Hero by Perry Moore

Hero by Perry Moore. 2009.
Audience: Grades 8th and up; 13 and up (who can handle GLBT lit)
My Rating: 4*s of 5
Summary: The last thing in the world Thom Creed wants is to add to his father's pain, so he keeps secrets. Like that he has special powers. And that he's been asked to join the League - the very organization of superheroes that spurned his dad. But the most painful secret of all is one Thom can barely face himself: he's gay.

Comments: Overall a funny, entertaining, and engaging story that is highly original. Kind of a look at what the Incredibles family could become many years later. The concept is great--a budding superhero teen struggling with his missing mom, fallen superhero dad, his own new powers and the biggie--his homosexuality. Characters are appealing (Typhiod Larry, ha!) and there are many funny moments (huge laughs over The Lorax scene). There are a few bumps in the road execution-wise, especially with early action scenes. But any transgressions are easily forgiven as we root Thom on in the battlefields of hero-dom and looooove!

Awards:
Read-alikes: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies / Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies by Hartinger; How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship & Musical Theater by Acito

Franny Parker by McKinnon

Franny Parker by Hannah McKinnon. 2009.

Audience: Grades 4-8th; ages 10 and up

My Rating: 3*s of 5

Summary: Franny Parker's life revolves around her family, their farm, and their dusty Oklahoma town. Then the Dunns move in next door, harboring painful secrets. From the moment Franny meets Lucas, the two begin a friendship that introduces Franny to a larger world.

Comments: A nicely written coming of age story (and debut novel). Readers will especially enjoy the animal rescue elements and the dangerous mystery of Lucas and his family. Franny's mother is a particularly appealing character.

Awards:

Read-alikes: Dairy Queen

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 2008.
I know I'm way behind to just be reading this one. Wow! A fantastic and compelling read that you can't wait to get to the ending of but hate for it to be over. I'm impressed by how different it is from her Gregor books. The point at which the books ends surprised me--I expected a painful cliffhanger--but it is still intriguing enough to propel you into book 2.

The True Meaning of Smekday

The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex. 2007.

Audience: ??? This is my question...who is this book for? The main character is 12, but very smart-talking and mature. There is plenty of swearing and semi-swearing. It weighs in at over 400 pages and overall is pretty sophisticated, sarcastic, and mature IMHO.

We have this title in Juvenile. Plano has it in YA. Dallas has it in Juvenile. SLJ says grades 4-8...4th grade? Really? Publisher's Weekly says ages 8 and up...8? Really?

I really enjoyed this book, but am a bit baffled by where it really belongs and who is the best audience for this one. Please weigh in if you have input!

When You Reach Me (audio)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. 2009.
Audience: Grades 4-7th; ages 9-14
My Rating: 4*s of 5
Summary: As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.
Comments: I kept seeing reviews for this book and decided to give it a listen. It is a great puzzle-read with a well written girl protagonist. It was very satisfying to keep track of each subtle clue as it clicks into place. More than anything, though, it is a book about relationships. A passage about racism is deftly but clearly handled. I enjoyed this clever story and find myself thinking about it from time to time.
Awards: Newbery medal!
Read-alikes: A Wrinkle in Time (more of a companion book than a read-alike), Chasing Vermeer by Balliet

If the Witness Lied by Caroline B. Cooney

(This book has been nominated for Tayshas. I wrote something about it for a book discussion we had this morning, and thought I'd repost it on the web, per the suggestion from my coworker Larissa.)

Jack, Smithy, and Madison once had two parents. Then their mom became pregnant and was diagnosed with cancer. She chose to have the baby and forego chemo, which ultimately brought about her death (after she gave birth to the healthy baby, Tris). The father struggles to take care of the four kids alone, and is initially grateful when his sister-in-law offers to move in with them and help take care of the family. Then a freak accident happens – toddler Tris manages to shift the family’s car out of park and run over the dad, killing him. With the dad gone, the aunt takes over running the family, and creates changes in the house, slowly getting rid of any evidence of life before her arrival. After the dad's death, Madison moves in with her godparents and Smithy goes away to boarding school. Jack is left at home, needing to protect his brother Tris. When the aunt decides to bring the media into their home to broadcast the life of Tris, Jack knows that he must keep his brother out of the spotlight and away from the scheming aunt. Smithy becomes suspicious of the details of her dad’s death, because the only witness to the accident was her aunt, who seems to be intent on breaking the family apart.


Thoughts (may contain spoilers!):
Another good book by Caroline Cooney, a mystery/suspense master. What's up with the cover that has nothing to do with the storyline? Once I got started reading, I didn't want to put it down. The teens are smart and resourceful. The ending might work out a bit too easily, but I enjoyed the ride getting there. It's interesting that the two girls return home on literally the same day, both compelled to fix their family. Does that imply that they were being led by supernatural forces (the spirits of their parents wanting justice), or was their motivation the effect of experiencing the anniversary of their dad's death and the need to be near family? Perhaps the timely return of the sisters was a bit unrealistic, but overall I think this is an interesting read. For teens, grades 8 and up.

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten

Ellie grieves for her artistic free spirit sister Nina who disappeared two years ago. Her sister did not leave behind any clues but Ellie stumbles onto one when she finds one of Nina's drawings with a phone number on it in a donated box at the place where her friend Amanda works. The phone call is not much help, the man claims he does not know Nina but a flyer on the bulletin board with an invitation to a party seems promising to Ellie. Ellie goes to the party where her sister once hung out and there she meets Sean, a handsome guy. They are separated at the party but meet up again in the coffee shop where she works. Sean convinces her that he wants to join her in her quest to locate her sister. Ellie learns that Sean has suffered his own loss and wants to help her since his own situation can not be changed. He tells her he knows their meeting was fate. So they take off in his car with very little to go on and begin their cross country search to find Nina.

Comments: I agree with SLJ on this one. "An unbelievable plot." "Sloppy writing." This was a Top Ten ALA Teen pick. I can see the appeal for teens. There are some eccentric characters and some twists and turns that keep you interested. Plus you do want to know Nina's story if she is alive to tell it. Why did she just vanish? Why has she not made contact?
Some of Sean's dialogue is so dorky and cheesy but in a way it makes sense to me when you learn more about him. It is just part of Sean's maniacal self I think.
My daughter plans to read it so I will get her take on it.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. 2009.
Audience: Grades 8+; ages 13+
My Rating: 5*s of 5
Summary: “Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls. “Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another. I am that girl. I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through. I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.
Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend’s restless spirit.
Comments: Wintergirls is as close to perfect as a book can come. The hook is immediately gripping, pacing is just right, Lia is frustrating and fascinating, and Cassie is mesmerizing. Some passages made me shiver, some made me physically revolted, they all made me want to read more. The new devices Anderson includes (strikeout type, font changes, numbering the 33 times Cassie called, punctuation play) all combine deftly and perfectly to tell this story. Perhaps most importantly, the message of the book is that eating disorders require a hard look at the brain, not just the body. If Wintergirls is not a Printz or other big award winner, I will be sorely disappointed at the oversight.
Awards: better be!
Read-alikes: Speak by Anderson

Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit by Kimmel

School Spirit (Suddenly Supernatural book 1) by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. 2009.

Audience: Grades 4-6th; ages 8-13

My Rating: 4.5*s of 5

Summary: Like her mother, a professional medium, 7th grader, Kat, has been able to see dead people since turning thirteen, and although they would prefer to be normal, Kat and her best friend come to terms with their own talents while helping free the spirit of a girl trapped at their middle school.

Comments: This book jumped into my hands off of the "new" shelf and I couldn't put it down! Great storytelling and a surprising depth to the characters and story. Kat is someone you can easily follow through a book series. The supernatural elements felt believable and even had a few scary moments that serve as a teaser to continue the series. A great recommendation for younger fantasy/horror readers. I can't wait to read more in the series.

Awards:

Read-alikes: Savvy by Law, Allie Finkle series by Cabot (sans the supernatural, of course)

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Summer lovin'. Combine West Side Story and Grease and you have Perfect Chemistry. Brittany who has it all is smart, beautiful, a good girl and a cheerleader who lives on the rich side of town. Alex who is not expected to even finish high school is gorgeous, tough, and a gang member who lives on the wrong side of town. What gets these two together? For starters they are lab partners in Chemistry, they are both uncomfortable in their own skin and they both experience a love they can not deny, no really I mean it.

Ages: 16 and up.

Comments: Overall, this was probably over the top. But putting that aside, my daughter read it in one night. Give this one to reluctant readers or hopeless romantics. Warning: sex included.

Danger in the Dark: A Houdini & Nate Mystery by Tom Lalicki

Twelve-year-old Nate and his mother live with his father's well to do aunt in NYC. Aunt Alice has a new friend who holds seances so she can have contact with her husband and Nate's father. Mr. Trane the new friend uses these fake seances to turn Aunt Alice against Nate and his mother. His hope is that the Aunt will throw them out so he can steal her money. Speaking of money, Nate is sent to on an errand to collect from a certain man named Houdini who ordered a hat but failed to pay for it. Nate meets Mrs. Houdini and they become instant friends, She invites him and his mother to Houdini's next performance there he befriends Houdini. With Houdini's help and the surprising help of Mr. Winchell, a store employee who despises Nate and his connection to wealth, Mr. Trane is the one who is turned out onto the street.

Ages: 9-12

Comments: A young patron recommended this to me. The last part of the book has edge-of-your-seat action. This series can serve as a historical fiction assignment. The author includes historical information about Houdini and how he spent time "unmasking" fraudulent schemers who preyed on innocent people pretending to be able to have contact with the dearly departed. Captivating!

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Ida Mae Jones, age 18 from Louisiana is an African-American girl with light enough skin to pass as a white girl. She is also a pilot. Her father taught her to fly his dust cropping plane. When she finds an article about recruitment for the WASP (Women Air force Service Pilots) during WWII, she removes her dead father's picture from his pilot license, replaces it with hers and retypes the information and heads to a recruit office. Throughout the book, she struggles with staying true to who she really is and letting nothing stop her from reaching her goal, one she could never obtain if her true identity is revealed. Ida makes lifelong friends during her time in the armed forces and has an opportunity for romance.

Ages: 13 and up

Comments: The books tells how many blacks tried to marry whites to better their chances for a brighter future. I felt afraid at times for Ida who was so brave and who risk so much, her life, her relationship with friends and family to fly planes to help out during the war. Not only was Ida an African-American woman but in general women's abilities to fly were not recognized nor respected. Some of the women in the book really existed. Their place and mark on history adds authenticity and depth to the story. And a story it is, it is a wonderfully told historical fiction.

Found by Haddix (audio)

Found (The Missing, book 1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. 2008.
Audience: Grades 4-8; ages 10-14
My Rating: 2*s of 5
Summary: When thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip, who are both adopted, learn they were discovered on a plane that appeared out of nowhere, full of babies with no adults on board, they realize that they have uncovered a mystery involving time travel and two opposing forces, each trying to repair the fabric of time.
Comments: I finally listened to this book after hearing a lot of buzz about it. Well, I don't feel buzzed by it. The concept is great, but the pacing, dialogue, and *language* dragged it down for me. IMHO Haddix's word choices, especially during dialogue, seem old fashioned to a point that it pulls me from the story and characters. Hearing these outdated choices read aloud was extra enervating! In the genre, Unwind is so incredibly better, but unfortunately for an older audience. But, hey, older kids seem to be liking this book so what do I know?!

Awards: Lone Star list 2010
Read-alikes: Unwind by Shusterman (for teens)

ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Charlotte is determined to begin a new school year as a new girl. She wants to not be invisible. And she wants to go to the Fall Dance with football player heart throb, Damen Dylan. She lands Damen as her lab partner in Physics and everything seems to be on track until she chokes on a gummy bear and dies in school. She is sent to Deadiquette school but escapes back to the living because she has unfinished business. She can't really be dead and cross over until she has what she has wanted in life, acceptance and love. The living and the dead collide with imminent disaster. Will Charlotte act to rescue both worlds? Each chapter begins with an epigraph. There is also a box with thoughtful realizations which summarize each chapter. Was not familiar with this... but "Screenwriter Hurley's novel is the first in a much-promoted series based on a character she created online in 2002 (http://www.ghostgirl.com)."

Ages: 13 and up

Comments: I found the treatment of the themes and writing style to be innovative. Lots of dark humor. The stereotypes were in a straight jacket (the popular cheerleader with her "court"who is utterly cruel to the unpopular, the gorgeous unattainable football boy) but I suppose this was necessary to set up of the story.

I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee by Charles J. Shields

Charles J. Shields author of the best seller biography, Mockingbird writes the biography with teens in mind. The biography describes the early relationship of her parents and their marriage, her young life and family in Monroeville Alabama, the writing of Mockingbird, her friendship and work on In Cold Blood with Truman Capote, the making of the movie and her later years. Some things I thought that were interesting are: Her original title for Mockingbird was Atticus. She was so close to her father, she looked up to him and adored him. Her mother unfortunately was mentally ill. Once incident with her mother is the reason why she writes in the book that Scout's mother died when she was age two. In real life, when Nelle (Harper) was two years of age, her mother tried to drown her. Her sisters intervened to save her. She only had one more semester I believe at U of Alabama and she would have completed law school. There are several chapters devoted to her friendship with Truman. Truman always wanted fame, glory, and fortune, Nelle wanted none of that. She worked with him as his "literary assistant' during the interviews and writing of In Cold Blood. She made the acquaintances in the town where the murder happened so Truman could interview them. He never gave her credit for all of the work she did on the book. Heck she even read and edited (with a bum hand) his final manuscript. At one point she threw her Mockingbird manuscript out the window, littering the ground with it! Everyone wants to know why she never wrote a second book. Well now I know and understand why not. I won't give it away in case you decide to read the book.

Ages: 12 and up

Comments: What comes through so well is her personality, her inner struggles with writing the book and how the two are so closely intertwined. I thought the writing of this biography was a little dry at first but later on the pace picks up. I had planned to start reading this while I was in Alabama a few weeks ago but I was finishing up another book. It just would have made for a perfect setting. :)

The Last Knight by Hilari Bell

Summary: Michael Severeson, the son of a nobleman at age eighteen has decided to resurrect knighthood after it has been lost for over two hundred years. He saves a man from going to jail, Fisk and makes him his squire. Off they set to do good in the world. Their first heroic deed is a total disaster. It seems they have rescued a damsel who is not in distress but a murderer. To set things right again, Michael must apologize to the man's brother (she killed her husband) and capture the lady to bring her to her judgement and final punishment. This is not going to be easy for one, Michael, who is too honest and quickly finds himself in impossible binds as his squire stands by shaking his head so to speak. The novel is told in alternating chapters between the two main characters and their points of view. Their pursuit is filled with magic and adventure.

Ages: 12 and up

Comments: I loved the deadpan humor in this book. My quibble with this book is even though you have the alternating chapters between the two main characters, it was hard to distinguish between the two on more than one occasion.

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

During WWII, Nick Freestone, age 14 is sent from London to Burma on a plantation where timber elephants are raised and trained by mahouts run by his father where he will be safe. Not so. The Japanese invade, his father is sent to a work camp and Nick is forced into slave labor under the direction of the Japanese. An old monk assists Nick and Mya (daughter of a man who worked with his dad) as they escape from their plight to rescue his sick father and her brother. Hannibal, a timber elephant who was attacked by a tiger and has never forgotten his injures is pivotal to their treacherous escape. This book is filled with plot twists, and on the edge reading as you root for a successful journey. Nick is a formidable kid who must grow up quickly to survive this dangerous time in history.
Ages: 11 an up.
Comments: A tween recommended this to me! The book is heavy on plot and setting but that is okay. As an old seasoned reader I guessed some outcomes but still I really enjoyed this book. I learned a great deal about Japan's invasion of Burma and their mission there. I also learned a bit about what a mahout is and their role. I was also reminded of just how remarkable and smart elephants are.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (audio)

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson. 2007.

Audience: Grades 9th and up; 12 yrs. and up

My Rating: 3*s of 5

Summary: After finally getting noticed by someone other than school bullies and his ever-angry father, seventeen-year-old Tyler enjoys his tough new reputation and the attentions of a popular girl, but when life starts to go bad again. He must choose between transforming himself or giving in to his destructive thoughts.

Comments: The first half of this book absolutely worked for me. I was completely empathetic with Tyler and on the edge of my seat to know what would happen with Bethany. His feelings (eh-hem) for her are palpable (I wonder if guy readers would agree?). But when gears shift to other areas of focus, the story lost momentum for me. The drama amped up and seemed a bit over the top, but hey, what do I know about 17 year old boy-brains? I was glad at how things played out eventually, but would have stayed more glued to the story had the Bethany storyline remained a key player. Overall, an interesting male point of view equivalent to Speak.
Awards:

Read-alikes: Antsy books by Shusterman, Paper Towns by Green

The Brothers Torres by coert voorhees

Summary: Frankie Towers (torres is spanish for towers) lives in Borges, New Mexico where there is not much to do but plenty happens in this saucy story about two brothers and the classes of people in their town. Frankie is not that muscular, not athletic, not so sure of himself or as popular as his brother Steve a senior. But he is okay looking. Frankie has his sights on a hot girl named Rebecca. Nerves abound as he is just about to ask her to homecoming but is cut off by Dalton an preppy, rich kid, easy to loathe who is on the soccer team with his brother. Steve is cool but not so cool that he has the respect of the local cholos. (not a gang but a group of badasses). After Frankie is beat up by Dalton, his brother Steve and his buddies rough up (John) Dalton just enough so that he doesn't come after Frankie again. When Dalton's mom and dad buy the family's restaurant, Steve's rage and hatred for Dalton is unstoppable until a final showdown during the Homecoming Dance. Frankie who is on the sidelines must decide where he stands and take action.

Ages: 14 and up

Comments: Lots of Spanish words and phrases. Lots of Mexican food. Be prepared to have you mouth water when some of his mama's cooking is described. Be prepared to be grossed out as his best friend Zach (who loves to blow up things) not surprising has only one eye after an incident. What is gross is that will pop his eye in his mouth for a cleaning even during lunch. I can relate to the main character, Frankie. When he gets nervous his emotions totally take over and his is in touch with how his body is responding making it hard for him to speak. Claudia W. liked the fact that this is about a family with a mother and father who are still married, who still love each other and who are in touch with their children (the good and the scary) and who show genuine concern for their sons. Did I say saucy to describe this book? Oh yes, it's got saucy food, saucy fights, saucy love and saucy guts. Brotherly love in this story has evolved with time, is fragile but never severed.

Bang! by Sharon Flake

Mann, age 13, and a talented artist lives in a neighborhood where random shootings are the norm. His own family has not escaped, his seven year old brother was shoot dead on the front porch of their home two years ago. His mother and father live with the constant fear of losing their other son yet they don't know what or how they can insure this does not happen. Still reeling in grief his mother bakes a birthday cake each year for his brother. His father grieves by withdrawing his love and support of the emotional feelings of his family. Determined to change Mann from a boy to a man his father leaves him and his friend Kee-lee in some woods where they are to find a way to survive until they make their way home. There is more tragedy before the end of this book but there is also growth and redemption.

Ages: 13 and up

Comments: Readers can enter a real, violent world with real people who live in it everyday. Hope is never lost or abandoned in this gripping and disturbing story.

The Last Invisible Boy by Evan Kuhlman Illustrated by J. P. Coovert

Summary: After losing his father Finn Garrett begins to physically fade. He is becoming transparent and his hair has changed from black to white. His journal/book with short, short chapters (some half a page and others four pages) are replete with cartoon drawings. Through this conversational prose Finn describes his family, school friends, grief, remembrances, and daily life without his father.

Ages: 11 and up

Comments: I was looking for something like Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans. This should work because of the style, however, you should warn potential readers that this story is on a single painful topic. There is some humor but I did not experience any laugh-out-loud moments like I did during the reading of Diary. Finn thoughts about the viewing and funeral are candid and vivid.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker (audio)

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. 2006.
Audience: Grades 2-4; 7-10
My Rating: 4.5*s of 5
Summary: While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old (third-grader) Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building.
Comments: A great narrator and delightful story! Clementine is put-her-in-your pocket lovable. Her "spectacular ideas" and eventual mishaps create many laugh out loud moments. Can't wait to read more about her!

Awards:
Read-alikes: Ida B. by Hannigan, Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, Judy Moody books by McDonald

Year of the Dog by Grace Lin (audio)

Year of the Dog by Grace Lin. 2007.

Audience: Grades 3-5; 9-12

My Rating: 3*s of 5

Summary: It's the Chinese Year of the Dog, and as Pacy celebrates with her family, she finds out that this is the year she is supposed to "find herself." Universal themes of friendship, family, and finding one's life passions make this novel appealing to readers of all backgrounds.

Comments: Fantastic narrator! I enjoyed the character of Pacy/Grace as well as her friend Melody. While the mother's "did I ever tell you?" stories were interesting, I occasionally found myself groaning at the arrival of another one. Forgive me for sounding ignorant, but this book made it seem to me that money is one of the most important things in Taiwanese culture. It seems that Chinese-American young readers may especially enjoy seeing their culture and identity in this story.

Awards: Bluebonnet list, 2008

Read-alikes: The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin

Forever Princess by Meg Cabot (audio)

Forever Princess (Princess Diaries, book 10, Finale!) by Meg Cabot. 2009.
Audience: 12 and up
My Rating: 4.5*s of 5
Summary: Mia, who is finally a senior at Albert Einstein High, faces difficult choices about boys and her status as princess while her future, and Genovia's, hang in the balance.
Comments: I heart Meg Cabot. It is official. I have now read enough of her books to safely say that she never disappoints. As she does so well, Cabot gives us another character who, for much of the book, cannot seem to make the right choices (veeeery similar to the way her target audience might think/behave? Bless my adult, fully formed pre-frontal lobe!). The love triangle between Mia, J.P., and Michael is delicious as are the interspersed excerpts from Mia's senior project, a medieval romance book called Ransom My Heart (published under Meg Cabot as an adult romance! Clever Meg). My only prior Princess exposure was part of book 1, but I still completely enjoyed this royale finale.
Awards:
Read-alikes: duh

Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston

Katrina Katrell is a bored imaginative child who would love to explore. She gets a glimpse into her future when she spots a creature, Morty while waiting to ride the subway. While escaping her guardian Mrs. Kabone a dreadful woman who has summoned a brain doctor to "treat" Katrina,she meets up with the creature, Morty a zorgle. Morty and Katrina, determined heroine team up to find out why the zorgles have all left Zorgamazoo. Along the way they meet Winnie, another creature whose family has disappeared. Their journey inside a mechanical creature lands them on the moon and there they meet Dullbert Hohummer, the Third. He is the one behind the plan to make earth less interesting by kidnapping the creatures who inhabit earth. Without the creatures, humans would produce more Tedium Steam (boredom) which powers his planet.

Ages: 4th grade and up

Comments: The rhyming was a distraction at first. If kids will check out a story that rhymes, I think they will enjoy the tale.Will Katrina and friends succeed in saving all? This I shall not tell because this nonsensical book was pretty swell.

if I stay by gayle forman

A little excursion with her family on a school snow day turns tragic for seventeen year old Mia. Mia recounts the aftermath of the car accident involving her family and life memories for the next 24 hours as she lies in a coma. Her eloquent story sharing about family, friends, boyfriend, disappointments, and ambitions and hospital visits weigh in as she makes the ultimate decision, whether to stay or to go.

Ages: 14 and up

Comments: This is a heart wrenching book with arresting characters. As I read this book I found myself thinking about what my decision would be if I had to choose whether or not to remain in the world if I had suffered so much loss and had extensive physical injuries.

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

In this charming mystery, Marvin a beetle and family live under the kitchen sink in the home of James and his family. Upon turning age 11, Mrs. Pompaday, James' mother invites children of prospective real estate clients to his birthday party. James' party is a disaster complete with miserable gifts. Marvin wants to give James something great for his birthday. Using the pen-and-ink set, a birthday present from James' father, Marvin uses his legs to draw a picture of the scene outside James' window. Everyone in James' family believes James has done the miniature drawing including his father who is delighted with James' talent and interest in art. His father takes him for many trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These trips are made with Marvin the beetle in tow. James must create more drawings, Marvin's family worries about him taking risky excursions. Both of them, James and Marvin end up in the middle of an art heist. The heist may lead them to a long lost drawing by the artist Durer, the artist in which James' family compares his drawings (well Marvin's drawings). Can the two friends pull off their own drawing conspiracy while aiding in the pursuit of an art thief and solve the mystery?

Audience: Ages 10 and up

Comments: I guess I just like stories with a bug as a main character. In this fast-paced mystery the beetle befriends a human and together they accomplish much in this likable book. Don't worry, James has to come with turns with taking credit for work he has not created. The illustrations compliment and add dimension to the story; they are reminiscent of the artwork created by Marvin. Give this one to readers seeking a good book this summer.

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! by Jonah Winter

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! by Jonah Winter. 2009.

Audience: 2nd - 6th Grade; 5 and up

My Rating: 5*s of 5

Summary: In this striking picture book biography, an old-timer tells us what made Sandy Koufax so amazing. We learn that the beginning of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers was rocky, that he was shy with his teammates, and experienced discrimination as one of the only Jews in the game. Accompanied by sidebars filled with statistics, here’s a book sure to delight budding baseball fans.

Comments: Wow! The fantastic cover (come on, who can resist a hologram of Koufax actually throwing a fastball?) pulled me into this extraordinary biography about a left-handed pitcher I had never heard of and will now never forget. The book reads like a casual and personal narrative told by one of Koufax's teammates, which allows for a perfect marriage of what Koufax did and who he was. The "stat box" style call outs throughout offer amazing info that enhances the experience. Illustrations--wow--couldn't be better. All the elements of this book come together to make something that is way more than a biography--a home run of a book!

Awards: Soon to come, I'm sure!

Read-alikes: Frida; Roberto Clemente; Fair Ball!; Muhammad Ali ; Dizzy (all by Winter); We Are the Ship by Nelson.

The Graveyard Book (audio)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. 2008.
Audience: 5th or 6th Grade and up; 10 and up
My Rating: 3.5*s of 5
Summary: The orphan Bod, short for Nobody, is taken in by the inhabitants of a graveyard as a child of eighteen months and raised lovingly and carefully to the age of eighteen years by the community of ghosts and otherworldly creatures.

Comments: I first picked up this book right after it's release in Sept. of 2008 being a big Gaiman fan and eager to read his newest. About the time I got to the ghoul scene, I lost interest and put it down. Now, since Gaiman himself narrates, I made it through the entire audio book much more easily (though I still found the ghoul scene boring and somewhat pointless). This is not my favorite of his books (I much preferred Anansi Boys) and is often too reminiscent of Coraline. However, it carries Gaiman's usual charming voice; the "Dance the Macabre" chapter is enchantingly well written. The beginning is quite scary, especially in print with the dark illustrations. The setting and characters are certainly original for a younger, coming of age story and I appreciate the overall message of the value of life as well as the cost of living in fear.
Awards: Newbery Medal winner, 2009!
Read-alikes: Coraline

Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli

It's time for Mogo, a warthog and his two brothers to go out into the world and find a house of their own. Sound familiar? This time the folk tale takes place in the savanna with three warthogs, Mathani and Kebiro and Mogo who have been pushed out by their mother to make room for new piglets set to arrive soon. Mogo, the runt and is brothers who taunt and tease him soon find out that their world centers around mere survival. His brothers don't always want to take his advice but it is his quick yet cautious thinking that keeps him alive. The big bad wolf comes in the form of wild dogs, cheetahs, and lions. Mogo must also deal with his mother not wanting him around anymore, loneliness and being afraid much of the time. To make life more bearable, Mogo befriends a baboon and giraffes as he strives to overcome each conundrum (his favorite word). The reader can learn a great deal about the animals as the story is laden with facts about the animals of the savanna.

Audience: 3-6th graders

Comments: This story was like an episode of Animal Kingdom with The Three Little Pigs folk tale thrown in to make it a story. The verdict is still not in as to whether the facts overshadow the story. Children who won't mind a fact heavy story that does not forgo the harsh realities of living in the savanna will like this book.

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

There is a flashing red light at the intersection of County Route 13 which crosses Connecticut State Highway 31. And at one corner stands a gigantic oak tree. Years ago a tragic accident killing 41 people occurred involving a greyhound bus, a police officer, and a speeding Thunderbird. The Thunderbird crashed into the oak and for years it has harbored the spirit of Clint Eberhaut. When lightning strikes and splits the tree, it releases Clint's evil spirit. He begins to go about town taking care of some unfinished business. Zach, age 11, is part of that business as Clint plans to kill him because Zach's grandfather the sheriff at the time accidentally killed his son. Zach, his father, and stepmother Judy move into a new house in which the oak can be seen from their backyard. As Zach and family encounter people and ghosts in the town and at the crossroads, we learn how their lives are all intertwined in the mystery behind the tragic accident. Short chapters with lots of action and an interesting friendship with a neighbor boy named Davy help move this ghostly story along.

Ages: 11 and up

Comments: At first I had trouble keeping the characters straight as far as their relation to each other and whether or not they were a ghost. This ghost story is somewhat dark with adult situations. Recommend this one to older juniors and teens.

BONECHILLER by graham mcnamee

Summary: Danny and his father constantly move to escape the pain and loss after the death of a mother and wife. His father takes a job managing cottages in a marina in a small remote town Harvest Cove in Ontario, Canada. When the coldest of winters settle in there, a centuries old nightmare, a ravenous roaming monster comes alive. It taunts its chosen prey until it sucks out their spirit and soul. Danny and friend Howie are its latest victims. Once bitten, you become ill, and it is only a matter of time before you succumb and go to the monster. Danny, Howie, Pike (Howie's brother) and Ash (Danny's love interest) join together to destroy the monster.

Comments: I felt the interactions, reactions, and actions of the individualized teen characters were true even in their unrelenting determination to rid the town of the monster. I had no problem believing in the existence of this monster.

I'm glad the author included some Native American folklore. The stories about Windigos told by Ash's father adds more chill, mystery, and depth to the monster.

Danny has another monster, another nightmare that he must face. He has to come to grips with the death of his mother from a brain tumor. This story hit close to home for me as my mother died from the aftermath of a brain tumor. I got a little teary-eyed at times reading this book. It is nice to see his father heal a bit too.

I will definitely recommend this to horror fans. It is fast-paced, with short chapters, and lots of intense action.

Audience: I would say older teens. SLJ says grades 9 and up.

The Floating Circus by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Summary: In this historical fiction which takes place in the 1850's we meet 12 year old orphaned Owen. Leaving his younger brother, Zach behind to be adopted Owen is saved and befriended by a freed slave, Solomon. Solomon lives and works on the River Palace, a circus on a riverboat. The two work side by side cleaning animal stalls and performing other manual labor. Owen's new family consist of Solomon, the circus performers, and the Greene family who have a son Caleb. Caleb teaches Owen how to set type in a printing press. When the riverboat suffers a great fire and all of the contents are auctioned off, Owen must decide whether to return to his brother, go and live with the Greene family or remain in the circus business.

Comments: I liked Owen. I was rooting for him to survive not only his harsh life but to survive this frightening time during history. Reviews suggest that Owen seems too insightful for his age. The setting was fascinating. I experienced it through sight, sound, and smell.

There are some violent scenes. Men pay Lord Hathaway, the owner of the floating circus money to board the boat to feed live animals to ravenous lions. In another scene a runaway slave boards the riverboat and is hunted down by slave catchers. Owen gets caught in the middle. He sees the slave and when questioned he lies to the slave catchers about his sighting. Had he been charged for aiding a slave under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1950, he could have faced 6 months in prison and a hefty fine.

Author's note includes history of the floating circus, general history of the circus including Dan Rice "whose distinctive looks were the inspiration for the "Uncle Sam" figure", slavery during that time and the break out of yellow fever in New Orleans.

Audience: 5th-6th grade and up

Bloody Jack, book 1 (audio)

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. 2007.

Audience: 6th Grade and up; 12 and up

My Rating: 5*s of 5

Summary: Jacky Faber,having secured a position as ship's boy aboard the HMS "Dolphin," welcomes the respite from the desperation and hunger of life on the streets of eighteenth-century London, and now has only one thing to worry about--keeping the crew from learning that he is actually a girl.

Comments: The only complaint I can muster for this fantastically narrated story is that I want more, more, more! I bloody loved this book! Jacky is a capable, likable, ingenious girl and I enjoyed taking this voyage with her. I can't wait for the next audio! http://www.jackyfaber.com/

Awards:

Read-alikes: Pirates! by Celia Rees, Bloody Jack adventures books 2-5 by L.A. Meyer

Jinx by Meg Cabot (audio)

Jinx by Meg Cabot. 2007.
Audience: 7th Grade and up; 12 and up
My Rating: 4*s of 5
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Jean "Jinx" Honeychurch, the descendant of a witch, must leave Iowa to live with relatives in Manhattan after the first spell she casts goes awry, but she will have to improve her skills to stop her cousin from practicing black magic that endangers them and the boy they both like.
Comments: With a mediocre narrator, this book was slow to hook me. But once the magic kicked in, I was hooked. Jinx herself reminds me of the character from Dairy Queen in that she often cannot manage to speak her mind or insist that she be treated with respect or fairness. This clearly becomes purposeful at the end of the story when she *finally* stands up for herself and comes into her own.
Awards:
Read-alikes: Avalon High by Cabot

The Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure by Jill Santopolo

Summary: A new detective is on the scene, Alec Flint: Super Sleuth. In his first mystery, Alec a fourth grader investigates the disappearance of a Christopher Columbus exhibit at a local museum. He reluctantly names Gina his partner even though she is a bit bossy. Before joining Alec, she is in the middle of her own investigation into the disappearance of an art teacher at their school. Never the twain shall meet?
With knowledge about the voyage of Christopher Columbus, a new friendship, some pizza, and a little poking around, Alec and Gina crack their cases.
To keep the investigation top secret, Alec and Gina write in code. Readers can decode on their own or if they just want to keep to the story, the code translations are in the back of the book.

Comments: I like this new series. The prose is lively and kept my attention. 2nd mystery, The Random Blue Notes is due out in June 2009.

Audience: Perfect for 3rd-4th graders and up.

Advice

Cute + funny video by Jarrett Krosoczka that would be a great answer to over-asked question, "Where do you get your ideas?" It's 17 minutes, but so worth it.


BOOK BY BOOK: the making of a monkey man from Jarrett Krosoczka on Vimeo.

One False Note

One False Note (39 Clues series, book 2) by Gordon Korman. 2008.
Audience: 4-8th Grade
My Rating: 2*s of 5
Summary: Amy and Dan Cahill are in the lead to find thirty-nine clues that safeguard a great power, and are in possession of a coded sheet of Mozart's music that will help them find the next clue while their relatives follow in close pursuit. (Does not include game cards.)
Comments: I was really disappointed with this book. Between the series hype and the author's reputation, I had high expectations that this flat action story fell far short of. It reads like the screenplay to Da Vinci Code probably did or any given transcript of "The Amazing Race." This might be a good thing, though, for this age audience and espeically boys/reluctant readers? I might also feel differently had I read book 1 and/or checked out the other branches of this multi-media series.
Awards:
Read-alikes: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

I'm not even sure how to start this review. I've typed and deleted the first sentence about eight times.

Liga lives with and suffers under the hand of her father (her mother is dead, of course) in a small cottage just outside of a small village. After living through various versions of hellish ordeals, Liga is granted a gift of kindness from an otherworldly being and finds herself in an idealized dream world where she raises two daughters (the products of her previous traumatic experiences). Everything goes great until a witch and a ne'er-do-well ruffian create a rift between the real world and Liga's dream world, and Liga is forced to face the real world again. What does the cover have to do with the story? Well, a man dressed as a bear (something that used to happen during festivals in France for-realz?) is transported from real time to the magical land where Liga and her daughters live, and he (turns into a real bear while in the magical land) stays with them and secretly wishes he was part of their family. Unfortunately for him he is forced back into his own time, time in the magical land moves much more quickly that that of the real world.

This book is a retelling of Rose Red and Snow White with some other myths/cultural references thrown in. This is a book contains the results of the ugly emotions human can potentially harbor and act upon and some scenes are difficult to read. The concept was interesting, the mixing of folk tales was interesting, the ability of the author to use language of the time period was commendable. There is some fantastic imagery in this book. This book is much like Living Dead Girl in that it is teetering on the very edge of YA/Adult fiction. While well-written and complex, I have a hard time thinking of a teen Iwould feel comfortable recommending this to. Its language and diction will be difficult for some readers. While not everything is spelled out on the page, the allusions and imagery is hard to take in. Much like Wideacre, readers who enjoy this kind of story will find it and love it.

WARNING: This book contains incest, rape, assault.

I haven't read anything by Margo Lanagan before, and this book was recommended to me by a committee I'm on.

The Schwa Was Here

The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman. 2004/2006 reissue.
Audience: 6-10th Grade; Ages 11-15
My Rating: 4.5*s of 5
Summary: A Brooklyn eighth-grader nicknamed Antsy befriends the Schwa, an "invisible-ish" boy who is tired of blending into his surroundings and going unnoticed by nearly everyone.

Comments: Antsy wins me over again. He is a delightful and fun narrator who Shusterman told me (eeeee!) is based on "his alter ego...a kid who says out loud everything [Neal] wanted to but couldn't." As with Antsy Does Time, death/loss is dealt with in a humourous, but never mocking way. I read the two Antsy stories out of order and they stood alone very nicely.

Awards: Lone Star list 2006, lots of journal lists
Read-alikes: Antsy Does Time by Shusterman and according to the author, eventually Antsy Floats (to feature another gramatical charcter...Tilda)

Antsy Does Time by Shusterman

Antsy Does Time by Neal Shusterman. 2008.

Audience: 6-10 Grade; Ages 11-13

My Rating: 4.5*s of 5

Summary: Fourteen-year-old Anthony "Antsy" Bonano learns about life, death, and a lot more when he tries to help a friend with a terminal illness feel hopeful about the future.

Comments: A laugh out loud funny story with very real characters. Shusterman reading with his Brooklyn accent is perfect. The turn for the poignant toward the end of the book adds just enough weight to balance the laughs and is dished out in just the right portion--the perfect dessert to the meal that is this story. I especially appreciate the portrayal of Kjersten. As the "pretty girl" love interest her character is rounded out with flaws, neurosis, and motivation.

Awards: Lone Star List 2009-2010

Read-alikes: The Schwa was Here by Shusterman

Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica

Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica. 2007. (Comeback Kids series, v.2) Audience: 4-6 Grade; Ages 8-10
My Rating: 3*s of 5
Summary: Brainy Scott, a great kicker who otherwise struggles with football, and star quarterback Chris, who has dyslexia, team up to help each other succeed in both football and school.
Comments: The writing is simple and straightforward as you would expect from a sportswriter. The plot and characters are engaging though predictable and somewhat caricatured. A good choice for boys reluctant to read.
Awards: Bluebonnet List 2009-2010
Read-alikes: Hot Hand, Comeback Kids series v.1

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. 2008.

Audience: 4-8 Grade; Ages 8-12 (seriously, SLJ and Booklist?! hard to believe.)

My Rating: 4*s of 5

Summary: An old hound that has been chained up at his hateful owner's run-down shack, and two kittens born underneath the house, endure separation, danger, and many other tribulations in their quest to be reunited and free.

Comments: Well, now that it got a Newbery Honor maybe kids will read this one, but otherwise I can't imagine many 4th-8th graders would have picked it up. Beautifully written in a mystical, folkloric tone, the story constantly doubles back on itself as if being told out loud over a period of time. This was hard for me to adjust to for the first 1/3 of the book. Once I caught the rhythm (and the rhythm itself picked up) I enjoyed the experience much more. Ranger, Puck, and Sabine are absolutely as lovable as Gar Face is deplorable. I skipped the main abuse passage which was thankfully quick and soon atoned for. I wish the big decision twist at the end had been more foreshadowed or written into the character because I felt it was a bit convenient as is (but hey, this is a "children's" book, right?). Overall, a wonderful reading experience that I will be curious to see how many kids choose to enjoy.

Awards: Newbery Honor Book 2009

Read-alikes:

Little Brother by Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow. 2008.
Audience: 8-12 Grade; Ages 13 and up
My Rating: 3.5*s of 5
Summary: Interrogated for days by the Department of Homeland Security in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco, California, seventeen-year-old Marcus is released into what is now a police state, and decides to use his expertise in computer hacking to set things right.
Comments: I don't know what was more terrifying--what "Homeland Security" was doing in this book or the tech stuff Marcus could do. I really enjoyed the ride of this book and all the techno-lessons along the way. Marcus is a heroic underdog character for frustrated techno-guys to imagine themselves as. Ange was also a capable and empowered character as the female love interest.
Awards: Booklist Editor's Choice: 2008, SLJ Best Books for Children: 2008
Read-alikes: 1984 by Orwell

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Savvy by Ingrid Law. 2008.

Audience: 10-13, Grades 4-7

My Rating: 4*s of 5

Summary: Recounts the adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday has revealed her "savvy"--a magical power unique to each member of her family--just as her father is injured in a terrible accident.

Comments: I wish, wish, wish I had read this book instead of listening to it. The narrator was mediocre and her reading made the language quirks of the book (repeating words in threes, "sure as sure" formula, etc.) seem more annoying than charming. I wonder if, had I read the book, they would have blended into the overall recipe of the story and added to the delight rather than detract. Otherwise, I greatly enjoyed the characters and plot (though it could have been taken out of the oven a bit sooner in my opinion). The "savvy" concept is excellent and I'm sure will excite young readers who wish to find their own special talent.

Awards: Newbery Honor Book 2009; Bluebonnet nominee 2009-2010; Boston Globe-Horn book honors 2008

Read-alikes:

Tangent: Twi-rant

Something has been bugging me for quite a while...WHY is Twilight so unbelievably popular despite the fact that it is, well, pretty much crap? I have a theory!

First theory link: I quickly associated Twilight with the SBTBE...what I call the Saved By the Bell Effect. We all watched that horrible, horrible show knowing full-well how horribly horrible it was yet we couldn't look away. Something made you watch.

Next theory link: What exactly is it about the writing that evokes the SBTBE? Could it be the constant use of trigger words...wistful...exquisite...that somehow reprogram the brain? Or the ultra-packaged teenagers (Rosalie=Kelly, Alice=Jessie, Edward=Zach, Jacob=...Screech?)? Which led to...

Final theory link: Aha! The simple-minded, obsessive, angsty, self-involved way Meyers writes (esp. Bella) makes an instant connection with the primal, teenage brain still lingering in even the oldest reader (mainly female, sorry to discriminate). This flips the teenage brain switch, flooding the mind with those hormonal, obsessive, angsty feelings/memories. The reader vulnerable to this literary drug becomes hooked, plowing through book after book only to crash when the supply is exhausted (no New Moon? boo-hoo).

So, whaddya think? Am I onto her or just totally out in left field (during a Cullen baseball game, of course)?

rant out. -B

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr. 2007.
Audience: 14+

Summary:
Aislinn sees faeries. She has always seen faeries. She knows not to trust them. She has spent a lifetime developing strategies to avoid them. So when a faerie starts stalking her, she knows this cannot be a good thing.

She slowly learns that the stalker is Keenan, the Summer King, who believes Aislinn to be the queen he has sought for nine centuries. She is destined (he believes) to help him finally bring an end to the constant winter imposed by the evil Beira. The problem is that Aislinn doesn’t want to become a faerie queen; she wants to have a normal life: finish high school and hang out with her almost-boyfriend, the wonderfully sweet Seth.

Oh, and the other thing. If she does accept him, but she turns out not to be The One, she will become the new Winter Girl, immortal, but with a literal icy touch, and bound to the Summer King until he can find someone else willing to join him. Not much of a choice, right? But have you ever tried to turn down a faerie?

Comments: I liked this one more than I thought I would – I nearly turned off the audiobook when I realized it was about faeries-with-an-e, but it’s a long drive to work with no audiobook, so I gave it the whole drive and by the time I there, I was interested enough in the story to keep going. It wasn’t perfect, some things happened a little too easily, the ending was a little weird, but mostly it was fun to listen to – and gave me something to recommend to Twilight fans.

Read-alikes: Twilight, Blue Bloods