Caryn

PRESENTATION

Sixth grader Boy Regis runs an early morning paper route with his older brother, Damon, but is afraid of the wild dogs rumored to live in the dense Hawaii jungle that thrives in patches throughout the boys' hometown of Kailua. Damon can't stand such a sissy, and is always interfering in Boy's own feud with Gabriel, a boy in his class. Unfortunately, Gabriel has a brother even older and bigger than Damon, which causes problems. Boy must learn to conquer his fears not only of the dogs, but to stand up to Damon and his insecurities at school. As usual, Salisbury includes Hawaii's lush setting as a character in the novel, and his details of island life are accurate and well done. Highly recommended for boys in the middle grade set into early high school.

After years spent away from his estranged grandfather, Hiram returns to his childhood home of Greenwood, Mississippi to spend the summer of 1955. While the lazy town at first seems as comfortable (and hot) as he remembers it, his reunion with childhood friend R.C. reveals that R.C.–and many of the whites in the town, including his grandfather–are blatantly racist. When another visiting teen, African American Emmett Till, turns up dead and mutilated in the river after allegedly whistling at a white woman, the town's racial tension reaches a fever pitch. Hiram, who believes he has information pertinent to the case, must choose to do what's right or to perpetuate his grandfather's dream of racial inequality. Based on the true story of Emmett Till's death, Hiram (a fictional character and also an outsider) provides a somewhat neutral window through which to view the highly polarized and controversial events and trial surrounding the murder. While boys may relate more to Hiram's character, all readers have something to gain from reading this novel.

American Born Chinese follows the three seemingly-divergent plot lines of the mythical Monkey King, Chinese American Jin Wang, and American Danny. All three struggle to fit in–the monkey king with the gods, Jin Wang with his American counterparts, and Danny with his overly-stereotypical Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee. The book doesn't shy away from portraying common stereotypes and situations that Chinese Americans face in everyday settings such as school, but does so in good humor and, at times, hilarity. The full color graphics are fantastic and contribute a great deal to the narrative, particularly when the three storylines begin to merge. This is a great book for non-Chinese Americans to read for awareness, although there is a danger that they won't understand how offensively stereotypical Chin-Kee is. It's accessible graphic format might also be attractive for more reluctant readers.

It was refreshing to read a contemporary YA novel with a Native American protagonist that avoids–and often pokes fun at–typical stereotypes of Natives as noble savages or mystical Others, a sentiment illustrated by the book's title. Cassidy Rain Berghoff is a very typical teen dealing with difficult issues–absentee parents (her mother is dead and her father serves overseas in the military), the death of her best friend, her brother's engagement to his pregnant fiancee, and the town's opposition to funding her aunt's summer Indian Camp for Native youth. While I enjoyed the book overall, it was a little slow in places, despite only being around 150 pages long. I'd recommend this for girls and anyone looking for insight into a more modern portrayal of Native Americans.

AUDIOBOOK/FANTASY

Meggie and her father, Mo, go on the run with the mysterious Dustfinger, who warns them that the evil villain Capricorn is hot on their trail. Dustfinger betrays them, however, leading to Mo's capture and Meggie's determined attempt–with her Aunt Elinor in tow–to recover her father. Along the way, Meggie learns of her father's magical ability to read objects out of books (he previously read both Capricorn and Dustfinger out of books inadvertently), and uncovers a similar talent of her own. While the action and conceptual basis for this book are great, the real beauty for me is Funke's portrayal of the value of books: how they should be cherished, used, and explored.

I've never tried an audiobook before, preferring to read (it's much faster). Considering the length of Inkheart, I probably should have chosen a shorter book for this category, but I've meant to read this book for years and haven't ever gotten around to it. Lengthiness aside, I absolutely loved listening to this book. Lynn Redgrave's narration brought the book to life in a way that I often miss because I read too quickly; I had to patiently wait for each word to be read, and I think that enriched my experience. Even those who have already read Inkheart should try this version out–it's worth the listen.

DIME NOVEL

Trapper Dainty Lance and his loyal sidekick are ambushed by four bandits in the wilderness, but their lives are saved in the nick of time by a giant black man named Hercules and his “handler,” a dainty blonde white woman named the Snow Sprite. Warned that the main party of bandits awaits them at their campsite, the group must figure out how to overcome their tormentors with the help–or hindrance–of Snow Sprite's old father.

While I can see why dime novels such as this one were poplular–they are indeed action-packed and filled with likeable protagonists–the description and rendering of Hercules as fiercely barbaric when fighting but “childlike”, “slow”, and “like a tame dog” when following the orders of the Snow Sprite (who later instructs him to take orders from Dainty Lance, as well) made me unable to enjoy much. The writing was also dense and overly descriptive, a characteristic of the time period in which it was written. The action and narrative could be revamped and streamlined for more contemporary use, but unless the racial issues are resolved, I'd consign it to its current place as a little-remembered relic of the past.

Miles From Ordinary is a beautiful and sometimes chilling story of mental illness and its effects. Lacey lives alone with her mother (who is, I'm going to inexpertly diagnose, a paranoid schizophrenic), but when she lands a summer job at the local library, she tries to work out a way for the two of them to survive outside their home, even just for a little while. The ending is extremely creepy but had me on the edge of my seat. Like many of William's novels, Miles From Ordinary is easily young adult despite a middle grade aged protagonist because the subject matter is so dark and heavy. While I loved most of the book, I was a bit skepical about how quickly Lacey's brand new boy friend sticks with the bizarre incidents of the day.

PRESENTATION

Island Boyz is a collection of short stories with teen male protagonists set in Hawaii. The tales range from a trip to a supposedly haunted waterfall to preteen boys dealing with a disabled classmate at a remote boarding school. What stands out the most to me, however, is Salisbury's spot-on description of the islands where I grew up. Hawaii itself becomes a character in these stories, whether as a hot and humid heat or the power of a hurricane descending upon a couple of stupid boys who decide to go out in it. I also appreciate that the Hawaii Salisbury depicts is the everyday Hawaii filled with real people and real problems, not the romanticized, idyllic vacation getaway that so many associate with the islands. Recommended for teen boys and anyone interested in reading realistic teen fiction set in Hawaii.

A must-read for any teacher (writing or not) looking for ways to integrate writing across the curriculum. Bean makes a compelling argument for including writing in every discipline to foster critical thinking and improve communication. It also includes plenty of ideas for great assignments. Highly recommended.

GRAPHIC NOVEL

In a mythical tale explaining the seasons and solstices in New York as a result of a pact between humans and the mysterious Kurbs, an object (in this case, a subway token) must be found and returned to the Kurbs by a certain date or the city will be plunged into perpetual winter. For years, a chain of women has performed this task, passing the secret from mother to daughter. Unfortunately, the current coin seeker, Asterel, must deal with Mr. Underton, who wants the energy of the coin for himself. The story is interesting and its plot twists keep readers engaged, but I thought that the art left much to be desired. The illustrations would greatly benefit from some color in places, and I couldn't even tell what some of the drawings were at certain points. Recommended for middle grade to early high school and those interested in myths or folk retellings.

J.J. Liddy, like his mother, grandfather, and ancestors before him, is a musical prodigy in the small Irish town of Kinvara. But there never seems to be enough time to do anything these days, and when his mother asks for “time” for her birthday, J.J. is determined to find some for her. His journey leads him to Tir na n'Og, where the fairies live. He finds that somehow, time from our world is leaking into their timeless realm, which is causing a catastrophic imbalance. The story has a very nostalgic feel to it, celebrating the bonds of family, culture, and music in an adventure that spans generations. While many parts of the novel feel slow moving, I didn't mind–perhaps it simply resonated with my own small-town upbringing. This is a book that will satisfy music lovers, Irish folktale enthusiasts, and just about anyone who has strong multi-generational family ties.

PRESENTATION

Japanese American Tomi just wants to fit in, but in the polarized climate of Honolulu just prior to the United States entering WWII, “Japs” are anything but trusted. It doesn't help that his immigrant Grandfather is fiercely patriotic, displaying his Japanese flag and samurai sword whenever he gets the chance. When Pearl Harbor is bombed, this implicit mistrust becomes explicit, and Tomi's father and grandfather are sent to internment camps. Tomi must now be the man of the house, but he's still dealing with bullies and misunderstanding close to home. Salisbury's ability to capture the fear of the time period against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty and normal teen concerns make this novel one of my favorite works of historical fiction. Recommended for reluctant readers of all stripes as well as middle grade and teen readers interested in one boy's account of the events of Pearl Harbor during WWII.

In a post-apocalyptic world, one group of people who live in the decadent Capitol rule over the rest of humanity, who are consigned to 12 impoverished districts that supply resources to the Capitol. Every year, two teen “tributes” from each district are sent to the Capitol to compete in a gladiatorial spectacle to the death–and the winner earns food for their district for the year. District 12's tributes, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark must overcome the odds of professionally trained “Career” tributes out for blood and the treacherous political climate of the Capitol in order to avoid death. Collins' ability to build a desperate and yet believable world through specific sensory details and believable characters makes for a fast-paced yet thought-provoking book. Highly recommended for both male and female teens, although I might recommend it for middle grade on a case-by-case basis due to violent content and gore.

Boots and the Seven Leaguers is a good-fun middle grade novel about a teenaged troll named Gog whose only wish is to attend the concert of his favorite Rock-and-Troll band. Thanks to his younger brother, Magog (who is smarter than your average troll), Gog and his friend finagle jobs as roadies setting up the concert in order to earn comp tickets. Unfortunately, while they work, Magog is abducted by the mysterious Huntsman and taken to the heart of the forest, origin of nightmarish bedtime stories and home to the feared White Wyrm. As he rushes to rescue his little brother, Gog must face traps and dangers with his less-than-stellar troll intellect. Along the way, he even manages to uncover a large-scale conspiracy. I liked this book, but much of it fell flat for me because even as he claims stupidity, Gog actually does very smart, un-trollish things. Even his Pookah friend–who is supposed to be capricious and unreliable–is doggedly loyal and plays a total of 0 tricks on Gog in the story (supposedly his trademark). That said, Gog is your typical teen (does that make all teens trolls?), and I would absolutely recommend this book to the middle school set as an adventure that plays up the value of family, determination, and self-confidence. Yolen's twist on the world of Faerie and Gog's commentary on the way his society functions also make for an entertaining read.

Louie Banks thought he had everything figured out when school started in the fall. He'd trained and earned a starting spot on the football team, had the smartest and most beautiful girl in school for a girlfriend, and a job. When he quits the team in protest against his coach's questionable ethics, things seem bad. But then Becky dies in a car accident, and Louie's life collapses. While many aspects of this novel characterize it as almost bleak, the wonderful people that comprise Louie's support system keep the novel from being a truly bleak narrative. This novel will absolutely appeal to high school boys (the subject matter–death, and a sort-of sex scene–seems a little too heavy for the middle school set).

JACQUELINE WOODSON

Frannie's sixth grade world gets complicated when a kid from the white side of town comes to school and everyone begins to call him Jesus Boy. Her best friend, Samantha, thinks he might just be the real Jesus come to give hope to folks, but mixed-race Trevor, the class bully, disagrees. Should she accept and befriend him? Things are just as unsettled at home, when Frannie's mother announces that she's pregnant, a dangerous prospect as two previous miscarriages and the the death of Frannie's older sister at only one-month haunt the home. Frannie must also help her brother Sean, who is deaf, deal with ignorance and insensitivity to his condition. Woodson's prose is beautifully crafted and her characters are real and likeable. Readers will enjoy Frannie's growth as she grapples with these difficult issues in her sassy yet thoughtful way. While Frannie's age places this novel in the middle grade range, issues of race, death, religion, and disability make it appropriate for older young adult readers as well. Definitely recommended.

TIM WYNNE-JONES

This book is a combination of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet and Gary D. Schmidt's Okay For Now–there is wilderness survival in the Canadian wilderness and a complete jerk of a father who doesn't appreciate his son's artistic potential (the way certain school teachers and other supporters do). Burl comes from an abusive household, his passive mother addicted to prescription drugs and his father physically and emotionally abusive (as well as lecherous). After inadvertently catching his father in a secret tryst with the local coffee shop barista, Burl runs away into the late-summer wilderness to avoid any repercussions. After a few days, he comes across the remote lakeside cabin of world class eccentric and composer Christopher Orlando Gow, who leaves him in charge of the property at Ghost Lake before heading back to Toronto. While I enjoyed this story, parts of it were too slow for even me, and I can see some readers possibly losing interest about halfway through the novel. However, the climax is action-packed and heartbreaking, well worth pushing through some of the middle sections. With that in mind, male audiences will definitely enjoy reading this novel.

NONFICTION CATEGORY

Hitler Youth is the nonfiction account of the indoctrination process of the children of Nazi Germany during World War II. Bartoletti uses powerful photos, journal entries, letters, and interviews to bring the accounts to life. I enjoyed that it provides a less black-and-white Nazis-were-all-unmitigatedly-evil point of view by giving voice to the doubts of some of the youth and providing a view into the world of fascism and its effect on children. This is a valuable book for all readers in that it provides a nuanced view of Nazi Germany from a new and fresh perspective: the youth. While this might help YA readers to relate, it's also eye-opening for adults. The photographs are particularly powerful.

GARY D. SCHMIDT

One of the best YA books I've read so far this year. Schmidt has crafted a hilarious, genuine, and touching story that had me laughing and crying in turn throughout the novel. Okay For Now is the story of 14 year-old Doug Swieteck, whose sorry excuse for a father moves the family from the city to small-town Marysville, New York. There, Doug meets Lil Spicer, smart daughter of the town grocer, and must deal with prejudice at school thanks to his older brother's hoodlum reputation. Then his oldest brother, Lucas, returns home from Vietnam in a wheelchair, and the family must learn to adjust. Schmidt weaves James Audubon's famous bird paintings, Broadway shows, Jane Eyre, Yankees baseball players, the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Vietnam war, horseshoes, and other seemingly-disparate elements into a seamless narrative that, coupled with Doug's distinct, believable voice, makes it a must-read. I'm not lying.

Armstrong tells the story of Ernest Shackleton and his ill-fated Antarctic expedition during 1814-16. After their ship, Endurance, is unexpectedly locked into an ice field, the crew must survive temperatures as low as -100 F while stranded in the Antarctic through the winter. Despite unbelievable odds, Shackleton managed to get all of his men out alive.

I've always been firmly anchored to the sci-fi/fantasy community in the YA world, so was a bit apprehensive about reading any non-fiction (ie boring, boring, and more boring). This book, however, was as gripping as any fantasy epic I've read, with high stakes, fascinating characters, and a story so fantastic you'd be hard pressed to make it up–and yet it's all real! I read the entire thing from cover to cover in one sitting, flipping back and forth to the maps as the story unfolded just as I'd do for any fantasy novel. Armstrong's writing style is highly engaging, and the details she shares (not simply events, names and dates) give depth to a cast of extraordinary characters and the equally extraordinary conditions that they endured during their nearly two-year sojourn in the Antarctic Circle. Highly recommended.

Billie Jo loves to play the piano, and she's good at it, too. Performing in town helps her to earn some money that her mother saves to send her to college one day, even though times are hard in dustbowl Oklahoma during the Great Depression. But then tragedy hits when an accident takes Billie Joe's mother, stillborn baby brother, and hideously burns her hands. She must then learn to live with the dust and her silent father in a land without any hope. I expected to connect with this novel much more than I actually did. It wasn't the free verse form–that allowed for several beautiful images, such as her mother pregnant in the rain–but rather a lack of emotion from Billie Jo herself, despite the horrific living conditions she endures. Recommended for upper middle grade to high school as one way to illustrate the horrors of the dustbowl.

Make Lemonade is a beautifully written story about 14 year-old LaVaughn's after-school babysitting job for 17 year-old single mom Jolly. LaVaughn and Jolly are opposite sides of a coin: LaVaughn is an excellent student babysitting to save money for college, while Jolly is a high school dropout with two young children from different men. The lessons that they teach each other while learning to care for three year-old Jeremy and one year-old Jilly powerfully relate the value of friendship, hope, family, and perseverance. I loved the “not verse” verse narrative, which was nonetheless highly poetic, and that the quiet, everyday moments of the story are just as powerful as the more plot-driven portions of the novel. The two strong and yet very different protagonists create a potentially broad audience, although the slow, quietness of the plot, fragmented narrative, and verse-like format might be difficult for reluctant readers to stick with through the end.

Unwind follows runaway teens Connor, Risa, and Lev in a chilling dystopian world where abortion is illegal, but parents can choose instead to retroactively “unwind” their children between the ages of 13-17. Unwound teens are often troubled (Connor), unwanted wards of the state (Risa), or religious tithes (Lev); what they all have in common is that their bodies are systematically dismantled and the various organs purchased by the highest bidder. Rather than considered the end of life, however, unwinding is excused by society as living on in a different form, since 100% of an Unwind's body parts are required by law to be used as organ donations. This society, as you might expect, makes for plenty of teen runaways–and Connor, Risa, and Lev must make it to a place called “the graveyard” if they hope to hide out successfully until they reach the safe age of 18. Unfortunately, the graveyard turns out to be even more dangerous than the streets. A thrilling, heartbreaking book, Unwind will have you at the edge of your seat in a way that is thought-provoking rather than simply entertaining. I would recommend this book for both teens and adults.

NANCY FARMER

Tendai, Rita, and Kuda are the children of Zimbabwe's chief of security, the feared General Matsika, but they rarely leave the safety of their compound and have no companionship other than the Mellower–an entertainer/poet/historian/tutor–and the family's robot Doberman. In fact, the year is 2194, and flying vehicles have replaced the cars and buses of today; the scouting program is still going strong, however, and Tendai needs to take a journey across the city to earn his exploration merit badge. With the Mellower's help, the children make it outside the compound gates, but are ill-prepared to meet the challenges of a city in crisis. While three mutant detectives (Ear, Eye, and Arm) bumblingly attempt to track the children, they still must use all of their resourcefulness and a hefty dose of Shona mysticism to get them back to their parents. I'm an admitted sucker for both science fiction and folktales, so Farmer's novel is a winning combination for me. While less “hard” science fiction and more of a coming of age/adventure story set in the future, I particularly loved the juxtaposition of a futuristic society–robot maids and paper boys, for example–and Shona traditional beliefs in spirits, witches, and mediums. While I would have liked more character development in Kuda, it's a small bone to pick in an overall excellent story. An unusual and ultimately touching novel.

The eccentricity of Ponyboy's name reflects the differences between him and the rest of the ‘Greasers' gang to which he belongs. Rather than becoming hardened or jaded about his poverty, parents' death, and the intense conflict between the Greasers and their uptown rivals, the ‘Socs,' Ponyboy remains sensitive and more-or-less non-delinquent. Everything changes when he and his best friend, Johnny, are jumped by a group of Socs and the Soc leader is killed by Johnny in self-defense. In the drama that ensues, Ponyboy's older brothers Sodapop and Darry can't continue to shield him from the vagaries of life, and he ultimately has to choose whether to retreat into an emotionless shell of self-defense (read: delinquency) or to be strong and ‘stay gold.'

Overall, I thought that this was an excellent book with a very relatable main character in Ponyboy. While at times he came across as a little too clearsighted and ‘wise' for his age, I think that had I read this book as a teen I would have seen much of myself in Ponyboy. The rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs is replicated to some degree among groups of teens everywhere, which also helps to explain this novel's continued relevance for teens throughout the years.