Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

I ordered Incarceron months ago and it has been sitting in my pile of “to be read” books ever since. At the NCTE conference, I picked up an advanced reader copy of Sapphique, the second book in the series, and that pushed me to finally pick this one up. I am so glad I did! What an awesome read – unpredictable, suspenseful, and engrossing.


Summary: Incarceron is the story of two young people; Claudia, a pampered young woman who lives “outside” with her father, the Warden of Incarceron, and Finn, a prisoner within Incarceron who has no memory of how he became a prisoner, but knows in his heart that he came from “outside.” When the two find themselves in contact, Claudia becomes convinced that she knows who Finn is and they work together to help Finn escape the prison.

However, many obstacles stand in their way. Claudia’s father is determined to marry her off to a self-centered prince, the Queen (her fiance’s mother) is a scheming sorceress, and the Prison itself is impossible to find. Claudia’s one asset, besides her own persistence, is her mentor, Jared, whose wisdom and faith in Claudia keep him at her side throughout the story. Claudia has to try to solve the mystery of Incarceron while also navigating the murky waters of political intrigue that surround her engagement.

Finn’s biggest enemy may be the prison itself, which works actively to prevent escapes with its red eyes always watching its prisoners. Then there is Finn’s oathbrother, Keiro; brave, resourceful, and highly untrustworthy, even with an oath to bind them. Finn’s mentor, Gildas, dreams of escaping Incarceron, and believes that Finn is the one who will help him accomplish that – but Finn feels more like he is a tool to Gildas, not a person. Finn has visions – visions of the world outside – which Gildas believes to be messages from Sapphique, the only man to ever escape from Incarceron.

This novel is another great dystopian story – many layered without being confusing, compelling in its mystery.

Themes:
Freedom
Friendship
Loyalty

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 & up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Like the Willow Tree (Dear America Series) by Lois Lowry

As I am sure I’ve said before, I am a big fan of historical fiction. The “Dear America” series is one that I have recommended to many students; it is an accessible series full of personable characters and it is generally very well researched. This newest contribution has taken its place as one of my favorites in the series. It is due for release next month, January, 2011.


Summary: Despite the Great War being fought by the U.S., Lydia lives a happy and comfortable life with her parents, brother, and new baby sister. An outbreak of Spanish Influenza changes everything, first shutting down her entire town, then killing her parents and baby sister. The two siblings are taken in by their uncle who, pushed by his already large household, takes the two to be raised at Sabbathday Lake, a Shaker community.

The Shaker ways are strange to Lydia at first, and she has difficulty accepting that she cannot talk to her brother as she used to, and that she must give up her belongings as communal property. But she also finds herself surrounded by a new family who accepts her as she is and forgives her occasional bursts of temper. Lydia’s struggles and her growing understanding and acceptance of her new life are realistic and easy for the reader to empathize with.

This story is full of Shaker hymns and info on the Shaker way of life. It also contains some historical facts that I was unaware of; did you know the washing machine and the apple peeler were both invented by the Shakers? As with the other titles in the series, there are historical notes in the back which give more facts about the time period and people in the book.

Themes:
Grief
Family
Age Appropriateness:
Grades 3 & up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: none

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

I read a lot of books – some good, some great; some not so much. Rarely do I finish a book and think to myself, “THAT was a work of art!” This book is that and so much more. A little bit Tom Robbins, a little Beat Generation Poet, a little blues guitar. It made me think, made me cry, made me mad. That said, this is definitely a young adult book; not for children. The language is as salty as any I’ve read, and there is a good bit of content that takes some maturity to handle. If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, walk away now. If you are looking for a novel that is lyrical, thoughtful, and unafraid to face the darkness that inhabits the soul, Adios, Nirvana is for you.


Summary: Jonathan used to be a star student. That was before the death of his twin brother, Telemachus. Since Telly’s death, Jonathan has been wallowing in the darkness of his own grief, barely kept afloat by his poetry, his guitar, Ruby, and his “thicks,” the friends who have stuck by him; the friends with whom he shares so many memories of Telly.

Now Jonathan is faced with the possibility of repeating his junior year of high school. Thanks to his English teacher and principal, he is given a second chance – on three conditions. He cannot miss any more school. He must play his principal’s favorite song at graduation, and he must write the life story of a dying WWII veteran. None of these three conditions excites Jonathan, but his thicks won’t let him fail.

When Jonathan first meets David, the WWII vet, at The Delphi (the hospice where David is spending his last days), he freaks out – he cannot stand being surrounded by the feeling of sickness and death that is all around – it reminds him too much of Telly’s last days. But over time, Jonathan and David form a bond based on their pain and the feelings that neither has been able to find words for. Together, Jonathan and David try to exorcise old demons and express darkness that they’ve each been facing alone.

Jonathan’s poetry is scattered throughout, and was some of my favorite reading in the book. There are so many amazing lines scattered in the pages of this book – lines that are morbidly funny; lines that almost transcend simple written words because they hold so much meaning. Maybe this was more the case for me, having lost a brother (though admittedly not a twin) when I was just a little older than Jonathan. His journey through grief made me look at my own journey more closely.

Themes:
Grief
Friendship
Family


Age Appropriateness:
Although the book says 14 & up, I would go a little higher myself - 16

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: Yes, lots.
Nudity/Adult Content: Yes.
Violence: No.

Amos Daragon: The Mask Wearer by Bryan Perro

Due out in February of 2011, The Mask Wearer is the first in a fantasy series that will appeal to fans of mythology, action, adventure, and mystery. It's an easy read with enough depth to keep it from being totally predictable.
Summary: Amos Daragon is a simple boy living in a hut with his parents, craftsmen who work for a greedy but foolish lord. When he discovers a mermaid one day while gathering food by the shore, his life takes a new path. This mermaid names him the Mask Wearer and sets him on a quest to claim his powers and set the balance of the world aright.

While on this mission, Amos makes new friends, including Beorf, a boy who can change into a bear, and Medusa, a gorgon whose gaze can turn any living thing to stone. Amos also finds himself fighting against an evil sorcerer who is searching for a pendant that was taken from him long ago.

With the first of the magical masks to lend him its power, and the backing of Junos, whose childhood Amos restored, Amos battles against the sorcerer and his army of Gorgons in an effort to reclaim a city and restore the lives of the people within.

This first book in the series is a nice, light fantasy read. It weaves mythology nicely into the story as well. The story also has elements of trickster tales, with Amos using his wits to fool the greedy lord and gain gold, horses, and the equipment needed for his family to escape the man’s tyranny.

This is the first English language release of the book, and I hope that the rest of the series gets translated as well. It will be interesting to see how the story develops and how Amos, who seems pretty mature in his choices from the very beginning, uses his wits and resources to gather all four masks and restore balance to the world.

Themes:
Courage
Friendship
Acceptance of others
Age Appropriateness:
Grades four and up
Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild battle scenes

Alice-Miranda at School by Jacqueline Harvey

Alice-Miranda’s adventures don’t officially begin until April of 2011. I was surprised by this book – a chapter book (almost 250 pages of story) that is simple fun featuring a character who always (and I mean always) sees the best in everyone and everything. Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones is the optimists’ optimist, and makes the reader smile as much as she does the adults that surround her in this first story of her adventures.


Summary: Alice-Miranda is a precocious seven (and a quarter) year old girl who has decided that it is time she went off to boarding school. Yes, it is a little early, but she knows she can do it and her parents know that, once she has set her course, their daughter cannot be stopped.

When Alice-Miranda arrives at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies, she feels that something is not quite right. Every adult she meets is unhappy, and the headmistress, Miss Grimm, refuses to come out of her office and take part in the lives of the girls in her care. Alice-Miranda, not one to sit quietly and let things remain broken, begins to fix the things she sees lacking in the school, whether Miss Grimm likes it or not. (Really, why shouldn’t she, Alice-Miranda thinks. Everyone deserves some happiness.) Cook gets a long overdue holiday, Mr. Charles gets to plant flowers again, and the secret of Miss Grimm’s grimness is solved through Alice-Miranda’s spirit, smile, and unfailing optimism. Why, even the mean-spirited head girl doesn’t get her down!

Themes:
Persistence
Optimism

Age Appropriateness:
Any

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: none

Page by Paige - Laura Lee Gulledge

This was a fun, quick read with enough depth to make me go back and re-read it again. This would be a great book for bibliotherapy with artistic young girls – the main character will appeal to them and forge a connection.

Summary: In graphic novel format, the reader meets Paige Turner (her parents are authors), a teen who has just moved to New York with her parents. Paige’s art is her outlet, her way of expressing her fears, doubt, and hopes. But she is afraid to share her art with anyone, so she keeps it locked away in her journal.

At her new school, Paige makes friends with a group of students who, like her, all have artistic aspirations; a musician, a writer, and another artist. With this group of friends and her trusty journal, Paige begins to truly explore her world and gain confidence in her abilities. Bit by bit, Paige lets the world see the part of herself she has kept hidden.

Page by Paige is an excellent story about a girl becoming comfortable and confident in her own abilities and gifts. It includes elements of teen love, the confusion that parents experience in dealing with their “newly hatched” teen, and finding the courage to be yourself. Each section starts with one of Paige’s rules, such as rule 4, “Let Yourself FAIL.” Each rule is a lesson in itself, and gives the reader something to connect to her own life.

Themes:
Friendship
Coming of Age
Identity

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 8 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: mild kissing, and sexual innuendos, some mention of alternative lifestyles
Violence: none.

The Gift by James Patterson & Ned Rust

Back in July, I wrote a summary/review of Witch & Wizard by James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet. I finished the review looking forward to the next book in the series, which was said to be on its way in October. Well, it is a little late, but worth the wait! The second book, The Gift, will hit stores on December 13 but I was lucky enough to pick up an advance reading copy. Let me tell you, it does not disappoint!


Summary: Whit & Wisty Allgood are still on the run from the New Order and its leader, The One Who Is The One. These two teens have come a long way since they were first taken from their home and parents, since they were first accused of being a witch and a wizard. As crazy as the accusation sounded at first, it has turned out to be more true than anyone could have known.

In this second book of the series, our heroes get to know their enemy better. The One personally takes an interest in the Allgood children, determined to be the only source of power in the world. As Whit & Wisty continue searching for their parents and taking part in a revolution, The One works tirelessly to trap them in his web, using their parents and friends as bait.

As in the first book, Witch & Wizard, the Allgood siblings find themselves using powers they still cannot understand or control to get out of tight scrapes and work to undermine the totalitarian regime that has split their family.

Again, I am left waiting for the next book in the series. Please, Mr. Patterson, don’t take too long!

Themes:
Family
Friendship
Courage
Freedom & Oppression

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: Yes, mild.

Reckless by Cornelia Funke

I’ve been a fan of Cornelia Funke since I read The Thief Lord a few years back, but I will admit, some of her books are hit-or-miss for me. So when I was handed a copy of her newest book, Reckless, I was cautiously hopeful. The cover was what caught my attention – an eerie green face staring out of a beautifully framed mirror. So I sat down and read the first few pages. I was immediately drawn in. Unfortunately, it was time for me to get in my car for a two hour drive home. As I was walking out of the convention center, I found the book on CD and joyfully bought it. I listened to two discs on the way home, loving every minute of the story, which I finished reading the next day. I think this is her very best story yet! I was enthralled and can’t wait for the next book. (There must be a next book! Do you hear me, Cornelia Funke? I need more!)


Summary: Jacob Reckless has kept the secret of the world behind the mirror to himself for years; a secret he discovered about a year after his father’s mysterious disappearance – a disappearance that Jacob knows has something to do with this magical world. The mirror world is full of magic and danger; fairies are guarded by unicorns and humans are battling for survival against a race of stone known as Goyl. Jacob himself has survived many dangers in the mirror world and become a respected adventurer and treasure hunter. The mirror world is Jacob’s escape where he explores with his only real friend, Fox.

But one day, Jacob is careless and his younger brother, Will follows him through the mirror. When Will is cursed, Jacob must find a way to save him, even if it means risking his own life to insure that of Will. Things only get more complicated when the girl Will loves also finds the mirror world, giving Jacob two people to protect in a world teeming with intrigue and traps. Add in some dwarfs of questionable character, a fairy in love, and an empress trying to save her people from destruction and you get an action-filled fantasy adventure that will be read cover-to-cover by kids and adults alike.

Themes:
Family
Friendship
Courage

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 6 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: Yes, not graphic.

NCTE Convention 2010

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) convention in Orlando this past week-end and meet some of my favorite authors! I got many authors to autograph books for my collection, including Gary Paulsen, Neal Shusterman, Heather Brewer, Gordon Korman, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Danette Hayworth, Melissa de la Cruz, Gareth Hinds, Lois Lowry, Megan Whelan Turner, and Susan Campbell Bartoletti.

As if that wasn't cool enough, the many publishers there were handing out advanced reading copies of  upcoming books!  I ended up with bags (yes, big bags!) of books that are scheduled for release over the course of the next year.  I'm already digging in! So be prepared!  My next few posts may be about books that you may have to wait for!  But those that I've already read are well worth it!

The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh

Summary: This modernization of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice will appeal to anyone who enjoys a supernatural mystery. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to my students, especially those who are fans of Greek mythology.


Young Latin scholar Jack & his father left New York City & moved to New Haven, CT not long after his mother died. But one cold evening as Jack is walking home, he is in an accident and everything changes.

Jack’s father sends him to an unusual doctor in New York City, where Jack has not been since his mother’s death eight years before. In Grand Central Station, he meets a girl, Euri, who offers him a tour of the secret areas of the station. Thus begins Jack's journey through the New York Underworld where the dead go until they are truly ready to let go of their lives and move on. Jack decides that he is meant to find his mother and, if possible, bring her back home with him. But as he & Euri travel together and he learns the secrets of Euri’s past, he begins to realize that maybe there is another reason he has found his way to the land of the dead.

Themes:
Family
Friendship
Courage
Loss/Grief

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 6 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: Yes, mild.

Little Vampire Women

Summary: The new craze of mixing beloved classics with monsters such as vampires and zombies has led to some interesting works; some good and some truly awful. Little Vampire Women is not destined to become a classic, but is a fun read for fans of the classic or just fans of the mash-up genre.


Jo, Marmee, Meg, and the whole March family are reinvented as vegetarian/humanitarian vampires trying to make it through their unlife despite challenges such as poverty, war, and illness. Most of the original plot is preserved, with the additions made to the characters blended in seamlessly without causing any confusion. Jo, in addition to taking on work as a governess to help her family, is also training to fight vampire slayers. Father still gets sick and must be nursed back to health by Marmee, with the explanation for how a vampire can become sick cleverly explained.

Little Vampire Women is a quick, fun read that still holds much of the charm of the original story.

Themes:
Family
Friendship
Courage

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: Yes, mild.

The Lost Hero

Rick Riordan has another hit on his hands with The Lost Hero!


Summary: Jason has no idea who he is or how he ended up on a bus holding hands with a girl named Piper, who thinks she is his girlfriend, and his supposed best friend, Leo. On a field trip to the Grand Canyon skywalk, Jason & his friends find themselves under attack by monsters out of mythology – then pulled from danger and taken to Camp Half-Blood.

Piper & Leo discover the truth about their heritage – they are demi-gods, half-blood children of Greek gods. Jason, on the other hand, is left with more questions than answers, and a quest that he must undertake.

Riordan expands upon the Percy Jackson series, adding in the Roman aspects of these gods, Roman monsters, and much more mythological backstory. His new villains are both fun & frightening, with the main baddie seeming truly unbeatable. The only bad thing about this book is that I’ll have to wait a full year for the next installment of the series.

Themes:
Coming of Age
Friendship
Courage

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 6 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: Yes, mild.

Mockingjay

It’s here! It’s amazing! Mockingjay lived up to all my expectations and more! I was so excited when I got my pre-order from Scholastic this past week, and devoured the entire book within 36 hours, then passed it on to a friend. Now that I’ve had a few days to absorb the awesomeness, I think I may re-read it when I get it back! (On a side note, for pre-ordering from Scholastic, I got a cool Mockingjay pin just like the one Katniss has worn throughout the books. What a great little extra! I can't wait to wear it to school - I'm sure I'll have students trying to get me to part with it!)


WARNING: If you haven’t read the previous two book, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, DO NOT read this summary, as it will contain spoilers!

Summary: Katniss Everdeen has been through a lot since that day she stepped forward and took her sister’s place in the Hunger Games; two entrances into the arena, threats from President Snow, the destruction of her home district. After being rescued from the arena during the Quarter Quell, she now finds herself in fabled District 13, a secretive district that might have the power to face the Capital. Like many of the people of district 12, her family and Gale are safe, but the same cannot be said for Peeta, who is a prisoner of President Snow.

Will Kat agree to let the rebels make her their Mockingjay; the public face of the rebellion? Can she learn to trust the other former tributes who are now a part of the rebellion? Can she somehow save Peeta? And finally, the big question: who will win Katniss’ heart in the end?

I've been asked what kind of books the Hunger Games series is.  It doesn't really fit any single definition. The series is so multi-layered, it is adventure, science fiction, social commentary, romance, a coming-of-age story on steroids. It is a war story, a new addition to the exciting world of dystopian fiction, and a tale about the importance of family.  It defies labels and is simply a great tale that leaves you pondering long after the last word has been read.

Mockingjay is full of action and surprises. As she did in the past two books, Collins will occasionally break your heart as you feel the losses and betrayals Katniss has to endure in the quest to be truly free. I had goosebumps more than once, got angry many times, and cried at times when Katniss couldn’t allow herself to do so. Read it!

Themes:
Freedom
Friendship
Rebellion
Loss

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: Yes, it is a war, after all.

Masterpiece

Elise Broach is another author who has been featured on the Sunshine State list before. I really enjoyed Shakespeare’s Secret, so I was excited to dive into Masterpiece.


Summary: This book brings together two unlikely friends; Marvin is a beetle who lives under the kitchen sink, James is the young boy who lives in the apartment where that kitchen sink is located, along with his mother, step-father, and younger half-brother. When James gets a pen-and-ink set from his artist father for his birthday, Marvin can’t resist; he creates a miniature drawing as a gift for James. When James’ mother sees it and assumes it is his work, James and Marvin find themselves caught up in a mystery.

This book is a great choice for those who enjoy Blue Balliett’s books. It involves missing art, forgery, and friendship. Lots of fun! Be ready though – the ending will make you wonder. Did James do it on purpose?

Themes:
Friendship
Trust

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 2 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: none

Savvy

This book has been on my reading list for a while now, but had gotten buried in my pile of “to be reads.” I am so glad I uncovered it.


Summary: Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont is looking forward to her magical 13th birthday – the birthday when her savvy will make itself known, as it has for everyone else in her family. Her brother Rocket is electric (literally), Fish’s moods affect the weather, and her mother is perfect in everything she does. Everyone in her family has some special gift that makes them unique, and Mibs is anxious to discover hers.

When her father has a car accident just before her big day, landing him in the hospital unconscious, Mibs prays that her savvy will be something that can bring him back to them. Her birthday goes from bad to worse when a well-meaning neighbor insists on having a birthday party for her (a big no-no, since her savvy could be anything!) Mibs escapes, planning to go to the hospital and wake her father.

What follows is a hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking road trip involving a henpecked Bible salesman, a waitress, and a handful of kids, all of whom have unique talents, secrets, and reasons for going on the run.

After reading it, I totally understood why this is a Newbery Honor book.

Themes:
Self-esteem
Family
Friendship


Age Appropriateness:
Grades 3 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: none

Diamonds in the Shadow

Caroline B. Cooney must have an “in” with the group who picks Sunshine State Books, because she has another one on the list this year.  ;) Her last offering on the list, Code Orange, was a thriller that was frightening because it could happen. Diamonds in the Shadow is no different – a tense and suspenseful book that takes modern day issues and weaves them into the lives of her characters, everyday Americans.


Summary: When the Finch family’s church agrees to sponsor a family of refugees from Africa, they get more than they could imagine. More responsibility; when the apartment for the family falls through, the Finch family takes them into their home. More mystery; the Finch children, Jared and Mopsy, both begin to wonder if this family is who they say they are. More danger; the Amabo family has something in their possession that another refugee wants, and he will do whatever it takes to get it.

The characters in this story, especially Jared and Mopsy, are well developed and it is interesting to watch them change as the story builds. Both learn a great deal about themselves, what it means to be charitable, and how far some people must go in order to simply survive.

The Amabo family and their plight is also great reading, as it shows just how alien things that we take for granted can be to those from other nations. Watching them learn about such common (to us) things as supermarkets and telephones made me, as a reader, really look at my own life and wonder how I would survive if I lost the many conveniences I take for granted.

Themes:
Survival
What makes a family
What is right (moral)?

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 5 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

The Season

I must confess a weakness for anything Jane Austen. So when I saw the Publisher’s Weekly review for this book contained the magic words “in the spirit of Jane Austen,” I immediately grabbed a copy and jumped in. I was not disappointed.


Summary: Alex, otherwise known as Lady Alexandra Stafford, is not looking forward to her first official London season – in fact, she loathes the idea. Her strong opinions and adventurous spirit are not proper accessories for a young lady just entering the marriage market of the London aristocracy. Her mother, however, is determined to see her married off to someone wealthy, respectable and, Alex is sure, terminally boring.

Alex quickly finds herself the center of attention – there is no lack of possible suitors that her mother finds satisfying. From the roguish Lord Stanhope to Lord Blackmoor, who has been raised almost as a brother to Alex, she finds herself in a variety of awkward situations and amidst petty jealousies.

The season turns out to be much more exciting than Alex hopes for as she drags her best friends Ella and Vivi into a mystery that involves one of her oldest friends. Murder, espionage, and a healthy dose of romance make this a fun read. The quick twists and turns will make it a book you’ll want to read over to see what you missed the first run through.

Themes:
Courage
Individuality
Friendship

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 6 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Catching Fire - Book 2 of the Hunger Games

This was, for me, a rare book - I couldn't wait to see what happened, but I also didn't want it to end because I still have a couple of weeks to wait for the next (and final) book.  As I read, pieces kept coming together to form a puzzle that came together perfectly at the end, making me proud of what I had figured out along the way and frustrated (much like Katnis) over the information that was hidden.

Summary: Having won the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta should be safe now.  But things are changing quickly; Katniss's gamble may have saved her and Peeta, but it has also started a fire that the Capital is angrily trying to quench - the fire of rebellion. Katniss sees signs of it on their "Victory Tour" and also finds life in District 12 much changed with the arrival of a new Head Peacekeeper.

Now the Capital has thrown another evil curve her way, forcing Katniss and Peeta to fight for their lives once more. Katniss knows that she cannot save them both again.  With threats direct from President Snow hanging over her head, Katniss must choose her path: will she fan the flames of dissent, risking the lives of everyone she loves? Anyone who has read the first book knows this is not an easy decision, but the choice is clear.

The end of Catching Fire is full of shocks and frustration, leaving the reader with plenty of carrots in preparation for the release of Mockingjay. For this reader, that release can't come soon enough.  I'm so glad I pre-ordered!!!


Themes:
Courage
Justice
Freedom
Friendship

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: yes.

The Girl Who Could Fly

Although this is on the Sunshine State List for grades 3-5, I can really see my middle school students enjoying this book as well. It’s a fun read, and has enough twists and turns to keep it from becoming too predictable.


Summary: Since she was a little girl, Piper McCloud has been different from everyone else, from her very normal parents to her normal neighbors in her normal home of Lowland County. When Piper was a baby, she often hovered over the ground, but she has now learned that she can fly! Although Piper loves soaring through the clouds, her parents just want her to keep her feet on the ground and try to fit in.

When Piper lets her secret out at a community picnic, her parents find their house under assault by the media, all wanting a look at the girl who can fly. In comes an answer: INSANE, a secret school for children with unusual abilities.

The children at INSANE have a variety of powers, ranging from telekinesis to weather control. Piper loves her new school, with its soft blankets, gourmet meals, and new friends. But things aren’t as they seem, and Piper may be in more trouble now than she ever was in her normal home!

Themes:
Courage
Individuality
Friendship


Age Appropriateness:
Grades 3 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Changeling

Of the Sunshine State Books I have read so far for this year, this is my favorite. I am a big fan of fantasy and strong female characters, both a big part of this novel.


Summary: Neef has spent her entire life living among the fairies of “New York Between.” She is a changeling, a human who was taken as a baby and replaced with a fairy lookalike. Her fairy godmother, Astris, is a white mouse, and her godfather is a Pooka. Neef’s quiet protected life comes to an end when she breaks a fairy law. Now she must meet a challenge given to her by the Green Lady, ruler of Central Park or else become the prey of the Wild Hunt.

Along the way, Neef will explore parts of New York Between she’s never seen, find her “other half” and discover friends in unexpected places. It’s a fun adventure full of the folklore of many cultures, blended nicely into modern culture.

Themes:
Courage
Knowing Yourself
Friendship

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 4 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Secrets of the Cicada Summer

Secrets of the Cicada Summer (also just called Cicada Summer) by Andrea Beaty is another of the 2010-2011 Sunshine State books. It is a fast read with a lot of mystery to keep the reader involved.


Summary: Lily is eleven years old. She loves Nancy Drew. She also has a secret that she has been keeping from everyone. Tinny Bridges arrives and breaks the quiet routine that Lily has created for herself. Tinny lies, steals, and finds out more about Lily than she is willing to share. She also deflects all the blame for her crimes on Lily. But Tinny has secrets of her own.

When Tinny disappears, both girls must confront their own secrets. Can Lily face her past and find Tinny?

Themes:
Family
Guilt
Secrets

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 3 and up


Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: none

Lawn Boy

Each year I anxiously await the new list of Sunshine State books. This year’s lists feature many well-known authors who have had previous picks, including Gary Paulsen. Paulsen is a great author for young readers who love the outdoors, adventure, and strong young heroes. Lawn Boy is a bit of a departure from his usual style, though. It is short, light, and a bit silly. It also teaches a lot about finances and capitalism through the experiences of the main character.


Summary: When a twelve year old boy gets an old riding lawn mower for his birthday, it sets off a chain of events that makes this broke kid into a business owner, stock investor, and sponsor of a prize fighter. All without his parents even realizing just how far out of control everything has grown.

The chapter titles show the evolution of the protagonist’s business, from chapter 1: The Principals of Economic Expansion to chapter 14: Resource Utilization: Its Causes and Effects. The titles contain vocabulary that will make many young readers blink, but the content within each chapter explains its title well.

Themes:
Responsibility

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 4 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Something Upstairs

I have read many of Avi’s books, and they are pretty hit or miss for me. Some I loved, some I couldn’t even force myself to finish. I picked up Something Upstairs because it looked like a quick read, and I tend to enjoy historical fiction. Something Upstairs was a fun mystery with some unusual twists which kept it from becoming “just another ghost story.”


Summary: When Kenny moves from sunny California to Providence, Rhode Island, he makes a discovery that he can’t share with his parents – his attic bedroom is haunted by the ghost of a murdered slave named Caleb. Caleb wants Kenny to go back in time and find out who murdered him.

As he tries to solve the mystery of Caleb’s death, Kenny finds himself caught up in the fight between abolitionists and slavers. If he makes the wrong choice, he may end up trapped in the past forever. Can Kenny solve the mystery and make it home to his own time?

In keeping with the historical context and language of the time, some of the characters do use a racial slur – but it is not used just for fun, it actually is something the characters would have said without a second thought. Just be aware so that you can address this with your young readers.

Themes:
Freedom
Justice

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 4 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: Use of racial slurs (in historical context)
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Shiver

Looking for a new series to hook your Twilight obsessed teens on? Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater may be what you’re looking for. It’s full of romance, angst, and the problems attached to loving someone from a different world than your own. The story puts some new twists on the legend of the werewolf, including the idea that the change in physical forms is brought on by temperature, and they can only take on their human form during the warm months.


Summary: Shiver is told from two perspectives. Grace is a teen girl who has grown up watching the wolves that live in the woods behind her house, especially the one with yellow eyes who saved her from being killed by the pack when she was younger. Sam is the young yellow-eyed werewolf who loves Grace from afar, even during the short time each year that he is human.

When Sam and Grace are finally brought together, nothing can separate them – except the possibility that Sam will become a wolf permanently. Can both of them deal with the pain of the past and find a way to protect their future together?

The book ends with a great twist that makes me look forward to reading the next book, Linger.


Themes:
Love
What makes someone human

Age Appropriateness:
Grades 8 and up
Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: Yes.
Violence: mild

The Hunger Games

I put off reading The Hunger Games because I wanted the whole trilogy to be out before I dove in. But since the last one comes out in a matter of weeks, I gave in and read the first book….and WOW! Intense! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! As with Witch & Wizard in my previous post, this novel shows a possible future world that is frightening but also seems entirely possible. A great addition to dystopian YA lit!


Summary: Panem, the nation in what was once called North America, is a beautiful capital city surrounded by twelve districts which it keeps in line by forcing each one to send representatives – one boy and one girl – to take part in the Hunger Games, an annual fight to the death that is televised on the national TV channel.

When Katniss’ sister, Prim, is chosen to participate, Katniss steps up to take her place, knowing that she will probably die. Her survival skills and attitude quickly make her a favorite to win this year’s games. But in order to win, she may have to sacrifice her morals.

This book is full of great characters, and you grow to care for some of them even though, due to the premise of the book, most of them are doomed. The death scenes are gripping and, sometimes, upsetting. As I read this I really felt Katniss’ struggle to stay true to herself without making herself into an easy target for the other competitors.
Themes:
Totalitarianism
Family
Justice
Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: yes, yes, yes. (After all, it’s a fight to the death!)

Witch & Wizard

James Patterson has made his mark on YA lit with his Maximum Ride series, known for their action and suspense. In Witch & Wizard, Patterson, with co-author Gabrielle Charbonnet, keeps the action and suspense going with what appears to be the first book in a new series about two unlikely heroes.


Summary: Wisty & Whit Allgood had been living an average life with their parents until the night they were taken from their home by The New Order and accused of being a witch and wizard. They are taken from their parents and imprisoned. As they work together to survive, escape, and find their parents, they discover that they have much more power than they realized – and more than The New Order may be ready to deal with!

Along the way, Wisty & Whit meet a cast of characters including a ghost, a group of children on the run, and many sadistic New Order lackeys. The mix of adventure, suspense, and a touch of magic makes this a fun book – but it also serves as a warning. Think along the lines of 1984 or Fahrenheit 451.

The prologue of the book starts at the end of the story – to the moments before the public execution of the Allgood family – but does not end at that point. This, along with the teasing phrase “to be continued” on the last page has me searching for news of when the next book in this series will hit the shelves. (Which, according to Amazon, will be October 5, 2010!)


Themes:
Totalitarianism
Family
Justice
Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up


Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella

Tired of the Twilight hype? Not me! When I saw that the novella was out, I had to grab it & read it before seeing Eclipse. And it was absolutely worth the read! If you haven’t already seen Eclipse, I recommend reading this BEFORE you see the movie. This novella ties in beautifully and really does clarify a few things that would be vague otherwise.

Summary: Bree is a newborn vampire – part of a group under the guidance and protection of Riley. It is an existence punctuated by thirst – a burning thirst – and the struggle to stay unnoticed and, therefore, to continue existing.

Then she makes a friend – Diego is just as curious about the one who made them as Bree is. None of the newborns know who she is; only Riley has any contact with her. When the two discover the truth behind their creator and her plans, they must choose their path and figure out who they can trust.

Anyone who has read Eclipse knows how Bree’s story ends, but that isn’t the point. Finding out how Bree reached that ending is the focus of this novella, and Meyer weaves that tale in a way that makes you sympathize with Bree and, if possible, dislike Victoria even more.



Themes:
Trust
Choices
Friendship
Age Appropriateness:
Grades 7 and up


Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: very mild
Violence: some descriptive passages

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid

Rick Riordan’s latest offering starts a new series somewhat akin to his Percy Jackson books. This series, however, focuses on another group of deities – the Egyptian pantheon! Will the Kane Chronicles be as good as the Percy Jackson series? After reading the first book, I have to say it will be at least as good if not better!
Summary: Carter and Sadie Kane, despite being siblings, have spent very little time together since the death of their mother six years ago. Carter has travelled with his Egyptologist father while Sadie has lived with her grandparents, only seeing her father and brother on occasion.

When their father brings them together on Christmas Eve, then disappears in a mysterious explosion, Carter and Sadie discover that the Egyptian gods are real, and that Set, the evil god who killed his own brother, Osiris, is planning to destroy the world as they know it. Can the two siblings defeat Set, avoid the magicians known as the “House of Life,” (who want to kill them) and begin to trust one another after years apart?

Like the Percy Jackson series, this series will get the reader interested in learning more about the culture and gods discussed. Get ready to start researching your Egyptology, parents and teachers! Your kids are going to be digging in!


Themes:
Courage
Family


Age Appropriateness:
Grades 4 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: mild

Heist Society

Author: Ally Carter

Summary: Been looking for the next female action hero? Here she is – meet Kat, a teen who has been raised in a family of thieves. As much as she wants to escape the life, it just won’t let her go. Now she has to pull off an almost impossible heist with her crew of teenage friends to save her father. Among her crew is Hale, her friend/romantic interest, Gabrielle, her cousin, and Simon, a teen tech whiz.

The really cool thing about this book, in my eyes, was how neatly Carter tied in a little history lesson without sounding preachy or boring. Integrating the story of the art lost during World War II into the novel gave it more depth and believability, and gave Carter an opening for more books about Kat and her quirky family.

Themes:
Family
Courage
Confidence
Doing what is right

Age Appropriateness:
Middle grades and up



Areas of concern (content):

Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence, etc.: mild

The River Between Us

Author: Richard Peck

Summary: Unlike Peck’s other books, such as A Year Down Yonder and The Teacher’s Funeral, this novel is serious in tone. It switches between two time periods, 1916 and 1861. The time switch occurs suddenly without any explanation until the end of the story, which could prove confusing for some. It is rare for a young adult or children's novel to be written as a "framed tale," but this one does so with little awkwardness.

The main story line is about a young girl named Tilly living in Illinois at the beginning of the Civil War. Her family’s routine is changed when they take in two strangers who arrive from the south by steamboat; Delphine and Calinda. Tilly learns about family, prejudice, and standing up for herself through her experiences with these newcomers.

The secondary story line, in which a young boy learns the truth about his family and his heritage, is what encases Tilly's story. It seems almost unneccesary until Peck wraps it all together at the end, making the two stories into one lesson about acceptance and pride in yourself and your family.

This novel tells about an aspect of the Civil War history that most young readers will know little about – the free blacks who lived in New Orleans and how the threat of the war and the changes it could bring affected them. It also gives insight into the fear of being “found out” in the case of those whose skin was light enough to “pass” as white.



Themes:
Prejudice
Family
Pride in yourself

Age Appropriateness:
Grades five and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence, etc.: mild depictions of the aftermath of battles and illness

The Lacemaker and the Princess

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Summary: Young Isabelle is a lacemaker, like her mother and grandmother.  In the months before the French Revolution, Isabelle's family is struggling financially. Isabelle is sent to the Palace of Versailles to deliver some lace, where she is nearly trampled by a crowd.  The queen, Marie Antoinette, saves her and makes Isabelle her daughter's new companion. Isabelle becomes a friend to the princess, all the while hearing the rising anger against the king and queen.  This novel is a well-written piece of historical fiction that makes the characters seem human and tells about the events of the French Revoltion in a way that makes them real to the reader.  Isabelle is a character that readers can relate to; a young girl who is caught between her family and her friend.

Themes:
Loyalty
Equality
Poverty

Age Appropriateness:
Grades three and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: very, very mild

Bones of Faerie

This book, by Janni Lee Simner, is a fabulous book for fans of fantasy. It is also a great coming-of-age story, morality tale, and fairy tale.

Summary: Set after a war between the worlds of the humans and faeries in which modern conveniences are now stories told by old-timers. Liza has always been taught that magic kills and anything magical must be killed before it can hurt others. So it is when her baby sister is born with faerie looks; Liza's father abandons the baby on a hillside to die, and Liza's mother leaves soon after. Liza's own magical powers begin to assert themselves, causing her to leave her village for fear she will become a danger to those she loves. In the process she finds true friends, her own inner strength, and, yes, her mother.


Themes:
Xenophobia & Prejudice
Family

Age Appropriateness:
Middle grades and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: very mild


Okay, that's it for my first review. If you have suggestions for other categories I should include in my ratings, let me know!

Welcome!

I never thought I'd give in to the blogging craze, but here I am! With the number of young adult and children's books I read and enjoy recommending to others, it only seems natural to expand my reach, and publish my recommendations to the world. Yes, I know that I could just do that on Amazon, but I wanted a place that is mine (don't we all) where all my reviews could be found together.

First, a little about me. I've been teaching for about eight years, and I love getting my students excited about reading. The simplest and best way to do that is to have lots of books available for them to choose from. So, I have shelves and shelves of books in my room. But I am picky/careful. I won't put anything in myclassroom until I have read it myself. I do this for two reasons:
1. I can do a better job of recommending books to my students if I have actually read more than just the back cover.
2. I just don't want to put something in my classroom that my students are not ready for in terms of maturity, content, etc. I want my students and their parents to feel safe choosing books from my shelves. For me, it isn't about censorship, as many of the books I have and love will challenge students to think in different ways and from different perspectives than they are used to. It is simply a matter of what is appropriate for me, as a teacher, to give them access to. Some things are the domain of the parents. Books that I feel are questionable but have value to them I put in a special area that requires a parent note giving the student permission to read the specifi book.

Now I think I have babbled enough. I look forward to sharing my reviews of childrens and young adult lit with the world!