Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Satrapi, Marjane. 2003. PERSEPOLIS: THE STORY OF A CHILDHOOD. New York: Pantheon Books, 2003.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhoold is just that--the story of Marjane Satrapi's, author of this graphic novel, childhood. Originally published in 2000 and 2001 in two volumes in France, Satrapi tells the story of her life as a child in Tehran from ages six to fourteen. Tehran is the capital city of Iran, not to mention the largest. Her life there was tumultuous, having to live through the Iraq-Iran War, a totalitarian ruler, bombings and deaths. She doesn't make her life any easier by exhibiting her rebellious nature. She chose to share her story in the form of a graphic novel, providing readers with a visual tale as well as a verbal. This was a new type of media for me, having a true story told in graphic format. It adds an entertaining, stimulating quality that may otherwise not have been there. Also, the novel seemed to move at quicker pace because of the short comic strip-like feature. Says one reviewer: "This is a graphic novel of immense power and importance for Westerners of all ages. It will speak to the same audience as Art Spiegelman's Maus (Pantheon, 1993)."

Reference List:

Woodcock, Susan H. 2003. Review of Persepolis: The Story of a Childhoold, by Marjane Satrapi. School Library Journal.

The Plain Janes

Castellucci, Cecil and Jim Rugg. 2007. THE PLAIN JANES. New York: DC Comics, 2007.

 Cecil Castellucci normally writes young adult novels, but with THE PLAIN JANES, she makes her graphic novel debut. No worries, though, this graphic novel is still written with teens in mind. After she's caught in a bomb attack, Jane's parents decide to relocate her from the city to the suburbs. There, bored out of her mind and worried about fitting in, she meets three other girls--all named Jane. Finding a kinship in each other, they form a secret club called the P.L.A.I.N. Janes--People Loving Art in Neighborhoods. They decide to liven up the town with art and manage to gain the title of "art terrorists". If you think that all sounds interesting, well, you're right! This graphic novel was a delight to read, fast paced and extremely entertaining. The artwork by Jim Rugg is clean and somewhat realistic. Says one reviewer: "Regular comics readers will enjoy it, but fans of soul-searching, realistic young adult fiction should know about it as well."

Reference List:

Goldstein, Lisa. 2007. Starred review of The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. School Library Journal.

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2004.

Boston teen Ruby Milliken’s mother has recently succumbed to cancer. Not only does she have to come to terms with this horrific event, but she has to do it on the other side of the country from her friends and boyfriend. This is because her father, a famous movie star that divorced Ruby’s mother before she was born, lives all the way in Los Angeles. Needless to say, Ruby is not happy. Sonya Sones has a clever writing voice. She takes the subject of a teen losing her mother to cancer and having to move clear across the country away from everything she knows, and makes it an enjoyable, and often times humorous, read.

The novel is written in verse, a style of poetry writing that the average book reader may have to get used to. The entries are short—one to two pages long—and offer quick insights into Ruby’s mind. She also writes emails to her best friend Lizzie and boyfriend Ray, and even to her dead mother. The story is poignant and our lead character is quirky and quick-minded. Young adults everywhere will find a new favorite author in Sones. Says one reviewer: "This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry. It's solid and well written, and Sones has a lot to say about the importance of carefully assessing people and situations and about opening the door to one's own happiness."

Reference List:

Scheps, Susan. 2004. Review of One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, by Sonya Sones. School Library Journal.

HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER'S SHADOW

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction, 2005.

HITLER YOUTH is a winner of the 2006 Newbery Honor medal. It’s a nonfiction book written for children about how young people figured into Adolph Hitler’s plans for the future. While the group Hitler Youth, or Hitlerjugend, was formed in 1926, this book focuses on the years between 1933 and 1945. And though millions of boys and girls belonged to Hitler Youth, this book focuses on 12.  

The subject matter in HITLER YOUTH is fascinating and new to me. Like everyone else my age, I grew up learning about Nazis and the Holocaust and World War II. This is the first time I’ve ever learned about Hitler’s plans to use young people to carry out his mission. It baffles me as to why schools don’t teach this particular part of the Nazi era. It seems to me it would serve as a great way to get students’ interests piqued.

HITLER YOUTH contains photos from that time period, and Bartoletti drew its contents from oral histories, diaries, letters, and interviews with Holocaust survivors and Hitler Youth. She answers the intriguing questions of why they joined, what their responsibilities to Hitler were, and what it was like. It was extremely interesting to read firsthand accounts of specific events.

I would recommend this book to reluctant learners of world history and to young readers interested in war in general. War is currently very much a part of today’s youth. “The final chapter superbly summarizes the weighty significance of this part of the 20th century and challenges young readers to prevent history from repeating itself” (Medlar).

Reference List:

Medlar, Andrew. 2005. Review of Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow, by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. School Library Journal.

THE BOOK THIEF

Zusak, Markus. 2006. THE BOOK THIEF. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006.

 THE BOOK THIEF is interesting from the very beginning because it’s narrated by someone (or something?) a little different: Death. That’s right, Death is telling this story. I dare the reader not to get sucked in by that little nugget of information alone. Let’s face it—when Death has something to say, people take notice.

In BOOK THIEF, Death tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl who lives right outside of Munich, Germany during the time of World War II. She is the book thief to which the title refers. She arrives at her foster home at age 9 with her first steal, The Gravediggers Handbook, and her foster father reads to her from it when she has nightmares about her brother’s death. To her, books are treasures and so she continues to steal them throughout the ensuing years, and it’s while she’s pursuing this “hobby” that she makes the most unusual friends.

Readers will be able to relate to Liesel’s love of books and reading, and will be intrigued by her daring as she pilfers from Nazi book burnings and from the mayor’s wife’s personal library. Because this is historical fiction, events that happened in real life are experienced here through the eyes of the characters. World War II and the Holocaust stir up emotions in people to this day—even in people who never had to experience it, and don’t know anyone who did. It was just a bleak and tragic time in history that touches a chord in everyone. This book did that for me.

This book is for all ages 12 and up, for those who love history, those who have had something taken from them and want to take something back in any way they can, and for those looking to add a bit more meaning in their lives. The novel is just captivating: “Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward” (Goldsmith).

Reference List:

Goldsmith, Francisca. 2006. Review of The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. School Library Journal.

THE WEDNESDAY WARS

Schmidt, Gary D. 2007. THE WEDNESDAY WARS. New York: Clarion Books, 2007.

There are three things readers need to know about Holling Hoodhood, the protagonist of WEDNESDAY WARS: first, he’s the only Presbyterian in his seventh grade class; second, because of this he is the only one left behind while his Catholic and Jewish classmates attend religious instruction on Wednesday afternoons; and third, the teacher he’s left behind with hates his guts. At least, that’s the way it seems to Holling. These three small facts are what set the events of the novel in motion.

I was pleasantly surprised by THE WEDNESDAY WARS. I was fearful that because the protagonist was a young male, that I would be unable to connect with him as a character. After reading the first few pages, however, my fears were completely set aside because I realized this novel was written in such a way that made Holling likeable and relatable. The book is short, less than three hundred pages, and though the main character is in seventh grade, I would feel comfortable recommending it to fourth grade readers and up.

WEDNESDAY WARS refers to his weekly “battles” with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, whom he is certain took a disliking to him since the first day of school when she realized he would be the only one in class on Wednesday afternoons, when she could be having an otherwise free hour. However, though Holling isn’t involved in an actual “war”, the novel is set during the time period of the Vietnam War, making this a work of historical fiction, and it does have an impact on several characters, Mrs. Baker included.

I found WEDNESDAY WARS to be entertaining, and loved experiencing life through Holling’s eyes because of his amusing and sometimes thoughtful inner dialogue. I was also intrigued because though I was certain Mrs. Baker didn’t actually HATE Holling, there did seem to be something going on, and I wanted to find out what it was. This novel won a Newbery Honor medal in 2008 for reasons best summed up in this quote from a starred review in Booklist: “Holling's unwavering, distinctive voice offers a gentle, hopeful, moving story of a boy who, with the right help, learns to stretch beyond the limitations of his family, his violent times, and his fear, as he leaps into his future with his eyes and his heart wide open” (Engberg).

Reference List:

Engberg, Gillian. 2007. Review of The Wednesday Wars, by Gary D. Schmidt. Booklist.

LITTLE BROTHER

Doctorow, Cory. 2008. LITTLE BROTHER. New York: Tor Teen, 2008.

LITTLE BROTHER by Cory Doctorow features the story of Marcus (a.k.a. w1n5t0n), a tech-savvy teenager who leads a rebellion against the government after his city is turned into a police state after a terrorist attack.

I found LITTLE BROTHER to be highly entertaining. It’s one of those fast-paced, edge of your seat, what’ll-happen-next type of novels. The hero of the novel is very computer smart which I love because it meant I could learn about a subject I’m interested in through his character. It’s always an added bonus when you can close a novel and be a little smarter than when you started.

Marcus makes for a compelling, well-rounded main character. He’s disgusted by the way the government is taking over his city, not to mention the fact that they locked him up for six days after the terrorist attack because he was under suspicion. He’s the unlikely leader of a large rebellion against the government, but at the same time you’re reminded that he’s just a teenage boy, too. He doesn’t have all the answers, he’s scared at times, but the sense of injustice he feels won’t let him rest. One reviewer agrees: “Marcus is a wonderfully developed character: hyperaware of his surroundings, trying to redress past wrongs, and rebelling against authority” (Shoemaker).

Reference List:

Shoemaker, Chris. 2008. Review of Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow. School Library Journal.

CIRQUE DU FREAK: A LIVING NIGHTMARE

Shan, Darren. 2001. CIRQUE DU FREAK: A LIVING NIGHTMARE. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2001.

In CIRQUE DU FREAK, Darren and his friend Steve manage to get tickets to a genuine freak show, complete with contortionist sisters, a woman who can grow and then retract her beard at will, a snakeboy, and a man name Mr. Crepsley that can control his performing spider with a flute. While the show is extremely entertaining, and somewhat terrifying, to the boys, it’s not until Mr. Crepsley and his spider Madame Octa perform that things take a turn for the unbelievable. Because Steve recognizes him for whom he really is—a vampire. And Darren, well he’s just interested in the spider, an obsession of his since he was little. He learns the hard way that you should never, ever, steal a vampire’s spider.

CIRQUE DU FREAK was good. It was interesting. It was fast-paced, easy to read, and because it’s on the shorter side, length-wise, it was a fast read. However, for a reason I can’t quite put my finger on, it wasn’t a great novel to me, and I’ll likely not be picking up the sequels any time soon. Perhaps it was because of a lack of in-depth characterization, which can sometimes be a downfall of shorter novels. I always felt that Darren Shan (the character, not the author) was a little one dimensional, as were the rest of the characters in the book. I felt no emotional connection to the characters, even after Steve was bitten by Madame Octa and faced certain death. There was a slight lag in the beginning before the action picked up, as also noticed by this reviewer: “The slowness of the plot in the beginning might turn some readers off, but once the supernatural enters, they will be hooked” (Capeheart).

That being said, the novel itself WAS entertaining and certainly held my attention. I don’t regret reading it at all, and may one day read the sequels, but they won’t be at the top of my To Be Read list. I would recommend it to fantasy lovers, grades five and up.

Reference List:

Capeheart, Timothy. 2001. Review of Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare, by Darren Shan. School Library Journal.

THE HUNGER GAMES

Collins, Suzanne. 2008. THE HUNGER GAMES. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2008.

 HUNGER GAMES came as somewhat of a pleasant surprise to me. Not typically a fan of dystopia novels, I wasn’t sure how well I’d be able to relate to the main character. My worries were unfounded, however, when I got sucked into the storyline from page 1!

In each of the 12 districts of Panem, the annual Reaping is held—the choosing of one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and 18, to be participants in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are basically a brutal version of the reality show, Survivor, except instead of voting people off, you must kill your opponents. Odds are always low that the younger children will be called, but this year the near impossible happens—Katniss Everdeen’s 12-year-old sister’s name is chosen. Kat refuses to accept this, and therefore volunteers herself in Prim’s place. Immediately after this, Kat’s adventure begins.

HUNGER GAMES is not a humorous book. There are deaths, one of which is close to Katniss’s heart, and is written in a way that is likely to bring a tear to the reader’s eye. However, Katniss is a strong character, talented with a bow and arrow, and skilled at hunting. Reading about her movements through the Arena, the landscape chosen for the Games, is fascinating and will have the reader thirsting for the next scene to see what happens next. So while there is little-to-no humor, the action and heart of the book are more than enough to make up for it.

The novel does contain some romance, but not the traditional sort. The story is fast-paced and action-packed so there is little time to cultivate a budding relationship. Kat and Peeta, the boy chosen from District 12, are instructed by their handlers to play up the young love angle in order to win sponsors and audience favoritism. Peeta plays his part so well that Kat begins to wonder if he truly does have feelings for her, and because of this, her own feelings become confused and she realizes that she may have feelings for him as well. There is little time to fully resolve this, though, and readers will likely be reaching for the sequels as soon they turn this novel’s last page.

HUNGER GAMES is not about the romance, though. It takes a backseat to the warlike situation, the game of survival, the thrill of the hunt, and sacrificing everything so that the person you love most can live. Says a review in School Library Journal, “Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing” (Baird).

Reference List:

Baird, Jane Henriksen. 2008. Review of The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. School Library Journal.

I'D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU, BUT THEN I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU

Carter, Ally. 2006. I’D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU, BUT THEN I’D HAVE TO KILL YOU. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2006.

Ally Carter’s novel, I’d Tell You I Love You, But then I’d Have to Kill You, can be summed up in two words: highly entertaining. Suspend reality for a few hours and spend them with Cammie Morgan, a 15-year-old who is a student at Gallagher Academy—a top secret boarding school for girls who are spies-in-training. When Cammie falls for a local boy, Josh, she tries to juggle two lives because, of course, he can never know about her life at Gallagher.

For her sophomore year, Cammie and her friends are finally permitted to take on their first field experience, which is where she encounters Josh for the first time. Using her spy skills, she tracks him down and accidentally-on-purpose bumps into him. Cammie, who is known as “The Chameleon”, is excited that for the first time somebody really sees her. Unfortunately, though she wants nothing more than to confide in him, she must keep her real identity a secret.

For a novel about amateur spies, the book never quite makes it to a level that can be called suspenseful which is also noted by one reviewer: “The teen's double life leads to some amusing one-liners, and the invented history of the Gallagher Girls is also entertaining, but the story is short on suspense” (Doyle). Instead, it’s the comedy/romance combination that will win over the audience and have them searching for the rest of the titles in the series. The book isn’t completely lighthearted, for Cammie is also dealing with the loss of her father and her relationship with her mother, who is also the headmistress of the Academy.

Reference List:

Doyle, Miranda. 2006. Review of I’d Tell You I Love You, But then I’d Have to Kill You, by Ally Carter. School Library Journal.

DAIRY QUEEN

Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. 2006. DAIRY QUEEN. Boston: Little, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.

DAIRY QUEEN by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is a unique story of a teenager who basically runs her family’s farm and gets the idea in her head that she, a female, will try out for her school football team. 15-year-old D.J. doesn’t want to be a cow, which is what she is according to her sometimes friend/sometimes enemy Brian Nelson. Not literally, of course, but in the sense that she’s doing what’s expected of her, not making waves, and certainly not doing what makes her happiest.

D.J. feels stuck. With her father injured and her older brothers away at college, she’s left with taking care of the family farm along with her younger brother, who’s not always there thanks to baseball season. D.J. was once on the school’s basketball team, but she gave that up to focus more on her responsibilities at home. With that gone, going to college on a scholarship is no longer an option and that leaves her feeling uncertain of her future. Well, uncertain of whether it’ll contain anything other than milking cows and baling hay, that is.

Readers who long to break out of the mold that their family and peers have cast them in will relate to D.J. and cheer her on as she begins to realize that she’s capable of so much more than she’s ever given herself credit for. She’s a great female role model for the younger generation, not only for her strength of character, but also for her daring. Trying out for an all male football team is no lighthearted decision. She takes all of the possible hurdles into account and decides she’s passionate enough about it and strong enough to weather through it. Says one reviewer, “At the end...it is the protagonist's heart that will win readers over. Dairy Queen will appeal to girls who, like D.J., aren't girly-girls but just girls, learning to be comfortable in their own skins. The football angle may even hook some boys” (Pickett).

Reference List:

Pickett, Amy. 2006. Review of Dairy Queen, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. School Library Journal.

IMPOSSIBLE

Werlin, Nancy. 2008. IMPOSSIBLE. New York: Dial Books, 2008.

Werlin’s IMPOSSIBLE, a National Book Award finalist, is the story of Lucy Scarborough, a pregnant 17-year-old who discovers that the women in her family are cursed. Upon conceiving they must complete three seemingly impossible tasks or succumb to madness upon their child’s birth. If certain aspects of the plot sound a little familiar it’s because it’s loosely based on the traditional ballad “Scarborough Fair,” the lyrics of which tell the tale of a woman who implores the listener (who is asked if they are going to the fair) to tell a man who was once was her true love that if he completes a series of impossible tasks that he will once again be in her good graces. The song is a beautiful one, and the novel surely does it justice.

At the beginning of the novel, Lucy’s future looks pretty bleak. Up until this point, all of her ancestors have failed. She lives with foster parents. There is a heavy tone to the novel for just that reason as well as the reason Lucy is pregnant in the first place—she was raped on prom night by her date. It’s hard enough for a young woman to come to terms with such a traumatic event, as well as accepting the fact that she is carrying her rapist’s child, without the added worry of having to race against time to break a curse. But that’s exactly the situation Lucy finds herself in.

There is a silver lining, though! Unlike those who came before her, she doesn’t have to fight this alone. Though not her birth parents, her foster mother and father love her dearly and are very supportive as is her best friend Zach, who becomes so much more than a friend to her. This novel combines romance, fantasy, and suspense in way that makes it easy to swallow the tougher topics the novel addresses. Considering the subject matter, the book is geared more towards females as one reviewer points out: “Teens, especially young women, will enjoy this romantic fairy tale with modern trappings” (Montgomery).

Reference List:

Montgomery, Jennifer D. 2008. Review of Impossible, by Nancy Werlin. School Library Journal.

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Dessen, Sarah. 2009. ALONG FOR THE RIDE. New York: Viking, 2009.

Auden is an insomniac. Staying awake at night and studying became her way of escaping her parents arguing. Now, her parents are divorced, her father is remarried, and has a new baby. The summer before Auden goes to college she decides to stay with her father for the summer. It’s there that she meets mysterious Eli, also an insomniac, who rides his bicycle at night.

Auden is a very relatable character, at least to me. She’s somewhat socially awkward, having chosen to throw herself in to her studies over the years, and she’s always felt like an adult, even while growing up. Spending her summer in the beach town of Colby puts her out of her element, and it is fun to see how she handles each new situation: the new mother, the baby, Eli, and making friends.

ALONG FOR THE RIDE is a story of growth and find oneself, but also of romance. The chemistry between Eli and Auden will surely draw readers in and keep them on edge until they find out what happens in the end. The events unfold through Auden’s eyes, and are told in first person point of view. The writing style is detailed and easy to soak up, making it hard to put the novel down. The tone is one of discovery, as Auden struggles to keep up with the changes in her life. Debbie Carton even states in her review in Booklist, “…fans will not be deterred by the length or…cover; they expect nuanced, subtle writing, and they won’t be disappointed.”

Reference List:

Carton, Debbie. 2009. Review of Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen. Booklist.

SWEETHEARTS

Zarr, Sara. 2008. SWEETHEARTS. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2008.

SWEETHEARTS is the story of Jennifer Harris, a quiet, overweight, picked on little girl. Jennifer—“Fattifer” to  her meaner classmates—transforms herself into Jenna Vaughn, a popular, pretty, and in shape teenager. As a child, her only friend was Cameron Quick, who suddenly moves one day with no explanation to her. She is later told by classmates that he was killed in accident and she accepts it as truth because she never hears from him again. Years later, she still thinks about Cameron, and painfully orchestrates every sentence that leaves her mouth, every action that she makes because she is afraid of going back to being that ill liked little girl. And then one day, she discovers that Cameron isn’t really dead. In fact, Cameron’s come home, and with his homecoming, Jenna must face her inner demons once and for all.

This novel is a perfect illustration of how losing weight and becoming popular doesn’t automatically make you happy on the inside. In SWEETHEARTS, Jenna discovers she is stronger than she knows, and it’s a positive message that is conveyed to readers in her age group. Jenna’s parents, especially her stepfather Alan, play an important role in the story, as they are a source of comfort for her. Cameron is pretty much still the same, though his life took a different direction than Jenna’s. While Jenna has carefully carved her niche in the world, Cameron is still searching for his place. He, too, struggles to be strong.

With Cameron’s reappearance, Jenna’s fall back on some old bad habits, such as binge eating, and I found this to be a realistic reaction. How often has someone promised they’ll eat right and get healthy only for a stressor to throw them off track? For this reason, readers will be able to relate to Jenna’s fall from grace and root for her to succeed in the end. The writing style of the novel made the words seem to flow off the page, making it easy to continue turning the pages. Kirkus Reviews says of SWEETHEARTS, “Haunting and ultimately hopeful....A convincing, fire person narrative voice....Zarr transfixes teen readers with enticing explorations of identity and enduring love.”

Reference List:

Kirkus Reviews. December 15, 2007. Review of Sweethearts, by Sara Zarr. Kirkus Reviews.

GIRL, 15, CHARMING BUT INSANE

Limb, Sue. 2005. GIRL, 15, CHARMING BUT INSANE. New York: Delacorte Press, 2004.

The title, GIRL, 15, CHARMING BUT INSANE, refers to a spoof dating ad that our protagonist, Jess Jordan, writes one class period in lieu of doing her school assignment. Jess is your average teenage girl, with a crush on a boy who is perfect in her eyes, a best friend who is beautiful, blonde and good in school, and a boy who’s been her other best friend for years, but now she’s confused about whether she wants him to be more.

GIRL, 15, was simply hilarious in some parts! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and hated to put it down. This is book one in a trilogy, and there is even a short prequel in print that features Jess and her friends before the events of this novel take place. The story is told completely from Jess’s third person point of view. She wants to be a comedienne when she grows up and you can see why because her “voice” is definitely humorous for the most part. She gets herself into some pretty embarrassing situations and her reactions to those are realistic. I felt embarrassed for her! There was one time that I recall where I wanted to shout at her, “just say what really happened!”, but it was just the one and for the most part, I felt she dealt with her problems as best she could.

Though the book is set in England, it doesn’t really deter at all from the story. There were no obscure slang words to decipher. The events of the novel moved along at a good pace, and the ending leaves you with a cliffhanger that will undoubtedly be resolved in the sequel, GIRL, (NEARLY) 16, ABSOLUTE TORTURE. GIRL, 15, received generally positive reviews, including one by Amy Patrick in School Library Journal who praises the characters for their charm, and recommends the novel to fans of Meg Cabot, Louise Rennison, and others “who like heroines who have a little vinegar to go with their sugar.”

Reference List:

Patrick, Amy. 2004. Review of Girl, 15, Charming but Insane, by Sue Limb. School Library Journal.

The Chocolate War

Cormier, Robert. 2000. THE CHOCOLATE WAR. New York: Random House Children’s Books, 1974.

CHOCOLATE WAR tells the story of Jerry Renault and his daring move not to sell chocolates at the annual school chocolate sale. Jerry, who was assigned by The Vigils to not sell the school’s chocolates, does as he is told for the ten days allotted. However, after the tenth day, when Jerry is supposed to once more begin selling chocolates (and is even told to do so by The Vigils) he continues to refuse out of defiance.

It was hard for me to connect with this story and its characters probably because it seems very much geared toward teenage boys. Also, I am a fan of realism because let’s face—if I want reality I’ll just step outside my front door. The overall tone of the book is very serious. However, taking an objective step back, CHOCOLATE WAR was well-written and I could see why it has stood the test of time. Originally written in 1974, Cormier tackles the subject of bullying in the form of the secret society, the Vigils, and the leader of the pack, Archie Costello. Bullying here, though, comes in the more subtle form of peer pressure rather than physical violence, though the ending does become violent.

Speaking of the ending, because this book grounded in realism, the ending isn’t quite what you expect from a novel. I won’t say anymore than that so as not to spoil the ending, but it was somewhat of a disappointment. As stated by a review in School Library Journal, “This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity.”

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, Sherman. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2007.

TRUE DIARY tells the story of Arnold Spirit, Jr., better known as Junior to his family and friends, a full-blood Spokane Indian living life on a reservation. The “part-time” the title refers to is Junior’s feelings of confusion when he decides to leave his school (and best friend Rowdy) on “the rez” in favor of the high school in the nearby town of Reardan—a school whose entire population is white. Though he still lives on the reservation, his Indian peers are hostile toward him for his perceived betrayal, while his peers in Reardan alienate him for being different. Junior goes through many hard times, “exploring his Indian identity, both self and tribal,” (Shoemaker 2007) but still he perseveres because he knows that though following your dreams may be hard at times, perhaps in the end it will all be worth it.

TRUE DIARY is the winner of the 2007 National Book Award, so I had high expectations when I opened it. Though overall, I did enjoy the book, I have to admit I was bored for the first 53 pages. It wasn’t until Junior made it to the school in Reardan that I felt it started to pick up. The book was humorous in some places (I especially enjoyed the Unofficial and Unwritten Spokane Indian Rules of Fisticuffs) and heartbreaking in others. In general, though, the book came across as very authentic to me, touching upon issues such as alcoholism, neglect and abuse, racism, and losing someone (or several someones) close to you.

I also enjoyed the illustrations provided by Junior (actually drawn by Ellen Forney) that he includes in his narrative about his life. The story is told in first person and as if he were writing it as a biography or journal. Junior is an admirable character, typical in some ways (he loves basketball, drawing, and hanging out with his best friend), but atypical in others because this kid gets knocked down hard by life many times over, but manages to bounce back every time. So while the beginning starts of slow, I would definitely recommend it to others.

Reference List:

Shoemaker, Chris. 2007. Review of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. School Library Journal.

Amerian Born Chinese

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yang, Gene Luen. 2006. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. Ill. by Gene Luen Yang. New York: Square Fish. ISBN 0-312-38448-3

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

This plot revolves around three interrelated stories about young Chinese Americans trying to fit in the popular culture.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 Yang takes three seemingly separate stories and eventually weaves them all into one amazing look into the Chinese culture. One tale is a traditional Chinese folktale with a few details tweaked. The second tale is of a second generation Chinese boy and we follow him through his life. The third is about an American boy who has a stereotypical Chinese cousin who visits every year.

There are many themes in this book: self-acceptance, overcoming obstacles, and friendship. Not only that, but the story is told in full color cartoon drawings as this is a graphic novel. The graphic novel is fast becoming popular in America and Yang makes good use of it here.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you'll already have reached out to others.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects––shame, racism, and friendship––receive thoughtful, powerful examination.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Open up a discussion about being an American, but having strong cultural roots in a different country. Does it make life harder for them, or do they embrace it? What are some of the differences in cultures they have to deal with?

* Other books by this author:

            Yang, Gene Luen. Prime Baby. ISBN 9781596436121

            Yang, Gene Luen. Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order. ISBN 1593620055

            Yang, Gene Lune. Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks. ISBN 0943151953

Speak

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. SPEAK. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-14-131088-X

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

After experiencing a traumatic event at the end of the summer, Melinda deals with it during her freshman year of high school by not speaking.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Anderson’s powerful book deals with a sensitive topic—rape. It is surely one of every female’s greatest fears, and for Melinda to have had it happen to her at such a young age is even more devastating. And the way she deals with it is heartbreaking—she stops speaking.

Because 99.99% of the book involves no dialogue from her, we get to know her innermost thoughts that no one else is privy too, which perhaps brings her even closer to the reader. Anderson handles the topic very well, and provides readers with a unique look into the life of a victim of such a heinous crime, and gives us hope that even adversity such as this can be overcome.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Awards & Honors:

            Michal L. Printz Honor Book

National Book Award Finalist

Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist

Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award

ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults

ALA Quick Pick

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Booklist Top Ten First Novel

BCCB Blue Ribbon Book

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Horn Book Fanfare Title

New York Times Bestseller

Publishers Weekly Bestseller

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story.”

Review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager.”

Review in BOOK LIST: “sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Rape is a sensitive subject no matter what the age of the reader. Broach it gently and see what the group has to stay. You may be surprised at what you hear and learn from both the male and female perspective.

*Nonfiction books about this topic:

Mather, Cynthia L. How Long Does It Hurt: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families. ISBN 0787975699

*Other young adult novels by this author.

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Catalyst. ISBN 0-6700-3566-1

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Twisted. ISBN 0-6700-6101-8

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. ISBN 9780670011100

When You Reach Me

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Rebeccca. 2009. WHEN YOU REACH ME. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 978-0-385-73742-5

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

While her mother is preparing to become a contestant on a 1970s television game show, 12-year-old Miranda begins receiving anonymous notes that seem to accurately predict the future.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Stead’s When You Reach Me explores the idea of time travel. It’s a gripping mystery that has you hanging on to every word until the end because there are questions that must be answered: Who is the laughing man? Who is sending Miranda the notes, and how are they predicting the future?

The novel is character driven just as much as it’s driven by its plot. The characters are intriguing, always leaving you wanting to know more about them. All in all, just a wonderful story that keeps you on your toes and is a perfect read for children and adults who enjoy a good mystery.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This unusual, thought-provoking mystery will appeal to several types of readers.”

Starred review in BOOK LIST: "The mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating; and the characters, children, and adults are honest bits of humanity no matter in what place or time their souls rest."

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Open with a discussion on time travel and see how many ideas and opinions pop up!

*Read the book that plays a large role in this story:

            L’Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. ISBN 0-374-38613-7

*Other novels by this author:

Stead, Rebecca. First Light. ISBN 978-037584017

Chains

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. New York: Antheum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

With the Revolutionary War as a backdrop to this tale, 13 year old Isabel is also fighting—for her freedom. She is a slave who, along with her sister, was promised freedom after her owner died, but in cruel twist of fate the girls become the property of a cruel New York couple. Isabel meets Curzon, another slave, who encourages her to spy on her owners because they know British plans for invasion. Though at first hesitant, her mind becomes resolved when something unthinkable happens to her sister, Ruth.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Chains is the moving account of one girl’s struggle for freedom in a country where black people were things to be bought, sold, and traded. The characters are well developed, and you can feel the frustration and pain their position in life brings them. The situations they find themselves in were so realistic you can tell Anderson really did her homework. This is further shown in the question and answer section at the end of the book.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.”

Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “Anderson explores elemental themes of power…, freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Bravery would be a good topic of discussion for this novel. It took a lot of courage to do what Isabel did. Ask the readers if they feel they’d make the same decisions as she, or if they would do anything differently.

*Other novels by this author:

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Catalyst. ISBN 0142400017

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever 1793. ISBN 0689848919

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. ISBN 0312674392

Bloody Jack

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Meyer, L.A. 2002. BLOODY JACK: BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE CURIOUS ADVENTURES OF MARY “JACKY” FABER, SHIP’S BOY. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0-15-216731-5

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

Jacky Faber is a teenage orphan running the streets of 18^th century London when the chance of a lifetime falls in her lap. A departing warship is taking on ship’s boys, but the only problem is that Jacky’s a girl. Cleverly hiding this fact, Jacky sets sail on the adventure of a lifetime.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Bloody Jack has an interesting premise, though, not an entirely original one. A girl pretends to be a boy in order to gain access to the “boy’s club.” The pirate aspect of the novel, though, is what sets it apart. I haven’t read many young adult novels that are pirate-related, and thanks to the recent Pirates of the Caribbean films, pirates are all the rage at the moment. Boys will like it for the adventure. Girls will read it because not only does it have a little romance, but it also has an empowering message that whatever the boys can do, girls can do just as well.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “…mark this one for older readers, who will find the salty tale a rattling good read.”

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…a good story of a brave ship's "boy" with natural leadership abilities and a sense of fair play and humanity.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*What are the readers’ feelings on a female ship’s boy? What about the ages of the younger members of the ship’s crew—would something like this be acceptable in today’s society? How many of the readers would have done the same thing as Jacky—hiding their gender in order to gain access to a world forbidden to them?

* Other novels in this series:

            Meyer, L.A. Curse of the Blue Tattoo. ISBN 9780152054595

            Meyer, L.A. Under the Jolly Roger. ISBN 0152058737

            Meyer, L.A. In the Belly of the Bloodhound. ISBN 0152055576

Lily's Crossing

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1997. LILY’S CROSSING. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-32142-2

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

 Lily’s Crossing is the story of one young girl’s struggle to deal with the turmoil of World War II on the homefront. Her best friend has moved away, and her father is overseas, fighting. She meets Albert, a young refugee from Hungary, and they form a bond over the rescue of a kitten. Their friendship is threatened, however, when the lies they’ve told puts Albert’s life in danger.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

When World War II is mentioned, what automatically comes to mind? Hitler, Nazis, Jewish people, and concentration camps, no doubt. But what about what was happening here in the United States at the time? Giff’s tale of a young girl’s struggle with the war introduces us to another perspective and reminds us that wars happen to children, too. Her writing style is comfortable and makes the characters seem like they could jump right off the page.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1998 Newbery Honor Book

American Library Association Notable Book

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Giff's well-drawn, believable characters and vivid prose style make this an excellent choice.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “With wry humor and intense feeling…Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*What do the readers know offhand about World War II? Did the book offer any insight into what was happening here in the United States during the time of the war? What do the readers think of the ending—satisfying or too convenient?

*Other novels by this author:

            Giff, Patricia Reilly. Eleven. ISBN 0440238021

            Giff, Patricia Reilly. Pictures of Hollis Woods. ISBN 9780440415787

            Giff, Patricia Reilly. Maggie’s Door. ISBN 0440415810