Review: Dark Water

Dark Water
Laura McNeal
2010; Knopf; ISBN 978-0-375-84973-2 (hardcover)

Summary: Life in the southern California town of Fallbrook should be like living in a paradise.  But for Pearl, it's not so great.  Her parents have recently divorced, and Pearl and her mother live in the ramshackle guest house on her uncle's avocado ranch.  She's growing distant from her best friend, while her friend and cousin Robby is distancing himself from her.  Then she meets Amiel, a migrant worker who doesn't talk but juggles and mimes to express himself.  He captures Pearl's attention, making her chase him even as he tries to keep her at arms' length.  When a wildfire sweeps through Fallbrook, Pearl will choose Amiel over safety--with devastating consequences. 

This National Book Award finalist showcases the development of one young woman.  Pearl is confused and uncertain due to the changes in her life.  Falling for Amiel leads Pearl to bad decisions, as she does anything to attract his attention.  Laura McNeal presents in a sympathetic manner a young woman grappling with her life and making choices that others wouldn't make.  Other characters like Pearl's mother, her uncle, and Amiel are equally well-drawn in this thoughtful novel.  With its sense of foreboding, Dark Water keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens.

Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
2010; Knopf; ISBN 978-0-375-86659-3 (hardcover)

Summary: It all starts with a red notebook.  Lily leaves it at the Strand, the famous New York bookstore.  Dash finds it by the Salinger novels and follows its instructions.  Over the holiday period from just before Christmas to just after New Year's, Dash and Lily will have a friendship built on their notes to each other in the notebook.  As they exchange it back and forth, they will have a series of adventures.  Whether it's creating a Muppet, visiting Madame Tussaud's, or getting locked in at the Strand, Dash and Lily will discover new things about themselves as well as each other.

If a novel could be hot chocolate, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares is hot chocolate.  It's a sweet treat that you enjoy, thanks to the talents of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.  Quirky, affectionate Lily and intelligent, reserved Dash are memorable main characters, each having their opportunities to tell the story.  Other characters, like Dash's puppy of a friend Boomer and Lily's Great-Aunt Ida, known as Mrs. Basil E., add extra fun to the story.  Readers who are not ready for the mature themes in Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, Cohn and Levithan's first novel together, will embrace Dash & Lily's Book of Dares.

Review: Yummy

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
G. Neri; illustrations by Randy DuBurke
2010; Lee & Low Books; ISBN 978-1-58430-267-4 (paperback)

Summary:  Victim, villain, or both?  That's the question in 1994 as an eleven-year-old killer draws attention to Chicago's gang problem.  Nicknamed Yummy due to his love for candy, Robert Sandifer accidentally shoots a teenager in his Southside neighborhood.  The shooting exposes to the world at large many problems: gang warfare, broken homes and neglect, and children killing children.  In hiding after the shooting, Yummy just wants to go home to his grandmother.  But as the gang tires of protecting him, they know they can't let him go home.  Instead, they kill him.  Through the eyes of Roger, a classmate of Yummy's, a senseless story is told. 

With authentic language and stark black and white illustrations, the early 1990s are dramatically captured in Yummy.  The Roseland neighborhood, where stores close at 4pm to allow owners to get home before dark, is a tough, dangerous one.  The gangs and crime turn neighbors into strangers, removing a resource for when the government safety net fails.  Yummy is bounced in the system, never receiving from social workers or his grandmother what he gets from being a member of the Black Disciples.  The questions asked in Yummy are difficult to answer, giving readers an opportunity to consider ethics, morals and choices.

Review: Virgin Territory

Virgin Territory
James Lecesne
2010; Egmont; ISBN 978-1-60684-081-8 (hardcover)

Summary: Dylan is an unhappy transplant to Jupiter, Florida.  Never mind that it happened almost ten years ago: he's still upset that his father moved them away from New York City.  It was supposed to be a fresh start after the death of Dylan's mother.  Instead, Dylan is drifting, working at a golf course and isolated from others.  Then, a sighting of the Virgin Mary at the golf course changes Dylan's life.  He meets a girl named Angela, he makes new friends, and he reconnects with his father.  Is it because of the Virgin Mary, God, or another powerful being?  Or maybe it's just Dylan figuring things out . . .

With its cast of likable characters, Virgin Territory looks at the intersection of faith and life.  Mary followers, who travel all over the country to sighting locations, arrive in Jupiter and create upheaval in the small town.  Thanks to his new friends, Dylan slowly begins to recover from his mother's death, which occurred the day before the 9/11 attacks.  This recovery also allows Dylan to start repairing his relationship with his father.  Pair Virgin Territory with The Patron Saint of Butterflies for two examinations of spirituality in modern life. 

Review: Dark Song

Dark Song
Gail Giles
2010; Little, Brown; ISBN 978-0-316-06886-4 (hardcover)

Summary: Ames has a great life.  Her dad is rich and gives her anything she wants.  She has an adorable little sister and a great best friend.  The only fly in the ointment is her rocky relationship with her mom.  That's what keeps Ames' life from being some disgustingly sweet story.  But then, Ames' near-fairy tale life becomes a horror story.  Her father is fired, losing all their money.  Before she knows it, Ames is with her family in Texas, cleaning an old drug house to live in.  She's angry and resentful, and the only person who seems to understand is Marc.  Dark, obsessive Marc, who offers to kill her parents so it can be just the two of them.  Ames faces a choice: what will she decide?

Inspired by media coverage about girls helping their boyfriends murder her parents, this new novel from Gail Giles is a timely one.  As high-flyers come back to Earth thanks to the recession, teens who have been given everything have to learn to adjust.  In Ames's family, the good times hid the fact that none of them--except perhaps Ames's little sister--have the coping skills to face hardship without being destructive towards those they love.  As Ames slowly learns those skills to deal with this new life, she becomes isolated from her friends and family by Marc.  It's only when he suggest killing her parents that Ames receives the wake-up call she needs.  Giles's fans will cheer for Dark Song.

Review: Bruiser

Bruiser
Neal Shusterman
2010; HarperTeen; ISBN 978-0-06-113408-1 (hardcover)

Summary:  Tennyson doesn't like it when his twin sister Bronte starts dating Brewster Rawlins.  Better known as the Bruiser, Brewster is a large, hulking boy who keeps to himself.  But Bronte senses something special in Brew, who likes poetry and looks out for his litle brother, Cody.  As Tennyson gets to know Brewster, he starts to understand him.  But as Bronte and Tennyson learn about Brew's strange gift, it not only changes them--it changes Brew.

This accomplished novel adds a dash of the paranormal to a tale of friendship.  Not just a novel in multiple voices, with Tennyson, Bronte, Brewster and Cody each sharing narration duties, but there are shifts in style as well.  Brewster's sections are in poetry, while Cody's captures a young boy's thoughts and feelings.  Tennyson and Bronte are equally well-drawn.  Shusterman shows his talent not just for the unusual, but for the everyday aspects of life.  Bruiser urges readers to look beneath the surface and consider their actions in a compelling story of friends and family.

Review: A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

A Small Free Kiss in the Dark
Glenda Millard
2010; Holiday House; ISBN 978-0-8234-2264-7 (hardcover)

Summary:  Twelve-year-old Skip escapes from years of abuse in his foster homes and takes to the streets.  Billy, a homeless man that Skip is friends with, becomes his unofficial father figure, and the two of them watch out for each other.  Their cozy yet uncertain life is thrown into turmoil when a war begins, with bombings in the city they live in.  They struggle to survive, taking in a young boy named Max that they find in the local library.  Eventually, they find a home in an abandoned amusement park, trying to stay away from soldiers who are nearby.  Their family is increased by Tia, a teenage ballerina with a baby they name Sixpence.  But as soldiers approach them, Skip must gather his family together to escape to safety.

An insightful novel with beautiful language, this import from Australia views the destruction of war through a young teen's eyes.  Skip, with his eye for details, notices the light and shadow, color and texture of everything he sees.  In his attempts to find beauty, though, he sees much ugliness, whether it's the bombed-out buildings, the callous actions of survivors, or the cruelty of the soldiers.  He may not understand what he sees, but he attempts to figure them out without losing hold of his new-found family or the hope of art.  In his simple, straightforward manner, Skip draws comparisons to characters like Jonas from The Giver.   A quiet, thoughtful novel, A Small Free Kiss in the Dark offers a hopeful take on surviving disaster.

Review: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June
Robin Benway
2010; Razorbill (Penguin); ISBN 978-1-59514-286-3

Summary:  The worst things for sisters April, May and June to deal with are their names and their parents' recent divorce.  Then they each discover that they have superpowers.  April can see the future, May can become invisible, and June can read minds.  It's hard enough dealing with normal teenage life, like crushes, friends, and family--now the sisters have to figure out their new abilities.  At first, these talents bring out the worst in each girl.  But when April sees a horrible vision, May wants to run away, and June gets into big trouble, the sisters will find out that their powers, like their lives, work best when they work together.

Creating a delightful novel in three voices, Robin Benway has penned an intriguing followup to Audrey, Wait!  Each sister's personality is distinct and clear, from April's bossy good-girl attitude, May's sarcastic and guarded wisecracks, and June's bubbly little-sister voice.  The story hums along, with the sisters learning not just how to use their newfound talents but also adjusting to their parents' divorce.  Most interesting of all is the feel that April, May and June are learning how to be friends and sisters, moving beyond their childhood squabbles and becoming adults.  The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June is an inspiring look at sisterhood and its magic.

Review: You

You
Charles Benoit
2010; HarperTeen; ISBN 978-0-06-194704-9

Summary:  Kyle Chase has made some bad choices, and now those choices have lead to disaster.  If he could go back, he wouldn't have blown off his smart friends, blown off his homework, blown off his parents.  But most of all, Kyle wouldn't have become friends with Zach.  Maybe if he hadn't, he would have gotten his act together.  He could have turned things around in school.  He might have even asked out Ashley, the girl of his dreams.  But none of that stuff happened, and now, it's too late for Kyle.

A common story is elevated by its style.  Charles Benoit, in his first YA novel, choose to use second person narration--a choice that breaks an unwritten rule of writing.  Yet this daring gives You its appeal.  It's like the reader is directing Kyle, but towards a conclusion that the reader doesn't suspect.  As a result, the reader is drawn even deeper into Kyle's story, into his feelings and thoughts.  An interesting look at a teen boy discovering his actions have consequences, You will be enjoyed by fans of Hate List.

Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie

The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie: A Doll's History and Her Impact on Us
Tanya Lee Stone
2010; Penguin; ISBN 978-0-670-01187-2 (hardcover)

Summary: She's been a heroine, a role model, and perennial career-hopper.  She's also been a villian, a target, and a symbol of all that's wrong with society's treatment of females.  Funny how a 11 3/4 inch tall doll can be all that.  Yet in the fifty years since the introduction of the Barbie doll, that's what this toy has been.  For decades, little girls have wanted to play with Barbie.  But is playing with Barbies harmful?  The history and impact of the Barbie doll is full of depth and contrary opinions.

Tanya Lee Stone, author of the YALSA Nonfiction Award finalist Almost Astronauts, looks at another extraordinary female in her latest book.  Whether you think Barbie is a harmless toy or a symbol of evil, Stone takes an even-handed approach to her subject.  She lays out the criticism against Barbie while also presenting the praise for this remarkable doll.  Considering such varied topics as the creation of Barbie, ethnic Barbies, and even why we're always taking her clothes off, this book is a loving yet just examination of the Barbie doll.  Bound to provoke nostalgia and discussion, The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie would be an excellent choice for mother-daughter book clubs.

Review: The Tension of Opposites

The Tension of Opposites
Kristina McBride
2010; Egmont; ISBN 978-1-60684-085-6 (hardcover)

Summary: Ever since her best friend Noelle was kidnapped two years ago, Tessa hasn't really lived; she's been in limbo.  But when Noelle miraculously escapes her kidnapper, Tessa is so happy to have her friend back.  But the girl who returned isn't the same as Tessa's friend.  Calling herself Elle, she acts recklessly, her emotions extreme and quicksilver.  Tessa wants to help Elle, wants to protect her from being hurt.  But in protecting Elle, Tessa hurts herself: it interferes with Tessa's new relationship with Max, for one.  How can Tessa strike a balance between herself and Elle?

Part of a wave of kidnapping novels, The Tension of Opposites chooses to begin with Noelle returning home.  Thanks to this choice, readers experience the tangled aftermath along with both Noelle/Elle and Tessa.  On the one hand, Elle attempts to live life on her own terms, certain that she can never be hurt again like she was by her kidnapper.  Tessa, meanwhile, wants to protect Elle so that she won't be hurt.  This sets up an interesting dichotomy between the two girls, and adds a crackle of suspense to the novel.  Dark yet hopeful, The Tension of Opposites will appeal to readers who enjoyed page-turners like Bonechiller by Graham McNamee.

Review: A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend

A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend
Emily Horner
2010; Penguin; ISBN 978-0-8037-3420-3 (hardcover)

Summary: The car accident that kills Julia has a huge impact on her best friend, Cass.  Losing Julia makes Cass take a look at her life, dealing with questions she's tried to avoid.  Is Cass a lesbian?  Did she love Julia?  Who is she now without her best friend?  Shifting back and forth between Now (the end of the summer and the beginning of school) and Then (the weeks immediately after Julia's death), Cass begins to find answers to those questions, thanks in part to the musical Julia wrote.  As Cass helps Julia's friends put on the show, she realizes that these are her friends, as well.  Who would think such self-discovery would come from a show called Totally Sweet Ninja Death Squad?

From debut author Emily Horner comes a moving story about loss and life.  Cass's journey, both internal and external, rings true to the teenage experience.  Just as boys pull the hair of the girls they like, the middle school tormentor becomes Cass's girlfriend: an interesting twist on relationship dynamics.  Full of well-drawn characters and juggling shifts in storyline, this novel offers an in-depth look at one girl's coming of age.  Pair this with My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger for two feel-good reads.

Review: Not That Kind of Girl

Not That Kind of Girl
Siobhan Vivian
2010; PUSH (Scholastic); ISBN 978-0-545-16815-8 (hardcover)

Summary: Natalie is a smart, in-control girl.  She's in AP classes, the president of her school's student council, and full of plans for her future.  But in her senior year, Natalie finds herself confronting a lot of questions about what it means to be a girl.  Her best friend Autumn, the victim of a no-good boy three years earlier, seems to be making the same mistakes again.  Spencer, the freshman girl that Natalie is trying to mentor, doesn't want Natalie's advice on how to act around boys.  And then there's Connor, the football player that makes Natalie feel so many new emotions.  To figure otu what kind of girl she is, Natalie will end up asking herself one important question.

A moving look at self-discovery and female dynamics, Siobhan Vivian is establishing herself as the voice of teenage girls.  In the tightly-wound Natalie, readers can see the perils of staying closed off from experiences and people.  The relationships are spot-on, a real highlight of this very readable novel.  Pair Not That Kind of Girl with Sara Zarr's Story of a Girl for a one-two punch of female empowerment.

Reminder: Call for Contributors

In November, librarian by day is full of historical fiction, and I need help!  Read this post for more info about how you can contribute to this blog.  Remember, you only have until Friday, September 17 to sign up.  Thanks!

Review: White Cat

The Curse Workers #1: White Cat
Holly Black
2010; Simon & Schuster; ISBN 978-1-4169-6396-7 (hardcover)

Summary: In Cassel's world, some people have the ability to make things go their way.  It might be working on a person's emotions, changing their memories, or inflicting physical harm--all of these can be achieved with a simple touch.  Cassel, though, isn't a worker.  But three years ago, he killed his best friend, Lila.  This action still haunts him, especially since he can't really remember killing her.  Being vulnerable like that makes Cassel, a talented con artist, feel very unsettled, and he's determined to con others before he gets conned again.  When he realizes his older brothers are keeping something from him-something that's tied in with curse-working, Lila's death, and more-Cassel sets out to find the truth.  But he'll discover that maybe the con is better than the truth.

Holly Black creates a compelling, layered world in her new urban fantasy series.  The first book, White Cat, gracefully builds the world and establishs its rules.  What's more, the story of Cassel untangling the mystery he's part of is an action-packed one, full of fistfights and subtle plots.  Through it all, Black's gift for language shines through.  White Cat will be enjoyed by readers of Sisters Red and Beautiful Darkness.

Review: Glimpse

Glimpse
Carol Lynch Williams
2010; Simon & Schuster; ISBN 978-1-4169-9730-6 (hardcover)

Summary: Lizzie has always looked after Hope, just like Hope has always looked out for Lizzie.  They're more than sisters: they're best friends.  So when Hope walks in on Lizzie holding a shotgun, Hope's confused.  Why would Lizzie want to kill herself?  Why would she want to break up their family, take away one of the Chapman Girls--Momma, Lizzie and Hope?  As Hope navigates her memories and reaches out to Lizzie, she sees glimpses of the secrets she never knew.  And when she realizes just what secrets there are between her mother and her sister, Hope will be forced to choose between them.

A heartbreaking novel in verse, Glimpse explores the destructive power of secrets.  Lizzie hides the truth from Hope, trying to protect her, but this sacrifice leaves Lizzie unable to help herself.   It's up to Hope to show Lizzie how to save herself.  Thus, this novel is also about the power of family and love.  Well-paced with moving characters, Glimpse has a tone similar to Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl, but with a more hopeful ending. 

Review: Girl Parts

Girl Parts
John M. Cusick
2010; Candlewick; ISBN 978-0-7636-4930-2

Summary: David and Charlie might be in the same class, but that's where their similarities end. David is the son of a rich computer mogul and the most popular guy in school; Charlie's dad is a professor and Charlie's called a freak. They're drawn together by Rose, who is no ordinary girl. She's actually a Companion, a robot bought by David's parents in order to treat David's dissociative disorder. Rose is designed to teach David how to take his time and relate to a girl--because if he goes faster than Rose's Intimacy Clock permits, she gives him an electric shock. When David realizes that there's a limit to how far he can go with Rose, he dumps her. Found by Charlie, Rose struggles with her heartbreak and discovers why she's not like any other Companion. But will her uniqueness save her, or make her too valuable to the corporation that created her?

A lighthearted yet sensitive take on the girl robot concept, Girl Parts is an enjoyable page-turner. Capturing the teen boy mindset from two different extremes, Cusick also manages to let Rose be more than a Stepford girl. Instead, she's a quirky, sweet girl who just happens to be a robot. Set in the near future yet inspired by today's concerns about Internet-obsessed and emotionally disconnected teens, Girl Parts is perfect for sci-fi fans who want something lighter than Cory Doctorow's Little Brother.

Review: Smile

Smile
Raina Telgemeier
2010; Scholastic; ISBN 978-0-545-13205-3 (hardcover)

Summary: Raina is running to her front porch when the sixth-grader falls and knocks out her two front teeth. This accident starts several years of dental drama for Raina, including braces two separate times, headgear, a retainer with two fake teeth, and more. It's a lot of pain and discomfort, made worse by the friends who tease her all the time. Raina struggles to deal with being true to herself without losing her friends. By the time she reaches high school, something's got to give. When Raina finally has normal teeth again, she decides to make a fresh start.

A touching comic book memoir, Smile goes one better of the traditional story about getting braces. With gentle humor and a fine sense of middle school society, Telgemeier tells her story. The artwork is bright and cheerful, with a cartoon-like style that still feels very real. Best of all is how we see the young Raina slowly realize that her friends are not really her friends, and how she manages to assert herself. A must-read for any middle schooler, Smile is bound to be snapped up by fans of Telgemeier's earlier work: the graphic novel adaptations of The Baby-sitters Club.

Call for Contributors!

During the month of November, librarian by day is going wall-to-wall YA historical fiction. Why? To promote the release of my book, Historical Fiction for Teens: A Genre Guide!

Reviews and discussion of historical fiction titles and trends will be posted all month long. But I'd love some help, as well as getting other perspectives! If you'd like to write a post on historical fiction for librarian by day, or post at your own blog and have your article highlighted on librarian by day, please email me at dettiot at gmail dot com to discuss your intended subject. Don't have an idea, but want to write a post? Let me know and I can give you some ideas.

Please email me by Friday, September 17 if you're interested. More information about the process will come after your initial email.

Thank you, and I hope that everyone will look forward to the wealth of posts coming in November!

Review: Rose Sees Red

Rose Sees Red
Cecil Castellucci
2010; Scholastic; ISBN 978-0-545-06079-0 (hardcover)

Summary: Rose has been especially depressed since she started at the New York High School for the Performing Arts. Everyone seems to be a better dancer than she is, and she can't find it in her to apply herself. Going to Arts ended her friendship with Daisy, and she's been too miserable to make new ones. Then, one night, Rose finds a new friend: Yrena, a Russian dancer who lives in the building next door. Yrena climbs into Rose's room from the fire escape, asking Rose to help her explore American society for a night. Rose is hesitant at first, but impulsively decides to go with Yrena. Together, the two girls will stay out all night, go to a party, and find that political differences fade away in the face of friendship. And in finding a friend, Rose finds herself.

Set in the early 1980s, Rose Sees Red is an intriguing look at friendship during a time of upheaval. Rose is a complex girl who auditions for the performing arts high school, but then has trouble once she arrives due to her depression. It's only when she takes a chance on friendship--offered by Yrena and by other students at Arts--that Rose is able to start climbing out of her depression. The political tension between the US and the USSR squaring off is contrasted by the easy friendship that develops between Rose and Yrena. New York in 1982 is vividly captured by Castellucci, showing that she is equally adept at the past as she is at contemporary Los Angeles. Hand Rose Sees Red to your arty patrons or to anyone who liked The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman.

Review: Accomplice

Accomplice
Eireann Corrigan
2010; Scholastic; ISBN 978-0-545-05236-8 (hardback)

Summary: Finn and Chloe have a plan, one that will help them get into elite colleges more than all the good grades and community service will. They will pretend that Chloe has vanished, creating a media frenzy around the disappearance of a pretty teenager. Then, Finn will rescue Chloe, creating a heartwarming story of friendship. But, as Chloe hides in the house belonging to Finn's absent grandmother, Finn slowly sees that what they're creating affects not just the two of them. The plan begins falling apart and Finn starts questioning what they're doing and her friendship with Chloe. Even though Chloe will return home safely, nothing will ever be the same.

A tense psychological drama, Accomplice derives much of its tension not from Chloe's disappearance, which the readers knows is all a sham. Instead, the conflict comes from Finn seeing the impact of this "victimless" crime--one that was supposed to make Chloe and Finn's lives better. Instead, their friendship will deteriorate as Finn grapples with her guilt and the reality of Chloe's true nature. Even the best friendships can have a toxic element, one that can poison the relationship unexpectedly. This tale of friendship and family will be welcomed by readers looking for a warts-and-all approach to life.

Review: Heart of a Samurai

Heart of a Samurai
Margi Preus
2010; Amulet Books; ISBN 978-0-8109-8981-8 (hardcover)

Summary: Manjiro and his companions are shipwrecked on a tiny, deserted island. They don't have much hope for rescue--because even if they are saved, they won't be able to return home to Japan due to their country's isolationist policies. But then, they are saved, by an American whaling ship. Fourteen-year-old Manjiro is very intrigued by these "barbarians", who have such a different approach to life than the Japanese. Slowly, he becomes part of the crew, even the adopted son of the captain. Manjiro, renamed John Mung, will be the first Japanese to visit America, will serve on other whaling vessels, and will discover many new opportunities. But will he ever be able to return to Japan and see his family?

Prejudice is a social ill that has plagued many societies. Often it's based on a fear of an unknown, like coming face-to-face with foreign devils or being the only Japanese boy in a New England town. Based on a true story, Heart of a Samurai is an engaging read for middle school readers. Manjiro's innate curiosity, which is seen as rude and unseemly by other Japanese, is seen as a positive trait by Captain Whitfield and other Americans. And it's through Manjiro's curiosity and intelligence that he's able to achieve so much. Pass this book to readers who have finished Laurence Yep's Golden Mountain Chronicles and are looking for more stories about Asians in America.

Crosspost: 50 Years of To Kill a Mockingbird

Over at the YALSA Blog, I talk about the fiftieth anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird. Take a look!

Review: The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton

The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton
Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
2010; Clarion Books; ISBN 978-0-547-23630-8 (hardcover)

Summary: How many writers have lives more exciting, more dramatic, than their books? Edith Wharton did. The child of influential parents, a pillar of Old New York society, Edith grew up in a world of propriety and luxury. Her love of reading and learning conflicted-it was thought-with doing what was proper. At first, Edith did the "right" things: honored her mother's wishes, married a well-bred young man, and acted as a society wife. But Edith's desire to write pulled her away from what society thought was best. Her mother thought a woman's name should appear in print only three times: when she was born, when she married, and when she died. But Edith's name would appear in print many times during her life, earning her respect, money, and prizes. She lived through a tumultuous, exciting time on her own terms.

Evoking a sense of Wharton's novels-of a woman struggling to be free of the cage of rules-The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton is a compelling biography. Reflecting recent scholarship on Edith and her relationships with the circle of men she drew about her, Wooldridge explores how the guidance and support of these men shaped Edith. Born and raised during the excesses of the Gilded Age, Edith was able to use her intelligence to make a new life for herself once the rules of Old New York were swept away. Throughout the biography, Edith's personality shines through, from the quotes drawn from her own letters and writings to the photos of her beloved dogs and homes. The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton would be an excellent companion to any of Wharton's novels, whether assigned to teens or discovered on their own.

Review: Life, After

Life, After
Sarah Darer Littman
2010; Scholastic Press; ISBN 978-0-545-15144-3 (hardcover)

Summary: Years of economic instability has made life in Argentina difficult for Dani and her family. Dani worries about her family becoming homeless and her mother's long hours of work for nearly worthless pesos. Worst of all is her father, angry and bitter ever since the death of his sister in a terrorist bombing eight years earlier. Then, the family emigrates to suburban New York, assisted by Dani's uncle and Jewish charities. At first, Dani has a hard time adjusting: English is strange, her school is so big, and she wears the clothes that used to belong to the evil Jessica Nathanson. Slowly, Dani makes friends like cute Brian and intelligent Jon, gets the hang of English idioms, and even discovers she shares a pain with Jessica. Dani finds that her life After can be just as good as life Before.

Set in 2002-2003, Sarah Darer Littman's novel puts a new spin on the post-9/11 story. Revealed to be brother and sister, Jessica's still-raw pain and Jon's distant grief is contrasted with Dani's mourning of her aunt and unborn cousin. The discovery that Jon has Asperger's Syndrome adds an additional layer to the question of grieving that is one of the themes of Life, After. Dani's voice is true and honest, drawing the reader in. Whether it's fearing her father's anger, worrying over her boyfriend from Buenos Aires, or trying to maintain her Jewish faith, Dani's emotions come through. A group of likable characters dealing with unfair actions, Life, After will speak to any teen who's suffered a loss. For readers who want more about the transition to a new country, as well as loss and 9/11, look at Lost by Jacqueline Davies or Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger.

Review: A Little Wanting Song

A Little Wanting Song
Cath Crowley
2010; Knopf; ISBN 978-0-375-86096-6 (hardcover)

Summary: Every summer, Charlie visits the country town where her grandparents live. She's shy--so shy that she can't bring herself to sing in front of anyone. But at least she has her music to comfort her as she deals with the the loss of her mother, seven years ago, and her grandmother's death last year. Rose lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and is the kind of girl Charlie wishes she could be: feisty, popular, and not afraid of anything. Rose has her own worries, though, like how to get out of this nowhere town even though it'd mean leaving her boyfriend behind. A science scholarship to a city school could be her ticket, but first she has to convince her parents to let her go. Maybe by being friendly with city-dweller Charlie, Rose will find an opportunity. A summer friendship will change both Rose and Charlie's lives.

This layered novel draws inspiration from the music Charlie loves, with various notes and themes combining to create a unique composition. An Australian import, this friendship tale is enriched by the character voices: Charlie is lyrical and metaphorical, while Rose is direct and no-nonsense. As the two girls become friends and begin to change, their voices change as well. Subplots about Charlie and her family's losses, Rose's relationship with her boyfriend, and Charlie falling for Rose's friend Dave add to the story's depth. Hand A Little Wanting Song to fans of introspective novels like This Lullaby.

Review: Bamboo People

Bamboo People
Mitali Perkins
2010; Charlesbridge; ISBN 978-1-58089-328-2 (hardcover)

Summary: Two teenage boys, on opposite sides of a conflict tearing apart Burma, find common ground. Chiko worries about taking care of his mother after his father is arrested for being a traitor to the government. Hoping to become a teacher, instead he is forced into the army and is sent on a mission against the rebel Karenni tribe. Injured by a mine, he is discovered by Tu Reh, a member of the Karenni. Full of hatred for the Burmese soldiers that burned his village, Tu Reh at first thinks he should let Chiko die in the jungle. But something makes Tu Reh bring Chiko to the refugee camp that he lives at. Both boys will find a new path for themselves--one that holds out hope for their country.

Told in the voices of Chiko and Tu Reh, their stories are symbolic of the violent conflict that is currently tearing apart the country of Burma. Each boy struggles internally with ethical and moral issues, slowly finding a way to resolve these dilemmas. By choosing the harder path, both Chiko and Tu Reh mature, each story serving as counterpoint for the other's. Full of heartfelt language that describes both the daily life and the hardships of the Burmese and Karenni people, Bamboo People offers a look at a little-known current event. For more about other Asian conflicts, look at The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho.

Win Some ARCs--Contest Extended!

Since I only got a few entries for the latest ARC contest, and due to my little mix-up approving comments, I'm extending the deadline for this contest for another week. You now have until Friday, August 6 at 12 noon EDT to enter.

Leave a comment at this post to enter the contest.

Review: Happyface

Happyface
Stephen Emond
2010; Little, Brown; ISBN 978-0-316-04100-3 (hardcover)

Summary: Forced to change schools due to his family falling apart, the nameless narrator decides to reinvent himself. No longer Mr. Comic Book Guy with a seemingly hopeless crush on his friend Chloe, he's now Happyface. At his new school, his smiles and positive outlook leads to relative popularity, a group of new friends, and even a possible girlfriend in Gretchen. Slowly, though, his past starts to interfere with his new life, and Happyface grows desperate to hold on to what he has. But his desperation just leads to his friends drifting away, including Gretchen. Can he keep smiling and remain Happyface, even when his life completely sucks?

Designed as a journal, complete with sketches and homemade comic strips, Happyface shows one boy grappling with several issues. The family turmoil he experienced gradually reveals itself, and shows how the main character is more affected by this drama than he first let on. The storytelling is layered, with illustrations and plot twists keeping the story from becoming predictable. Happyface is an intriguing, unreliable narrator, and his coming-of-age story will strike a chord with many readers. Pair Happyface with Drawing a Blank by Daniel Ehrenhaft for two examples of stories enriched by illustration without being graphic novels.

Crosspost: Serving on the Printz Committee

I wrote a post for the YALSA Blog talking about what it's like serving on the Printz Committee. If you're curious about the process of serving on an awards committee, take a look!

Review: The War to End All Wars

The War to End All Wars: World War I
Russell Freedman
2010; Clarion Books; ISBN 978-0-547-02686-2 (hardcover)

Summary: World War I was originally known as the Great War. At the time, no one could conceive a conflict more terrifying, more destructive. After the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, a network of alliances started a war marked by failures of diplomacy, advanced weapons of great power, and the use of outdated military tactics. By the end of the war, with the signing of an armistice on November 11, 1918, 65 million men had gone to war--with over 35 million killed, wounded, missing or taken prisoner. And World War I would continue to impact the world beyond the end of the hostilities.

It's often been said that to understand the Roaring Twenties, World War II, or the Middle East Conflict, you must understand World War I. By reading Russell Freedman's thorough work, readers gain that understanding. With words and photographs, the horrors of trench warfare, mustard gas, and civilian casualties are vividly presented. And while the war created many innovations such as tanks, the costs were much too high as explained in The War to End All Wars. Pair this nonfiction title with fictional coverage such as Hattie Big Sky to show what life was like on the home front.

Review: Half World

Half World
Hiromi Goto; illustrations by Jillian Tamaki
2010; Viking; ISBN 978-0-670-01220-6 (hardcover)

Summary: Melanie and her mother are poor, living on the edge of existence. Then, Melanie comes home from school and discovers her mother has disappeared. Her mother has, in fact, returned to Half World, the shadow world between the Realm of Flesh and the Realm of Spirit. Held captive by an evil creature called Mr. Glueskin, Melanie's mother seems lost. But Melanie won't give up on her mother and sets out on a journey into the nightmare of Half World. By saving her mother, though, Melanie just might save all three realms.

A seemingly simplistic story reveals great truths in this illustrated novel. Drawing upon concepts of Buddhism such as rebirth and the cycle of samsara, Half World illuminates these concepts for unfamiliar readers. But these lessons do not swamp the heart of the novel: Melanie's love for her mother. Through the awful sights she sees, Melanie keeps her mind set on saving her mother. Yet standing in Melanie's way is Mr. Glueskin, a vividly-described, creepily atmospheric creature. Other characters like Jade Rat, Ms. Wei and Gao Zhen Xi are equally memorable. At the end of the novel, not only has Melanie achieved an epic feat, but she has come of age as a young woman. Pass this novel to fans of The Graveyard Book or Zen and the Art of Faking It.

Reviews: The View from the Top

The View from the Top
Hilary Frank
2010; Dutton Books (Penguin); ISBN 978-0-525-42241-9 (hardcover)

Summary: Graduation is in the past and college is in the future. Now is summer: the last summer Annabelle will spend in Normal, Maine. She expects to use the summer to spend time with her boyfriend Matt and with her friends. Instead, Annabelle will break up with Matt, consider a relationship with Matt's best friend Jonah, and form new friendships. In a series of interconnected short stories, Annabelle and the people in her life will reassess just what they know about her, culminating in Annabelle's ride on the Ferris wheel at the local amusement park. Who has the truest perspective on Annabelle: her friends or herself?

One story is told from multiple perspectives as one girl experiences a summer of transition. The short stories, overlapping to form this novel, feature a cast of thoughtful, observant teens. Some stories resonate more, like Lexi's: the sister of Matt, she has a crush on Annabelle and wonders if she, Lexi, is the only lesbian in Normal. Matt's heartbreak over Annabelle ending their relationship is mitigated with his knowledge of how this pain will aid his writing and art. And Annabelle herself, who has the opening and closing stories, progresses in unexpected ways over the course of the summer. Fans of Deb Caletti and Elizabeth Scott are bound to enjoy Hilary Frank's introspective novel-in-stories.

Review: Somebody Everybody Listens To

Somebody Everybody Listens To
Suzanne Supplee
2010; Dutton Books (Penguin); ISBN 978-0-525-42242-6 (hardcover)

Summary: For years, everyone in Starling, Tennessee have been asking Retta to sing. She can sound like Dolly or Loretta or Patsy or Tammy--all the greats of country music. Once she graduates from high school, Retta sets out for Nashville, determined to get on the radio. But all her advance studying of the past hasn't taught her much about surviving in the cutthroat world of modern country music. It will take some hard knocks, a few trips back home, the support of her friends, a lot of hard work and a pinch of luck to set Retta on the road to being somebody everybody listens to.

An inspiring, believable look at the perils of a show business career, Somebody Everybody Listens To is a worthy sophomore effort from Suzanne Supplee. Retta's voice is distinct and true, and her personality is full of gumption, determination, and hope. A cast of warm, realistic supporting characters adds depth to the story. Retta's journey is only beginning at the end of the novel--but the reader feels confident that Retta will eventually make her dreams come true. Fans of Supplee's first novel, Artichoke's Heart, will snatch up this book. Pair this with Sorta Like a Rock Star for a master class in writing characters with a specific voice and how to create a heart-warming novel.

Mea culpa!

This is the first time it's ever happened, but I accidentally rejected some comments that were entries to the ARC contest, rather than approving them. So if you've entered the contest but don't see your comment on the contest post, please resubmit it.

Also, remember that these prize packs are ARCs, or advanced reader's copies. That means they cannot be added to your library's collection: they are purely to be read and enjoyed by you or your teens.

Contest: Win Some ARCs!

Yes, it's another ARC contest! This time, there are two different sets of ARCs. Please leave a comment with your name and contact info to be entered in the contest; if you have a preference for one ARC set over another, feel free to indicate it. And please publicize this contest by linking or tweeting!

ARCs #1: Fantasy

Another Pan by Daniel & Dina Nayeri (Candlewick, coming in October 2010)
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Philomel/Penguin, coming in October 2010)

Arcs #2: Contemporary

The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams (Chronicle, published in June 2010)
Beat the Band by Don Calame (Candlewick, coming in September 2010)

You have until Friday, July 30 at 12:00 noon EDT Friday, August 6 at 12:00 noon EDT to enter this contest. Thanks, and good luck!

Opinion: Reference vs. Reader's Advisory

Thanks to Liz, via Twitter I found out about a recent article in Library Journal called Reader's Advisory: Kissing Cousins. Hang in there and read the whole article, in spite of the lack of paragraph breaks, because it's eye-opening.

The upshot of the article is that for decades, reference librarians have resisted answering reader's advisory questions, due to either a lack of expertise in finding popular titles for patrons or because reader's advisory is not a "serious" pursuit for a degreed librarian.

All I can say to that is, Really?

Perhaps it's because I graduated from library school in 2000, a time cited as being past the strongest resistance to RA. Or maybe it's because I've primarily worked in children and young adult services, where reader's advisory is the bread-and-butter of the job. Even with that, though, I can't imagine working on any service desk, serving any patron group, and not responding to questions about "What do I read next?"

I will admit that since my expertise is in teen literature, I do have difficulty in helping patrons looking for adult fiction advisory. Since I work on the adult desk--not the children's desk--this does occur fairly often, especially now that summer is here and RA questions have increased dramatically. But even without having the same comfort level in helping adults look for books, I still have the techniques and tools to help patrons find a book, most of the time.

The article does indicate that the reference vs. RA mindset has changed quite a bit, and that it's part of the bigger overall picture that sees libraries constantly affected by change. Still, it was quite surprising to me to read about this historical attitude still having an impact on today's library service. I feel the same way about this as I did when I learned that libraries used to be anti-paperback: amazed about the opinions the library field once held, and pleased that we've learned to adapt to change. Because honestly, as the line goes, life is change. Libraryland is no different. What really matters, though, is how you handle the change; for the most part, libraries do a pretty good job at that, even if it sometimes takes us a while to get there.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone have experience working as reference only, with no RA questions permitted? I'd be curious to hear how that worked in a real library!

Review: Birthmarked

Birthmarked
Caragh M. O'Brien
2010; Roaring Brook; ISBN 978-1-59643-569-8 (hardcover)

Summary: In a bleak future world, Gaia lives outside a city known as the Enclave, perched on the shore of a dried-out Great Lake. Gaia is a midwife, following in her mother's footsteps--her only option in life due to her scarred face. But when her parents are arrested for an unknown crime, sixteen-year-old Gaia is plunged into confusion. The arrest seems related to Advancement: the practice of each midwife to take the first three babies delivered each month to the Enclave, to be adopted into new families. The only way for Gaia to learn her parents' fate is to sneak into the Enclave. In the city, helped by unlikely allies, Gaia will learn the Enclave's darkest secrets--and she will reveal them.

A densely-plotted dystopian novel, Birthmarked combines genetics with family. Feisty, independent Gaia has an outsider's perspective on life within the luxurious Enclave. Determined to save her parents, Gaia will make difficult choices, ones that could risk her developing relationship with Leon, a soldier who has a secret of his own. As Leon's past combines with questions about her parents, Gaia must find freedom once she has learned the truth. Readers in search of a meaty, futuristic story with romance and action will find all those characteristics in Birthmarked.

Review: Sisters Red

Sisters Red
Jackson Pearce
2010; Little, Brown; ISBN 978-0-316-06868-0 (hardcover)

Summary: Sisters Scarlett and Rosie are no damsels in distress. They hunt Fenris, what some call werewolves. For Scarlett, who bears scars and is minus one eye thanks to a childhood Fenris attack, hunting is all she cares about. She's determined to destroy all Fenris, to protect all the young women who are their prey. Rosie, though, cannot put her heart into the hunt. She craves a different life--a craving made even more pronounced as she falls for Silas, a family friend and the son of a woodsman. As the different Fenris clans band together in search of the next potential Fenris, it will be up to Scarlett, Rosie and Silas to stop them. Can they be successful--and at what cost?

An innovative retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Sisters Red gives a girl-power twist to the original fairy tale. Both sisters are well-rounded, dynamic characters, their relationship the true essence of the novel. With a gift for description, whether exploring emotion or laying out an action scene, Jackson Pearce creates a world much like ours, at least on the surface. But underneath, there is a darker, more dangerous environment, one that the March sisters protect others from. Pass Sisters Red to those who enjoy fairy tale retellings like Jessica Day George's.

Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Morgan Matson
2010; Simon & Schuster; ISBN 978-1-4169-9065-9 (hardcover)

Summary: Ever since the death of her father--in a car accident while she was driving--Amy has tried to stay numb and invisible. While her twin brother has been sent to rehab, Amy's mother has taken a new job across the country, leaving Amy behind to finish school. But now it's summer, and the family car has to be brought from California to Connecticut. But since Amy refuses to drive, enter Roger, the nineteen-year-old son of a family friend. Rather than follow the itinerary planned by Amy's mother, Roger and Amy decide to take a few detours. As they go from Yosemite, America's Loneliest Highway, Louisville to Graceland, the two will explore America as they search their own souls.

A heartwarming travelogue of a novel, Morgan Matson offers an insightful look at grieving and coming of age. Amy slowly finds her own path as she gets to explore America. Roger, meanwhile, manages to throw off the influence of his ex-girlfriend as he spends time with Amy. With playlists, photos and other memorabilia, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour speaks of the appeal of lesser-known paths, both for road trips and for personal growth. Recommend this novel to teens who have enjoyed Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt or Cashay by Margaret McMullan.

ALA Annual 2010, Washington, D.C.

ALA, as always, is an energizing experience. While you're tired and busy and perhaps a bit stressed, there's also the time to have conversations with your friends who are scattered throughout the country, even the world. Plus, there's great events to attend, ARCs to pick up, and authors to meet. Here are some of my memorable moments:

--Having dinner at John Green's table, thanks to Penguin.

--Attending perhaps the best Printz reception I've ever attended, with wonderful, hilarious, heart-warming speeches from Adam Rapp, Deborah Heiligman, Rick Yancey, John Barnes, and Libba Bray.

--Showing masterful self-restraint and not grabbing every ARC I could, since thanks to the Printz Committee I know I'll be sent most books I saw at ALA. So, more for others!

--Having great meetings with the rest of the Printz Committee, discussing the merits of several books. There will be a post at the YALSA blog soon talking about the process of serving on the Printz Committee.

All in all, it was another great conference. If you couldn't make it, there's plenty of info at the YALSA blog about how to be part of the conference, even after the fact, if you weren't able to make it. If I saw you there, I'm glad we did, and if we didn't connect, there's always next time I hope.

ALA Hiatus

I'll be in nearby Washington, D.C. for the ALA Annual Conference, starting Thursday evening. Since I'm in the midst of re-reading and preparing for meetings with the 2011 Printz Committee, I'm going on a short hiatus. I'll be back and blogging all about the conference and more, either at the end of next week or the beginning of July. There's definitely going to be an ARC contest in July, so mark your calendars!

Thanks for reading!

Review: Freefall

Freefall
Ariela Anhalt
2010; Harcourt; ISBN 978-0-15-206567-6 (hardcover)

Summary: What happened that night on the cliff? What did Luke see? Whether his best friend Hayden just shoved Russell, or whether Hayden meant to kill Russell, Luke's not sure. He'll have to find some kind of answer by the time of the trial, but until then, Luke is a real mess. He screws up with the girl he likes, pushes away his friends, and has a horrible fight with his mom. Russell's death dredges up all of Luke's feeling about his father's suicide. Can Luke forgive his father--and will that let him forgive Hayden?

An intriguing look at the line between accident and crime, Freefall is a debut novel that focuses on friendship and self. Luke is a hard character to like, caught between passivity and self-loathing, brooding and anger. Yet his struggles to resolve his questions ring true for a teen in such a situation. Suddenly adrift when Hayden's influence is removed, Luke slowly and haltingly learns to stand on his own two feet, making his own choices instead of following Hayden's lead. Freefall could be paired with Jennifer Brown's Hate List, showing two different sides of bystander responsibility.

Opinion: Dystopian vs. Post-Apocalyptic

So did you read Laura Miller's article about dystopian YA fiction? Here's a post from YA Highway that might be helpful as you read Miller's article: just what is the difference between dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction?

I found this a really interesting point to make--and I'll definitely be thinking about this post when talking books with teens!

Review: Sorta Like a Rock Star

Sorta Like a Rock Star
Matthew Quick
2010; Little, Brown; ISBN 978-0-316-04352-6 (hardcover)

Summary: Amber Appleton is a Princess of Hope. She teaches Korean ladies English by singing Supremes songs. She volunteers at a retirement home, making mean Joan of Old smile. She tells scary people in the ghetto "Hope you're having a great day!" Whatever happens, she has faith in the big JC. Amber knows that her mom will find enough money to get them an apartment, so they can stop living in the school bus her mom drives. But when a tragic event sucks all the hope out of Amber, her friends--her boys, Donna, Father Chee, Private Jackson, and more--will come together to show her that there's always room for hope.

Sorta Like a Rock Star isn't a typical novel. It's got faith, hope, haikus, dogs, a Marketing Club, old people, Korean soul singers and a variety show. It's a fairy tale story, inspirational and heartwarming and a little bit sad. While the characters have a wealth of eccentricities, that doesn't make them feel any less real. And in Amber, Matthew Quick has created a princess worthy of this fairy tale. Not unlike My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger, Sorta Like a Rock Star is an enchanting book that will sweep you away.

Opinion: YA Dystopian Fiction

There's a recent article in the New Yorker, written by Laura Miller, about YA fiction. This one, Fresh Hell, asks questions about the recent popularity in dystopian fiction such as The Hunger Games.

A few thoughts as I read this article:

--"The world of our hovered-over teens and preteens may be safer, but it’s also less conducive to adventure, and therefore to adventure stories." I like the idea that the rise in dystopian fiction is due in part to helicopter parents, kindergartners having cell phones, and the whole rise in children having less freedom and more supervision.

--"The youth-centered versions of dystopia part company with their adult predecessors in some important respects. For one thing, the grownup ones are grimmer." Can you name me any adult genre that is not typically grimmer than its YA equivalent? Perhaps novels that look at the high-school experience, but even that's shaky ground.

--"The Internet plays a less important role in these novels than you might expect." That doesn't surprise me, actually. With how ubiquitous the Internet is to daily life, and given that dystopias typically offer a world very different from our current world, it makes sense that one of the easiest ways to define this future world is without the Internet. It also fits with the mood of such novels: often they're bleak and grim, people fumbling around for connections. What does the Internet do but connect people?

This is a really intriguing article. I recommend giving it a look!

Review: The Complete History of Why I Hate Her

The Complete History of Why I Hate Her
Jennifer Richard Jacobsen
2010; Richard Jackson (Atheneum); ISBN 978-0-689-87800-8 (hardcover)

Summary: Nola is hoping that her summer plans will let her find herself. She'll be working as a waitress at a Maine resort, far away from her cancer-stricken sister Song. At first, Nola manages to make new friends and learn the ropes of waitressing. Her roommate Carly is a live wire, full of excitement and charisma. There's even a potential romance with Harrison, a counselor at a nearby camp. But slowly, Nola starts to see signs that Carly is not what she appears to be. And when Carly's actions risk the health of the visiting Song, Nola quickly discovers how to be herself.

A quick read that tackles two important kinds of relationships, Jacobson's story speaks to many teen readers. Carly's attempts to take over Nola's life start small but build into actions that can't be rationalized. Nola's relationship with Song is dense and complicated, like so many sisterly bonds. While the story could have been fleshed out more, to allow both a better understanding of Nola's quest as well as Carly's plan, it is still a tense read. Pass The Complete History of Why I Hate Her to reluctant readers or those not up for the harshness of Courtney Summers' Some Girls Are.

Review: Princess of Glass

Princess of Glass
Jessica Day George
2010; Bloomsbury; ISBN 978-1-59990-478-8 (hardcover)

Summary: Three years have passed since Poppy and her sisters were freed from their dancing enchantment. Now, Poppy has traveled to the court of Breton, part of a massive goodwill exchange of young princes and princesses. In this new cultured society, Poppy is seen as somewhat strange. She doesn't mind that, as long as she doesn't have to dance. Meeting Prince Christian of the Danelaw is enough to make her reconsider, though. There's only one problem: in the household that Poppy is staying in, there's a maid who used to be the daughter of an earl. And she's set her sights on Christian, with the help of her fairy godmother. Will Poppy be able to break the spell and get her own happy ever after?

A charming follow-up to Princess of the Midnight Ball, Jessica Day George offers up an unusual twist on a classic fairy tale. By creating an "evil" Cinderella, George creates an intriguing story that lets you look at the cliches of Cinderella in a new way. The return to the imaginary Europe, with its political concerns about unstable monarchies and a lack of princes, gives the fairy tale a taste of the real world. Poppy is a savvy, smart heroine, a princess who plays cards and knits--actions that are equally shocking to society. Fans of the first novel will be clamoring for Princess of Glass.

Crosspost: New to Me: Gentlehands

So what would you do if you found out your grandfather had been a Nazi officer? That's the dilemma faced by Buddy Boyle in M.E. Kerr's Gentlehands: this month on the YALSA blog!

Review: The Cardturner

The Cardturner
Louis Sachar
2010; Delacorte; ISBN 978-0-385-73662-6 (hardcover)

Summary: Alton's great-uncle Trapp is blind, rich, and a great bridge player. When he needs a new cardturner-someone to help him play-Alton's parents make him take the job. At first, Alton is unsure of his uncle and confused by bridge. But slowly, Alton starts to understand both his uncle and the cards being played. He's helped by shy, pretty Toni, the girl that Trapp taught to play bridge. Trapp's goal is to make it to the national bridge championships. When that becomes impossible, it'll be up to Alton and Toni to play for Trapp.

Only Louis Sachar could make a novel about bridge interesting and comprehensible. The sections with extensive bridge information are marked off, so a reader can just skim the rules and know enough to understand the story. In Alton's droll, matter-of-fact voice, the rules of bridge are explained while allowing the story to continue. The relationship between Trapp and Alton is the heart of the novel, and it shows the power of intergenerational relationships. Sachar's talent for gentle humor and an eye for personal dynamics create a charming novel. Use The Cardturner as the flip side to poker novels like Pete Hautman's All-In.

ARC Contest Winners!

Congratulations to . . . Alexandra Provence, Jessica, and LaurenEmily! You've each won an ARC pack. Please send an email to dettiot at gmail dot com with your mailing address. Packages will be sent out early next week.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Review: The Mark

The Mark
Jen Nadol
2010; Bloomsbury; ISBN 978-1-59990-431-3 (hardcover)

Summary: Since she was a little girl, Cassie has occasionally seen a glow around certain people. It's not until she's sixteen that she realizes what the mark is: a sign that the person will die that day. The only person she can tell is beloved grandmother, Nan. But Nan's death sends Cassie into a tailspin. Sent to Kansas to live with an aunt she's never met, Cassie tries to cope with this gift. It will take her philosophy TA boyfriend and a friendly psychiatrist for Cassie to learn the reason for the mark.

A paranormal tale, grounded in reality and with an unusual outcome, The Mark puts a new spin on an old concept. Being able to foresee someone's death is an idea that has captured the imagination since the ancient Greeks. In Nadol's hands, Greek mythology is woven into the tale of a girl struggling with an unusal power. Cassie is both sympathetic and guarded, one who slowly comes to understand herself. Pondering choices vs. destiny and the ethics of telling the truth or staying silent, Cassie finds her own path. Pair this with Numbers by Rachel Ward if focusing on the death omens; for a primer on free will contrasted with destiny, match up The Mark with Meg Rosoff's Just in Case.

Reminder: Win A Lot of ARCs!

Remember, you have until Friday at noon EST to enter my latest ARC giveaway contest. As the lottery motto goes, someone's gonna win--why not you?

Contest: Win A LOT of ARCs!

This month, there's a bonanza of ARCs available for three lucky readers!

Contest Rules
Leave your name in the comments. This time around, there's no selecting which ARC pack you'd like to be entered for.

The contest closes at NOON (EST) on FRIDAY, MAY 21. The winners will be announced on the blog that afternoon. The winners can contact me via email to make arrangements for getting their ARCs.

ARC Pack #1
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

ARC Pack #2
Folly by Marthe Jocelyn
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood by Jame Richards

ARC Pack #3
Green Witch by Alice Hoffman
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Good luck! Feel free to spread the word about this contest.