Eternal

Bibliography:
Leitich-Smith, Cynthia. 2009. Eternal. Somerville: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763647735
Summary:
Miranda is just an average teenager dealing with her parent's divorce, pining after the star of the soccer team, and dreaming of becoming an actress. There is one thing special about her, however: Miranda has a guardian angel...who has fallen in love with her! When Zachary breaks the rules to save Miranda from an accidental death, he unwittingly sets her up as the next victim of a vampire. But not just any vampire-the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul! Miranda has been chosen to be groomed for vampire royalty and, unfortunately, takes to her new role well. Zachary must fall to earth in order to set things right, make Miranda remember who she is, and save both of their souls in the process!
Critical Analysis:
Oh, what's one more vampire novel? At least this one delivers a few twists on the subject. First, it is a romance between an angel and a vampire, much of it one-sided until the end. Second, there are not very many "good" vampires to sympathize with. Unlike many other current vampire books, you don't get the feeling that it is better to be a vampire than to be human. Zachary is a very likable character and his feelings for Miranda are well developed and believable, having known her since birth (even though she didn't know him). Miranda is a little more complicated. Because her initial "soul-sickness" (her adjustment to vampire life, characterized by remorse and sadness for what she has become) is mostly skipped over and only referred to in flashbacks, the reader is left with the vampire Miranda, who is ruthless and completely unsympathetic, for most of the book. However, in the end, I can believe that Miranda has a primal attachment to Zachary and that he slowly brings her humanity back. In romantic terms, the ending bites (no pun intended) but it is also the only credible way for the story to end. It is cosmically satisfying, if not immediately gratifying. There is an underlying theme of appreciating the hand you are dealt, as Miranda is handed the world but grieves the loss of her simple human life. Redemption and sacrificial love also play a significant role in this paranormal romance. There is a grittier feel to this book than some of the other vampire romances as evidenced in the cruelty of the main protagonist, from whose view the reader must hear the story. There is definitely more violence and blood than one might expect at first glance. Overall, it is a well-written book that deserves to join the ranks of this particular genre, bringing something a little different to the table.
Tantalize is the companion book to Eternal and actually takes place at an earlier time. According to Smith's website, an actual sequel in which the casts of both books will cross over is scheduled to be released in 2011 and will be titled Blessed.
Reviews:
School Library Journal:
Grade 9 Up–"This dark romance is told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of 17-year-old Miranda and her guardian angel, Zachary, in an alternate America in which vampires and werewolves exist. Early in the novel, Zachary falls from grace as punishment for materializing in his full radiance in a failed attempt to save Miranda from being bitten by a vampire. The tale resumes a year later with the now-vampire Miranda a revered princess living among vampire royalty and feasting regularly on humans. Zachary, meanwhile, has sunk into a life of aimless debauchery and is resigned to never regaining his wings when an archangel suddenly gives him the opportunity to become Miranda's personal assistant. Determined to save his former ward, with whom he has fallen in love, Zachary takes the job. Miranda finds herself drawn to him, and the murders she has carelessly committed begin to weigh on her conscience. With his help, she is determined to find a way to redeem herself and help him return to grace. The plot is occasionally choppy and frequently grisly, and the dialogue seems forced in places. Neither Miranda nor Zachary is particularly likable, and the ending, while logical, is not one that romance fans will favor. The story lacks the elegance of Stephenie Meyer's hugely popular novels, but serious vampire buffs will undoubtedly add the novel to their must-read list."–Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD
Kirkus Reviews:
"The pace of this entertaining romp is quick and the action plentiful...A true page-turner, I can't imagine any fan of gothic suspense/romance not thoroughly enjoying this - and not just young adult readers either."

Book trailer for Eternal

Here is a Reader's Guide to Eternal that includes discussion questions and interview with the author.

Struts and Frets

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Bibliography:
Skovron, Jon. 2009. Struts and Frets. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 9780810941748
Summary:
What do you do when your band's lead singer is a rageaholic, your best friend from childhood is crushing on you, and the Gramps that you know and love is slipping away? Sammy Bojar sure as heck doesn't know. All Sammy wants to do is write songs and play music but life keeps getting in the way. Joe, the lead singer of his band, is a total jerk but Sammy and his other band mates put up with him out of fear and, for Sammy, a desperation to keep the band together; his only outlet for his music. Jen5, sometimes called Fiver (because there were four other Jennifers in their class and, according to Jen5, "it took five versions to get it perfect") has been Sammy's best friend since they were kids but Sammy is finding out that she has stronger feelings for him. But how can they move into a relationship without the weirdness, and does Sammy even want to? And then there is Sammy's Gramps, a musical genius whom Sammy deeply relates to, and who is also becoming more and more a stranger as dementia takes hold. This is the story of a young musician coming of age and trying to find his place in the world. Through truly seeing and understanding the people who play a part in his life, he will begin to discover himself; who he is and who he wants to be.
Critical Analysis:
Jon Skovron was another of the authors at the Greater Houston Teen Book Convention that I attended and, I admit, I bought his book in part because he was just so funny! When asked how he found an authentic teenage voice for Sammy, he said he could just hear his sixteen-year-old, snarky, sarcastic self over his shoulder. You just have to love a guy who uses the word "snarky". Fortunately, I was not disappointed! This book, told through the eyes of Sammy, is written with a wonderful honesty. Everything from the realistic dialogue to the very real and identifiable issues the characters are dealing with, capture the emotions of those tumultuous years when you are on the brink of figuring out who you are, and seeing others, maybe for the first time, for who they are. Sammy Bojar is an extremely likable protagonist, owning a great sense of humor and an emotional maturity beyond his years. The other characters are also fully developed and given the depth needed for Sammy, as well as the reader, to understand where they are coming from and why they do some of the things that they do. The feel of this book is obviously very music-oriented. Even though all readers can relate to and enjoy this story, it will definitely strike a chord with music lovers and musicians. Each chapter is named for a song title and there is a soundtrack play list for the book at the end. The author's knowledge of music is apparent and current references to the indie music scene gives credibility to the story. However, this book would just be a another well-written and humorous look at the teenage years, if it weren't for the complexity that Sammy's relationship with his grandfather brings to the story. Through this touching connection between grandfather and grandson, Skovron does an amazing job of clearly depicting the thin line between creative genius and madness, and Sammy's fear of sharing the same fate as his Gramps. In one conversation, Gramps likens the experience of getting lost in playing music to a relentless pursuit of searching for the moon. "It's a beautiful thing when you touch it. But there's an awful price to pay. Look what it did to me. And I'm one of the lucky ones...But it was worth it. Such wonder. Such magic." Anyone who has ever witnessed the slow loss of a loved one to dementia or Alzheimer's will identify with Sammy's feelings. Overall, Skovron writes an honest and funny look at coming of age with a musical twist and a surprising depth that sets it apart from other books in this genre. This is Jon Skovron's debut novel and I, for one, can't wait to see what he writes next!
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal-Gr. 9 and up-"This debut novel will find an audience not just with music fans, but also with those who appreciate a good coming-of-age story."

Check out Jon Skovron's web site

FYI for classroom use: This book does contain profanity, including the F-bomb, and includes a homosexual character. It also describes a first sexual encounter though it is not graphic at all (describes the initial kissing and then skips to afterward).

The Lonely Hearts Club

Bibliography:

Eulberg, Elizabeth. 2010. The Lonely Hearts Club. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 9780545140317

Summary:

After suffering a heartbreak at the hands of her childhood love, Penny, named after a Beatles song, decides that boys are not worth it. She starts The Lonely Hearts Club for girls who are sick of putting guys at the top of their priority list only to be treated badly. After word gets out, Penny is amazed at how many girls feel the same way and are willing to swear off dating boys in order to give themselves and their girl friends top priority. Unfortunately, just when the club reaches its peak of popularity, Penny meets a guy that just might be different from the rest. Now she has to find a way to give love a chance without trading in her ideals and compromising her loyalty to her fellow club members.

Critical Analysis:

I just want to say that, being a single chick, I really really really wanted to like this book. Elizabeth Eulberg was one of the authors at the Greater Houston Teen Book Convention, which I attended, and her humorous and energetic presence is what made me buy her book in the first place. I really like the concept of the book in which a strong female character decides that she doesn't need to date to be happy. The problem, I think, is in the character development. I never really felt like I got inside Penny's head and therefore was just not as invested in her as I could have been. The dialogue also didn't seem authentic to me, sounding more like an adult trying to talk like a teenager than an actual teenager. For example, Penny's best friend in the book says things like "what to the evs" and "those shoes are adorbs". One or two signature sayings I could have believed, but I don't know any teenager who talks like the captions in Tiger Beat magazine. In the same way, some of the interactions in the book also seem cliched. Any time a conversation between a girl and a guy ends up with the giggling girl being thrown over the guy's shoulder, you know it's not going to tax your imagination to figure out how the book will end. Likewise, some of the action in the book was a little melodramatic. I accept that the club is serious to the characters but there are a few parts where I caught myself literally rolling my eyes. One part that comes to mind is when Diane, a friend of Penny's, sees one of Tracy's (Penny's best friend) many crushes kiss another girl. A dramatic moment ensues when Penny and Diane discuss how mad Tracy will be at Diane when she tells her. Really? Granted, Tracy doesn't like Diane very much and is prone to obnoxious dramatic outbursts, which would have been fine if the other characters acknowledged that personality trait. But instead, they are truly worried (you can almost hear the duh.. duh...duhhh in the background) and, worse, ask the reader to be equally invested. Penny's parents are a whole other problem. What could have been portrayed as her parent's quirky endearing love of Beatles music crossed the line for me about the time that we find out that they are vegetarians, and require their children to be vegetarians, ONLY because Paul McCartney is. At that point in time, they became immature groupie morons to me, completely stripping them of any parental credibility and making it hard to take them seriously when they try to assume that role. On a positive note, I didn't absolutely hate the book, although it seems like I did. It does a few things really well, like depicting the universally familiar emotions of having your best friend desert you for a guy. I think that just about everybody has that experience at some point in their lives. The message that the book gets across is empowering for girls, as well. It is an urgent reminder to remember your priorities, to not lose yourself in trying to please the opposite sex, to value your girlfriends, and to be sure you know who you are before you share yourself with someone else. This book will probably find an audience with tween and teen girls who are looking for a strong female main character and identify with the angst of dating (and breaking up). This being Elizabeth Eulberg's debut novel, I find there is just enough promise in this book that I will read her next book just to see how she is growing and improving as a writer.

A review from Booklist:

"After a devastating betrayal by the boy she thought she was destined to be with forever, Penny Lane Bloom (who fortunately inherited her parents’ love of the Beatles to go with her name) swears off guys and quietly starts the Lonely Hearts Club. To her surprise, many of her girlfriends are also sick of high-school guys and want to join—even Diane, Penny’s former best friend and one-half of the school’s power couple until a recent, amicable breakup. The club grows and becomes an influential social force as members meet every Saturday night, go to dances together, and support one another in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. But conflict arises when the school administration fears the group is getting too powerful and “making the boys feel bad,” and Penny finds herself torn between her no-boy pledge and the courteous advances of one of the nicest guys she knows—who happens to be Diane’s ex-boyfriend. This first novel will be a draw for readers looking for an upbeat take on friendship, empowerment, and finding romance without losing yourself. Grades 7-10. --Heather Booth"

*Here is a link to the Barnes and Noble page that includes a short video interview with the author, Elizabeth Eulberg.

The Dead-Tossed Waves

Bibliography:
Ryan, Carrie. 2010. The Dead-Tossed Waves. Delacourt Press: New York
ISBN 978-0385736848
Summary:
In this sequel to The Forest of Hands and Teeth, The Dead-Tossed Waves tells the story of Gabry, who we soon discover is Mary's daughter. Mary and Gabry live in the lighthouse overlooking the seaside city that Gabry has grown up in. To Gabry, the Mudo (the local name for the shambling undead that have overtaken the world) are just stories and legends of the terrifying places outside of the city walls. One night, Gabry, along with several friends, decide to explore the abandoned amusement park just over the city's protective wall. This starts a horrifying chain of events that leave some of her friends dead and some held captive by city officials. These same events also force Gabry on the run for her own freedom and the lives of those closest to her. Along the way, she must find strength within herself to fight for what is right and to protect those she loves. And she must also figure out who she really is and where she belongs...

Critical Analysis:
I think I liked this book a little bit more than The Forest of Hands and Teeth. This city and story has a much more modern feel than the village of The Forest of Hands and Teeth as they have found a way to essentially wall off the Mudo from the city and people have resumed a somewhat normal existence. They also are connected to the Protectorate, the governing power of the apocalyptic world, and are aware of other cities, etc. It is an interesting contrast to the isolated, primitive, almost "Little House on the Prarie-ishness" of Mary's village. Gabry is also a much different character than Mary. I think that she is easier to sympathize with. Where Mary was a very emotionally strong girl (what else could you be under those living conditions) who was wanting to find a new world, Gabry is happy to be safe and loves the security of the things she knows. She is actually forced to flee the city and play the reluctant hero out of self-preservation, her loyalty to her friends, and her longing to be like her mother. I also enjoyed the deeper understanding you have of Mary's character through Gabry's perception. There was the same adventure and tension of the chase as there was in The Forest but I thought the romance was a little more satisfying. Gabry has reason to be drawn to both of the very different suitors in this story as opposed to Mary's delimma of not really knowing what she wanted until it was too late. In fact, Mary's love life finally seems to have some promising conclusion in this book, as well. My only complaint is that there were loose ends from the first book that are not answered in this one (Whatever happened to the Sisters and their secrets?) But maybe everything will be wrapped up in the next book, because, Oh yes, there will be a third book. And unlike The Forest of Hands and Teeth that was originally written as a stand alone book (albeit one with a very inconclusive ending), this book was written to have a successor and ends as such with a proper cliffhanger. Series books really drive me nuts, especially when I don't know when the next one will be coming out. But I will be first in line buying it just so I can know what happens next...so I guess they know what they are doing.

Review from Booklist-"The Forest of Hands of and Teeth (2009) spliced classic zombie mythos into a world that was one part postapocalypse and one part colonial America and drove the plot with a healthy surge of teen hormones. This companion piece, which features some returning characters in minor roles, involves another discontented young woman, Gabry. Life within her walled town is shattered when a group of her friends step past the border and are attacked by the Mudo (that’s zombies to you and me). A series of calamities results in a third act much like the one in Forest: Gabry flees through an unknown wilderness with companions including potential new paramour Elias and former crush Catcher, who may be immune to the Mudo’s bite. Though her reliance on sentence fragments is a bit irksome, Ryan knows how to put together an action scene; the final pages are especially thrilling. Savvy readers may scoff at the constant lusting going on amid the carnage, but fans of Forest will be happy to find a familiar flesh-eating formula. Grades 9-12. --Daniel Kraus"

Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Bibliography:

Ryan, Carrie. 2009. Forest of Hands and Teeth. Delacourt Press: New York. ISBN 978-0385736824

Critical Analysis:

In Ryan's novel, Mary is a young girl living in a post-apocalyptic society. The last survivors of a virus that turned most of the world's population into the walking dead. Fortunately for the survivors, the infected zombies, called the Unconsecrated by Mary's deeply religious village, are mindless and, for the most part, easy to outrun. But what they don't have in intelligence, they make up for with sheer numbers and the single-minded, relentless need to bite and infect. Although both of her parents are lost to the forest, Mary and her older brother live in relative safety inside the fences of her village. Until Mary starts suspecting the Sisters, who are the leaders and protectors of the village, of keeping dark secrets about the nature of the Unconsecrated. Ultimately, these secrets result in a catastrophic breach in the fences which forces Mary to flee her destroyed village, along with Harry, the boy she is betrothed to, Travis, his brother whom she is in love with, and Cass, Mary's best friend and Travis' betrothed. Having always believed that they were the only survivors on earth, now Mary must find the courage to turn away from her village's firm beliefs and find where she belongs in this new world.

This is my first attempt at a book trailer! I really enjoyed Carrie Ryan's Forest of Hands and Teeth! This is the book for all of us who said we would never, ever read a zombie book. Ryan somehow manages to describe the zombies in a way that makes them frighteningly believable without being campy or cheesy. Even though there is a high-level tension throughout the book (they are in constant danger), it is balanced well with romance and themes of finding your identity and path in life. The end leaves you with questions so it is good that the sequel, "Dead-Tossed Waves" is already out. But beware: it leaves you hanging as well and the third book has not been released. Overall, Ryan writes a supernatural book that ventures away from the beaten path (at least nobody is in love with a zombie, ok?) and mixes horror, romance, and coming of age issues in a well-written story. Happy Reading!

Click here for a review by Scott Westerfeld, author of The Uglies series, The Midnighters Series, and Peeps, and also a short interview with Carrie Ryan.

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Contemporary Realistic Fiction Review-RULES

1. Bibliography

Lord, Cynthia. 2006. Rules. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439443830

2. Plot Summary

Catherine is a twelve year old girl with a big problem named David: her eight year old autistic brother that keeps her life from being anything but normal. Catherine just wants to make friends with her new next door neighbor and be a normal pre-teen but there is often more expected of her because of David and sometimes it seems as though everything revolves around him. He is hard to understand and hard to explain to friends at an age when appearances are critical. David has a list of rules that Catherine has made for him- rules that other people just learn intuitively but David doesn't such as "you can yell on a playground, but not during dinner" and "A boy can take off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts." During one of David's appointments at his occupational therapist, Catherine meets Jason, a young boy confined to a wheelchair who can't talk. After an awkward beginning, they become friends. Catherine, a talented artist, makes new words and pictures for Jason's communication book. Words such as "whatever" and "stinks a big one!" allows Jason to express himself more like a typical teenager. When her next door neighbor invites her to a dance and tells her to bring Jason, she must decide what matters more to her: appearing normal or being a loyal friend. In the end, Catherine decides to be true to herself and redefines what "normal" is. Cynthia Lord writes a story of a young girl torn between her fierce love for her brother and her burning resentment of the amount of attention her brother demands from her family and the loss of her childhood to a large extent.

3. Critical Analysis

This book is equally touching to those who have dealt with a disabled family member and those who have not. This book is very enlightening for readers who have never had any experience with equipment such as communication books or with the behaviors associated with autism. Cynthia Lord takes great pains to portray believable characters with realistic disabilities and emotions. Catherine's character, in particular, is exquisitely developed so that even readers who have never had any related experiences can feel her pain and conflict. During an emotional confrontation with her father, Catherine screams at him,"Maybe he does need you more than me, but that doesn't mean I don't need anything at all!". That universal emotion of feeling neglected, ignored, and rejected in your heart, even when you're mind knows the logical reason why, is easily identified with by every reader. Lord makes the setting contemporary with natural dialogue that uses current phrases and body language of this age group. The journey that Catherine takes in this book is one from a girl who yearns for normalcy and is embarrassed by the things in her life that make her different, to a more mature young adult who accepts the complications in her life, knows what is important and who is important to her, and is proud of herself for being able to maneuver challenges that most others her age would not. In the end, a major theme in this story, is deciding what is considered "normal". Ironically, while she longs for the "normal" lives of her best friend and her next door neighbor, both of them are dealing with divorced or separated parents; a problem that Catherine has no experience with. The message is, whether it is unfair or not, we are all given strengths and weaknesses in this life, privileges and disadvantages. The point is not to wish away your differences but to embrace them, find the value in them, and use them to the best of your ability. There is an "Afterwords" section in this book that includes an interview with the author and some activities for young readers.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. Her love for her brother is as real as are her frustrations with him. Lord has candidly captured the delicate dynamics in a family that revolves around a child's disability."

Booklist-" Torn between love for her brother and impatience with the responsibilities and embarrassment he brings, she strives to be on her parents' radar and to establish an identity of her own."

Publisher's Weekly-"Appealing . . .entirely convincing. . . . A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view."

Kirkus Reviews-"Middle-grade readers will recognize her longing for acceptance and be intrigued by this exploration of dealing with differences. "

Newberry Honor Book

Schneider Family Book award

5. Connections

This book would be an excellent discussion starter about what our society defines as normal, what questions people have about disabilities, and the importance of sensitivity and acceptance

Other books that focus on dealing with disabilities:

Al Capone Does my Shirts ISBN 0142403709

A Corner of the Universe ISBN 0439388813

Me and Rupert Goody ISBN 0374448043

My Thirteenth Winter: A Memior ISBN 0439339057

The Summer of the Swans ASIN: B000OJ5ZLQ

Tru Confessions ISBN 0312372736

Views from our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs ISBN 0933149980

Contemporary Realistic Fiction Review-LOOKING FOR ALASKA

1. Bibliography
Green, John. 2005. Looking for Alaska. New York: Penguin Group, Inc. ISBN 9780142402511

2. Plot Summary
Miles Halter is unenthusiastic about his social status and boring life in his hometown of Florida. His junior year of high school he decides he needs to leave his family and move to Alabama to attend the boarding school that his father attended and to search for the "Great Perhaps", a concept he has borrowed from the late Francois Rabelais, like so many other's "last words" he has memorized. Once in Alabama, Miles makes friends with his roommate, nicknamed "the Colonel", and the Colonel's best friend Alaska Young. Miles, or "Pudge" as the Colonel names him because he is so skinny ("It's called irony, Pudge. Heard of it?"), is completely entranced with Alaska from the moment he meets her. Not only is she "the hottest girl in all of human history" but she has a mysterious and powerful energy about her that draws Pudge in. Pudge tries to keep his feelings about her to himself because Alaska has a boyfriend in another school but nevertheless finds himself in a close friendship with her. Unfortunately, part of Alaska's intriguing energy is quite a bit of self-destructive behavior and emotional instability which centers from a tragedy from her childhood. The story journals the experiences and friendships of a close group of friends as they break the rules, smoke, drink too much, and play pranks while trying to make their grades and survive their teenage years. The pivotal moment in the story occurs when Alaska rushes off in her car after an all night drinking binge and gets into a fatal car crash. The rest of the story is spent detailing the grief process of her friends, Pudge and the Colonel specifically. Feeling like they have some responsibility for her death, Pudge and the Colonel make it their mission to piece together the mystery of what happened to Alaska that night, what was going through her mind, and whether the car crash was an accident or suicide. In the process of trying to find the truth, Pudge confronts his beliefs in life and death, hope and faith, and what lies beyond.

3. Critical Analysis
This story absolutely radiates with the realistic experience of being on your own for the first time. While much of the independence and unsupervised fraternizing rings more typical of college years, Green brings it down to a high school level, with just enough structure and supervision that it feels comfortable and safe but not so much that it interferes with the exploration and relationships of the young protagonists. The characters are completely and almost painfully real, with their vulnerabilities, faults and strengths, longings, and heartaches. Pudge, in particular, is poignantly depicted, his lust and longing artfully expressed, and his grief and guilt tangible. The dialogue is so realistically written that it makes you wonder how far removed the author is from that stage of life! Of course, there is lots of needless profanity as is a hallmark of young adult conversation, realistic bantering between friends, and awkward conversations. The way the book is set up is unique and adds to the suspense of the story. Instead of chapters, the book is divided into two sections: before and after. It is then laid out in a countdown starting with "136 days before" and ending with "136 days after" so the reader is aware from the beginning that there will be a climactic event and may even pick up on the fact that Alaska is doomed. The story is full of frank and believable descriptions of first sexual encounters, rebelling against authority, drinking and smoking, and navigating the jungle of friendships. While the authority figures in the story are harmless and offer overall protection and structure, they are still an obstacle to overcome in order to explore and experience life. Young adults will identify with and appreciate the respect Green gives them in the themes of loyalty to one another, their ability to problem solve, and the depth of their emotions. Without preaching, the reader gets the sense that Pudge is a much wiser person by the end of the book and has learned a lot about actions and consequences as well as some personal answers to the meaning of life. My only criticism of this book is that Alaska fits a little too nicely into the stereotype of the male fantasy. Even though she is very intelligent and has depth to her character, at the heart of the allure of Alaska Young is that she is depicted as a very curvy, attractive girl who has a voracious sexual appetite and likes to hang out and drink with the guys.
However, that minor detail does not take away from the fact that this is a very powerful coming of age book that mirrors real experiences and consequences in current times.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-starred review-"Green's dialogue is crisp, especially between Miles and Chip. His descriptions and Miles's inner monologues can be philosophically dense, but are well within the comprehension of sensitive teen readers...Green draws Alaska so lovingly, in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light, that readers mourn her loss along with her friends."


Kirkus Reviews-"The Colonel, Takumi, Alaska and a Romanian girl named Lara are an utterly real gaggle of young persons, full of false starts, school pranks, moments of genuine exhilaration in learning and rather too many cigarettes and cheap bottles of wine."


Publisher's Weekly-"the novel's chief appeal lies in Miles's well-articulated lust and his initial excitement about being on his own for the first time. "

Micheal L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

5. Connections
There are so many great discussions this book can lead to. Some of them are:
-The theme of drinking and driving and the possible consequences of it
-The grief process, especially in the context of losing friends
-Emotional disorders such as depression, etc. in the context of the characters
-Personal beliefs in the afterlife and our purpose in this life
Other novels by John Green:
Paper Towns ISBN 0525478183
An Abundance of Katherines ISBN 0142410705

Fantasy Review-THE CITY OF EMBER

1. Bibliography

DuPrau, Jeanne. 2003. The City of Ember. Maryland: Random House. ISBN 0375822739

2. Plot Summary

DuPrau tells a story of a future society that lives underground and is desperately dependent on quickly disappearing resources and a faltering electrical system. Although the reader is not sure of the catastrophe that drove mankind underground, the prologue explains that the "Builders" who created the safe haven left instructions for the people to return above ground after 220 years but the instructions were lost. This sets the scene for our protagonist, Lina Mayfleet, a young girl who lives in the city of Ember many years after the forgotten deadline has passed. As expected, the situation is dire with shortages of food and supplies, a deteriorating generator, and no hope in sight. Lina begins to piece together clues that lead her to the conclusion that there must be a way out of Ember. Along with her friend, Doon, Lina works against time to unravel the mystery in order to save the people of Ember and in the process, uncovers government corruption. Doon, Lina, and her baby sister Poppy find the way out and escape into a world of light. As they explore a cave, they look down a deep hole to see the distant lights of Ember beneath them. Doon writes a letter to his father with the instructions for leaving the city, ties it to a rock, and drops it down the hole in the hopes that the people of Ember will receive it and escape the city also. The story concludes with one of Lina's neighbors finding the letter and setting the way for the next book in the series.

3. Critical Analysis

Young people will be attracted to the strong character of the young protagonists in this book. Although they are young, Doon and Lina alone have the determination, bravery, and curiosity to acknowledge the impending danger and search for answers. The adults in the story range from corrupt government officials, to citizens who refuse to accept the situation, to adults who practice a "religion" that believes that the "Builders" are going to come and save the city. Whether they are kind or cruel, the underlying message is that they are powerless. That theme is evidenced further by the fact that Lina's parents are dead and her grandmother, their only caretaker, has grown feeble of mind and dies in the course of the story, leaving Lina and her sister to a kind neighbor. Lina portrays the struggle of a child with too many adult responsibilities. The children also win the morality test as Lina feels guilty and overcomes her selfish desires when she loses her sister while on a errand to find colored pencils for herself. In striking contrast, the mayor of the city, greedily and maliciously uses his power to create a personal stockpile of food and supplies for himself while others go hungry. The characters in the story are very believable and the dialogue is natural. Although the reader is in the dark about the specific disaster that led to the creation of Ember, the story of its origins are told via a diary page from one of the first settlers of Ember. The details are very well thought out and the pretense is believable. The description of this deteriorating city flooded in artificial light is very vivid and the reader can really get a feel for its citizens with their fear of black-outs and their society structure. The underlying theme is that you must be brave and search for answers instead of accepting the status quo. There is also a powerful metaphor of escaping small-minded human nature and corruption for a brand new world. This is brilliantly described as Lina and Doon watch their first sunrise after escaping from underground. Duprau captures the wonder of two children who have never seen the light of day. When Doon throws the message back to the imprisoned people of Ember, it is the perfect ending full of hope for a new day.

4. Review Excerpts

Kirkus Reviews "Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown and cryptic messages for readers to decipher."

School Library Journal "DuPrau debuts with a promisingly competent variation on the tried-and-true "isolated city" theme... the quick pace and the uncomplicated characters and situations will keep voracious fans of the genre engaged."

Booklist "Readers will relate to Lina and Doon's resourcefulness and courage in the face of ominous odds."

Publisher's Weekly "Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon's search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. Readers will sit on the edge of their seats as each new truth comes to light. "

5. Connections

The Books of Ember

The Prophet of Yonwood-Prequel-ISBN 0440421241

The City of Ember

The People of Sparks ISBN 0375828257

The Diamond of Darkhold: the Fourth Book of Ember ISBN 0375855718

Historical Fiction Review-ELIJAH OF BUXTON

1. Bibliography
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023459.

2. Plot Summary
Elijah is the first free black child born in Buxton Settlement in Canada West. His parents and other folks are always on Elijah about being "fra-gile", which in his case means he scares easy, is prone to tears, and is a bit gullible. Curtis paints a vivid picture of life in the settlement and develops Elijah's character along with his family and the inhabitants of Buxton before unraveling the pivotal events in the book. After working hard for many years, a friend of Elijah's, Mr. Leroy, finally has enough money to buy his family out of slavery in America. In his haste, he trusts the wrong man to arrange his family's departure and ends up losing all of his money. After Mr. Leroy dies of a heart attack, Elijah tries to keep his promise of finding his money but instead finds himself face to face with recaptured slaves. In the hopelessness of their existence, Elijah tries to find the courage within himself to make a difference by smuggling their baby back to Buxton and to the freedom the slaves will never know.

3. Critical Analysis
This is a surprisingly profound book on the plight of slaves and newly freed slaves during this time period. It is surprising because the author very wisely eases the reader into heavier subject matter by spending a large part of the book developing characters and using humor and realistic dialog to paint a picture of life in the settlement of Buxton. By the time the action takes place, the reader is already connected to our endearing protagonist, Elijah, who, despite all his good intentions, is often misguided and is blissfully removed from the horrors of slavery. The reader is also familiar enough with the Preacher to be wary and familiar enough with Mr. Leroy to be outraged at the injustice done him. Curtis provides an Author's Note that reflects how much research he put into this story and outlines so many facts that he weaved into this fictitious tale. This novel certainly does not sugar coat the reality of slavery. In fact, the reader may feel that the story stopped short. After all, Mr. Leroy dies, nobody recovers his money and his family remains in slavery, and Elijah cannot save the recaptured slaves. But central to this story is hope and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and hopelessness. The most moving dialog in the book is when Elijah has taken the recaptured slaves' baby and is starting to return to Buxton when he overhears the mother and father talking to one another, still in chains and facing the option of returning to slavery or killing themselves with Elijah's gun. They argue affectionately about who will keep the gun and who can make better use of it and then the mother teases:
"'Sides, Mr. Kamua...if you's the mighty African king you's always claiming you is, and you wants this here pistol so bad, why don't you come on over here and take it from me?"
The father replies with a laugh, "I love you, Chloe."
"She said , "Aww, hesh, Kamua, I love you, too."
The humanity and humor in the face of such tragic options and the comfort the slave parents take in knowing their baby has a future is a haunting and moving testament to the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

4. Review Excerpts

Booklist starred review-"Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller."

School Library Journal-"Elijah's decisions along the way are not easy ones, but ultimately lead to a satisfying conclusion. Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever."

Publisher's Weekly-"The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting. "

Newberry Medal Winner

5. Connections
*Could accompany any discussion on slavery
* Could spark a discussion on courage to do the right thing in the face of danger
Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis:
Bud, Not Buddy ISBN 0385323069
Bucking the Sarge ISBN 0440413311
The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 ISBN 044022800X

Historical Fiction Review-THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE

1. Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife's Apprentice. New York: Harper Trophy. ISBN 006440630X.

2. Plot Summary
The beginning of this story finds a little orphan girl with no name and no home sleeping in a dung heap to keep warm. After the village midwife finds her and allows her the floor to sleep on and a little food in return for her labor, Beetle, as the midwife has named her, begins to find security if not affection in her place as the midwife's apprentice. She begins to learn the midwife's skills, to stand up to village bullies, and even gives herself a name: Alyce. All of her new found self-esteem is deflated, however, when she tries to deliver a baby and fails. In shame, Alyce runs away to a nearby village and works as an inn girl. While she is there, she is befriended by a wise scholar who teaches her to read and asks an interesting question of a "worthless orphan": "And what, inn girl, do you want?" Alyce's thoughtful answer is, "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." One day unexpected visitors at he end put Alyce in the position of having to deliver a baby all by herself. After the success of this task, Alyce finally knows her place in the world and returns to the village and the midwife who is harsh but fair and will teach her the skills she needs to become a midwife.

3. Critical Analysis
This is a story with complex characters that are easy to identify and sympathize with. Alyce's heartbreaking existence where"snug cottages and warm bread and mothers who hugged their babes were beyond her imagining," helps the reader understand her low self-worth and the thought processes behind her actions. The midwife is an intelligent depiction of the dichotomy of human faults and strengths. Although she is harsh and cruel to the child and jealous of her emerging skills, she also sees the value in her and ultimately helps Alyce to know her purpose in life. The plot of the story realistically depicts the lot of an orphan in medieval England and the role of midwives in village life. Cushman describes in detail the superstition that accompanied medicine in general and birthing babies specifically. Cushman includes an Author's Note that further describes the role of midwives during this period of history and how that profession has evolved to accompany the medical field. The description of the village, the brief but thorough portrayals of the village inhabitants, and the dialog of the characters all lend authenticity and richness to the setting. An easily identifiable theme in this book is that of finding your self-worth and purpose in this world. We watch Alyce evolve from a powerless child with no name to one who has special skills, who stands up for herself and even finds the courage to stand up for others, and who is finally sure of her worth and where she belongs. I think that her kindness to the cat, to the village boy she saves from drowning, and to the little orphan boy are very important elements to the story. Not only does it help to show her progression from a child that can't even help herself to one that can not only help herself but help others, but it also has a universal truth to say about planting seeds of kindness that come back to favor you and stresses the fact that even a little orphan girl with nothing has the power to choose to be kind. I think this is a beautiful transformation story that is easy to identify with and is rooted in an interesting and well depicted time period.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature."

Booklist-"This is a world, like Chaucer's, that's neither sweet nor fair ; it's rough, dangerous, primitive, and raucous. Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone."

1996 Newberry Award Winner
A 1996 Notable Children's Book (ALA)
A 1996 Best Book for Young Adults (ALA)
New York Public Libary 1995 List of Recommended Books
Booklist "Books for Editors' Choice"
School Libary Journal Best Books of the Year, 1995

5. Connections
*Could accompany a history lesson on the medieval time period
*Could spark further discussion on the roles of midwives throughout history and the superstitions and traditions that accompanied their line of work
*Could spark further discussion of orphans and their plight throughout history
Other historical fiction by Karen Cushman:
Matilda Bone 0440418224
Catherine, Called Birdy 0064405842
The Loud Silence of Francine Green 0375841172
Rodzina 044041993X
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple 0064406849

Historical Fiction Review-NUMBER THE STARS

1. Bibliography

Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 0613723198.

2. Plot Summary

Number the Stars tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen living in Nazi occupied Copenhagen in 1943. It unravels the progression of food shortages and harassment by Nazi soldiers to the mysterious "relocation" of Denmark's Jews. As the danger increases, it becomes apparent to Annemarie that sinister things are happening in her beloved homeland and, surprisingly there are many resistors willing to risk their lives for their Jewish neighbors, including her own parents! With this knowledge, Annemarie is thrust into a dangerous mission to save her best friend's life as well as many others by helping to smuggle them across the sea to neutral Sweden. A beautiful story of bravery, loyalty, and a commitment to human decency, the Afterword of this book summarizes the unique and remarkable actions of the people of Denmark during the Nazi occupation that led to almost the entire Jewish population escaping to Sweden and out of Hitler's clutches.

3. Critical Analysis

This book is very easy to read, written in simple language and not getting lost in too many details. The story, told from a child's perspective, brings an extremely relevant and personal aspect to the horrific events of the Holocaust. It begs the question, "What if my best friend had been Jewish?" as was the case in countless situations. It really brings to light the fact that the Jewish people of these occupied countries were active citizens that were deeply entrenched and tied to the non-Jewish citizens. It is a fact that is sometimes easy to forget when studying the detachment and segregation of the Jewish people during this time period, and in doing so underestimate the fear and pain of severed ties felt by all. Lois Lowry has told a very important story that played a part in this horrific time period. Perhaps it was a small part and not as big as some of the other events that took place during the Nazi occupation, but that makes it all the more reason for it to come to light. In a time of unthinkable injustice, brutal mistreatment, and unbearable sadness, a light in the dark came from the people of Denmark, who succeeded in protecting their Jewish friends and neighbors, but more importantly, had the courage to stand for goodness and righteousness. The Afterword summarizes the actual events in history and gives readers an overview of Denmark and it's role during World War II.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery. "

Starred review-"A story of Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews."

Kirkus Reviews-"A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews."

5. Connections

*This book could be used in conjunction with any unit on World War II and the Holocaust.

*Should spark a thoughtful conversation about discrimination, hate, and the choices we have to make in order to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

*Could be enriched with further research of Denmark and its people.

Other books by Lois Lowry:

The Silent Boy ISBN 0440419808

Autumn Street ISBN 0440403448

Anastasia Krupnik ISBN 0440408520

Gossamer ISBN 0385734166

Messenger ISBN 0385737165

The Giver ISBN 0440237688

Gathering Blue ISBN 0385732562

The Willoughbys ISBN 0618979743

Nonfiction Review-HITLER YOUTH

1. Bibliography

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler's Shadow. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439353793

2. Plot Summary

Susan Campbell Bartoletti has revisited one of the darkest times in history when, under the control of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, millions of Jewish people and "undesirables" were persecuted and executed. Told through the stories of the young people that were brought up in Germany at the time, Bartoletti brings this period of history alive from the perspective of former Hitler Youth, persecuted Jewish youth, and young people who bravely resisted the powerful Nazi movement. The book begins in 1932 when Hitler was just becoming powerful as the leader of the rising National Socialist Party and follows historical events through 1945 with the Allied victory of World War II and the suicide of Adolf Hitler. The last chapter summarizes the aftermath of the Third Reich such as the Nuremburg Trials and the state of Germany to the present. Bartoletti leaves young readers with a warning and a challenge: "What are you willing to do to prevent such a shadow from falling over you and others?" There is a brief epilogue that explains "what became of the young people in this book", as well as a timeline of events for the Hitler Youth. Bartoletti also provides an "Author's Note" that explains how her interest in this subject came about as well as a note about the origin of the abundant photographs in the book.

3. Critical Analysis

Bartoletti has taken an extemely profound time in World History and told it in a brand new way: from the perspective of the children who were indoctrinated, betrayed, persecuted, and manipulated by Hitler and the Nazi movement. Not only that, but she has written it in such a clear and simplistically powerful way, that young readers and adults alike will learn and be moved by this account. The stories of the young people that Bartoletti follows helps to personalize the events. Despite the amazing details and amount of information the book contains, the text is never overwhelming. Instead, it is divided into ten chronological chapters that are well organized and accompanied by an abundance of unbelievably powerful black and white photographs. The photographs cover everything from life in Germany, to front lines of battle, to concentration camps and complement the text perfectly. The amount of painstaking research Bartoletti conducted to make this book is evident. She has made an extremely important book that speaks to all mankind, but most importantly, to the next generation of young people-the ones who will decide what direction our future takes and whether or not we are destined to repeat history.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-Starred Review-"With a focus on the years between 1933 and the end of the war in 1945, Bartoletti explains the roles that millions of boys and girls unwittingly played in the horrors of the Third Reich...Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has."

Booklist-Starred Review-"Bartoletti draws on oral histories, diaries, letters, and her own extensive interviews with Holocaust survivors, Hitler Youth, resisters, and bystanders to tell the history from the viewpoints of people who were there."

The Horn Book-Starred Review-"The power of the account...matched by the many period...photographs, well-married to the text by strong captions and placement…"

5. Connections

*This book would complement any World History curriculum on World War II

*Could be used as part of a multicultural unit

*Could be used to introduce or in conjunction with a novel unit dealing with the Holocaust (ex. The Diary of Anne Frank, Number the Stars)

Other books on the Hitler Youth:

Kater, Micheal H. Hitler Youth. ISBN 0674019911

Koch, H.W. Hitler Youth: Origins and Development 1922-1945. ISBN 0815410840

Heck, Alfons. A Child of Hitler: Germany in the Days When God Wore a Swastika. ISBN 0939650444

Rempel, Gerhard. The Hitler Youth and the SS. ISBN 0807842990

Metalmann, Henry. A Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Germany in the 1930's. ISBN 1862272522

Dvorson, Alexa. The Hitler Youth: Marching Towards Madness (Teen Witnesses to the Holocaust) ISBN 1562544624

Other nonfiction books by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:

The Boy Who Dared ISBN 0439680131

Growing up in Coal Country ISBN 0395979145

Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine 1845-1850 ISBN 0618548831

Kids on Strike! ISBN 0618369236

Nonfiction Review-Destination Jupiter

1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 1998. Destination: Jupiter. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0613336917

2. Plot Summary
Seymour Simon provides a wealth of factual information for readers who are interested in learning about "the largest planet in the Solar System": Jupiter. Every aspect of the planet is covered from how to recognize it ("It is the fourth-brightest object in the sky..." and "looks like a bright star") to what Jupiter's clouds are made of (mostly hydrogen and helium). Simon documents the history of attempted human contact with the planet through Hubble Space Telescope, the Voyager, and the Galileo. Young readers will enjoy the colorful way that facts are presented ("If Jupiter were hollow, more than thirteen hundred planet Earths could fit inside it.")

3. Critical Analysis
Even though there is a lot of information in this book, the text is broken up into sections so as to not overwhelm. There are breathtaking photographs on every double page spread that are not only fascinating and beautiful but essential in presenting what is being described in the text. Entertaining trivia help to further explain concepts (for example, in explaining Jupiter's atmospheric pressure-"If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 264 pounds on Jupiter"). This book is great for young readers who already love outer space as well as those who would like to learn more about it.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Expertly balancing the verbal and visual presentation, Simon again demonstrates his ability to inform and entertain simultaneously."
Kirkus Reviews-"Spectacular full-color photographs. Fascinating...not to be missed."

5. Connections

*This book would complement any science curriculum concerning the solar system.

Other books on Jupiter for young readers:

Landau, Elaine. Jupiter (True Books) ISBN 0531147894

Taylor-Butler, Christine. Jupiter (Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers) ISBN 0531147614

Loewen, James. The Largest Planet: Jupiter (Amazing Science: Planets) ISBN 1404839615

Kerrod, Robin. Jupiter (Planet Library) ISBN 0822539071

Seymour Simon has an extensive body of work on every aspect of outer space. He also has written books on the following subjects (to name a few):

Weather ISBN 0060884398

Bones: Our Skeletal System ISBN 0688177212

Animals Nobody Loves ISBN 1587171554

Seymour Simon's Book of Trains ISBN 0064462234

Oceans ISBN 0060889993

Pyramids and Mummies ISBN 1587172410

Now You See It, Now You Don't: The Amazing World of Optical Illusions ISBN 0688161529

Nonfiction Review-THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET

1. Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Suess. Ill. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375822984

2. Plot Summary
With the opening line, "Once upon a time, there lived a boy who feasted on books and was wild about animals," Kathleen Krull begins a journey with readers through the childhood of Ted Geisel, the boy who would one day grow up to be the legendary Dr. Suess, beloved children's writer and illustrator. The book includes details that most likely influenced him and fed his imagination and love of books, such as his father's career as the superintendent of the zoo or the fact that his mother read to him every night. The account details Ted's neighborhood, his friends, the trouble he got into at school and also lesser known facts such as the discrimination that Ted and his family endured during World War I because of their German ethnicity. This book follows Ted Geisel all the way through his school years, college education, and the beginning of his struggling career as a writer and cartoonist. Kathleen Krull concludes her story of "Dr. Suess's" humble beginnings with Ted moving to New York to pursue his budding career selling drawings to magazines and newspapers and, at twenty-two years old, looking forward to an exciting future.

2. Critical Analysis

Kathleen Krull writes an interesting and informative book in a clear way so that young readers may understand and enjoy learning about one of the most profound and beloved children's book author and illustrator of our time. Young readers will be captivated by reading Ted Geisel's story through the eyes of his childhood and will love the endearing flaws that Krull relates such as the fact that Ted struggled in school, had a problem with exaggerating the truth, and was voted "Least Likely to Succeed" by his classmates at Dartmouth. Krull includes an epilogue entitled "On Beyond Fairfield Street" that begins where the story leaves off and describes Ted Geisel's long career as Dr. Suess. There is also a list of "Great Works Written and Illustrated by Dr. Suess" written in a timeline format and a few suggested titles for further reading.

The beautiful paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher complement the story and have the same type of simplistic appeal that the text has. Every double page spread has a page of text and an opposing page with a painting. In this way, the illustrations really depict and help to describe the action in the story. It also creates the perfect amount of text so as to not overwhelm young readers. In the white space surrounding the text, a cast of Dr. Suess's famous characters and doodles dance and tumble across the pages as if accompanying the reader.

4. Review Excerpts

Booklist-" Krull's pithy text is extended by full-page paintings that glow with the memory of yesteryear and capture the mix of humor and poignancy that comes with trying to fit in. Spot art from Geisel's own books enlivens the text pages. "

5. Connections

*This book could be used in a research project for students to learn more about their favorite authors

*Could be used to introduce a book by Dr. Suess

Anther book about the life of Ted Geisel aka Dr. Suess:

Kudlinski, Kathleen. Dr. Suess: Young Author and Artist. ISBN 0689873476

Other biographies by Kathleen Krull:

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought). ISBN 0152008071

Leonardo Da Vinci: Giants of Science #1. ISBN 067005920X

Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King. ISBN 080279646X

The Road to OZ: Twists, Turns, Bumps and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum. ISBN 0375832165

Poetry Review-STOP PRETENDING

1. Bibliography

Sones, Sonya. 1999. Stop Pretending: what happened when my big sister went crazy. New York: HarperTeen. ISBN 0064462188

2. Plot Summary

In Sonya Sones' first verse novel, she paints the very real struggle of a young thirteen year old girl dealing with her nineteen year old sister's mental breakdown. In a series of poems based on real events in the author's life, the reader travels with the young girl through the horror and denial of her sister's condition, her sadness for the family that has been fractured, her shame and fear that she could go crazy too, and finally her acceptance and healing. Sones captures the voice of a young teenager trying to navigate the world of boyfriends and slumber parties while her family is falling apart.

3. Critical Analysis

Sonya Sones has written an incredibly important book that speaks with raw emotion of grief and loss during a very critical time of life. The succession of poems flow flawlessly and really document the author's progression of emotion and thoughts through these tragic circumstances. The poems do not rhyme and the rhythm is varied but the message and meaning of the poems supersede. The poems range from irrational to reflective, realistically portraying scattered thoughts and emotions inside a person's head. One poem describes a string of highly unlikely dramatic events and ends it all with a promise that if even if all these things happen "I swear I won't go crazy." Another poem about a picture the author has drawn in art class is heavy with symbolism: "I am drawing my sister/with saucers for eyes/...I am drawing my mother/with zippers for eyes/...I am drawing my father /with windows for eyes/...I am drawing myself/without any eyes/at all." The range of emotion in this book is astounding. There is shame and fear of the stigma of mental illness, there is anger at her sister, grief and sadness over the loss of her sister and family, the desire to just be a kid, and hope for healing. There is an author's note at the end of the book that describes the background for these poems and the real experiences that inspired them along with a resource list of several mental health organizations. Told through the observations and struggles of a thirteen year old, young adults with any experience of loss and disruption will be able to identify with this beautifully written novel in verse.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"An unpretentious, accessible book that could provide entry points for a discussion about mental illness-its stigma, its realities, and its affect on family members. All of the emotions and feelings are here, the tightness in the teen's chest when thinking about her sibling in the hospital, her grocery list of adjectives for mental illness, and the honest truth in the collection's smallest poem, "I don't want to see you./I dread it./There./I've said it."

Kirkus Reviews-"The form, a story-in-poems, fits the story remarkably well, spotlighting the musings of the 13-year-old narrator, and pinpointing the emotions powerfully."

5. Connections

This book spoke to me in a profound way. I lost my nineteen year old sister in a tragic accident when I was fourteen. I was surprised by the emotions these poems brought up even though my loss was different than those of the author's. Anger, sadness, feeling different from peers, and trying to recapture innocence is just a few of the feelings I could relate to. The thoughts and emotions of the grief process seen through an adolescent's eyes was dead on. This book touches the humanity of many of life's difficult trials.

*This book could spark a discussion with older students on mental illness and the issues surrounding it as well as experiences with loss (divorce, death, etc.)

*Students could be asked to create a poem that would fit in this collection or continue it.

Other books by Sonya Sones:

What my Mother Doesn't Know. ISBN 0689855532

What my Girlfriend Doesn't Know. ISBN 0689876033

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. ISBN 1416907882

Other books for young adults dealing with mental illness:

Simon, Clea. Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings. ISBN 0140274340

Mccormick, Patricia. Cut. ISBN 0439324599

Hopkins, Ellen. Impulse. ISBN 1416903577

Kayson, Susanna. Girl Interrupted. ISBN 0679746048

Wutzel, Elizabeth. Prozac Nation. ISBN 1573229628

Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. ISBN 0061148512

Greenberg, Joanne. I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. ISBN 0451160312

Poetry Review-THIS IS JUST TO SAY

1. Bibliography
Joyce Sidman. 2007. This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness. Ill. by Pamela Zagaranski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618616802

2. Plot Summary
As Anthony K., one of the sixth grade characters in Joyce Sidman's book, explains in his introduction, this collection of poems "is part of a poetry unit we have completed in Mrs. Merz's class." The students of Mrs. Merz's sixth grade class express their remorse and desire for forgiveness for all sorts of misunderstandings and misdeeds ranging from lighthearted (one boy relates how he is not sorry for all the little annoying things he has done to get a classmate's attention but is sorry that she still won't go out with him) to emotionally complex and moving (Please, please come back./...I'm sorry, Daddy./Next time I'll be perfect.) Students use a variety of different poetic forms to express themselves. The next section contains reply poems from the recipients of the apology poems. Not all respond, and of the ones that do, not all extend forgiveness. One collaborated poem of forgiveness is written by two classmates that had apologized to one another for being too rough at dodgeball. While this is a entertaining and easy read for young students, it also captures the emotion of remorse and regret and the healing power of forgiveness.

3. Critical Analysis
The reality of adolescent emotion expressed through the characters makes the reader feel as if this class of sixth graders not only exist, but that they have really gotten to know them on a personal level. The problems they have (and indiscretions) are easy to relate to. The poems are written in different fonts and styles so as to reflect the individuality of the students and create the effect of original poems. None of the poems rhyme and the rhythm is defined in some more than others, but it is the message of the poem that is the priority. There are some great similes in the language of the poems ("you smiled,/but your face looked like a frozen pond" and "Don't leave me spinning alone,/like a slow, sad tornado.") There is an introduction from one of the students explaining the class project and setting up the plot for the reader. There are also occasional author's or editor's notes giving background information on a poem. The one weakness of the book, in my opinion, is that the organization of the apology poems in the front and the response poems in the back is awkward. If both the poems and corresponding responses could share the same layout, the reader would not have to flip back and forth trying to connect them.

Pamela Zagarenski's illustrations use various collage style mediums to create the effect of notes in a journal or a scrapbook. Some of the illustrations include cut-outs of drawings with notebook paper backgrounds, scraps with dictionary entries on them, and various doodles. All of the illustrations help to convey a junior high classroom feel as if the students had drawn the accompanying pictures themselves.

4. Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly-"Zagarenski's inventive mixed-media illustrations brim with items found in a classroom: a dictionary entry on "apology," for instance, becomes part of a student's clothing, and white hole reinforcements resemble a character's stolen doughnuts....But the book's odd organization seems a missed opportunity to tie the well-wrought, corresponding poems together and reinforce the complex relationships between the characters."

Children's Literature-" While it is disappointing to realize that the authors of the poems are fictional, each poem still feels as if it were written by a child, expressing dismay at hurting a teacher's feelings or admiration to an older sibling who seems so much cooler than the author."

School Library Journal-"Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched."

Kirkus Reviews-"Packed with the intensity of everyday pain and sorrow, kids and adults exchange the words that convey grief, delight, love and acceptance of themselves and others. "

5. Connections
*Students could write their own poems of apology and forgiveness.
*This book could be read to introduce a novel with forgiveness as a central theme.
Other poetry books by Joyce Sidman:
Song of the Water Boatmen and Other Pond Poems ISBN 0618135472

Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow ISBN 061856313X

The World According to Dog ISBN 0618283811

Another book of poetry that explores the subject of forgiveness for older students:

Vecchione, Patrice. Revenge and Forgiveness. ISBN 0805073760

Poetry Review-INSECTLOPEDIA

1. Bibliography

Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152012067

2. Plot Summary

In this deliciously creepy crawly book by Douglas Florian, double page spreads are dedicated to 21 different members of the insect "community". Each insect is described in poem and accompanied by an illustration on the opposite page. Poems range from silly ("O Daddy/Daddy O/How'd you get those legs to grow...") to dramatic (Dragonfly: "I am the dragon:/Down on your knees!").

3. Critical Summary

The rhythmic poetic quality is the strong point of this book. Whether it be funny or educational, the clever rhymes are fun to read and listen to. Also, the way the design of the text "acts out" the poem is very interesting. For example, the words to the inchworm's poem arch up in the shape of the insect, the text of the whirligig beetle's poem goes around in a circle to describe how the beetles "twirl", and when the locusts make your grass "disappear", the word also takes on a ghostly erased look. The actual content of the poems are educational as well as entertaining, letting children know why walking sticks look the way they do, the qualities of a termite nest, and the role of a male giant water bug. The illustrations, also by Doug Florian, were done in watercolors on brown paper bags in a collage style. They humorously and imaginatively build on the realistic but whimsical descriptions of the insects in the poetry. Slightly more sophisticated than picture book illustrations intended for younger audiences, these illustrations are perfect to capture the interest of elementary grade readers.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal Starred Review-"Shaped or pattern poems about the inchworm, whirligig beetles, and mound-building termites work particularly well. The words are arranged in pleasing patterns and the rhythms fit the characteristics of the subjects. The design adds to the overall appeal."

Booklist Starred Review-"The verse rhymes at the ends of lines, and often internally as well, as Florian plays with sound and meter, word and sense, and even the placement of words on the page to create poems that children will enjoy..."

Kirkus-"The watercolor illustrations, abstract and stylized, achieve a comic effect by incorporating collage elements reminiscent of an entomologist's field notes."

5. Connections

*This book would complement any elementary grade science lesson on insects.

*Children could also make up original poems about other insects that weren't mentioned.

Other books about our animal friends written and illustrated by Douglas Florian are:

Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs. ISBN 0152052488

Mammalabilia. ISBN 0152050248

In the Swim. ISBN 0152024379

Beast Feast. ISBN 0152017372

On the Wing. ISBN 0152023666

Traditional Folktale Review-AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND

1. Bibliography

Schwarz, Alvin. 1999. And The Green Grass Grew All Around. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. New York: HarperTrophy. ISBN 0064462145.

2. Plot Summary

And The Green Grass Grew All Around is a compilation of children's rhymes, songs, and sayings that were created on the playground, in tree houses, and anywhere else children gather. Children's natural instinct to rhyme generates a wealth of fun and silly poetry of sorts that Alvin Schwartz has gathered together in this book. The book is divided into chapters with different themes such as "Food" or "School". The poems and songs range from completely nonsensical to wise observations on human nature ("Often we are foolish, when it's hot we want it coolish, when it's cool we want it hot, always wanting what is not.") Rhymes cover songs, riddles, jump rope cadences, and hand clapping games.

3. Critical Analysis

This book has so much to offer all ages! There are scores that go along with the rhymes that are traditionally sung so that the reader may sing along. There are notes on certain rhymes that highlight interesting facts about it or its origin. In fact, there is a more detailed section in the back of the book for notes, sources, and a bibliography. Alvin Schwartz has also included an introduction entitled "Skinny bone, skinny bone", sharing the origin of his interest in the subject of childhood playground rhymes. What makes this book an instant classic, however is Sue Truesdell's drawings and characters that perfectly capture the humor, mischief, and playfulness of the compilation. The black and white sketches accompany almost every rhyme and express the action in humorous detail. This book is certain to be a favorite with kids. Kids often feel like they fly below the radar of adults. To have some of the language of their world not only acknowledged by the adult world but praised is a welcome and exciting infiltration!

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"It's hard to imagine illustrations better suited to the book's silly, energized tone than Truesdell's big-eyed, animated, and humorous characters. Given plenty of white space, they tumble, goof, and guffaw across the pages, in ideal tandem with the poetry. These drawings may be in black and white, but readers will never pick up a more colorful book."

Kirkus Review-"It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm."

5. Connections

I had the pleasure of reading this book to both my two year old and my nine year old. My toddler son enjoyed the silly rhymes and rhythms but the book held special meaning for my daughter. Her eyes lit up to hear rhymes that she and her friends say at school, never before realizing that other people knew them. It was very validating to her. She was just as interested in the background notes as I was. We had so much fun talking about the rhymes that I remembered from my childhood and she was very pleased to discover that there were many rhymes that she knew and I did not. We also discussed variations of rhymes that we had learned a little differently such as "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." We were both familiar with the ending that was not written, "but if they do, get a shoe, and beat them til they're black and blue." With older children, this can open up discussions that they personally relate to and feel that they can contribute to.

Other compilations of playground rhymes are:

Sierra, Judy. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing and Just Plain Fun. ISBN 9780375825163.

Cole, Joanna. Miss Mary Mack: And Other Children's Street Rhymes. ISBN 9780688097493.

Cole, Joanna. Anna Banana: 101 Jump-Rope Rhymes. ISBN 9780688088095.

And for slightly more daring and "mature" audiences:

Hart, Anita F. Potty Mouth: Profane Poetry, Recess Rhymes, and Other Ditties From the Playground. ISBN 0762432551.

Other books illustrated by Sue Truesdell:

Karim, Roberta. This is a Hospital, Not a Zoo! ISBN 9780618246229.

Joosse, Barbara. A Wild Willie Mystery series.

George, Jean Craighead. How to Talk to your Dog. ISBN 9780060270933.

Strauss, Linda Leopold. A Fairy Named Hilary. ISBN 9780439175197.

Winthrop, Elizabeth. Halloween Hats. ISBN 9780805063868.

Little, Jean. Hey World, Here I Am! ISBN 9780064403849.