Chasing the Bear
by Robert B. Parker
Spenser is a detective in this author's adult private-eye series, but in this book he recounts several stories to his wife from his childhood between the ages of 12 and 14. In one story he rescues his friend Jeannie from her abusive father who has kidnapped her and taken her down river to a remote island. In another, he aids a Mexican boy bullied by a group of Anglos in a growing Mexican-American gang war. These coming-of-age stories are suspenseful and will keep the interest of readers, but the real strength is how Spenser's father and two uncles raise him, teaching him valuable life-lessons about protecting and making decisions for himself while offering their unconditional love and acceptance. While teens will probably not realize that Spenser is a character in adult detective fiction, it might inspire them to follow his story. Suitable for ages 12 and up, and adults
by Robert B. Parker
Spenser is a detective in this author's adult private-eye series, but in this book he recounts several stories to his wife from his childhood between the ages of 12 and 14. In one story he rescues his friend Jeannie from her abusive father who has kidnapped her and taken her down river to a remote island. In another, he aids a Mexican boy bullied by a group of Anglos in a growing Mexican-American gang war. These coming-of-age stories are suspenseful and will keep the interest of readers, but the real strength is how Spenser's father and two uncles raise him, teaching him valuable life-lessons about protecting and making decisions for himself while offering their unconditional love and acceptance. While teens will probably not realize that Spenser is a character in adult detective fiction, it might inspire them to follow his story. Suitable for ages 12 and up, and adults
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools
by Philip Caveney
Sebastian Darke, son of a human father and an elvish mother, travels to the kingdom of Keladon in hopes to get a job as court jester. His late father, the Prince of Fools, was a great jester. But Sebastian is probably the worst joke-teller around. Accompanied by Max, a talking but usually complaining family buffalope, they meet a tiny but powerful warrior called Cornelius who is also headed to Keladon to try to take his place in the royal Crimson Cloak. The pair, along with the buffalope, travel together and soon become involved in an attack where they inadvertently save Princess Kerin, niece to King Septimus. Escorting her home to her kingdom, where the king appears happy to have his niece returned safely, is the misfortune for Sebastian, Cornelius, and the buffalope. This is an extremely humorous and entertaining fantasy that will appeal to readers ages 10 and up, but also to younger readers as a read-aloud. For Harry Potter fans and those who enjoy adventure stories with lots of fight scenes and action and a little bit of love thrown in, this is a delight. This is also a great book on CD to listen to. Highly recommended.
by Philip Caveney
Sebastian Darke, son of a human father and an elvish mother, travels to the kingdom of Keladon in hopes to get a job as court jester. His late father, the Prince of Fools, was a great jester. But Sebastian is probably the worst joke-teller around. Accompanied by Max, a talking but usually complaining family buffalope, they meet a tiny but powerful warrior called Cornelius who is also headed to Keladon to try to take his place in the royal Crimson Cloak. The pair, along with the buffalope, travel together and soon become involved in an attack where they inadvertently save Princess Kerin, niece to King Septimus. Escorting her home to her kingdom, where the king appears happy to have his niece returned safely, is the misfortune for Sebastian, Cornelius, and the buffalope. This is an extremely humorous and entertaining fantasy that will appeal to readers ages 10 and up, but also to younger readers as a read-aloud. For Harry Potter fans and those who enjoy adventure stories with lots of fight scenes and action and a little bit of love thrown in, this is a delight. This is also a great book on CD to listen to. Highly recommended.
Chasing Lincoln's Killer
by Jamaes L. Swanson
This non-fiction book is based on the adult bestseller "Manhunt", which documents the twelve-day chase and eventual capture of Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and his conspirators. Accompanied by photos of the relevent people and locations, maps, newspaper clippings, and illustrated magazine depictions of the events, this makes an attractive package for readers in grades 6 and up. Filled with a detailed account prior to the shooting though the aftermath of hangings and inprisonment of those guilty, facsinating information not included in history books is revealed. Although I enjoyed the book and learned a lot, I felt that some of the narrative was confusing in relation to time and place, perhaps due to the shortening of the orginal text to make it readable for a younger audience. It was difficult to keep the cast of characters straight at times. Nevertheless, this will surely be enjoyed by those who enjoy history or true crime stories.
by Jamaes L. Swanson
This non-fiction book is based on the adult bestseller "Manhunt", which documents the twelve-day chase and eventual capture of Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and his conspirators. Accompanied by photos of the relevent people and locations, maps, newspaper clippings, and illustrated magazine depictions of the events, this makes an attractive package for readers in grades 6 and up. Filled with a detailed account prior to the shooting though the aftermath of hangings and inprisonment of those guilty, facsinating information not included in history books is revealed. Although I enjoyed the book and learned a lot, I felt that some of the narrative was confusing in relation to time and place, perhaps due to the shortening of the orginal text to make it readable for a younger audience. It was difficult to keep the cast of characters straight at times. Nevertheless, this will surely be enjoyed by those who enjoy history or true crime stories.
Book of a Thousand Days
by Shannon Hale
This has become a favorite book of mine, and if you enjoy fairy tales involving a love story told by a terrific storyteller, you'll definitely want to check this one out. Based on "Maid Maleen", as recorded by the Grimms Brothers, this story is set in a Mongolian-type land of make-believe known as the Eight Realms. Lady Sarin of Titor's Garden has been promised to Lord Khasar of Thoughts of Under, but she and Khan Tegus of Song of Evela have been secretly writing letters to each other since they were children resulting in her refusal to marry the man her father has chosen. In a rage, Lady Sarin's father sentences her and her maid Dashti to seven years in a bricked-in tower to break her spirit. Food enough for seven years is quickly depleted by rats, and between the raging hot summers and freezing cold winters, survival by the two girls is recorded in a journal or 'Book of a Thousand Days' by Dashti, a mucker girl from the steppes who has given her oath to serve and protect Lady Sarin. How she manages that is the adventure and heart of the story. Winner of numerous awards, honors, and best book lists, this book will appeal to girls ages 10 and up, to those who enjoy romances, and probably even lovers of the "Twilight" series. I couldn't put this one down.
by Shannon Hale
This has become a favorite book of mine, and if you enjoy fairy tales involving a love story told by a terrific storyteller, you'll definitely want to check this one out. Based on "Maid Maleen", as recorded by the Grimms Brothers, this story is set in a Mongolian-type land of make-believe known as the Eight Realms. Lady Sarin of Titor's Garden has been promised to Lord Khasar of Thoughts of Under, but she and Khan Tegus of Song of Evela have been secretly writing letters to each other since they were children resulting in her refusal to marry the man her father has chosen. In a rage, Lady Sarin's father sentences her and her maid Dashti to seven years in a bricked-in tower to break her spirit. Food enough for seven years is quickly depleted by rats, and between the raging hot summers and freezing cold winters, survival by the two girls is recorded in a journal or 'Book of a Thousand Days' by Dashti, a mucker girl from the steppes who has given her oath to serve and protect Lady Sarin. How she manages that is the adventure and heart of the story. Winner of numerous awards, honors, and best book lists, this book will appeal to girls ages 10 and up, to those who enjoy romances, and probably even lovers of the "Twilight" series. I couldn't put this one down.
A Season of Gifts
by Richard Peck
This was especially nice to listen to on CD during the Christmas holidays, when the final scenes of the book take place. In these, Mrs. Dowdel, who doesn't believe in giving gifts and thinks Christmas is just another day of the year, gives Bob the gift of driving the family's car, known as "the pickle", in a trip to cut down Christmas trees for herself and the Barnhart family, although it takes his father's wisdom to point this fact out to Bob. Fun and entertaining story.
by Richard Peck
This was especially nice to listen to on CD during the Christmas holidays, when the final scenes of the book take place. In these, Mrs. Dowdel, who doesn't believe in giving gifts and thinks Christmas is just another day of the year, gives Bob the gift of driving the family's car, known as "the pickle", in a trip to cut down Christmas trees for herself and the Barnhart family, although it takes his father's wisdom to point this fact out to Bob. Fun and entertaining story.
Water Steps
by A. LaFaye
Kyna has a crippling fear of the water due to a horrible storm that took the lives of her family while sailing. Saved by Mem and Pep, who eventually adopt her, she is taking "water steps" to overcome her fear that includes baths, puddles, and even drinking water. Water has a burning sensation to her, but not to Mem and Pep who love being in the water. They take her to Lake Champlain for the summer where they can frolick. Kyna cannot stand to even look at the lake, but eventually brings herself to build a treehouse in the woods that overlooks it, thinking she will spend her time trying to photograph an owl in flight that she may enter into a county contest. Meanwhile, she makes friends with Tylo, who believes he's seen silkies in the lake. Kyno agrees to help him capture a photo of the creatures about which Kyna's Irish parents have told her stories, and in the process takes her biggest water step of all. The beautifully written novel will appeal to readers in grades 5 and up who enjoy a little mystery and magic to spice up their stories. Some shrewd readers may figure out the secret of Lake Champlain before it is revealed, but that won't spoil the journey Kyna takes as she tries again and again to overcome her fear of water. Children with their own fears, whatever they may be, will identify with Kyna's struggle and pain.
by A. LaFaye
Kyna has a crippling fear of the water due to a horrible storm that took the lives of her family while sailing. Saved by Mem and Pep, who eventually adopt her, she is taking "water steps" to overcome her fear that includes baths, puddles, and even drinking water. Water has a burning sensation to her, but not to Mem and Pep who love being in the water. They take her to Lake Champlain for the summer where they can frolick. Kyna cannot stand to even look at the lake, but eventually brings herself to build a treehouse in the woods that overlooks it, thinking she will spend her time trying to photograph an owl in flight that she may enter into a county contest. Meanwhile, she makes friends with Tylo, who believes he's seen silkies in the lake. Kyno agrees to help him capture a photo of the creatures about which Kyna's Irish parents have told her stories, and in the process takes her biggest water step of all. The beautifully written novel will appeal to readers in grades 5 and up who enjoy a little mystery and magic to spice up their stories. Some shrewd readers may figure out the secret of Lake Champlain before it is revealed, but that won't spoil the journey Kyna takes as she tries again and again to overcome her fear of water. Children with their own fears, whatever they may be, will identify with Kyna's struggle and pain.
Paper Towns
by John Green
This book is by the same author who wrote "Looking for Alaska" and "An Abundance of Katherines". Similar to both those stories, this one also involves a nerdy high school boy in love with an elusive girl. Senior Quentin Jacobsen, or 'Q' to his friends, lives next door to Margo Roth Spiegelman, his childhood friend and now popular girl at school. When she suddenly appears one night at his window asking for his help in a series of pranks and pay-backs to her friends and boyfriend who have done her wrong, Quentin reluctantly goes along, thinking that it might change their now non-existant relationship. The night is wild and exciting and full of hilarious moments. But when Margo comes up missing the next day, Quentin is worried. Her parents are furious and change the locks on the house, while Quentin and his quirky friends follow a series of clues left behind in a attempt to find her, hopefully alive. This book is much more philosophical than the others, with Quentin spending a lot of time thinking about we imagine people to be as opposed to how they really are, and how little he really knows about Margo. Recommended for serious readers in grades 9 and up. This book was chosen as the winner of the Teens Top 10, their favorite book of the year.
by John Green
This book is by the same author who wrote "Looking for Alaska" and "An Abundance of Katherines". Similar to both those stories, this one also involves a nerdy high school boy in love with an elusive girl. Senior Quentin Jacobsen, or 'Q' to his friends, lives next door to Margo Roth Spiegelman, his childhood friend and now popular girl at school. When she suddenly appears one night at his window asking for his help in a series of pranks and pay-backs to her friends and boyfriend who have done her wrong, Quentin reluctantly goes along, thinking that it might change their now non-existant relationship. The night is wild and exciting and full of hilarious moments. But when Margo comes up missing the next day, Quentin is worried. Her parents are furious and change the locks on the house, while Quentin and his quirky friends follow a series of clues left behind in a attempt to find her, hopefully alive. This book is much more philosophical than the others, with Quentin spending a lot of time thinking about we imagine people to be as opposed to how they really are, and how little he really knows about Margo. Recommended for serious readers in grades 9 and up. This book was chosen as the winner of the Teens Top 10, their favorite book of the year.
Thirteen Reasons Why
by Jay Asher
There are thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker decided to kill herself and she has recorded each of them on cassette tapes that will be delivered to the people who play a role in her decision. The reader hears the story through her voice, as well as through Clay Jensen, a classmate who is currently person #8 listening to the tapes. A rumor, started when she was a new girl in town and entering the 9th grade, begins a series of events that spiral out of her control leading to her final desperate cries for help several years later. Clay, who has had a crush on Hannah since she first arrives in town, has no idea how he contributed to her decision. But after listening to the tapes and following a marked map included with them, he begins to understand the pain Hannah couldn't deal with and his part in letting her down. This book is highly recommended for high school students. It is gripping from the beginning and the reader will want to know what has happened to Hannah, as well as feel Clay's anguish. This is excellent on CD as well.
by Jay Asher
There are thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker decided to kill herself and she has recorded each of them on cassette tapes that will be delivered to the people who play a role in her decision. The reader hears the story through her voice, as well as through Clay Jensen, a classmate who is currently person #8 listening to the tapes. A rumor, started when she was a new girl in town and entering the 9th grade, begins a series of events that spiral out of her control leading to her final desperate cries for help several years later. Clay, who has had a crush on Hannah since she first arrives in town, has no idea how he contributed to her decision. But after listening to the tapes and following a marked map included with them, he begins to understand the pain Hannah couldn't deal with and his part in letting her down. This book is highly recommended for high school students. It is gripping from the beginning and the reader will want to know what has happened to Hannah, as well as feel Clay's anguish. This is excellent on CD as well.
Bog Child
by Siobhan Dowd
18-year-old Fergus is practicing for his driving license and studying for A Levels in 1981 Northern Ireland. He wants nothing more than to leave and become a doctor. The Troubles, which include bombings, killings, and hate, are getting worse. His brother Joe was arrested and has joined a group of others in prison on a hunger strike in which two boys have already died. To top it off, Fergus is blackmailed into carrying packages, which we assume contain bomb making materials, over the border on his daily runs up the mountain. Meanwhile, Fergus and his Uncle Tally discover a young girl's body, which turns out to be from the Iron Age, in the bog on that same mountain while stealing peat to burn. Interwoven is this girl's story, who Fergus names 'Mel'. Over time he falls in love with the daughter of the archeologist brought in to study the bog body. Complex, but beautifully written, this story deals with typical teenage issues to which today's teens can identify. As well, a fascinating history is unraveled about the bog child. This would be appropriate for readers in grades 9 and up, including adults. It is very Irish in dialogue and description, and may be confusing without background information about the time period, but it might intice readers to learn more.
by Siobhan Dowd
18-year-old Fergus is practicing for his driving license and studying for A Levels in 1981 Northern Ireland. He wants nothing more than to leave and become a doctor. The Troubles, which include bombings, killings, and hate, are getting worse. His brother Joe was arrested and has joined a group of others in prison on a hunger strike in which two boys have already died. To top it off, Fergus is blackmailed into carrying packages, which we assume contain bomb making materials, over the border on his daily runs up the mountain. Meanwhile, Fergus and his Uncle Tally discover a young girl's body, which turns out to be from the Iron Age, in the bog on that same mountain while stealing peat to burn. Interwoven is this girl's story, who Fergus names 'Mel'. Over time he falls in love with the daughter of the archeologist brought in to study the bog body. Complex, but beautifully written, this story deals with typical teenage issues to which today's teens can identify. As well, a fascinating history is unraveled about the bog child. This would be appropriate for readers in grades 9 and up, including adults. It is very Irish in dialogue and description, and may be confusing without background information about the time period, but it might intice readers to learn more.
Chains
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Upon the death of her owner, Isabel and her 5-year-old sister are to be freed. Instead, they are sold by a coniving family member to a Loyist couple in Manhatten just as George Washington's army is fighting the British for America's freedom in 1776. Determined to get the freedom she and her sister were promised, Isabel decides to spy for the Rebels, hoping they will repay her for this dangerous work. Disappointed by their betrayal she decides to do whatever it takes, for whichever side, to free herself and reunite with her sister who has been sold away. The strength of this story is the way the author gets the reader to care about Isabel. We are introduced to the daily mundane chores she must complete and experience the humiliation and unjust punishment she endures. Daily life in New York City during this period is detailed effortlessly throughout the story. This book was named a 2008 National Book of the Year for Young People. I listened to this one on CD and was on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering if Isabel would make her escape and worrying about her welfare. Recommended for readers (or listeners!) in grades 5-12.
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Upon the death of her owner, Isabel and her 5-year-old sister are to be freed. Instead, they are sold by a coniving family member to a Loyist couple in Manhatten just as George Washington's army is fighting the British for America's freedom in 1776. Determined to get the freedom she and her sister were promised, Isabel decides to spy for the Rebels, hoping they will repay her for this dangerous work. Disappointed by their betrayal she decides to do whatever it takes, for whichever side, to free herself and reunite with her sister who has been sold away. The strength of this story is the way the author gets the reader to care about Isabel. We are introduced to the daily mundane chores she must complete and experience the humiliation and unjust punishment she endures. Daily life in New York City during this period is detailed effortlessly throughout the story. This book was named a 2008 National Book of the Year for Young People. I listened to this one on CD and was on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering if Isabel would make her escape and worrying about her welfare. Recommended for readers (or listeners!) in grades 5-12.
When a tsunami hits the Nation, Mau returns from his manhood ceremony to a deserted island, not yet a man with the required sunset wave tattoo. The Sweet Judy is beached by the same gigantic wave leaving 13-year-old Ermintrude the sole surviver from the ship on what her grandmother would call a savage island. As other survivors find their way to the Nation, Mau and Daphne (as she renames herself) join forces to rebuild a new community. Daphne finds that she has some skills as a doctor, something that would never have been allowed in her Victorian life back home, as well as a knack for making beer. Mau, despite his fears that he is without a soul and perhaps even a demon, proves himself as the new Nation chief. This is an adventure about survival, but also a thought-provoking story that questions customs, culture, history, religion and tradition. Descriptions of Daphne being a mere four-garments away from indecency as she sports her new grass skirt over pantaloons and petticoat, and her gratitude to a non-comprehending Mau about his retrieving milk from a pig (YUCK) to feed a baby, are quite humorous. Very well written and enjoyable to the satisfying end. Teens in grades 8 and up, as well as adults, will enjoy this.
Breaking Dawn
by Stephenie Meyer
In this, the last in the Twilight trilogy, Bella finally realizes her wish of becoming a vampire and an ever-after with her beloved Edward. The circumstances are not, of course, as they would have planned. While becoming pregnant during her honeymoon on Esme's Island, something the vampires were not aware could happen, it quickly becomes apparent that the baby is not normal. Forcing a quick return home in an effort to save Bella's life, the baby is soon born and everyone, including her father Charlie and Jacob are introduced to Renesme, or "Nessie". Not long after, Alice "sees" the Volturi coming to kill the immortal child, as is required by their law. Most of the book covers the preparations made for this attack and the possible annihilation of the Cullen family and supporters. As a vampire, Bella discovers her special strength. Will it be enough to save them all? This teen romance will please Twilight followers, but I had some reservations. Like the other books in the series, this one is full of excruiating detail. Bella is nauseatingly negative and is constantly looking for problems. But the biggest problem for me, as with the other books, is that other than chemistry and sex, Bella and Edward don't seem to have anything in common. What exactly are they going to do together for eternity to keep themselves amused? Jacob was a much better match for Bella. But then, this is often a lesson young girls need to learn the hard way.
by Stephenie Meyer
In this, the last in the Twilight trilogy, Bella finally realizes her wish of becoming a vampire and an ever-after with her beloved Edward. The circumstances are not, of course, as they would have planned. While becoming pregnant during her honeymoon on Esme's Island, something the vampires were not aware could happen, it quickly becomes apparent that the baby is not normal. Forcing a quick return home in an effort to save Bella's life, the baby is soon born and everyone, including her father Charlie and Jacob are introduced to Renesme, or "Nessie". Not long after, Alice "sees" the Volturi coming to kill the immortal child, as is required by their law. Most of the book covers the preparations made for this attack and the possible annihilation of the Cullen family and supporters. As a vampire, Bella discovers her special strength. Will it be enough to save them all? This teen romance will please Twilight followers, but I had some reservations. Like the other books in the series, this one is full of excruiating detail. Bella is nauseatingly negative and is constantly looking for problems. But the biggest problem for me, as with the other books, is that other than chemistry and sex, Bella and Edward don't seem to have anything in common. What exactly are they going to do together for eternity to keep themselves amused? Jacob was a much better match for Bella. But then, this is often a lesson young girls need to learn the hard way.
Ten Cents a Dance
by Christine Fletcher
This has become one of my favorite books of the year. 15-year-old Ruby Jacinski is forced to quit school to work packing pig's feet into jars after her mother becomes too ill to work at the factory. But after getting a tip from bad boy Paulie about a better paying job, she starts work as a taxi-dancer at a local dance hall for ten cents a dance. She gets to keep half of it, along with tips and gifts lonely men give her. Suddenly, Ruby is able to pay the back rent her family owes, as well as provide her mother and sister with much needed clothing, food, and other necessities. Ruby intends to make enough money to move them out of her run down neighborhood into a better place in Chicago. Keeping up a double life as the good girl telephone operator her mother thinks she is and the reality as a taxi-dancer who keeps fish on the line to pay her money, take her out to afterhours clubs to listen to sizzling jazz, and hanging out with Paulie who wants to score big like the Policy King, Ruby's life, however, becomes more than she can manage. Set during the brink of World War II, this story is highly recommended for high school readers grades 10 and up, and adults due to the mature themes involved.
by Christine Fletcher
This has become one of my favorite books of the year. 15-year-old Ruby Jacinski is forced to quit school to work packing pig's feet into jars after her mother becomes too ill to work at the factory. But after getting a tip from bad boy Paulie about a better paying job, she starts work as a taxi-dancer at a local dance hall for ten cents a dance. She gets to keep half of it, along with tips and gifts lonely men give her. Suddenly, Ruby is able to pay the back rent her family owes, as well as provide her mother and sister with much needed clothing, food, and other necessities. Ruby intends to make enough money to move them out of her run down neighborhood into a better place in Chicago. Keeping up a double life as the good girl telephone operator her mother thinks she is and the reality as a taxi-dancer who keeps fish on the line to pay her money, take her out to afterhours clubs to listen to sizzling jazz, and hanging out with Paulie who wants to score big like the Policy King, Ruby's life, however, becomes more than she can manage. Set during the brink of World War II, this story is highly recommended for high school readers grades 10 and up, and adults due to the mature themes involved.
Jellicoe Road
by Melina Marchetta
This book won the 2009 Prinz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. A manuscript about a two-car accident on the Jellicoe Road tells of Tate, Webb, and Narnie who survive and rescued by Fitz. Jude later becomes the fifth member of this close-knit group. Twenty-two years later, Taylor Markham, previously abandoned by her mother at a 7-Eleven on Jellicoe Road when she is eleven, reads bits of this manuscript at the house of her house mother Hannah. Life at the Jellicoe School involves territory wars with the Townies, the local kids from Jellico, the Cadets, who come do maneuvers for 6-weeks each year, and the House kids from Jellico School. Taylor is head of her house as well as leader of all the Houses - not with full support since she ran away with the Cadet leader three years previously in attempt to find her mother in Sydney. This is a complicated, yet engaging story of grief, loss, and longing set in Australia. The flashbacks to the the story about the kids in the car accident and the Australian school system, as well as some Australian slang, was confusing at times. However, the mystery about Taylor's past and the current territory wars with enemies who become friends is intriguing. Extremely well-written. Highly recommended for teens in grades 10 and up.
by Melina Marchetta
This book won the 2009 Prinz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. A manuscript about a two-car accident on the Jellicoe Road tells of Tate, Webb, and Narnie who survive and rescued by Fitz. Jude later becomes the fifth member of this close-knit group. Twenty-two years later, Taylor Markham, previously abandoned by her mother at a 7-Eleven on Jellicoe Road when she is eleven, reads bits of this manuscript at the house of her house mother Hannah. Life at the Jellicoe School involves territory wars with the Townies, the local kids from Jellico, the Cadets, who come do maneuvers for 6-weeks each year, and the House kids from Jellico School. Taylor is head of her house as well as leader of all the Houses - not with full support since she ran away with the Cadet leader three years previously in attempt to find her mother in Sydney. This is a complicated, yet engaging story of grief, loss, and longing set in Australia. The flashbacks to the the story about the kids in the car accident and the Australian school system, as well as some Australian slang, was confusing at times. However, the mystery about Taylor's past and the current territory wars with enemies who become friends is intriguing. Extremely well-written. Highly recommended for teens in grades 10 and up.
I Am the Messenger
by Markus Zusak
Ed is an underage taxi driver in Australia who lives with his dog "the Doorman" and is madly in love with his best friend Audrey. His days are filled with card games and hanging out with his friends Richie and Marv, and Ed admits that there is little in his future. The book opens with a foiled bank robbery and Ed suddenly finds himself an unintentional hero. Shortly after, he receives his first ace in the mail. The ace of diamonds has three addresses written on it. When Ed visits each address he finds that there is something he must accomplish at each - stop a man from raping his wife nightly, act the long-gone husband to a lonely old woman, and provide encouragement to a shy young girl who likes to run. These accomplished, the ace of clubs arrives and more messages must be delivered, continuing with the ace of spades and the ace of hearts. Left only with the question of who is sending him the aces, Ed is delivered his own life-changing message. This is an engaging and humorous story of how the lives of young people like Ed and his friends will turn out, and would be suitable for teens in grades 10 and up due to mature themes. This is wonderful to listen to on CD as well because the listener can hear the Australian accent. This book won the 2003 CBC Bookof the Year award in Australia and the Printz Honor Award here in 2006, among other awards, and has recently been adapted to stage.
by Markus Zusak
Ed is an underage taxi driver in Australia who lives with his dog "the Doorman" and is madly in love with his best friend Audrey. His days are filled with card games and hanging out with his friends Richie and Marv, and Ed admits that there is little in his future. The book opens with a foiled bank robbery and Ed suddenly finds himself an unintentional hero. Shortly after, he receives his first ace in the mail. The ace of diamonds has three addresses written on it. When Ed visits each address he finds that there is something he must accomplish at each - stop a man from raping his wife nightly, act the long-gone husband to a lonely old woman, and provide encouragement to a shy young girl who likes to run. These accomplished, the ace of clubs arrives and more messages must be delivered, continuing with the ace of spades and the ace of hearts. Left only with the question of who is sending him the aces, Ed is delivered his own life-changing message. This is an engaging and humorous story of how the lives of young people like Ed and his friends will turn out, and would be suitable for teens in grades 10 and up due to mature themes. This is wonderful to listen to on CD as well because the listener can hear the Australian accent. This book won the 2003 CBC Bookof the Year award in Australia and the Printz Honor Award here in 2006, among other awards, and has recently been adapted to stage.
Living Dead Girl: A Novel
by Elizabeth Scott
Alice was abducted five years ago during a class trip to the aquarium. Her life was instantly changed from a "little once upon a time girl" of friends, fun, and family to the hollow shell of a girl, a living dead girl, who is continually molested and abused mentally and physically by Ray. She is the second "Alice" Ray has kidnapped. Now 15, Alice's body won't stay small anymore despite the starvation, birth control pills to stop her periods, and the waxings to keep her body hairless. She hopes he will kill her soon, like he did the first Alice. Instead, Ray has something else in mind. She must choose the little girl to replace her.
This gripping story of abduction brought to mind the headline news story from early 2007 when it was found that a recovered kidnapped boy was actually the second victim of a pizza parlor manager who had been holding another boy for the past four years.
As incomprehensible as it may seem why a child may not leave a captor, as in the highly publicized Elizabeth Smart case, a reader will no longer have any doubt how this happens, despite opportunities. This novel is concise, and as disturbing as it is to read, it is also compelling. The reader must know how it ends. And the ending will shock the reader. Guaranteed.
Because of the graphic nature of the subject, this book is recommended for readers in grades 10 and up. While it is not explicit in description, enough is left to the imagination for the reader to grasp every innuendo.
by Elizabeth Scott
Alice was abducted five years ago during a class trip to the aquarium. Her life was instantly changed from a "little once upon a time girl" of friends, fun, and family to the hollow shell of a girl, a living dead girl, who is continually molested and abused mentally and physically by Ray. She is the second "Alice" Ray has kidnapped. Now 15, Alice's body won't stay small anymore despite the starvation, birth control pills to stop her periods, and the waxings to keep her body hairless. She hopes he will kill her soon, like he did the first Alice. Instead, Ray has something else in mind. She must choose the little girl to replace her.
This gripping story of abduction brought to mind the headline news story from early 2007 when it was found that a recovered kidnapped boy was actually the second victim of a pizza parlor manager who had been holding another boy for the past four years.
As incomprehensible as it may seem why a child may not leave a captor, as in the highly publicized Elizabeth Smart case, a reader will no longer have any doubt how this happens, despite opportunities. This novel is concise, and as disturbing as it is to read, it is also compelling. The reader must know how it ends. And the ending will shock the reader. Guaranteed.
Because of the graphic nature of the subject, this book is recommended for readers in grades 10 and up. While it is not explicit in description, enough is left to the imagination for the reader to grasp every innuendo.
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac
by Gabrielle Zevin
If you suddenly lost your memory, would you choose your same boyfriend, your same best friend, your same hobbies and clubs? Would you continue the same battles and make the same choices? When Naomi loses her memories from the last four years following a fall down the school steps while trying to catch the new and very expensive camera her Yearbook club has just purchased, this is what she's up against. She isn't sure why she is dating the handsome tennis team captain except that they both played tennis. She isn't sure she even likes tennis now. She doesn't know why she wanted to drop photography class since she's enjoying it so much. Why did she want to spend so much time doing Yearbook? Weren't all yearbooks basically the same anyway? And if she was supposedly not speaking with her mother, why did she want to see her so much? Written by the same author of Elsewhere, this story will make you question your choices and wish maybe you could go back and do things differently, even if the outcome is the same. Recommended for teens ages 13 and up.
by Gabrielle Zevin
If you suddenly lost your memory, would you choose your same boyfriend, your same best friend, your same hobbies and clubs? Would you continue the same battles and make the same choices? When Naomi loses her memories from the last four years following a fall down the school steps while trying to catch the new and very expensive camera her Yearbook club has just purchased, this is what she's up against. She isn't sure why she is dating the handsome tennis team captain except that they both played tennis. She isn't sure she even likes tennis now. She doesn't know why she wanted to drop photography class since she's enjoying it so much. Why did she want to spend so much time doing Yearbook? Weren't all yearbooks basically the same anyway? And if she was supposedly not speaking with her mother, why did she want to see her so much? Written by the same author of Elsewhere, this story will make you question your choices and wish maybe you could go back and do things differently, even if the outcome is the same. Recommended for teens ages 13 and up.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
by E. Lockhart
I adored this 2009 Printz Honor Award winner. Slightly geeky 15-year-old Frankie attends the exclusive Alabaster Preparatory Academy, a school filled with brilliant students and those from families of old money. She's heard about the Loyal Order of the Bassett Hounds from her father who was a member of the secret society in his prep days, which he speaks of as the best days of his life. As Frankie returns to her sophomore year, a bit taller and much more curvaceous, she acquires a hunky new boyfriend and his pack of friends. But Frankie discovers that she is not capable of being just arm candy. After noticing the sudden disappearances of her love, Frankie decides to follow him, discovering that he is new generation Basset. The Loyal Order is attributed to have performed outstanding pranks and mal-doings including the Library Lady, the Doggies in the Window, and the abduction of the Guppy, among others, causing much notice from the student body and Administration. Knowing that a girl would never be allowed to join the Old Boy's club, Frankie goes to great pains to prove her worth to a bunch of boys who never know her and don't really care to. This is a complex story with lots of social commentary, a high vocabulary and lots of wordplay. Highly recommended for teens in grades 10 and up.
by E. Lockhart
I adored this 2009 Printz Honor Award winner. Slightly geeky 15-year-old Frankie attends the exclusive Alabaster Preparatory Academy, a school filled with brilliant students and those from families of old money. She's heard about the Loyal Order of the Bassett Hounds from her father who was a member of the secret society in his prep days, which he speaks of as the best days of his life. As Frankie returns to her sophomore year, a bit taller and much more curvaceous, she acquires a hunky new boyfriend and his pack of friends. But Frankie discovers that she is not capable of being just arm candy. After noticing the sudden disappearances of her love, Frankie decides to follow him, discovering that he is new generation Basset. The Loyal Order is attributed to have performed outstanding pranks and mal-doings including the Library Lady, the Doggies in the Window, and the abduction of the Guppy, among others, causing much notice from the student body and Administration. Knowing that a girl would never be allowed to join the Old Boy's club, Frankie goes to great pains to prove her worth to a bunch of boys who never know her and don't really care to. This is a complex story with lots of social commentary, a high vocabulary and lots of wordplay. Highly recommended for teens in grades 10 and up.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
After the encouragement from a teacher for 14-year-old Arnold Spirit, or "Junior", to take his hope and leave the reservation to go find someplace that has hope, he transfers to the white school 22 miles away. Still living on the reservation outside Spokane he is considered a traitor, and attending school where the only other Indian is the mascot, he is considered a curiosity. Junior's best friend feels betrayed and will no longer speak to him. Rowdy was the only one who didn't beat him up on the reservation and had taken it upon himself to be Junior's protector. At the new school, Junior makes new friends only due to his persistance and eventually even becomes a starter on the varsity basketball team where he feels like a star. That is, until he must play against Rowdy and the rest of the reservation team. Despite the heartache, the poverty, the deaths, the alcoholism, and the hopelessness of the Indians on the reservation, this book is funny. Filled with cartoons Junior draws to punctuate his story, Junior has a unique way of surviving the traumatic and comes out at the end with some new insight. Best suited for teens in grades 9 and above. Adults will also enjoy this. It's very easy-to-read and the cartoons are a great bonus. I highly recommend this one.
After the encouragement from a teacher for 14-year-old Arnold Spirit, or "Junior", to take his hope and leave the reservation to go find someplace that has hope, he transfers to the white school 22 miles away. Still living on the reservation outside Spokane he is considered a traitor, and attending school where the only other Indian is the mascot, he is considered a curiosity. Junior's best friend feels betrayed and will no longer speak to him. Rowdy was the only one who didn't beat him up on the reservation and had taken it upon himself to be Junior's protector. At the new school, Junior makes new friends only due to his persistance and eventually even becomes a starter on the varsity basketball team where he feels like a star. That is, until he must play against Rowdy and the rest of the reservation team. Despite the heartache, the poverty, the deaths, the alcoholism, and the hopelessness of the Indians on the reservation, this book is funny. Filled with cartoons Junior draws to punctuate his story, Junior has a unique way of surviving the traumatic and comes out at the end with some new insight. Best suited for teens in grades 9 and above. Adults will also enjoy this. It's very easy-to-read and the cartoons are a great bonus. I highly recommend this one.
Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916
by Michael Capuzzo
Adapted from the adult book Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence, this an award winning non-fiction book that documents the period in 1916 when people were being attacked in the ocean off the East Coast by some unknown beast. At that time, sharks were only the stories of sailors - sea monsters that did not really exist. Full of cultural history using photographs, period advertisements and newspaper clippings about the people of that time makes those scary and uncertain months interesting in their own right. But the suspense about what could be causing these attacks and where might the next attack take place makes this a page-turner. Some readers may be disappointed to find that it is not one shark attack after another, but rather a chronicle of the summer of 1916 leading to the hysteria caused by the attacks, along with speculation about the shark's path. Suitable for readers in grades 6 and up. This is very interesting stuff.
by Michael Capuzzo
Adapted from the adult book Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence, this an award winning non-fiction book that documents the period in 1916 when people were being attacked in the ocean off the East Coast by some unknown beast. At that time, sharks were only the stories of sailors - sea monsters that did not really exist. Full of cultural history using photographs, period advertisements and newspaper clippings about the people of that time makes those scary and uncertain months interesting in their own right. But the suspense about what could be causing these attacks and where might the next attack take place makes this a page-turner. Some readers may be disappointed to find that it is not one shark attack after another, but rather a chronicle of the summer of 1916 leading to the hysteria caused by the attacks, along with speculation about the shark's path. Suitable for readers in grades 6 and up. This is very interesting stuff.
Tender Morsels
by Margo Lanagan
This just won a 2009 Printz Honor Award. Based on the fairytale "Snow White and Rose Red", in which two daughters live in a cottage in the woods with their mother and befriend a bear. This story, though, is full of mature themes including incest, abortion, gang rape, suicide, and sodomy, making it appropriate for older teens and adults. The setting and character development are wonderful, and the story embellished with seamless magic and storyline make it a page turner. Not everyone will enjoy it, however. Along with the above mentioned themes, the English medievil dialect may turn some readers off as well as the sometimes confusing point of view changes where every character speaks in first person. Also, the book is very sexual throughout. I hate to deter any readers with all these warnings. It is a beautifully thought out tale that will leave the reader thinking about it for a long time. I highly recommend it and will miss being in that world.
by Margo Lanagan
This just won a 2009 Printz Honor Award. Based on the fairytale "Snow White and Rose Red", in which two daughters live in a cottage in the woods with their mother and befriend a bear. This story, though, is full of mature themes including incest, abortion, gang rape, suicide, and sodomy, making it appropriate for older teens and adults. The setting and character development are wonderful, and the story embellished with seamless magic and storyline make it a page turner. Not everyone will enjoy it, however. Along with the above mentioned themes, the English medievil dialect may turn some readers off as well as the sometimes confusing point of view changes where every character speaks in first person. Also, the book is very sexual throughout. I hate to deter any readers with all these warnings. It is a beautifully thought out tale that will leave the reader thinking about it for a long time. I highly recommend it and will miss being in that world.
After Tupac & D Foster
by Jacqueline Woodson
This is another Newbery Honor Award winner for this author and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Spanning a two year time frame beginning in 1995, just before Tupac is shot the first time and ending after his fatal killing, D Foster enters the life of two best friends, Neeka and the narrator, whose name we never learn. This is a quiet story filled with many tough issues including fostering, homosexuality, jail, shootings, fatherlessness, and dreams. The author is able to incorporate all these into a flawless, concise story. I was left wondering how she did it. Tupac and his life and rap lyrics are the back drop to the 11-year-old girls trying to figure out their Big Purpose in life. As they mature, they understand that Tupac is talking about them and people like them- African Americans living in Queens, New York. They learn about friendship and freedom, and that even if one has to leave to go live with her real mother after years of fostering, that friendship can survive. Highly recommended for readers grades 4-8.
by Jacqueline Woodson
This is another Newbery Honor Award winner for this author and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Spanning a two year time frame beginning in 1995, just before Tupac is shot the first time and ending after his fatal killing, D Foster enters the life of two best friends, Neeka and the narrator, whose name we never learn. This is a quiet story filled with many tough issues including fostering, homosexuality, jail, shootings, fatherlessness, and dreams. The author is able to incorporate all these into a flawless, concise story. I was left wondering how she did it. Tupac and his life and rap lyrics are the back drop to the 11-year-old girls trying to figure out their Big Purpose in life. As they mature, they understand that Tupac is talking about them and people like them- African Americans living in Queens, New York. They learn about friendship and freedom, and that even if one has to leave to go live with her real mother after years of fostering, that friendship can survive. Highly recommended for readers grades 4-8.
Me, the Missing, and the Dead
by Jenny Valentine
This 2009 Morris Award Winner for best debut novel written by a new author writing for teens, is about the search for 15-year-old Lucas Swain's disappeared father of 5 years. Beginning with 75-year-old Violet Park, whose urn was left in the back of a cab years earlier, the mystery begins to unravel as Lucas gains possession of the urn with help by his grandmother Pansy. Connections with Violet are discovered...her portrait is hanging in Lucas' dentist's office, Violet lived around the corner and was a pianist, and oh yes, she knew his father. Although the entire family struggles with the mysterious disappearance - not knowing if Pete Swain is dead or alive - the journey that includes both the solving of the mystery and the emotional growth for Lucas is what gives this story substance. Written in 1st person, I found the first third of the book extremely slow and the narrative style (there is very little dialogue throughout the book) to be distracting. However, it did finally grab my attention and the ending was satisfying. Best suited for readers ages 15 and up.
by Jenny Valentine
This 2009 Morris Award Winner for best debut novel written by a new author writing for teens, is about the search for 15-year-old Lucas Swain's disappeared father of 5 years. Beginning with 75-year-old Violet Park, whose urn was left in the back of a cab years earlier, the mystery begins to unravel as Lucas gains possession of the urn with help by his grandmother Pansy. Connections with Violet are discovered...her portrait is hanging in Lucas' dentist's office, Violet lived around the corner and was a pianist, and oh yes, she knew his father. Although the entire family struggles with the mysterious disappearance - not knowing if Pete Swain is dead or alive - the journey that includes both the solving of the mystery and the emotional growth for Lucas is what gives this story substance. Written in 1st person, I found the first third of the book extremely slow and the narrative style (there is very little dialogue throughout the book) to be distracting. However, it did finally grab my attention and the ending was satisfying. Best suited for readers ages 15 and up.
The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman
This book won the 2009 Newbery Award. The book begins with a triple murder leaving a baby orphaned. He toddles across the street into a graveyard where he is adopted by the ghosts. His parents (Mr. and Mrs. Owens) name him Nobody, or Bod for short. He is given a guardian who can provide him with food, teachers who tell him about the real way historical events occurred, and the Freedom of the Graveyard where he learns to Fade and how to stay protected within the gates of the graveyard. Outside the gates, "Jack" still hunts for the baby he wasn't able to kill. In each chapter, Bod learns another lesson, mostly by not following the advice of his elders, but he comes to appreciate and understand their intentions as he unfolds the mystery behind the killings and his larger role in an ancient secret society. Mostly, this is a story of family and community and the love and support they provide as a boy learns how to cope in the world. Written by the same author who wrote Coraline, this book is scary and suspenseful and would be most suited for readers in grades 5 and up.
by Neil Gaiman
This book won the 2009 Newbery Award. The book begins with a triple murder leaving a baby orphaned. He toddles across the street into a graveyard where he is adopted by the ghosts. His parents (Mr. and Mrs. Owens) name him Nobody, or Bod for short. He is given a guardian who can provide him with food, teachers who tell him about the real way historical events occurred, and the Freedom of the Graveyard where he learns to Fade and how to stay protected within the gates of the graveyard. Outside the gates, "Jack" still hunts for the baby he wasn't able to kill. In each chapter, Bod learns another lesson, mostly by not following the advice of his elders, but he comes to appreciate and understand their intentions as he unfolds the mystery behind the killings and his larger role in an ancient secret society. Mostly, this is a story of family and community and the love and support they provide as a boy learns how to cope in the world. Written by the same author who wrote Coraline, this book is scary and suspenseful and would be most suited for readers in grades 5 and up.