From early years on, Neftali is passionate about observing and understanding life around him. He collects oddities: an old boot, a pine cone from the rainforest, dead bugs, even words that he writes on scraps of paper. Teased mercilessly by neighborhood children and criticized by his father, he remains steadfastly true to himself. His stepmother and siblings do support his individuality, and he becomes more his own person as he ages and gains confidence.

This poetical novel is based on the life of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda from Chile. It is a testament to a strong personality and imaginative and intellectual growth. Peter Sis's drawings emphasize and enhance the imagination incorporated in the story. Together, the language and images create a magical mood. Neftali's trips to the rainforest and ocean are especially moving, but small things equally absorb Neftali's attention.

Muñoz Ryan also touches on the activism in which the poet becomes embroiled as a young fledgling journalist. Neftali's writings are an early step in standing up to his father. It brings him appreciation from others and places him under the tutelage of a loving and proud uncle/father figure. Journalism also opens a new world for him; one he cannot wait to explore.

The presentation (word and type) is targeted for young readers, though I think the content is as much young adult and there is interest for a wide range of ages.

related-observation of the natural world, writers and poets, education, interest in learning, biographical novel
RL=4th and up

This one took a bit of acclimation. The book starts with one of the dreamhunters, Tziga Hame, broadcasting dreams to an audience. This part of the world is very different from ours. Part of the world of the Hames and the Tiebolds is the Place. Only a few can go there, and even less can catch dreams to share with others. The origin of the dreams is unknown, as is the reason for the existence of the Place, but the dreams have been used for decades to affect people, mostly pleasantly.

Cousins, Laura Hame and Rose Tiebold, are daughters of famous dreamhunters; they are coming up on their chance to Try to enter the Place. If successful, it will change their lives forever. Laura's father, Tziga, has been hiding a secret from the family regarding the Place, one that's tearing him apart. He disappears due to political intrigue, but he has left clues to the secret in the Place.

Tziga's disappearance is devastating for Laura. She's determined to find the clues her father left and frustrated that her aunt and uncle are standing in the way. She finds that she has inherited an unsuspected family power and what her father asks of her may be too much to ask.

The story is a dark fantasy with tantalizing aspects. The dreamhunting is an odd concept to build an industry around, yet Hollywood has some similarities. Some history of the Place has been revealed in the book to explain Tziga and his behavior. I'm wondering if some cataclysmic event happened to initiate the Place and some explanation will be in the sequel, as the story is definitely left hanging and there appear to be links to the Hame ancestors. Laura and her father's exceptional power is a cool idea, though it has some dark implications. The characters are great with tender and passionate moments. The story is full of mystery and anticipation. The cliffhanger makes me want to start the next book Dreamquake now, and I can since it's available already.

related-dreams, family life, political intrigue, exploitation
RL=YA-adult

Zimbabwe 2194: General Matsika's children (Tendia, Rita and Kuda) live and learn in an environment isolated from almost all people. Tendai has wished for adventure, and he and Rita plan to travel across the city-taking Kuda along-to earn scout merit badges. A simple bus ride turns into a life-changing event when they are kidnapped during a snack from a vendor. The mutant detectives (Ear, Eye, and Arm) are one step behind the children as they are kept by and escape different groups with different intents.

Privileged and forsaken people, modern and ancient traditions are blended in this extraordinary story. With an odd mix of characters and events, Farmer tells a story like no one else. She gives a comparison of old and new worlds with pros and cons in both, and heroes emerge in unexpected circumstances.

related-science fiction, fantasy, Zimbabwe, Shona mythology, detective stories, kidnapping, coming of age, storytelling
RL=7th-YA

Elantris, the city of legendary power and magnificence, full of god-like beings, captured me from the beginning, though the city is already abandoned and in decay. I wanted to see more of it and learn how it's destroyed. The city of Kae is nextdoor and has wrested control of the Arelon region. A merchant king commands the people, and as a result, life is in disarray. A mysterious affliction (hair falling out and skin blotches) marks the fallen citizens of Elantris and dooms them to a living death. As residents of Kae fall victim to the disease, they are banished to Elantris, with Kae assuming they are dead, not knowing or caring about their existence.

Raoden, the prince of Arelon, is afflicted. A burial ensues, and the calamity is hushed up. He loses the governing of one city to organize another in more need. His arranged marriage is disrupted by his death. His princess comes to live in Kae anyway and is embroiled in its politics.

Meanwhile, two religions (offshoots of the same one) are warring over the region. The gentle Shu-Korath which Princess Sarene tries to preserve and militaristic Shu-Dereth which seeks to take over the world. A high priest of Shu-Dereth appears in Kae, vying for the king's compliance and favor of the populace.

As Raoden works to make Elantris livable, the cataclysm precipitating the decline of the city is revealed, as well as the basis for the city's past power.

To me the story echoes events of this past decade. It is a study of what governing leaders ought to be and what they often are instead. The religious struggles also are reminiscent of reality. I enjoy the use of fantasy, in this case magical power controlled by Aons (somewhat like runes), to discuss psychology, philosophy and politics in the world. It never ceases to amaze me how real fantasy is.

Elantris is Brandon Sanderson's first published book. It was written as a stand alone book, though plenty of room has been left for future expansion. Sanderson is now considering a sequel due to readers' requests.

related-blessing and cursing, city and town life, princesses, princes, religious followers
RL=YA-adult

My opinion of Elijah of Buxton is mixed. There is a quality of Curtis's that I truly enjoy. His writing is always engaging with characters that you know fully. The theme is always a conflict in life that has affected our past and still affects our present. There is a great story within the book. It starts way too slow, though. A reviewer at CleanReads noted that it took 2/3 of the story to get to the plot. I agree that this is true. For me this is too long. I was close to not finishing the book despite some of the entertaining details and my liking of the author.

The ending is great! I love that it is based on true events as well. The narrative is entertaining and gives a deep knowledge of Elijah and the free black community which is a haven for fugitive slaves. My two problems with the book are the short length of the plot and the fact that I dislike reading dialect. Not only is Elijah of Buxton's dialogue riddled with it, but so is the narrative. Maybe other people see it as richness of character and adding to the setting. I see it as unnecessary, and it disrupts the flow of the writing. The story has some wonderful moments (for ex. the difference and division between the US and Canada-both physically and in thought, the heartrending decision to save a child when Elijah wanted to do so much more), but it's not one of my favorites, and I don't think it deserves a Newbery. The Watsons Go To Birmingham is still my favorite of Curtis's books.
related-freedom, slavery, fugitive slaves, blacks, Canada, Canadian and American history, North Buxton, identity, heroes
RL=5th and up

I was surprised when I could not find this book on any of the American Library Association's lists. It seems to me to have Newbery written all over it, an ultra-serious book with the poignancy of childhood details during a troubled time period. It's not even on the list for best YA books. It's certainly a subject many teens want to understand better considering we are still embroiled in wars.

It's 1976, the summer of the bicentennial, and though the Vietnam War is over, Eli's family is not over it. His father is having nightmare flashbacks, causing violent behavior he cannot control. His aunt is in town, stirring up emotions with her opposing views. His mom is caught in between, trying to calm the whole situation, though maybe that's impossible with his older sister acting out. His best friend is eaten up with pain and worry at the separation of her parents. Eli is 10, too young to be thinking about all this stuff. But he spends the summer spying on conversations and digging for more knowledge, because he has to know what's going on. His dad's episodes are moving beyond dreams, and he thinks it's his fault. He did a crazy, spontaneous thing that jolted his dad right back to Vietnam. It's a summer that's a turning point in the relationships of everyone concerned, explosive and revealing, yet cathartic, a point from which to move forward.

Despite the deep emotional turmoil, the book is largely a chronicle of remembrances of special moments which add up to the lasting friendships of the personalities. It is also a period book with many 70s references. Written from Eli's point-of-view, there is a strong connection to the nature around him, particularly the trees. Four characters speak of the trees. Music is another strong motif (dancing and singing together as well as several song references, the freedom and joy involved in both the singing and dancing). 10 may be a little young for coming of age, but in a way we see that in Eli. With so much emotional upheaval, one can't help but learn a bit of what's required for coping with the hardness of reality. Most of all what I like about the book is that it is an honest accounting of the coping. It's not a book contrived to portray issues. It feels like family and friends dealing with life and each other.

I don't have any idea for what level the book was meant. The subject to me is definitely young adult. 6th graders might be able to read it, but I doubt many would choose it. Maybe some that are more affected by the wars would. Though the perspective is Eli's, it really is from an adult looking back to his 10th summer.

related-family problems, friendship, best friends, post-traumatic stress disorder, Vietnam War, American Revolution Bicentennial, 1976, aunts
RL=8th and up

Fifteen-year-old Liza Hall dies when she is hit by a car and finds there is life after death in a place called Elsewhere. Once she accepts her situation she has a life much like on Earth. Many things that people speculate about are tied into the story. It is creative and well-developed. It builds on the ideas of life being a circle and people living many lives instead of one. The book may offend some people because there is no mention of God or heaven, but I found it to be a fresh and insightful story regarding life.
related-death, future life, reincarnation, relationships, contact with Earth, life after death for pets
RL=YA

This sequel to Night Journeys is told as court testimony from 4 points-of-view. Robert Linnly, the fugitive boy, is the focus. The girl with whom he is escaping is desperately ill, so he must plan how to cross the Lehigh River, get help for her, and provide food for them. John Tolivar, the master of the runaways, describes his hiring of Nathaniel Hill to pursue the girl. Mr. Hill is acting as a bounty hunter and describes his pursuit of Elizabeth Mawes and his dealings with the other characters. George Clagget is the constable in Easton whom Mr. Hill employs to help in apprehending Elizabeth. All 3 men claim their innocence and lawfulness in the calamitous circumstances that unfold. The story is emotionally moving and significant in that it shows the parallels between indentured servitude and slavery.
related-fugitive laws, eighteenth century, Pennsylvania, indentured servants
RL=6th-YA

The leaders of Earth expect to be annihilated by an insect-like alien race. Their one hope is the Battle School that is training special children to confront the eventual threat. Ender Wiggin is the boy that they believe is most likely to succeed in defending Earth.

Ender's Shadow is a parallel book to Ender's Game which is the first of the series. Bean is the second choice for commander of the forces. He is trained alongside Ender and becomes his strategist and friend. Ender's Shadow is totally from Bean's point-of-view, and the interweaving of their stories makes for an incredible book.

I am not all that interested in war stories and tend to avoid them. However, these two Ender books are more about human development and interaction (or noninteraction) with others and strategy and attention to detail than they are about battles.

*For the full impact, Ender's Game should be read first.
RL=YA-adult

An ancient book of magical power (the ultimate book) is sought after (in 1453 and the present) by learned bibliophiles. In 1453 it falls into the hands of Gutenberg's young apprentice who brings it to Oxford as he flees. Bibliophiles through history seek its power until it chooses 12-year-old Blake Winters to heal the damage done to it and stop the Person of Shadow from attaining it.

Excellent first book by Skelton. A mix of fantasy, historical fiction and mystery, it takes place mostly in present time Oxford, England with flashbacks and connections to the past. The story is suspenseful through the whole, incorporating some elements from Faust and history and a social conflict to root it in the present.
related-books, Faust, wellspring of knowledge, good vs evil, family separation
RL=YA-adult

Matt's Review at Ex Libris

Eva's body died in an accident. Her neuron memories have been transferred to a chimpanzee's body (from the research Pool of chimps with which her father works). Eva is primarily about how she adapts in the chimp's body. Because most people would have difficulty seeing her as a human, she gradually becomes more chimpanzee than human.

The story takes place at an unnamed time in the future when the human population has destroyed almost all natural habitat. The chimpanzees are one of the few animals left in the world and only that because they are useful for research. Living among the chimps, Eva begins to understand their point of view regarding research and captivity, and uses her celebrity status, as the only human/chimp, to find a natural habitat where she and a select few of the Reserve chimps can live.

Eva was written before YA literature became popular. It was written for that age level, is easy to read, but has more depth than the average YA book. Many themes are packed into this short story, such as what it is to be human, animal rights vs ownership, corporate exploitation, overzealous media, and survival and evolution of a species. The issues arise naturally with the progress Eva makes in adapting to her new life.

I've only read a few of Dickinson's many books. In looking for more, I had read that Eva is one of the most acclaimed. I knew nothing about the book, but now I'd have to say I like it the best so far of what I've read. It has a depressing background mood: the overpopulation, media and corporate behavior, and her parents are not stellar characters. Her mother has difficulty accepting her daughter as a chimp, and her father sees her more of an experiment than a daughter. But Eva's character is great. Her decisions make sense, and I had no trouble empathizing with her plight. While it may not have been the best idea to do the neuron transfer to begin with, Eva makes the best of the situation.

This book touches on similar issues as Crichton's Next and Mary E. Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox, but Eva was written well before either of them. All three are fantastic books and explore their issues well.

related-chimpanzees, animals, treatment and rights, transplants of organs and tissue, medical research, corporate ethics, identity and ownership
RL=YA-adult

When CeCe's father dies, she joins her uncle Alex's household, traveling to Georgia with him and his assistant in pursuit of the scarlet ibis. The three visit plantation after plantation in search of the bird, and each place shows a different aspect of slavery in the pre-Civil War South. Uncle Alex is a physician and famous ornithologist, but he is also secretly circulating among the slaves and giving them aid, money, and information for following the Underground Railroad. To maintain their ruse, the black assistant, Earline, must pretend she is their slave traveling as CeCe's maid, a role most difficult for her.

CeCe's character is, I think, the strongest part of the book. She goes from being angry about her father's abolitionist behavior and ignorant of what slavery entails to shocked by circumstances on the plantations and finding some meaning for her own life. From not caring about the fugitives to putting her own body in harm's way to save someone else.

Uncle Alex's character is based on a Canadian physician and ornithologist, Dr. Alexander Ross, who did travel to plantations and circulate information for the Underground Railroad as in the book. I like the way Rinaldi uses a historical character or piece of an event as a starting point, and then creates her own protagonist to build a story. She uses real events in many places, and she has done this with several books. She does an excellent job of bringing historical times to life.

related-scarlet ibis, birds, slavery, Underground Railroad, Georgia, uncles, family, plantations, child abuse
RL=YA-adult

Ten male YA authors offer stories of guys with difficult, real decisions to make, confronted by life with no guide. Flying by the seat of your pants decisions in crucial situations. There is no space wasted in this book. The stories are real and thought-provoking, not the standard safe topics. The characters are alive and sweating.

Walter Dean Myers writes about a star athlete's prom date, with the usual worries plus a race angle included. A white girl wins a date with him, and everyone appears to be watching. René Saldaña, Jr. submits a story of extreme high school bullying with his character pushing back. Paul Acampora's story reveals a young man's choice between bullying his kid brother, like he has been, or sharing a part of himself and being an anchor. David Lubar describes a relationship in which a girl's intention is to shock her parents, not realizing her dad is a shocker himself. The boy she uses only has a shocking exterior. Edward Averett's story stars a boy who's been sent to live with his grandma in the country because of a family situation. Pigs and the girl next door lead him through his troubles. Craig Thompson's entry is a graphic history and growing process of punk rock nerds and gamers. Mo Willems writes about a school for superkids. Bill Blaze the Unbeatable's only limitation is that hurting others hurts him. With a name like Unbeatable, everyone is out to get him. It is a story of betrayal and using your strength wisely. David Levithan describes two brothers living in different worlds. The older, who is gay, tests his parents to see if they accept him as he is. The younger not only accepts him but stands up to include him in the family again. Terry Trueman's protagonist is home alone and confronted by robbers who know who he is. He can either give in to their demands, possibly risking his life, or find away to scare them into backing off. Ron Koertge tells about a boy whose best friend (female) helps him through difficult times. He'd like to be more than friends, but their friendship is too important. When he finds his friend slipping away from him, he wishes he'd done things differently.

After the stories, there is a question and answer section with the authors about becoming men. The authors obviously took the questions seriously and gave some good answers. Some are usual responses, others geeky, and others about as real as you can get.

related-teenage boys, teenagers, interpersonal relations, short stories, identity, coming of age, difficult choices
RL=YA-adult

The concept of the book is amazingly interesting: a family creates a campground, developing it for years, with the idea of sharing a total solar eclipse with enthusiasts. Their whole life revolves around the celebration of astronomical events. Both the experienced and newbies come for this awesome, rare happening.

The story is told by three characters: Ally, the oldest daughter of the campground owners who is an expert on the topic and whose shared anticipation increases others' interest; Bree, whose only interest is in becoming a supermodel and learns to her horror that her parents have made the ill-advised decision to start managing the campground after the eclipse; and Jack, a loner, failing his science class, whom his science teacher (a volunteer astronomer of some repute) asks to aid him with an experiment and management of the trip. The three make unlikely friendships and grow through the whole experience. They face situations they can't comprehend dealing with, and they support each other with the difficulties. They learn to see themselves in ways they hadn't considered before.

The story depicts astronomy in a way that is accessible and appealing. This fact in itself is unusual. How many books pique the reader's interest enough to learn more? - and still fewer related to science. There are a number of details related to the viewing of the planets, stars, moon, and total eclipses. The description of the total eclipse makes me want to know more and maybe see one. I had no idea it could be so interesting. It's amazing to think that people spend much of their lives (at least their vacations) traveling to the spots of perfect viewing. If nothing else, it makes me want to pull out a telescope or pair of binoculars.

So, Wendy Mass's book is successful in two endeavor's at least: igniting interest in astronomy and sharing a convincing glimpse of teenage personal growth. There are also some unique moments incorporated in the story. I especially enjoyed Jack's tale.

related-solar eclipses, friendships, coming of age
RL=7th-YA, also of interest to adults

Primrose's (11 yrs old) parents are lost at sea. Living in a small fishing village in British Columbia, she holds the belief that her parents will be back. She learns to deal with interpersonal relationships (especially with adults) as she waits. She also finds refuge in a restaurant with a unique style.
related-real estate development, foster care, unfailing belief in the unprovable
RL=5th-8th

Little does Callie know that 1899 is her last summer of freedom. Busy with their own affairs, the rest of the family doesn't pay much attention to her odd behavior, her comings and goings, granted that might be because she does a fair bit of sneaking around. Her observations of nature during her jaunts to the river to cool off are the start of a new relationship with her grandfather, a grandfather everyone avoids for his grouchiness and contrariness. She tries to view a controversial book at the library, the librarian harasses her about the immorality of the book, and then she learns her grandfather has a cherished copy under lock and key. This is the moment she is invited into his inner sanctum, and her interest spurs him to guide the broadening of her education in their small Texas town. The book is The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.

When she starts school again, Callie's friendship with her grandfather is well underway, but her mother and teacher conspire to force her education in the womanly arts - sewing, cooking, demeanor, etc. Given the time period, there is only so much the grandfather can do to balance this burden being heaped upon her. Her time is being consumed by things she abhors, things she can't do well and doesn't want to do well. It undermines her belief in her friendship with her grandfather, and she is afraid then that her dreams are beyond her reach as a female. She already knows that she doesn't fit in, but it was a special thing to have her grandfather's admiration and encouragement.

This is a wonderful detailed account of small town life on the verge of the twentieth century. Even more it is a day-to-day description of the girl's observations, natural and social, and progress regarding her scientific learning. Callie and her family's excitement to learn about inventions such as wind machines (fans), automobiles, and telephone operation, and Callie's reaction to molecules under a microscope are an enjoyable experience from the 21st century perspective.

I love the book! My reading experience was similar to when I read Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. Coincidentally, The Origin of Species was a part of that book also, but my enjoyment had to do with the quality of the writing. The details are superb, as well as the enjoyment of everyday exploration. Darwin's book is not the central part of either book, but it does play a role in the education of the children, namely education through observation of life and thinking about those observations.

related-nature, grandfathers, family life, naturalists, Texas, 19th century, turn of the century, Darwin's influence, education
RL=6th and up

This book includes 11 short stories about seeing beyond color. There is a wide variety of prejudicial aspects, as well as a broad range of perspectives.

The coolest and one of the saddest is The Heartbeat of the Soul of the World by René Saldaña Jr., in which a student learns the transcendent spirit present in different styles of music from musicians of dissimilar backgrounds. The boy and his teacher become close friends. A rare, intuitive moment squashed by a random senseless act. Still, if one student can acknowledge the lesson, others will also.

In Hum by Naomi Shihab Nye, a blind man befriends a Palestinian living in West Texas when the boy feels ostracized after the events of 9-11. They discuss many issues, and the man even encourages Sami to start a dialogue group at school in which he can converse with other students looking for open communication.

Epiphany by Ellen Wittlinger deals with a problem that bothered me in my high school - students separated into ethnic groups in the cafeteria. A white girl is determined not to lose her best friend when they start middle school just because she is black. Her friend wants to be a part of the circle of black students, so DeMaris decides to insert herself at the lunch table to be with her friend, embarrassing Epiphany, and making waves with her open attitude.

In Mr. Ruben, Dee tries to set up a date between her friends Myra and Shaheed while Myra moons over their math teacher. Myra is obsessed with the possibility that Mr. Ruben might be partially black. Dee suggests a way for them to discover the truth.

Negress by Marilyn Singer is probably the most agitative of the stories. As senior students prepare their exit presentations, Vonny (black) chooses a racially confrontational reenactment and expects Beth (white) to do it with her. Beth has difficulty explaining why she is unwilling to do the project, but then relents after hearing other students laughing about their situation. But a change must be made before she will participate, and neither one predicts the emotions evoked.

These are the five that impressed me the most, but I'm sure that is partly because of my own experiences. Some of the stories I would have liked to see extended. Like usual, I want to read more of what these authors have written. Some I already have, like Joseph Bruchac. I love that there is a section at the end that discusses the authors, their works, and their included stories. And this is the book that prompted me to aggregate a list of short stories from several books that I think deserve more attention.

Also included in the book, Phat Acceptance by Jess Mowry deals with stereotypes of fat, black, and beach bums and how to navigate school while trying to be accepted by the crowd. Skins by Joseph Bruchac depicts a boy who wants to appear more Native American and another who looks the part and is ashamed of his pretense. Snow by Sherri Winston explores segregation and favoritism within a mostly black school, variations within the black community with black people treating foreign black people in the same prejudicial ways they have been treated. In the case of the principal, it is for political and ambitious reasons. Black and White by Kyoko Mori is about a Japanese girl who is pressed by her mother to be perfect for fear that the community might be blamed for local problems otherwise. At the same time, one of her friends is pushing her to comply with a delinquent act. M. E. Kerr describes two relationships (different age groups) between couples from different backgrounds in Hearing Flower. The bigger issue is the relationship of Mexican immigrants and the older residents in the area and what changes have been made in the community. Gold by Marina Budhos is about mixed relationships and mixed ancestry, in particular, a girl from Trinidad of black and Indian (from India) descent. Also involved is the level of respect within relationships.

RL=YA-adult

This is a case where I saw the movie before reading the book. I think I was in middle school, and it seemed strange but also interesting. I'm sure I didn't understand it fully. I'm just now getting around to reading it, though I've checked it out from the library before and thought off and on about reading it.

It is a dystopian novel that was most certainly politically induced. I was struck by the number of issues still a concern today, or again. Censorship, in this case book burning, seems to be an ever-present issue. However, I was surprised by the firemen captain's explanation for the burnings. First, just propaganda, that people naturally stopped reading after the dumbing down of books (which we are seeing again in publishing) and censoring to protect minorities, and that the burnings had been so since the beginning of the country. He explains later that books that force you to think cause the majority to feel inferior and unhappy, so the burnings are to protect people from thinking, and therefore, being unhappy. Burnings are not normally the standard mode of censorship for societies, but the book was written not long after WWII and Nazi burnings, and McCarthyism was already happening. Less known is that the U.S. has a long history of censorship, it just doesn't normally follow such an extreme course.

Another idea in the book is the use of television as a drug, which has become the greater part of some of the characters' lives, also a criticism today. In the book, the interactive television is the walls of a room. This would have been sci fi at the time, but exists today, and television has become as inane as the story suggests, though, as in the book, it has the potential for more quality. Faber, an old professor, explains to Montag, a fireman awakening from his empty life to knowledge, that it isn't the books themselves that have value but the quality of what is in some of them that should be saved.

The story also includes the subjects of suicide, peer pressure, exposing of neighbors for investigation and a lack of trial to go along with that, and a robotic dog used to sniff out the pursued. Another surprise, one I don't remember from the movie, is the comparison of the phoenix to atomic bombings, though there is no discussion of radiation. 1950 was near the end of the U.S. occupation of Japan. There must have been rebuilding of the cities to some degree previously. Obviously, the phoenix would be a much more hopeful representation than the after effects of an atomic bombing. And to say that the U.S. helped rebuild would be an oversimplification of facts.

I enjoy Bradbury's style of writing. He has easy, flowing language, though filled with metaphorical description. This book has a quick pace; I had to slow down and reread metaphors to fully appreciate the book. It is also quite short, making it simple enough for young adults to read for pleasure or assignment.

For me, books are a favorite motif in stories, adding to my enjoyment of the novel. I didn't expect the historical connections either. Though they are not specified in the story, they are historical occurrences that I knew enough about to make a connection and investigate to make sure I was correct in my thinking. This copy of the book has 3 introductions by Ray Bradbury, in which he also discusses his association with libraries and books and the inspiration for some themes. Interestingly, Wikipedia says Bradbury stated the book is not about censorship but the social effects of television.

I'm looking forward to watching the 1966 movie again, and there is a remake scheduled for release in 2012.

related-book burning, censorship, totalitarianism, state-sponsored terrorism, atomic warfare, television
RL=YA-adult, adult book

Frannie is contemplating a poem by Emily Dickinson when a new boy joins the class. The situation is disruptive in two ways - the new boy appears to be white (in an all black neighborhood and school) and he also looks and behaves a bit like Jesus. The classroom bully is affronted and confrontational from the first moment on. The new guy is christened Jesus Boy and makes waves wherever he goes. He does not back down and responds with sadness. Frannie's religious, best friend is sure he is Jesus. Because she wants him to be, it gives her hope in a neighborhood lacking hope.

Frannie makes a connection with the new boy through their common usage of sign language. Her older brother is deaf, so she grew up with the language. The Jesus Boy doesn't know how he knows it. He just does.

There is a bit of surface tension in the novel. Frannie is observing mostly, not willing to judge. The inevitable confrontation helps her to see things below the surface, allowing her to offer help when others wouldn't, spurring her to see life and people a little differently.

My first impression was of the shortness of the book. Then, it had a very different feel, so it took some acclimating. But I like the contemplation of the book. Granted, it would be more appealing to people wanting to think about life, the universe, spiritual growth, etc. I love that stuff and truly enjoy moments of discussion and revealing thought. It is a very short book. Possibly a good choice for book clubs. It has a very light treatment of religion.

The teacher assigns two writing exercises near the end. With a class reading, these could easily be lesson extensions. One would work for a social studies class as well.

related-race relations, African Americans, schools, deaf, religion, family life, hope, teaching tolerance, 1970s
RL=7th and up, others say younger, but it seems mature to me, maybe younger (4th even) for those forced to deal with prejudice at an early age

• A replica of the Scone of Stone is stolen.


• Commander Sam Vimes is called upon to do his ducal duty at the coronation of the Low King of Uberwald.


• Vimes leaves Captain Carrot in charge of the City Watch, who then leaves Sergeant Colon in charge (Big mistake!), and enlists a scruffy dog to sniff out Sergeant Angua, who is heading to Uberwald on family business (sort of).


• Sergeant Colon, now Captain Colon, goes on a power trip with a severe case of sugar cube paranoia.


• Despite Vimes's best behavior, he meets confrontation at every turn.


• Gaspode, the scruffy dog, ponders the complications of humans.


• There are too many Igors to distinguish between them.


• Corporal Nobbs forms a labor union and pickets, and the Watch is reduced to one holed up in the station.


• Who's behind the uncalled for incarceration?


• Duke Vimes enjoys a cigar in a hot spring before running pell-mell through the snowy forest.


• Another visit from Death.


• An attempted arrest ends in one dead, two operated on by Igor, and two missing.


• An Igor's funeral - pieces to go.


• Vimes and Lady Sybil take the scenic route home.


related-DiscWorld, Uberwald, dwarfs, werewolves, Commander Sam Vimes and Lady Sybil, Carrot and Angua, Colon and Nobbs, the Low King of Uberwald, diplomacy and power struggle, satire, humorous, social issues
RL=YA-adult
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta.
Candlewick Press: Somerville, MA, 2010.
Originally bp Viking/Penguin Books: Australia, 2008.
Michael Printz Award author


The kingdom of Lumatere was taken over 10 years ago by a pretender to the throne and propped up by neighboring kingdoms after the King and Queen and their children were slaughtered. Many of the citizens are in exile after fleeing the ensuing carnage. The borders have been magically sealed by a curse through those years and will be until the rightful heir returns. Finnikin of the Rock is the story of the heir coming home to the kingdom. A scrap of an orphan girl draws Finnikin, the son of the King's Guard, to her to set in motion the events needed to return: gathering the King's Guard and soldiers, the First Man (the King's adviser), the heir, the spiritual leader, and as many exiles as are willing to return.

From the beginning, it is obvious that Evanjalin is a character of great heart and power. She is a dreamwalker/seer, and it is her unswerving conviction and path that everyone follows, even when it appears that she has not told the truth. Through the journey, Finnikin fights her control of the group, but also comes to see a great depth of soul in her. She is guided by memories and feelings more intense than others could guess. A relationship develops between them until the truth is revealed, leaving Finnikin with heartache and uncertainty.

Much has been made about this book being a departure for the author, in that it is fantasy. I have found in my reading that fantasy books have some of the deepest realism of all (at least the best fantasy does). I haven't read her other books, but am more inclined to do so now. Finnikin of the Rock is realism, no matter the backdrop. As with other fantasy, I like the undercurrent of issues related to events of our times. The exiles feel very much like what is going on in the United States; I don't know about other places. Marchetta writes about a lack of faith and displaced people without a community waiting desperately for someone to lead them back to a more positive life. She also puts in a word about wars. The coming home is a whole process. It takes a while and successive events for people to believe that it is even possible. Then certain criteria must be met to fulfill the prophecy. The faith in Evanjalin and the idea of regaining the kingdom builds as the journey progresses. There is a point when the whole plan could fall apart, even after how far they've come. It is such a huge thing that human frailty can be the undoing. Yes, this feels much like what is happening politically today. Sadness and frustration with what we have lost. Knowing the possibilities are still there, but who is worthy to lead? Do we have the strength as a people anymore to rebuild? The author is Australian not American, but it would not surprise me if many places are having similar struggles. Economic trends span the world, and the crux is an economic power struggle.

related-royalty, saving the kingdom, revolution, return to normalcy, heirs, romance
RL=YA-adult
Fire: Tales of Elemental Spirits by Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson.
G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Group: NY, 2009.


Fire is the second of this elemental series; the first was Water. McKinley and Dickinson are a husband and wife team, both having received awards on their own, both excellent storytellers. McKinley's forte is in the retelling of folk tales (such as Beauty, The Outlaws of Sherwood, and Spindle's End, though she also received a Newbery for The Hero and the Crown and a Newbery Honor for The Blue Sword. Dickinson writes fantasy with a strong sense of the historical, tending towards ancient history. The Ropemaker and A Bone from a Dry Sea are books I've read of his (He has written close to fifty. As he is British, his books are harder to come by here.).

Spirits closely related to fire would be the phoenix, hellhounds, and dragons. It's no surprise the first story incorporates the phoenix. The connection of the phoenix and the lifespan of individuals is the crux, with a forest caretaker keeping the phoenix as a companion (it cannot be called a pet with its nobility). I love their relationship, the details of the phoenix's routines, and the old retainer's life. In the second story, a hellhound is adopted as a pet, but uniquely it is fighting evil in the area. The setting is a horse stable with a young girl responsible for caring for horses and giving riding classes. I enjoyed her character and that of the hellhound the most. The third story was not as appealing to me. It seemed to me to be how a tribal community might have reacted to dragons attracted to their fires. What I like about the story is that the main character wasn't so sure it was necessary or good to destroy the nest of dragons. That was different. What I didn't like was that he went ahead and played a major part in destroying them anyway. The Salamander Man has creatures less traditionally linked to fire. But the man himself becomes full of fire when the salamanders combine their power. This is an interesting story, with wizards mostly as the bad guys. Too much power for anyone to hold, so the salamanders need to go back to their origination. The last is a dragon and dragonrider story with a young fellow training unofficially to be a healing wizard. Wizards are the 3rd rung on the ladder of respect. Though the boy has great potential, he hides because of the lack of respect. The dragonrider academy provides an opportunity for him to attract attention and gain respect for the healing profession. This is the longest and best of the stories. I would like to see it expanded into a novel. It felt like the story could have been extended so much farther.

related-mythical animals, short stories, phoenix, hellhounds, dragons, dragonriders, horses
RL=7th-adult

Firebirds ed by Sharyn November.
Firebird/Penguin Group: NY, 2003.


Sixteen original stories by award-winning fantasy and science fiction authors. Firebird, an imprint of Penguin Group, celebrates these fine writers and is dedicated to this growing genre for young adult readers.

There is an exciting mix of styles, and I enjoy sampling works like this that lead me to new favorites. The stories I found the most memorable are The Baby in the Night Deposit Box by Megan Whalen Turner (a child raised in a bank), Beauty by Sherwood Smith (the odd princess in the family is kidnapped to help an escaping prisoner, and he stays with her longer than necessary for her company), Byndley by Patricia A. McKillip (a wizard must return something he stole long ago from the faerie world), Hope Chest by Garth Nix (a strange western tale that my son says reminds him of the TV series Smallville), Chasing the Wind by Elizabeth E. Wein (the journey of a teenage girl to a plantation in Kenya), Little Dot by Diana Wynne Jones (from the perspective of a cat), and Flotsam by Nina Kiriki Hoffman (a girl cares for a homeless boy who turns out to be from the land of faeries.

authors-Delia Sherman, Megan Whalen Turner, Sherwood Smith, Nancy Springer, Lloyd Alexander, Meredith Ann Pierce, Michael Cadnum, Emma Bull, Charles Vess (il for graphic story), Patricia A. McKillip, Kara Dalkey, Garth Nix, Elizabeth E. Wein, Diana Wynne Jones, Nancy Farmer, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Laurel Winter
RL=YA

Firebirds Rising ed by Sharyn November.
Firebird/Penguin Group: NY, 2006.


This is an awesome collection of stories. Each fantasy story has a social issue at its core. All with teen protagonists. Some with specifically teen concerns. Despite the obvious social issues, none of the stories seem to be only written for the issue. Most of the stories are also realistic. (Kara Dalkey's Hives is too realistic; I can see it happening too near in the future). Short stories always leave me wanting to know more. This one even more so-I want to find more of the authors' works.

To me Hives is one of the highlights. I'll Give You My Word by Diana Wynne Jones (a child fighting evil with words) and In the House of Seven Librarians by Ellen Klages (librarians continuing an old abandoned library and raising a child there) also struck a chord. Wintermoon Wish by Sharon Shinn has perhaps a historical feel. The House on the Planet by Tanith Lee has a few themes since it is about a community changing through time. All in all an excellent book! It's now one of my favorite short story collections-although I haven't read Firebird (its predecessor) yet.

My one concern is that Tamora Pierce's Huntress starts the book. It does grab the reader's attention, but it is also shocking and violent. Despite being the first story, it does not set the tone for the book, and I believe it should have been further into the book. I'm not against the story (I have in fact written in defense of Tamora Pierce's use of violence.), just concerned it will put people off and keep them from reading an excellent collection.

authors-Francesca Lia Block, Emma Bull, Kara Dalkey, Pamela Dean, Charles de Lint, Carol Emshwiller, Alan Dean Foster, Alison Goodman, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Tanith Lee, Kelly Link, Patricia A. McKillip, Sharon Shinn

related-teen groups, hiding identity, alien/native companions and laborers, courting, bonding, little people, the power of words, progress, new technology, poverty, raising the next generation, folklore, local legend, fanciful creatures, teen suicide and alienation/isolation, racism, slavery, pioneers, settlement of another planet, land regeneration, belief systems, forms of communicating, mining, self-sacrifice
RL=YA-adult

Firebirds Soaring ed by Sharyn November.
Firebird/Penguin Group: NY, 2009.


Firebirds Soaring is the third collection in a series of what is some of the best short stories I have read. They are fantasy or science fiction stories (mostly fantasy) for Young Adults. Highly imaginative, widely ranging in content, with no bad writing in the bunch. I can tell by the caliber of writing that everyone involved is having a ball with the anthologies, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Two things I love about these collections are that I learn about awesome authors I didn't already know and the short story format gives the authors a chance to write something totally different from their novels, since it's less of a commitment.

In the Kingmaker by Nancy Springer, Wren has the power to perceive truth or lies, which comes in handy for dispensing justice. Her power could enable her to become the first High Queen of her homeland. In A Ticket to Ride by Nancy Farmer, Jason saves a homeless man and takes his place in reliving the man's life. Christopher Barzak spins a tale in which Midori (a misfit in her town) feels a strong connection to the foxes to which she is always compared - A Thousand Tails. She feels sure she truly is a fox, which would explain why she doesn't fit in. All Under Heaven by Chris Roberson has a historical feel, with its dying fishing trade, though it is futuristic. Ellen Klages's Singing On a Star is quite creepy. I loved it, but I can understand the young girl not wanting to go back to the world in the closet. Egg Magic by Louise Marley is another with a girl that knows she doesn't belong. She's obsessed with her mother she never knew and her father refuses to talk about. She wants out until the day she realizes she could lose her stepmother. In the sci fi Flatland by Kara Dalkey, Appie has the prime job for an 18 year old. She and her colleagues live and work in a cubio, where their schedules (lives) are arranged for them and all life is work related. She's a trendsetter, molding companies for the future. The story deals with opposing lifestyles, workaholics vs opting out or surrendering to The Void. Just experiencing The Void (while completely satisfying) can make it impossible to work. Candas Jane Dorsey's Dolly the Dog-Soldier is interesting but confusing to me. Partly because it isn't in sequence order, partly because I couldn't tell if Dolly is a dog or human. Ferryman by Margo Lanagan is an interesting version of the gatekeeper to the Underworld. You don't think of him having a family that he goes home to at night, yet here he does. In The Ghosts of Strangers by Nina Kiriki Hoffman, local dragons are fed ghosts of animals and people that become a part of their consciousness, as a way of gaining the wisdom of the world. This one is longer and complex, as the dragons are only part of the story. Jo Walton's Three Twilight Tales reminds me of Paul Fleischman's Graven Images, since it has three delightful tales with different protagonists all related to a small town and event. Carol Emshwiller's The Dignity He's Due was a surprise. A migratory family claims a connection to the French royalty. Camping out in towns along the Appalachian Trail, their are different opinions of what exactly is due the maybe-heir to the French throne. One wonders how many other claimants are wandering around in the world, and is it for real or is the mom crazy? Power and Magic by Marly Youmans is part romance, part social commentary. A teenage boy with great potential trying to court a girl who's afraid her potential will be squashed before she can work towards a better life herself. In Court Ship by Sherwood Smith, a Prince travels to meet a dispossessed Princess. He takes passage on a trade ship and may have fallen in love with its Captain. Turns out their grandparents shared a similar excursion. Little Red by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple is the hardest story to deal with of the bunch, although I liked the Little Red Riding Hood connection that I missed until near the end. I'm not sure what to make of The Myth of the Fenix by Laurel Winter. It's a short and graphic dream sequence. Fear and Loathing in LaLanna by Nick O'Donohoe stages a gala event/massacre setting to prepare for war. Two unlikely heroes are sent to the event and get by mostly through self-medicating. They learn of a betrayal plot and join the diverting of the massacre. Clare Bell writes of a tribe of cats in Bonechewer's Legacy that is looking to unite tribes through helping others in need. The question is brought up whether such altruism is a weakness that can undermine the tribe's strengths. Elizabeth Wein's Something Worth Doing is a great finish for the book. A young woman impersonates her brother in joining the English fliers of WWII. She manages to be sent into the thick of the battle in an attempt to win honor for her deceased brother.

RL=YA

The Fire-Eaters by David Almond.
Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books: NY, 2003.

On the brink of war, Bobby Burns truly appreciates the wonders of his world. He hopes for miracles in a situation that seems hopeless. He must decide how far he is willing to go to right a wrong. What would we be willing to risk to stand against what we know to be wrong? Can a fight against what is wrong turn into something pointless or a wrong itself?
related-Cuban Missile Crisis, World War II, school, labor, miracles
RL=7th-YA

Firehorse by Diane Lee Wilson.
Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2006.

The language mirrors the story with its galloping prose. It is fraught with metaphors of constraint-being forced into stillness. The choice of words for the descriptions are tangible and exciting with the story bursting forth-pulling forward just as the Governor's Girl (the firehorse) does.

Forced to move to Boston and leave her horse behind, Rachel is consumed with depression. The need to protect another horse pulls her back into the life around her.

This awesome story includes an account of the Great Boston Fire of 1872 based on newspaper articles and a girl's diary. It draws parallels between the firehorse and Rachel, who cares for her when she is terribly burned. Together they find redemption, but what spirit they must have to follow their callings in the 19th century!

related-veterinary practice, gender roles, horses, arson, family life, Boston Massachusetts-history, historical fiction, women's rights and choices
RL=7th-YA

The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
5th of The Wheel of Time series


A review will be forthcoming. I am still in the middle of this book, but wanted to add it to my Favorites 2008 list since I love the series. The last 2 books, The Dragon Reborn (3rd) and The Shadow Rising (4th) are excellent. All of the books are seriously long and increasingly more complex. Many of the characters have their own importance, and new world concepts are being added a glimpse at a time. Truly thought-provoking books. This is a series I would encourage both adults and young adults to read. Be warned that the books are addictive and require a fair amount of time to finish.

First Boy by Gary Schmidt.
Henry Holt and Company: NY, 2005.

Cooper is raised by his grandparents on their dairy farm. After they die of natural causes strange things start happening. There are black sedans driving slowly around their tiny town, and that's just the beginning. His way of life is at risk.

After reading Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, I immediately searched for other books by Gary Schmidt. I wasn't excited by the description of First Boy, but I was not disappointed by the book. Schmidt's descriptions of his characters-their feelings and their daily lives-are insightful. The book is as much about who Cooper is as it is about the storyline.
RL=6th-adult

First Light by Rebecca Stead.
Wendy Lamb Books/Random House: NY, 2007.


First Light is a very interesting tale. Unusual in every sense. It is part utopian science fiction, with a twist of the historical, a smudge of global warming, and a mystery at the heart of it all.

Thea lives in a community under Greenland's ice cap. They went underground more than a century ago when they were driven close to extinction by their neighbors. Thea's mother (dead since she was a toddler) had the dream of resurfacing to expand the community. Thea is now continuing her mother's vision.

Peter's father has a grant to study global warming in Greenland, and he finally gets to go with his parents and watch his father in action, or so he thinks. The camp is a bit of a letdown, but he is allowed to explore a little on his own. He starts to see strange images in his wanderings.

Thea and Peter meet when Thea and her cousin are tempted by the finding of a passage to the surface. Her cousin is stuck in the ice, requiring aid, and Peter's sled dog is called there by Thea's dog.

The story sounds simple enough then, except that there is unrest regarding Thea's behavior and a power struggle rooted in the history of Thea's mother, and even before her. Also, Peter's parents are acting strange. He hears snips of conversation and does not know what to think.

This is certainly a Knock Your Socks Off kind of book. As in When You Reach Me, Rebecca Stead likes the plot twists. I wasn't expecting any underlying mystery, only waiting for the inevitable meeting.

The under-ice community is a charming world. One I think I'd like to visit. It was interesting to think how it could work, and I was disappointed by the leaving of it.

related-secrets, Greenland, adventure and adventurers, high interest
RL=5th and up

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith.
G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Group: NY, 2008.


The story follows a young black woman through WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) training and assignments. Having learned to fly with her father on their farm, Ida Mae Jones must help the war effort (WWII) in the most meaningful way she can.

Besides the in depth description of the women pilots' lives, Ida Mae's story depicts a young woman's struggle with passing as white. Her situation is illegal, not to mention a rejection of her family and lying to all her close friends. She feels like she is two different people. People whose paths cannot cross. Do her motives justify her actions? How can she continue, knowing that she cannot share her amazing accomplishments with people back home or her true identity with those around her?

I loved this book and didn't want to put it down. Ida Mae Jones is fictional, but she is so real her story seems biographical. It wasn't until I read the author's note that I knew for sure she wasn't real. She is a great character - intelligent, independent, adventurous, empathetic, loyal, with quiet strength. If you're looking for strong female characters, she is one of the best. WWII is discussed with a different perspective than usual, and the treatment of both the women's and black issues is handled well.

related-Women Airforce Service Pilots, U.S history, World War II, female pilots, African-Americans, identity, 1939-1945, dual life, strong female characters
RL=YA-adult

In the first part of a series of interviews on race issues for America.gov, Sherri L. Smith talks about the issue of passing, not just as white.

Following Fake Man by Barbara Ware Holmes.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY, 2001.


What an excellent book! I found it looking for mysteries. It is just what I wanted - not the standard mystery. It is layered with concepts. The first to be revealed is the family secret being hidden from Homer about the father he doesn't remember. Then, the mystery of Fake Man, disguised and sneaking around the tiny town of Herring Cove. Homer's life changing as a result of making a friend and pursuing both mysteries. Also, the idea of what it is to be an artist. All four of these themes are what make the book.

Homer is a great character. One of the best things about the book is how convincing his thoughts and feelings are, and their depth. He undergoes a huge personal transformation, made possible by the excitement of a new place and the awareness that he can learn about his father without his mother, by asking townspeople who might have known him. Homer starts out as closed-up as his mother, but his friendship and what he learns pries his clamshell wide open. He also has some profound insights regarding his life and his drawing. I enjoyed Homer's pure enjoyment of exploring the town and his new friendship.

The suspense of the mysteries is carried well throughout the book. Possibly due to there being more than one, and the linking of them builds excitement throughout the story.

The format of the book is a little different. There are brief chapters that provide perspectives besides Homer's. This disrupts the flow but also adds to the story. I'm not crazy about the graphic ones, though, with the silly comments. I believe this was done to lighten a story which becomes a little heavy/depressing at the end. These inserts seemed goofy to me and interrupted an otherwise great story. It's possible it was done for a young audience. The story is accessible to 4th and 5th graders, but because of the major theme of Homer's father's death, I would say older is better.

related-father, artists, mystery and detective stories, Maine, identity, friendships, spying, boys, adventure, high interest
RL=7th and up

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2005.

Dylan's family owns the gas station in a quiet Welsh town known for having the least crime. Their business is failing because the road leads to nowhere and there is no exit sign along the highway. The National Gallery of Art decides to store paintings in the local abandoned slate mine to protect them from flooding in London.

This story is a quirky accounting of how the paintings transform the lives of all of the townfolk. The Gallery representative sees Dylan as a fellow art lover and lets him in on the secret not realizing it is too big of a secret to be kept. The official expects little appreciation from the less educated community, but the incredible art brings out the best in the people. Much of the story is comical with some great inspirational moments.
related-auto maintenance and repair, art galleries, business enterprise, family life, separation, Wales, eccentrics

RL=4th-YA

Free?: Stories About Human Rights by different authors for Amnesty International.
Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA, 2010.
First published by Amnesty International UK in 2009.


In 1948, the United Nations agreed upon the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It states thirty basic human rights to which all individuals on Earth are entitled. Each story in the collection portrays one of them. These stories by acclaimed authors deal with issues such as peer coercion, slavery, equal rights, refugees, acquiring basic necessities, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, peace and order, among others.

A couple are written in verse. One as an interview.

Some are more serious or heavy than others. Some are even uplifting like the last one. Set in the grimness of the Gaza conflict, a boy sends kite peace offerings across the Wall to the Israeli children. More than a hundred of them, and the children finally respond to his messages. Michael Morpugo's No Trumpets Needed is beautiful, especially the description of the kites and children. I like the other stories, too. But this particular one has caught me.

The stories are very short, but I would recommend it for anyone interested in social issues and anyone craving more short stories. It maybe could be used in middle or high school history classes as well as discussion or essay starters.

related-human rights and privileges, freedom, United Nations, Amnesty International
RL=8th and up

Frindle by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 1996.


This is a humorous example of the spread of words from creation to popularity. A language lesson that Nick finds boring inspires him to create a new word in order to challenge his teacher. He carries the joke too far (partly because of her response), and the situation goes beyond his control.
related-words and language, schools, teacher/student relationships, creativity, thinking and learning
RL=3rd-6th

The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson.
TOR Fantasy/Tom Doherty Associates: NY, 2009.
12th book of The Wheel of Time


The Gathering Storm carries on from the point Jordan left off. Sanderson's first book in the series is a success. There are some differences in style, but I like them both. Jordan's is heavier; you feel the sense of a story needing to be told. He is the bard. Sanderson's is much lighter, more of a popular read (which is okay, since it is a long book; it moves faster). He still tells a good tale, but not with the same eloquence. The only complaint I have about the book is it seems that with every scene change there are comments about the weather. We get the point after a few; don't need a reference each time.

Ultra-Condensed
• Semirhage in captivity.


• Farmers and town people alike see The Battle is approaching. The turning of plows into weapons and mass migration.


• Faile takes care of the Prophet.


• Rand argues with Lews Therin. He needs to know the knowledge that Lews holds. All of it.


• Egwene comes near to convincing the Tar Valon Aes Sedai, until the chaos starts.


• Peace must be made with the Seanchan. To that end, Rand sends the troops of Arad Doman to the Borderlands.


• Egwene speaks with the Sitters who are rooting out Black Ajah and learns of their oath of obedience.


• Gawyn leaves his post, in an attempt to save Egwene.


• Egwene is forced to confront Elaida and is jailed for her efforts. The Sitters must now decide what to do about Elaida.


• Plans are made to attack Tar Valon, 2 plans.


• The Great Lord's emissary frees Semirhage, and she uses an a'dam on him.


• Rand bans Cadsuane.


• Mat writes a script and directs his players.


• Verin is drawn to Mat's side.


• The Dragon Reborn meets the Daughter of the Nine Moons.


• Tuon rejects an alliance and announces herself Empress.


• Rand balefires Graendal's estate.


• Cadsuane says someone with Perrin Aybara can sway Rand.


• Verin meets with Egwene, spilling the beans and ending her life.


• A rebel contingent brings Egwene back to their camp after Egwene's valiant stand. Further proof of her Amyrlin-ship.


• Elaida out of the picture.


• Rallying troops for Shayol Ghul. Rand also confronts the marching Borderlanders.


• Black Ajah are revealed and executed.


• A new Amyrlin must be chosen within Tar Valon.


• Rand finds his reason for continuing.
RL=YA-adult
Geektastic ed by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci.
Little, Brown and Company: Boston, 2009.


Herein resides short stories from a host of authors proudly proclaiming their geek status. Each story is set off by a comic of varying nerdy context.

My overall impression of the stories is the overwhelming passion with which these stories have been written. They seem very real and personal to their authors. There are way too embarrassing moments, situations of excruciating personal growth, and even some geeky accomplishments to be proud of. My favorites feature a Cyrano character, a cheerleader fully trained in geekspeak, a role playing gamers meetup, a fan's surprise visit to an author, a blind date for a stepsister, a quiz bowl competition, a knight incognito, and a personal competition sans stargazer gathering.

If you view yourself as a geek, you're likely to find a home within the pages. Certainly, if pop culture places you within that realm. The underlying threads are crosscultural, as the cheerleader will attest. If not, you may be curious to see what makes them tick. Their hearts are exposed here, as well as weaknesses they'd rather not claim. Peeking within the world where they feel safest, you'll likely never believe the robotic stereotype again. There is too much passion here for it to be true.

related-Holly Black, Cecil Castellucci, Tracy Lynn, Scott Westerfeld, Cassandra Clare, M.T. Anderson, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Garth Nix, Lisa Yee, Kelly Link, John Green, Barry Lyga, Sara Zarr, Wendy Mass, Libba Bray, Bryan Lee O'Malley, Hope Larson
RL=YA-adult

The Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison.
Gilda Joyce psychic detective series
Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Group: NY, 2007.


Gilda Joyce, a self-proclaimed, psychic investigator, travels with her best friend Wendy Choy to Oxford, England for Wendy's international piano competition. What better place for a young, would-be novelist and paranormal detective to visit! As Gilda gets sidetracked by her own exciting experiences, Wendy is the one confronted by the ghostly events. So much that she cannot concentrate on her music for the competition. Both are baffled by the sinister warnings that appear to be related to Wendy's ghost, and as more clues appear, the contest becomes a focal point of the whole mystery.

Gilda is a wacky character, totally carried away by her adventures. Wendy, normally level-headed, has lost control of herself and cannot focus. The two friends go opposite directions, and Wendy ends up just as involved in the case as Gilda.

It took a while for me to get into the story, but it ended up being a captivating mystery. Different is the word for it. Characters, setting and plot are fresh and light-hearted.

related-ghosts, mystery, detective stories, piano competitions and concerts, Oxford, England, investigation of paranormal
RL=6th-9th

The Gideon Trilogy by Linda Buckley-Archer.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: Great Britain.
Series also known as The Enlightenment of Peter Schock.

Gideon the Cutpurse: 2006
Published in the U.S. as The Time Travelers

The Tar Man: 2007
Published in the U.S. as The Time Thief

Gideon the Cutpurse: This is a contemporary time travel book in which two children are transported back to 18th century England accidentally by a Van de Graff generator in a physics laboratory. Some of their time is spent trying to fit in and telling of the future, but mostly the book has a historical fiction feel. The children's travel device is stolen. They meet an ex-thief who watches out for them and tries to help them recover the device from the thieves, who happen to be part of his ex-organization. Much of the story deals with Gideon's (ex-thief) struggle against his old friends. There are also flashes of the 21st century investigation into the disappearance of the two children.



The story was a little slow getting started for me, but once hooked it was quite good. There is a Dickensian feel to it, though broken up by the updates of the contemporary search. The strong characters are mostly the thieves. I particularly like Gideon. I also enjoyed the effect the generator has on the kids and the stir it causes. The focus of the story is on the setting (handled well), mystery, and adventure. The ending is slightly predictable but with a promise of more adventure to come.
related-time travel, robbers and outlaws, history of Great Britain, George III, fathers and sons, London
RL=6th-YA


The Time Thief: The book starts with description of the ending event from the first book. There is a brief explanation of the first book, so it is possible to read this book only, though the reader may miss some things. The book takes off in a totally different direction than the first (not a bad thing). This second book explores more of the time travel issues than the first did-both what can be done and how it might affect people and the universe. Not very scientific, but highly entertaining. There were a couple twists I didn't expect, including the ending.



There is a historical fiction segment in the book as well; this time it deals with the French Revolution. At the end of the first book, Peter gets stuck in 1763. While the grownups discuss whether it is safe to travel in time again, Kate conspires with Peter's father to go back and rescue him. Due to interference with the travel device, they are transported to 1792 instead, so Peter has been living in the past for twenty-nine years. They meet his older self, and he pretends to be someone else to encourage them to go back to 1763 for the twelve year old.

There is also another criminal section since the Tar Man has been transported to the 21st century. He finds his niche quickly and also has contact with Lord Luxom in 1763. He has unfinished business with Lord Luxom which is important for book three and will draw Gideon into the story once again.

The book is long, but I hope that won't deter readers, as I believe it is better than the first-with more complexity and stronger characters. It may even be one to reread while waiting for the third to be published.

*Note carefully the titles, since the change of titles has caused some confusion.

related-time travel, robbers and outlaws, fathers and sons, French Revolution, Great Britain, London
RL=6th-YA

Gilda Joyce Psychic Detective by Jennifer Allison.
Dutton Children's Books/Penguib Group: NY, 2005.

Introducing Gilda Joyce - an ambitious 8th grader, ready to start her career as a psychic detective and novelist. School's out for the summer. Her best friend Wendy is going to music camp, and Gilda's plans for the summer are foiled before they start. Angling for a spectacular summer adventure, Gilda invites herself to her uncle's (an uncle she hadn't known she had) Victorian home in San Francisco, complete with locked tower and hauntings.

She has her work cut out for her: communicating with relatives not in the habit of fraternizing with anyone, extracting information regarding the mysterious events including the past death of her uncle's sister. Meanwhile, Gilda also uses this opportunity to try to contact her deceased father, reasoning that a haunted house is the perfect place to connect with spirits in the hope that one will be her father. It is her desire to reach her dad that drives her to study and practice psychic phenomenon.

Her cousin Juliet is suffering from her own losses. When her aunt Melanie died, her father withdrew from her. Not only did she lose her beloved aunt, but her parents split up, and her father allows no discussion of her aunt. Gilda's influence may help to heal the rift between them. But there are many obstacles to their efforts to work together in solving the mystery of Melanie's ghostly visits. One factor is Juliet's rejection of friendship offered; another is Gilda's clueless pushiness.

Gilda is an interesting character, and the story is a twist on the standard mystery. Like Nancy Drew, Gilda is the passionate, overeager detective, though less perfect and much wackier. She is smart, and even approaches psychic practices in a methodical manner. Her goal is to establish her career, and she very much wants to be taken seriously.

I read the later books first. Gilda's character will be more developed and mature in the other books. All of the stories that I've read in the series are imaginative and entertaining, with The Dead Drop being my favorite so far.

related-detective stories and mysteries, strong female characters, psychic ability, dreams, ghosts, cousins, suicide, fathers and daughters, family problems, San Francisco, CA, humorous stories
RL=5th-8th

Girls Against the Boys by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.


It's the four Hatford boys against the three Malloy girls. They exhibit great imagination in the pranks they play against each other. The feud starts when the Malloys temporarily move into the Hatfords' friends' house as Mr. Malloy substitutes as coach for the local university.


The Boys Start the War
The Girls get Even
Boys Against Girls
The Girls' Revenge
A Traitor Among the Boys
A Spy Among the Girls
The Boys Return
The Girls Take Over
Boys in Control
Girls Rule
Boys Rock
Who Won the War?

RL=3rd-5th Give Me Liberty by L. M. Elliott.
Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2006.

Nathaniel Dunn is an indentured servant recently arrived in the American colonies from England who has been separated from his father and sold. He becomes apprenticed to a carriage maker who is trying to hold his business together in Virginia as the Revolution develops. His master is a tutor who cannot afford to keep a servant and who passionately believes in the heros of the times-Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Randolph, and others.

I enjoyed the chance to read about the Virginian point-of-view for a change. I did not already know the facts involved in the story. There is also a comparison of slavery and indentured servants which is thought-provoking. I especially enjoyed the schoolmaster's character.

related-American Revolution, Revolutionary heros, indentured servants, freedom, music, history of Virginia, 18th century, 1775, embargo, historical fiction
RL=5th and up

The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Houghton Mifflin: NY, 1993.
Newbery Award Winner 1994

This is an intense story about a society that designates one person to be the keeper of all feelings-so that everyone else can live pain-free.

The giver(the man who holds the feelings for the community) is getting too old to continue. He has been trying for years to train a new giver, but it requires a rare person to live the life of a giver.

Of all the children's literature that I have read, The Giver is still one of my favorites.
related-utopia, pain, feelings
RL=YA

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2004.

The story covers the probationary career of Moist van Lipwig who, as Alfred Spangler, was partially hanged for embezzlement and fraud and allowed to live provided he bring back the City of Ankh-Morpork's long-inactive postal service.

Pulling the strings behind the scenes is the supreme ruler of Ankh-Morpork, Lord Vetinari. Moist wonders at one point why Mr. Vetinari (known as a beneficent tyrant) is content to only control the city as he certainly could rule the world if he chose. In his bold move of assigning Moist to revive the mail delivery, was this his sole intention or did he expect to curtail Reacher Gilt and the corruption of the Grand Trunk Company (the semaphore/telegraph facilities that have been monopolizing the message deliveries since the demise of the postal service)? Did he know that Moist would be able to be beat Gilt at his own game-with a whole new style?

A book that defies categorization, it's part fantasy, political satire, social commentary, mystery and intrigue, and adventure. It is part of the huge and popular Discworld series, and Terry Pratchett's humorous anecdotes are as outrageous as ever.
related-Discworld, postal service, civil service, crime, golems, stamps
RL=YA-adult

The Goldsmith's Daughter by Tanya Landman.
Candlewick Press: Somerville, MA, 2008.


Itacate's family is one of change in Tenochtitlán, ruling city of the Aztec Empire. At her and her twin's births, great change was foretold. For her brother Mitotiqui, victory; for Itacate, doom to their community. As she grew, she became determined to prove the priests and gods wrong. Her parents before her bucked the system. Her mother was raised by peasant farmers, her father by a privileged goldsmithing family. Her father was ostracized for marrying her mother but retained his trade. From that time on, he chose to live apart from other tradesmen, keeping to himself, even when his wife died in childbirth. The kids were raised largely by a faithful housekeeper.

As the story begins, Itacate is of an age to be pressed into household chores. When given the task of baking, she molds the bread into figurines until it is barely fit for consumption. Her jealousy of her brother's goldsmithing apprenticeship really kicks in when she becomes trapped into weaving cloth, a tiring task that she abhors. When he shows her his first finished piece of jewelry, she tells him what's wrong with it. Her father overhears and is impressed by her knowledge, so he goes against custom and allows her to start her own apprenticeship. She has a natural talent that he lacks. Mitotiqui becomes jealous of the praise from their father, and in a fit, offers himself up for sacrifice to the gods in a year's time. He is removed from their household in preparation for the ceremony at the spring festival.

While Itacate and her father are reeling from the impending sacrifice, unforeseen events start to occur. There are strangers in the land that make their way to the city of Tenochtitlán. The people first hear about it through rumors, disturbing rumors of conquered lands. When the strangers arrive (led by Cortés), Montezuma (the Aztec king) allows them into the palace unchallenged. Montezuma becomes the prisoner of the Spanish visitors. Itacate loses her heart to one of the Spaniards. The people of Tenochtitlán are so used to Montezuma's commands and pronouncements it takes them a while to respond to the takeover of their city.

Because of the prophesy at her birth, Itacate wonders if the current events are a result of her disobedience of the gods. Besides her participation in a craft forbidden to women, she also rages against the gods for her brother's predicament. Then, she is embroiled in a huge deception regarding goldsmithing for Montezuma. No good can come of this behavior. In a culture that relies heavily on the idea of sacrifice to appease gods, is it any wonder she feels responsible for the catastrophic events? Her relationship with Francisco and the fact that the all-powerful Montezuma has been overcome help Itacate to reject that thinking.

There are many parallels to Landman's I Am Apache. They have similar themes, though different times, places and cultures. Both have an independent female protagonist in a nontraditional role. Both have an unusual setting at a time of great transformation due to European conquerors.

Landman has done an excellent job of recreating the Aztec's community. The story is soaked with the sacrificial burden. Oddly, Itacate questions a society that seems to leave little room for questioning and noncomformity. But it would be difficult to read of the culture without a character doing so. Landman depicts Montezuma as the ruling authority. Even the priests bow to him, as he commands the empire's soldiers. The empire spans a large enough area that the people are convinced by Montezuma that it encompasses the whole world. So it is all the more frightening to learn of conquerors, from they know not where. The imprisonment of Montezuma surely means they have lost the favor of their gods.

The goldsmith's craft lends an air of magic and allows a gateway to the palace for Itacate. It is also the reason for the Spanish takeover and obsession.

I like the ending, with Itacate and Francisco escaping to start new lives separate from the Aztecs and Spanish, as many would have done. I enjoyed reading about the Aztec culture, and I am glad there was no attempt to tie the story into the 2012 ending of the calendar. Instead, it focuses on the destruction of the city of Tenochtitlán on the verge of Spanish rule.

related-Aztecs, 16th century Mexico, conquistadors, Aztec gold, goldsmiths, strong, independent female character, nontraditional gender role
RL=YA-adult

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. il by Robert Byrd.
Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA, 2007.
Newbery Medal 2008


What a nice way of presenting details of Medieval history and daily life! When I first looked in the book, I noticed the poetry format and thought it was going to be harder to read, dragging, maybe not something kids would pick for themselves. Maybe they wouldn't. But the book is fresh and alive. The text is loosely poems, mostly sounding like speech. They are 19 monologues and 2 dialogues, meant to be performed. The 2 dialogues are blended, sounding similar to Paul Fleischman's Joyful Noise. It is as if the personalities stepped out of time to discuss their lives, their concerns.

The characters are all young people, between 10 and 15 years old. They represent different aspects of the Medieval village and give a realistic image of the times. There are also a few excerpts further explaining some points and a lengthy bibliography for more reading or study.

Schlitz is a librarian who wrote the pieces for a Medieval unit study at her local school. The students all wanted strong parts, so she complied.

This would be a great choice for Readers Theater, too.

The presentation of the book is reminiscent of illuminated books, with borders and small detailed pictures on all title pages and larger ones here and there.

related-Middle Ages, monologues, plays, trades, society and social issues
RL=4th-8th

The Goodness Gene by Sonia Levitin.
Dutton Books/Penguin Group: NY, 2005.

I found the beginning of this utopian sci fi novel to be a little slow, but once Will starts to visit an outpost which is different from how he was raised, the story becomes very interesting. At the same time evidence of how and why he is created is forced on him. Will has to come to terms with his father's plans for him and what he has learned about his world. This is a fresh approach to an old theme. It took me in a direction I really did not expect.
RL=7th-YA

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2008.
Newbery Award 2009


To start with I was not excited about reading this book. The related short story from M is for Magic was not one of my favorites from the book. But I read the flap description recently and thought I'd give it a try. After about 100 pages, I still was not sure I wanted to continue. Then, everything changed.

You wouldn't believe the stuff that happens in the graveyard. Bod (short for Nobody) gets into a heap of trouble, pushing his limits, as any child would, as he grows to adulthood. I want to know more about Bod's mysterious governess Miss Lupescu, and Silas is the ultimate of guardians, despite the barest glimpses into his background.

I was not expecting the story to be a mystery, but it turns into one and completely captivates. The setting is contemporary but feels like historical fiction due to Bod's isolated, graveyard existence. The ghosts are 18th century or earlier. The Dance Macabre with the death personification is medieval; I so enjoyed this scene.

Bod learns from many of the graveyard's inhabitants, but as he ages he realizes that the graveyard is limited and he is missing out on the world. He begs to attend a real school, for the living. The description of his school expereince reminds me of Susan Sto Helit from Terry Pratchett's Soul Music of Discworld fame. He is at school to learn but really not part of the school. It is during this period when Bod is half grown that I wondered if he might grow to be like Silas, not alive and not dead. It is also when the book becomes more complex, with Bod visiting the town, drawing attention to himself, meeting a friend from childhood, plus the Dance imagery.

Neil Gaiman is an excellent wordsmith. His writing has an elegance even when the reading level is not particularly high. His stories are quirky, and he blends unusual thoughts and images effortlessly.

related-dead, supernatural, cemeteries, mysteries, high interest, orphans
RL=6th and up

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages.
Viking/Penguin Group: NY, 2006.

Dewey Kerrigan and Suze Gordon are misfits on The Hill. Suze tries too hard to fit in, and Dewey goes her own way, mostly ignoring everyone else, as she creates her mechanical projects. When Dewey's dad is called to Washington, D.C., she moves in with Suze's family. After a few problems, they come to understand each other and even become friends.

The setting is the Manhattan Project. The girls parents are working on the development of the atom bomb. Klages has done a very good job of placing the characters at Los Alamos during the 1940s. There is a feeling of the importance of the work, but the story barely touches on the horrors of the atom bomb and the moral questions related to it.

The depth of feeling regarding the girls' characters is excellent. Dewey has major difficulties to face. Plus, she is an extraordinary girl at a time when girls were expected to do girlish things. There are also some enjoyable extras such as codes, comics, and Dewey's gadgets.

related-World War II, Los Alamos, Manhattan Project, 1940s, loss of parents, friendship, girls, invention, atom bomb, nuclear weapons, fission, United States history, scientists, historical fiction
RL=6th-YA

Guys Read: Funny Business ed. by Jon Scieszka.
Walden Pond Press/HarperCollins: NY, 2010.


This book is the first volume of short stories of the Guys Read Library. Each volume will focus on a particular genre. This one is humorous stories. Guys Read is a website started by Jon Scieszka to promote reading among young boys.

As with all short story collections, I have a few favorites. The first is Artemis Begins by Eoin Colfer, a story about Colfer's brother, the inspiration for Artemis Fowl. Kid Appeal by David Lubar includes an attempt at the best school project. I love the project gone horribly wrong, but recorded for posterity. Kate DiCamillo and Jon Scieszka's entry, Your Question For Author Here, is one of the best. A boy writes to an author for a class project, even though he didn't read her books. He is candid, but she doesn't let him off easy, and a real conversation ensues. A Fistful of Feathers by David Yoo has an ironic twist. For all of the boys out there who don't want to do exactly what there dads like or fit the expected societal mold. Have to admit I was wondering about the turkey's thoughts myself (a little creepy).

For those looking for grotesqueties, The Bloody Souvenir by Jack Gantos might be your thing. A boy seduced by danger and hiding it from his mother operates on himself with nasty consequences. My Parents Give My Bedroom To a Biker by Paul Feig is an odd tale. I like the beginning, but the explanation for the scenario is goofy to me. It may be just right for young boys, though. Christopher Paul Curtis's What? You Think You Got It Rough? is also not something I cared for, but I could see boys cringing and loving it. Unaccompanied Minors by Jeff Kinney is a prime example of sibling rivalry and harassment, lasting into adulthood. Will by Adam Rex features a school with superheroes-to-be, a perennial favorite. Best of Friends by Mac Barnett has two boys that are friends by default with one of them bailing in the end. It also includes one boy using a prize to solicit new friends.

There are some creative and bizarre stories in this collection. Just a few laugh out loud moments, but you'll find yourself laughing, or at least smirking(snickering), at the strangest antics.

related-humorous stories, short stories, comedy, boys, promotion of literacy, friends, families, school, trouble
RL=3rd-7th

Half a Pig by Allan Ahlberg. il. Jessica Ahlberg.
Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA, 2004.

Here we have a case of a stolen pig and how the pignappers were caught. There is lots of adventure, directions, enjoyable words, and lovely pictures.
RL=1st-2nd

Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer.
Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children: NY, 2006.

Fletcher Moon, the youngest certified detective in the world, is on his first real case. When his investigations lead him towards the truth, he is framed along with a boy from THE crime family in town. They team up to solve the case with a little undercover work thrown in.

This book is totally different from the other Colfer books giving it a new texture. It has imaginative twists and will keep you guessing until the end. Excellent mystery for beginners.
note: author of acclaimed Artemis Fowl series
RL=4th-8th

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley by Ann Rinaldi.
Harcourt Brace & Company: Orlando, FL, 1996.

Ann Rinaldi gets right to the heart of the matter in this story of the first black poetess. She is abducted in Senegal at age seven and sold in Boston to John Wheatley. Taken in, educated, and petted by the Wheatleys, she is still kept as property for many years-even after she proves her worth as a poet. The heir of the family, Nathaniel, teaches and befriends her, but also betrays her again and again with his controlling behavior.

Phillis lived through the American Revolution. Her masters were merchants who stayed neutral as long as possible for business reasons. She traveled to England to have her work published and met Benjamin Franklin, who told her she could be free if she chose. She opted instead to return and care for her grievously ill mistress.

Rinaldi's novel is a psychological study of the turmoil Phillis must have felt being raised as "a member of the family" with constant reminders that she was only a slave. Another element is introduced with the hero worship/infatuation the girl feels for the older and more knowledgeable Nathaniel who is toying with her. In the end her love and appreciation of the elder Wheatleys ties her to them when she could be free. Nathaniel's behavior more than anything forces her to realize her inability to live as she was raised. The story ends with her still young and hopeful, but it is still sad to think that even the more learned and forward thinkers of the time (Ben Franklin and George Washington among them) hung onto their slaves as property well beyond their believing that slavery was evil.

Besides being a great read, I would also recommend it for social studies lists regarding the American Revolution, slavery, and black issues.

The first Ann Rinaldi book I read (In My Father's House was largely a romance novel for teens but with some intriguing historical facts. Since then all of her books (An Acquaintance with Darkness, The Secret of Sarah Revere, and this one) have been riveting, with some romance, but much more-great historical background and psychological questions surrounding the conflicts. It's nice to know she has many more books to enjoy.

related-American Revolution, capability of blacks/slaves, Phillis Wheatley, growth of the middle/trade class in America, education of slaves in the 18th century, social classes, complicated feelings/beliefs regarding slavery, freedom, racial issues
RL=YA-adult

Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling
Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Press: NY.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 1997
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 1999
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 1999
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2000
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 2000
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince 2005
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2007



For many people Harry Potter needs no introduction or review. Those who have not read the books may be getting tired of hearing about it. Fans can't get enough and want it to never end. If you have seen the movies and not read the books, I strongly recommend that you read the books. The books are much better because things have been cut for the movies.

Although they were not written as children's books, the first two books are written at a level that 3rd to 5th graders can easily read. At that point the books are amusing because of the humor in the dialogue and the interesting things that can be done with magic. Starting with the 3rd book, the series becomes more complex-dealing with social issues and psychological aspects of life. They are still packed with humor and creative details. However, the characters are more developed and interesting, and we start to see that there is a master plan for the series that is slowly being revealed. Loose ends are being tied to the story that before didn't seem significant.

I know that some people are put off by the magic and hype surrounding Harry Potter. The allure of the magic in the series is similar to the fascination with superheroes or awe of computerized graphics. It creates possibilities that we know are not really possible. To me, the magic is just the backdrop-however amusing. It is just another medium used to display the story which is the struggle of good against evil-including different shades and variations of each. The story also incorporates the social and psychological struggle that life can be. As for the hype, that comes naturally because it is one of the best series available-for both juvenile and adult literature. It appeals to both, and so it has become a masterpiece that we all can share.

RL=5th-adult
starting with 3rd book RL=7th-adult

Quidditch Through the Ages
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them


My sons loved these books of background information, and they still refer to them for fun and speculation about the Harry Potter series.

For people who want to dig deeper into the stories (or for classes), there are some good sources available. Wizarding World Press supplies critical analysis of the books. Their information is insightful and entertaining. They inspired my family to think more analytically and investigatively of the books.

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter
The Plot Thickens...Harry Potter Investigated by Fans for Fans
New Clues to Harry Potter: Book 5
by Galadriel Waters
*There are newer books also that we have not read.

The website links listed below provide news, editorials, speculation, discussion, spin-offs, etc.

Leaky Cauldron-JKR's favorite fan site
Pottercast-Leaky's podcast
Site of Requirement
HPANA
HP Lexicon
Mugglenet
COS Forums



The Hatchet Series by Gary Paulsen.

Hatchet. Bradbury Press/Macmillan, Inc: NY, 1987.
Newbery Honor 1988
The River. Delacorte Press: NY, 1991.
Brian's Winter. Delacorte Press: NY, 1996.
Brian's Return. Delacorte Press: NY, 1999.
RL=5th-YA

Paulsen has created a fascinating detailed, and realistic account. You can easily see yourself in Brian's place.


Hatchet: Flying from New York state into Canada in a small plane, Brian's pilot has a massive heart attack, and the plane goes down. Brian is left stranded in the wilderness alone with only a hatchet to help him survive. During the 54 days he is alone, he learns through trial and error and hard labor. By the end of that time he becomes proficient at survival and he has undergone a powerful transformation.

The River: The government wants to place Brian in the wilderness again so that they can study how to help people survive in the wilderness. This time a government psychologist goes with him. During a storm the psychologist becomes incapacitated, and Brian fears he will die without medical help. He decides to build a raft and transport Derek down the river for help.

Brian's Winter: In the novel Hatchet, Brian is rescued after he manages to reach the radio from the plane. Brian's Winter is a different conclusion to Hatchet. If he hadn't been rescued, he would have had to somehow deal with winter.

Brian's Return: Brian is having trouble adjusting to school and "normal" life. He tries to talk about his experience in the wilderness and sees that others aren't listening to him. He wants to go back to the woods. In Brian's Return, he learns he can go back on his own terms and continue to study the natural world as he did before only without being trapped.Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson.
Delacorte Press/Random House: NY, 2006.
Newbery Honor 2007

Told partly through letters and Hattie's news articles, the story is powerful and thought-provoking. An orphan bounced from one relative to another, she is given a rare opportunity to strike out on her own by her deceased uncle. She spends a year trying to fulfill the terms of her uncle's homestead claim in Montana in 1918. She describes the hardships of the pioneers in letters to another uncle and her childhood friend who is a soldier in World War I. The book is about both the hopes and difficulties of the homesteaders and the reactions of American citizens regarding the war.

The story is valuable in its historical depiction and also in its analysis of events since there are parallel issues currently.

related-frontier and pioneer life, self-reliance, orphans, history of Montana, 20th century, WWI, United States history, letters, newspapers, prejudice, historical fiction
RL=YA

Haveli by Suzanne Fisher Staples.
Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf: NY, 1993.

In this sequel to Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind, Shabanu is married and raising her young daughter, Mumtaz. As the youngest and most favored wife of an elderly clan leader in Pakistan, Shabanu fears for her daughter's future when her husband can no longer protect them from the jealousy of the other relatives.

Zabo, a young woman of the clan, is being forced to wed Rahim's (Shabanu's husband) son. When Zabo balks at the idea, Shabanu conspires with Zabo to leave the clan and hide with her family in the Cholistan Desert. Not only is it the best chance for her daughter's safety, they will also be able to live a freer, happier life.

The book is as good as Shabanu, which is a Newbery Honor book, maybe even more complex. Both deal with the theme of arranged, unwanted marriages. Shabanu is a strong character in both. Independent spirit that she is, she has found an acceptable way for herself, but plans for better for her daughter's sake. It is interesting that she has retained her strength despite the life forced on her, and even more, that she is helping Zabo to avoid a fate worse than hers.

related-Pakistan, gender roles, arranged marriages, family feud, coming of age, independence
RL=YA-adult

*There is now a 3rd book also: The House of Djinn

Healer by Peter Dickinson.
Delacorte Press: NY.
First published by Victor Gollancz: Great Britain, 1983.


Young Barry is convinced that an old school friend, though much younger, is being held captive by her stepfather at the Foundation of Harmony. Pinkie seems to have a gift of healing, and while her talent is about all that matters to her, she is being exploited.

Barry gains access to the Foundation through a request for the healing of his migraine headaches. He is given a job at the Foundation - maybe because of his character, maybe because of his friendship with Pinkie, maybe to convince him of the good of the Foundation.

On a visit to Pinkie's rooms, it is confirmed in his mind that she is indeed imprisoned, and he vows to break her out, at least long enough to deliver her to her grandfather.

The story is strange and mysterious, but highly captivating and convincing. Not only is Barry faced with the adventure of spying within the Foundation and freeing Pinkie, but he also has an alter personality he is trying to understand and control. Pinkie is also hard to fathom, unlike anyone else he has known, and most certainly capable of things beyond understanding.

It may be a strange subject, but Dickinson is a master storyteller. One of his strengths is that his content is so far ranging. Not one of the stories that I've read of his has been like another. Nor like other authors. To top it off, much of his career was based on writing at an adult level (though shorter in length) for teens before YA literature became a norm. Targeted for teens without the dumbing down. That's what I want to see for YA books.

related-healers, paranormal healing, healing the sick for profit, exploitation
RL=YA-adult

Healing Water by Joyce Moyer Hostetter.
Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills Press: Honesdale, PA, 2008.


Healing Water is a very sad but transformative story. It is an excellent story, though I expect it will be mostly read by adults. Because of the depressing subject, I do not know how many teens will pick it up. It may appeal to teens sensitive to others' feelings or teens who have known desperation of some sort themselves. I was such a teen, but this book is so heart-wrenching. That said, there is much we could learn from it. Maybe know already, but could use a reminder.

The story starts with Pia, a young boy, being abandoned by his best friend/older brother/father figure, as he is expelled from his community in Hawaii when diagnosed with leprosy. After trying to survive on his own in the settlement on Moloka'i, Pia is sheltered by a thief, who expects Pia to be his slave. He struggles with his new life and desire to protect others' from his master. He finds new hope when Father Damien (a real person) comes to minister to the community. However, he is confronted by his past and must sort out his anger, when his friend Kamaka also voluntarily comes to live in the community with his wife.

As you would expect, water is symbolic in a couple places in the story, besides the first church in the community being called the Church of the Healing Spring. There is the storm which is a turning point in Pia's struggle with his anger regarding abandonment, and Father Damien cleanses Pia's feet and with them his spirit. Forgiveness and service to others are important factors in the story. Letting go of anger which can destroy you, even if it is justified. Important, but certainly an inner battle.

Hostetter has done a good job of creating the Hawaiian setting, through the use of language and other cultural references. I appreciate the use of historical figures and the recreating of the experience of a real community. The community comes to life, and the story seems real, not forced or fabricated. Pia seems real.

related-leprosy, disfiguring disease, conduct of life, forgiveness, service to others, abandonment, survival, community and friendship, Molokai, Hawaii, 19th century
RL=YA-adult

Heartlight by T. A. Barron.
Philomel Books/The Putnam & Grosset Book Group: NY, 1990.

This is a more fantastical book than I usually am interested in reading. For me, fantasy books are better when they have realistic aspects to ground them. However, there are fascinating concepts in this book that kept me reading-travel faster than the speed of light, a connection between light and the human soul, the possibility of our sun's destruction if an emerging pattern is not reversed. Besides these factors, the story is also about an inseparable bond between a girl and her grandfather. A bond which has the strength to save the Earth's solar system. The ultimate pattern of life and death and rebirth is also an important part of the story.

related-fantasy and science fiction, grandfathers, death, adventure, astrophysics, solar system, black holes, life of a star
RL=5th-8th

The Heart of a Chief by Joseph Bruchac.
Thorndike Press: Waterville, Me, 2002.
Originally Dial Books for Young Readers: NY, 1998.


This story exemplifies several challenges that contemporary Native Americans face, using the voice of a strong, middle school Penacook boy on the verge of recognizing the leader he could be. It starts with Chris Nicola's first day at the public middle school, and he is expecting to be harassed by the nearby town's students. But his negative expectations don't materialize. He meets the school terror and doesn't provoke his ire. New friends are not immediately forthcoming, but as he begins to participate in classes, he gains attention and starts to get to know students from the town versus the reservation.

Because his father is away, dealing with alcoholism related to his wife's death, Chris and his sister live with their grandfather (who is a former chief of the community) and his sister (Auntie Doda). They both serve as a grounding influence and teach Chris to follow old traditions. His grandfather has been entrusted with caring for an island of paradise on the reservation, a place of historical and spiritual importance to the community. When the new chief gives developers approval to construct a casino which would mar the island and land surrounding it, Chris rebels against the project, stirring up the community, and brainstorms to find a way to appease both sides of the issue. At the same time, Chris leads a group, for a school project, in proposing that the school district's mascot be changed from Chiefs. The group unanimously agrees on the subject, all participate in research and delivery, and their project garners community-wide attention.

This is a powerful story by a great storyteller. I don't know what it is about Bruchac, but I feel the story. It's like there is a resonating undertone, as if it is being spoken aloud when it is not. There is a weightiness, though it is simple and accessible. Maybe it is because he wastes no words.

Chris is a great character. He obviously has insecurities like most of us. But his worries are heavier burdens than most as well. To balance this he has the strength of previous generations of his family, plus the loving guidance of two wise beings. Even so, it is crucial for him that he is finally able to communicate with his father, though from a distance Chris wishes didn't exist. Just as important is Chris's ability to stay true to his teachings and to present his thoughts in a productive way. The story is an excellent example of reasoning, judgment, and conflict resolution in action.

related-Indian reservations, Penacook Indians, Indians of North America, New Hampshire, alcoholism, development vs conservation
RL=5th and up

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus.
Amulet Books/ABRAMS: NY, 2010.
Newbery Honor Book 2011


This book went in a totally unexpected direction. That can be an awesome thing. In my mind, I was expecting training within Japan somehow to be a samurai. Instead, a historical whaling adventure enfolded. After being stranded on an outlying island, Manjiro and his fishing buddies are picked up by an American whaling ship. They travel for an extended time with the ship before making port in the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii). Because Manjiro has shown an interest in learning and assimilating, the captain offers him a chance to visit the United States and pursue an American education. After years of training, he decides on a future course - to return to Japan and find a way to act as an ambassador, urging his country to open its ports to visitors and teaching his countrymen about American ways and technology.

As a story, it feels a little rambling and incredible. But the book is based on biographies of a real man's life and adventures. It sounds like it follows Manjiro's life fairly closely. Possibly the unbelievable feeling comes from the uncommon globe-traveling nature of the adventures and also that the 1840s are so different from our own time. Different enough to be incredible.

The book almost reads as separate stories with Manjiro acclimating to various settings. All with the same curiosity and zest for life. It was exciting to read the whaling portion - not at all the usual topic. It reminded me of reading Moby Dick, one of the books I loved reading in college, though obviously less verbose.

related-1840s New England, whaling, shipwreck, ships, Japanese and United States relations, California Gold Rush, Sandwich Islands, 19th century, Nakahama Manjiro, John Mung, biographical fiction
RL=4th and up

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde.
Harcourt, Inc.: Orlando, FL, 2002.

Quite a novel idea for a book! To be stuck in a virtual reality game and forced to replay the scenes over and over until managing to win the game--except the brain has a limit to how long it can continue playing. There are many ways to win and seemingly unending mistakes to make as well. Medieval role playing is the context of the game.
RL=5th-8th

Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2007.


This book is a different take on the King Arthur legend. Sort of an anti-Arthur tale. Arthur is the leader of a group of bandits carving out a new territory for themselves from those of others. He is still Uther's (also a leader of bandits) son, one of many. Myrddin (Merlin) sees Arthur as the greatest possibility for driving the Saxons out of the land and restoring a peaceful Britannia, as in the days of Roman rule. Myrddin hails from the eastern lands that the Saxons conquered. As a bard, he weaves and embellishes the legendary tales which give Arthur the opportunity to become a king in the minds of the people. He advises Arthur, uses tricks to secure a sense of wonder among followers and listeners, and also travels alone spreading the stories.

Gwynna is a local servant girl enlisted in one of Myrddin's scams. She is transformed into a boy to hide the secret and becomes Myrddin's servant and pupil. Morphed back again when she is too old to hide her bodily changes. In any case, her close connection with Myrddin gives her the knowledge of Arthur and his community that others lack. As she grows, she observes and influences events according to her conscience.

Gwenhwyfar, in this telling, is Arthur's wife of convenience. They have no real relationship. She is a descendant of the rulers of the area, lives separately for the most part, and is only called upon in hosting political guests. There is no Lancelot. Bedwyr (Sir Bedivere), who is Arthur's nephew, is the object of her love. Medrawt, Bedwyr's older brother, is nothing like Mordred, though he is the leader in the last battle against Arthur.

Cei, Arthur's half-brother, is also caught up in the tragedy, through no fault of his own. He is in on Myrddin's trickery from the beginning, and he rules Arthur's town for him in his absence. Some say he's a better ruler than Arthur.

There is also a rendition of the Holy Grail in the story, another trick, though not Myrddin's. Peredur (Perceval) is the one to use it, and he is one of three people transformed in the book.

The story is an interesting read, more realistic than most Arthur stories. Though the telling is negative towards Arthur and Myrddin is not wizardly, Gwynna (the character revealing the tale) truly loves and admires Myrrdin. She feels betrayed by Myrrdin's scheming in the end. In response to her saying none of it mattered in the end, Myrrdin explains his motivation. She believes that no one will remember the legend after the man dies. Curiously, she does quite a bit of deceiving herself, despite her anger regarding the Arthur deceptions. Maybe because she believes her motives are more justified.

I realized something as I read the story. It does seem strange that there is so much focus on this story in our culture. It isn't realistic, but the ideal brings us closer to what might be fair treatment of people. Goals such as equality, freedom, honesty, kindness, and fairness cannot be achieved 100% of the time, but striving towards them allows us to achieve a greater measure of them. A similar notion is involved in following figures such as Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, etc. They represent perfection, something we cannot attain. But honestly trying to should mean a better community for all. If we believe instead that life is just not fair, then there is a tendency to fall far short of fairness or any other virtue, because it gives us an excuse to do as we like instead. I believe that in every era there have been a few people who have pushed for higher ideals. Though we may cringe at some of the current behavior, the dreams of better treatment are alive. We may be sneered at for being elite, but the vision is still there. We will move that direction again one day.

related-King Arthur, Merlin, bards, Great Britain, legends
RL=YA-adult

Hiroshima by Laurence Yep.
Scholastic Inc: NY, 1995.

Hiroshima is a short and incredibly moving account of the dropping of one atom bomb on Hiroshima, Japan and its effect on the city and the world. It is factual with a simplified telling to make it accessible to young readers. It's simplicity makes it much more powerful than any textbook.

I don't know how old I was when I first had exposure to images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was 30 to 35 years after the bombings, and mostly what I saw was mushroom cloud images and the statistics of the dead and those injured by radiation. While the sheer numbers made an impression, it was brief and impersonal, and so I didn't continue to think about it for long. As simple as it is, this book makes a greater impression, because it provides an image of what it would have been like to be there.

I do not know know what age is appropriate to start dealing with such horrible things. I have not wanted to expose my children to these and other horrific issues. At the same time, I do not want to wait until high school and bombard them with the horrors and realities of the world. I think it is a mistake to NOT teach history because we don't like what happened or the controversy. My generation was mostly not taught much of what happened in the 20th century because of controversy (disagreement about facts). As a result, we are already repeating past mistakes. Any concerned parent should find out what is available and read for themselves.

For this particular book, I would recommend it for 7th grade through young adult. The story and language are simple enough for 5th grade, but the topic is young adult to adult. Maybe younger for children interested in serious subjects, but my problem with that is this subject requires discussion and looking further into the issue. Are they going to be able to deal with further study of this issue in 5th grade?
related-nuclear weapons, World War II, history-U.S. and Japan, bombardment, 1945, atomic bomb, Hiroshima Maidens, radiation, social issues, realities of war, effects of war
RL=7th-YA



For those ready to handle this issue, I would also recommend
Peace, A Dream Unfolding ed. by Penney Kome and Patrick Crean.
Sierra Club: San Francisco, 1986.
RL=YA-adult

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY.
Originally published by Scholastic Children's Books: Great Britain.

The Golden Compass: 1996 (Britain 1995)
The Subtle Knife: 1997
The Amber Spyglass: 2000

The Golden Compass: Raised by the scholars and servants at one of the Oxford universities, running wild with the children of the town and universities, Lyra longs to go North in search of her "uncle" and adventure. Her best friend disappears from Oxford, thought to be kidnapped along with other children by the Gobblers for some sort of sacrifice. She sets out with great determination to rescue him, finding allies along the way where she can.

Mostly a book of epic adventure and intrigue, it also touches on the psyche or soul with the dæmons-individual creatures who are bound to their respective humans. Those of children can change aspects, but in adolescence they "settle" into one form. There is also a connecting point with other worlds (universes) through the Northern Lights. In this series, Lyra's world is the alternate universe, and it is her destiny to travel to ours. She has no difficulty finding protectors but makes her own decisions and follows her own path.

The excitement builds throughout the book with its twists and turns and a knowledge that there are momentous events to come. Not quite on the level with Harry Potter by Rowling and The Dark Is Rising by Cooper, but the story and details are truly exciting. The language and planning are not as complex.
related-missing person, experiment, arctic region, alter ego
RL=7th-adult

The Subtle Knife: Lyra joins Will who has an overwhelming quest of his own. From different worlds, they meet in another world altogether. A world in which the Specters feed on the souls of adults leaving a chaotic world of children. Within this world there was an organization of philosophers who crafted a knife that could cut through anything. Little did they know that the power of the knife was much greater and diverse and would become the ultimate weapon in the war to come.

Will's quest is to find his explorer father who has been missing for years. In his attempts he is drawn into the epic adventure in which Lyra is fated.

While there are parts of the book that are fascinating, it is more disjointed than The Golden Compass and has some slow spots. The book is obviously important in the buildup to the conclusion. My favorite parts are regarding the connecting of worlds, the further understanding of Dust and dæmons, and the story of Will's father.
RL=7th-adult

The Amber Spyglass: The third book is the epic struggle between the religious Authority and Lord Asriel and his rebels who wish to end the Authority's inquisitorial rule. Lyra is known to play a pivotal role in the confrontation, and so she is being hunted. Dr. Malone is also a target and has fled into another world. Her task is to live and study with the beings of that world to form a better understanding of the Dust particles and their importance in the life cycle. Will accompanies Lyra into the afterlife to set Roger free and, in doing this, they change the pattern of life and the Dust. Their relationship and sacrifices also are significant in the reformation of the ruling structures in the worlds.

The dæmon, or soul, is still a primary focus of the story. The ultimate conflict is resolved simply through Lyra and Will's relationship, growth, and thought instead of the usual colossal battle.
related-coming of age, innocence, consciousness, other conscious beings, evolution, adaptation
RL=7th-adult

More reviews of His Dark Materials
The Golden Compass
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett.
HarperTorch/HarperCollins: NY, 2003.
Originally publ by Victor Gollancz: Great Britain, 1996.



Ultra-Condensed


• Hogfather grants children's wishes on Hogswatchnight, December 32.


• Susan Sto Helit playing Mary Poppins.
• The poker, every governess should have one.


• Death goes out of character (seems to do that often), leaving his granddaughter Susan with the Job. This sabbatical entails covering for the Hogfather. A job Death can enjoy, though it might disrupt the universe.


• The world is full of small round things that aren't eyeballs!


• Mr. Teatime, an Assassin that even the Assassins think goes too far.


• Hex, Unseen University's magical data analyzing machine.


• Bloody Stupid Johnson's special bathroom design.


• There's only one way to eliminate the immortals, such as the Tooth Fairy, the Hogfather, and even Death.


• Nobby Nobbs sits on the Hogfather's knee.


• Have you ever wondered what the Tooth Fairy does with all those teeth? Powerful things, teeth.


• The scales tilt. A change in belief leaves room for other beliefs.


• The Tooth Fairy's surprising history.


related-children's stories, power of beliefs, Discworld's version of Christmas
RL=YA-adultHoot by Carl Hiaasen.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY, 2002.
Newbery Honor 2003

When Roy's family moves from Montana to Florida, Roy immediately becomes the target of the school bully. He notices a strange, running boy out the bus window and is drawn into a compelling mystery. After following the boy, he gains an unexpected ally because of his concern.

There are burrowing owls in danger of being buried by a construction project. In the beginning, there is one person committed to saving the owls from their predicament. As the story progresses, others show their compassion for the owls and employ different methods in their desire to help. Though the story involves environmental protection, bullying, and a broken family, there are some imaginatively humorous situations, and it is absorbing and enjoyable.
related-burrowing owls, environmental protection, community activism, bullies, new kid, friendship
RL=4th-8th

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer.
G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers: NY, 2000.
Newbery Honor 2001

Hope and her aunt are a team. Addie's exemplary cooking skills are needed at a diner in Wisconsin, and Hope has learned the serving tricks of the dining trade in their travels. Coming most recently from New York City, Hope does not expect to fit in, but there is plenty happening in the small town with her boss running for mayor despite his leukemia.

Politics, corruption, honor, and trust are served here with plenty of humor and warmth.
RL=5th-8th

Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon. il Tony Ross.
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky: Naperville, IL, 2009.
Originally publ by Orion Children's Books: Great Britain, 1994.


Yes, Henry has a reputation. So much so that his parents expect rotten behavior (and respond automatically), just as they expect his younger brother, Peter, to act perfectly. In the first story included in the book, Henry decides to be perfect, doing a good job of it, and takes his parents and Peter by surprise. In the second, Henry endures dance classes his parents force him to take. He ends up stealing the show in the class performance, but apparently his efforts aren't appreciated. The third story has Henry playing with a neighbor (can't really call her a friend), Moody Margaret, with the two trying to outdo each other. In the last, Henry's family goes on a horrid vacation. Henry thinks it will finally be an enjoyable one (no museums) until he realizes it's not what he expected.

These are the best books for young readers I've read in quite a while. They have lots of funny segments. In one week, my ten-year-old read the first four books twice (despite Henry's being way under his reading level). My thirteen-year-old also read them all. So, they are books for all ages to enjoy.

Between beginning readers and picture books and novels, there is a gap in literature that is difficult to bridge, causing frustration for children and concern by parents. The Horrid Henry books fall between the two categories, and hopefully their humor will help in this crucial step towards becoming a reader. The books are designed like beginner readers, but longer and more advanced. They are for those who have outgrown beginner readers but are not ready to read novels. Novels are so much longer than beginners that there really need to be more books at the Horrid Henry level. Good readers will make the huge leap to novels. Others might not. I have come across some other excellent transitional books but not enough to keep reluctant readers reading. I have posted before about the importance of this developmental stage and have a list of transitional books.

related-transitional books, chapter books, behavior, problem solving, dance class, playing together, camping
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages

Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine by Francesca Simon. il Tony Ross.
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky: Naperville, IL, 2009.
Originally publ by Orion Children's Books: Great Britain, 2005.


This is one you'll not want to miss. Who knew a story about taking a walk could be so funny? Henry reminds me so much of my own children when we have pleaded, coaxed, and badgered them into going on walks. Now I know exactly what was going through their heads. I have learned that if there is something more active involved, such as climbing or rock throwing, they are more enthusiastic.

The title story with the time machine is most excellent. Quite creative and somehow believable that Henry could dupe Peter so badly. Certainly something all older brothers would try, and Horrid Henry is a master.

Perfect Peter's Revenge is so perfect, until Henry, Margaret, and Susan learn the truth. It works beautifully for a while, but then Peter approaches Henry on the school playground at the most inopportune time, unknowingly pointing the finger at himself.

The last story is one to which we can all relate, the dreaded restaurant situation, even if we avoid the fancy establishments. Different food, loud kids and everyone staring, open rebellion in public. You see, the kids have you in their power, because they know you will do almost anything to avoid a scene. The twist of Miss Battle-Axe being reprimanded by her mother is a hoot.

Did teachers have mothers? Did teachers ever leave the school? Impossible.

I only wish I had thought to pay my kids a dollar or two! We only had a few utterly embarrassing encounters, but we avoided the fancy places.

related-transitional books, early chapter books, hiking, walks, time travel, playing with boxes, imagination, love letters, poems, fancy restaurants, trying new foods
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages
Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb by Francesca Simon. il Tony Ross.
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky: Naperville, IL, 2009.
Originally publ by Orion Children's Books: Great Britain, 2002.


Another spectacular Horrid Henry book. Four great stories. I love the outrageousness of the regular life situations that become capers in Simon's hands. In most of them, I can totally empathize with Henry despite his unconventional behavior.

The first story features a reading contest with the prize being family tickets to a theme park! Henry can't wait to get started - only he does. He's determined to win the contest anyway, but Miss Battle-Axe has a surprise.

The stinkbomb story has the two clubs, Henry's and Margaret's, planning a trick each against the other at the very same time. The parallel schemes are narrated step by step, a nice variation in the stories.

In the third story, the class is given the freedom and supplies to create a Parthenon, but can Henry cooperate with a group? Apparently not. The only solution is to separate Henry. Miss Battle-Axe didn't think to give him his own supplies, and then she kept him in at recess, compounding matters by leaving the room. Definitely not her best day.

The last story has some of the best pictures: New Nick's operatic parents, Henry trying to hear the TV over the opera, Nick's dogs pouncing, a frazzled Henry calling home for assistance. The sacking of Troy from the school project is a great shot of Henry's imagination, too.

In the last story, Henry receives an invitation for one of his favorite pastimes, a sleepover; something that is rare now since he only gets one invitation per household. Nick's family might be the exception, but it might also be the cure for any desire to sleepover.

related-transitional books, early chapter books, reading contest, book reviews, pranks, private personal clubs, spies, arts and crafts, group projects, cooperation, sleepovers, new friends
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages

Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy by Francesca Simon. Il Tony Ross.
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky: Naperville, 2009.
Originally publ by Orion Children's Books: Great Britain, 1997.


I found this second book less funny than the original Horrid Henry, but utterly relatable. Henry certainly lives up to his reputation. Only Moody Margaret tops him. In this book, the illustrations are more imaginative: the fire-breathing dragon, the wedding pictures, Margaret drawing the uncrossable line, and Henry's fake window drop.

The first chapter is the title story. Henry tries every which way to trick the Tooth Fairy, because even his younger brother has lost a tooth. Since it seems life isn't being fair to him, he starts scheming. The end of the story is the funniest to me.

In the second chapter, Henry and Peter are ringbearers at a wedding. Can you believe anyone would request such a thing? So again Henry is stuck in a situation he cannot tolerate, and he takes his revenge - although he is mostly just being Horrid Henry, oblivious to everyone else.

The third chapter finally shows Henry's parents appreciating Henry's Horridness. Moody Margaret comes to stay, and he can only take so much. It's either explode - or get rid of her. I have to say I think Henry's solution wasn't so terrible.

It's the beginning of the school year in the last chapter. Henry is at his most Horrid in dealing with new teachers. He views it as a challenge. The stunt that breaks the teacher is unbelievably Horrid, yet admittedly creative. It's good to know it isn't real.

related-transitional books, early chapter books, behavior, tooth fairy, kids at weddings, visitors staying overnight, first day of school
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages

The Houdini Box by Brian Selznick.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster: NY, 1991.


Wow! An excellent book for young readers-especially boys. Undoubtedly, the pictures are an important part of the story-the realism, awe, and humor. Selznick totally captures the emotion and enthusiasm of a boy amazed by the Great Houdini and wanting to be just like him. The determination and humor of that boy trying to figure out the tricks himself. Plus, two of the pictures are LOL funny. Can you tell which ones I mean?

I did not know until after reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret that Selznick had written other stories-only that he had illustrated. The Houdini Box was published well before I started looking for books for my first son. It is a great story. It ought to recommended more often for young readers since this is a particularly hard level to find exciting books.

related-Harry Houdini, magicians, curiosity, high interest, experimentation, mentors, transitional books, short chapter books, historical books
RL=2nd-4th, younger for early readers

The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade.
Wendy Lamb Books/Random House: NY, 2009.


Modo was rescued by Mr. Socrates, a wealthy English gentleman, from a traveling freak show and raised in seclusion by Mrs. Finchley, an actress-housekeeper-governess Mr. Socrates hired for the task. He was trained in self-defense and stealth by Tharpa, Mr. Socrates's assistant-bodyguard from India, also saved by Mr. Socrates. He is being trained for a special career.

Not far into the book, Mr. Socrates drops Modo off in the heart of London telling him he must now fend for himself. As difficult as this turn of fortune is for him, Modo not only is trained in survival, but he can also change his appearance, an amazing quality which drove Mr. Socrates to search him out to begin with. He struggles for an undetermined amount of time until he can accrue enough money to set himself up in a hotel apartment. He starts to secretly solve cases as a private detective. Meanwhile, Mr. Socrates has been watching his progress, and when a case goes badly, Tharpa pulls him out of the fire, literally.

Modo is then recruited into the secret Permanent Association of which Mr. Socrates is a board member, with the professed purpose of securing English society. He learns that a new acquaintance, Octavia (another orphan), is also an operative of the group, and the two are employed together to work on recent mysterious disappearances in the news.

This novel is the first of a steampunk spy mystery series. It takes place in Victorian England. The arch enemy of Mr. Socrates's secret society is the Clockwork Guild. The leader of the group is Hakkandottir, a woman with an artificial arm. A woman with whom Mr. Socrates has a personal grudge match. She employs a strongman with other artificial body parts and an engineer expert in automata who was rejected by London's Society of Science due to what they considered disturbing exploration. Indeed, Dr. Hyde is assembling a giant monstrosity powered by the life force of people, in this case children, to be used as the ultimate weapon in the destruction of England.

The Hunchback Assignments starts an exciting new series. This book is really just an intro to the cast and two rival societies. Modo the hunchback keeps his identity a secret even from Octavia, thanks to his morphing. The story is his growth and rise to super-spy status. Octavia has her own story to tell. Both are great characters, neither particularly happy with the world. I think that each will play a part in shaping the other's character. Modo is extremely sweet and idealistic. Octavia trusts nothing but herself. They will make a good team in the books to come. Then, Tharpa seems to be always in the background, ready to help in times of crisis.>/p>

Can't wait to start the next book.

related-disfigured persons, spies, supernatural, London, Victorian England, 19th century British history, detective stories, mysteries, automatons, orphans, science fiction
RL=7th and up

I Am Apache by Tanya Landman.
Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA, 2008.


Siki lives among the Southwestern Black Mountain Apache. She watches the slaying of her young brother by a Mexican; he was the last of her family, her mother dying soon after the disappearance of her father.

Left to drift in the community and terrible at the skills of the women, Siki decides to become a female warrior. She quickly impresses the great warrior Golahka who is in charge of training. She also shows signs of having seer powers. Taunted by Keste, a warrior-in-training who is jealous of her status, she doubts her fathers honor and her place in the tribe, even as she accomplishes each task given and is honored herself.

It is a coming of age story during a time of great upheaval. The Mexicans have long been the enemy to her people, and now the White Eyes are moving in and grasping the land from them. Siki senses that either an Apache or Mexican is helping the White Eyes in their conquest, someone who knows the Apache land as if raised on it. The question of future is most important. Siki sees herself as an Apache, though she has doubts about belonging, but when she sees her tribe cannot hope to survive, can she live another way? There are secrets buried in her past that could change everything. It comes down to What makes her who she is, and is that more important than survival?

Siki is a strong female character - adept at warrior skills, independent enough to make her own choice and follow it, with skills crucial to the survival of her tribe, with understanding and compassion even related to an enemy.

I enjoyed this fictional account. Landman has imagined an excellent tale of a young woman forced to choose between her life with the Apache or a future among the Europeans who are too numerous to stop, and it takes place in a different region than what is normally used, adding the part that Mexicans (Spanish descent) played.

related-European/American conquest, captives, slavery, slaughter of the Apache tribes, identity, females in nontraditional roles, seers, captives included in the tribe
RL=YA-adult

I Am Mordred by Nancy Springer.
Philomel Books/Putnam & Grosset Group: NY, 1998.

This is an excellent tale of the developmental years of Mordred, King Arthur's son who is fated to kill him. Imagine being raised with the prophecy that you would kill your father hanging over your head. How do you think such a prophecy would affect your behavior? Mordred desperately wants his father's love-the one thing he is not offered. He struggles against his fate throughout the story. It is refreshing to see Mordred depicted as a real person instead of the standard evil caricature.
related-King Arthur, Camelot, fathers and sons, knighthood
RL=6th-8th

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY, 2005.
Originally The Messenger pub by Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Limited: Australia, 2002.


Ed Kennedy stops a pathetic bank robbery attempt and starts a chain of events that disrupts his mediocre days. Playing cards (aces) are delivered to his door with people to help listed on them. The cards point out people in need of a message, and Ed must figure out the message and deliver it--all of which is normally beyond his limited existence. He does it, because he expects there will be an end to it after the aces are used up. The cards point him towards life, and he changes as he sees more of life through his ordeal.

The question remains through the whole book . . . Who is sending the cards?

It took me a few chapters to get into the book. The introduction of Ed and his friends wasn't attractive, but that relates to the point of the book. Once Ed starts receiving aces, the story picks up, and the reader is hooked. It is one of the better books I've read. Maybe would fit in a top 100 novels. I like that it directs readers to look at others' lives and think about reaching out with their own messages. It also gives a glimpse of how random acts of kindness can build a community. And it doesn't take a saint to fulfill one such act. I also like that Ed's life is enriched by the experience--even when he's getting beat up. It is also a book I stayed up too late to finish!

related-heroes, taxicab drivers, self-esteem, help from strangers, guidance, observation, awareness, acts of kindness
RL=YA-adult

I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Treviño.
Farrar, Straus & Giroux: NY, 1965.
Newbery Award for 1966


Juan de Pareja was the half-black slave of the famous painter Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez. Slave, assistant, friend and student in secret. He also was the subject of one of Velásquez' paintings. Juan was inherited from Velásquez' aunt. The book follows his time before joining Velásquez, his years as a faithful helper and companion, and some of his life after Velásquez dies.

Much of the story takes place at the court of King Phillip IV of Spain. The other main characters are the family of Velásquez and the king.

Having some knowledge of Velásquez and art history, I enjoyed the description of the family and studio life and the King's interaction. The King sent Velásquez to Italy twice to paint and collect art, so there is some of the Italian art discussed as well.

The story is very much a period piece, early seventeenth century, the Age of Enlightenment. The story even feels old, in a different style than nowadays. It is a first person account, though, so it still flows well.

After the Renaissance, Velásquez was one of the first painters to insist on painting what was truly there instead of embellishing. Primarily a portraitist, he was able to paint what was within as well as the body. He was also known for the incredible texture that he practiced, which was a precursor to the Impressionists.

One of the most interesting things about the book is when it was written. The story is Juan de Pareja's story, the slave, who learns to paint in secret through watching Velásquez with apprentices, because slaves are not allowed to create art. Years later when he reveals his secret, he is given his freedom and becomes a famous painter in his own right. We read of Velásquez only through the interaction with Pareja. So, the book was written in 1965 in the middle of violently contested civil rights. The subject being black freedom. Add to that the fact that Pareja was only half black, another issue that drove racism for decades or even centuries. The book must have been highly controversial when it was published. Many books have been similar in content and tone since. Though I have nothing to which I can compare from the 1960s or earlier, I would guess this book was a forerunner of this genre.

The issue of slavery in the 17th century was not controversial at all. It had been the norm for centuries, though not necessarily referring to blacks. A difference being that slaves back then more readily were allowed to earn their freedom. They were thought of more as conquered peoples rather than inferior. In this case, Pareja was considered part of the family or at least a companion. It seems likely that if he had indicated his desire for freedom, he might have received it sooner. He did stay with Velásquez until his death, continuing to learn from him.

related-black slavery, manumission, art and artists, art history, Spain and Italy in the 17th century, Spanish court under King Philip IV, Diego Velásquez
RL=7th and up

The Illuminator by Brenda Rickman Vantrease.
St. Martin's Press: NY, 2005.

Caught between the Church's tithes and the Court's taxes, Lady Kathryn of Blackingham struggles to maintain control of her family's lands in the late fourteenth century. She makes a deal with a nearby abbey to board an illuminator and his daughter in return for money and protection. They forge close ties despite the secrets the illuminator harbors. One being his copying of an English translation of the Bible for John Wycliffe.

During this time period, both self-study of the Bible and religion and personal freedom for all were becoming political issues. Books were rare and costly because of the time and education required for hand copying. The masses could not read (or understand, in many cases) the Latin and Norman in which the books were published, so the introduction of English copies was an important advancement. However, making the Bible accessible to the masses did also have the effect of increasing rebellion.

A complex story of love (different types) and betrayal which examines spiritual and economic oppression during a most turbulent and intriguing time. The book was published as adult fiction, but the description of relations is minimal. It is more philosophical than physical, and the historical content is both educational and fascinating.
related-history of England, 14th century, Roman Catholic Church, John Wycliffe, Bishop Henry Despenser, John Ball, Julian of Norwich, peasants' revolt of 1381, philosophy leading towards the Reformation, Lollards, historical fiction
RL=YA-adult

Incident at Hawk's Hill by Allan W. Eckert.
Little, Brown and Company: Boston, 1971.
Newbery Honor 1972

Ben MacDonald is at home with the animals near his family's prairie farm in Manitoba, Canada. He observes and closely imitates their speech and behavior. Wild and even fierce animals accept his presence because they know he is not a threat.

In June 1870, he wanders away from the homestead following and watching the wildlife. A storm starts, and he realizes he is lost and unprotected. Instinctively he crawls into a badger hole for some relief from the storm.

His family and neighbors search for Ben for 2 days with no sign of him. Although his family never stops looking for him, Ben is missing for 2 months. When his brother finds him, he behaves as a wild animal would, and once convinced of his safety, he has an unbelievable story to tell.

For some time now I have thought about reading this story and have been reluctant. I finally read it because a friend who is a public school teacher recommended it a few times. As I started to read it, the details of the animals behavior drew me into the story. It is beautifully written-descriptive, but flowing and full of action. Once the boy was lost on the prairie, I had to know how the situation would be resolved.

related-nature, animals, survival, prairie life, badgers, communication, communicating with animals
RL=5th-8th

The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau.
Delacorte Press/Random House: NY, 2009.


I picked this up for the global travel slant. Mostly it is discussion of travel and living in or visiting a country other than the US. For Zeeta, living in another culture is the norm. She hasn't lived in the US. She is fluent in Spanish and can speak the local language in Otavalo, so she translates for a tourist who is also in search of his birth parents. Zeeta's mother is the reason for her cultural life; her mother likes to become a part of the community, immerse herself in the local atmosphere, then after a year or so find a new spot in the world to experience. Otavalo is the new spot, and Wendell's search for relatives focuses Zeeta's thoughts and passion on something other than her frustration with being ripped away from the last community and dissatisfaction with this pattern of events.

Zeeta has been asking Layla (her mom) to settle in one place (namely Maryland where her grandparents live). After a death-defying experience, Layla agrees it's time to settle. So while Zeeta is busy, Layla finds a stable guy and really settles. Needless to say it is not what Zeeta was hoping for. The guy's fine, but not a great experience for Layla. Zeeta wants her old mom back.

The search for the birth parents leads to some bizarre happenings. Some of it is interesting and even kind of cool, but some of it is just weird.

I like the book overall. The aspect I like the best is Zeeta's interaction with locals, both in the marketplace and the nearby town where their search leads them. She quickly develops friendships, and it seems real. Then, there are a number of details that hold my attention as well: Mamita Luz and Taita Silvio's care of their community, the bathing in the waters, the crystal cave, the wise woman of the marketplace. A large part of the story is recognition that what you wish for may not be what is best or what you really want. I like some philosophical moments in stories, so this is good, once Zeeta becomes less focused on whining. I also like her notebooks that she fills with answers to her blunt searching questions for everyone with whom she interacts.

related-mothers and daughters, single parent families, fathers, Ecuador
RL=YA-adult

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. trans by Anthea Bell.
The Chicken House/Scholastic, Inc: NY, 2003.
Originally publ as Tintenherz by Cecilie Dressler Verlag: Hamburg, Germany, 2003.

The concept of the book-characters coming to life with expert reading aloud-is fantastic. Certain parts of the story are as exciting as the concept. The introduction is plenty mysterious with Meggie's father's secretive behavior. Elinor's houseful of books is just what I would want. Meggie's traveling box of books is a beautiful addition. The entrapment of Meggie's mother within the troublesome book causes most of their predicament. The involvement of the author helps to bring the story to a conclusion.

I'm not sure how I feel about the story overall. It's long and seemed to drag for a while in the middle. Some of the hoodlum behavior is necessary to the story, but in parts it seems a little too Series of Unfortunate Events (everything going wrong, little cause for hope).

I haven't read The Thief Lord yet, so I can't really make an assessment of the author. I do wonder if the story lost some of its attraction in the translation.
related-magic of words and books, theatrical reading, family separation
RL=7th-YA

Inside the Walls of Troy by Clemence McLaren.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster: NY, 1996.


Inside the Walls of Troy follows two women (Helen of Sparta and Cassandra of Troy) leading up to and through the events of the Trojan War.

Helen has suitors at the age of twelve, since her father is King of Sparta and she is known for her beauty. It is this beauty that prompts Theseus of Athens (warrior turned pirate) to kidnap her for ransom. With fashion tips and advice, he proceeds to transform her into a princess of unparalleled charm and beauty. She marries King Menelaus of Mycenae, brother of Agamemnon, high king over all of Greece. They live happily for years and have a daughter together, until Menelaus invites Paris (younger prince of Troy) for a diplomatic visit to dispel talk of an impending war between Greece and Troy. Paris and Helen fall in love, and Paris convinces Helen to run away with him.

Cassandra, who is a dream-seer, knows that Helen is trouble as soon as she sees her. She will bring death and destruction to Troy. Cassandra demands she be sent away, but her people never listen to her words of doom, even knowing how many times she has been right. They just see her as weird. All except her twin brother Helenus (also a seer). Her father Priam, King of Troy, welcomes Helen and refuses to send her back to Menelaus, even if it means war. As Cassandra gets to know Helen, she also decides she should not be sacrificed.

Helen and Cassandra have two things in common. Neither wishes to be a political trade in the marriage market, and they are both outsiders in Troy. Cassandra is because she would rather be involved in the governing of Troy than women's business. Helen because she is from Greece and they are anticipating war regarding her actions. As the war progresses, Helen is ostracized more and more, with some of the Trojan women wanting to throw her over the wall to the Greek warriors.

McLaren explains that Cassandra and Helen are barely mentioned in ancient Greek texts such as Homer's The Iliad. She wanted a story that would give the female perspective. All the major male characters are here also, but McLaren's tale tells the stories of the women involved, perhaps adding some depth. I enjoyed the references to the traditional story as well as other Greek tales. It is good to see the males also with a life besides the warrior view. Events have so much more meaning when you take into account the emotional and social aspects. For this reason, I enjoy historical fiction, and even history more than when my reading was limited to textbooks.

I particularly enjoyed Cassandra's perspective. She is in a position to view the circumstances from more than one side. She sees more than others, and decisions are not any easier. Mostly she just watches the whole thing play out, but in the end, it is her actions that matter to the survivors.

I highly recommend the book, but those unfamiliar with the Trojan War should consider reading The Iliad first, or an overview such as Rosemary Sutcliff's Black Ships Before Troy.

related-Helen of Troy, Greek mythology, Cassandra, legendary seer, Trojan War
RL=YA-adult

Into the Dark: An Echo Falls Mystery by Peter Abrahams.
Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2008.


In this book, the Prescott Players are working on Hansel and Gretel, but the only connection to the storyline is Ingrid's feelings regarding being lost and/or chased in the woods. Her Grampy is in trouble in this episode. His heroism from WWII makes him a key suspect in a murder mystery. Plus, his surliness, motive, and the murder being located on his property. Ingrid seems to be the only one who believes he is innocent, and as in the other books, police chief Strade (her best friend's dad) is watching Ingrid as she investigates in order to prove Grampy's innocence despite his uncooperativeness.

Ingrid's family is also in trouble. Her parents are acting strangely. When questioned her dad, like Grampy, doesn't give an alibi, and his secret is exposed through the solving of the crime.

This is a suspenseful series. The characters are well developed and real, especially Ingrid. The mysteries have many details to consider, and the circumstances are imaginative. The connections between the plots and the play acting are a fresh way of portraying the stories.

related-murder mystery, detective stories, grandfathers, family, divorce, investigations, Sherlock Holmes fan
RL=6th & up

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2007.
Caldecott Medal 2008


This book has created quite a stir in the last year. Many were sure it would win an award-just not sure which one. It's taken a while for me to get my hands on a copy. The coverart and the author's name were enough for me to be excited, because I loved his illustrations in The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins (Caldecott Honor of 2002).

My first impression was shock at the length of the book and then amazement (flipping the pages) at the wondrous artwork and how long Selznick must have spent drawing. The story is a novel, though short in terms of text. The style is similar to Chris Van Allsburg's-striking, intense, and mysterious. The photographs added of actual events are also intriguing. The story itself is unusual (an understatement), suspenseful, captivating, and in the end awesome as the threads come together.

It wasn't until the end that I realized the illustrations are a means of reflecting the motion picture industry which factors into the story. In the beginning, the story centers on Hugo's mechanical ability and his orphaned situation with the mystery of the broken automaton he tries to fix. When the maker of the automaton is revealed, the story turns towards a segment of the early history of motion picture.

My oldest son praised the unusual concept. His comment reminded me how much I enjoy stories that are so different from anything else. With the amount of reading I do, I have seen many good books (and series) that follow the same format as others. It's a special treat to read a book that is totally its own.

related-Georges Méliès, robots, clocks, orphans, railroad stations, history of Paris, France, mechanical toys, automatons
RL=4th-8th, read aloud to k-3rd

The Invisible Rules of the Zoë Lama by Tish Cohen.
Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Group: NY, 2007.

Zoë Costella, nicknamed the Zoë Lama for taking on the playground bully, has made a career for herself fixing other people's lives. She's a little controlling and judgmental, but kind-hearted in her efforts. This year she has taken on too much with the ever-present need to assist her single, working mom and grandma who is losing out to dementia. There is also a new girl whom Zoë believes needs major help and a school dance to manage. She's feeling desperate when her mom starts to talk nursing homes, since Grandma has been there forever to listen and share time with her. Noticing Grandma's peculiar behavior, she hides the situation from Mom and friends as long as possible. In the end, she starts to see that many of Grandma's colorful statements are plenty sane, but her drifting in and out of reality is causing dangerous and expensive problems.

The book is a little chatty, but a quick, fun read. The first half is mostly humor. Then it gets into Zoë's lessons in acceptance. While she was working from a sincere desire to help, her Grandma helps her realize it's sometimes better to let friends be themselves.

related-identity, acceptance, interpersonal relations, middle schools, grandmothers, family, Alzheimer's
RL=6th & up

I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett.
Tiffany Aching, Discworld series
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2010.



Ultra-Condensed
• Tiffany's back on the Chalk, being the Witch for a community that's done without for ages.


• A cheese with a mind of its own.


• The rough music has started, to be satisfied only by a mob attack or the disappearance of the culprit.


• Someone has set in motion the fearing and hating of the witches. Ye olde Witchfinder is searching for a way to burn Tiffany.


• The Nac Mac Feegles have orders to watch over and protect Tiffany, since their kelda has Seen her stalker.


• The Baron, on his death bed, asks Tiffany to aid his son.


• Roland, the new Baron, is far too influenced by his mother-in-law to be.


• The complexities of jailing a witch.


• There is a witch incognito in the castle.


• A short trip to the source of the problem.


• The elder witches gather. In support of Tiffany or defense of the people?


• Flapping kilts to the rescue!


• Time travel, of all things.


RL=7th-adult
Jack: Secret Histories by F. Paul Wilson.
TOR/Tom Doherty Associates, LLC: NY, 2008


Weezy, Jack, and Eddie find an artifact in an undiscovered, undisturbed mound in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the swampy woods bordering their small town. Jack's the only one of them that can open the black box, even once they've seen how it is done. Analysis shows that the structure is high tech, but tests date it as a pre-Columbian object. Weezy is caught up in the thought of a secret history of the world and conspiracies. Jack is more concerned with the secrets of citizens of the town: his dad's unwillingness to talk about his past, his friend Steve's new problem with alcohol, the members of the local Lodge dating back at least to the beginning of the country, and sudden deaths of townspeople.

The book is an exciting and unique mystery. I like that the mystery is as much about the artifact, the Lodge, and the Barrens as it is about the murders. It has a hint of fantasy to be explained elsewhere. Jack and Weezy are both interesting characters. Considering the titles of Wilson's other books, neither character is fully explained yet. I was fascinated to learn that the book is linked to a full adult series that I am now anticipating.

related-mystery and detective stories, coming of age, interpersonal relations, Pine Barrens, New Jersey, supernatural, friendship, spying
RL=YA-adult

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass.
Little, Brown and Company: NY, 2006.


One month from his thirteenth birthday, Jeremy receives a wooden box from his long-dead father. An inscription on the box says it holds the meaning of life. Its four keys are missing, and as Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy soon learn, only the keys can open it without destroying the contents.

Lizzy immediately has plans to find the keys, pulling Jeremy out of his neighborhood and comfort zone. One of the plans lands them in community service where Jeremy finds that he can learn about the meaning of life through discussion and observation. There are a few excellent ideas on the subject, including that it is different for each of us.

This book has been on my Read List for a couple years. I've always liked the title. Every Soul a Star reminded me of it, and though the reading level and characters are slightly younger, it is every bit as good. Both are unique, Knock Your Socks Off kinds of books. Jeremy, Lizzy and Mr. Oswald are great characters, with some interesting extras thrown in. Their quest is different as are the smaller stories along the way. The ending was totally unexpected.

related-conduct and purpose of life, coming of age, self-realization, fathers and sons, friendship, collections, hobbies
RL=6th & up

The Kite Fighters by Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company: NY 2000.

Two Korean brothers combine their talents to challenge last year's champion of the New Year kite competition. The older is a master of kite-making. The younger expertly flies the kites. As the story progresses, the younger boy must learn to accept their father's favoritism towards the elder. His brother will inherit all privileges and responsibilities for the family, and it will be his duty to help his older brother. The boys must find a way to maintain their relationship while learning to deal with this tradition.
related-kites, brothers, first sons, Korea, competition
RL=5th-7th

Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan.
Book 11 of The Wheel of Time
TOR Fantasy/Tom Doherty Associates: NY, 2005.



Ultra-Condensed

• Dead people walking in many locations.


• Parts of buildings or towns are changing or disappearing suddenly.


• Rand has determined that he needs a truce with the Seanchan before he can confront the Dark One.


• Moridin instructs the Foresaken to kill Perrin and Mat.


• Perrin makes a deal with the Seanchan himself to save Faile and the rest who were kidnapped by the Shaido Aiel. Aes Sedai and Wise Ones are not pleased with the deal.


• Mat and his entourage continue to travel away from Ebou Dar, though looking for a way to send Tuon back safely. The Seanchan army is hunting her, instead of trying to save her, since the death of the Empress.


• Mat woos Tuon, whom he has claimed will be his bride. She still treats him as Toy but tolerates his companionship. She keeps her intentions hidden through most of the book, though there are flashes of possibility, especially as she learns more about who Mat is. It is too soon to know whether Mat could have any influence on her future decisions.


• Egwene is caught by the White Tower, and there is an attempt to break her and use her by making her a novice again. They don't know what they are up against. She continues to command the rebels, while she undermines Elaida from within the Tower.


• Elayne fights to gain the throne in Caemlyn as Arymilla leads her supporters in an attack on the city walls. Ellorien leads other Houses against Elayne, hoping that Dyelin will make a claim, though she says she's not interested and supports Elayne.


• Elayne is abducted by Black Ajah sisters.


• Thom reveals the contents of Morraine's letter at Mat's request.


• Banner-Generals Tylee Khirgan and Furyk Karede have gained respect for Perrin and Mat respectively and should be key factors in settling matters with the Seanchan eventually.


• Red sisters ask Taim if he will allow them to bond his Asha' man as warders. More foreshadowing, but still not clear if he is just a Darkfriend or more.
One of the best books in the series, if only because so much is happening. Still a period of build up to the end. Many loose ends to tie together. The next book was intended to be the last, though now lengthened to three. Incredible. Has got to be my favorite series. The very best of fantasy. Am considering buying the books now, so that I can go back and read leisurely. The library doesn't give enough time for 800 page books!The Landry News by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 1999.


The new student, Cara Landry, thinks Mr. Larson is the worst of teachers. She posts her editorial opinion on the bulletin board and prods Mr. Larson into challenging his students to write a real newspaper. The whole class gets involved and really learns as the principal uses the newspaper as an excuse to fire Mr. Larson.
related-newspapers, teachers, schools, divorce, First Amendment
RL=5th-8th

The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2004.


Hart Evans shoots the chorus teacher, Mr. Meinert, in the neck with a rubberband, and the teacher goes ballistic. What Hart doesn't know is that Mr. Meinert is being fired due to lack of funds.

The next day as the class prepares for the Holiday Concert, the teacher is set off again. This time he decides the students can come up with their own concert. One of the students decides they should vote to see who is in charge, and Hart is elected the director without asking for the responsibility. Mr. Meinert gloats, as he believes it is the perfect retribution. Neither foresee the events that will lead to the best concert ever.

related-holiday concerts, schools, student-teacher relationships, music, leadership, cooperation, choir, peace, creativity, high interest
RL=5th-8th

Leepike Ridge by N. D. Wilson.
Random House: NY, 2007.


Disgruntled by his mom's consideration of a marriage proposal, Tom knocks foam packaging over the cliff by his house. His mom sends him down into the valley to retrieve it. After he rescues it from the trees along the river, he is inspired to try floating down the river. It works, and he is lulled to sleep, only to be awakened when he hits rapids. He's sucked under a rock and pulled along what turns out to be an underground river, which passes through caves within the mountain. On an island in one of the caves, Tom discovers a dead body from which he takes handy supplies. No food, though, so he is compelled to try his luck in the river again. He ends up in the net of someone else trapped in the caves, someone trapped for three years inside the mountain.

Meanwhile, up on the ridge, Tom's mother is desperate for help finding Tom. She feels he is not dead and suspects he may be lost within the mountain. The worst possible people step forward to search, treasure hunters.

Through Tom's experience, he learns why his dad disappeared three years ago. He's given a chance for closure, education, and a dose of growing up all at once.

One of the themes in the book is related to the treasure hunting, but is also a different take on history in the Americas. I don't know how much proof is available yet, but it is a theory discussed more and more, one that makes sense and likely has some truth to it.

Wilson's first novel is a great survivalist adventure mixed with history and mystery. I like the split story, above and below ground, but Tom's story is the best part. That, and the dog that links them both. It is a well balanced story - humorous, creative, with anticipation running high.

related-missing persons, caves, adventures and adventurers, mothers and sons, buried treasure, archaeology, survival, explorers, exploration of and inhabitants of the Americas
RL=4th-8th

The Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer. il. Glenn McCoy.
Hyperion Books for Children: NY, 2004.

In an attempt to control the behavior of Will and his brother, their parents are forcing them to spend summer days at the library. They expect to be bored to death under the watchful eye of mean Spud Murphy. She won't even let them step off the carpet in front of the children's books! This is too much of a challenge for Will, but what will be the consequence? Will she blast him with the potato gun the kids are sure she keeps behind the counter? Will she detect his movements? Will this undertaking lead him to a totally unexpected adventure?
note: author of the acclaimed Artemis Fowl series
related-librarians, libraries, reading
RL=2nd-5th
*This book is written for young readers, but it is funny enough that others will love it too.

The Legend of the Wandering King by Laura Gallego Garcia. trans. by Dan Bellm.
Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Press: NY, 2005.

Prince Walid detains and eventually ruins the winner of the Kingdom's Greatest Poet out of jealousy. His actions destroy the kingdom, and he is catapulted into a lifechanging quest. The book explores the concept of fate and how much choices affect the future. I enjoyed both the fateful events and the growth of Walid as a person each step of the way.
related-fate, choice, consequences, poetry, kings, Arabian Peninsula
RL=6th-YA

The Legend of Thunderfoot by Bill Wallace.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2006.

On the day of his naming ceremony, a young roadrunner is bit by a rattlesnake. The bite leaves him with huge, clumsy feet-so he gets stuck with the embarrassing name Thunderfoot. Through his attempts to overcome his impediment, he not only survives in the harsh environment but his achievements become legend.

What a great book for young readers (2nd-4th grades)! Especially animal-lovers. Only a few of the transitional books for young readers that I have read are exceptional. As important as this stage is in reading, you?d think there would be more. Bill Wallace has written many books for young readers; this is the first I?ve read. It has more meaning than the average book for young readers plus adventure and details of nature. It is a work of storytelling rather than a reading primer.

related-animals, desert habitat, handicap, boys, names, identity
RL=2nd-6th

Leonardo's Shadow: My Astonishing Life as Leonardo da Vinci's Servant by Christopher Grey>
Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2006.

For 2 years Leonardo da Vinci has been living off credit. That's how long it's been since he contracted to paint The Last Supper, his greatest painting, on the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie. There is barely anything on the wall. Why? Is he in a battle of wills with his patron, the Duke of Milan? Is something more important than painting on his mind? How long does he think he can continue without painting the wall? To be sure, their relationship is complex, but who does Leonardo think he is?

Giacomo's (Leonardo's servant) life is a mystery. His memory was lost from a fever and desperate chase before Leonardo found him and took him in. He would do anything to help Leonardo succeed. His most passionate wish is to be trained by his master (to share his master's life), but Leonardo treats him as an errand boy and petty thief (except that he is educating him).

Through necessity and frustration Giacomo plans a solution to Leonardo's debts and what he believes is delaying the painting. There are, of course, complications he could not have foreseen.

This is a fantastic historical novel. We get a glimpse of Leonardo, the Renaissance man, and the dealings he would have had with others to maintain his life while he sought perfection and understanding of the surrounding world. Plus, there is the mystery of the boy's past. He has evidence of possibly important relations. He wants answers, and he believes Leonardo has them.

related-Leonardo da Vinci, 15th century, Milan, Italy, servants, artists, painting, identity, alchemy, inventors, inventions
RL=7th-adult
*I think the title would have been better without the 2nd part. If the description hadn't been so good, I might not have read it. The book is much better than you might think from the title.

The Letter Writer by Ann Rinaldi.
Harcourt, Inc: NY, 2008.


11-year-old Harriet lives on her step-brother's plantation. Treated little better than a servant, she finds some value for herself when Richard designates her as the letter writer for his mother. His mother writes all of the letters related to the plantation business, so Harriet is gaining more education in the process. At the same time, Richard charges her with writing to an uncle, as practice, and she pours out her thoughts and worries to this relation, telling the story in the process.

Nat Turner comes to stay and work on the property. Harriet compares his gentle preaching to that of her strict step-brother's ministry, and finds Richard wanting. So when Nat Turner asks her for a map to the surrounding area, she complies, though she suspects it may not be wise. That map becomes a key part of the slave uprising that Nat Turner leads.

Ann Rinaldi discusses the Nat Turner uprising and his character and the idea of the girl as a letter writer being the focus of the story. The act of letter writing being her salvation.

The story was interesting in that, along with Harriet, the reader is totally taken in by Nat's behavior. You would not guess from his mild manner that he is soon to be a cold, maniacal killer. Except that someone else did most of the killing at his direction. Systematically killing at several plantations, and the story does not indicate reasons other than anti-slavery and the flirtations of one girl. Again, Rinaldi peaks my interest. Hearing of the Nat Turner uprising in school, I assumed it was about a slave's revenge. Never having looked farther into the matter, I had no idea that there are differences of opinion regarding his character and motives.

related-Virginia history, Nat Turner revolt, Southampton Insurrection, 1831, slavery, Southern plantations, African Americans
RL=YA-adult

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. il Keith Thompson.
Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2009.


Leviathan is an alternate history novel, first of a trilogy, set in the midst of WWI (England, Austria and Switzerland). There is an heir to Franz Ferdinand (whose murder started the war) being chased by the Austrian and German militaries. The Austrians and Germans have mechanical might, but different and larger than what they actually had. England (not in the war yet) uses ecosystems instead of machines, made by Darwin with DNA threads. So far, I think that idea is the best part of the story. Westerfeld plays with the idea quite a bit, and it is fascinating. Leviathan itself is a whale airship with many creatures coexisting. The main British character is a young girl, disguised as a boy to be in the British Air Service. Austrians and Brits meet when Leviathan is on a secret diplomatic mission to the Ottoman Empire.

My initial reaction when reading was disappointment that it is written at a 6th grade level. Being about WWI, I expected it to be YA level. While it would still be interesting to YA readers, I think the reading level should have been YA, partly because WWI is a YA subject. My disappointment also comes from the fact that Westerfeld can write at a higher level, and I don't want to see all of the YA books dumbed down, which will push all of the better readers into adult books out of aggravation.

Not long into the book I did get over my irritation. Westerfeld is an excellent author, and the story is sufficiently unusual to capture anyone's attention. The heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire may motivate readers to learn more about world history, a subject certainly lacking in my American upbringing as well as others'. I'm looking forward already to the sequel which will take place in the Ottoman Empire.

I mentioned before that the cover art is magnificent. There are also highly detailed illustrations throughout the book. The artwork is lovely, though a voice in my head tells me that illustrations are for young children. Though I don't want to see pictures in all novels, exceptions can be made for good artwork when appropriate.

YouTube has a cool trailer for the book, and TOR.com has an interview with Scott Westerfeld you might not want to miss.

related-World War I, imaginary creatures, genetic engineering, princes, gender roles, science fiction, high interest
RL=6th and up

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer.
Harcourt, Inc: Orlando, 2006.

The impact of a meteor collision with the moon causes worldwide geographical disasters. Miranda chronicles her family's life during most of a year as everyone struggles to live without basic necessities, not to mention conveniences.

The story is based on a premise that I think is unlikely. I don't believe the moon would shift positions as a result of the impact. The rest of the story is believable. I can see us struggling to survive in a similar manner if we have another Great Depression which has become too much of a possibility, because of the "idiot" to which Pfeffer alludes in the book. I can also imagine that New Orleans has been experiencing some of these situations since Hurricane Katrina, except they have had some aid from others.

There are only a couple other details that detract from Pfeffer's reality: the family's well still works after losing electricity and there was no explanation of the source of food and gas at the end. The pump for my family's well requires electricity. Are there some in use in the U.S. that do not? There was a detail about rigging the furnace with a battery. Could this be done for the pump, too? I don't know if this was artistic license or the detail was missed. The food at the end could have been collected from houses of the dead, but the gas must have come from somewhere else. I feel certain that would have been used up quickly after the first catastrophes. To get gas from elsewhere would have required some plowing. A short explanation might have been nice. These are small things, though, compared to the reality of the book.

I'd like to know what prompted Pfeffer to write the story. It's a bit depressing, though it could have been much more so. I do recognize that teenagers don't necessarily mind depressing. They can handle dwelling on it better than most age groups. For myself, I continued reading because I do believe it could happen to us. I'm not sure my family could survive, and I wanted to see what solutions might help if my fears become reality.

The story was a surprise to me during a time when so many people seemed to be in a state of denial about how bad our economic outlook has become. For years I have been trying to talk to people about the idea that we are heading towards another Great Depression. People have looked at me like I'm nuts or a total wet blanket. (They are finally seeing the possibility, though officials and the media are still trying to downplay the seriousness of our situation). My husband has been angry with me for being so negative. Actually, I wanted people to see what I saw, so we could work towards preventing an economic collapse. If we can't avoid it, then I want to be prepared at least. I don't know if that is really possible, especially after reading this book.

related-natural disasters, catastrophic events, family life, diaries, science fiction, lack of necessities, deprivation
RL=YA-adult

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
Little, Brown and Company: Boston, 1994.
Originally published 1868 by same publisher.

Little Women was a book that I loved as a girl. It was written at a time when most people led simpler lives. I was impressed by the simpleness of their lives and their desire to be cheerful and useful. Coming from a large family, I also lived with simplicity and was less impressed with monetary things than other girls I knew. I don't know if our society has changed too much for girls to appreciate this story, but I do believe we need reminders that money and objects are not the most important things. Honesty and caring for others are not valued enough anymore.

Like most girls, I empathized greatly with Jo because I didn't feel "good" enough. But as the story progresses, Jo learns from her mother that goodness comes more easily as you grow. It takes practice and the responsibilities of adults before proper behavior becomes standard behavior for a person. Adults also rebel against things they believe to be unjust-but sometimes silently.
related-family life, sisters, New England 1860s, coming of age
RL=6th-YA

May not be strictly considered historical fiction, but it is old enough now to have the feel of a historical book.

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company: NY, 2004.
Newbery Honor Book 2005

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is beautifully written. Schmidt has interwoven metaphors that flow perfectly with the story and pinpoint images exactly for instant visual understanding. The words have color and texture and make you want to slow down and hold them and cherish them before moving on.

There are so many thoughts and emotions and issues blended into this story. The historical theme is the decimation of a community of poor, powerless people for the purpose of building a tourist resort. The other major theme is a boy's struggle to find and stick to the right path when the majority (including his father, the minister) are pressuring him to do something else. It is unfortunate that he cannot discuss his thoughts and actions with his disapproving, unbending father (who is undergoing his own struggle).

The story doesn't end how I want it to end because it is based on actual events that took place in the Phippsburg, Maine area in 1912. However, there is hope of positive changes to come in the town of Phippsburg.

I highly recommend this book. It is a great one to share with others.
related-race, clergy, Maine history, noncomformity
RL=6th-adult

It isn't difficult to read, but I suspect it would have more meaning for adults, older teens, and people who have had to suffer some form of isolation.

For those interested, there is discussion on this book in the BookAdvice forums under historical fiction.

London Calling by Edward Bloor.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, Inc: NY, 2006.

The major themes in London Calling are time travel, spiritual visitation, and redemption. Martin is contacted by an English boy from World War II through his dreams. Upon waking, he learns gradually that the facts and people of which he dreamed are real. He follows the boy through his dreams in war-torn London to learn how he can possibly help him, and he studies Britain in WWII during waking hours, so he will be ready to help when the time comes. He is partly drawn into the situation because his revered grandfather is one of the characters he observes in his dreams.

The book has piqued my interest about historical things I have not heard before. It is a truly original work as well-not the standard time travel book.
related-time travel, London 1940-1941, bombardment, schools, Great Britain-World War II, afterlife, redemption, alcoholism, Catholics, futility of war
RL=6th-YA

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd.
David Fickling Books/Random House: NY, 2007.
Originally published in Oxford, England.

Ted and Kat take their cousin to ride the London Eye (a giant bicycle/ferris wheel) when Salim comes to visit. Salim uses a ticket given by a stranger to go up alone instead of waiting in line. He goes up, but doesn't come down. How's that possible? Ted spends 3 days trying to figure it out. The police and press are called in to help with Salim's disappearance.

As the youngest present, Ted is mostly ignored. His sister Kat, feeling responsible for the situation, enlists Ted, with his analytic brain, to help her find Salim. She tries to do the field work herself, but Ted follows. Ted figures there are 9 possibilities, Kat discusses the options and does some sleuthing. When they get into trouble for leaving the house, not even Kat will listen to Ted. He turns to the detective in charge, and the solution starts to be revealed.

The book is written in an unusual style and takes some getting used to. It's told from the perspective of Ted who has a neurological "syndrome" which causes him to focus on things in a different way. One of the things he chooses to focus on is the weather-all aspects. This helps him to analyze problems. Meteorological information plays a part in his solving the case.

The mystery itself is good. It's unusual and twists a bit. I didn't expect the solution, although I could see it once all the clues started to come together. I highly recommend the story for its uniqueness.

related-mysteries, detective stories, Asperger's syndrome (highly functional), missing children, meteorology, brothers and sisters, cousins, relatives, London, England
RL=6th-8th

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Boston, 2010.


A Long Walk to Water is about one man's story, Salva Dut - organizer of Water for Sudan, a nonprofit organization. The tale is written from two perspectives. Each chapter starts with part of Nya's day, a girl in Sudan who spends most of her day collecting water for the family. The greater part of the chapter is the story of how and why Salva arrived at his present day work.

Years ago, Salva's family also struggled with their water supply. His family (as well as Nya's) relocated for months of the year for access to water. During this relocation period, his tribe the Dinka often endured fighting with Nya's tribe the Nuer, over the territory. In the 1980s, a civil war erupted in Suda between the Northern Muslim leaders of the government and the Southern non-Muslim groups. Soldiers attack the village in which Salva goes to school, and he is forced to flee, hoping that he will meet family along the path the refugees trek. They first flee towards Ethiopia, then Kenya. After many years, Salva is chosen from a refugee camp to be a foster child in the United States. He works toward an education and goes back to Sudan to try to help his people.

Nya and Salva both walk for survival. Nya's walking is a never-ending routine for a family necessity. She looks forward to the off months when they are camping by the lake, because it gives her a break from the walking. Salva's walking is out of a desperate attempt at freedom and security, an attempt which lasts years before he experiences any of that security. Both of the young people exhibit strength and perseverance as they strive for a future. The two stories come full circle and mesh in the end.

The way that Salva chooses to help his people is an excellent enterprise. Considering that much of the fighting to which the tribes had been exposed was over rare sources of water, what better way to help than to decrease the rarity. It must have seemed like a miracle to the Sudanese people, and I like that he did not stop with just his village or area. I like that Salva's work is inspirational and mind-opening, and also that it is a true story.

Linda Sue Park takes a difficult issue and weaves a story that is horrifically, inexorably true, but in a matter of fact way that doesn't lose sight of the hope for a better future. It shows some of the desperation without it being too much for the reader (especially young ones) to bear. It cuts to the core of reality without being so ugly you cannot look, and it spotlights an example of real change in a world low on hope.

related-Salva Dut, Sudan, Africa, civil war, refugees, lack of water, blacks, peace offering
RL=4th and up, some mature content - violence

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor.
Dial Books/Penguin Group: NY.
The Looking Glass Wars 2006: I checked the book out from the library, because it sounded intriguing. It's much more captivating than I expected. I don't know how it was received by Lewis Carroll fans, but I found it to be one of the more engaging young adult books. The reading level is a little low (possibly 7th grade), and there are some parts that could have been developed more.

The concept of the book is what first attracted me. Alyss Heart (heir to the futuristic Wonderland Queendom) is transported to nineteenth century England through the Pool of Tears/random puddle when her Aunt Redd murders her mother (the Queen) and grabs control. Alyss falls in with some homeless children (like Oliver Twist), gets caught stealing, and is taken to an orphanage where she is adopted by the Liddells (Mr. Liddell being a dean in Oxford). For years she tries to keep the memory of her past alive and is scorned for her efforts. The publishing of her story (twisted by the author) motivates her to reject her memories and learn to blend in with society. Alyss is propelled back into Wonderland when Hatter Madigan announces her survival and Redd sends the Cat after her. She needs a crash course in imagination, since the battle for the Queendom is one of imagination.

There is a timeline of parallels at the back of the book, but the political and social references are minimal in the story. There are many special effects with a futuristic atmosphere: transportation using looking glass mirrors and a puddle system, talking billboards animated by the Queen's imagination, all sorts of flying weaponry and illusions. Hatter Madigan and Bibwit Harte are great characters and may yet inspire me to read Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

This is one of the many fantasy stories in movie production. Though I don't want all of the great books to be made into movies, I believe this book could make a great movie if done properly.



Seeing Redd 2007: Through an imagination twist, Redd and the Cat find their way to France via an artist's palette. Redd seeks out the darker elements of Earth to gather generals for her next attempt at wresting Wonderland from Alyss. Hatter Madigan leaves to mourn his beloved, learns of a daughter he didn't know he had, and walks into the clutches of the King of Borderland.

Overall, I liked the first book better. Maybe because it was fresh and original. Maybe because so much of this second book is war, and the first book was violent enough already (doubtless boys will love it). Maybe I was just forced to read the book too quickly, since I had three others I was reading and a son dying to get his hands on it. There are some bits I think are excellent: the means of Redd's return, the tool used to defeat Redd again, parts of Madigan and Molly's story, brief allusions to Earthly politics (alas, no timeline for this book).

related-kings, queens, rulers, monarchs, war, characters in literature, Alice in Wonderland, imagination, light vs dark, good vs evil
RL=YA

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan.
Book 6 of The Wheel of Time
Tor Fantasy: NY, 1994.



Ultra-Condensed

• The crux of the story is intrigue (multiple characters on all sides hiding their own secrets and agendas) and lack of communication. Traveling and Dreamwalking helps. Each too focused on their own concerns.


• Asmodean and Lanfear are back, but what about Morraine and Lan?


• Mat has a cool shield from the Power, but Aes Sedai testing reveals an exception.


• Nynaeve and Elayne make great discoveries through experimentation - and necessity.


• I can't believe Alanna Sedai had the gaul to do that! But then, they are all quite arrogant. Even Egwene.


• Rand has set up schools - for invention and for training followers.


• The rebels choose an Amyrlin.


• An army too horrible to unleash.


• A contest of who will control The Dragon Reborn.


• Rand needs a new Aes Sedai counselor, if for no other reason than to communicate his motives. Possibly Verin? Or a Wise Woman with cooperation from Aes Sedai?


• Perrin to the rescue.


• The first Aes Sedai kneel to the Dragon.


• Let the Lord of Chaos rule.
RL=YA-adult, adult book, challenging The Lost Years of Merlin Series by T.A. Barron.
Philomel Books/Putnam & Grosset Group: NY.
The Lost Years of Merlin 1996
The Seven Songs of Merlin 1997
The Fires of Merlin 1998
The Mirror of Merlin 1999
The Wings of Merlin 2000



T.A. Barron always writes with a consciousness of nature and spirituality. His stories are passionate and alive. The pace is slower than what is currently popular because there is meaning in every part of the story. The language of The Lost Years of Merlin is not difficult or even challenging, but the description requires some lingering and rumination to appreciate the story.

In this series, Merlin's childhood is only loosely linked to the Merlin that the world recognizes, but I can see glimpses of the Merlin that Emrys will become. My oldest was disappointed because the story didn't seem to be truly Merlin to him. Barron points out that there is no established canon for Merlin's childhood. Merlin is different in these stories. He is the young Merlin, before he has learned wisdom. He may have the soul of a wizard, but certainly also the arrogance of one, and not balanced or kept in check by the self-restraint and wisdom necessary to be a great wizard.
related-wizards, magic, childhood and education of Merlin, identity, amnesia, second sight, friends, King Arthur, prophecy, human relationship to nature and animals
RL=6th-YA


The Lost Years of Merlin:


With a sudden jolt, he realized that he could not remember anything. Where he had come from. His mother. His father. His name. His own name.




Cast from the sea onto the rocks of Wales is a boy with no knowledge of who he is or from where he comes. He soon notices a woman who says she is his mother, and they settle in a nearby village, although never truly a part of it. After a few years a momentous and life-wrenching experience propels the boy to journey in search of his past and identity. The task he must undertake on the legendary Isle of Fincayra, the bridge between the Earth and the Otherworld, sets him on a path to become Merlin, the greatest of all wizards.


The Seven Songs of Merlin: In his youthful ignorance and arrogance, Merlin makes many terrible, careless mistakes. He puts aside the task with which he is entrusted, healing the lands of Fincayra, to bring his mother back to the island. Because of this mistake, he grievously wounds his mother and must learn what it truly is to be a wizard to save her. Each of the Seven Songs holds an essential truth necessary to be powerful enough to withstand Rita Gawr and his servants. This particular tale also mirrors the Holy Grail quest in that young Merlin's task is to obtain the Elixir of Dagda in order to restore Elen to health.


This is my favorite of the series so far. I've read all but the last book. There is wisdom in each of the seven tasks he must achieve. A large step forward in Merlin's maturing process.


The Fires of Merlin: Urnalda the Queen of the Dwarves calls upon Merlin to pay a debt by defeating the dragon that has reawakened and is looking for revenge since someone has destroyed the remaining dragon eggs on the island.


A group of characters combine through their separate actions to lessen Merlin's ability to defeat Valderag, the dragon. Because of an old prophecy about the confrontation, he spends most of the time looking for the Galator which he believes will give him the power he needs. The Galator has been stolen from Domnu (its last possessor), so he travels to a volcanic cave to visit a seer (not unlike Greek mythology) to find its location.

Merlin meets 2 deer people-who change back and forth between deer and people. His relationship with this brother and sister extends the series' concept of interconnectedness and helps to prepare him for his confrontation with the dragon (and confrontations in later books)-as does his relationships with Cairpré and Rhia.

The relationship with Hallia and Eremon (the deer people) and the conclusion are the strongest parts of the book. Barron does a good job of showing the reader (and Merlin) the viewpoint of the animals which impacts how he deals with other creatures in hostile situations.


The Mirror of Merlin: The 4th book of the series is again a book of connections. The mists in different situations connecting worlds. The mirror connecting times through different pathways. The mists were present in previous books-this time with increased focus.


The whole book seems to me to be leading up to Merlin meeting his older self (which is the best part of the book). Other than this there is less purpose to the story than the other books. Many of the happenings are accidental. There are some good moments besides, like Merlin freeing the marsh ghouls and their helping him in return (a connection to The Fires of Merlin).

One thing interesting is that Nimue in Barron's series is totally hateful and power-hungry. Normally, I don't see Nimue in this way-although there are variations in her behavior from story to story.

The setting for Merlin's older self doesn't quite fit canon either. Merlin was not imprisoned in the crystal cave as Arthur's tutor. However, it lends interesting details to Barron's story.

I need to go back and check The Seven Songs of Merlin. After reading The Mirror of Merlin, I wonder if Nimue's behavior in the bakery was only about jealousy and lust for power, or is it possible she had some contact with her older self? Did she want the sword specifically or only objects of power? Was she trying to stop Merlin through taking away the younger Merlin's power as she tries to do in this book? My feeling is that Nimue had some knowledge in The Seven Songs of Merlin that Merlin didn't have.Perhaps knowledge of the future?


The Wings of Merlin: Dagda tells Merlin in a vision that he must convince the peoples of Fincayra to unite (an impossible task) to repel an invasion by Rhita Gawr on the longest night. He has 2 weeks to protect the island against certain destruction with the help of a few people-his sister Rhia, Caipré the scholar, Shim the giant, Hallia the deerwoman, and his own shadow. As a distraction, Rhita Gawr sends one of Merlin's oldest enemies after him with complementary sword arms. In protecting the children of Fincayra from Sword Arms, Merlin succeeds in gaining access to the Forgotten Island and earns the chance to restore wings to humans and to choose his destiny.


I enjoyed Rhia's attempts at flight-both the swinging through the trees and the Icarus/Dedalus imitation. Her character is full of surprises and, as said about Rhia and Merlin, "full of madness." I appreciate also that this leads up to the recovery of lost wings and the history of the Forgotten Island. Shim's part in the story (though small) also adds to it. I wasn't impressed by the winged-human idea, but the story of the Forgotten Island is fittiing, and the formation of Avalon lends credibility to Merlin's choice to confront his destiny instead of staying on Fincayra.

The reintroduction of an old enemy and Merlin's sympathy and mercy are one more step towards his ultimate destiny. In the last 3 books, Merlin matures greatly and gains both wisdom and the respect of others. Though he hasn't recognized his own worth, others are starting to consider him a wizard and to see the possibility of his greatness in the future-including the immortal Dagda.
related-Merlin, wizards, forgiveness, unity, community, destiny, Avalon

Lunch Money by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2005.


For both Lunch Money and The Last Holiday Concert I made the bad mistake of judging the book by its cover, so I did not read them until recently. They didn't seem like anything special to me; I should have known better. It is amazing to me that Clements can use so few and simple words to convey all that he does in his stories.

In Lunch Money, a business-minded boy (Greg) implements his best project yet: mini-comics. His neighbor, classmate, and nemesis (Maura) appreciates his idea and makes her own books. They feud, are separated, and then become business partners. They share their creative endeavors, and they band together to save their business with the help of their math teacher.

related-interpersonal relations, moneymaking projects, business, comics, authorship, schools, selling and marketing at schools, student/teacher relationships, high interest
RL=4th-7th

Madapple by Christina Meldrum.
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers/Random House: NY, 2008.


Christina Meldrum's debut novel is an eye-opening, thought-provoking mystery. Going beyond the mystery, Meldrum delves into questions regarding faith, religion, science, and life. Madapple is outstanding in its depth and uniqueness. It has been published as a young adult book, but is definitely adult level as well.

Unique is certainly the word for it considering the different plot and concepts and the masterful meshing of plant lore with the story. A certain amount of open-mindedness is recommended as a reader. For myself, my first question is: how much was based on actual study-both the biology and the religious theory? My interest is piqued, and I want to learn more.

Madapple has layered and intertwining themes, both complex and unusual. The first is Aslaug's trials. The deaths of her mother, aunt, and cousin are mysteries that feed the suspense until the very end. This is the plot that holds the rest together.

Within the trial situation the reader sees Aslaug's isolation. In the beginning of her life, it seems fairly natural, though different from the surrounding society, and Aslaug starts to become restless in her teens (also normal). After her mother's death the isolation is thrust upon her. Also within the trials, a lack of communication is apparent. Aslaug does not understand normal procedures regarding an accused suspect. It is assumed that she is crazy, and therefore, capable of murder. Even when the facts don't support this belief, little attempt is made to communicate with her to find the truth. I believe this is a reflection of how people respond to each other in daily life. People have limited viewpoints, and most don't look deeper to find a truer picture.

The next theme is the mystery surrounding the births, Aslaug's and Sophia Phalia's. The circumstances of Aslaug's conception are not known. Her mother apparently believed it was a virgin birth (not out of ignorance). She studied ancient languages in order to read texts that would support this view. This theme is closely related to the next-that of religious belief. There are two parts to this: 1)historical religions and the basis of Christianity and 2)the depth of belief or how it is practiced. When Aslaug notices that she is pregnant, her cousin provides a historical perspective. This perspective leads to obsessive behavior by her cousin and aunt, although her aunt already lives this way and changes her focus.

The last one is one the author herself speaks of-a "dichotomy between science and religion." Biology is a great part of Aslaug and her mother's (Maren's) way of life. They gather plants for food, healing, comfort, and spiritual protection. In earlier years, Maren studied religions, but now rejects those beliefs as irrational (as many scientists are encouraged to do). She teaches Aslaug about the natural world, but refers to supernatural elements with disdain. Biology is a science that has been interwoven with religion, including mythology, forever, because it has the most basic (yet miraculous), practical uses. It is more natural (and possibly more meaningful) to teach it with the lore of ages than through strictly scientific fact. During the trials, biology is viewed from a scientific basis. Because Aslaug has knowledge of certain plants, she is automatically suspect. Her explanations are rejected, since they don't fit with this strictly factual view. Aslaug goes to live with her aunt and cousins after her mother's death and is then immersed in a religious environment. Her aunt is a pastor, and her cousin enlists her help studying ancient texts. The story compares the two opposite ways of living and brings them together in Aslaug who is capable of absorbing both ways and also capable of filtering ideas to live a more balanced life.

related-biology, practical uses of plants, religious beliefs and practice, history of Christianity, Christ and early Christians, ancestry, court proceedings, isolation, lack of communication, homeschool RL=YA-adult

Blog Stop Book Tours has scheduled more reviews for Madapple:
June 4 Sharp Words
June 6 The Book Faery Reviews
June 9 Mom Is Just A Nickname
June 13 From the Cheap Seats
June 16 Something She Wrote
June 18 YA Bookmarks
June 23 Maw Books
June 27 Writing From Kiddom Maddigan's Fantasia by Margaret Mahy.
Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2007.


Maddigan's Fantasia is a long, rambling science fiction/fantasy novel. The time travel in the story barely exists; it's a reason for the future dwellers (Timon, Eden and Jewel: runaway orphans, plus the culprits: Ozul, Maska and the Nennog) to be in the story. There are also a number of technical gadgets: for communication, transportation and power generation. The fantasy consists of several elements: a changing map and diary, a very slowly aging woman, a water monster, an apparition, the Nennog and his possession of beings.

Timon, Eden and their baby sister escape into Garland Maddigan's time period and join the travelers, a time when the world is trying to recover from major catastrophes. Lord Nennog sends Ozul and Maska after them to steal the talisman that they carry. There are only a few cities surviving. Maddigan's Fantasia, traveling entertainers, roam between the cities and towns as the places change. They have been charged with the task of buying a generator from one far city to save their home city, Solis. Each group of people they encounter in their quest has a different way of dealing with the formative times. One has child slavery; one captures guests and drugs them; one has children rebelling against parents; one is tribal; one is in complete ruin except the library with a sole caretaker.

I enjoyed many of the parts of the story. Garland and the circus bits were entertaining, as were the motorized wings and Eden's magic. But I felt like the book was made up of bits and pieces meshed together, not really cohesive. Each part made me wish for more focus on it. Maybe the book is more suited to a leisurely read. Maybe it's because it is a low reading level. Anyway, I would guess the book would be loved mostly by those reveling in fantasy moments or enjoying reading snatches of story.

related-time travel, magic, solar energy, circus, entertainers, immortality, friendship, communities
RL=5th-8th

Make Me Over ed by Marilyn Singer.
Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Group: NY, 2005.


The 11 stories in this collection include pros and cons in transforming oneself. Too often makeovers refer to an arbitrary standard that has nothing to do with who a person is. This book addresses this and also the need to sometimes change oneself slightly to discover a personal style or belief. The title actually was a drawback to me, but I hoped that the stories would not be that shallow, and they are not.

This is another collection in which the readers' own experiences would greatly determine which stories resonate the most. One of my favorites is Bedhead Red, Peekaboo Pink by Marilyn Singer in which a boy starts dating a blind girl because she can't see him. He genuinely enjoys her company but lies about his appearance. So when she wants to introduce him to others, he gets a makeover to continue the ruse. The Resurrection by Jess Mowry is more serious, with a homeless boy hanging with a friend for food and some time off the street. Despite his friend's effort, the boy becomes dangerously ill. The makeover refers to the funeral home next door. Frank, in Bazooka Joe and the Chaos Kid by Norma Howe, isn't looking for any transformation. He likes his life the way it is, junk and all, until he meets Jenna and invites her over to his house. Peni R. Griffin's character in Vision Quest has lost sight of who she is supposed to be. It seems that she is different people depending on who she interacts with. So she performs an urban vision quest to find herself and her spirit guide. These are the stories that impressed me the most in the book, but I feel sure that others' picks would be different. It's certainly an interesting book with wide ranging topics.

In Some People Call Me Maurice, Michael and his friends pretend to be French in an effort to be cooler. In Not Much To It by René Saldaña, Jr., Becky runs into an acquaintance from high school looking for free makeovers. It isn't until later that she realizes she has grown since high school and doesn't need to be cast in the same role. I enjoyed Wabi's Ears by Joseph Bruchac. An owl turns human to court the daughter of a chief. She drives him away, though she is impressed. It is through music that he wins her heart. I also enjoyed Terry Trueman's Honestly, Truthfully. After noticing that nobody tells the truth, a boy decides he is only going to tell the truth. Not a bad sentiment, but he takes it too far, almost seeming to be obnoxious on purpose. In the end, he decides truthfulness is too dangerous. In Marina Budhos's The Plan a mother remakes herself (name, job, everything) every few years, dragging her son along with her. This time the job is acting, and she involves him, putting him in a position of more control of his own life. Lucky Six by Evelyn Coleman is about as serious as you can get. A young woman performs as an exotic dancer in order to support younger siblings and go to college. With a mother treading on her dreams, she decides it's time to move. Butterflies by Margaret Peterson Haddix is way different. An immigrant invites a young woman to come to the United States to be his bride, when he learns that she is the only one left from their old village. She's not sure what to expect on arrival and succumbs to the makeover attempts of a women's charity organization.
related-coming of age, short stories, transformations, exploration, makeovers, remake
RL=YA-adult

The Man Who Wore All His Clothes by Allan Ahlberg. il Katharine McEwen.
Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA, 2001.

Get ready for an action-packed adventure with the Gaskitt family. Why is Mr. Gaskitt wearing all of his clothes? Who will catch the robber? And why did he take the pizza?

The Gaskitts are fabulous! There are so many fun things going on at once-and there is a mystery to solve besides.
related-twins, pets, humorous stories, robbery, chase
RL=1st-2nd

Men At Arms by Terry Pratchett.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2008.
Originally published by Victor Gollancz Ltd: Great Britain, 1993.



Ultra-Condensed
• One of the Assassins decides Ankh-Morpork would be better off with its rightful King.


• Detritus the troll, Cuddy the dwarf, and Angua the werewolf are new recruits with the Night Watch.


• Sergeant Colon is in charge, since Captain Vimes is leaving the Watch after his marriage to the richest lady in Ankh-Morpork.


• A new and dangerous weapon, too awful to be allowed to exist (but too fascinating to destroy), is leaving a wake of corpses - a clown, a mechanically inclined dwarf, the assistant to the Queen of Beggars. More targets were sighted, but attempts foiled.


• Captain Vimes and the Night Watch have been ordered off the case. It is the Assassins Guild's jurisdiction.


• Everyone knows and likes Corporal Carrot.


• Freezing Detritus makes him smarter.


• Cut-me-own-Throat Dibbler expands his menu, for the ethnic crowd.


• Leonard of Quirm, genius inventor (not to be confused with Bloody Stupid Johnson), has disappeared.


• Detritus on a recruiting spree.

RL=YA-adult, adult bookThe Merlin Effect by T. A. Barron.
Philomel Books/Putnam & Grosset Group: NY, 1994.

Kate's historian father is searching for The Horn of Merlin as the ultimate proof of Merlin's existence. Part of an old folktale, the horn may be onboard a Spanish galleon that may have sunk off the coast of Baja, California in 1547. Add to the excitement a dangerous whirlpool just off the coast, non-migrating grey whales, an ageless fish and youthful fishing village, and a twisted Nimue.

While the Horn does not ensure immortality, it does have a power of agelessness. However, it is harmful to drink from it without proper understanding. Kate's fate is to find the lost treasure, keep it safe from Nimue, and leave it in a place that King Arthur can find upon his return.

As with Barron's other books, philosophical questions arise-agelessness, creation and the continuaion of it, rejuvenation, elemental spirits, faith, and free will. I find Barron's mix of genres and topics exciting-mystery, adventure, history, myth, and science. I particularly like the appearance of Merlin, though the story is otherwise unrelated to the King Arthur stories.
RL=6th-YA

Midnighters by Scott Westerfeld.
EOS/HarperCollins Publishers: NY.
RL=YA
The Secret Hour 2004: There are ancient creatures running loose in Bixby, OK. But only in one hour a day-an hour hidden from everyone except those born at midnight. Since Jessica Day moved to town, the creatures have become more predatory. They seem to be after her specifically. In order to survive she must band together with the other midnighters to find what talent she may have which would enable her to protect herself.

The story is mysterious and exciting. Westerfeld is highly imaginative. None of his books so far have been disappointing. The language is not as rich in this book as in others (ex.So Yesterday), but the story is captivating.

Touching Darkness 2004: Jessica and the other midnighters discover a disturbing connection between the midnight hour and daylighters. As they search to find out more, they learn of Bixby, OKlahoma's shadowy past-a time when the midnighters seemed to have disappeared. Changes are happening withi n their group, and a horrifying conspiracy is revealed. Dess is drawn to an old woman who may be the only one who can keep them from disappearing as their predecessors had.


Even more exciting than the first book, it is full of tension and surprises. It is the kind of book you don't want to put down, but you don't want it to end either.

Blue Moon 2005: The Midnighters learn that there is a rip in the wall that separates the blue time-threatening to increase the time and space for the darklings to hunt. Rex has a major identity struggle since his thoughts merged with the darklings in the last book. Part of him now sees humans as prey and reacts in other ways as a darkling. The midnighters also learn more about the history of Bixby, OK, and the past realizations will have a great impact on their future.


An exciting conclusion for the midnighters. Fans of the seer will love it. There is less focus on abilities and more on what's ahead and who they want to be as people.
related-identity, mystery, the hunt, beasts, Sam Hain

The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson.
Henry Holt and Company: NY, 2009.


Pearson writes about one crazy car trip with four students in pursuit of a fair day. Though the trip is not too long, Destiny travels a long distance to confront a past which has kept her in a pattern of aloneness and changing boarding schools since she was 7 years old.

The day starts with the routine of the school which has helped Destiny to cope, her antipathy to October 19, and her determination to stay alone and hidden. An odd conversation with a stranger signals the possibility of this fair day, and she grabs it willfully, dragging along three others. Seth because he is in need of fairness, undeservedly given trash duty, and he can drive. Mira happens by and is the closest thing Destiny has to a friend at the school. Aidan appears and is her friend's friend.

The day is rife with coincidences. Nothing else would have kept them so focused on their day. Four unlikely people thrown together for a day by fate. While they each get something out of it, clearly it is Destiny's day, and spontaneity and three new friends give her the courage to face an unrelenting reality, so that she can start to live and interact with the world.

Pearson has become one of those authors of which each new book is a must read. She has something big to say in each. Even in The Scribbler of Dreams which is on the light side and a cliché subject. She has become quite good at building up anticipation and walloping the reader with twists. I thought I knew what was going on in The Miles Between, but I didn't have a clue. It turned out to be much bigger than what I was thinking. A little lighter reading than The Adoration of Jenna Fox, but I'd say as good of a book.

Also by Mary E. Pearson, David vs. God and A Room on Lorelei Street.

related-secrets, emotional problems, friendship, boarding schools, family, fate
RL=YA-adult

Mindblind by Jennifer Roy.
Marshall Cavendish: Tarrytown, NY, 2010.


Every now and then, a book comes along which leads me to an epiphany. Mindblind is such a book. The book itself is about a teenage boy (Nathaniel) who has Asperger's syndrome. He has all of the events in his life stored in files in his mind, like a computer. Often they open automatically, with no control, due to a key reminder. Sometimes he is so stuck in the memory that he appears to be in a trance. He is struggling to interact in a world that is foreign to him, beyond his understanding. Mostly, he can cope with this. Mostly, he interacts with people who know and accept and love him for the gifted person that he is. He is at genius level, though he insists he is not a genius due to his lack of an achievement that impacts society. So, through much of the story, he is on a quest to fulfill his genius potential. His breakthrough comes when he is at his very lowest point, withdrawn into his own world after an incident that he cannot face. Two breakthroughs actually: a mathematical proof (an epiphany) which earns him a grad school spot at MIT and song lyrics for his band as he pours out his math and science mantra in retreating from the world.

Nathaniel mentions people who possibly had Asperger's and made an impact on society, such as Einstein. I was confused about this at first, since the people he named didn't seem to be unable to cope in society, though certainly they are atypical. In reading the book, I was struck by how many of Nathaniel's "problems" are things that I have difficulty with as well. Some of them my husband and one son also share: sensory overload, problems with texture (especially food), stress regarding interacting with others, not fitting in, directness that others do not understand, obsessing about little things. Nathaniel calls his traits atypical; I'm not sure that they are. They are just more pronounced in Asperger's people.

One particular trait I have struggled with all of my life. I thought my inability to interact (I hate groups and can't start conversations.) was psychologically induced due to childhood environment. I also thought that it was a personal shortcoming that in 20+ years of adulthood I haven't managed to improve this skill much (with people I know and with whom I feel comfortable, somewhat improved). But my comfort level with most people is low and stress high, leaving me with a serious need to balance when I interact with hibernation periods.

My epiphany? I think quite possibly this is a biologically/neurologically based attribute that is ingrained deeply within me, not psychological. It is something that has caused me great depression for more than half my life, since I desire to interact with people but almost never feel like I belong. Maybe if I can accept this about myself and allow myself to worry less about what others think, I can eliminate some of the depression. I know some will still be there, because our society is going in a direction I cannot deal with or accept. I have been emotionally withdrawing in the last few years because of this fact. Financially, I am being pushed to be more a part of our society, and I do not want to be. At least not until our people agree that workers deserve to share in the profits resulting from their labor. Seems simple to me. People are more important than money.

Mindblind is a smart, complex peek into the mind of a younger teen who struggles to understand the world around him and runs, physically and figuratively, when it is too much emotionally. Not so different from most people. The difference comes through his inability to understand how others think, especially the culture that is so alien to him. Given his known tendencies, Nathaniel does a remarkable job of interacting. The complexity of the story is related to his processing of his experiences, old and new. Especially noteworthy is his relationship with his young half-brother who requires that Nathaniel treat him differently, just as he needs to be treated with understanding. From what I have personally seen of Asperger's and Autism, this would be an achievement to be proud of, making allowances for another's flaws. The story has some cool extras - the kids' garage band and Nathaniel's obsession with The Amazing Race (not a show I've watched, but I like what he does with it).

related-Asperger's syndrome, genius, rock groups, interpersonal relations
RL=6th and up

A Mind With Wings: The Story of Henry David Thoreau by Gerald and Loretta Hausman.
Trumpeter Books/Shambhala Publications, Inc: Boston, 2006.

Henry Thoreau was a thinker first of all. He wanted to be a writer also as was his mentor, Ralph Waldo Emerson. In order to transform himself into a writer, he moved to Walden Pond to live in the woods (for 2 years). There he studied his thoughts and the world around him while living simply and wrote Walden; or, Life in the Woods and A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers about his trip with his brother, John. His books did not sell well at the time because his thoughts were considered too inflamatory then. (The author points out that 50 years before Thoreau's time he would have been in the stocks for missing church on Sunday.) Now, however, his works are considered great American literature and his concepts are known to have impacted both how we see the environment and how we respond to our government. Thoreau also wrote an essay based on 2 lectures he gave regarding his arrest for refusing to pay a tax. That essay, Resistance to Civil Government, has played an important role in civil rights in our country and other parts of the world.

The publisher regards this book as a fictional account. Judging by the authors' note I would say it is a very close depiction. The authors used words from Thoreau's writings to construct dialogue for the story. They also read several biographies to form an idea of his personality and behavior. The book is enjoyable and informative and has a bibliography for more in depth reading.
related-naturalists, writers, Transcendentalism, slavery, civil disobedience
RL=6th-8th

M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2007.


A collection of fantasy short stories by bestselling author of YA and adult books, Neil Gaiman. Most of the stories have only a touch of fantasy: boys attending a party of otherworldly travelers, the selling of a famous bridge made of jewels, a group of unusual characters sitting around telling stories, a Sam Spade/noir style detective story with Mother Goose characters, a stray black cat guarding a family's home, an eccentric club searching for the next fantastic meal, and a return of Galahad searching for the Holy Grail in an unlikely place.

Gaiman is an excellent storyteller. The stories are unique, varied, well written, with some entertaining concepts. Most of the book is light fantasy. More for laughs than deep thinking.

The book seems to be one of the few short story collections accessible to middle graders, excluding folklore books. Even so, some of the stories are more for young adults. Despite the low reading level, it remains one of my favorite of my list of short story collections.

My favorites of the book are The Case of Four and Twenty Blackbirds (detective story), Chivalry (Galahad), The Price (guard cat), and Sunbird (the Epicurean Club). One chapter of The Graveyard Book also appears in M is for Magic.

related-magic, short stories, King Arthur, aliens, mythical creatures, seasons, detective stories, mysteries, Mother Goose
RL=YA-adult, some stories 7th & up

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2007.

I have anticipated reading this book since I learned of it. Maybe overly anticipated. One of the very first books I read as a child was a serial biography of Helen Keller. I loved the story and read it several times. I also have seen 2 versions of The Miracle Worker. The 1962 movie with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke and the 1979 TV movie with Patty Duke and Melissa Gilbert. I think, because the story itself was what so enthralled me, this book could replace the old serial book in the hearts of children. The old one has nice pictures and was meant for very young readers. This one has more depth and much better language and writing. The events are much the same, but Sarah Miller has made an effort to convey the thoughts of Anne Sullivan-including what she believed Helen was going through before understanding the concept of words and as her world opened up. The perspective is the main difference. The old book is from Helen's. This one is from Anne Sullivan's, and because Anne was nearly blind and trained at the Perkins Institution for the Blind where she knew someone like Helen, this book to a certain extent incorporates both perspectives.

One of the things that amazes me about the lives of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan is the realization of how important words are. Their lives made me think at a very young age about this concept. Words-we take them for granted, but the normal way of thinking (not just communicating) is with words. Some people have more visual thinking than I do. Sometimes we think in sound or pure emotion, but all of us think with words. Can you imagine what it would be like to try to communicate without having learned words? Or to communicate with someone else who hasn't? That is what this whole story hinges on. Helen was just starting to learn a few words at six months when she became so ill that she lost her sight and hearing. By age 6 she so desperately wanted to communicate that she had created her own gestures for many things. She needed a teacher who could understand her struggles and help her to communicate or be trapped inside herself with only her family to understand her at all. Only one other person had learned what Helen needed to learn, fifty years earlier.

related-Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller, blind, deaf, people with disabilities, teachers, Alabama history, self discipline, orphans, American sign language, literacy, understanding words, communication, fictionalized biography
RL=5th & up

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

• The Final Empire 2006


• The Well of Ascension 2007


• The Hero of Ages 2008 - no review


• The Alloy of Law coming 2011, looks steampunk style

RL=YA-adult
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.
Originally published in 3 volumes by Richard Bentley: London, 1851.

If it had not been required reading in college, I most likely would never have read this book. The professor talked much about the main plot in class which I might have totally overlooked if he hadn't discussed it. I have heard many people moan and groan about Moby-Dick. At times I thought maybe Melville needed a better editor to cut out some of the extras. But then I realized that what I loved about the book was the rambling tangents that are so much a part of the book. It's possible that I didn't catch the main theme of the story because I was so enthralled with the extra details. Herman Melville was a master of description. He took topics which normally would have bored me out of my mind and made them fascinating. I did not know until now that the book was published in three volumes. I did know, though, that publishing often worked that way at the time. Perhaps that contributed to the fragmented feel of the work.
related-whaling, New England-history, quest, obsession
RL=YA-adult

The Monster's Ring by Bruce Coville.
Harcourt, Inc: NY, 1982.

Other Magic Shop Books:
Jennifer Murdley's Toad
Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
Juliet Dove, Queen of Love
Skull of Truth



Russell is bullied relentlessly at school. He imagines himself becoming a monster to get revenge. He stumbles upon The Magic Shop as he flees from the bully. He receives a ring from the proprietor that transforms him-body and character.

The story is strange and fantastic and yet somehow very real. Russell is transformed in ways we may wish we could be sometimes-as long as we could change back when convenient.
related-monsters, bullies, Halloween, schools, magic
RL=3rd-4th

Mort by Terry Pratchett.
Harper Collins Publishers: NY, 2008.
Originally publ by Victor Gollancz Ltd with Colin Smythe Ltd: Great Britain, 1987.



Ultra-Condensed Mort


• The sands of time pouring away


• "Magicians have calculated that million-to-one chances crop up nine times out of ten."


• Death takes Mort on as an apprentice . . . and companion for his daughter.


• People don't see what their minds tell them isn't there.


• It's harder to save a life than you'd think.


• Magical writing trying not to be read by a non-wizard.


• Self-writing biographies. One for everyone. Including the ageless wizard.


• History rights itself. Even if it must kill to do it.


• New royal post - official Recognizer


• Everyone expecting a coronation, but for who?


• "There was going to be folk dancing, at sword point if necessary."


• The VOICE and temporary rearranging of matter come with the job.


• Death finds a new profession.


• Death answers to no one and makes his own rules.
The Mouse That Roared by Leonard Wibberley.
Little, Brown and Company: Boston, 1955.
Originally published in The Saturday Evening Post 1954.

The Mouse That Roared is a political satire regarding the arms race. A tiny country in Europe sues the United States because a U.S. wine company markets a product with a similar name as the one major export of Grand Fenwick. When U.S. officials ignore the complaint thinking it a joke, Grand Fenwick decides to attack the United States. Under strange and ridiculous circumstances, the Grand Fenwick forces take a bomb hostage. Grand Fenwick's simple solution to the arms race is interesting, and the details of the story are funny in their ridiculousness. There are sequels to the story that I have not read. However, my family has watched the movie The Mouse That Roared and its sequel The Mouse on the Moon (courtesy of Netflix). The Mouse on the Moon was particularly funny as a movie. The Mouse That Roared was better as a book.

RL=YA-adult

Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2008.
First published by Victor Gollancz Ltd: Great Britain, 1990.



Ultra-Condensed

• The Last Keeper of the Door at Holy Wood dies.


• Memories escape from their tomb and beckon to the people of Ankh-Morpork.


• Silverfish the Alchemist moves to Holy Wood to continue experiments with octo-cellulose.


• They come in droves to make the moving pictures, building a new temporary city.


• Cut-me-own-Throat Dibbler can always be found where there's a sale to be made.


• Victor the almost passing wizard student leaves for Holy Wood. Ponder Stibbons passes, because he gets Victor's test.


• Victor becomes the clicks' Cohen the Barbarian.


• Not so subtle subliminal messages (advertisements).


• "As Cut-me-own-Throat Dibbler knew in his heart, wherever two or more are gathered together, someone will be trying to sell them a suspicious sausage in a bun."


• "Funny. You could know someone for their whole life and not realize that the gods had put them in this world to move a thousand elephants around the place."


• The Librarian edits a film . . . with his teeth.


• Blown Away, the Ultimate Picture, burning city and all, bound to mesmerize.


• A click theater entombed.


• "When five hundred crude two-elephant bobsleighs crested the ridge ten feet away at sixty miles an hour, their strapped-on occupants trumpeting in panic, they never saw the yetis until they were right on top of them."


• Senior wizards sneaking out of Unseen University pretending to have false beards, in the hope of retaining respect.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. il. Zena Bernstein.
Atheneum: NY, 1971.
Newbery Award Winner 1972

This is one of the first books that my oldest son was excited about reading. He had been unwilling to move beyond Goosebumps and Animorphs. He had read an excerpt from a textbook and decided to give it a try. His motivation for reading it was the technology involved in the story.

Scientists at NIMH try to teach lab rats to read. They underestimate the rats' abilities, and the rats decide to gain their own freedom and create their own community.

The two sequels (Racso and the Rats of NIMH: 1986 and RT, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH: 1990-both by Jane Leslie Conly, his daughter) are as good as the first book. They are worth reading again and again.
RL=4th-6th

Murder At Midnight by Avi.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2009.


This mystery is different in that it takes place in 1490 Italy. The concept of a printing press seems like magic to the small town of Pergamontio. Magic is illegal by order of King Claudius, so the appearance of multiple exact copies of a seditious paper prompts the jailing of the local magician, Mangus. Fabrizio, an unwanted servant boy of Mangus, filled with awe and faithfulness for Mangus, is caught in the thick of the intrigue when he tries to assist his master.

Caught between the power play of the mysterious Count Scarazoni and Signor DeLaBina, the chief magistrate of Pergamontio, Fabrizio is enlisted in an exciting adventure, requiring all of his abilities and a bit of illusion to prove his master's innocence. Through his investigations, he meets the daughter and printer's devil of the traveling printers. Fabrizio befriends Maria and enlists her help in the adventure.

The details regarding the medieval setting a large part of the charm. I also enjoyed the interaction between Fabrizio and Maria and the appearances of the Count.

Murder At Midnight is a companion novel to Midnight Magic.

related-magicians, orphans, Renaissance Italy, mysteries and detective stories, printing press
RL=3rd-6th

My Brother Abe by Harry Mazer.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2009.


My Brother Abe gives voice to Abraham Lincoln's sister Sally who died in childbirth at age 21. The story deals with the Lincolns' move from Kentucky to Indiana when they are put off their land by wealthy investors. Included is their mother's death and Sally's running of their frontier home at age 11 until Mr. Lincoln brings home a new wife. A poignant period of adjustment follows with Sally unwilling to accept a stepmom.

The historical references to Abraham Lincoln are just teasers, a setting perhaps. The title doesn't quite fit, since the story is Sally's not Abe's. Little is truly known of Sally, but Mazer's story is a glimpse into the difficult life on the frontier. Imagine being in charge of the house (meals, cleaning, food rationing) at age 11. Even being left to run things for weeks while a parent is absent. The best part to me is the emotional struggle Sally has with her father and the ordeal of becoming part of the family her father pieces together out of necessity. Her burden is lifted, but belonging is another matter. I imagine it isn't so different from families pieced together nowadays.

related-Sarah Lincoln, 19th century, early 1800s, Abraham Lincoln, childhood and youth, frontier and pioneer life, Indiana history, homestead
RL=4th-6th

My One Hundred Adventures by Polly Horvath.
Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House: NY, 2008.


It's a summer of adventure for 12 year old Jane and her family and friends. As if it's not enough of an adventure living on the beach in their small Massachusetts town, Jane experiences a lone hot air balloon ride in an attempt to save her soul, Sunday afternoons with her friend and preacher looking to optimize their spiritual energy, babysitting a hoard of Gourd children as penance, excursions and dinners getting to know her mother's ex-boyfriends who have appeared all at once this summer, saving her brothers from an ill-advised boating attempt, and a close call-of-a-kidnapping. In her spare moments, she finds some time to enjoy her surroundings, calming and replenishing herself. She may feel like she is blundering through the summer, but she does a lot of good without fully realizing it.

As in Everything on a Waffle, there are some quirky interesting details, like Jane's mother (Felicity) being a Pulitzer prize winning poet, and startling clear-sighted moments, like there being millions of days within one day because everyone lives that day differently.

Jane's family lives a different sort of life than most, owing to her mother's outlook on life. Felicity's is a simple life - living in an old cottage on the beach, gathering wild fruits, clams and wild grasses to supplement their meager fair, treating others with kindness and giving them the benefit of the doubt. This may be a part of why Jane tries so hard to be good.

Jane's friend Ginny is a kindred spirit, though struggling through her own troubles this summer. She also finds a treasure in an old friend of her mom's, the grandfatherly Anton Fordyce. They share a much needed restful afternoon in the midst of Jane's chaotic summer. Another old friend is set to open up a whole new world of adventures.

related-brothers and sisters, single parent families, summer, beaches, babysitters, interpersonal relations, friendship
RL=5th and up

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy by Jean Craighead George.
E. P. Dutton: NY, 1959.
Newbery Honor 1960

Sam Gribley leaves his family's home to live off the land in the Catskill Mountains. He looks back at the summer and fall when he was faced with solving all the details that would make it possible to survive through the winter independently-with comfort.

As with the other books I have read by Jean George, the strength is in the details of being a part of nature as well as the feelings and thoughts expressed in this solitary living. The story concept is a little strange to me-possibly since so much has changed in our society since the book was written. While I can understand a boy's desire to live freely in an undeveloped area, some of the events wouldn't fit well into modern life. Still I enjoyed the ingenuity of the boy, and the descriptions give the reader the feeling that it is still possible to live independently with only products of the land and one's own ability to think of solutions. As I was finishing I also thought that those enjoying George's books would also likely enjoy Thoreau and Walt Whitman when a little older.

related-freedom and independence, survival, study and observation of nature, ingenuity, problem solving
RL=4th-8th

On the Far Side of the Mountain
Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Books: NY, 1990.

Frightful is taken away and Alice, Sam Gribley's sister, strikes out on her own. Sam and Bando track her across the mountain for an adventure and to make sure she is safe. She leads them on a merry chase. When they learn there are poachers nearby, they split up. Bando contacts the authorities, and Sam moves quickly to catch Alice.

The story is full of natural observations, but it is quirky also because of Alice's personality.
related-wilderness survival, brothers and sisters, falcons-fiction, friendship, ingenuity, falconers
RL=4th-8th

Frightful's Mountain
Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers: NY, 1999.

Told from many points-of-view, the story follows not just Frightful but other peregrine falcons as well. It is the story of Frightful's transfer from captivity to the wild. It discusses (in story format) the dangers affecting the falcons and other endangered birds. The birds and those caring for them face conflicts. Protections are described as well as failed attempts. Children and wildlife protection agencies become involved in preserving Frightful's babies. Full of details of Frightful's adaptation to the wild, it has a great balance between wild life observations and human interest. It is an exciting story-the best of the trilogy.
related-peregrine falcon-fiction, falcons, wildlife conservation, New York state, falconers, return of birds of prey to the wild, endangered species, migration, civil activism, school children, mating, falcon chicks
RL=5th-8th

Necessary Noise: stories about our families as they really are ed by Michael Cart.
Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2003.


Traditional, blended or fractured - all families have disruptive moments. Times when communication is imperative, even if it is translated through behavior. Obviously, better if it initiates conversation, but families are often not that direct in communicating. These ten short stories deal with problems bursting out in modern families and the handling of the explosive moments.

It's hard to say I liked the book exactly, because most of the content is difficult, understandably. The stories are good for those who like to read of misery and be challenged by issues. I have 2 favorites - Hardware by Joan Bauer which describes a family being pushed out of business by a Super Store and Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde by Sonya Sones for the format and language in which it is written. Sibling rivalry in the extreme in sparse but direct and personal verses.

Two entries are biblical in content - modern day versions of the Lazarus story (sisters dealing with his possible death) and Hagar and Ishmael (a homeless single parent family). There are a variety of issues in the others - belief vs skepticism, a visit to death row and a son abandoned by his father, a mental illness addressed by medication, a boy living with his mom and her female partner and unwilling to accept the situation, the relationship of 2 male friends through their lives, and a boyfriend brought home from college.

related-family, short stories, tear jerkers, authors - Joan Bauer, Norma Howe, Emma Donoghue, Nikki Grimes, Walter Dean Myers, Joyce Carol Thomas, Rita Williams-Garcia, Michael Cart, Sonya Sones, Lois Lowry
RL=YA

Never Trust a Dead Man by Vivian Vande Velde.
Harcourt Brace & Company: NY, 1999.


Selwyn has been accused of murdering Farold, another young man in their small town. The townspeople rush to judgment and the ringleader proclaims he should be buried alive in the burial cave with the body of the dead man. A witch comes to his aide (for a price) and brings the dead man's spirit back to life. Unfortunately, Farold does not know who the murderer is, since he was sleeping and stabbed in the back.

The two young men go disguised into the town to investigate. What they learn is that there are too many people who had cause to want Farold dead. Apparently no one wanted to look into the murder, because they were afraid suspicion would be cast on them. By the end, there are about nine suspects.

The book is mostly a murder mystery but part comedy as well, slightly farcial. Farold's spirit ends up in a bat's body by mistake, and his personality is as unpleasant in death as in life. The witch is comical with her whacking Selwyn for stupid questions and comments and her outrageous price. The daunting task of finding the murderer is also amusing, plus Selwyn's second disguise. The story lightly explores some social issues, though it is largely a comedy. A good, fun story.

I love the title, though it is only loosely connected to the story. It isn't as important as it sounds.

This is a high interest, low level book. Sixth graders could easily read it, but because of the social issues and age of protagonist it is considered YA.

related-murder mysteries, detective stories, motives, small towns, magic, dating


RL=YA
New Boy by Julian Houston.
Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, 2005.

In the late 1950s, Virginian Rob Garret is the first boy of color to attend his Connecticut boarding school. He is glad to have a break from the segregation of his hometown, but he also witnesses the mistreatment, humiliation, and isolation of a friend by other students. He gets his first look at Harlem, views other types of prejudice, and considers the social changes that are in the making. He is torn between continuing in Connecticut and returning to Virginia to participate in the young people's movement to stop segregation.

New Boy is an excellent book. Rob is a character with intelligent, insightful observations about what he sees and experiences. He encounters many new and varied events with a mixture of wonder, excitement, hope, frustration, and anger.
related-boarding school, Harlem, 1950s, African Americans, Jews, sit-ins
RL=YA

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson.
Green Willow Books/HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2007.
Originally published by The Bodley Head: Great Britain, 2005.

This story is a suspenseful and fanciful explanation of why people in modern times seem to not have time for all of the things people used to do - reading, learning music, hanging out with friends, etc. Time is leaking from the world into the realm of Eternal Youth, otherwise known as the world of the faeries.

The story starts with a modern-day, Irish, farming family that welcomes visitors regularly to their home to play music together and share their music with the community. This tradition dates back to a time when the Catholic Church was trying to stamp out community dances. J.J. Liddy learns form his best friend that the Liddy family has a dark secret, connected to their music playing. Related but not apparent at first, there is a new policeman in town with a bad memory who can be led astray by an invitation to play his fiddle.

All of these things do not immediately seem connected. It isn't until J.J. is led into the realm of Eternal Youth by a concerned neighbor and distracted long enough to understand the problem that the reader can see the connections.

Possibly because it comes to us from Britain, this is a very different book. It is a blend of the Irish traditions of music making and weaving fanciful tales. It has a bare minimum of folklore, and so, seems more modern. It is fairly believable despite the trip to the faerie world. It was nothing like I expected.

I especially enjoyed the musical heritage in the story. Adding to my pleasure is that we had just finished a weekend of musical merriment at the American Folk Festival in Bangor, Maine. Bangor was fortunate in hosting the National Folk Festival for three years, and then the city , with the help of the National organizers, started their own annual event. Musicians from all over the states, plus Canada and other countries, come to perform. Because of the the 400th anniversary of French settlement in Canada, the main focus this year was on French Canadian (also have strong Irish & Scottish influence) groups learning their music through house parties. We heard so much fiddling - including a Norwegian fiddler playing an instrument deemed the devil's instrument, as in the book.

The story is high interest with a low reading level. It also looks longer than it is due to the design of the book. Each chapter is headed by a traditional song, which is a nice touch but takes up space.

related-time and space, fairies, music, Ireland, fiddling and fiddlers, family secrets
RL=7th and up

Next by Michael Crichton.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2006.


Next deals with concepts of trans-species genetic engineering. The feeling is that we are on the edge of huge breakthroughs in this area. Breakthroughs that would enable us to modify behavior in various ways, supply as much transplant material as is needed for the growing demand, and take marketing in a direction never dreamed of. The possibilities are so exciting researchers are ignoring the regulations and working in secret. Consequences are showing up all over the globe. Things that make such bizarre headlines they cannot be true.

There are several characters to follow here, all related to one genetic engineering company. A company that is struggling to survive, a company that owns a person's cells and pursues them physically, a company caught in the act of banned modification, a company in the midst of a hostile takeover.

This excerpt taken from the book's cover sums it up:


Next challenges our sense of REALITY and notions of MORALITY. Balancing the COMIC and the BIZARRE with the genuinely FRIGHTENING and DISTURBING, Next shatters our assumptions and reveals SHOCKING new choices where we least expect.


There is one shocking occurrence after another in the story. Many of them set off by crazy headlines and articles. Some of the politics is different than what we expect in our society. However, maybe it isn't too farfetched given the huge moneymaking prospects in this field. We do have the same sense of secrecy in our society surrounding genetic engineering. By the time the public knows what is happening it may very well be too late.

This is a provocative book, playing on people's fears, certainly, but also possibly opening eyes. The fact is genetic engineering can take us in directions we could never expect, directions we don't want to go in. What we don't know can hurt us. Where is the regulation? Are we depending on researchers' sense of morality to limit what they try? A dangerous presumption. We have seen with corporations that if there is no explicit regulation against it, they believe it is legal (ex. the selling of people's retirements as assets in mergers in the 1990s). Do you believe our government officials are knowledgeable enough to regulate this field? Crichton uses known possibilities and extends the ideas just a little farther than where we are for a riveting, adventure-full story.

related-genetic engineering and research, politics, trans-species animals, organ transplants, tissue storage and ownership, hostile takeover of a corporation, behavior modification
RL=YA-adult, adult book

Night John by Gary Paulsen.
Delacorte Press/Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc: NY, 1993.
Sarny: A Life Remembered sequel 1997

This book took me by surprise. It is so different from Paulsen's other books. It emphasizes the importance of reading in an incredibly real way. Reading represents life and freedom. For people who only have what they are allowed, freedom (even within the mind) is worth many risks.

Both Night John and Sarny are strong characters, and I found it to be a powerful book regarding slavery, education, and opportunities. It affected me deeply because I am a teacher living in a country that now takes education for granted, and I believe there are people here who want to limit education and opportunities for the majority of our people.
RL=YA

Night Journeys by Avi (Wortis).
Pantheon Books/Random House, Inc.: NY, 1979.

Two young indentured servants have escaped from their master in New Jersey in the 1700s. They have been told they would be safe and be able to find work if they can reach Easton, PA. Peter York's foster father is the Justice of the Peace in a small township just over the Delaware River border, but he is also a Quaker. Thinking of the reward money, Peter offers to help search for the fugitives. What he doesn't know is that they are children. Both Peter and his foster father wrestle with their consciences over the events that arise.

The first time I read this book I was overwhelmed. It has been a few years, so I wasn't sure if I would still be as moved. Again, I was amazed by the depth of emotion evoked by Peter York's struggles. There are about 10 to 12 of Avi's books that I think are great. This is near the very top.
related-indentured servants, Society of Friends, eighteenth century, Pennsylvania
RL=6th-YA

Night Watch by Terry Pratchett.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2002.


Samuel Vimes, Commander of the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork, falls through the University's rooftop and into the past. The murderer he is chasing is also transported. Trying to avoid too much change in history, Mr. Vimes must capture the madman before he can be transferred back to his wife, on the day of his child's birth. It is also the anniversary of his colleagues' deaths, the date to which he is transported in time-roughly. As a commander missing the old days, he gets his wish, so to speak, when he is sent to relive them. His mentor is killed in the transversal, and so he must take his mentor's place in training the young Vimes. Vetinari also makes an appearance pre-tyrant status.

Night Watch is one of the later books in the series. It is similar in style to Making Money, The Truth, and Going Postal. The setting up of Vetinari's rise to power is an interesting development. The time travel is always an enticing subject. There is a mix of parallel worlds and changing of history in linear time, the domino effect. Pratchett throws in some silliness with the guardians of time who help him travel home and political commentary in explaining an event that has shaped Vimes' character.

Night Watch is one of my favorites in the series so far. I've mostly read the later books. Because this one is excellent, I will continue to slowly read the ones I've missed. I want to savor them. They are not particularly hard to read, but it's easy for the reader to miss tangential bits if not paying attention. That little bit can be a reference to a major part of something else or just Pratchett's penchant for wisecracking.

If you are just now hearing of Pratchett's Discworld, you might want to know that it is a series one can jump into without worrying about a certain order. Find an aspect that intrigues you. The more you read of it, the more the whole will make sense.

related-time travel, Discworld, Samuel Vimes, police, revolution, keeping the peace
RL=YA-adult

Night Wings by Joseph Bruchac.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2009.


There is a mythical winged being inhabiting the top of Mount Washington in the Presidential range of New Hampshire. It is said that Pmola protects an ancient treasure in the region. Treasure hunters force Paul and his grandfather to guide them to the treasure. The grandfather is the expert on Abenaki legend in the area, and his familial ancestors have kept the stories through time. Paul has been raised to use his senses for observation, to control emotions that cloud thinking, to communicate in many ways, and to use all of his resources in solving his problems. His family training should serve him well in his dealing with these heartless kidnappers.

The story is in parts: the mystery of the legendary creature, the adventure of the kidnapping and treasure hunt, the aspects of Abenaki tradition and certain family abilities. The anticipation of the adventure is greater than I expected. The story starts with Paul being chased by the winged creature. Glimpses are seen throughout. Sightings too large to be a bird follow Paul at home and on the trails. We know it is only a matter of time. That is the biggest impression I had, the anticipation.

I also enjoyed the pure reading experience. Joseph Bruchac is an experienced and lauded storyteller. Much of what he has written has been based on tales passed down. But he is a master at weaving the language. I always feel a sense of awesome history attached to his writing. I suppose because he draws so much from tradition.

related-Abenaki Indians, Indians of North America, Northeastern states, New Hampshire, Mount Washington, monsters, mystery
RL=5th & up

Nothing But the Truth by Avi.
Orchard Books: NY, 1991.
Newbery Honor 1992

Philip is sent to the vice-principal's office for behaving disrepectfully while the national anthem is played. The situation quickly spins out of control as students, teachers, parents, school officials and the media become involved in the matter.

This is Avi at his best as he highlights an issue that does tend to get totally out of control. The facts tend to get lost in the fuss, and people's ability to reason is also lost as emotions become inflamed. Both sides become increasingly defensive, and the more attention is given, the more the story changes.
RL=7th-YA

Odder Than Ever by Bruce Coville.
Harcourt, Brace & Company: Orlando, 1999.

Nine short stories with twists or different points-of-view than the norm. Entertaining stories that make one think. Especially good for nonsqueamish readers.
RL=5th

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Boston, 2011.
author of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy and Wednesday Wars


Doug Swieteck's family moves to Marysville (upstate NY) in the summer of 1968. Doug starts the story an unhappy and scared kid. He doesn't want to be like his bullying father and older brothers. There doesn't seem to be anything to do in Marysville. He waits on the library steps for it to open only to be told rudely that it is only open Saturdays. But he does receive an offer of a job delivering groceries for a small grocer, which is better than doing nothing.

On his first visit to the Marysville Free Public Library, he goes upstairs to escape the disapproving librarian and discovers the library's treasure, a display case with John James Audubon's book Birds of America, one of the few remaining copies. He meets Mr. Powell, the page-turner for the book and a kindred spirit. Somehow Mr. Powell finds the time to give Doug art lessons on his Saturday visits. Along with the lessons, there is much discussion about the composition of the pictures and art techniques. Not too far along, Doug learns from Mr. Powell that the Town Council has been cutting pages from the book when the town is low on funds.

School is another source of aggravation. Doug mocks the principal at orientation and talks back to the Phys Ed coach (a Vietnam vet and the last person you want to irritate), so he's on Coach Reed and Principal Peattie's hit lists from the beginning. It doesn't help that there is a robbery in town and locals blame Doug's brother. Lil, the grocer's daughter, speaks on Doug's behalf or he would have lost his job, too. It is mostly through school, though, that Doug develops a pattern of sticking up for himself, acting on his own thoughts. It has consequences, and he needs to learn when to hold his tongue, but overall gains him respect.

It is his father's company picnic that is the turning point for Doug's problems. He unknowingly befriends the boss, Mr. Ballard, angering his father in the process. But it is the first unquestionable indication that his father is a big liar, and it is a friendship that continues through the story.

Doug makes a few friends on his delivery route. The playwright's, Mrs. Windermere, home is where Doug sees the first pilfered picture hanging. The principal's office is next. Then, Mr. Ballard's office. Later, he is shown a fourth hanging at a friend's house, a friend who also believes it belongs in the book. Doug instigates the return of the pages to the book. The first one is returned through friendship after Doug makes an impassioned comment. The others Doug has to bargain for.

Okay for Now is a coming of age story balanced with family and school troubles and artistic (drawing and plays) and community endeavors. Doug's new relationships and his achievements are the factors supporting his growth as an individual. Although, some of the friendships are shaky, with teachers and customers, a few are solid and unquestionably supportive (Lil, Mr. Ballard, Mr. Powell, and the science teacher Mr. Ferris). The others grow as the people get to know Doug better, even with more robberies happening and grim circumstances for the brother.

Schmidt is excellent at describing everyday events in an enthralling manner. He also balances many issues well and uses unlikely or unusual happenings in a believable way for an interesting read. The style is not as elegant as his Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, but still nicely written and entertaining. It is more along the lines of Wednesday Wars, in which Doug Swieteck is a minor character. Another memoir of a middle school boy, although with greater problems than the other.

related-John James Audubon, art and learning to draw, plays, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Vietnam War, theft, jobs for young people, moon walk, NY Yankees baseball and stats, community and family life, family problems, handicapped or disabled
RL=7th-YA

The Old Kingdom Books by Garth Nix.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY.

Sabriel 1995
Lirael 2001
Abhorsen 2003
Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen prequel expected 2010
sequel to Abhorsen expected 2011

Sabriel: For 2 hundred years the Old Kingdom has been overrun by the Dead who are controlled by practitioners of Free Magic. Most of her life Sabriel has been safe in a boarding house in Ancelstierre, across the Wall from the Old Kingdom. Barely of age, Sabriel learns her father, the Abhorsen (the Charter member with enough power to control the Dead), has been trapped in the realm of the Dead by the Greater Dead. His loss of power coincides with the further deterioration of control of the Dead allowing the possibility of demolishing the Wall between the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre. Sabriel's mission is to save her father if it's not too late and restore order if at all possible.



The book is well written, but a little too violent and creepy for my taste. My teenaged sons loved it. It is a necessary introduction to the series, but possibly too dark for the first book. Sabriel is a strong character, and I enjoyed the parts that were about her life before she was fighting the Dead. I was disappointed to hear the next 2 books are about someone else-until I read them. I enjoyed some of the aspects of the magic-the paperwing (an airplane), bells for controlling the dead, technology not working in the presence of Free Magic, necromancers' bodies freezing as they go into the Land of the Dead-but the premise is creepy. Some will love the books; others may avoid the topic.
related-magic, necromancy, Land of the Dead, kingdom in decay, adventure, horror, restoration of Kingdom
RL=YA-adult

Lirael: The 2nd book takes place about 20 years after Sabriel. Sabriel and Touchstone are needed in Ancelstierre on a mission of diplomacy. They leave the Kingdom in their children's hands. Ellimere, the heir to the throne, and Sameth, the Abhorsen-in-training. Meanwhile, Lirael has grown up as a daughter of the Clayr, but separate from them because she hasn't gained the Sight. She is an orphan. Her mother died when she was young, and her father is unknown. She is given a choice of jobs, and she chooses the library since she can avoid people that way. The Clayr's library is full of relics and ancient rooms and passageways as well as books. Early on she acquires a companion, the Disreputable Dog, who watches over her while she is pushing her to learn and explore dangerous situations. As Lirael comes of age (and the King and Abhorsen are out of the country), a critical situation is growing in the Old Kingdom. The Clayr See her as a part of the solution and send her to her destiny.



I think this book is so much better than Sabriel. Partly because the gruesome events don't happen until the next book. Most of this one is the growth of Lirael and Sameth as characters and the setting up of the catastrophe that is looming. Lirael's character is every bit as strong as Sabriel's, moving from an orphan to an independent young woman of knowledge and competence to the one who can rescue both the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre. Sameth struggles with the role expected of him by his parents and sister until he learns that maybe that isn't his destiny.

Abhorsen: This is a continuation of the story in Lirael. A continuation of the catastrophe that is looming. A coming together of the plan of the Destroyer and of the people involved in the foiling of his plans. The book is largely the quest to reach the site of confrontation. And then the ending which was partly expected and partly unanticipated but perfect. The Disreputable Dog and Mogget (cat from Sabriel) are also part of the mission to stop the Destroyer. One Final Firecracker by Gregory Maguire.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company: NY, 2005.


It's a time for celebration - the students' graduation from grammar school, their beloved teacher's wedding, a traveling circus, and the Fourth of July. Odd creatures from the previous Hamlet Chronicles books make an appearance, set on becoming a part of the festivities.

This is the last book of a series set in a small Vermont town, focusing mainly on a class of students and their families and teacher. Wacky and humorous, a different set of creatures stars in each story, with them all coming together in One Final Firecracker. It reminds me of The Pure Dead series by Deb Gliori, though more heart-warming and toned down.

This is an excellent series for young readers, those who have recently started reading chapter books. I think, one of the best, because it is less formulaic than that reading level tends to be. The characters and story are enjoyable to follow. The language is rich, slowing down the flow, while the anticipation builds. A totally crazy scenario makes the town much more interesting than it would otherwise be - including to reporters snooping around.

I read this book before I knew it was a series. I have since read the first book and liked it as well. I still need to read the others to see what I missed. Just from reading the two, I can tell there is character development going on through the series, since the students and teacher are together through the whole series.

Also note, the students lead active lives, roaming all over town, much as I remember doing as a child. Unlike the average child nowadays, focused on electronics.

Seven Spiders Spinning is the first book in the series. I recommend that readers start with the first book.

related-schools, teachers, Fourth of July, Vermont, humorous stories
RL=4th-6th

On Etruscan Time by Tracy Barrett.
Henry Holt and Company: NY, 2005.

When Hector's mom is asked to help at an archaeological site in Italy, he is dragged along. To pass the time, he helps with the digging and is transported back through time to the Etruscan village it used to be. An artifact with protective qualities is the transportation device. Hector believes he is dreaming at first, but the Etruscan boy's plea for help becomes all too real. Underlying the story is Hector's need to find a way to be heard-in his life and the dream episodes.

The book is short, but unusual with a high interest level. The use of the device for time travel is creative. There are conflicts in the present and past to be sorted out, and I liked also that Hector holds the key to both. In the past he is invisible to all but the one boy and thinks of the boy's solution. In the present, he becomes part of the dig and finds an important artifact.

related-dreams, Etruscans, Italy, archaeology, time travel, sacrifice, mothers and sons
RL=6th-YA

Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2004.
First edition 1992.


I would guess this has to be one of the first stories to have the character living a computer game. Johnny, when playing the game Only You Can Save Mankind, is contacted by the leader of the aliens/enemy. Their leader surrenders and requests safe passage to their home. While it is a game to Johnny and his friends, the aliens are dying for real. The dilemma results in many sleepless nights for Johnny, odd conversations with his friends, wrestling with his conscience, and new friends.

The book was written during the Gulf War, a time when there was daily TV coverage of bombings for the first time. No carnage was shown; it looked like a video game. This story is a reminder that the killing is real, that it isn't a weakness to want to avoid bloodshed, whether it is of foreigners or aliens. Pratchett twists a serious subject into a quirky and compelling plot. It is a good story, with important commentary, but without beating the reader over the head with the message.

related-computer games, war, conduct of life, sci fi
RL=4th & up, publisher says ages 8 and up

On the Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells.
Candlewick Press: Somerville, MA, 2010.


The bank takes Oscar and his father's home, including their wondrous train set-up, when the stock market crashes. His father travels to California in search of work, and he is left with his austere aunt. During his few private moments home alone, Oscar befriends a homeless man left jobless by the Depression, who in turn tutors him (especially in Mathematics). The ex-teacher gets a job at the bank which has his train set displayed for Christmas. An attempted bank robbery propels Oscar into the future via the train where he meets a soon-to-be Hollywood star and young runaway girl from New York City.

I enjoyed the boy and teacher relationship, since he needed his father so badly, and Oscar gave Mr. Applegate help in the same way that his father needed help from those in California. He teaches Oscar how to memorize speeches and poetry (a quality his aunt values) and discusses with him principles of time travel. Of course, all of this takes place while his aunt is working away from the house, as she would never have approved befriending a stranger.

Oscar's wormhole train ride surprised me. Here I was enjoying the Depression setting, when BAM! he's on a train bound for California where he arrives as a teenager. He does get to see his dad, but he must go back to set their lives straight, though that chain of events is strange as well. Besides Mr. Applegate, the star helps Oscar along the way, as does the runaway girl whose father has important friends.

Rosemary Wells tells a good tale. Odd, but creative and poignant.

related-space and time, railroad trains, single parent families, Depression, 20th century, adventure, California, Illinois, boys
RL=4th-7th

Orphan Train Children Series by Joan Lowery Nixon
Books #1-4 Bantam Books. #5-8 Delacorte Press
A family Apart 1987
Caught in the Act 1988
In the Face of Danger 1988
A Place to Belong 1989
A Dangerous Promise 1994
Keeping Secrets 1995
Circle of Love 1997
Lucy's Wish 1998



This is an incredibly moving series for such short books. A woman reads to her grandchildren from a diary kept by one of the orphan children. The writer was the eldest of a large Irish family whose father died in New York City and the mother could not support the children. The children's adoption is based on a foster program set up to give the children on the streets a better life. It took place in the 1800s, during the Civil War. Part of the idea was to supply western pioneering families with children. There are stories appealing to both girls and boys.
RL=4th-8th


A Family Apart: The first book of the series is told by Frances, the oldest girl. She explains why they are being sent west, describes the families who take them in, and her experiences with her new family.
related-foster homes, brothers and sisters, underground railroad, orphan train

Caught in the Act: Mike's new family has a strict father who mostly wants free labor and a son bent on getting rid of him. They are hiding a terrible secret. Mike believes his safety and that of his new friends lies in exposing the secret.
related-foster homes, family secrets, troublemakers, friendship

A Place to Belong: Danny and Peg go to live with a kind couple, but the wife is sick and weak. They both grow quickly to love her and must accept her passing. Danny concocts a brilliant plan to have his mother marry his new father. It's a great idea, but can life work out that smoothly?
related-foster homes, slavery and abolitionists, kidnapping, remarriage, farm life, Missouri history

The Other Teddy Roosevelts by Mike Resnick.
Subterranean Press: Burton, MI, 2008.

Found on an alternate history website (uchronia.com), the title and brief description intrigued me. I did not realize it was sci fi short stories or that they were all by the same author, published over several years.

Not all of the stories are sci fi, and even those have a strongly historical feel. Out of his respect for Teddy Roosevelt and his exploits, the author has created stories that expand the legend of Roosevelt. In so doing, he has altered the path of Roosevelt's life and extrapolated. Before each story and in a separate section there is historical information explaining Teddy Roosevelt's character and actions which were used as a springboard for the alternate stories.

Stories include Roosevelt's solving of the Jack the Ripper case, a vampire cooperating with him as the police commissioner of New York City, active duty during WWI, an attempt to forge a democracy in the Congo, support of women's suffrage, a reaction to H. G. Wells' Martian invaders, and what may have been different if his wife Alice had lived.

All of the stories are based on Roosevelt's life and character. Certain points are touched on again and again. The stories are highly entertaining and at times enlightening. I don't agree with all of Resnick's conclusions, but I enjoyed the stories, and I agree that Roosevelt commands respect. I'm not a fan of hunting and war, but even those stories showed insight into Roosevelt's actions.
RL=YA-adult (adult book)

Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2007.


Paint the Wind may be Ryan's best work yet. She writes for picture book level up through 8th grade, but her stories are so inspiring that they are enjoyed by adults as well. This particular book has a complexity not often seen for younger ages. It is 2 stories in one-a girl living with her strict, overly protective paternal grandmother, needing desperately to have a connection with her dead mother, and a wild horse, the lead female of her band.

Maya's grandmother dies, and she goes to live with her maternal grandfather and his siblings, with which she has been denied contact since her parents' death. Their family life revolves around horses-wild and domesticated. Under the observation of Maya's great-aunt, Artemisia has her own story to tell, in caring for her new foal and surviving the dangers of the wild. Artemisia is one of the things connecting Maya to her mother, and they also help each other through a critical moment in the story. There are comparisons of their characters to be made as well.

Setting up the story is Maya's transition from one environment to another, with trust issues playing a great role-relating to all of her newfound family. In particular, she has competition from a cousin, who does not want her invading his vacation time.

There is also the matter of finding her way in foreign circumstances, as Artemisia similarly must find her way. Maya and Artemisia are both faced with survival in an extreme situation. There is the possibilty that the connection they share with Maya's mother is a key to their survival. Freedom vs captivity is another shared aspect of their stories.

related-ranch life, Wyoming, wild horses, family life, orphans, self-actualization, psychology, freedom, captivity, lying or lies, death of parent and guardian
RL=5th & up

Paper Towns by John Green.
Dutton Books/Penguin Group: NY, 2008.


Since Quentin and Margo were nine, Q has followed Margo's adventures from a distance. She leads the in-crowd; he hangs with band members. Until the night she recruits him to assist in her flamboyant revenge. It's not until the next day that he realizes it is also a goodbye.

Margo disappears without a word to anyone. Certain comments during the night of revenge convince Q that she may have ended her life. He finds that she has left clues for him, and he pieces together all the widespread and random evidence in his quest to find her, dragging along his friends and one of Margo's. The clues are more than just about her whereabouts; they are regarding her as a person. Q spends the month before graduation reevaluating the Margo of whom he was enamored instead of enjoying and preparing for the end of high school.

I read much praise of John Green and Paper Towns last year from the YA blogging community. This is the first John Green book I've read. Some of the descriptions I read discouraged me from reading them, despite the appealing titles.

I wasn't much impressed with the beginning of this book. The nine-year-old part is fine, but the night of revenge is a bit juvenile, as are some of the behaviors of other students. Of course, that is one of the points in the book. During the quest to find Margo, literally and as a person, the story moves in other directions. The poetry and philosophical discussion was a surprise after the garbage of high school. Margo's clues involve her broad music collection and Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. Q spends time comparing his situation to Whitman's words and extrapolates to fit his experience. Following the clues, Q doesn't know, but he is fulfilling Margo's plan for him.

Midway through the book I started to really enjoy the story. Quentin is a good character, and I particularly liked the way he made an impact on everyone else in the story without intending to do so (maybe not his friend Radar so much, who is enough of a person on his own). I'm also a sucker for philosophical conversation. It gets me every time, but this part of the book is excellent. Also, Margo's escape plan is more appealing than her revenge. She has through her life cultivated a facade that she thinks is more attractive than herself. In other words, she hasn't cultivated her true self, but makes a promising start in her escape.

related-missing persons, coming of age, identity, mystery and detective stories, Florida, poetry, Walt Whitman, friendship
RL=YA-adult

The Pastures of Heaven by John Steinbeck.
Penguin Group: NY, 1995.
Originally published in 1932 by Robert O. Ballou, New York.
Nobel award author


I read this book, because it was a major theme in my Book of the Month selection, Steinbeck's Ghost, which refers to both the characters and setting in The Pastures of Heaven. It is a short story cycle, meaning a collection of interrelated short stories. There are an introductory chapter and ending chapter. Then each of the other ten is about a different family living in a valley near Salinas, CA, called Las Pasturas del Cielo. The conclusions for each family take place within a two year span, so characters are involved in different stories.

Each story describes a way in which at least one member of the family is living based on an illusion. Something happens in the story to shatter the delusion, forcing a confrontation with reality. The first family story deals with the Munroes. The Munroes have recently moved to the valley to escape a curse Bert feels follows him, only to reside in the very house believed to be cursed by the residents of the valley. The Munroes fix up the property, and the curse seems to be gone. However, each family is adversely affected in some way by the Munroes, though there is no intention by the Munroes to do harm.

As short stories, I enjoy the book. The interconnected aspect makes it possible to get to know the characters better and adds mystery. The stories are strong for being so short. Steinbeck's language has a wonderful texture. Highly descriptive, but in a beautiful way. It isn't difficult to read in any way, but it has a languid or leisurely quality that contrasts writings of more recent authors. I remember liking The Grapes of Wrath in high school. I would guess because of the writing style and some of the social commentary. The Pastures of Heaven is much shorter. Still a little depressing, but nowhere near as heavy.

related-California, farm life, families, small towns
RL=8th and up, can be read earlier but has mature content

The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan.
TOR Fantasy/Tom Doherty Associates: NY, 1998.



Ultra-Condensed


• Concerned over the number of kingdoms that have "fallen" to the Dragon Reborn, Tenobia of Saldaea and others of the borderlands band together to confront Rand's forces.


• With the help of Windfinders (Atha'an Miere), the Bowl of the Winds is used, starting a chain of weather shiftings.


• Elayne, Nynaeve, Aviendha, Birgitte, and Lan start on their way to Caemlyn along with the Kin of the Knitting Circle, Aes Sedai, and Windfinders.


• Elayne unweaves the threads of a gateway to stop Seanchan from following their path.


• The Asha'man turn back the encroachment of the Seanchan which undermines their faith in the sul'dam and damane.


• Perrin and his army are heading for a confrontation with the Prophet.


• Egwene rests control from the Hall of the Tower when she negotiates a compromise between Murandian and Caemlyn aristocracy and declares war against Elaida..


• A traitor among the ranks of the Asha'man.


• The Lord Dragon wields Callandor.


• Alviarin the Keeper blackmailing Elaida the Amyrlin.


• An attempt to ferret out the Black Ajah or Darkfriends in the White Tower leads to the unveiling of rebel spies.


• Outlandish rumors spread across the land. Some true, others not.


RL=YA-adultPeeled by Joan Bauer.
G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group: NY, 2008.


This book was a surprise. The reading level is low, so I didn't expect the complexity. Bauer again gives us an entertaining mystery with social significance.

The focus is journalism-the truth vs sensationalism-using a haunted house as a vehicle. Underlying the newspaper theme is the spreading of fear through the town purposefully. Both themes are relevant to current events in our country. Wrapped up in the mystery is a commercial development scheme as well.

The star reporter is a strong female character. Hildy learns some hard lessons with her success, due to her tenacity and coaching from an experienced reporter. A new friend helps her to see the town has not totally embraced the sensationalism of their rival. They are waiting for the truth to be told-and make sense.

An enjoyable read with heart and some lightly probing moments.
related-reporters and reporting, journalism, farm life, apple farms, New York state, high schools, haunted houses, fearmongering, social issues, high interest, commercial development, perseverance, politics
RL=7th-YA

Pegasus by Robin McKinley.
G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Group: NY, 2010.


McKinley's Pegasus is a contemplative study of what an alliance might look like between humans and Pegasi. It is one of the slowest YA books I've read, but it is interesting.

The two main characters (Sylvi, a human, and Ebon, a pegasus) have a powerful connection, before they even undergo the bonding that all royal members experience when they come of age. They flout the rules of behavior (no flying together), because it seems natural and beautiful to do so. They also communicate telepathically, which others don't seem capable of. There are magicians who interpret for them, and those bonded are trained by the magicians to communicate to an extent through language and gestures. Their parents eventually arrange for Sylvi to visit the Pegasi homeland, which no humans have visited since the original alliance between species. It follows, then, that the two should become ambassadors for the two groups. Except that Sylvi learns than Ebon is not the only pegasus with which she can communicate and there is a politically powerful magician who is working to undermine their influence and even their friendship.

Through her experiences with the pegasi, Sylvi is beginning to see that something has gone wrong with the alliance. The pegasi suspect that their communications have been purposefully misinterpreted. Sylvi wonders if things the humans have been taught since youth might not be true. But with the magician's scheme to gain more power, she doesn't know how much of what she has learned and done is safe to discuss, even with her father, the King.

It must be that there will be a sequel to this book. The end was cut off in the middle of political upheaval, with Sylvi and Ebon separated. I want to see where the story will go from here. Whether or not Sylvi will gain enough confidence to speak for the pegasi.

related-pegasus, Greek mythology, magic, human-animal communication, princesses, friendship
RL=YA-adult

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan.
Hyperion Books for Children/Miramax Books: NY.
The Lightning Thief 2005
The Sea of Monsters 2006
The Titan's Curse 2007
The Battle of the Labyrinth 2008 - no review yet

The Lightning Thief: In the first book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, Riordan tells a tale of Greek mythological characters roaming the modern U.S.-starting in New York City and traveling to Los Angeles. Imagine your ADHD being the result of your demigod status, unbeknownst to you! One crazy event after another happens as Percy meets more characters-especially once he learns who he is and accepts his quest. The characters and other mythological connections are well done and my favorite part of the story. The confrontations occur a little too often, but there are plenty of creative tidbits to keep readers hooked.



Percy's quest arises due to the fact that someone has stolen Zeus's master lightning bolt. He accuses Poseidon and gives him until the summer solstice to return it or prepare for World War III. Percy (short for Perseus) is appointed the task of reclaiming it. His advisers believe Hades is the culprit, so he must travel to the Underworld. Unfortunately, Zeus is not the only god missing an object of power, and matters become complicated.

Interestingly, the book reminds me of another story related to Zeus's stolen property, Thor's Wedding by Bruce Coville. Coville's story closely follows a Norse poem, Thrymskvitha. Riordan's does not.

All three of my sons (ages 9-16) read the book and immediately read the second book. They loved them.
related-Greek gods & mythology, monsters, family relationships, high interest/low reading level
RL=4th & up


The Sea of Monsters: Thalia, the tree that guards the border of Camp Half-blood, is stabbed with poison by a half-blood traitor. The barriers protecting the camp have broken down, and the camp will be overrun by monsters. It's decided the Golden Fleece is the only thing that can restore the camp, and Clarisse, daughter of Ares, is sent on the quest to steal it from the cyclops, Polyphemus. Percy has a new friend, Tyson, whom everyone else is treating as if he were a monster.



There is more discussion of the prophecy no one wants to reveal to Percy, and the overall plot unfolds a little more. The book is as quickly paced as the first. It may not make as much of an impression as the first, perhaps because the concept was new with the first. There is an intriguing, surprise ending and some funny references to historical figures.
related-Greek mythology, gods, monsters, cyclopses, Golden Fleece, family relationships, relatives, high interest
RL=4th & up


The Titan's Curse: In this 3rd book, Annabeth is kidnapped and the goddess Artemis hunts a monster and becomes trapped. Percy and the others are seeing premonitions in their dreams. Percy and friends save two new half-bloods, but one of the kids immediately becomes involved in the newest quest. There are odd things going on with the new kids. The quest is made up of errors by the participants, but there are some twists that help them to prevail.



This is possibly the most complex of the series so far with many twists in the plot-including an ending I did not guess. The mythological references come fast and furious. The gods play a bigger role in the quest itself since the consequences are increasing. I still may have liked the first book best overall; I think because it was a fresh idea. There are some memorable moments in this one, and it may be more developed psychologically. It is a great series for the age range it is written. Enjoyable for older kids also, but advanced readers may not be interested.
related-Greek mythology, monsters, gods & goddesses, manticore, friendship, family relationships, prophecy, high interest
RL=4th & up

Poppy by Avi. il Brian Floca.
Orchard Books: NY, 1995.

Poppy's boyfriend is eaten by the owl who says he is the protector/ruler of the forest. She is forced to confront him with her father to get permission to move the family due to lack of food. It is the scariest thing she has ever done. Scarier still is her confrontation with the frightful porcupine who turns out to be her true protection.

Poppy is courageous and smart enough to solve her seemingly insurmountable problems. There is much adventure, suspense, and comic relief in this short novel which is one of the best for this reading level. The sequels are equally as good.

Poppy and Rye 1998
Ragweed 1999
Ereth's Birthday 2000
RL=3rd-5th

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company: NY, 2005.


Julia and Patrick have a project to do for a club which emphasizes raising animals, growing plants, and practicing crafts. They want the club to pick their project to enter the state fair. Living in an apartment limits the choices of animals they can raise, so Julia's mother suggests silkworms which she had helped raise as a girl in Korea. Patrick is enthusiastic about the idea because of its uniqueness and practical applications. Julia tries to sabotage the project idea, because she would rather do something traditionally American. For the sake of their friendship, Julia eventually accepts the silkworms as a project. It is an excellent project after all with the life cycle of the silkworms, video footage of each stage plus a scrapbook and a finished product (their own silk used in embroidery).

Besides friendship and the life cycle, Linda Sue Park weaves in sustainable farming, racial prejudice, phobias, how to deal with the annoyance of a sibling, and the writing process itself.

I always enjoy reading Linda Sue Park's books. Her subject matter is unique, contemplative, and a pleasure to read. In this book, she experiments with a new concept-adding conversation between the main character and herself after each chapter. Slightly odd, it is interesting and works well in the story.

related-silkworms, Korean American, friendship, life cycle, sustainable agriculture, 4H clubs, family farm vs. commercial farm, racial prejudice, tolerance, patience, phobia, younger brother, writing process, authorship, mulberry tree, state quarters
RL=4th-7th

Pure Dead Series by Debi Gliori.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY.

Pure Dead Magic © 2001
Pure Dead Wicked © 2002
Pue Dead Brilliant © 2003
Pure Dead Trouble © 2004
Pure Dead Batty © 2005
Originally published as Deep Water by Transworld Publishers Ltd: Great Britain, 2005.


The Pure Dead series is wacky and fun. It's an easy to read series made interesting by odd pets, peculiar happenings, plot twists, and Scottish slang.
related-magic, criminals, brothers and sisters, Scotland, humorous stories
RL=4th-8th

Pure Dead Magic is an introduction to the family, pets, nanny, and butler. The setting is a Scottish castle. The oddness of the family and pets combine with magic and the internet for a truly unusual, zany adventure when their father is kidnapped.

In Pure Dead Wicked, major repairs to their castle force the family to live at an inn for weeks (the only one that will allow their beasts). Included in the book are a real estate development scam and a cloning project through the internet. It is another wacky adventure for all concerned with a unique and funny solution.

Pure Dead Brilliant: As Titus is about to inherit his grandfather's money, he and Pandora see a horrible forecast of their future. Also their home has been overrun by their mother's classmates creating more hilarious upheaval at the Strega-Borgia home. A demon appears who intends to steal an old stone that has been in the family's keeping for centuries.

In Pure Dead Trouble, the Strega-Borgias arrive home from vacation to find their butler comatose on the doorstep. Titus becomes obsessed with exposing a shady corporation that has moved into the area. Pandora shadows the handsome replacement butler. Nanny McLachlan realizes that whatever attacked the butler will be back, and it is up to her to protect the children. The story is as twisted as ever and pulls you right along with it.

Pure Dead Batty: The Borgias' nanny, Mrs. McLachlan, disappeared in the last book. Their terrible cook accuses Luciano (the father) of murdering her, and he is taken to prison. In the resulting chaos, Damp (the youngest) disappears also. As with the other books, it is a totally wacky experience.
Putnam & Pennyroyal by Patrick Jennings. il Jon J. Muth.
Scholastic Press: NY, 1999.


If you are looking for science connections in literature, this is a good choice. Much of the story is about two grebes who have blundered into an underwater cave area. There are many grebes there; none apparently know how to get back out, but they have made the best of it. Pennyroyal, a different sort of grebe, isn't content to stay. She doesn't like the food, she's adventurous, and she likes to communicate, while the rest keep to themselves.

The tale of Putnam & Pennyroyal is told by Cora Lee's Uncle Frank while she visits him during the summer. It is one of the most realistic animal stories I've read. The personalities of the grebes may move beyond realism, but they seem to fit the nature of the grebes. It also becomes apparent as the story is told that Pennyroyal is a bit like Cora Lee and Putnam is like Uncle Frank. In a vague way, acceptance of differences is discussed, too.

I must have picked up the book, because I was searching for books illustrated by Jon Muth. The pictures are small sketches. A few good ones, but mostly unimportant. The story is different, with much anticipation. A good selection for younger readers, especially if the reader is an animal lover.

related-grebes, birds, storytelling, uncles, family, acceptance, identity, animals
RL=4th-6th

Qwerty Stevens, Stuck in Time with Benjamin Franklin by Dan Gutman.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2002.

While preparing a history report about the American Revolution, Qwerty accidentally transfers Benjamin Franklin from Philadelphia 1776 to his home in the present. He decides to bring Franklin to school as a visual aid for his report. Afterwards, he and his friend Joey can't resist going back with him to see the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Even better than Gutman's Qwerty Stevens, Back in Time (about Edison and the making of a time machine). The story is comical when Franklin visits school and adventurous as the boys assist Franklin in stopping a plot to change history.

related-time travel, Philadelphia-PA, history of the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, schools, Benjamin Franklin, inventions and inventors, July 4th
RL=2nd-6th

Qwerty Stevens Back in Time: The Edison Mystery by Dan Gutman.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2001.

Thomas Edison wrote about wanting to create a machine that would enable communication with the dead. In this story, Qwerty Stevens digs up a machine invented by Edison. He hooks it up to his computer and is transported to Spain accidentally. Later, he sends himself to Edison's laboratory at Edison's request. It is a fun and interesting adventure with consequences, as you would expect.

The author has made an effort to be realistic including actual events, dialogue, and facts from Edison's life. The only thing that bothered me was the persistence of the idea that Edison invented everything for which he held a patent. Edison was a very successful businessman. He was known for buying inventions from others and producing them himself. He also had a huge laboratory with many workers who most likely invented things for which he held patents. As with the lightbulb, inventions were and are collaborative. To say we wouldn't have electricity without Edison is not true. The electrical system which we use was developed by Tesla who lived and created during the same time period. Edison may have been the first to patent a successful filament, but he wasn't the only one working on the idea. Students would be better served discussing how an idea has developed instead of saying it originates from one person. That is rarely the case. Besides it being untrue, the idea of inventions solely coming from one person also inhibits experimentation and creativity, because then young people believe it is beyond their abilities.

related-time travel, transportational device, transportation, inventors, incandescent light
RL=5th-8th

The Ravenmaster's Secret: Escape From the Tower of London by Elvira Woodruff.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2003.

Forest Harper assists his father in tending the ravens and guarding prisoners at the Tower of London. He is excited about the capture of three Scottish rebels until he learns that the prisoner in their care is a young girl. The girl, Maddy, wins his friendship, and he is appalled to learn that she is to be beheaded. His choice is to either watch her be executed though he believes she is innocent or commit treason by helping her escape.

Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the details of the story and characters are more complex and enjoyable. A rare historical adventure with courage, justice, and friendship at its core.

related-Tower of London, British history, 18th century, Jacobites, ravens, prisoners, friends, Scotland, rebellion, resistance, escape
RL=4th-7th

Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2008.
1st published by Victor Gollancz Ltd: Great Britain, 1991.



Ultra-Condensed

• Death is terminated by the instigation of the Auditors, for developing a personality.


• As Death goes to work on a farm, spirits are left unattended.


• Lives pile up. The excess life energy is channeled into new growth, such as a shopping mall?


• Mrs. Cake and her premonitory speech


• Wizard Windle Poons, newly dead poltergeist, unexpected hero


• Interesting new verbal spell and stress reliever - Yo!


• How fast can you scythe grass, one blade at a time?


• You make a deal with Death, you better follow through.


• Beginning of the Death of Rats


• Counting Pines felled by ornamental house number plate industry


related-Discworld, wizards, Death, life after death, life energy
RL=YA-adult

This book seemed slower to me than the average Pratchett. Maybe because I had too many interruptions. The Death scenes are great, and Windle Poons was interesting as a poltergeist (decidedly unwizardly), but the back and forth between those and the shopping carts bothered me. It didn't make sense to me until the end. The Red Pony by John Steinbeck.
From The Short Novels of John Steinbeck
Viking Press: NY, 1953, now a Penguin Classic.
1st 2 chapters publ by The North American Review (Boston) in 1933.
4th chapter publ by Argosy (London) in 1936.
3rd chapter Publ by Harpers Magazine (NY) in 1937.
Nobel award author


The short novel The Red Pony is 4 stories related to a young boy on a ranch in California. In the first, Jody cares for and trains a pony that dies before he is allowed to ride it. The second is about Gitano, who was born on the land related to the ranch and has come back to his birthplace to finish his life. It is also about the mystique of the nearby mountains. In the third, Jody cares for a female horse preparing to foal. There is a problem with the birth. The mother is put down, and the colt is surgically removed. The fourth is about Jody's grandfather who comes for a visit. His grandfather has one major accomplishment, leading a wagon train, and the story is about his grandfather's tales and dejection from feeling his life is over.

All of Steinbeck's stories are a bit tragic. They have a heavily descriptive, yet easy to read style. The Red Pony is one that middle graders are encouraged to read, and yet I think it works better for mature teens and adults, because the subject matter tends to be difficult for younger readers, too tragic. Part of the book was assigned to me in 7th grade. I remember shying away from it, thinking it was too descriptive and upsetting, and not much else. It is a good story. I don't tend to like too much description (ex. can't stand Dickens), but Steinbeck's style is different. He had a way with description that others couldn't seem to match. His works have depressing parts, but there is also a complexity that draws the reader away from dwelling on them. One thing to keep in mind is that Steinbeck wrote right in the middle of the Depression of the 1930s. I didn't really think about that before, though The Grapes of Wrath certainly takes place during that period. Steinbeck, probably more than any other author, represents that time period. And the time we live in has close parallels to that time.

I read the book, because 2 characters from The Red Pony, the pony Gabilan and Gitano, show up in Steinbeck's Ghost by Lewis Buzbee. I was intrigued by the mystery set up in Buzbee's story and determined to read more of Steinbeck. After reading The Pastures of Heaven, where the mystery of Steinbeck's Ghost takes place, I wanted to read even more. I do plan to read still more, Cannery Row, Tortilla Flat, and a reread of The Grapes of Wrath.

related-boys and horses, ranch life, tragedy, the West, California, families
RL=YA-adult

Redwall by Brian Jacques
Philomel Books. Originally by Hutchinson Ltd: Great Britain.
Redwall 1986
Mossflower 1988
Mattimeo 1989
Mariel of Redwall 1991
Salamandastron 1992
Martin the Warrior 1993
The Bellmaker 1994
Outcast of Redwall 1995
Pearls of Lutra 1996
The Long Patrol 1997
Marlfox 1998
The legend of Luke 1999
Lord Brocktree 2000
Taggerung 2001
Triss 2002
Loamhedge 2003
Rakkety Tam 2004
High Rhulain 2005
Eulalia 2007



In all of the Redwall books, peace-loving animals join together for a bit of adventure in defending their homes or their friends against evil, roving bandits and tyrants. Jacques applies a medieval format to the lives of woodland creatures. Each type of animal has familiar, humorous traits. The villains are wonderful in their nastinesss.

The strength is in the lively characters, outrageous dialogue, and masterful use of language. For younger readers it is a positive thing that the books mostly follow the same basic storyline with similar characters but with some twists and variations. As individual books they are quite enjoyable. In fact, the first six are excellent. I would, however, recommend not reading one right after another, since there is a battle in every book (I am sure that would not hinder most boys). There are some good elements in the stories for girls, too, such as the riddles, feasts, and good fellowship. This is an excellent series to start reading aloud, since Brian Jacques developed Redwall through storytelling before he became a writer. Most children will want to continue on their own.
RL=5th-8th

The Report Card by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2004.


Nora learns at an exceptionally young age that she thinks differently. At the same time, she realizes she doesn't like the attention that is the result of her differences, so she spends her elementary school life making sure others don't see she has rare abilities. Until fifth grade when test grades are dividing students into smart and dumb categories. She brings home a poor report card on purpose. Her parents then want to know how this can happen without any warning from the teachers. Under pressure from her parents, the school administers an I.Q. test, and the problem snowballs. She pushes ahead with her plan to prove grades are not important with the help of her best friend and a librarian she trusts with her thoughts and feelings.

There are a few funny moments, but mostly it is a serious story about a subject that affects many people-students, teachers, parents and administrators. Though it is easy enough for 4th to 5th graders to read, it is interesting enough for anyone above that reading level.

related-grades, exams, achievement tests, schools, genius, friendship, I.Q., memorization vs. learning and interaction, high interest
RL=4th and up

Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan. il Brian Selznick.
Scholastic Press: NY, 1998.


In Ryan's fictionalized account, a girl runs away from an orphanage/workhouse, dresses as a boy in order to work with the horses she loves, becomes one of the best stagecoach drivers, moves to California as a pioneer, and becomes possibly the first woman to vote in the United States (dressed as a man). The story is based on the life of Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst who lived as a male most of her life. In the beginning, she was afraid of being sent back to the orphanage. Then, she knew she could lose the right to work at her chosen profession. So, few knew she was a female before she died.

The story focuses on Charlotte's relationship with the horses, her desire to control her own life, her learning experiences as a stagecoach driver, and her joy in the work she was doing. Her story is an excellent example of independence and hard work. Ryan tells the story of this strong-willed woman in a real and heartwarming way.

The illustrations in this book are nice, gentle, realistic and detailed, and have a historical feel. However, most of them are not as striking as in the other books Selznick illustrated. The pictures are less integrated, but there is less of a need for that since the story is well developed (keeping the interest of older children better).

related-Charley Parkhurst, 1879, mistaken identity, history of California, tending and driving horses, women's rights, independence, freedom, friendship, transitional books, chapter books
RL=3rd-5th

Ringside 1925 by Jen Bryant.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY, 2008.


Ringside 1925 is written in verse from nine different perspectives of the town of Dayton, TN, during the Scopes Trial in 1925. All but two of the speakers (a visiting minister and a reporter) are residents of the town. I particularly like the viewpoints of the three students from the high school. The two boys are best friends who have a difference of opinion regarding the case. Peter wants to study geology. Jimmy is influenced by his mother who is concerned about morality. All three students are working through the trial. The boys at a drug store and Marybeth at a boardinghouse. It's the first time she has been allowed to work. She's excited about the bustle of the customers, and she is hoping to find something for herself in life beyond their town. Her older cousin, who manages the boardinghouse, is encouraging her.

Upon reading the novel, I wasn't totally clueless about the events, since I had already seen the Spencer Tracy movie Inherit the Wind. I was struck by how much the novel resembled the movie, and in fact, I believe both made an effort to be true to the facts of, not just the case, but also town happenings. One thing that stood out that I didn't notice in the movie (which at that point was totally centered on Darrow and Bryan) was that the jury was in the courtroom for very little of the trial. I would not have thought it would be legal to continue a trial without the jury in the room! Both the novel and the movie make it clear that the case was being tried with the intent of drawing people/customers to their less than prosperous town.

The book is very short and fast paced. It isn't just flowing; it's hopping. I like the different viewpoints, many more than you usually see in a novel. I think Bryant has done an excellent job of providing a comprehensive depiction, and the story is as much about the times and small town life as it is about the specific place. I am impressed by the number of personal details Bryant included in the story.

related-John T. Scopes trial, litigation, studying and teaching evolution, Charles Darwin, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, law and legislation, Tennessee history, 20th century, community life, novels in verse
RL=7th-adult

The Robot King by Brian Selznick.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 1995.

Lucy builds a robot out of found and collected objects in the attic she and her brother play in. It comes to life with the addition of personal items of their deceased mother.

The fanciful illustrations are remarkable. The story is intriguing, and oddly it is the 3rd story I read recently using similar ideas: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Clockwork by Philip Pullman, and this. The illustrations of the Robot King are similar to the automaton in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The automaton comes to life through mechanics instead of magic, although there is a magical quality about it. In Clockwork, a person is kept alive with a mechanical object. This story was written before the other two.

I do not know how wide the appeal of the story would be. It is greatly fanciful and may be difficult for the targeted age range to follow. It is my least favorite of the books in my study of Selznick. I liked some of the concepts, but I usually prefer more realistic fantasy. It may be fine for people who are more into fairy tale, and they may not need to understand all of it to enjoy it.

related-robots, building with odds and ends, death or loss of a parent, grieving process, magical world, play, remembrance
RL=3rd-5th

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor.
The Dial Press: NY, 1976.
Newbery Award Winner 1977

This story is overwhelmingly powerful. It is the story of a black family in Mississippi during the Great Depression struggling to survive-physically and spiritually. Through Cassie we learn of the importance of integrity, pride, and independence. We also see how difficult it is to maintain them when confronted by people who believe you should have no rights, no pride, and no independence.

This novel was one of the books that helped me to more deeply understand the conditions that the black people (especially of the South, but not only the South) were forced to endure for 100 years after the Civil War. It is not a subject that was fully taught in my history classes growing up in Texas.

*The sequels are also very powerful.
related-Great Depression, Black History, Southern States-race, integrity, independence, labor history
RL=6th-YA

The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone.
Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic: NY, 2011.


The title hides a serious historical fiction, mystery. Felicity/Flissy, an English girl, is dropped off in Maine by her parents in 1941. It isn't safe for her to live in England with the war on. Her parents leave, and no one is giving her any information about them as the days drag on, especially not her goofy uncle Gideon. Gideon receives letters that she knows are from her dad, but he isn't sharing the information. She's got to find out what's in them, why they haven't contacted her.

The move takes a bit of adjusting. The house is an old captain's home on a cliff, wind whipping around it in a spooky way. The Gram, Auntie Miami, and Gideon are quirky and secretive. One of the biggest secrets being the Captain Derek who doesn't come out of his room. Flissy writes a note of introduction and pushes it under the door. It is received, and the favor is returned. Before long, Flissy is allowed to meet Captain Derek, who is not what she expects at all. She enlists his help with getting the letters, which it turns out are in code, generating another string of questions.

Flissy shakes up the household, and one by one she pushes the members to deal with the challenges they'd like to avoid. They in turn offer her a loving home with plenty to explore. There is a fair amount of sneaking around to uncover the secrets and a bit of boisterousness.

The pace moves at a fast clip trying to keep up with Flissy's antics. There is intertwining of many secrets and twists making for a packed story. The Bathburn clan of Maine is a lively bunch. The relationships forming are delightful. Everything is not resolved at the end, but at least Flissy learns enough to belong.

related-identity, World War I, 1940s, 20th century, United States history, Maine, families, ciphers, performing arts, theater, music
RL=4th-7th

Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2006.


Room One is one of the most serious of Clements's books. It is suspenseful with an unusual topic. The setting is a small Nebraska town with a one-room school in danger of being closed. Ted is a 6th grade boy who can't resist a mystery. After completing his paper-route before school, he thinks he sees a girl through the window of the abandoned Anderson farmhouse. He investigates the farm and starts to help the girl and her family. In his mind he solves the whole situation, with his teacher as an adviser, only to find that they have their own solution.

related-school closings, multi-grade classroom, family farms, homeless, war casualty assistance
RL=3rd-7th

Rose By Any Other Name by Maureen McCarthy.
Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing: NY, 2006.


This book is on the edge of what I would normally read and maybe on the edge for what is appropriate for YA (depending on what you believe). The strength is that it attempts to lend some guidance and understanding in manipulative (possibly abusive) situations that are happening with teens. What bothers me is that it also may encourage sexual encounters to be handled lightly. I don't think that is positive, for teens especially, but also in general.

The main character is going through a major family crisis, causing and paralleling her teenage angst. She is writing as an outlet, but mostly working through it alone, by choice. Prompted by her grandmother's fatal illness, Rose takes a road trip to see her grandmother and make peace with herself regarding her actions of the previous summer. Her mother catches a ride with her, giving her space, making a pain of herself, providing information that might have helped Rose if she had known sooner, and causing situations that promote Rose's change of perspective (though seriously annoying to deal with).

The story is written well. Despite not wanting to read teen angst regularly (I don't need to be caught up in that pain), I was totally engaged and didn't want to put it down. I love Rose and her mother and the way they play off each other. Her sisters may be too much, and her father isn't very developed. The story is complex with several problems leading to Rose's melt down. She is jumping between the present and the events of the past year, not in chronological order at all. Her current thoughts take her back to whatever memory is relevant as she self-analyzes.

Another factor that is interesting is that the book is written by an Australian and takes place in Australia. The place and culture are apparent through reading the story. Though I've read books by Australian authors, this is the first time I noticed while reading.

related-family life, family problems, interpersonal relations, self-actualization, self-analysis, psychology, Australia, road trips, travel, surfing, best friends, illness
RL=YA-adult, mature content

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman.
Random House: NY, 1987.
Originally published by Oxford University Press: Great Britain, 1985.


The Ruby in the Smoke is a Victorian murder mystery with some historical bits thrown in. It's not as long or dramatic as His Dark Materials, but it is an interesting story with the mystery of the ruby besides Sally's father's murder.

Co-owner of a shipping company, Sally's father travels to India to check on business, and his ship is sunk. She receives an anonymous warning note. When she visits the firms office, the man she speaks with inquiring about the phrase, the Seven Blessings, drops dead of fright. So, her investigation begins.

related-murder mystery, Indian opium trade, stereoscopes, women in Victorian England
RL=YA

Rules by Cynthia Lord.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2006.
Newbery Honor 2007


How do you have a normal life when your younger brother is autistic and family life revolves around him? Catherine specifically wants a chance to make friends without David's interference. She's taught him rules she thinks are important to minimize embarrassing moments, but he only seems to remember the rules afterwards.

This summer Catherine hopes to have a new next-door-neighbor friend, but out in the world her embarrassment rules her behavior. She does become friends with another boy with special needs. She enjoys Jason's friendship so much that she recognizes the value of it. However, when there is a chance that the friends from other worlds might meet, she tries to keep both apart to avoid dealing with her fear of embarrassment.

Cynthia Lord has done an excellent job of balancing life surrounding an autistic child. Behavior does cause problems for the rest of the family, and tempers can get short, but there is much more to the story. Despite the growing incidence of autism, most people see just blips of behavior in public. This is a book for understanding what the families are dealing with, but also that kids with special needs are in some ways very normal and have rich lives and relationships, too.

There is a bit of humor and warmth in the story as well as tension. Most of the tension comes from Catherine-not David or Jason. I read the book mostly because my 9 year old son highly recommended it. It took some time to get into it, but by the end I wasn't ready for it to be over.

related-autism, brothers and sisters, people with disabilities, paraplegics, friendship
RL=4th-7th

Runemarks by Joanne Harris.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY, 2008.


Maddy is the misfit in her family and town. She has a "ruinmark" which immediately causes suspicion and has some abilities she keeps secret due to puritanical views in her world. The ruinmarks are a sign of relationship to the Norse gods which were rooted out by the Order after the battle for control (Ragnorak). Maddy was befriended many years ago by an old, one-eyed traveler (her only friend). One-eye has helped her prepare for upcoming events. He is searching for an item (oracle) which he believes is buried in a local hill. He enlists Maddy's aid in retrieving it, because he knows Loki (his brother and enemy) is guarding it and wouldn't expect a young girl. The subsequent events lead to a new battle between the old gods and the Order.

I have been eyeing the book for a while. I love the title. My oldest son highly recommended it. He especially enjoyed the Norse connections and rune castings. Norse mythology is a fairly new subject for American literature. Some other related books are American Gods by Neil Gaiman (adult), Thor's Wedding (3rd-5th) by Bruce Coville, and The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer.

It took half the book for me to be hooked, but the second half is very good. Maddy's character is strong and interesting, and Loki and One-eye also add interest. The workings of the Order resemble medieval Christianity which is a part of what got me hooked. Plus, there is a twist in the planning behind the forthcoming battle and struggle for ultimate control.
related-Norse mythology, Norse gods, medieval world, magic, runes, Loki, Odin
RL=6th & up

The Safe-Keeper's Secret by Sharon Shinn.
Viking/Penguin Group: 2004.

Damiana is a safe-keeper. Villagers of Tambleham and outsiders come to her to share the burden of their secrets knowing she is bound to keep the secrets safe. While she is giving birth to her own child, the King's Safe-Keeper delivers a secret to her doorstep- a child. The two children are raised as if they were twins, loved equally by Damiana, her sister, and her circle of friends which includes a Truth-Teller (bound to tell the truth), an herbalist, and a Dream-Maker (who has a power within her that changes wishes to reality). There comes a time when the fathers of both children are important, as is the children's relationship.

Though the idea of a noble being raised by a villager has been done over and over, Shinn's unfolding world is interesting. I enjoyed the friendship that binds Damiana's circle. I also think Fiona (her daughter) is a strong character, and I am looking forward to reading more of the series.

I was drawn to the series and author by a short story I read of Shinn's in Firebirds Rising. The story is called Wintermoon Wish.

related-secrets, villages, friendship, strong female characters
RL=7th-YA

The School Story by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2001.


Andrew Clements is one of the most exciting authors in this ag