by William Campbell Powell
Summary:
Tania has always believed she was rare. One of the few human children in a world where most are actually robots. But when that turns out to be a lie, she finds herself at the center of a debate about what it truly means to be human. And she only has until her 18th birthday to prove she has a right to exist.
Review:
A poignant book about what it means to be human, Expiration Day is a good read to hand to teens who like science fiction. Tania is very relatable as explores what she is and what that means for her life. Though a robot, she is extremely human, making her struggles growing up very similar to those we all undergo. The book wraps up pretty neatly, with a twist at the end that makes the difficult choices leading up to it ok. Good for younger teens as well as slightly older ones, it would be a little simple for older teens to really appreciate.
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
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
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
Friday, March 14, 2014
Landry Park
by Bethany Hagen
Summary:
In a future United States where everything is powered by nuclear energy, Madeline Landry has lived a privileged life as one of the Gentry, the ruling upper class. As her father presses her to marry rather than go to college, she finds herself rebelling against things she's believed since childhood. A chance encounter with the oppressed lower classes called the Rootless leaves her questioning the reasons that society has been split into classes. She'll have to decide whether she can leave her life of luxury behind to fight for those who pay the price for it.
Review:
With so many dystopian novels out there it's easy for another to blend in. However Landry Park does an excellent job of bringing another dimension to the field. The society is a return to 19th century strict class rules. Madeline is a character who is believable in their struggle, it's easy to want moral justice for everyone but hard to leave a life where you want for nothing. It's a good read for fans of Downton Abbey or the Selection. There's little real violence in it, nor sex, though does feature a little drinking. It's overall a good book you can easily give to any teen.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
In a future United States where everything is powered by nuclear energy, Madeline Landry has lived a privileged life as one of the Gentry, the ruling upper class. As her father presses her to marry rather than go to college, she finds herself rebelling against things she's believed since childhood. A chance encounter with the oppressed lower classes called the Rootless leaves her questioning the reasons that society has been split into classes. She'll have to decide whether she can leave her life of luxury behind to fight for those who pay the price for it.
Review:
With so many dystopian novels out there it's easy for another to blend in. However Landry Park does an excellent job of bringing another dimension to the field. The society is a return to 19th century strict class rules. Madeline is a character who is believable in their struggle, it's easy to want moral justice for everyone but hard to leave a life where you want for nothing. It's a good read for fans of Downton Abbey or the Selection. There's little real violence in it, nor sex, though does feature a little drinking. It's overall a good book you can easily give to any teen.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Pawn
by Aimee Carter
Summary:
In a world where there are 7 classes, Kitty Doe is a III. It's not as bad as being a I or II, but it means she's in for a life of misery and deprivation. When she's given the chance to become a VII she leaps at it, not knowing what she's getting into. Now she's been surgically altered to be the double of the niece of the Prime Minister, and she's finding out that nothing is as it seems.
Review:
Pawn stands out in the sea of dystopians out these days. While the class system has been covered in many other novels, Carter does a good job of creating a world that's both believable and plausible. The characters are well developed, and the plot has a few good twists which keep the reader guessing. The trilogy is just beginning, but you could even read the first one as a standalone.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
In a world where there are 7 classes, Kitty Doe is a III. It's not as bad as being a I or II, but it means she's in for a life of misery and deprivation. When she's given the chance to become a VII she leaps at it, not knowing what she's getting into. Now she's been surgically altered to be the double of the niece of the Prime Minister, and she's finding out that nothing is as it seems.
Review:
Pawn stands out in the sea of dystopians out these days. While the class system has been covered in many other novels, Carter does a good job of creating a world that's both believable and plausible. The characters are well developed, and the plot has a few good twists which keep the reader guessing. The trilogy is just beginning, but you could even read the first one as a standalone.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade
Monday, August 19, 2013
A Matter of Days
by Amber Kizer
Summary:
What if a virus mutated so that it was immune to all known cures? What if it was engineered to wipe out most of the population? It could happen. And it's what happened. It's now 56 days since the virus known as Blue Star was unleashed, and it's killed most of the population. Nadia and her brother were protected by a shot given to them by their uncle, one of the military's top doctors, before the virus hit but now are alone and must make their way across the country to their grandfather's compound. Not knowing if he's alive, and forced to avoid the gangs of people who survived, they must try to survive and figure out who to trust.
Review:
While there is a lot of post-apocalyptic type novels out there, Kizer's does stand out. Nadia and Rabbit are resourceful, but they get a lot of their knowledge about how to survive from previous lessons from their KIA military commando father and from books, which makes it more realistic. They are smart kids who have to use their instincts on who to trust, and while they do have a bit of luck following them, generally the book is pretty believable. It's a good read for those who like disaster fiction, and will drive more than one teen to a book on survival preparedness.
Genre: Disaster Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
What if a virus mutated so that it was immune to all known cures? What if it was engineered to wipe out most of the population? It could happen. And it's what happened. It's now 56 days since the virus known as Blue Star was unleashed, and it's killed most of the population. Nadia and her brother were protected by a shot given to them by their uncle, one of the military's top doctors, before the virus hit but now are alone and must make their way across the country to their grandfather's compound. Not knowing if he's alive, and forced to avoid the gangs of people who survived, they must try to survive and figure out who to trust.
Review:
While there is a lot of post-apocalyptic type novels out there, Kizer's does stand out. Nadia and Rabbit are resourceful, but they get a lot of their knowledge about how to survive from previous lessons from their KIA military commando father and from books, which makes it more realistic. They are smart kids who have to use their instincts on who to trust, and while they do have a bit of luck following them, generally the book is pretty believable. It's a good read for those who like disaster fiction, and will drive more than one teen to a book on survival preparedness.
Genre: Disaster Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
The Testing
by Joelle Charbonneau
Summary:
Cia has always hoped she's be chosen for the Testing. It was the only way that she'd get to go to college, the only way to make a better life for herself. But the testing isn't just about making sure only the best and brightest succeed. It has a darker purpose, and Cia will have to figure out how to do more than she thought in order to pass.
Review:
The Testing is a well written story about a society which has corralled it's people into neat little pegs. It's fairly typical in it's plotline- you think the government is protecting you, turns out they are not, with a strong female character who has her beliefs challenged and has to survive based on her wits and knowledge. It's a solid read for those who like the dystopians that have been so popular, and will prove engaging for both younger and older teens.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 7th Grade
Summary:
Cia has always hoped she's be chosen for the Testing. It was the only way that she'd get to go to college, the only way to make a better life for herself. But the testing isn't just about making sure only the best and brightest succeed. It has a darker purpose, and Cia will have to figure out how to do more than she thought in order to pass.
Review:
The Testing is a well written story about a society which has corralled it's people into neat little pegs. It's fairly typical in it's plotline- you think the government is protecting you, turns out they are not, with a strong female character who has her beliefs challenged and has to survive based on her wits and knowledge. It's a solid read for those who like the dystopians that have been so popular, and will prove engaging for both younger and older teens.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 7th Grade
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
The Program
by Suzanne Young
Summary:
Teen suicide has become a national epidemic. There's been no way to stop it, until the Program started. It was a way to help teens forget why they wanted to commit suicide, to give them a clean slate to start from. But in reality it stripped them of everything that made them them. It took crucial memories and left holes in their lives. Sloane's brother committed suicide. She's lost friends. She's been pegged as at risk by the Program, and it's only a matter of time before they come.
Review:
While the book's premise is about teen suicide, the book doesn't really address it in any real way. Suicide is viewed as a disease (like the flu, etc), which makes the book slightly less dark than it might be otherwise, though it is by no means a light read. It is a bit of a departure from your typical adults making decisions that will negatively affect youth novel, it does hold to that premise fairly firmly. There is your rebel group working to subvert the system that adults are perpetuating in the belief that it will save the kids, your teen heroine who is able to beat the Program even though it's never happened before. It's well written and sets up well for a sequel. A good one to recommend to those who like Dystopian or novels with a heroine who stands up to the system.
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
Teen suicide has become a national epidemic. There's been no way to stop it, until the Program started. It was a way to help teens forget why they wanted to commit suicide, to give them a clean slate to start from. But in reality it stripped them of everything that made them them. It took crucial memories and left holes in their lives. Sloane's brother committed suicide. She's lost friends. She's been pegged as at risk by the Program, and it's only a matter of time before they come.
Review:
While the book's premise is about teen suicide, the book doesn't really address it in any real way. Suicide is viewed as a disease (like the flu, etc), which makes the book slightly less dark than it might be otherwise, though it is by no means a light read. It is a bit of a departure from your typical adults making decisions that will negatively affect youth novel, it does hold to that premise fairly firmly. There is your rebel group working to subvert the system that adults are perpetuating in the belief that it will save the kids, your teen heroine who is able to beat the Program even though it's never happened before. It's well written and sets up well for a sequel. A good one to recommend to those who like Dystopian or novels with a heroine who stands up to the system.
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Fire-us
by Jennifer Armstrong
Summary:
It's been 5 years since the Fire-Us swept through the nation. The virus killed almost everyone, but left behind a few small survivors, none of whom were adults. This is the story of a small group of kids who survived the Fire-Us. A group who are trying to stay alive. But when a new kid comes to town, they begin to wonder if there are any more survivors, and take off for an unknown destination in search of something else.
Review:
The book is told from the perspective of the kids who survived the fire-us. The grammar is rough, written like children who have not been taught past the 3rd grade. For myself, it made the book difficult to read, but the story was interesting. Armstrong does a realistic job of portraying everything through the eyes of 7 or 8 year olds, even though the oldest child is now almost 13. The kids create a family group from what they remember before the virus killed all the adults and almost everyone else, which is both interesting and plausible. Overall a good read for those who like dystopian novels. But if there is no interest in the genre it probably won't appeal to most.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 7th Grade
Summary:
It's been 5 years since the Fire-Us swept through the nation. The virus killed almost everyone, but left behind a few small survivors, none of whom were adults. This is the story of a small group of kids who survived the Fire-Us. A group who are trying to stay alive. But when a new kid comes to town, they begin to wonder if there are any more survivors, and take off for an unknown destination in search of something else.
Review:
The book is told from the perspective of the kids who survived the fire-us. The grammar is rough, written like children who have not been taught past the 3rd grade. For myself, it made the book difficult to read, but the story was interesting. Armstrong does a realistic job of portraying everything through the eyes of 7 or 8 year olds, even though the oldest child is now almost 13. The kids create a family group from what they remember before the virus killed all the adults and almost everyone else, which is both interesting and plausible. Overall a good read for those who like dystopian novels. But if there is no interest in the genre it probably won't appeal to most.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 7th Grade
Saturday, March 23, 2013
No Safety in Numbers
by Dayna Lorentz
Summary:
It was supposed to be just a typical day at the mall. Thousands of people just going about their own business buying shoes, toys, seeing a movie, having lunch. But when a biological bomb is discovered in the air conditioning system, the mall suddenly becomes a prison for those inside as the authorities try to contain whatever might have been released. This is the story of 5 teens who suddenly find themselves quarantined, trapped with a virus whose potential no one knows. It's the story of the very best and very worst that people act when everything is on the line. It's a story of death, but also perhaps, of survival.
Review:
There aren't too many teen books written exploring the possibility of biological weapons, but this book does so in a way that is both appropriate and interesting. The book alternates between the perspective of 5 teens, none of whom really know each other. They struggle to not only understand what is happening, but also to survive and thrive in this environment where it is everyone for themselves. The book does a good job of portraying the desperation that can happen in a situation like this, and the ways that the extremes of human nature come out when people are faced with life and death decisions. It's a good book, probably best for older teens because it's serious nature.
Genre: Survivalist Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Summary:
It was supposed to be just a typical day at the mall. Thousands of people just going about their own business buying shoes, toys, seeing a movie, having lunch. But when a biological bomb is discovered in the air conditioning system, the mall suddenly becomes a prison for those inside as the authorities try to contain whatever might have been released. This is the story of 5 teens who suddenly find themselves quarantined, trapped with a virus whose potential no one knows. It's the story of the very best and very worst that people act when everything is on the line. It's a story of death, but also perhaps, of survival.
Review:
There aren't too many teen books written exploring the possibility of biological weapons, but this book does so in a way that is both appropriate and interesting. The book alternates between the perspective of 5 teens, none of whom really know each other. They struggle to not only understand what is happening, but also to survive and thrive in this environment where it is everyone for themselves. The book does a good job of portraying the desperation that can happen in a situation like this, and the ways that the extremes of human nature come out when people are faced with life and death decisions. It's a good book, probably best for older teens because it's serious nature.
Genre: Survivalist Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Monday, October 22, 2012
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
by Emily Danforth
Summary:
The day Cameron Post's parents die is the day she first kisses a girl. She can't help but be relieved that they will never know about her, they will never have to be ashamed that she is gay. But when her extremely religious aunt moves in to take care of her, she finds being true to herself is a constant challenge. As she grows up, and embraces her sexuality, her aunt sends her to a religious boarding school which claims it can 'readjust' her sexual orientation. What she learns there will change her life forever.
Review:
Danforth's book about a girl who has to learn to embrace herself in the midst of a conservative community and family is both well written and timely. This is a great book not just for LGBT teens, but for any who seek to try and understand what these teens go through as they try to be themselves. The hurt and shame that Cameron feels as her aunt tells her she is going to hell for being who she is is something most teens will never go through, which is why reading a book on the topic is important. Highly recommended for slightly older tweens and teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9-10th Grade
Summary:
The day Cameron Post's parents die is the day she first kisses a girl. She can't help but be relieved that they will never know about her, they will never have to be ashamed that she is gay. But when her extremely religious aunt moves in to take care of her, she finds being true to herself is a constant challenge. As she grows up, and embraces her sexuality, her aunt sends her to a religious boarding school which claims it can 'readjust' her sexual orientation. What she learns there will change her life forever.
Review:
Danforth's book about a girl who has to learn to embrace herself in the midst of a conservative community and family is both well written and timely. This is a great book not just for LGBT teens, but for any who seek to try and understand what these teens go through as they try to be themselves. The hurt and shame that Cameron feels as her aunt tells her she is going to hell for being who she is is something most teens will never go through, which is why reading a book on the topic is important. Highly recommended for slightly older tweens and teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9-10th Grade
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Lions of Little Rock
by Kristin Levine
Summary:
It's the beginning of the school year in 1958 in Little Rock, and Marlee is not excited about it. She's not much of a talker you see, and this year she starts middle school, with teachers she's never met before, who probably will want her to talk. But on her first day of school she meets Liz, a new student who becomes her best friend. But when it's revealed that Liz is actually African American, both girls have to learn to stand up on their own and force those around them to realize that perhaps race shouldn't be a reason to dislike a person.
Review:
Lions of Little Rock is a book about great courage. Both girls demonstrate remarkable maturity throughout the book, even when those around them tell them they are in the wrong for being friends. The book is set during the height of the civil rights movement, the year after the Little Rock 9 had been allowed to attend a 'whites only' school. The book explains the hatred and fear that spread through the communities regardless of their views, and the worry that those who opposed segregation felt even as they worked to ban it. The book is a great read for tweens.
Age Level-5th-6th Grade
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:
It's the beginning of the school year in 1958 in Little Rock, and Marlee is not excited about it. She's not much of a talker you see, and this year she starts middle school, with teachers she's never met before, who probably will want her to talk. But on her first day of school she meets Liz, a new student who becomes her best friend. But when it's revealed that Liz is actually African American, both girls have to learn to stand up on their own and force those around them to realize that perhaps race shouldn't be a reason to dislike a person.
Review:
Lions of Little Rock is a book about great courage. Both girls demonstrate remarkable maturity throughout the book, even when those around them tell them they are in the wrong for being friends. The book is set during the height of the civil rights movement, the year after the Little Rock 9 had been allowed to attend a 'whites only' school. The book explains the hatred and fear that spread through the communities regardless of their views, and the worry that those who opposed segregation felt even as they worked to ban it. The book is a great read for tweens.
Age Level-5th-6th Grade
Genre: Historical Fiction
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
by Mary Pearson
Summary:
Jenna has survived a terrible accident, by all accounts she should have been dead. After being in a coma for over a year, she is working to regain a semi-normal life in a small beachside town across the country from where she grew up. But as she tries to put the pieces together about what happened not just to cause the car accident, but also to her and her friends afterward, she realizes that all is not what it seems. In a world where biotechnical advances have allowed people new leases on life, Jenna is left to figure out just what makes a person a person.
Review:
While the plot was fairly easy to guess, Pearson's book raises a lot of interesting questions about bioengineering and its consequences. I thought that Jenna's struggles on whether or not her parents saving her was a good or bad thing to be quite poignant. They could only save a portion of her brain, so was she even really a person? Or was she a machine masquerading as a person? She didn't want to die, but didn't want to live if she was less than real. The premise reminded me of Eva, another book where parents overstepped societal rules and norms to save their daughter from death. It's a fantastic book that sticks with you.
Genre: Futuristic Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Summary:
Jenna has survived a terrible accident, by all accounts she should have been dead. After being in a coma for over a year, she is working to regain a semi-normal life in a small beachside town across the country from where she grew up. But as she tries to put the pieces together about what happened not just to cause the car accident, but also to her and her friends afterward, she realizes that all is not what it seems. In a world where biotechnical advances have allowed people new leases on life, Jenna is left to figure out just what makes a person a person.
Review:
While the plot was fairly easy to guess, Pearson's book raises a lot of interesting questions about bioengineering and its consequences. I thought that Jenna's struggles on whether or not her parents saving her was a good or bad thing to be quite poignant. They could only save a portion of her brain, so was she even really a person? Or was she a machine masquerading as a person? She didn't want to die, but didn't want to live if she was less than real. The premise reminded me of Eva, another book where parents overstepped societal rules and norms to save their daughter from death. It's a fantastic book that sticks with you.
Genre: Futuristic Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Moon Over Manifest
by Clare Vanderpool
Summary:
Abilene and her daddy have been wanderers since the day she was born. Together,they have rode the rails, jumping on and off trains in and out of towns they would see once and then never again. But then Abilene hurt herself, and after she recovered her daddy sent her to live with old friends of his in Manifest, Kansas. But Manifest is more than it appears, and it might just hold the key to her father's past, and both of their futures.
Review:
Moon over Manifest is one of the best true tween books I have read in awhile. The writing is excellent, the characters well developed and appealing to readers young and old. The story is told mainly in present day (present day being about 1936), with stories of Manifest in her daddy's day told by the local Gypsy woman as visions. The result is a absolutely wonderful story about a town coming together during the hardest of times and being inspired to do so again. A fantastic read for tweens.
Age Level: 4-5th Grade
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:
Abilene and her daddy have been wanderers since the day she was born. Together,they have rode the rails, jumping on and off trains in and out of towns they would see once and then never again. But then Abilene hurt herself, and after she recovered her daddy sent her to live with old friends of his in Manifest, Kansas. But Manifest is more than it appears, and it might just hold the key to her father's past, and both of their futures.
Review:
Moon over Manifest is one of the best true tween books I have read in awhile. The writing is excellent, the characters well developed and appealing to readers young and old. The story is told mainly in present day (present day being about 1936), with stories of Manifest in her daddy's day told by the local Gypsy woman as visions. The result is a absolutely wonderful story about a town coming together during the hardest of times and being inspired to do so again. A fantastic read for tweens.
Age Level: 4-5th Grade
Genre: Historical Fiction
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Season
by Sarah MacLean
Summary:
Lady Alexandra Stafford could care less about the fact that she is a debutante this year. But unless she gets herself ruined, a possibility that although tempting would probably result in her mother murdering her, she will find herself paraded throughout the marriage mart that is the London Season. As the Season progresses, she finds herself entangled in the investigation into her old friend Gavin's father's death, which is much more exciting than balls or tea parties. As danger looms over them Gavin and Alexandra might find more than they bargained for in each other. Will they live happily ever after? Or die at the hands of a traitor.
Review:
The Season is a fantastic regency romance written for teens. It has all the elements of the more adult romance novels written, but without the more racy bits, making it suitable for teens or older tweens. I really enjoyed the book personally and with there was a sequel!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Summary:
Lady Alexandra Stafford could care less about the fact that she is a debutante this year. But unless she gets herself ruined, a possibility that although tempting would probably result in her mother murdering her, she will find herself paraded throughout the marriage mart that is the London Season. As the Season progresses, she finds herself entangled in the investigation into her old friend Gavin's father's death, which is much more exciting than balls or tea parties. As danger looms over them Gavin and Alexandra might find more than they bargained for in each other. Will they live happily ever after? Or die at the hands of a traitor.
Review:
The Season is a fantastic regency romance written for teens. It has all the elements of the more adult romance novels written, but without the more racy bits, making it suitable for teens or older tweens. I really enjoyed the book personally and with there was a sequel!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Delirium
by Lauren Oliver
Summary:
Love is a disease. When you're in love it can make you spacey, irrational, completely useless. When you're not in love any longer it can make you angry, upset, a menace to society. But what if all those negative side effects of love could be eliminated, and instead you could live your life like a completely rational human being? Lena has never had to worry about this. The government has found a way to completely cure people of falling in love, of the delirium that strikes those who contract this disease. She is only 95 days til she gets the surgery that will forever protect her from being hurt, from ever having to suffer from the disease like her late mother. But then she meets Alex, and everything she ever believed about love is questioned.
Review:
One of the reasons I liked Delirium was that unlike in other dystopian novels where the populace is simply compliant with the governments wishes without a real reason, this population all undergoes a surgery to rid them of their more emotional sides and leaves them rational and compliant. This factor helps to explain why the surgery continues and why the cycle is perpetuated without much complaint, as all the 'cureds' simply believe that the 'uncured' children will lead better lives without emotion and become much easier to handle, which they do. Oliver has created not just a love story in a world where love is forbidden, but a story about how something as natural as love has become the enemy. The premise of the book is, at first, fairly out there, but as the book progresses you find yourself wondering which side is really going to win in the end. Very well written and engaging.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 9th Grade
Series Information: Delirium, Pandemonium, Requiem
Friday, May 18, 2012
Matched
by Ally Condie
Summary:
Cassia has always followed the rules. Of course it's not like she's ever really had a choice. Everything she or her parents do is dictated by the government. When they eat, where they sleep, when they die, where they work, who they marry. When Cassia attends her Matching ceremony, where she and others her age will learn who they are going to marry, she is thrilled to find out that she has been matched with her best friend Xander. She at least knows that they get along well and will do good together. But when she goes home that night and plugs in the chip which will give her more information on the matching process she sees not Xander's face, but that of another boy. But society doesn't make mistakes like this. Who is she really supposed to be matched with?
Review:
Matched presents a different take on the dystopian novels that are so popular right now. In this society order is key. Everything down to what a person wears is dictated by society, and everyone seems to be completely ok with this. This seems to be the biggest downside of the book. The complete absence of any sort of rebellion by people is a bit hard to swallow, though Condie tries to explain that their compliance is due to the fact that many take the 'calming' pill given by the government, though that pill is not used by all. The interactions between Cassia and Xander, and her new love interest Ky, are well written and believable. The story as a whole is a good read.
Genre: Dystopian Novel
Age Level: 9-10th grade
Series Info: Matched, Crossed, Reached
Summary:
Cassia has always followed the rules. Of course it's not like she's ever really had a choice. Everything she or her parents do is dictated by the government. When they eat, where they sleep, when they die, where they work, who they marry. When Cassia attends her Matching ceremony, where she and others her age will learn who they are going to marry, she is thrilled to find out that she has been matched with her best friend Xander. She at least knows that they get along well and will do good together. But when she goes home that night and plugs in the chip which will give her more information on the matching process she sees not Xander's face, but that of another boy. But society doesn't make mistakes like this. Who is she really supposed to be matched with?
Review:
Matched presents a different take on the dystopian novels that are so popular right now. In this society order is key. Everything down to what a person wears is dictated by society, and everyone seems to be completely ok with this. This seems to be the biggest downside of the book. The complete absence of any sort of rebellion by people is a bit hard to swallow, though Condie tries to explain that their compliance is due to the fact that many take the 'calming' pill given by the government, though that pill is not used by all. The interactions between Cassia and Xander, and her new love interest Ky, are well written and believable. The story as a whole is a good read.
Genre: Dystopian Novel
Age Level: 9-10th grade
Series Info: Matched, Crossed, Reached
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Keeping Corner
by Kashmiri Sheth
Summary:
Leela's had a lucky life so far. Her parents spoil her, her brother loves her, and her husband and his family seem like they will truly treat her well when she goes to live with them in just a few months. You see Leela has been betrothed since she was a baby, was married at 9, and now that she is 13 she's not far from her anu, the ceremony which sends her from her parent's house to that of her husbands. But when her husband dies, all of that disappears. Now a widow, she is condemned to live the rest of her life alone and on the fringes of society. Her first year as a widow is a year of mourning, a year keeping corner inside her home. What she learns from a year inside might just give her the courage to break free of tradition and live a free life.
Review:
An interesting window into traditional Indian customs and life, Sheth's novel shows India on the brink of it's transition from British colony to free state. Ghandi features prominently in the book, not only because he was important at the time but also because his teachings are what help Leela see the world as a bigger picture and want to be a part of it instead of just a widow. The book addresses the clashes between modernization and traditions and the difficulty many have with melding the two.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 7-8th Grade
Summary:
Leela's had a lucky life so far. Her parents spoil her, her brother loves her, and her husband and his family seem like they will truly treat her well when she goes to live with them in just a few months. You see Leela has been betrothed since she was a baby, was married at 9, and now that she is 13 she's not far from her anu, the ceremony which sends her from her parent's house to that of her husbands. But when her husband dies, all of that disappears. Now a widow, she is condemned to live the rest of her life alone and on the fringes of society. Her first year as a widow is a year of mourning, a year keeping corner inside her home. What she learns from a year inside might just give her the courage to break free of tradition and live a free life.
Review:
An interesting window into traditional Indian customs and life, Sheth's novel shows India on the brink of it's transition from British colony to free state. Ghandi features prominently in the book, not only because he was important at the time but also because his teachings are what help Leela see the world as a bigger picture and want to be a part of it instead of just a widow. The book addresses the clashes between modernization and traditions and the difficulty many have with melding the two.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 7-8th Grade
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Way We Fall
by Megan Crewe
Summary:
It starts with an itch, a cough here and there, no worse than a cold. Then you start to feel better, you want to socialize with your friends and family, see as many people as you can. And then you get worse, much worse, with a fever and hallucinations. And then you die. No one knew what the virus was, but as it sweeps through Kaelyn's small island town, she and everyone else is forced to try and survive as the world around them abandons them to their fate.
Review:
Having just seen the movie Contagion, this book really resonated with me. Kaelyn and her family and friends are simply trying to survive. Others in the community use the virus as an opportunity to take control and seize supplies. Others still are trying to find a way off the island. The book is a cautionary tale about the lengths people go to try to save themselves, and the fear that unknown illness inspires in people around it. The book is written in diary format, which adds to the novel as we learn about the disease and its discovery and the losses through her point of view.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Summary:
It starts with an itch, a cough here and there, no worse than a cold. Then you start to feel better, you want to socialize with your friends and family, see as many people as you can. And then you get worse, much worse, with a fever and hallucinations. And then you die. No one knew what the virus was, but as it sweeps through Kaelyn's small island town, she and everyone else is forced to try and survive as the world around them abandons them to their fate.
Review:
Having just seen the movie Contagion, this book really resonated with me. Kaelyn and her family and friends are simply trying to survive. Others in the community use the virus as an opportunity to take control and seize supplies. Others still are trying to find a way off the island. The book is a cautionary tale about the lengths people go to try to save themselves, and the fear that unknown illness inspires in people around it. The book is written in diary format, which adds to the novel as we learn about the disease and its discovery and the losses through her point of view.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Thursday, March 15, 2012
You'll Like it Here (Everybody Does)
by Ruth White
Summary:
I'm sure you've heard the stories. About aliens living among us, just like normal people. Meggie Blue and her family are the perfect example. Of aliens that is, not normal people. Forced to escape Earth when they are found out by their neighbors, they land on a planet eerily similarity to the Earth they just left. In fact it is Earth, but a different Earth. An Earth divided by war. An Earth in a different time. In Fashion City, the place where they land, everything is regimented. Everything they need is taken care of by the Fathers. Everyone tells them how lucky they are to be there, but maybe they aren't lucky after all. Maybe they've landed in place worse than where they've ever been before.
Review:
White has created a fun story for kids about aliens, but one which also addresses the issues of social control and identity. The book is well written, with fun characters, and melds the fantastic with normality. It's a good novel for kids who like fantasy or those who like more dystopian novels but are not old enough for the heavier ones.
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 5th Grade
Summary:
I'm sure you've heard the stories. About aliens living among us, just like normal people. Meggie Blue and her family are the perfect example. Of aliens that is, not normal people. Forced to escape Earth when they are found out by their neighbors, they land on a planet eerily similarity to the Earth they just left. In fact it is Earth, but a different Earth. An Earth divided by war. An Earth in a different time. In Fashion City, the place where they land, everything is regimented. Everything they need is taken care of by the Fathers. Everyone tells them how lucky they are to be there, but maybe they aren't lucky after all. Maybe they've landed in place worse than where they've ever been before.
Review:
White has created a fun story for kids about aliens, but one which also addresses the issues of social control and identity. The book is well written, with fun characters, and melds the fantastic with normality. It's a good novel for kids who like fantasy or those who like more dystopian novels but are not old enough for the heavier ones.
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 5th Grade
Desert Angel
by Charlie Price
Summary:
Two nights ago Scotty killed her mother. Yesterday he tried to kill her. Today Angel is running from him, with nothing but the clothes on her back and the kindness of strangers keeping her safe. But can she justify putting others in danger to save herself? Is her life worth more than theirs? She knows Scotty will stop at nothing to find her. So maybe it's time to turn the tables. Maybe it's time to find him before he finds her.
Review:
Angel is a girl with a difficult life. Her mother dragged her from boyfriend to boyfriend, resulting in a skewed and jaded perspective on life. When she finds people to help her, people who never met her and have no connection to her at all, she must confront the fact that she can't go it alone like she wants. The book is an interesting read about a strong female character who learns that it's ok to lean on someone else once in awhile. The book does have language and violence in it, and addresses the topic of illegal immigration.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Two nights ago Scotty killed her mother. Yesterday he tried to kill her. Today Angel is running from him, with nothing but the clothes on her back and the kindness of strangers keeping her safe. But can she justify putting others in danger to save herself? Is her life worth more than theirs? She knows Scotty will stop at nothing to find her. So maybe it's time to turn the tables. Maybe it's time to find him before he finds her.
Review:
Angel is a girl with a difficult life. Her mother dragged her from boyfriend to boyfriend, resulting in a skewed and jaded perspective on life. When she finds people to help her, people who never met her and have no connection to her at all, she must confront the fact that she can't go it alone like she wants. The book is an interesting read about a strong female character who learns that it's ok to lean on someone else once in awhile. The book does have language and violence in it, and addresses the topic of illegal immigration.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
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