by Jessie Ann Foley
Summary:
When her mother falls in love, Maggie knows the cycle. It'll be great for a bit, but then the inevitable breakup occurs and after her mother falls apart and puts herself back together, life goes on. But this time her mother has gotten married and moved them from their hometown of Chicago to Bray, Ireland, a little town outside of Dublin. Now, away from everyone she has ever loved, especially her rocker uncle Kevin, Maggie might just learn something about love and loss herself.
Review:
Set in 1993, this book is a great illustration of both teenage life then and now. It was remarkable to me how little the book felt like it was set 20 years ago, before cell phones or the internet. The author does a great job of focusing on the characters and the interplay between them. Kurt Cobain might not be on too many teenage radars these days, but the book does a great job of illustrating just how important he was to many. Maggie's uncle's drug abuse is barely talked about, and his fairly horrid death is talked about briefly. It's suitable for slightly mature teens, and will mostly likely find it's main audience in older teens or adults.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Showing posts with label Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Loss. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
A Breath of Eyre
by Eve Marie Mont
Summary:
Emma has always loved stories. But she never expected this. When a lightening strike catapults Emma into the world of the novel she is reading, which just happens to be Jane Eyre, she finds herself in a world where she truly fits in. As the days go by she realizes that she has a choice to make, stay in heroine Jane's world, or go back to her less than perfect real world.
Review:
I had low expectations on picking up this book, but I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. The plotline spans both present day and Jane's world, and Emma is a great character in both. This book-and it's 2 sequels- made me want to pick up and reread the original books that Mont bases them on. It's a great book to give to those who love to read, though I think that it might be less exciting to someone who is not a huge book lover since so much of the books are taken almost right from the originals. It's better for slightly older teens as well, as there is some drinking in them.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Summary:
Emma has always loved stories. But she never expected this. When a lightening strike catapults Emma into the world of the novel she is reading, which just happens to be Jane Eyre, she finds herself in a world where she truly fits in. As the days go by she realizes that she has a choice to make, stay in heroine Jane's world, or go back to her less than perfect real world.
Review:
I had low expectations on picking up this book, but I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. The plotline spans both present day and Jane's world, and Emma is a great character in both. This book-and it's 2 sequels- made me want to pick up and reread the original books that Mont bases them on. It's a great book to give to those who love to read, though I think that it might be less exciting to someone who is not a huge book lover since so much of the books are taken almost right from the originals. It's better for slightly older teens as well, as there is some drinking in them.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Torn Away
by Jennifer Brown
Summary:
When Jersey hears the tornado alarm go off, she's not too worried. They go off all the time, and 99.99% of the time nothing happens. But she goes down into the cellar anyway, cause she doesn't want her mom to yell at her if she found out she hadn't. This time is not a false alarm. As the tornado recedes and leaves her town devastated, Jersey has lost everything and everyone she loves. Now, sent to live with relatives she's never met, Jersey will have to discover that there are some things you keep even when you thought you'd lost everything.
Review:
Author Jennifer Brown is known for her brilliantly written and poignant books, and this title definitely fits the bill. Jersey is a very empathetic character, and her struggles as she tries to move forward are heartbreaking. The relationships between the characters are believable. I thought the storyline with her stepfather to be extremely realistic and as such very difficult to read. The lack of sex or alcohol or drugs make this a safe bet for even younger teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade
Summary:
When Jersey hears the tornado alarm go off, she's not too worried. They go off all the time, and 99.99% of the time nothing happens. But she goes down into the cellar anyway, cause she doesn't want her mom to yell at her if she found out she hadn't. This time is not a false alarm. As the tornado recedes and leaves her town devastated, Jersey has lost everything and everyone she loves. Now, sent to live with relatives she's never met, Jersey will have to discover that there are some things you keep even when you thought you'd lost everything.
Review:
Author Jennifer Brown is known for her brilliantly written and poignant books, and this title definitely fits the bill. Jersey is a very empathetic character, and her struggles as she tries to move forward are heartbreaking. The relationships between the characters are believable. I thought the storyline with her stepfather to be extremely realistic and as such very difficult to read. The lack of sex or alcohol or drugs make this a safe bet for even younger teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 7th 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
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
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Counting by 7's
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Summary:
Willow is a genius. She's also obsessed with diagnosing medical conditions, plants and the number 7. When a freak car accident leaves her orphaned, she finds herself alone in the world. But Willow has left impressions on many people she knows, and these people might just lead her to a new life if she'll let them.
Review:
Superbly written, Counting by 7's is a book that's both heartbreaking and uplifting. Willow is a person who would be difficult to become friends with in real life, but through the book the reader is able to really understand. The relationships she forms, without even realizing it, become the backbone that helps her stand again. She's a great character who demonstrates that even the little things we do can have a big impact on those around us.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade
Summary:
Willow is a genius. She's also obsessed with diagnosing medical conditions, plants and the number 7. When a freak car accident leaves her orphaned, she finds herself alone in the world. But Willow has left impressions on many people she knows, and these people might just lead her to a new life if she'll let them.
Review:
Superbly written, Counting by 7's is a book that's both heartbreaking and uplifting. Willow is a person who would be difficult to become friends with in real life, but through the book the reader is able to really understand. The relationships she forms, without even realizing it, become the backbone that helps her stand again. She's a great character who demonstrates that even the little things we do can have a big impact on those around us.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade
Monday, December 30, 2013
Hostage Three
by Nick Lake
Summary:
The last thing Amy wanted to do was be stuck on a yacht sailing around the world with her dad and stepmother. But even she didn't imagine it would end like this. Told mostly as a flashback, Amy's story is not just one about pirates, but about how people end up where they are. How people turn to illegal measures after all has been taken from them. How others rise above and find more of themselves. Hostage Three is a book about love and loss, and an adventure that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Review:
Once I picked up Hostage Three I had a hard time putting it down. The book's fast pace keep you wondering what will happen next. Lake does an excellent job explaining the history of Somalia and how things led to the piracy industry there. The love story between Amy and Farouz is believable, and the ending entirely realistic. The book doesn't pull any punches and is definitely a good read to give to teens who like suspenseful adventure novels.
Genre: Adventure Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
The last thing Amy wanted to do was be stuck on a yacht sailing around the world with her dad and stepmother. But even she didn't imagine it would end like this. Told mostly as a flashback, Amy's story is not just one about pirates, but about how people end up where they are. How people turn to illegal measures after all has been taken from them. How others rise above and find more of themselves. Hostage Three is a book about love and loss, and an adventure that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Review:
Once I picked up Hostage Three I had a hard time putting it down. The book's fast pace keep you wondering what will happen next. Lake does an excellent job explaining the history of Somalia and how things led to the piracy industry there. The love story between Amy and Farouz is believable, and the ending entirely realistic. The book doesn't pull any punches and is definitely a good read to give to teens who like suspenseful adventure novels.
Genre: Adventure Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Monday, October 28, 2013
Not a Drop to Drink
by Mindy McGinnis
Summary:
Lynn knows she has to defend the pond at all costs. Water has become a scarce resource, and without it her mother and her will not survive. But what's the cost of that survival? Killing everyone who comes near? Never interacting with others? When tragedy strikes, events will force Lynn to reevaluate what she knows, and force her to adapt in order to survive.
Review:
While similar to many dystoptians, this story of survival does stand out. Lynn is a strong character who has to change her way of interacting with the world in order to survive. While she does this a little too easily, it still comes off as genuine. The idea of water becoming extremely limited is interesting because it's a resource that many take for granted, so if it was suddenly gone it would be absolutely devastating. It's a more rugged take on the dystopian, more focused on survival rather than taking down the society that remains. A good read for teens who like dystopians and end of the world survival stories.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
Lynn knows she has to defend the pond at all costs. Water has become a scarce resource, and without it her mother and her will not survive. But what's the cost of that survival? Killing everyone who comes near? Never interacting with others? When tragedy strikes, events will force Lynn to reevaluate what she knows, and force her to adapt in order to survive.
Review:
While similar to many dystoptians, this story of survival does stand out. Lynn is a strong character who has to change her way of interacting with the world in order to survive. While she does this a little too easily, it still comes off as genuine. The idea of water becoming extremely limited is interesting because it's a resource that many take for granted, so if it was suddenly gone it would be absolutely devastating. It's a more rugged take on the dystopian, more focused on survival rather than taking down the society that remains. A good read for teens who like dystopians and end of the world survival stories.
Genre: Dystopian
Age Level: 8th 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
Monday, June 10, 2013
Prisoner B-3087
by Alan Gratz
Summary:
Jack Gruener was just like any 12 year old. He went to school, had friends, looked forward to his Bar Mitzvah. But he lived in Krakow, Poland in 1939, and the day the Nazi's invaded, his life was forever changed. This story, based on the true story of Jack himself, is the story of how one boy survived. He survived the Krakow ghetto and the uprisings and shootings that occurred there, to work camps to concentration camps. His is a story of survival under the most brutal terms, but also a story of the resiliency of humanity.
Review:
The story of Jack Gruener is one that truly moves a person. He survived the most brutal conditions at an age when he should have been playing or with friends. He lost most of his family, yet learned to continue on. The book does a good job of accurately portraying the politics of the era and the reality of life in the camps from the perspective of a 12 year old, and changes his perspective well as he ages. It is a great addition to any Holocaust book list. The story will really resonate with teens of both genders.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Jack Gruener was just like any 12 year old. He went to school, had friends, looked forward to his Bar Mitzvah. But he lived in Krakow, Poland in 1939, and the day the Nazi's invaded, his life was forever changed. This story, based on the true story of Jack himself, is the story of how one boy survived. He survived the Krakow ghetto and the uprisings and shootings that occurred there, to work camps to concentration camps. His is a story of survival under the most brutal terms, but also a story of the resiliency of humanity.
Review:
The story of Jack Gruener is one that truly moves a person. He survived the most brutal conditions at an age when he should have been playing or with friends. He lost most of his family, yet learned to continue on. The book does a good job of accurately portraying the politics of the era and the reality of life in the camps from the perspective of a 12 year old, and changes his perspective well as he ages. It is a great addition to any Holocaust book list. The story will really resonate with teens of both genders.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
In the Shadow of Blackbirds
by Cat Winters
Summary:
In San Diego in 1918, the deadly Spanish flu is spreading. Coupled with the fact that World War I continues to take the lives of so many young men, it's no wonder that many are looking to seances and spiritualism to cope. Mary Shelley Black has been sent to San Diego after her father was arrested for anti-war activities. After she finds out her best friend was killed in the trenches, his spirit begins to haunt her. For a girl that doesn't believe in ghosts, she is forced to find a way to help the boy she loved find peace.
Review:
As a native San Diegan, I was excited to read a book set in my hometown. The book was pretty accurate (at least from what I know) in describing the city as it was in 1918. While I was a bit skeptical about the spiritualism angle of the book, Winters writes in a way that makes it believable. The era the book was set in was wrought with change and terror for people. Between the flu and the horrors of the war brought about by changes in weaponry it is easy to see why people were so willing to believe in spirits. A good read full of interesting characters and history.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
In San Diego in 1918, the deadly Spanish flu is spreading. Coupled with the fact that World War I continues to take the lives of so many young men, it's no wonder that many are looking to seances and spiritualism to cope. Mary Shelley Black has been sent to San Diego after her father was arrested for anti-war activities. After she finds out her best friend was killed in the trenches, his spirit begins to haunt her. For a girl that doesn't believe in ghosts, she is forced to find a way to help the boy she loved find peace.
Review:
As a native San Diegan, I was excited to read a book set in my hometown. The book was pretty accurate (at least from what I know) in describing the city as it was in 1918. While I was a bit skeptical about the spiritualism angle of the book, Winters writes in a way that makes it believable. The era the book was set in was wrought with change and terror for people. Between the flu and the horrors of the war brought about by changes in weaponry it is easy to see why people were so willing to believe in spirits. A good read full of interesting characters and history.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Monday, May 13, 2013
Lucid
By Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass
Summary:
Maggie is an up and coming actress in New York City. She takes care of her little sister while her mom is at work, but for the most part she focuses on her craft. Sloane is your typical high school student living in a small town. She's got a family that loves her, but as the one year anniversary of her friend's death approaches, is finding it hard to cope with his loss. What ties these two together isn't simple. You see, every night Maggie goes to sleep, and in her dreams, lives Sloane's life. And every night, when Sloane goes to sleep she lives Maggie's. Neither can remember when it started, but as their waking lives start to intersect they'll have to figure out who is living the real life, and who is just the dream. The only question is, can they do it before they both go insane?
Review:
Lucid kept me guessing until the very end. Both Maggie and Sloane are girls coping with issues they refuse to deal with. The problems are different for both of them, but at the heart of it deals with loss and moving on. Sloane suffered a terrible loss and didn't share the true extent of it with anyone, Maggie lost her father and still struggles to understand what happened. I had no idea who was actually the real person, and who was the dream, until the very end. It's a great story about loss and the struggles we all have with dealing with it. Good for slightly older teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Maggie is an up and coming actress in New York City. She takes care of her little sister while her mom is at work, but for the most part she focuses on her craft. Sloane is your typical high school student living in a small town. She's got a family that loves her, but as the one year anniversary of her friend's death approaches, is finding it hard to cope with his loss. What ties these two together isn't simple. You see, every night Maggie goes to sleep, and in her dreams, lives Sloane's life. And every night, when Sloane goes to sleep she lives Maggie's. Neither can remember when it started, but as their waking lives start to intersect they'll have to figure out who is living the real life, and who is just the dream. The only question is, can they do it before they both go insane?
Review:
Lucid kept me guessing until the very end. Both Maggie and Sloane are girls coping with issues they refuse to deal with. The problems are different for both of them, but at the heart of it deals with loss and moving on. Sloane suffered a terrible loss and didn't share the true extent of it with anyone, Maggie lost her father and still struggles to understand what happened. I had no idea who was actually the real person, and who was the dream, until the very end. It's a great story about loss and the struggles we all have with dealing with it. Good for slightly older teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Lucid
by Adrienne Stoltz
Summary:
Every night, Maggie dreams of Sloane's day. And every night, after living her day, Sloane dreams of Maggie's. One lives in New York, struggling to become an actress, the other lives in a small town with her tight-knit family and dreams of the day she goes to college. Each wakes up as the girl she is, after spending their nights as the other. But as time goes by the lines between where one girl ends and the other begins is blurred. Only one of them is going to be able to keep going, but which life is the one that will fade away?
Review:
Cunningly constructed, Lucid alternates between the viewpoints of Maggie and Sloane. Both girls are well developed characters, which lives that are both fulfilling and lacking. What one has the other does not, for Sloane there is a loving family, but not the independence Maggie has. Both girls have experienced the loss of someone close to them, and both realize that their connection is not quite normal. The book gives an interesting perspective to mental illness, as well as to the barriers we put up to deal with our own issues. The book keeps you guessing til the end about which girl's life is the real one.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Every night, Maggie dreams of Sloane's day. And every night, after living her day, Sloane dreams of Maggie's. One lives in New York, struggling to become an actress, the other lives in a small town with her tight-knit family and dreams of the day she goes to college. Each wakes up as the girl she is, after spending their nights as the other. But as time goes by the lines between where one girl ends and the other begins is blurred. Only one of them is going to be able to keep going, but which life is the one that will fade away?
Review:
Cunningly constructed, Lucid alternates between the viewpoints of Maggie and Sloane. Both girls are well developed characters, which lives that are both fulfilling and lacking. What one has the other does not, for Sloane there is a loving family, but not the independence Maggie has. Both girls have experienced the loss of someone close to them, and both realize that their connection is not quite normal. The book gives an interesting perspective to mental illness, as well as to the barriers we put up to deal with our own issues. The book keeps you guessing til the end about which girl's life is the real one.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Monday, March 11, 2013
Belles
by Jen Calonita
Summary:
Isabelle had never had a lot of family, but after her mother died in a car crash, and her grandmother's dementia got too bad for her to live with her, she finds herself living with distant relatives she's never met. Relatives who also happen to be a state senator and incrediblly wealthy. Isabelle now finds herself living a lifestyle she's never dreamed of, attending a fancy prep school. But as she's finding out, all that glitter's isn't gold. Living a life of luxury can contain ugliness and secrets too.
Review:
Slightly predictable at times, Belles is overall a great reat. Isabelle has to contend with mean girls at her new school, a new home life complete with 3 cousins and an aunt and uncle, and suddenly can afford to buy whatever she wants. The book ends on a slight twist, making you reach for the sequel immediately. A good read for girls who like realistic fiction, or books with happy endings.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 8th grade
Summary:
Isabelle had never had a lot of family, but after her mother died in a car crash, and her grandmother's dementia got too bad for her to live with her, she finds herself living with distant relatives she's never met. Relatives who also happen to be a state senator and incrediblly wealthy. Isabelle now finds herself living a lifestyle she's never dreamed of, attending a fancy prep school. But as she's finding out, all that glitter's isn't gold. Living a life of luxury can contain ugliness and secrets too.
Review:
Slightly predictable at times, Belles is overall a great reat. Isabelle has to contend with mean girls at her new school, a new home life complete with 3 cousins and an aunt and uncle, and suddenly can afford to buy whatever she wants. The book ends on a slight twist, making you reach for the sequel immediately. A good read for girls who like realistic fiction, or books with happy endings.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 8th grade
Monday, October 22, 2012
Between Shades of Gray
by Ruth Sepetys
Summary:
Lina knows things aren't quite right in the world right now, but the war going on doesn't seem like it will touch her in Lithuania. The fighting between the Germans and Russians seems far enough away that her family will be safe. Until one night in 1941, when the Soviet guards come and round up anyone who might be a threat to them as they take over the country. Lina and her mother and brother are sent to a Siberian work camp while her father is sentenced to death. But surviving is a daily challenge, and keeping your will to survive the bleak and freezing life at the camp is another. As Lina sees all her hopes and dreams for her future disappear, she somehow must find the strength to keep moving forward.
Review:
What I liked most about this book was that it was about WWII but wasn't about the Holocaust. Instead it told a story few people know about. The gulags of Russia were alive and well during the war years, and innocent people were sent there by the hundreds. Lina's story was not unique, many children saw the future they thought they had ahead of them shattered as they struggled to survive their 30 year prison sentence. It's well written and a great read for older tweens and teens.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Summary:
Lina knows things aren't quite right in the world right now, but the war going on doesn't seem like it will touch her in Lithuania. The fighting between the Germans and Russians seems far enough away that her family will be safe. Until one night in 1941, when the Soviet guards come and round up anyone who might be a threat to them as they take over the country. Lina and her mother and brother are sent to a Siberian work camp while her father is sentenced to death. But surviving is a daily challenge, and keeping your will to survive the bleak and freezing life at the camp is another. As Lina sees all her hopes and dreams for her future disappear, she somehow must find the strength to keep moving forward.
Review:
What I liked most about this book was that it was about WWII but wasn't about the Holocaust. Instead it told a story few people know about. The gulags of Russia were alive and well during the war years, and innocent people were sent there by the hundreds. Lina's story was not unique, many children saw the future they thought they had ahead of them shattered as they struggled to survive their 30 year prison sentence. It's well written and a great read for older tweens and teens.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
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
Friday, August 10, 2012
Never Fall Down
by Patricia McCormick
Summary:
Arn had always been the one with the plan in his family. Always scheming to find a way to make a little money so he could buy treats for his siblings, or a little extra food for the family. But when the Khmer Rouge comes to Cambodia, Arn's skills turn out to be what saves his life. Whether it is staying out of trouble with the guards at the kids camp he is sent to, or learning to play a musical instrument and sing for the military higher ups, or learning to shoot a gun and kill to save himself, he finds a way to survive. But what is the cost of his survival? How do you live with yourself when everyone you love is dead, when you have committed terrible acts to live?
Review:
Never Fall Down is a story of how one boy survives the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. The book is based on the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond. His recollections of the war are mixed with what McCormick imagines happened to create an incredibly compelling and gruesome story. The book is incredibly frank in it's telling of the thousands of killings that happened in Cambodia at the time. Arn is almost completely disconnected emotionally from his telling of watching people murdered in front of him or doing the killing himself. It is a brutal reminder of the atrocities of war from the point of view of a child who should never have had to have witnessed it, not to mention participate in. The book is a great book for teens, but due to the violence is really best for older teens or those who are a bit more mature.
Genre: War Fiction
Age Level: 10-11th Grade
Summary:
Arn had always been the one with the plan in his family. Always scheming to find a way to make a little money so he could buy treats for his siblings, or a little extra food for the family. But when the Khmer Rouge comes to Cambodia, Arn's skills turn out to be what saves his life. Whether it is staying out of trouble with the guards at the kids camp he is sent to, or learning to play a musical instrument and sing for the military higher ups, or learning to shoot a gun and kill to save himself, he finds a way to survive. But what is the cost of his survival? How do you live with yourself when everyone you love is dead, when you have committed terrible acts to live?
Review:
Never Fall Down is a story of how one boy survives the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. The book is based on the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond. His recollections of the war are mixed with what McCormick imagines happened to create an incredibly compelling and gruesome story. The book is incredibly frank in it's telling of the thousands of killings that happened in Cambodia at the time. Arn is almost completely disconnected emotionally from his telling of watching people murdered in front of him or doing the killing himself. It is a brutal reminder of the atrocities of war from the point of view of a child who should never have had to have witnessed it, not to mention participate in. The book is a great book for teens, but due to the violence is really best for older teens or those who are a bit more mature.
Genre: War Fiction
Age Level: 10-11th 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
Friday, June 15, 2012
Lost
by Jacqueline Davies
Summary:
Essie has always had a hard life. She's taken care of her younger sister since Zelda was born, and now works all day at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company to support both of them and her mother. But when Essie meets Harriet, the new girl at work, she is immediately intrigued. After all, why on earth would a well dressed, educated girl be working for $6 a day? Despite the secrets both keep they find friendship together, but tragedy works in mysterious ways. Neither is really who they appears, and neither have made it through life unscathed.
Review:
Set in the early 1900's, Lost seamlessly blends fiction and reality. Many aspects of the book are real, like the Triangle Shirtwaist Company and the terrible fire that happened there which changed fire code standards throughout the US. Essie is like thousands of workers at the time, struggling to remain a step beyond complete poverty and desperation but finding ways to live there. One of the most interesting twists of the book involves Essie and her sister Zelda, though Harriet and her heiress story is also quite intriguing. A good book for tweens who like historical fiction.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade
Summary:
Essie has always had a hard life. She's taken care of her younger sister since Zelda was born, and now works all day at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company to support both of them and her mother. But when Essie meets Harriet, the new girl at work, she is immediately intrigued. After all, why on earth would a well dressed, educated girl be working for $6 a day? Despite the secrets both keep they find friendship together, but tragedy works in mysterious ways. Neither is really who they appears, and neither have made it through life unscathed.
Review:
Set in the early 1900's, Lost seamlessly blends fiction and reality. Many aspects of the book are real, like the Triangle Shirtwaist Company and the terrible fire that happened there which changed fire code standards throughout the US. Essie is like thousands of workers at the time, struggling to remain a step beyond complete poverty and desperation but finding ways to live there. One of the most interesting twists of the book involves Essie and her sister Zelda, though Harriet and her heiress story is also quite intriguing. A good book for tweens who like historical fiction.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 7th Grade
Thursday, June 7, 2012
A Certain Slant of Light
by Laura Whitcomb
Summary:
Helen has long gotten used to being unnoticed by those around her. As Light, Helen has chosen several hosts who have sustained her, kept her tethered to the earth for the last 130 years. Yet one day, in the classroom of her current host Mr. Brown, Helen feels someone looking at her. James can see her, can hear her, and might be able to help her soul finally rest.
Review:
This book was much less supernatural than I anticipated. The story was not one of hauntings but one of finding peace. Helen is able to transition to human form (yes it sounds a bit silly but the way it was written is interesting). In this form she starts to remember her old life and the reason she is stuck haunting this world. It is a very well written tale that will appeal even to those who don't like supernatural tales (like me!). A good summer read for older tweens especially (there are drugs, sex and suicide discussed).
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Helen has long gotten used to being unnoticed by those around her. As Light, Helen has chosen several hosts who have sustained her, kept her tethered to the earth for the last 130 years. Yet one day, in the classroom of her current host Mr. Brown, Helen feels someone looking at her. James can see her, can hear her, and might be able to help her soul finally rest.
Review:
This book was much less supernatural than I anticipated. The story was not one of hauntings but one of finding peace. Helen is able to transition to human form (yes it sounds a bit silly but the way it was written is interesting). In this form she starts to remember her old life and the reason she is stuck haunting this world. It is a very well written tale that will appeal even to those who don't like supernatural tales (like me!). A good summer read for older tweens especially (there are drugs, sex and suicide discussed).
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Looking for Alaska
by John Green
Summary:
Miles didn't exactly know what to expect when his parents sent him to Culver Creek Preparatory School, a boarding school in Alabama. But from the moment he walks into the dorm room he will share with his new roommate Chip, Miles knows that there is something different about this place. There's something about their friend Alaska, a girl who's confidence and love of life knows no bounds, that keeps everyone coming back for more. But life can't stay perfect always. When a car crash interrupts, Miles and the rest struggle to come to terms in their own roles in the wreck. And learn to live after others are gone.
Review:
Green's book is a study in before and after a tragedy. Miles and the rest of his group at school are not bad kids, but they break the rules they want to. They aren't exactly models of clean living but they never do anything really terrible. But a tragedy that could have been avoided cuts through all of their lives. We watch him and his friends try to come to terms with it, as well as with their own roles in it. It is a well written book about loss and survivor's guilt, as well as the necessity of moving on.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Miles didn't exactly know what to expect when his parents sent him to Culver Creek Preparatory School, a boarding school in Alabama. But from the moment he walks into the dorm room he will share with his new roommate Chip, Miles knows that there is something different about this place. There's something about their friend Alaska, a girl who's confidence and love of life knows no bounds, that keeps everyone coming back for more. But life can't stay perfect always. When a car crash interrupts, Miles and the rest struggle to come to terms in their own roles in the wreck. And learn to live after others are gone.
Review:
Green's book is a study in before and after a tragedy. Miles and the rest of his group at school are not bad kids, but they break the rules they want to. They aren't exactly models of clean living but they never do anything really terrible. But a tragedy that could have been avoided cuts through all of their lives. We watch him and his friends try to come to terms with it, as well as with their own roles in it. It is a well written book about loss and survivor's guilt, as well as the necessity of moving on.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
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