Monday, April 21, 2014

Rule of Three

by Eric Walters

Summary:
When the power goes off in school, Adam is just happy it means early dismissal. But when no ones car starts and cell phones stop working, he realizes that things might be a bit more serious than he thought. In a world run by computers, what do we do when they all stop working? Adam and his family are about to find out in this gripping dystopian novel about what happens when the things we depend on suddenly are gone.

Review:
While there are some issues with the book, mainly that the female characters are relegated to the sidelines, this book should have broad appeal to teens of both genders. Though only 16, Dan becomes central to his neighborhoods survival. He is a likable character whose moral quandary's are very relatable. The destruction of all computers is an interesting concept, especially since so much of our everyday essentials (water, plumbing, electricity) have computer components which make it work. If all of that was to shut down society would be paralyzed. It's a good, fast paced read for those who like dystopian or adventure novels.

Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade

No Place

by Todd Strasser

Summary:
Imagine if your family lost everything, despite trying everything to keep it. How would you feel if you were suddenly homeless. Would you keep going to school? Would you be able to face your friends? Would you even be able to tell them? Would they care enough to help you and not just judge your family? Dan has always been taught that as long as you work hard in school and go to college everything will work out. But when both his parents lose their jobs, and can't find new ones, he learns that that privileged dream isn't quite what he was told.

Review:
The recession of the past few years have had enormous consequences on many. But for those fortunate enough to have done well, it's easy to forget those who have lost everything. Many families who never had cause to worry about homelessness no do. Those whose parents aren't able to find any work, kids who pick up odd jobs so that they can buy dinner for their families. Strasser's book tackles a tough subject that is hidden to many kids, either because they are not exposed to it or because anyone they know who is in that situation keeps it hidden. It's a powerful and realistic read about how precarious our situations can be. A small amount of violence keeps in pace with the novel, definitely a good read for teens of all ages.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age level: 8th Grade

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Picture Perfect

by Elaine Marie Alphin

Summary:
Imagine waking up in a closet to discover mud on your boots and your best friend missing. But you can't remember anything about how you got there or what happened. What if this wasn't the first time you had missed time? What would you believe? A thriller about the things the mind does to protect itself, this book will keep you guessing about who did what until the very end.

Review:
Picture Perfect is not only about Ian's best friend going missing, but about the power of perception. Tough topics like child abuse are covered, in particular verbal abuse which leaves fewer outside scars on it's victims. The book wraps up a little too nicely, but it's a good mystery which addresses some tough topics without being heavy handed.  Good to give to fans of 17 & Gone or Pretty Girl-13.

Genre: Mystery
Age Level: 9th Grade

The Winner's Curse

By Marie Rutkoski

Summary:
The daughter of a general in an ever expanding empire which makes those it conquers slaves, Kestral has lived a life of privilege. In an impulse decision, Kestral buys herself a slave named Arin, setting off a chain of events that she could never have anticipated. In a world where her people have always been in charge, she will suddenly become a pawn as the tides change against them. A fast paced read, The Winner's Curse will be difficult to put down.

Review:
The Winner's Curse is a fun and fast read. I had a hard time putting it down. Kestral is a great character, at first a little insipid, but grows dynamically as she faces challenges she didn't expect. The love story between her and Arin is believable and a great aspect to the book, and the ending sets up nicely for a sequel. A great book to give to fans of Landry Park, Pawn, or The Selection.

Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

The Impossible Knife of Memory

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Summary:
Hayley and her father moved back to his hometown to start over after spending the last five years on the road. But as she starts to settle into a normal life, her father's struggles with PTSD from his time in Iraq start to take over their lives. Though Hayley tries to keep his condition from her teachers and friends, she'll have to realize that sometimes you can't save the ones you love by yourself. A haunting look at PTSD, the book is a stark reminder that sometimes the worst scars we carry aren't ones you can see.

Review:
Anderson's book is an extremely powerful read about something that has affected so many people who've served, and how it has affected their families. Hayley is a great character, albeit sometimes a little older than her years (and sometimes extremely juvenile). The ending wraps up a little too nicely, but it's nice to imagine that things could be fixed. Overall it is a good read for anyone who likes realistic fiction, though the many references to excessive drinking and drugs make it a better read for older teens.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade

When Audrey met Alice

by Rebecca Behrens

Summary:
It's not all bad being the President's daughter, there's a kitchen with everything you could want, you get movies before they come out in theaters, books sent to you before they're published. But you've also always got to act perfect, support your mom, and do great in school. And having friends over? Don't even think about it without them passing security protocols. Audrey just wants a little more excitement. in her life. When she discovers Alice Roosevelt's diary hidden in her room, she gets more than a few ideas from Alice for how to make her White House experience a little more fun.

Review:
When Audrey Met Alice is a fun read sure to appeal to younger teen girls. Audrey is a great heroine, relateable even as the President's daughter- because how many 13 year old girls haven't felt trapped by their age and parents expectations. Alice Roosevelt is a great figure for girls to learn about, and the book should inspire many readers to learn more about her.

Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade