by Jennifer Mathieu
Summary:
It started as a flippant remark. Then got passed around by text message. Then got written in the bathroom stalls. It was just a rumor, but immediately everyone assumed it was true. You see Alice was asking for it. She was a slut, everyone knew it. She dressed up for school, wore lipstick, flirted with everyone. So when the rumor that she slept with 2 boys in one night starts everyone believes it. And when one of those boys dies in a car crash, and another says it's because she was sending him dirty text messages while he was driving, Alice is blamed. But no one knows the truth, and no one seems to care that they don't.
Review:
Told in 4 perspectives, but only at Alice's in the very end, this is about the aftermath of a rumor. Each character has a different perspective on what happens both before and following the start of the rumor. Each character has the ability to clear Alice's name, and we learn the reasons each one uses that information. A haunting book about the power of a rumor, its a good read for slightly older teens due to the many references to sex and drinking.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Showing posts with label Social Situations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Situations. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Tease
by Amanda Maciel
Summary:
No one likes a bully. We're all taught that bullying is wrong, and that you should say something if you see it. You're supposed to stand up to bullies. But what if you are the bully? Where is the line between teasing and bullying? When is your "harmless prank" no longer harmless? When Emma Putnam kills herself, everyone immediately blames Sara and her friends relentless bullying of Emma. But Sara doesn't see it as bullying, it was just standard frenemy behavior. But with a trial on the horizon, Sara is going to have to do some soul searching to find out just where she went wrong.
Review:
There are a slew of anti-bullying books out there, but Tease stands out. Sara is a character you want to hate but at the same time can understand how she let things get so out of control. Told in flashbacks, the reader learns what happened leading up to Emma's death and sees Sara evolve in the aftermath. It's a good book told from the bully's perspective, and the ending does manage to pack a surprise as (spoiler alert) Sara finally realizes how wrong she was. Best for older teens due to many references to drinking and sex.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Summary:
No one likes a bully. We're all taught that bullying is wrong, and that you should say something if you see it. You're supposed to stand up to bullies. But what if you are the bully? Where is the line between teasing and bullying? When is your "harmless prank" no longer harmless? When Emma Putnam kills herself, everyone immediately blames Sara and her friends relentless bullying of Emma. But Sara doesn't see it as bullying, it was just standard frenemy behavior. But with a trial on the horizon, Sara is going to have to do some soul searching to find out just where she went wrong.
Review:
There are a slew of anti-bullying books out there, but Tease stands out. Sara is a character you want to hate but at the same time can understand how she let things get so out of control. Told in flashbacks, the reader learns what happened leading up to Emma's death and sees Sara evolve in the aftermath. It's a good book told from the bully's perspective, and the ending does manage to pack a surprise as (spoiler alert) Sara finally realizes how wrong she was. Best for older teens due to many references to drinking and sex.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Conversion
by Katherine Howe
Summary:
When girls at Colleen's high school in Danvers start having seizures, losing their hair, developing tics, and more, it starts off a panic. At first it's just a few girls, but as more and more develop symptoms that can't be explained by any disease, it becomes clear that maybe something else is at work. What few people remember is that Danvers wasn't always called Danvers. It used to be Salem. And maybe the witchcraft that once infected Salem village is back.
Review:
Told in alternating perspectives by Colleen and Ann Putnam from Salem village in 1706, Howe's story is remarkable because it is based on true events. Ann's story is told verbatim from her confession about the accusations from the Salem Witch Trials. Colleen finds herself in the middle of a modern day bewitching, and while she doesn't believe that the girls are really ill, falls prey to the illness herself. It's a shocking tale because it's based on a story that actually happened just a few years ago, but it's also a cautionary tale about just how much pressure high schoolers are under. Great for slightly older teens, or those who have an interest in the Salem Witch Trials.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
When girls at Colleen's high school in Danvers start having seizures, losing their hair, developing tics, and more, it starts off a panic. At first it's just a few girls, but as more and more develop symptoms that can't be explained by any disease, it becomes clear that maybe something else is at work. What few people remember is that Danvers wasn't always called Danvers. It used to be Salem. And maybe the witchcraft that once infected Salem village is back.
Review:
Told in alternating perspectives by Colleen and Ann Putnam from Salem village in 1706, Howe's story is remarkable because it is based on true events. Ann's story is told verbatim from her confession about the accusations from the Salem Witch Trials. Colleen finds herself in the middle of a modern day bewitching, and while she doesn't believe that the girls are really ill, falls prey to the illness herself. It's a shocking tale because it's based on a story that actually happened just a few years ago, but it's also a cautionary tale about just how much pressure high schoolers are under. Great for slightly older teens, or those who have an interest in the Salem Witch Trials.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
True Blue
by Deborah Ellis
Summary:
Would you be able to stand up for your best friend if she was accused of murder? What if all the evidence pointed to her? What if everyone else already believed it? Jess might have thought she would, but when her best friend Casey is arrested for the murder of a young girl who was in their cabin at summer camp, she finds herself swayed by the masses. As Casey is put on trial, Jess harbors a secret that could set her free. But she has to be brave enough to say it. And what happens if she is not?
Review:
When I picked up this book I thought it would end pretty typically, with Jess coming to Casey's rescue and becoming a better person. Without too many spoilers, it doesn't, and in not coming to a perfect happy ending the book becomes more realistic. It is incredibly hard to stand up for something when everyone else isn't behind it. We'd all like to think we'd stand up for the right thing, but how many of us actually would? Jess' story is a bit of a cautionary tale, and one that is definitely worth reading.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Summary:
Would you be able to stand up for your best friend if she was accused of murder? What if all the evidence pointed to her? What if everyone else already believed it? Jess might have thought she would, but when her best friend Casey is arrested for the murder of a young girl who was in their cabin at summer camp, she finds herself swayed by the masses. As Casey is put on trial, Jess harbors a secret that could set her free. But she has to be brave enough to say it. And what happens if she is not?
Review:
When I picked up this book I thought it would end pretty typically, with Jess coming to Casey's rescue and becoming a better person. Without too many spoilers, it doesn't, and in not coming to a perfect happy ending the book becomes more realistic. It is incredibly hard to stand up for something when everyone else isn't behind it. We'd all like to think we'd stand up for the right thing, but how many of us actually would? Jess' story is a bit of a cautionary tale, and one that is definitely worth reading.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 8th Grade
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Ketchup Clouds
by Annabel Pitcher
Summary:
Have you ever done something truly horrible? Something that no one knows the truth of but you? Something like murder? Zoe has no one she can tell about what really happened on May 1st, so she decides to write to a man on death row, because as murderers they share a common bond. As she tells him the story of the events leading up to May 1st we learn that not everything is as simple as what it seems. And that sometimes love can be deadly.
Review:
Written as an epistolary novel, Ketchup Clouds is a captivating book that is hard to put down til the end. Zoe is a eloquent and smart girl whose letters are both entertaining yet told without bias. She starts off each letter in the present before returning to the story of the events leading up to May 1st, which can be a little confusing at first. The story is one about unintended consequences and heartbreak, and will definitely stay with the reader. Best for slightly older teens due to the prevalence of drinking throughout, but a good read for anyone who enjoys a tragic romance.
Genre: Epistolary Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Have you ever done something truly horrible? Something that no one knows the truth of but you? Something like murder? Zoe has no one she can tell about what really happened on May 1st, so she decides to write to a man on death row, because as murderers they share a common bond. As she tells him the story of the events leading up to May 1st we learn that not everything is as simple as what it seems. And that sometimes love can be deadly.
Review:
Written as an epistolary novel, Ketchup Clouds is a captivating book that is hard to put down til the end. Zoe is a eloquent and smart girl whose letters are both entertaining yet told without bias. She starts off each letter in the present before returning to the story of the events leading up to May 1st, which can be a little confusing at first. The story is one about unintended consequences and heartbreak, and will definitely stay with the reader. Best for slightly older teens due to the prevalence of drinking throughout, but a good read for anyone who enjoys a tragic romance.
Genre: Epistolary Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Sister Wife
by Shelley Hrdlitschka
Summary:
Celeste has only known life on the compound. She's always known that once the prophet decided who she was to marry she would have to, even if it was to an older man with many wives. But Celeste wants more out of life, but to do so would mean turning her back on everyone she's known forever.
Review:
A well timed novel, due to the high interest in polygamist sects these days, this book is about a young woman struggling to reconcile her desires with everything she's been taught. Celeste ultimately does seek freedom, but it takes her losing almost every part of herself first. It's a good read for anyone curious into the lifestyle, believable even though it makes you want to just grab some of the characters and make them see reason.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Celeste has only known life on the compound. She's always known that once the prophet decided who she was to marry she would have to, even if it was to an older man with many wives. But Celeste wants more out of life, but to do so would mean turning her back on everyone she's known forever.
Review:
A well timed novel, due to the high interest in polygamist sects these days, this book is about a young woman struggling to reconcile her desires with everything she's been taught. Celeste ultimately does seek freedom, but it takes her losing almost every part of herself first. It's a good read for anyone curious into the lifestyle, believable even though it makes you want to just grab some of the characters and make them see reason.
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
Crash and Burn
by Michael Hassan
Summary:
Crash didn't set out that morning to be a hero. He didn't intend to be the person who saved 1000 people from his classmate David. He wasn't even planning on being at school. But David had other plans, plans that were the direct result of their ten years of knowing each other. Plans that dated even back to their first meeting in elementary school, to their first escapade where David earned his nickname Burn. Told from Crash's perspective and alternating between before and after the event, he retells the events that led up to the moment it was just them, Crash and Burn, surrounded by bombs and guns, each trying to out think the other.
Reviews:
Crash and Burn didn't grab me at first, but by the end I was reading it as quickly as I could to find out what happens. Crash is a brash character who goes through life like a bull in a china shop, but at the same time is someone you really want to be friends with. Reflecting on his relationship with David, each story reveals a little more of how they both ended up in a room together. The book does not focus as much on the attempted massacre itself, but instead on how everything built up to it, and how it changed Crash's life afterwards. The book is well written and engaging, but due to the content (drugs, drinking, sex, suicide, and an attempted school massacre) is probably best for older teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Summary:
Crash didn't set out that morning to be a hero. He didn't intend to be the person who saved 1000 people from his classmate David. He wasn't even planning on being at school. But David had other plans, plans that were the direct result of their ten years of knowing each other. Plans that dated even back to their first meeting in elementary school, to their first escapade where David earned his nickname Burn. Told from Crash's perspective and alternating between before and after the event, he retells the events that led up to the moment it was just them, Crash and Burn, surrounded by bombs and guns, each trying to out think the other.
Reviews:
Crash and Burn didn't grab me at first, but by the end I was reading it as quickly as I could to find out what happens. Crash is a brash character who goes through life like a bull in a china shop, but at the same time is someone you really want to be friends with. Reflecting on his relationship with David, each story reveals a little more of how they both ended up in a room together. The book does not focus as much on the attempted massacre itself, but instead on how everything built up to it, and how it changed Crash's life afterwards. The book is well written and engaging, but due to the content (drugs, drinking, sex, suicide, and an attempted school massacre) is probably best for older teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th Grade
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The List
by Siobhan Vivian
Summary:
Every year the list comes out. Every year the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade is determined by that list. The list can make or break someone at Mount Washington High School. When the 8 girls on this years list find out their rankings, each reacts differently. Perhaps this year one of them will break the cycle, but what will it take for them to do it.
Review:
The List grabbed me right from the start. The list is a horrible tradition, but one that you can easily see happening anywhere around the country. The book alternates from the perspectives of each of the girls selected, both the prettiest and the ugliest. Each girl's reaction is believable, and their evolution about their perception of the list from beginning to end is really interesting. It's a great read for teens about the dangers or owning too much into social perception, as well as the dangers of bullying.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Every year the list comes out. Every year the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade is determined by that list. The list can make or break someone at Mount Washington High School. When the 8 girls on this years list find out their rankings, each reacts differently. Perhaps this year one of them will break the cycle, but what will it take for them to do it.
Review:
The List grabbed me right from the start. The list is a horrible tradition, but one that you can easily see happening anywhere around the country. The book alternates from the perspectives of each of the girls selected, both the prettiest and the ugliest. Each girl's reaction is believable, and their evolution about their perception of the list from beginning to end is really interesting. It's a great read for teens about the dangers or owning too much into social perception, as well as the dangers of bullying.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Friday, August 10, 2012
Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone
by Kat Rosenfield
Summary:
Becca can't wait to move away from college, to shake off the trappings of her small town life and move somewhere new and exciting, never to come back. But when a girl from out of town is found murdered on the same night Becca graduates, the repercussions shake the entire town's foundations. Becca finds herself trapped, worrying about the girl that no one knows, unsure of who is telling her the truth. Murders don't happen in her hometown, or at least they didn't. Now they are left wondering who among them could have done it, who among them has gotten away with it.
Review:
Rosenfield's book is both well written and engaging. The book is told mainly from Becca's point of view beginning at the time when the murder occurs, the book is interspersed with chapters from Amelia Anne's point of view from her last day alive. The resulting novel draws readers in and leaves them guessing til the very end about who did it. It is a great story about the repercussions a tragic event has not only on those immediately involved but also all those peripherally around it. The book is great for any teens who like murder mysteries.
Genre: Mystery
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Summary:
Becca can't wait to move away from college, to shake off the trappings of her small town life and move somewhere new and exciting, never to come back. But when a girl from out of town is found murdered on the same night Becca graduates, the repercussions shake the entire town's foundations. Becca finds herself trapped, worrying about the girl that no one knows, unsure of who is telling her the truth. Murders don't happen in her hometown, or at least they didn't. Now they are left wondering who among them could have done it, who among them has gotten away with it.
Review:
Rosenfield's book is both well written and engaging. The book is told mainly from Becca's point of view beginning at the time when the murder occurs, the book is interspersed with chapters from Amelia Anne's point of view from her last day alive. The resulting novel draws readers in and leaves them guessing til the very end about who did it. It is a great story about the repercussions a tragic event has not only on those immediately involved but also all those peripherally around it. The book is great for any teens who like murder mysteries.
Genre: Mystery
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tell Me a Secret
by Holly Cupala
Summary:
Rand never thought she would be one of those girls who ended up pregnant. She had been so focused on not being her sister Xanda, never mentioning her, never being like her, never saying that she was dead, that it wasn't even on her radar. She was going to go to art school, have a career, do great things. But now, living with her parents disappointment and lies, being ostracized in school by rumors that she was trying to trap the father into marriage, it's the memory of her sister that gets her through each day. A sister that she is finding out, wasn't what she had appeared to be in life. Who, in death, becomes what can bring them all together once the truth comes out.
Review:
Tell me a secret is a book about a truly dysfunctional family. With a mother only involved in her church, a father who buries himself in work, and a rebellious sister whose actions lead to her death, Rand is left virtually alone in a house where no one tells the truth if it's deemed too painful. The book is about the choices we make and the consequences that they have, the dangers of believing rumor and the need we have to cling to things we believe to be true. It's a good read for older tweens and teens, but it does talk about drinking and sex so is better for the slightly older crowd.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Rand never thought she would be one of those girls who ended up pregnant. She had been so focused on not being her sister Xanda, never mentioning her, never being like her, never saying that she was dead, that it wasn't even on her radar. She was going to go to art school, have a career, do great things. But now, living with her parents disappointment and lies, being ostracized in school by rumors that she was trying to trap the father into marriage, it's the memory of her sister that gets her through each day. A sister that she is finding out, wasn't what she had appeared to be in life. Who, in death, becomes what can bring them all together once the truth comes out.
Review:
Tell me a secret is a book about a truly dysfunctional family. With a mother only involved in her church, a father who buries himself in work, and a rebellious sister whose actions lead to her death, Rand is left virtually alone in a house where no one tells the truth if it's deemed too painful. The book is about the choices we make and the consequences that they have, the dangers of believing rumor and the need we have to cling to things we believe to be true. It's a good read for older tweens and teens, but it does talk about drinking and sex so is better for the slightly older crowd.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Pure
by Terra Elan McVoy
Summary:
The purity rings that Tabitha and her friends wear were supposed to make their lives easier. The rings were a symbol of their promise to God that they would save themselves for marriage. But as the girls get older, they are finding that life is not as black and white as they had thought it. When one of them makes a decision that goes against their promise, they find themselves pitted against each other as they discover that you can't dictate your friends choices, only whether or not you value their friendship over your beliefs.
Review:
Pure is a very readable story about young girls growing up and realizing that their insulated world of religion is not always going to have all the answers for them. Tabitha in particular is a voice of reason throughout, finding ways to rectify her religious beliefs with everyday life, and helping others to as well. The book does not really focus on whether sex is right or wrong, nor is it overly preachy on the topic of religion, but does a good job of showing the potential problems that many young people who are religious face. It's a good read, semi-along the lines of the movie Saved, good for older tweens and teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th grade
Summary:
The purity rings that Tabitha and her friends wear were supposed to make their lives easier. The rings were a symbol of their promise to God that they would save themselves for marriage. But as the girls get older, they are finding that life is not as black and white as they had thought it. When one of them makes a decision that goes against their promise, they find themselves pitted against each other as they discover that you can't dictate your friends choices, only whether or not you value their friendship over your beliefs.
Review:
Pure is a very readable story about young girls growing up and realizing that their insulated world of religion is not always going to have all the answers for them. Tabitha in particular is a voice of reason throughout, finding ways to rectify her religious beliefs with everyday life, and helping others to as well. The book does not really focus on whether sex is right or wrong, nor is it overly preachy on the topic of religion, but does a good job of showing the potential problems that many young people who are religious face. It's a good read, semi-along the lines of the movie Saved, good for older tweens and teens.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th grade
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 3, 2012
Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver
Summary:
What would you do if you knew you were going to die today? Would you do the same things you've done every day before? Would you spend the whole day with family and friends? Would you try and right the wrongs you've done in your life? Samantha didn't know it would be the last day of her life when she work up on February 12th. But she did know the next day, and the next, as she kept waking up to repeat the day. You see Samantha keeps dying on February 12th, and it's up to her to figure out how to break the cycle.
Review:
Samantha is the pretty popular girl everyone loves to her face and hates secretly. She and her friends are the ultimate mean girls. But as she is forced to relive the day she dies over and over again, Samantha realizes the harm that she's done in her life and tries to rectify it so that she can break the cycle she's stuck in and move on to whatever is next, even if it means her death. This was a great novel about coming to terms with ones life and making the right choices even when they are hard. Samantha is a character that you start out hating but end up really sympathizing with and liking. The ending was both sad and poignant.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th-11th Grade
Summary:
What would you do if you knew you were going to die today? Would you do the same things you've done every day before? Would you spend the whole day with family and friends? Would you try and right the wrongs you've done in your life? Samantha didn't know it would be the last day of her life when she work up on February 12th. But she did know the next day, and the next, as she kept waking up to repeat the day. You see Samantha keeps dying on February 12th, and it's up to her to figure out how to break the cycle.
Review:
Samantha is the pretty popular girl everyone loves to her face and hates secretly. She and her friends are the ultimate mean girls. But as she is forced to relive the day she dies over and over again, Samantha realizes the harm that she's done in her life and tries to rectify it so that she can break the cycle she's stuck in and move on to whatever is next, even if it means her death. This was a great novel about coming to terms with ones life and making the right choices even when they are hard. Samantha is a character that you start out hating but end up really sympathizing with and liking. The ending was both sad and poignant.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10th-11th 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
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Also Known as Rowan Pohi
by Ralph Fletcher
Summary:
Bobby Steele used to be able to blend in. People didn't used to know his name. But after that incident with his father, that landed all over the papers, everyone seems to know who he is, and it's not to his benefit. But he might have found the perfect escape from his normal life. It began as a joke, with he and his friends applying to an elite prep school as new transfer student Rowan Pohi. But when Rowan's acceptance letter arrives, Bobby realizes he may have just created a perfect out, a way to become someone else. Someone cool. But is he really going to be able to outwit an entire school?
Review:
Fletcher has created a great character in Bobby. Bobby is recovering from the aftermath of witnessing his father beat his mother, of his father going to jail, and of his mother leaving him and his little brother behind in her effort to escape his father. Bobby is struggling to understand and deal with his anger and hurt over the entire situation, when he finds a way to use his creativity to escape. Not to escape like his mother, but to escape in a small way that he can use to better his situation. Bobby is a great character for boy tweens, witty and popular, able to turn any situation to his gain. A fun read.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Summary:
Bobby Steele used to be able to blend in. People didn't used to know his name. But after that incident with his father, that landed all over the papers, everyone seems to know who he is, and it's not to his benefit. But he might have found the perfect escape from his normal life. It began as a joke, with he and his friends applying to an elite prep school as new transfer student Rowan Pohi. But when Rowan's acceptance letter arrives, Bobby realizes he may have just created a perfect out, a way to become someone else. Someone cool. But is he really going to be able to outwit an entire school?
Review:
Fletcher has created a great character in Bobby. Bobby is recovering from the aftermath of witnessing his father beat his mother, of his father going to jail, and of his mother leaving him and his little brother behind in her effort to escape his father. Bobby is struggling to understand and deal with his anger and hurt over the entire situation, when he finds a way to use his creativity to escape. Not to escape like his mother, but to escape in a small way that he can use to better his situation. Bobby is a great character for boy tweens, witty and popular, able to turn any situation to his gain. A fun read.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Want to go Private?
by Sarah Darer Littman
Summary:
Abby knew high school was going to be different than middle school, she just didn't expect everything to be so hard. Her best friend Faith is making new friends left and right, joining clubs and having fun, but Abby can't seem to find her place. Combined with parents who just ignore her and the most annoying little sister, it's no wonder she prefers to spend all her time online with her new friend Luke. She's never met him, in fact they met in a chat room on her favorite website, but he understands her more than anyone else. When she's fed up with everything he suggests they have a fun weekend together. He loves her after all, so Abby decides to meet him. But what happens when online fantasy changes to reality, what's actually real and what's not. For Abby it might be too late...
Review:
Want to go Private? is a story about the dangers of the internet, about the dangers that anyone who goes online is exposed to. Abby has been taught all about how to be safe on the internet, that she shouldn't give out personal information to people she doesn't know, but Luke slowly gains her trust and she is convinced she's doing the right thing by telling him her name, about her life, giving him her address. The book is a chilling reminder that even when someone knows the facts about something, all it takes is someone pushing the right buttons to get them to forget themselves. A really good read for older tweens and younger teens about the dangers of falling for a fantasy.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 7-8th Grade
Summary:
Abby knew high school was going to be different than middle school, she just didn't expect everything to be so hard. Her best friend Faith is making new friends left and right, joining clubs and having fun, but Abby can't seem to find her place. Combined with parents who just ignore her and the most annoying little sister, it's no wonder she prefers to spend all her time online with her new friend Luke. She's never met him, in fact they met in a chat room on her favorite website, but he understands her more than anyone else. When she's fed up with everything he suggests they have a fun weekend together. He loves her after all, so Abby decides to meet him. But what happens when online fantasy changes to reality, what's actually real and what's not. For Abby it might be too late...
Review:
Want to go Private? is a story about the dangers of the internet, about the dangers that anyone who goes online is exposed to. Abby has been taught all about how to be safe on the internet, that she shouldn't give out personal information to people she doesn't know, but Luke slowly gains her trust and she is convinced she's doing the right thing by telling him her name, about her life, giving him her address. The book is a chilling reminder that even when someone knows the facts about something, all it takes is someone pushing the right buttons to get them to forget themselves. A really good read for older tweens and younger teens about the dangers of falling for a fantasy.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 7-8th Grade
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Luxe
by Anna Godberson
Summary:
In the year 1899, the rules determining the behavior and conduct of New York's high society are strict and final. They have the power to make or break a young socialites standing. In a world where old money rules and new money has to make it's standing known, Luxe follows the lives of several of New York's finest bachelors and debutantes as they learn to decide which rules are worth following, and which are worth breaking.
Review:
Luxe is a historical fiction version of many popular tween books, like Pretty Little Liars. It is filled with intrigue, secret affairs, loves torn apart, and even a murder. The book is well written, drawing the reader in and painting extremely intriguing characters. It stays fairly true to realism in it's depictions of life at the dawn of the last century. The book is a great read for older tweens due to some of the more mature content about the characters love lives.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 9th-10th grade
Series: Book 1 of 4 (Luxe, Envy, Rumors, Splendor)
Summary:
In the year 1899, the rules determining the behavior and conduct of New York's high society are strict and final. They have the power to make or break a young socialites standing. In a world where old money rules and new money has to make it's standing known, Luxe follows the lives of several of New York's finest bachelors and debutantes as they learn to decide which rules are worth following, and which are worth breaking.
Review:
Luxe is a historical fiction version of many popular tween books, like Pretty Little Liars. It is filled with intrigue, secret affairs, loves torn apart, and even a murder. The book is well written, drawing the reader in and painting extremely intriguing characters. It stays fairly true to realism in it's depictions of life at the dawn of the last century. The book is a great read for older tweens due to some of the more mature content about the characters love lives.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 9th-10th grade
Series: Book 1 of 4 (Luxe, Envy, Rumors, Splendor)
Hold Still
by Nina LaCour
Summary:
The school year might be beginning like normal for everyone else, but for Ingrid, all it brings is reminders of the death of her best friend at the end of last year. Caitlin was beautiful and fun, but what everyone believed she was was shattered when she committed suicide. Now Ingrid is left behind trying to understand not only why Caitlin did it, but why Caitlin never talked to her about her problems. When Ingrid finds Caitlin's journal, she finds a way to understand a little bit of Caitlin herself, the part that Caitlin always kept hidden.
Review:
Hold Still was not nearly as captivating as other novels about the aftermath of a suicide. However what it did try to explain was the fact that Caitlin knew that she was ultimately the one responsible for her life and that what she was going to do was not the only option. The book focuses on her friend trying to understand the betrayal she feels, and how to deal with both that betrayal and her grief. Overall it's well written but there are better books on the subject out there.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th-10th Grade
Summary:
The school year might be beginning like normal for everyone else, but for Ingrid, all it brings is reminders of the death of her best friend at the end of last year. Caitlin was beautiful and fun, but what everyone believed she was was shattered when she committed suicide. Now Ingrid is left behind trying to understand not only why Caitlin did it, but why Caitlin never talked to her about her problems. When Ingrid finds Caitlin's journal, she finds a way to understand a little bit of Caitlin herself, the part that Caitlin always kept hidden.
Review:
Hold Still was not nearly as captivating as other novels about the aftermath of a suicide. However what it did try to explain was the fact that Caitlin knew that she was ultimately the one responsible for her life and that what she was going to do was not the only option. The book focuses on her friend trying to understand the betrayal she feels, and how to deal with both that betrayal and her grief. Overall it's well written but there are better books on the subject out there.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 9th-10th Grade
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