Zombie Haiku. By Ryan Mecum

Title: Zombie Haiku
Author: Ryan Mecum
Publisher: How Books
Date: July 14, 2008
ISBN: 1600610706


Critical Analysis:

This book is a mix of poetry and journal entries that document the end of the human race due to a zombie plague. This book will be very appealing to zombie fans and those that like horror poetry. The book starts with entries from Chris Lynch who acquired this journal from a zombie’s arm he severed while trapped in an airport bathroom. Chris documents his fall from human existence into a flesh-eating zombie while the poetry haikus are from another person who documented the beginning of the zombie plague and his mental state after becoming one of them.

Ryan Mecum wrote a nail-biting tale that will keep readers engaged to the very end! The text format was easy to follow and the illustrations complimented the narrations. The plot itself was very suspenseful and captivating, I could not put this book down until I finished it! Mecum’s twist of giving the reader a bird’s eye view of a zombie’s mental capacity would attract horror fans everywhere! The connection of poetry and horror was very interesting. Robert Kirkman, author of The Walking Dead and Marvel Zombies wrote, “Ryan Mecum has quite possibly found the only corner of entertainment not yet infected by the zombie plague--haiku--and made me wonder why it took this long, as the two seem to go together like zombies and brains” (retrieved from Amazon on November 22, 2009). Horror and dark poetry fans will eat this one up!

Review Excerpts:

Amazon Editorial Review:

"A thoroughly unique and entertaining experience. Ryan Mecum has quite possibly found the only corner of entertainment not yet infected by the zombie plague--haiku--and made me wonder why it took this long, as the two seem to go together like zombies and brains. I highly recommend it to fans of all things zombie." -- Robert Kirkman, author of The Walking Dead and Marvel Zombies. Retrieved from Amazon (accessed November 22, 2009).

Delaney of Wisconsin wrote:

"The Zombie Haiku embarks on a journey through a recently turned zombie, each haiku leads to another haiku, they build to tell a story. It's dark and gruesome, funny and clever, it's absolutely brilliant. I'm glad I picked it up, and I have since purchased a number of other copies for my dark and devilishly fun friends" Retrieved from Amazon (accessed November 22, 2009).

Connections:

You can access a website devoted to this book by clicking on: http://zombiehaiku.com/ (accessed November 22, 2009). This website contains information about this book and a three minute video commercial of the book itself. You can also access the author's website by clicking on: http://ryanmecum.com/ (accessed November 22, 2009).

Rapunzel's Revenge. By Shannon and Dean Hale

Title: Rapunzel's Revenge
Author: Shannon and Dean Hale
Illustrator: Nathan Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Date: August 5, 2008
ISBN: 159990070X


Critical Analysis:
This story is about a girl named Rapunzel who was taken from her biological parents by a witch named Mother Grothel. Rapunzel starts to remember her real mother and makes a startling realization when she comes face to face with her real mother who is a slave in the mines. Mother Grothel finds this out and banishes Rapunzel to live in a tree tower in the swamplands where it is impossible for her to escape until her hair grows to an extraordinary length. Later she finds that her hair can be used as a weapon against her enemies in her quest to be reunited with her real mother. Rich with humor and action sequences throughout the story, readers will be thoroughly engaged!Shannon and Dean Hale created a wonderfully fast-paced graphic novel. The reader will connect with the characters in the story and the entertaining plot. The setting takes place in the wild old west and the illustrations are a true compliment to the text. The fairy tale twist is very interesting because Rapunzel is not the damsel in distress waiting for her true prince to come save her. Tine Coleman of Booklist wrote, “This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wild West, puts action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine” (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 1)).


Review Excerpts:
Tina Coleman (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 1)):

"This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wild West, puts action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine. Young Rapunzel lives a lonely life, never knowing what lies beyond the high garden walls of her mother’s royal villa until one day she climbs the wall to see what’s on the other side. When she finds that the world outside is a dark place oppressed by her mother’s greed for power and uncovers the real secret of her own birth, she is imprisoned in a magic tree tower. In her years of captivity, she learns a lot about self-reliance and care for her exceptionally long hair, and eventually she is able to escape, vowing to bring down her mother’s cruel empire. Hale’s art matches the story well, yielding expressive characters and lending a wonderful sense of place to the fantasy landscape. Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers. Grades 5-8" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 22, 2009).

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2009):

"In this graphic novel, Rapunzel's a spunky, hair-whip-toting cowgirl. She joins with stolen-goose rapscallion Jack to rescue her mother and end her wicked stepmother's reign. The gutsy tale is particularly well suited to its format, with illustrations mixing the familiar and offbeat. High action, sensory thrills, and the wisecracking heroes are clearly conveyed through image cropping, text placement, and facial emotional cues. Category: Intermediate Fiction. 2008, Bloomsbury, 144pp, 18.99, 14.99. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 1: Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration." Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 22, 2009).

Connections:

You can access more information about this book from the author's website by clicking on: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/books_rap.html (accessed November 22, 2009). This website contains classroom activities that can be used after reading this book. You can also access a reader's theater script from this website that can be used in a classroom or book discussion.

The Plain Janes. By Cecil Castellucci.

Title: The Plain Janes
Author: Cecil Castellucci
Illustrator: Jim Rugg
Publisher: Minx
Date: May 2, 2007
ISBN: 1401211151


Critical Analysis:

This is a story about a girl named Jane who survived a terrorist bombing outside a café in the city in which her parents decided to move to suburbia in order to get away from such dangers. Jane who is not happy with her recent move tries her best to make do. She becomes friends with three girls named Jane, Jayne and Polly Jane who she feels are just like her…outsiders. Jane recruits her friends to move about at night expressing art under the code name of P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art in Neighborhoods) throughout the town, which is a form of therapy for her. While their pranks are harmless fun, law enforcement does not agree!

Cecil Castellucci did a wonderful job with the plot to keep the reader engaged! The format of the text was easy to follow and the illustrations were full of detail. The reader will connect with the characters and the setting of the story which takes place in a suburban school and neighborhood. Jesse Karp of Booklist wrote, “The book has its share of stereotypes--the science geek, the psychotically overprotective mother, the irrepressible gay teen--but this is thought-provoking stuff. The art, inspired by Dan Clowes' work, is absolutely engaging” ((Booklist, Mar. 15, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 14)).

Review Excerpts:

Jesse Karp (Booklist, Mar. 15, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 14)):

"For the first book in a new series aimed at teenage girls, DC comics recruited novelist Castellucci (Boy Proof, 2004, and The Queen of Cool, 2005) to write this story about outsiders who come together, calling up themes from the author's popular YA novels. Relocated to suburbia after a brush with disaster in the big city (and fueled by an urge not to be terrified of the world as a result), Jane rallies a small group of outcasts into a team of 'art terrorists,' shaking the town from its conservative complacency by putting bubbles in the city fountain and wrapping objects on the street as Christmas packages. Their activities end up rallying the local teenagers to their cause and working the adults into a dither. The book has its share of stereotypes--the science geek, the psychotically overprotective mother, the irrepressible gay teen--but this is thought-provoking stuff. The art, inspired by Dan Clowes' work, is absolutely engaging. Packaged like manga, this is a fresh, exciting use of the graphic-novel format. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2007, DC Comics/Minx, $9.99. Starred Review" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 22, 2009).

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2007):

"In Boy Proof, Jane was injured in a terrorist attack. Now her family's moved to suburbia, where Jane forms P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art In Neighborhoods) and plans 'art attacks' while continuing correspondence with a comatose man. The graphic novel's core is Jane's struggle to see the world's beauty. Rugg's warm gray-scale scenes convey the drama, impact, and joy of unfettered expression. Category: Older Fiction. 2007, DC/Minx, 152pp, 9.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 1: Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 22, 2009).

Connections:

I was able to find a good group of discussion questions and classroom activities that would be great to use with this book. You can access this information by clicking on: http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:DvChSyqCXcsJ:www.misscecil.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/theplainjanes.doc+The+Plain+Janes+discussion+questions&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a (accessed November 22, 2009).

Other books that may be of interest:

Boy Proof. By Cecil Castellucci. Publisher: Candlewick Press. Date: 2005. ISBN: 0763623334.

ALT ED. By Catherine Atkins. Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons. Date: 2003. ISBN: 0399238549.

A Hole in My Life. By Jack Gantos

Title: A Hole in My Life.

Author: Jack Gantos

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Date: August 26, 2004

ISBN: 0374430896

Critical Analysis:
This is a moving story of Jack Gantos through his own personal narration of how his life’s path went drastically out of control by a series of events involving drug trafficking that ultimately changed his life.

Gantos provided a heart wrenching story of how a split decision of becoming a one time drug trafficker to raise money for his college tuition threw him into the harsh realities of prison life. His story is presented in a sort of conversational style that helps the reader connect to him and gives you the “fly on the wall” perspective. His story is dark and is full of the harshness of prison life such as rape, violence and drug use. Judy Silverman of Children’s Literature wrote, “The book is well put together, and is written in a conversational style that is easy to read without talking down to the reader. Prison life is presented as the horror that it is.” This story will definitely bring home the seriousness of the consequences a youth can experience by making bad decisions. The setting takes place along the eastern seaboard aboard a ship, in the prison and in the judicial system of the state of New York. Gantos remarkably never lost sight of his dreams to attend college and become a writer. Michael Cart from Booklist wrote, “Gantos' spare narrative style and straightforward revelation of the truth have, together, a cumulative power that will capture not only a reader's attention but also empathy and imagination. This is great for every aspiring writer and also a wonderful biography for teens struggling to discover their deepest, truest selves” (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2002 (Vol. 98, No. 15)).

Review Excerpts:
Michael Cart (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2002 (Vol. 98, No. 15)):

"Jack Gantos' riveting memoir of the 15 months he spent as a young man in federal prison for drug smuggling is more than a harrowing, scared-straight confession: it is a beautifully realized story about the making of a writer. As Gantos himself notes: 'It [prison] is where I went from thinking about becoming a writer, to writing.' His examination of the process--including his unsparing portrayal of his fears, failings, and false starts--is brilliant and breathtaking in its candor and authenticity. Particularly fascinating is his generous use of literary allusions to everything from Baudelaire to Billy Budd, which subtly yet richly dramatize how he evolved from a reader who became a character in the books he was reading to a writer and a character in his own life story. Gantos' spare narrative style and straightforward revelation of the truth have, together, a cumulative power that will capture not only a reader's attention but also empathy and imagination. This is great for every aspiring writer and also a wonderful biography for teens struggling to discover their deepest, truest selves. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Nonfiction. 2002, Farrar, $16. Gr. 8-up. Starred Review" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Judy Silverman (Children's Literature):

"Jack Gantos, widely read author of the 'Rotten Ralph' series of picture books and the Joey Pigza books, among others, did not become an author easily. He feels that he always wanted to write, and that he would become a famous author, but as a young man he never quite got around to putting his words on paper. His family moved around a lot, he didn't feel connected to anyone, and he didn't really care for school. Everything changed in 1971, when he made a really bad choice. For $10,000 (what seemed like a fortune) he agreed to help sail a ship from the Virgin Islands to New York City. An easy job, but the ship was loaded with hashish. Gantos didn't realize that Federal agents had been tracking them nearly all the way. At the age of twenty, he was sent to prison for six years. At first he didn't see any way to change his ways or his life-style, nor did he see anything that would give him reason to change. But he did want to finish high school, and was fortunate in finding a teacher who encouraged him and convinced him that the only way one becomes a writer is by writing, and the only way for a writer to get his work published is to write well. It was not an easy life that Gantos had chosen, but he was determined to succeed, and eventually he did. The book is well put together, and is written in a conversational style that is easy to read without talking down to the reader. Prison life is presented as the horror that it is. An encouraging look at a terrible part of life, and how this remarkable young man was capable of overcoming disadvantages and becoming what he had always wanted to be--a writer. 2002, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 12 to 16." Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Awards:
Michael L Printz Award, 2003.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2003.

Thumbs Up! Award, 2003.

Connections:
You can access this author's website by clicking on: http://www.jackgantos.com/ (accessed on November 9, 2009). At this website you will be able to access a teacher's guide for this book that includes good discussion activities.

A Northern Light. By Jennifer Donnelly

Title: A Northern Light.

Author: Jennifer Donnelly.

Publisher: Harcourt Paperbacks; Reprint edition.

Date: September 1, 2004

ISBN: 0152053107

Critical Analysis:

This story is about a girl named Mattie Gokey and her life on a farm in rural upstate New York during the early 1900s. Mattie is a very intelligent young girl who wants to go off to college to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Mattie is left with the tough decision of following her dream or staying to help her recently widowed father run the family farm and raise her siblings.

Donnelly wrote a compelling and moving story that will keep the reader engaged. The story is told through Mattie’s narration and all of the characters were well represented. There are many elements included in this story such as suspense, mystery, romance and woman’s rights that will keep the plot going. Beth Guldseth of Children’s Literature wrote, “There are many issues here--murder, mystery, romance, discrimination, rights of women, the value of the intellectual life--and the author handles them all deftly. She uses the murdered girl's real-life letters to good advantage to advance the story.” Donnelly did a good job of presenting accurate historical information during this time period and the combination of the story moving back and fourth between the family farm and the Glenmore hotel gave good balance of the story. Viki Arkoff of Midwest Book Review wrote, “‘A Northern Light’ is a riveting page-turner for historical fiction fans, mystery buffs and any young adult readers who appreciates a well-written tale” (Midwest Book Review, "Vicki's Bookshelf" column, August 2003).

Review Excerpts:

Gillian Engberg (Booklist, May 15, 2003 (Vol. 99, No. 18)):

"Donnelly's first YA novel begins with high drama drawn straight from history: Grace Brown's body is discovered, and her murder, which also inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, is the framework for this ambitious, beautifully written coming-of-age story set in upstate New York in 1906. Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey is a waitress at the Glenmore Hotel when Brown is murdered. As she learns Brown's story, her narrative shifts between the goings-on at the hotel and her previous year at home: her toil at the farm; her relationship with her harsh, remote father; her pain at being forbidden to accept a college scholarship. 'Plain and bookish,' Mattie is thrilled about, but wary of, a handsome neighbor's attentions, and she wonders if she must give up her dream of writing if she marries. In an intelligent, colloquial voice that speaks with a writer's love of language and an observant eye, Mattie details the physical particulars of people's lives as well as deeper issues of race, class, and gender as she strains against family and societal limitations. Donnelly adds a crowd of intriguing, well-drawn secondary characters whose stories help Mattie define her own desires and sense of self. Many teens will connect with Mattie's deep yearning for independence and for stories, like her own, that are frank, messy, complicated, and inspiring. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2003, Harcourt, $17. Gr. 10-12. Starred Review" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Beth Guldseth (Children's Literature):

"A Northern Light is a rousing and original first novel set in Adirondacks lake country in 1906. The infamous Gillette murder case (subject of Dreiser's An American Tragedy and the film, A Place in the Sun) provides the historical background. Mattie Gokey longs to escape backbreaking farm work and accept a state scholarship to Barnard College in New York City, but her motherless siblings need her, her father thinks education is foolish, and a handsome and ambitious farm boy comes courting. There are many issues here--murder, mystery, romance, discrimination, rights of women, the value of the intellectual life--and the author handles them all deftly. She uses the murdered girl's real-life letters to good advantage to advance the story. Details of daily farm life are specific and unusual. Many characters contribute to the rich broth but are easy to keep separate; Mattie herself is most appealing. This is smooth yet unpretentious writing with moments of real beauty and filled with literary allusions. An exciting and satisfying book. 2003, Harcourt, $17.00. Ages 14 up." Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Awards:
Charlotte Award, 2006.

Michael L Printz Award, 2004.

Jefferson Cup Award, 2004.

Conncetions:
You can access a good discussion guide from the Multnomah County Library by clicking on: http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-northern.html (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Other books that may be of interest:
Kinkade, Thomas. Amanda's Story: a Cape Light Novel. Harper Collins. 2004. ISBN:9780060543501

Tripp Valerie. Samantha Saves the Day: A Summer Story. Pleasant Comapny. 1988. ISBN: 9780937295922

No Choirboy: Murder, Violence and Teenages on Death Row. By Susan Kuklin

Title: No Choirboy: Murder, Violence and Teenages on Death Row.

Author: Susan Kuklin

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Date: 2008

ISBN: 0805079505


Critical Analysis:

This book is a combination of criminals’, victims’ and lawyers’ views regarding the death penalty and teen offenders. The stories involving these incarcerated teens will keep the reader engaged and you will feel a connection through the narration of each convict’s story. There was an element of shock involved in many of the stories due to the reality of the crime committed and the punishment received. Each story is told through the teen’s own observations and their views of life and prison life and the atrocities they have or watched others suffer. Gilliam Engberg of Booklist mentioned, “Kuklin presents, with signature frankness, the men’s memories of their young lives; the murders, for which some claim innocence; and the brutal realities (including rape and other acts of extreme violence) of incarcerated life, first on death row and then in maximum-security prison, where most of the prisoners are now held” (Booklist, Sep. 15, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 2)).

Kuklin did a good job of presenting the accurate information regarding the death penalty and underage offenders. The visual pictures that are included in the book gives the reader the ability to connect with the offender in a humanizing way instead of just seeing the harshness of the crime that was committed. Gillian Engberg of Booklist mentioned, “The mix of voices makes for a somewhat chaotic but riveting whole that combines powerfully with the occasional photos and hand-drawn portraits of the subjects” (Booklist, Sep. 15, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 2)). The setting is primarily takes place through prison interviews but does branch out to the courtrooms of the legal system and attorneys involved. Even thought the story is a one-sided view, this book would be valuable to anyone who is interested in law or the death penalty.

Review Excerpts:

Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Sep. 15, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 2)):

"In previous books for youth, Kuklin has explored harrowing topics such as AIDS (Fighting Back: What Some People Are Doing about AIDS, 1988) and child slavery (Iqbal Masih and the Crusaders against Child Slavery, 1998). Her latest title, about individuals who received death-row sentences while they were teenagers, is another direct, compassionate, and eye-opening inquiry. The prisoners’ words, drawn from Kuklin’s interview transcripts, form the bulk of the narratives, but Kuklin’s voice frequently cuts in with details about the events leading up to the alleged crime, legal issues, and the prisoners’ backgrounds. Some chapters also include commentary from the prisoners’ lawyers and the prisoners’ own writing (one, Nanon Williams, is a published author). The mix of voices makes for a somewhat chaotic but riveting whole that combines powerfully with the occasional photos and hand-drawn portraits of the subjects. Kuklin presents, with signature frankness, the men’s memories of their young lives; the murders, for which some claim innocence; and the brutal realities (including rape and other acts of extreme violence) of incarcerated life, first on death row and then in maximum-security prison, where most of the prisoners are now held. In unforgettable later chapters, families of prisoners and victims both speak about their grief and loss, and the closing section focuses on a world-renowned anti–death penalty attorney. This isn’t a balanced overview of capital punishment. Instead, it is a searing and provocative account that will touch teens’ most fundamental beliefs and questions about violence, punishment, our legal and prison systems, and human rights. An author’s note and extensive resources conclude. See the adjacent 'Story behind the Story' feature, Life on Death Row, for Kuklin’s comments about the project. Grades 10-12" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 12)):

"Death Row inmates sentenced to die for crimes they committed as juveniles are profiled here, as well as victims' families, the family of one man already put to death and the lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama, an organization focused on the rights of indigent prisoners. Kuklin lets the inmates tell their stories in their own words, providing some minor narration about legal points. Readers may be surprised to learn of the diverse backgrounds of those convicted of capital crimes: Not all came from broken homes or disadvantaged backgrounds. Some didn't have a criminal record prior to their convictions. This is an excellent read for any student researching the death penalty or with an interest in law and sociology. The author/photographer paints the convicts and their families as neither wholly good nor bad, but human. The convicts themselves speak with a wisdom that can only come from years of negotiating the dangers of prison life, and their stories may change more than one mind regarding what makes a criminal. 2008, Henry Holt, 256p, $16.95. Category: Nonfiction. Ages 13 up. © 2008 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved." Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on November 09, 2009).

Awards:

Cybils, 2008.

Connections:

You can visit the author's website to read more information on this book by clicking on: http://www.susankuklin.com/newsletter.htm (Accessed November 9, 2009).

Other books that may be of interest:

Korman, Gordon. The Juvie Three. Hyperion. 2008. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-0158-1.

Jacobs, Thomas A. They Broke the Law, You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime. Free Spirit. 2003. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-1-57542-134-6.

Rapp, Adam. The Buffalo Tree. Front St. 2007. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-1-93242-599-4.

Uglies. By Scott Westerfeld

Title: Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Date: February 8, 2005
ISBN: 0689865384

Critical Analysis:

This novel is set in the future where children are altered upon their sixteenth birthday to become pretty. All of their imperfections and blemishes are erased and they live in a society where everyone is a mirror image of beauty and the younger children who are deemed as the uglies are kept away.

The story is told through Tally Youngblood’s views and how she is longing to become pretty when she turns sixteen and to live with her best friend Peris in Pretty Town! Tally is forced to come to the harsh realization of her society’s evil intentions when she is blackmailed by Dr. Cable to find out where her friend Shay has gone. Tally knows Shay has run away to the rebellion town called Smoke. In Smoke you are accepted as you are…non-pretty. Tally is forced to make difficult decisions that will affect the lives of many innocent people and her love interest David.

Westerfeld created a mind-blowing science fiction novel that sci-fi fans will enjoy! You connect with the characters in the story. Tally’s character is very believable and strong. The setting is in a futuristic world and you will even have the benefit of hover boarding throughout the novel. This world seems very pretty but you find out fast that beauty is only skin deep. The government of this society implants mind altering lesions on the pretties in order to control the Pretty Town society. You will be introduced to the “Specials” in this book which are “Pretties” gone extreme. Specials have been altered to have super human strength to carry out the law enforcement in this futuristic society. I really liked the theme of looks are not everything. Jennifer Mattson of Booklist wrote, “Teens will sink their teeth into the provocative questions about invasive technology, image-obsessed society, and the ethical quandaries of a mole-turned-ally” (Booklist, Mar. 15, 2005 (Vol. 101, No. 14)).

Fans will eagerly want to read the rest of the books in this series to see what will happen next!

Review Excerpts:

Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature):

"In this sci-fi allegory, normal-looking people are called 'uglies.' Tally looks forward to her 16th birthday, after which she can have the operation which will make her a 'pretty.' Her boyfriend had the operation a short time before which allows him to live in another city where only pretties can live and where pretties party from morning till night. Then Tally meets a girlfriend who is looking for another life-style. As Tally follows this friend to an outpost of rugged outdoor living, she begins to see things differently and learns a disturbing truth about the 'pretty' operation. A new boyfriend adds interest. Which lifestyle Tally will choose and which side she will betray, is not completely clear at the end of the book which leads to a sequel. Surprising plot twists and dangerous circumstances keep the reader guessing. 2005, Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, $6.99. Ages 12 to 16" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 25, 2009).

Jennifer Mattson (Booklist, Mar. 15, 2005 (Vol. 101, No. 14)):

"Fifteen-year-old Tally's eerily harmonious, postapocalyptic society gives extreme makeovers to teens on their sixteenth birthdays, supposedly conferring equivalent evolutionary advantages to all. When a top-secret agency threatens to leave Tally ugly forever unless she spies on runaway teens, she agrees to infiltrate the Smoke, a shadowy colony of refugees from the "tyranny of physical perfection." At first baffled and revolted by the rebels' choices, Tally eventually bonds with one of their leaders and begins to question the validity of institutionalized mutilation--especially as it becomes clear that the government's surgeons may be doing more than cosmetic nipping and tucking. Although the narrative's brisk pace is more successful in scenes of hover-boarding action than in convincingly developing Tally's key relationships, teens will sink their teeth into the provocative questions about invasive technology, image-obsessed society, and the ethical quandaries of a mole-turned-ally. These elements, along with the obvious connections to reality programs such as Miami Slice, will surely cause this ingenious series debut to cement Westerfeld's reputation for high-concept YA fiction that has wide appeal. Suggest M. T. Anderson's Feed (2002) and Westerfeld's own So Yesterday (2004) to readers antsy for the next installment. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2005, Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse, $6.99. Gr. 7-10. Starred Review" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 25, 2009).

Awards:

Florida Teen Read, 2008.
Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award, 2007.
Hal Clement Award, 2006.

Connections:

I found a great website that offered discussion questions booktalk for this book. You can access this website by clicking on: http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-uglies.html (accessed October 25, 2009).

Other books that may be of interest:

Pretties. By Scott Westerfeld. Publisher: Simon Pulse. Date: 2005. ISBN: 9780689865398.

Specials. By Scott Westerfeld. Publisher: Simon Pulse. Date 2006. ISBN: 9780689865404.

Extras. By Scott Westerfeld. Publisher: Simon Pulse. Date: 2007. ISBN: 9781416951179.

New Moon. By Stephenie Meyer

Title: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little Brown
Date: August 21, 2006
ISBN: 0316160199

Critical Analysis:

This is the second novel in the Twilight saga. Set in Forks, Washington, this book focuses on Bella’s depression following Edward’s abandonment. Bella is forced to live in her world without her beloved Edward. She finds comfort and emotional support from Jacob Black who is a werewolf that lives on the local Indian reservation with other werewolves and protects the town’s folk from the blood-sucking vampires. Bella is torn between her feelings for Jacob and her longing for Edward to come back.

Stephenie Meyer did a great job of introducing the possible love triangle of Bella, Edward and Jacob for new readers. While Edward’s character is absent for most of the text, readers will not be disappointed. This novel is clearly darker due to Bella’s depression but will keep readers engaged because of the introduction of the werewolf pack and the constant danger from other vampires that accompanies Bella throughout the story. Cindy Dobrez of Booklist wrote, “Romantics will miss Edward's presence, but the suspense created by a pack of werewolves bent on protecting Bella from a vindictive vampire will keep them occupied until the lovers can be reunited” (Booklist, Jul. 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 21).

Meyer carries the Romeo and Juliet romance between Edward and Bella in this installment by creating a race against time for Bella to save Edward from killing himself in Italy because he believes Bella has died. Fans will eagerly want to read the sequel.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2007):

"To protect his girlfriend, Bella, vampire Edward leaves town. As a result, a broken-hearted Bella deepens her friendship with the earthier Jacob--who turns out to be a werewolf. Bella is little more than a passive stand-in for fantasy-happy readers, but the grandiose emotional arc begun in Twilight continues to entice, and Jacob's character development sets up a promising triangle. Category: Older Fiction. 2006, Little/Tingley, 563pp, 17.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 25, 2009).

Cindy Dobrez (Booklist, Jul. 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 21)):

"Which is tempting you more, my blood or my body?" Things are heating up between Bella Swan and her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen, in this sequel to the immensely popular Twilight (2005). Then Bella is injured at her birthday party, and the Cullens' reaction to her blood sends Edward's family packing. Bella is inconsolable until she discovers that reckless behavior allows her to hear Edward's warning voice in her head. To keep him close, she decides to live as dangerously as possible, acquiring two motorcycles and developing a close friendship with Jacob, who helps her rebuild them. Romantics will miss Edward's presence, but the suspense created by a pack of werewolves bent on protecting Bella from a vindictive vampire will keep them occupied until the lovers can be reunited. The writing is a bit melodramatic, but readers won't care. Bella's dismay at being ordinary (after all, she's only human) will strike a chord even among girls who have no desire to be immortal, and like the vampires who watch Bella bleed with 'fevered eyes,' teens will relish this new adventure and hunger for more. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2006, Little, Brown, $17.99. Gr. 8-11." Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 25, 2009).

Awards:

Young Reader's Choice Award, 2009.

Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2008.

American Booksellers Book Sense of the Year (ABBY) Award, 2007.

Connections:

You can access a reading guide by clicking on: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/_assets/lbyr/text-pdf/NewMoon_ONLINERGG_RVSD.pdf (accessed October 25, 2009).

Other books of interest:

Twilight: a novel. By Stephenie Meyer. Publisher: Little Brown. Date: 2005. ISBN: 9780316160179.

Eclipse. By Stephenie Meyer. Publisher Little Brown. Date: 2007. ISBN: 9780316160209.

Breaking Dawn. By Stephenie Meyer. Publisher Little Brown. Date: 2008. ISBN: 9780316067928.

The Hunger Games. By Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: September 14, 2008
ISBN: 0439023483

Critical Analysis:

In the future, North America’s children are selected in what is called a “Reaping” to become contestants in the Hunger Games tournament. The main character Katniss is distraught to hear her younger sister Prim has been selected and instead insists that she takes Prim’s place. Katniss is paired up with another member of her district 12 community, a boy named Peeta who has loved Katniss since she was five. Both Katniss and Peeta will embark in a dangerous Hunger Games tournament where there will be a fight to the death among each other to determine the winner.

Collins created a terrifying, nail biting and suspenseful science fiction novel with strong characters. You read the story through Katniss’s narration. You will connect with all the characters in the Hunger Games tournament due to their struggle of survival. Even though Katniss wins, the author did a good job presenting the toll this had on her mental state. For example, on page 348, “I startled when I catch someone staring at me from only a few inches away and then I realize it’s my own face reflecting back in the glass. Wild eyes, hollow cheeks, my hair in a tangled mat. Rabid. Feral. Mad. No wonder everyone is keeping a safe distance from me” (Collins, 2008). The connection made from a child who just survived the most violent atrocities leaves you with goose bumps. Courtney Elrod of Children’s Literature commented, “The futuristic and horrific elements of the novel provide unique and intense components to the setting and the characters, but these elements could turn away readers uninterested in these images as they are graphic and terrifying.”

The setting of the story takes place in a futuristic arena which is controlled by the game makers. Everything from the weather, violence, food, water and medical supplies are controlled while the civilian population watches each terrifying or romantic sequence unfold via television. Reality TV in extreme cruelty! This book will keep readers engaged to the very end to read how far human nature will go in order to survive. Fans will eagerly want to read the sequel.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2009):

"Katniss volunteers to represent her district in the Hunger Games, a compulsory, government-sponsored reality-TV show from which only one of twenty-four teenage contestants will emerge alive. A fierce, resourceful competitor, Katniss also displays great compassion and vulnerability. The twists and turns are addictive in this compulsively readable blend of science fiction, romance, and social commentary. Category: Older Fiction. 2008, Scholastic, 374pp, 17.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 1: Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 25, 2009).

Francisca Goldsmith (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 1))*Starred Review*:

"This is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain, artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance. Grades 9-12" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 25, 2009).

Awards:

Children's Choice Book Award, 2009.

Indies Choice Book Award, 2009.

Cybils, 2008.

Connections:

You can access a discussion guide by clicking on: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=36164 (accessed October 25, 2009).

Other books of interest:

Catching Fire. By Suzanne Collins. Publisher: Scholastic. Date: 2009. ISBN: 9780439023498.

A Darkling Plain. By Philip Reeve. Publisher: Harper Collins. Date: 2007. ISBN: 9780060890551.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You. By Ally Carter.

Title: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You.
Author: Ally Carter.
Publisher: Hyperion.
Date: April 1, 2007.
ISBN: 1423100042.

Critical Analysis:

Ally Carter wrote a fast paced funny spy thriller adventure of a teenage girl named Cammie Morgan who attends a posh private school called the Gallagher Academy where gifted girls learn how to become top rate spies. Cammie and her friends set out to perform covert operations but unfortunately a local boy named Josh spots Cammie and she develops a crush on him. Her friends help her find out more information on Josh and to help her figure out if he likes her or not without letting Josh or the outside world know their Gallagher Academy’s secret identity.

Readers will enjoy the humor in this story! The plot takes a little while to fully develop, but the humor will keep the reader engaged. According to the Publishers Weekly Review, “Though the plot takes a while to unfold, fun details and characters will keep readers engaged (Cammie and her friends speak 14 languages, take classes in Covert Operations, can rappel down buildings and plant tracking devices)” (Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 20, p73). The characters in this story were very interesting, funny and full of surprises. Unfortunately, this story lacked the one true hated villain which results in the story not having such a climatic hero finale. Miranda Doyle of the San Francisco Public Library wrote, “The stakes never seem very high since there are no real villains, and the cutesy dialogue quickly becomes grating” (School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 7, p98).

The literary style of the first person narrative through Cammie Morgan was easy to follow and the co-ops reports that she included gave a James Bond type feel. While I would not associate this book as a realistic fiction novel, I would say there are realistic relationships between some of the characters to which readers could relate. The story lacks the intensity of a deep plot but is enjoyable to read especially for a young teenage audience looking for a good clean fun chick lit book!

Review Excerpt:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006):

"Cammie attends Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school allegedly for geniuses but actually for spies. The coursework is rigorous, the teachers are experts in their fields, and her mother is the headmaster. Disappointingly, Cammie's undercover skills are only used to investigate a boy she likes, but the book--more romance than spy thriller--is still entertaining. Category: Older Fiction. 2006, Hyperion, 284pp, 15.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 10, 2009).

Claire Rosser (KLIATT Review, May 2006 (Vol. 40, No. 3)):

"Carter introduces The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women--a school for spies, actually, but no one outside the school knows that. The main character is Cammie Morgan, and she is preparing for a life as a spy by learning how to speak many languages, how to collect information from many sources, and how to kill quickly, and in many ways. She is happy in her life, surrounded by equally brilliant friends. The plot revolves around more typical situations: she meets a boy in town and falls for him; and a new girl who thinks she is better than anyone else has difficulty fitting in. Cammie's mother is the principal of the school and she is supportive and loving. The teachers are nothing if not fascinating and different. This is escapist fiction for those who like unusual school stories. Category: Hardcover Fiction. KLIATT Codes: JS--Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2006, Hyperion, 284p., $16.99. Ages 12 to 18" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 10, 2009).

Awards:

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2009.

Kansas Notable Book, 2007.

Connections:

I found an intersting website that had a short quiz on the story which could be used to get the thought process started for discussion. You can access this quiz by clicking on: http://www.allthetests.com/quiz26/quiz/1220820945/Id-Tell-You-I-Love-You-But-Then-Id-Have-To-Kill-You (accessed on October 10, 2009).

Other books that may be of intrest:

Cross my heart and hope to spy, by Ally Carter, Publisher: Hyperion Books, Date: 2007, ISBN: 9781423100058 (second book in the Gallagher series).

Don't judge a girl by her cover, by Ally Carter, Publisher: Hyperion Books, Date: 2009, ISBN: 9781423116387 (third book in the Gallagher series).

Private, by Kate Brian, Publisher: Simon and Schuster, Date: 2006, ISBN: 9781416918738 (first book in a nine part series).

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. By Chris Crutcher.

Title: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes.
Author: Chris Crutcher.
Publisher: Greenwillow Books.
Date: March 18, 2003.
ISBN: 0060094893

Critical Analysis:

Chris Crutcher wrote a heart pounding story that involved realistic character experiences that many teens can relate to even today. The story revolves around a teenage boy named Eric Calhoune and his best friend Sarah Byrnes. Sarah is hospitalized in a catatonic state and Eric visits her on a daily bases in hopes that she come back to reality. Both Eric and Sarah are experiencing hardships to everyday life. Eric has a weight issue and Sarah has a facial disfiguration due to an accident that she had when she was little or was it an accident?

While reading this story you will connect to the rich characterization and sports theme throughout the story. The story has a good mixture of humor and serious tensions that will assist in keeping the reader engaged. The literary style of the first person narrative through Eric Calhoune was very easy to follow and helped in the character connection process. There were some characters in this story that I felt dragged the storyline in the beginning but later helped the story come full circle in a fast pace suspense mixed with much emotion. Each character had some sort of issue or secret they were hiding or trying to deal with. According to the Kirkus Review, “Though Crutcher doesn't always play fair in developing his themes--all the conservative Christians here are humorless dupes or hypocrites, and one tries to commit suicide after it comes out that his girlfriend had an abortion--his language, characters, and situations are vivid and often hilarious”( Kirkus Reviews, 1993). Once the plot picks up, you will be hooked until the very end! The characters are believable and the reader will be able to relate or connect to them well.
The back drop of the swim team gave an emotional break in the seriousness of the plot, which was refreshing. The readers will have a great surprise at the end when they find out who is the vigilante savior at the end!

Review Excerpt:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, 1993):

"Eighteen-year-old Eric's success on the swimming team and the weight loss that is the by-product of his strict physical regimen are so threatening to his longstanding friendship with Sarah Byrnes -- who, at the age of three was severely burned on the face and hands when her father pushed her into a wood stove -- that he forces himself into gluttony in order not to jeopardize it. Eric's attempts to help his friend find her way back into the world after she is institutionalized make up the bulk of the narrative. The characters are real and believable. Category: Fiction. 1993, Greenwillow, 216pp.. Ages 14 to 18. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 9, 2009).

Susie Wilde (Children's Literature):

"After years of fighting humiliation for being overweight, Eric Calhoune, alias Moby, begins swimming in high school. Moby describes his absent, overweight father, "(he's) not a guy who should have gone light on desserts and between meal snacks...(but) a guy who should have spread Glue on his lips before showing his face outside his bedroom each morning." Weight and wit have bonded him in long-term friendship with Sarah Byrnes, a girl who has faced the shame of horrible facial burn scars she's borne since the age of three. Against a swimming backdrop Crutcher places the issues of shame, narrow-mindedness, and abuse. Once the story takes hold you move along at such a rapid clip that by the end you're holding on for dear life. 1993, Greenwillow, $16.00, $4.50 and $2.49. Ages 13 up" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (accessed on October 9, 2009)

Connections:

I found a nice group of discussion question from the Multnomah County Library. You may access these discussion question by clicking on: http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-stayingfat.html (accessed on October 9, 2009).

Other books that may be of interest:

Firegirl, by Tony Abbott, Publisher: Little Brown, Date: 2006, ISBN: 0316011711.

Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson, Publisher: Viking, Date: 2009, ISBN: 9780670011100.

Looks, by Madeleine George, Publisher: Viking, Date: 2008, ISBN: 9780670061679.

Dairy Queen. By Catherine Murdock

Title: Dairy Queen
By: Catherine Murdock
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Date: May 22, 2006
ISBN: 0618683070



Critical Analysis:

Catherine Murdock wrote a fascinating story about a girl named DJ Schwenk and her quest to become a football player on her school team. DJ has to overcome positive and negative obstacles while working on the family dairy farm, living in dysfunctional family relationships, loving Brian Nelson (an opposing school quarterback), passing English and worrying about being accepted by her peers when they find out she wants to be on the football team.

While reading this story you will connect with DJ and the sports theme will keep you reading, especially if you like football. The story has a great mix of humorous and serious storylines that will keep you engaged. Amy Pickett from Ridley High School commented on the humorous behaviors that DJ’s character provided by concluding, “D.J.'s tongue-tied nature and self-deprecating inner monologues contribute to the novel's many belly laughs. At the end, though, it is the protagonist's heart that will win readers over” (School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 4, p145).

The setting of this story takes place in a small rural town in Wisconsin which makes the story have a realistic feel and the literary style of the first person narrative through DJ Schwenk was very easy to follow and helped in the character connection process. Jennifer Hubert wrote, “This humorous, romantic romp excels at revealing a situation seldom explored in YA novels, and it will quickly find its place alongside equally well-written stories set in rural areas” (Booklist, vol 102, number 15, p36). This story is not only believable but is refreshing due to the lack of the “girly-girl” nature. Readers will be able to not only connect with the characters in the story but find the read enjoyable!

Review Excerpts:
Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006):

"Coaching the rival high school's quarterback in a summer fitness program, farmgirl D.J. realizes she's attracted to Brian; winning a place as a defensive linebacker for her own school, D.J. realizes she'll face Brian on the field. D.J.'s practical, understatedly humorous voice drives this memoir of her fifteenth summer--an engrossing tale of love, family, and football. Category: Older Fiction. 2006, Houghton, 278pp, 16.00. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (Accessed October 10, 2009).

Megan Callahan (The ALAN Review, Spring/Summer 2007 (Vol. 34, No. 3)):

"D.J. Schwenk has always done as she’s told. When her older brothers left home after a family fight, she let it happen. When her father had surgery, she took over the family farm. And when Brian Nelson, quarterback of Red Bend’s rival football team, begins working at her farm . . . she falls in love. When Brian first shows up at Schwenk Farm, D.J. is disgusted, but as the two work together, they confide in each other. Soon, they become much more than friends; however, D.J. strains her new relationship with Brian, and with her family, when she makes the Red Bend football team. Readers will fall in love with D.J.’s humor and will relate well to her emotional epiphanies. While initially slow-paced, the story becomes quite interesting as it progresses. For those who think that small-town life is dull, Dairy Queen will offer a new perspective. Category: Family/Romance. YA--Young Adult. 2006, Houghton Mifflin, 275 pp., $16.00. Ages young adult.Bartlett, IL" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (Accessed on October 10, 2009).

Awards:

Pennslyania Young Reader's Choice Award, 2008.

Great Lakes Great Book Awards, 2007.

Borders Original Voices Award, 2006.

Connections:

I found a nice group of discussion questions from the Manitowoc Public Library. You may access these questions by clicking on: http://www.manitowoc.lib.wi.us/readers/guides/dairy%20queen.htm (accessed on October 10, 2009).

Other books that may be of interest:

The Off Season, by Catherine Murdock, Publisher: Houghton Mifflin, Date: 2007, ISBN: 9780618686957.

Amazing Grace, by Megan Shull, Publisher: Hyperion, Date: 2005, ISBN: 9780786856909.

Playing with the Boys: a pretty tough novel, by Liz Tigelaar, Publisher: Razorbill, Date: 2008, ISBN: 9781595141132.

Luna. By Julie Anne Peters

Title: Luna

Author: Julie Anne Peters

Publisher: Little Brown Young Readers

ISBN: 0316011274

Date: February 1, 2006

Critical Analysis:

This book had it all! A strong plot, rich characterization, a good theme and easy to follow writing style that would keep the reader engaged. This is a story of a teenage girl named Regan who has a transgender brother named Liam and her feelings and experiences relating to her brother’s sexual identity. Liam who is known as Luna when he dresses as a girl goes through many ups and downs while trying to decide on coming out to the world. Regan, who supports her brother, is very concerned on how the world will treat Luna and how her father with traditional views will react.

The plot is very convincing and strong and I feel Luna’s experiences may mimic others who are going through the same identity issues. While I valued the author’s focus on Luna, I really liked how the author scripted the story from Regan’s views. In this type of situation I really liked to see Luna’s world through Regan. I found Regan’s acknowledgements of Liam as her sister interesting and how she always knew he was a girl trapped in a boy’s body even more interesting. Regan’s emotional conflict presented much merit in the story because in my opinion some tend to forget how other’s behaviors can affect someone. For example, Regan had a slumber party when she was younger and Liam joined the fun of finger nail painting and dancing to Madonna without thinking how the other girls would react. It was upsetting to Regan when she had to deal with the other girls saying things like, “your brother is weird” or “what’s wrong with him?”!

The characters in the story were well represented and there was a good combination of negative and positive influences. I would have liked to have seen more of Luna’s views. Luna was a very interesting character but in my opinion never really peaked until the very end when Luna finally confronted his father and then left to go get a transgender operation in Seattle. I felt the theme of the story was well represented and would engage the reader to think more about attitudes of transgender persons and how society views them. The author’s writing style flowed well and kept me engaged. This book would be appealing to teens because of the realism this story has to offer. While this story did have some very dark moments, there were some very funny moments as well. I liked Regan’s love interest, Chris, and with all of her family’s chaos, he did not pass judgment. Good book!

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2004):

"Regan is the only one who can see her brother Liam's true self--a girl born in the wrong body. Night after night, Liam has slipped into her room to secretly transform into a girl with makeup and wigs; now he's taken a new name, Luna, signaling the greater change about to come. While this book is determined to educate, Peters succeeds in creating whole, complex characters confronting transgender issues. Category: Older Fiction. 2004, Little/Tingley, 248pp, $16.95. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average" Retrieved from Children's Literature Database (Accessed September 27, 2009).

Awards:

Borders Original Voices Award, 2004.

Colorado Book Award, 2005.

Lambda Literary Award, 2004.

National Book Award, 2004.

Stonewall Book Award, 2005.

Connections:

I found a wonderful teacher's guide for this book that includes discussion questions. You can access this teacher's guide by clicking on: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/_assets/books/educatorguides/LunaTG.pdf (Accessed on Septmenber 27, 2009).

The Chosen One. By Carol Lynch Williams

Title: The Chosen One.
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 0312555113
Date: May 12, 2009

Critical Analysis:

This was a very interesting book! The author did a great job. I felt the plot was strong and believable because this book revolves around a young girl named Kyra in a polygamist cult and shows her difficulties which could be a very real scenario today.

For example, when Prophet Childs comes to Kyra’s trailer and tells her and her family that she has been chosen to marry her Uncle Hyrum, who is many years her senior, could be a scene straight from real news headlines! Kyra’s struggle to get away from her Uncle Hyrum and the God Squad was so mind captivating that you will keep reading to the very end!

I felt the author used the right amount of characterization in this book. There were not too many but enough to keep the story believable with the balance of good and evil. For example, I really wanted to choke Prophet Childs, Uncle Hyrum, Sheriff Felix and the rest of the God Squad when they harmed Kyra and threatened her family. It was absolutely horrifying when Uncle Hyrum came to Kyra’s trailer to show his brother (Kyra’s father) how to properly discipline baby Mariah by submersing her in a tub of ice and water for crying in front of Prophet Childs! I have to admit though my favorite character was Patrick, the mobile librarian, and I was so sad when the God Squad beat him to death for trying to help save Kyra. In the end, I was very happy when Kyra escaped and that justice was being served to the evil doers!

This book was a fast read and I felt the author did a great job by keeping the reader engaged; the text format flowed and leaves the reader thinking far after reading this book.


Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2009):

"Thirteen-year-old Kyra is part of a polygamous sect, obedient to her father, his wives, and God's will as interpreted by their prophet. When the prophet says she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle, Kyra begins to imagine a life outside her secluded community. The immediacy of Kyra's first-person perspective heightens the story's emotional impact. Readers will hold their breath, hoping for her freedom. Category: Older Fiction. 2009, St. Martin's/Griffin, 353pp, 16.95. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average" Retrieved from Children's Literature Database (Accessed September 27, 2009).


Connections:

I found a discussion guide for this book that starts off with a Q&A with the author Carol Lynch Williams and is follwed by a group of discussion questions. You can access this guide by clicking on: http://us.macmillan.com/CMS400/uploadedFiles/TheChosenOneDiscussionGuide.pdf (Accessed on September 27, 2009).

Story of a Girl. By Sara Zarr

Title: Story of a Girl
Author: Sara Zarr
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
ISBN: 0316014540
Date: February 1, 2008






Critical Review:

This was a moving story of a girl named Deanna and her difficult relationship with her father after being caught having sex in the back of a car. Rumors spread across this small town and labeled Deanna as “easy.” Deanna struggles with her feeling in friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics.

The author did a good job with the plot, characterization, setting and theme. For example, the plot is very believable and I feel that many teens could relate to Deanna’s problems. The characterization in this story had a good balance. There was not an overpowering force of one over the other. Even though Deanna had some real difficulties, you were introduced to her caring best friend Lee, who never gave up on their friendship even after Deanna kissed Lee’s boyfriend Jason. I liked Lee’s character and I wished the author included her more instead of having her away camping only to have her return in the end. Deanna’s brother was very protective of her and it was nice to see the relationship between the two. The setting was in a small town that was thoroughly described as everyone knows everything and this attitude carries to the high school.

I felt the author did a good job of showing an insight to teen readers that they need to understand the consequences of their actions. This consequence was especially present because her brother Darren and his girlfriend Stacy who are young unwed parents and must live in the basement of Darren and Deanna parent’s house. Another great example of this was when Deanna talked about her regret to losing her virginity to Tommy, the boy that her father caught her with. In the end, I was happy to see that Deanna was mending her relationship with her father and Lee, her best friend.

This book would be appealing to teens because I feel teens could relate to Deanna’s problems. The issues in this book go far beyond one area. They include family issues, peer relationships, school cliques, drug use and unplanned pregnancies (Darren and Stacy). Good book!

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2007):

"At thirteen, Deanna is caught by her father having sex with Tommy, a seventeen-year-old. Three years later, Deanna's peers still whisper about her reputation, and her father hardly speaks to her. Deanna desperately struggles to escape her past, despite sometimes missing the way Tommy made her feel wanted. Deanna's motivations to have sex, and the consequences, are thoughtfully, honestly, and convincingly explored. Category: Older Fiction. 2007, Little, 192pp, 16.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (Accessed September 27, 2009).


Connections:

This would be a great book to use in a teen book club to help teens open up and discuss family problems, social issues such as dating and sexual behavior and forgiveness. I feel that many teens will be able to relate to the characters in the story and that they would read this book leisurely.

Module 1 YA Classic: Seventeenth Summer By Maureen Daly

Title: Seventeenth Summer
Author: Maureen Daly
Publisher: Simon Pulse (October 3, 1985)
ISBN: 0671619314

Critical Analysis:

I would have to say that this is the cleanest and most innocent first love young adult romance novel I have ever read! The format was easy to follow but unfortunately this book was also the slowest read I have experienced. The story was fine but lacked that certain action / in depth romance feeling for me. I realize this could be attributed to the era of the 1940s when this book was written.

It's not that I disliked the story, I just did not have a connection. The story of Angie and Jack falling in love was very sweet with a few upsets along the way. For example, Angie accepted a date with Tony who was considered "fast" by their peers and this was upsetting to Jack when he found out. At least Jack came to his senses and decided to forgive Angie and date her again.

This story lacked sexual tones that are present in today's young adult romances. I don't even remember any bad language, which was a nice change. I did however get a kick out of the part of the story where Angie's sister Lorraine asked Angie if she has ever "necked" with a boy! Apparently that was a serious thing to do with a boy back then! I did not care too much for Lorraine's sometime boyfriend Martin because he was a real jerk! For example, it was sad when Angie looked out from her booth in the diner and saw Martin leave with another woman!

In conclusion, I felt that the language was an issue due to the time period. In the end I was glad that Angie still went off to college. I had to admit I was moved when Jack gave her his class ring while they were out on the water in the boat for the last time. I do not think most teens would just choose this book for leisurely reading purposes, especially male teens.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2003):

"Often casually lumped with the formula teen romances it inspired, Maureen Daly's novel of more than sixty years ago was and remains a true original. The story of Angie's first love is richly textured by the evocation of its small-town Wisconsin setting; Angie's relationships with her parents and sisters also add depth. While references clearly reveal the book to be an artifact from another era, the writing is lyrical but spare, not florid but intensely romantic. Category: Older Fiction. 2002 (orig. 1942), Simon, 312pp, $17.95. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration" Retrieved from Chidren's Literature Database (Accessed Septmenber 10, 2009).

Connections:

This book would be great to use in a teen book club to help open up discussions on relationships. This would be a good book to recommend to parents that do not want to have their teens reading young adult romance novels that contain sexual content or bad language.

Module 1 Recent Award Winner: Godless By Peter Hautman

Title: Godless
Author: Peter Hautman
Publisher: Simon Pulse (October 25, 2005)
ISBN: 1416908161

Critical Analysis:

This book took an interesting view of a teen boy named Jay Bock belief's on religion. Jay decides he had enough of his traditional Catholic religion and sets out with his bestfriend Shin to create a new religion of worshiping water towers as gods. He calls his members "Chutengodian." Jay soon realizes the dangers that his beliefs pose on others in the group and tries to set things right.

The author did a good job with the text format but unfortunately I was not as engaged. This could be due to the story in general because I had a hard time of grasping the fact that they were worshiping water towers as gods. However, I could see why this book could be chosen by a teen to read. For example, the story does deal with social peer interactions, questioning of religion, parental disagreements, behavioral consequences, suicidal behavior and sexual intrigue.

I felt that the water tower worship was more of a back drop to the actual story line of peer relationships. This is represented in the way Jay picked some of his followers to compensate for his own weaknesses. For example, when Jay decided to make Henry a member who was a well know bully/tough to his peers, I felt his choice was based clearly on Henry's rebellion of authority and his physical strenghts. This was made clear when Henry showed Jay how to climb the water tower and Henry's aggression towards the police when he was questioned after the vandalism and accident at the water tower. Henry assured Jay that he would not "rat" him out.

The story did have bits of humor and suspense that would help keep teen readers engaged. For example, when Jay, Henry, Dan and Magda were inside the water tower swimming, Jay made the comment of a homeowner drinking some tap water in the night and saying it tasted like sweaty teenagers! One of the most suspenseful moments for me was when Jay's friend Shin lost touch with reality and was doing things that could have inadvertently lead to his death.

In conclusion, even though I did not particulary like or dislike this book, I feel the author's writing format made this story easy to follow. I did value the moral undertones that were present in the story. For example, in the end Jay had to try to right what he had done wrong which was difficult and I feel teens could relate to this.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2004):

"Fed up with his parents' Catholicism, Jay Bock, sixteen, decides that the local water tower will make as good a god as any. Within days Jay's cult has followers, and he is amazed by the results of his own game. The novel is sometimes superficial in its exploration of the nature of religion and faith, but Hautman's prose is brisk and colloquial, and young adults will respond to Jay's rebellion. Category: Older Fiction. 2004, Simon, 198pp, $15.95. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average" Retrieved from Children's Literature Database (Accessed September 10, 2009).

Awards:

National Book Awards, 2004.
Minnesota Book Award, 2005.
Outstanding Books by Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators, 2005

Connections:

After searching on-line, I came across some discussion questions directly from the author's website. You can access these questions and other useful information that can be used in book clubs, discussions and/or programming ideas by clicking on:

http://www.petehautman.com/godguide.html (accessed on September 10, 2009).

Module 1 Printz Award Book: Repossessed By A. M. Jenkins

Title: Repossessed
Author: A. M. Jenkins
Publisher: HarperTeen Reprint edition (December 30, 2008)
ISBN: 0060835702



Critical Analysis:

I found this book engaging! I started reading this book and I could not put it down until I finished it. The format was easy to follow and would be enjoyed by both male and female teens. For example, the fallen angel named Kiriel who possessed Shawn's body experienced many situations that teens could understand. These included sexual experiences, friendships, divorced parents and social groups in school.

When Kiriel came face to face with a bully named Reed in the school cafeteria, Kiriel gave insight into why Reed acted this way. This made me as the reader feel empathy for Reed because he was refusing the help Kiriel offered to avoid many years of torment for his soul. This event was very thought provoking and I feel this could be a sort of learning experience for teens in the same situation.

This book was also very funny at times which would help keep the reader engaged. For example, when Kiriel got busted by the "angel of the Lord" in an AOL chat room that was hilarious! Even Kiriel was surprised to get busted via the internet! I especially enjoyed Kiriel's definition of american curse words being related to natural bodily functions and how he didn't understand why they were offensive.

In conclusion, this book was a very enjoyable and a fast read. The text format flowed very well and was engaging. The story ended with Kiriel experiencing Shawn's death of being hit by the truck, so he could leave Shawn's body and Shawn was given a second chance at life.

Review Excerpts:
Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2008)

"Tired of tormenting the damned, fallen angel Kiriel hijacks a human body. The novelty of life as a corporeal being, specifically slacker teen Shaun, fascinates Kiriel, whose descriptions of human experiences--from eating and bathing to handling a bully and lusting after a girl--are both funny and affecting in this provocative novel. Category: Older Fiction. 2007, HarperTeen, 218pp, 15.99, 16.89. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration" Retrieved from the Children's Literature Database (Accessed September 10, 2009).


Awards:

Michael L Printz Award, 2008.
Golden Spur Award Honor Book (Texas)
Cybils, 2007.

Connections:

After search the internet, I found a wonderful group of discussion questions that were created for this book. You can access these questions by clicking on:

http://files.harpercollins.com/PDF/ReadingGuides/0060835702.pdf (accessed on September 10, 2009). There are about 14 discussion questions and 5 extention acivities that would be great to use in order to get teens to think outside the box especially in the area of religion!

New Requirement for my blog!

As of today 09/05/09 my blog will be used to post book reviews as required by the Advanced Young Adult Literature (LS5623) class I am taking this semester.

Playing with Matches. By Brian Katcher

By: Brian Katcher

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0385735445

Date: July 8, 2008

Summary:


This book tells the story of a Missouri high school student named Leon Sanders and his experience of finding a first love relationship with a girl named Melody. Melody was permanently disfigured by an exploding oil lamp when she was four and her face was severely burned. Leon hurts Melody by cheating on her with Amy Green, the most beautiful girl in school, only to find out that looks do not always lead to happiness. Leon then sets out to try everything possible to win Melody back.

Assesment:


I found this book engaging! I started reading and could not put the book down until I finished it. The format was easy to follow and the moral of the story was well presented. For example, after Leon goes out with the gorgeous Amy, he realizes that they have nothing in common and that she treats him like a servant. Leon realizes that he really misses Melody and wishes he had her back and Amy’s physical beauty cannot compare to a deep connecting friendship/relationship he had with Melody. The author’s writing format made this story enjoyable and easy to follow.


Potential Use:


I feel this book could be selected as leisure reading or could be a great one to use in a reading club. Since this book has a moral to the story this would be a good book for high school readers. I feel that this book could be used as a tool to get teenagers to understand that looks are not everything and real beauty comes from within. I really feel teenage males would enjoy this book because of the inside view you get through Leon’s dating scene and how certain choices can lead to someone getting hurt. I haven’t come across many books that I feel a teenage boy could possibly relate too. Good book!


Reader Appeal:


This book would appeal to teenagers/young adults. I feel this book would be enjoyed by both males and females. The characters’ experiences in this book can be compared to real life high school drama such as dating, friendships, beauty/disfigurement and social groups. This book also contains amusing moments that help lighten up the dark overtones of a broken heart.


Other Information:

Author's website: http://briankatcher.com/site/
This book was voted as one of the 2009 “Best Books for Young Adults” by the YALSA.

God went to Beauty School. By Cynthia Rylant

By: Cynthia Rylant
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0060094354
Date: February 28, 2006








Summary:

This book contains 23 poems reflecting God’s experiences. While these poems are short some are very thought provoking and some are very humorous.

Assessment:

I found this book very interesting. I liked both the humorous and seriousness sides of some of the poems. For example, the poem “God Brought a Couch” was very funny to me especially the reference of his credit card billing address being “Hell.” All of the poems were easy to follow and understand. I feel the author did a good job of engaging the reader by showing the similarities of God’s and human experiences.

Potential Use:

While this book would not be accepted in a public school setting, I feel that this book would be great for 12 to 17 year olds in a Christian school environment. This book would also be great to use in a book club because of the discussion that would result.

Reader Appeal:

I feel that the humorous appeal of some of the poems will appeal to the reader. This could help stir the thought process in the reader on the question “What Would God Do?”

Other Information:

This book has won the following Awards:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults, New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age, Horn Book Fanfare and the ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/.