with Nine along the bitter path of being dumped for no apparent reason, finding out later that Mr.Mann has married a young woman in her third year of college because she is pregnant, and he is a coward. In a startling scene where Nine smuggles a gun into Mr.Mann's poetry reading, the reader will hold their breath, only letting it out again when they realize the gun is for paint ball. Things are not relaxed for long, however, and Nine has literally dragged her best friend underwater with her when she trails Mr.Mann in her car and skids off the road. The ending is not necessarily a happy one, but it's the best one, with a sense of poetic justice in the life Mr.Mann is left to live while Nine goes on with hers.
•Critical Evaluation
Racy account of a young woman's love affair, but the emotions are perfectly orchestrated, and not shedding a few tears over Nine's dilemma is almost impossible. A good book for anyone who has ever had a crush on that one brilliant teacher, who may not be so brilliant after all. For a male author, Nelson has convincingly framed out the feelings of a teenage girl in love.
•Reader’s Annotation
Not suitable for younger teens due to language, and sexual content. Nine may be led down the wrong road for awhile, and while her feelings are raw, her comeback is worthy of attention.
•Information about the author
Like Nine, author R.A. Nelson has attachments to Mark Twain, and was born in Alabama. As a child, he wanted to be an astronaut, then a time traveler, and possible a pioneer in colonial America. He enjoys reading, travel, spending time with his family, and studying quantum physics.
Currently, Nelson has written three novels. Teach Me and Breathe My Name were both nominated for the YALSA Best Books for Young Adults list. Teach Me was on Teenreads.com Best Of list for 2005. Nelson was chosen as a Horn Book Newcomer in 2005, and his books have been recognized by the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list and the Booksense Kid Picks. His third novel, Days of Little Texas, comes out in July. His fourth, Throat, is scheduled for publication in the fall.
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Astronomy
Social Science
•Booktalking Ideas
Current events, student/teacher relationships, crushes, astronomy
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19
•Challenge Issues
Obvious points of tension with parents and school districts, but I would point out that sometimes these relationships do exist, and Nine makes a recovery after learning of her teacher's cowardice.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Initially, I was just intrigued by the plot. I never had one of those crushes on a handsome older teacher, but the idea was interesting. In the end, there were quite a few parallels between myself and Nine, from the skidding off the road into water deep enough to drown, to living in the South, to being dumped by someone out of the blue.
ISBN-13: 9781595140852
•Plot Summary
"Nine" Carolina is a focused young woman, months away from her high school graduation, whose life has always revolved around astronomy and her best friend, Schuyler. But the day she meets her new English teacher, Mr.Mann, all that begins to change. What starts as conversations about Emily Dickenson, becomes a heated love affair with discussions of marriage and children. Switching between her present plans, and memories about their time together, the reader travels with Nine along the bitter path of being dumped for no apparent reason, finding out later that Mr.Mann has married a young woman in her third year of college because she is pregnant, and he is a coward. In a startling scene where Nine smuggles a gun into Mr.Mann's poetry reading, the reader will hold their breath, only letting it out again when they realize the gun is for paint ball. Things are not relaxed for long, however, and Nine has literally dragged her best friend underwater with her when she trails Mr.Mann in her car and skids off the road. The ending is not necessarily a happy one, but it's the best one, with a sense of poetic justice in the life Mr.Mann is left to live while Nine goes on with hers.
•Critical Evaluation
Racy account of a young woman's love affair, but the emotions are perfectly orchestrated, and not shedding a few tears over Nine's dilemma is almost impossible. A good book for anyone who has ever had a crush on that one brilliant teacher, who may not be so brilliant after all. For a male author, Nelson has convincingly framed out the feelings of a teenage girl in love.
•Reader’s Annotation
Not suitable for younger teens due to language, and sexual content. Nine may be led down the wrong road for awhile, and while her feelings are raw, her comeback is worthy of attention.
•Information about the author
Like Nine, author R.A. Nelson has attachments to Mark Twain, and was born in Alabama. As a child, he wanted to be an astronaut, then a time traveler, and possible a pioneer in colonial America. He enjoys reading, travel, spending time with his family, and studying quantum physics.
Currently, Nelson has written three novels. Teach Me and Breathe My Name were both nominated for the YALSA Best Books for Young Adults list. Teach Me was on Teenreads.com Best Of list for 2005. Nelson was chosen as a Horn Book Newcomer in 2005, and his books have been recognized by the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list and the Booksense Kid Picks. His third novel, Days of Little Texas, comes out in July. His fourth, Throat, is scheduled for publication in the fall.
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Astronomy
Social Science
•Booktalking Ideas
Current events, student/teacher relationships, crushes, astronomy
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19
•Challenge Issues
Obvious points of tension with parents and school districts, but I would point out that sometimes these relationships do exist, and Nine makes a recovery after learning of her teacher's cowardice.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Initially, I was just intrigued by the plot. I never had one of those crushes on a handsome older teacher, but the idea was interesting. In the end, there were quite a few parallels between myself and Nine, from the skidding off the road into water deep enough to drown, to living in the South, to being dumped by someone out of the blue.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Green Witch
Hoffman, A. (2010). Green Witch. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN-13: 9780545141956
•Plot Summary
In the sequel to Green Angel, Hoffman brings us back into the world of Green. In the previous novel, Green reclaimed her name, and was astounded as her tattoos took on lives of their own. She helped her nearby neighbors cope, and kept them fed, but lost her love-the boy she called Diamond. In this book, Green sets out to record the stories of the villagers, and those in the city that lost their loved ones. She crafts special paper for each story, especially for a group of women that have been dubbed witches since the bombing, and those papers are magically transformed.
When she discovers that Heather, her former schoolmate and a girl she tried to help after the disaster, is alive, and trapped by the ones responsible for the bombing, she also goes on a rescue mission. Aided by Heather's younger brother, Green saves some of her own people, those of the terrorist that rebelled against the methods their leaders were using, and Diamond.
•Critical Evaluation
A fantastic sequel. Green grows, and we're privileged to watch her story unfold. She's bright, and has a new serenity that was lacking in the chaos of the first book. During the rescue, she is a cool customer, and afterward, something of a mother figure to her new family.
•Reader’s Annotation
Whereas much of Green Angel was about destruction, and the seeds of possibility, Green Witch is about growth.
•Information about the author
Alice Hoffman was born in New Jersey in 1952, and was an avid actress in school plays until the age of 20, when she discovered writing. She received a B.A. in English and Anthropology from Adelphi University, and an M.A. in creative writing. By the age of 25, she has written her first novel, Of Property.
She has written for several television series, published almost twenty-five novels for adults, hand six novels in the young adult genre. Her novels are based primarily on historical or paranormal themes. She lived in New York City from 1983 to 2003, but currently lives with her husband and children in Boston.
•Genre
Fantasy
•Curriculum Ties
Current events
•Booktalking Ideas
Terrorism, crafts (specialty papers), planting
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8-12/Ages 13-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Again, Hoffman was my author for the study and genre paper, but I just enjoy her books. Green Witch is a perfect sequel, lacking none of the charm that was present in the first book.
ISBN-13: 9780545141956
•Plot Summary
In the sequel to Green Angel, Hoffman brings us back into the world of Green. In the previous novel, Green reclaimed her name, and was astounded as her tattoos took on lives of their own. She helped her nearby neighbors cope, and kept them fed, but lost her love-the boy she called Diamond. In this book, Green sets out to record the stories of the villagers, and those in the city that lost their loved ones. She crafts special paper for each story, especially for a group of women that have been dubbed witches since the bombing, and those papers are magically transformed.
When she discovers that Heather, her former schoolmate and a girl she tried to help after the disaster, is alive, and trapped by the ones responsible for the bombing, she also goes on a rescue mission. Aided by Heather's younger brother, Green saves some of her own people, those of the terrorist that rebelled against the methods their leaders were using, and Diamond.
•Critical Evaluation
A fantastic sequel. Green grows, and we're privileged to watch her story unfold. She's bright, and has a new serenity that was lacking in the chaos of the first book. During the rescue, she is a cool customer, and afterward, something of a mother figure to her new family.
•Reader’s Annotation
Whereas much of Green Angel was about destruction, and the seeds of possibility, Green Witch is about growth.
•Information about the author
Alice Hoffman was born in New Jersey in 1952, and was an avid actress in school plays until the age of 20, when she discovered writing. She received a B.A. in English and Anthropology from Adelphi University, and an M.A. in creative writing. By the age of 25, she has written her first novel, Of Property.
She has written for several television series, published almost twenty-five novels for adults, hand six novels in the young adult genre. Her novels are based primarily on historical or paranormal themes. She lived in New York City from 1983 to 2003, but currently lives with her husband and children in Boston.
•Genre
Fantasy
•Curriculum Ties
Current events
•Booktalking Ideas
Terrorism, crafts (specialty papers), planting
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8-12/Ages 13-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
Again, Hoffman was my author for the study and genre paper, but I just enjoy her books. Green Witch is a perfect sequel, lacking none of the charm that was present in the first book.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Green Angel
Hoffman, A. (2010). Green Angel. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN-13: 9780545204118
•Plot Summary
When Green's family goes to the city to sell the vegetables grown in their village garden, Green is left at home to further work the land, a fact she resents until she witnesses the city being bombed. Made partially blind by the rain of embers and ash in the air, she renames herself Ash as she struggles to survive in a house alone. Confronted by theft, and unable to drag herself out of her depression, she hides under a table with the family dog. Eventually, she pulls herself out, cuts off all her hair, places nails in her shoes, and thorns on her father's old cloak in order to trade with the locals. She tattoos thorns, bats, and other dark creatures on her body with pins and ink, the marks eventually evolving into sprouting roses as she helps her neighbors, local children, and mute boy she names Diamond, readjust to the world around them.
•Critical Evaluation
Green begins as a questionable character, but blossoms into one that is truly astounding. With its pointed allusions to the events of 9/11, this small book contains a marvelous heroine, and does not succumb to over emotional jargon to convey the lives of people trying to learn to live again after the deaths of their friends and family.
•Reader’s Annotation
Green is fifteen when the book begins, but makes a good role model for teen girls of any age. Characterizations are solid, and believable.
•Information about the author
Alice Hoffman was born in New Jersey in 1952, and was an avid actress in school plays until the age of 20, when she discovered writing. She received a B.A. in English and Anthropology from Adelphi University, and an M.A. in creative writing. By the age of 25, she has written her first novel, Of Property.
She has written for several television series, published almost twenty-five novels for adults, hand six novels in the young adult genre. Her novels are based primarily on historical or paranormal themes. She lived in New York City from 1983 to 2003, but currently lives with her husband and children in Boston.
•Genre
Fantasy
•Curriculum Ties
Current events
•Booktalking Ideas
Terrorism, mourning
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8-12/Ages 13-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A/
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I wrote my author and genre study on Alice Hoffman, and this was one of her teen titles, but I would have included it anyway. It's a small book, but has huge impact, and the whole story is brilliant. Hoffman has a way of expressing even the saddest of events in a way that is bold, and grabs you.
ISBN-13: 9780545204118
•Plot Summary
When Green's family goes to the city to sell the vegetables grown in their village garden, Green is left at home to further work the land, a fact she resents until she witnesses the city being bombed. Made partially blind by the rain of embers and ash in the air, she renames herself Ash as she struggles to survive in a house alone. Confronted by theft, and unable to drag herself out of her depression, she hides under a table with the family dog. Eventually, she pulls herself out, cuts off all her hair, places nails in her shoes, and thorns on her father's old cloak in order to trade with the locals. She tattoos thorns, bats, and other dark creatures on her body with pins and ink, the marks eventually evolving into sprouting roses as she helps her neighbors, local children, and mute boy she names Diamond, readjust to the world around them.
•Critical Evaluation
Green begins as a questionable character, but blossoms into one that is truly astounding. With its pointed allusions to the events of 9/11, this small book contains a marvelous heroine, and does not succumb to over emotional jargon to convey the lives of people trying to learn to live again after the deaths of their friends and family.
•Reader’s Annotation
Green is fifteen when the book begins, but makes a good role model for teen girls of any age. Characterizations are solid, and believable.
•Information about the author
Alice Hoffman was born in New Jersey in 1952, and was an avid actress in school plays until the age of 20, when she discovered writing. She received a B.A. in English and Anthropology from Adelphi University, and an M.A. in creative writing. By the age of 25, she has written her first novel, Of Property.
She has written for several television series, published almost twenty-five novels for adults, hand six novels in the young adult genre. Her novels are based primarily on historical or paranormal themes. She lived in New York City from 1983 to 2003, but currently lives with her husband and children in Boston.
•Genre
Fantasy
•Curriculum Ties
Current events
•Booktalking Ideas
Terrorism, mourning
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8-12/Ages 13-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A/
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I wrote my author and genre study on Alice Hoffman, and this was one of her teen titles, but I would have included it anyway. It's a small book, but has huge impact, and the whole story is brilliant. Hoffman has a way of expressing even the saddest of events in a way that is bold, and grabs you.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Austen, J., & Grahame-Smith, S. (2009). Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books.
ISBN-13: 9781594743344
•Plot Summary
Lizzie Bennett is one of give girls in the Bennett family, the second to the oldest, and the most proficient at helping rid her region of Unmentionables-aka Zombies. Taking the original Jane Austen classic, author Seth Grahame-Smith has revamped (or newly zombied) the material with the insertion of a plague that has been sweeping across England for two years. As the tale opens, the Unmentionables have been dormant, but rise again. Like the original, Lizzie still comes head to head with the insufferable Mr.Darcy, sister Jane still falls in love with the sweet and fabulously wealthy Mr.Bingley, and Mr.Darcy tries to thwart Jane's happiness-to the detriment of his own friendship/relationship with Lizzie. Lizzie still turns down her cousin, Mr.Collins, as he is ridiculous. Her best friend, Charlotte, still agrees to marry him days later. Lady Catherine is still too overbearing, and in the end, Mr.Darcy still saves the day. Unlike the original, Charlotte marries Mr.Collins because she is becoming a zombie and wants a husband to behead and bury her-he just doesn't notice the fact she is gray, and covered in sores. Lady Catherine is trying to find a cure for the plague, and her first altercation with Lizzie involves not just family, but a dispute over ninjas. Mr.Darcy still throws Bingley off from Jane due to Lizzie's family, but also because he mistakes Jane's cold as a possible sign of her becoming a zombie. When Lady Catherine comes to confront Lizzie about a possible alliance with Mr.Darcy, the two have more than a battle of words, they also have a battle of katanas and ninjas. Mr.Darcy still foots the bills for Lydia's running away with Mr.Wickham, but he and Lizzie have to finish off a few hundred zombies before they can have their happily ever after.
•Critical Evaluation
Hilarious recycling of Austen's original material, keeping all of the elements that caused us to have love/hate relationships with Darcy, Mr.Collins, Lydia, and Lady Catherine, as well as find Jane and Lizzie endearing. Gives the reader the same taste of language as Austen too.
•Reader’s Annotation
Perfect introduction to Austen's ability to create period satire, especially for reluctant teen readers. All the features of the original, but with today's brand of humor to keep the reader amused.
•Information about the author
The author, actually named Seth Jared Greenberg is from Rockville Center, New York. Born on January 4, 1976, he is not just an author, but also a film producer. Besides this novel, has also written an alternative novel about Abraham Lincoln and vampires, though his intended prequel to this novel was unable to be completed by Greenberg, and was written by another author instead.
Besides writing the novels, and a book on porn, Greenberg has also authored an Incredible Hulk comic book, and is in the process of producing a film based on the Abraham Lincoln novel.
•Genre
Humor
•Curriculum Ties
English Literature
•Booktalking Ideas
Classics and humor, alternative novels
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I loved Austen's original novel, but the addition of a zombie element was too good to pass up. The classic style of the cover, combined with the unorthodox show of blood on the lady's mouth, definitely drew my attention.
ISBN-13: 9781594743344
•Plot Summary
Lizzie Bennett is one of give girls in the Bennett family, the second to the oldest, and the most proficient at helping rid her region of Unmentionables-aka Zombies. Taking the original Jane Austen classic, author Seth Grahame-Smith has revamped (or newly zombied) the material with the insertion of a plague that has been sweeping across England for two years. As the tale opens, the Unmentionables have been dormant, but rise again. Like the original, Lizzie still comes head to head with the insufferable Mr.Darcy, sister Jane still falls in love with the sweet and fabulously wealthy Mr.Bingley, and Mr.Darcy tries to thwart Jane's happiness-to the detriment of his own friendship/relationship with Lizzie. Lizzie still turns down her cousin, Mr.Collins, as he is ridiculous. Her best friend, Charlotte, still agrees to marry him days later. Lady Catherine is still too overbearing, and in the end, Mr.Darcy still saves the day. Unlike the original, Charlotte marries Mr.Collins because she is becoming a zombie and wants a husband to behead and bury her-he just doesn't notice the fact she is gray, and covered in sores. Lady Catherine is trying to find a cure for the plague, and her first altercation with Lizzie involves not just family, but a dispute over ninjas. Mr.Darcy still throws Bingley off from Jane due to Lizzie's family, but also because he mistakes Jane's cold as a possible sign of her becoming a zombie. When Lady Catherine comes to confront Lizzie about a possible alliance with Mr.Darcy, the two have more than a battle of words, they also have a battle of katanas and ninjas. Mr.Darcy still foots the bills for Lydia's running away with Mr.Wickham, but he and Lizzie have to finish off a few hundred zombies before they can have their happily ever after.
•Critical Evaluation
Hilarious recycling of Austen's original material, keeping all of the elements that caused us to have love/hate relationships with Darcy, Mr.Collins, Lydia, and Lady Catherine, as well as find Jane and Lizzie endearing. Gives the reader the same taste of language as Austen too.
•Reader’s Annotation
Perfect introduction to Austen's ability to create period satire, especially for reluctant teen readers. All the features of the original, but with today's brand of humor to keep the reader amused.
•Information about the author
The author, actually named Seth Jared Greenberg is from Rockville Center, New York. Born on January 4, 1976, he is not just an author, but also a film producer. Besides this novel, has also written an alternative novel about Abraham Lincoln and vampires, though his intended prequel to this novel was unable to be completed by Greenberg, and was written by another author instead.
Besides writing the novels, and a book on porn, Greenberg has also authored an Incredible Hulk comic book, and is in the process of producing a film based on the Abraham Lincoln novel.
•Genre
Humor
•Curriculum Ties
English Literature
•Booktalking Ideas
Classics and humor, alternative novels
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I loved Austen's original novel, but the addition of a zombie element was too good to pass up. The classic style of the cover, combined with the unorthodox show of blood on the lady's mouth, definitely drew my attention.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Boy Who Couldn't Die
Sleator, W. (2006). The Boy Who Couldn't Die. New York, NY: Amulet Books.
ISBN-13: 9780810987906
•Plot Summary
Just two weeks ago, Ken's best friend (Roger) died in a plane crash. Now Ken is terrified of dying as well, and is determined to become invulnerable. Meeting with Cheri Buttercup in her New York apartment, he pays her fifty dollars to make it so that he can never die. Almost immediately, Ken starts having odd, graphic dreams. He doesn't know what they mean, but has managed to not be burned by a pot taken straight from the oven or have anything broken after being attacked by the school bully and his friends for taking the guy's girlfriend (Kaitlin) out on a date. He notices that food now lacks most flavor, and he doesn't derive real satisfaction from anything anymore, but hears about a shark attack near St. Calao and is determined to come face to face with one himself. Convincing his parents to take the trip, the trio journey to the island, where Ken and his father take lessons to earn their diving certification. Once Ken has his certificate, he goes farther into the water than he is supposed to, and finds his shark. Yet, he had not planned on one of the diving instructors, a girl his own age (Sabine), following him. The shark tries to bite his leg off, but is unsuccessful, and Ken must explain to Sabine the truth about his meeting with Cheri. Horrified, Sabine explains that Ken has been duped, that Cheri has made him an astral zombie using voodoo magic of a bad kind. Equally worried now, Ken goes to meet with Cheri when he returns to New York, but finds out she wants fifty thousand dollars to return his soul to him. Knowing there is no way for him to get that kind of money, even with his wealthy parents involved, he consults Sabine via email. She has already told him to take something personal, but not magical, from Cheri's apartment. Together, the two make a plan based on dreams Ken has had, finding the location where his soul may be kept. They travel to the Adirondack Mountains, and must dive into a frozen lack in order to infiltrate the cave where Cheri has hidden Ken's soul. Ken has had another dream, and realizes that the innkeeper (Mrs. Harding) where they are staying is also one of Cheri's zombies, one that tries to attack Sabine in the middle of the night. She is thwarted by Sabine, but the time is running out, and they find that they guardian awaiting them in the cave is Roger. Successful in pinning the chain binding him, to the wall, they begin to search all the bottles Cheri has hidden in the cave. Their air tanks are running out of oxygen, and when Ken locates his soul in a Calvin Klein perfume bottle, he is as vulnerable as Sabine. They slowly ascend, and are concerned when they realize they have to remain another night at the inn. Ken awakens at 4 am, wondering why Mrs. Harding hasn't tried to attack again-Cheri believes she still has his soul, because it is still in the bottle. After searching the house, they realize the Hardings are gone, and that they were only present on an astral level. Like Ken, they have been doing Cheri's bidding, only as a pair. After a delay in their return due to snow in New York, Ken and Sabine call his mother. Cheri has put in a call claiming that she has Ken in her possession, and has demanded one hundred thousand dollars for his return. Plotting with Ken's dad, although his parents just believe he was gullible and convinced his soul was taken, the pair involve the police. People have claimed before that they were forced to commit murders, then disappeared before the police could do anything about it. Believing Ken must know what he is doing, it is agree that Ken's father will leave a briefcase of "money" for Cheri to pick up. Just as Cheri emerges, so do two Kens, the one released from the bottle fusing with the physical version. Cheri is arrested, and receives a life sentence, not to mention a restriction from the other voodoo practitioners for her work as a bokor (practitioner of bad voodoo magic). Ken and Sabine, along with his parents, return to the cave when Summer arrives. They must free Roger, as well as the other zombies. When they reach the cave, Roger is gone, replaced by a man Ken had killed early on in a dream. He fights with Sabine, and pieces begin to fit together. Sabine is a zombie as well, also of the astral variety, and now Ken must wonder if a whole human can ever love a zombie.
•Critical Evaluation
Swift, clever novel, only occasionally mired down by too much description of things such as money spent on Ken's trip, and similar situations. Were Ken's parents not wealthy, the actual circumstances would have been very different, as much of the story does hinge on Ken's easy access to funds.
•Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for all teens. Nothing to violent or graphic, and language is mild.
•Information about the author
•Genre
Fantasy
•Curriculum Ties
Religion
Social Science
•Booktalking Ideas
Voodoo, zombies
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12/Ages 14-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
This novel seemed to have an imaginative plot, and a lot of action.
ISBN-13: 9780810987906
•Plot Summary
Just two weeks ago, Ken's best friend (Roger) died in a plane crash. Now Ken is terrified of dying as well, and is determined to become invulnerable. Meeting with Cheri Buttercup in her New York apartment, he pays her fifty dollars to make it so that he can never die. Almost immediately, Ken starts having odd, graphic dreams. He doesn't know what they mean, but has managed to not be burned by a pot taken straight from the oven or have anything broken after being attacked by the school bully and his friends for taking the guy's girlfriend (Kaitlin) out on a date. He notices that food now lacks most flavor, and he doesn't derive real satisfaction from anything anymore, but hears about a shark attack near St. Calao and is determined to come face to face with one himself. Convincing his parents to take the trip, the trio journey to the island, where Ken and his father take lessons to earn their diving certification. Once Ken has his certificate, he goes farther into the water than he is supposed to, and finds his shark. Yet, he had not planned on one of the diving instructors, a girl his own age (Sabine), following him. The shark tries to bite his leg off, but is unsuccessful, and Ken must explain to Sabine the truth about his meeting with Cheri. Horrified, Sabine explains that Ken has been duped, that Cheri has made him an astral zombie using voodoo magic of a bad kind. Equally worried now, Ken goes to meet with Cheri when he returns to New York, but finds out she wants fifty thousand dollars to return his soul to him. Knowing there is no way for him to get that kind of money, even with his wealthy parents involved, he consults Sabine via email. She has already told him to take something personal, but not magical, from Cheri's apartment. Together, the two make a plan based on dreams Ken has had, finding the location where his soul may be kept. They travel to the Adirondack Mountains, and must dive into a frozen lack in order to infiltrate the cave where Cheri has hidden Ken's soul. Ken has had another dream, and realizes that the innkeeper (Mrs. Harding) where they are staying is also one of Cheri's zombies, one that tries to attack Sabine in the middle of the night. She is thwarted by Sabine, but the time is running out, and they find that they guardian awaiting them in the cave is Roger. Successful in pinning the chain binding him, to the wall, they begin to search all the bottles Cheri has hidden in the cave. Their air tanks are running out of oxygen, and when Ken locates his soul in a Calvin Klein perfume bottle, he is as vulnerable as Sabine. They slowly ascend, and are concerned when they realize they have to remain another night at the inn. Ken awakens at 4 am, wondering why Mrs. Harding hasn't tried to attack again-Cheri believes she still has his soul, because it is still in the bottle. After searching the house, they realize the Hardings are gone, and that they were only present on an astral level. Like Ken, they have been doing Cheri's bidding, only as a pair. After a delay in their return due to snow in New York, Ken and Sabine call his mother. Cheri has put in a call claiming that she has Ken in her possession, and has demanded one hundred thousand dollars for his return. Plotting with Ken's dad, although his parents just believe he was gullible and convinced his soul was taken, the pair involve the police. People have claimed before that they were forced to commit murders, then disappeared before the police could do anything about it. Believing Ken must know what he is doing, it is agree that Ken's father will leave a briefcase of "money" for Cheri to pick up. Just as Cheri emerges, so do two Kens, the one released from the bottle fusing with the physical version. Cheri is arrested, and receives a life sentence, not to mention a restriction from the other voodoo practitioners for her work as a bokor (practitioner of bad voodoo magic). Ken and Sabine, along with his parents, return to the cave when Summer arrives. They must free Roger, as well as the other zombies. When they reach the cave, Roger is gone, replaced by a man Ken had killed early on in a dream. He fights with Sabine, and pieces begin to fit together. Sabine is a zombie as well, also of the astral variety, and now Ken must wonder if a whole human can ever love a zombie.
•Critical Evaluation
Swift, clever novel, only occasionally mired down by too much description of things such as money spent on Ken's trip, and similar situations. Were Ken's parents not wealthy, the actual circumstances would have been very different, as much of the story does hinge on Ken's easy access to funds.
•Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for all teens. Nothing to violent or graphic, and language is mild.
•Information about the author
•Genre
Fantasy
•Curriculum Ties
Religion
Social Science
•Booktalking Ideas
Voodoo, zombies
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12/Ages 14-18
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
This novel seemed to have an imaginative plot, and a lot of action.
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