Dead Beautiful

Title: Dead Beautiful
Author: Yvonne Woon
Age Level: Young Adult (Grades 9-12)
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Copyright: 2010
ISBN: 9781423119562

On her 16th birthday, Renee Winters finds both of her parents lying dead in the middle of a forest. Just a few days later, she is whisked away by a grandfather she hasn't seen in years. She soon finds herself at Gottfried Academy in northern Maine, a mysterious boarding school that specializes in the study of philosophy, Latin, and "crude sciences." Here, Renee finds herself strangely attracted to Dante, a fellow student with a bad reputation and a deadly secret. As she settles in at Gottfried Academy and her relationship with Dante grows deeper, she realizes that the mystery and danger that awaits is far beyond her wildest dreams.

I really enjoyed Dead Beautiful. Although the story was fiction, the ideas behind the story were rooted in philosophers of the past, which gave the book more validity than much of today's romantic fantasy. I also found it incredibly interesting because the concept presented in this novel was very different than the vampires, witches, werewolves, and fairies I've been reading about lately. The love story was also quite compelling. Hopefully a sequel is in the works!


(Review based on an advance copy. This book will be released in September 2010.)

Need

Title: Need
Author: Carrie Jones
Age Level: Young Adult (Grades 7-12)
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Copyright: 2008
ISBN: 9781599903385


Zara has always had a need to understand things. She can name almost any phobia and believes that if she can name it, she can conquer it. After her father dies, she slips into a deep depression and her mother sends her to live with her grandma Betty in northern Maine. Upon her arrival in Maine, she begins attending school and is promptly taken in by a group of loyal (if somewhat outcast) friends. Not heeding her grandmother's advice to be in the house before nightfall, Zara loses control of her car on a dark and icy road and is rescued by mysterious, handsome Nick. Add a little pixie dust and a stranger who follows her everywhere to the list, and soon Zara begins to realize that things aren't exactly what they seem. In fact, there is magic and danger beyond her wildest imaginations encroaching on her safe, controlled little world.

I absolutely LOVED Need. It had all of the elements for an entertaining adult novel with none of the smut. I believe that one of the marks of a book's true success is if it can transcend age groups. Although this book is really aimed more towards teens, I think it would even be appropriate for mature tweens and even adults. I love that Jones has written a romantic science fiction/fantasy novel that involves a creature other than vampires. The writing is good, the storyline flows well, the characters are loveable AND respectable (a rare combo,) and the book is just REALLY good. I can't recommend it enough. If you liked Twilight, you will love Need.

Buy me here!

The Hallo-Wiener

Title: The Hallo-Wiener
Author: Dav Pilkey
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright: 1995
ISBN: 0439079462

Aptly named Oscar has a hard time fitting in with the other dogs at school. Oscar is a sweet and svelte dauchshund and his classmates are just a bunch of mutts. Regardless of that fact, they feel the need to poke fun at Oscar any chance they get for his "unusual shape and size." Things just get worse when Oscar's mother makes him a hot dog costume for Halloween. Kind dog that Oscar is, he saves the day when they find themselves in trouble on Halloween night.

I discovered The Hallo-Wiener a few years ago when I first began teaching. From the moment I picked it up, I knew I was in L-O-V-E. Being the mother of a wiener dog myself (now two wiener dogs,) I have a special place in my heart for these little critters. So while I may be biased because of it's precious little canine character, I always hear laughs from students and teachers alike when I read it out loud in my library. If you read only one Halloween book this year, make it The Hallo-Wiener. You won't be sorry!

Wings

Title: Wings
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperTeen (Harper Collins)
Copyright: 2009
ISBN: 9780061668036

Fifteen year-old Laurel is new in town, and as a typical new-in-town teen, feels like she doesn't belong. The truth is, though, that she really doesn't. When Laurel says that she feels different from other teens, it's because she is. Laurel quickly meets David who befriends her and becomes the one person she can really trust. When a strange growth appears on her back and turns into something Laurel couldn't believe, she finds herself venturing into a world beyond her wildest imagination.

I found much of this book reminiscent of Twilight, but in a very different way. It is quite interesting and well written, especially to be Pike's debut novel. I recommend Wings, especially for teen girls ages 12-16. Wings is the first book in a set that is supposed to end up as four books by it's conclusion. Disney has purchased the rights to the book and it is set to be made into a movie in 2010.

Bee-Wigged

Title: Bee-Wigged
Author: Cece Bell
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright: 2008
ISBN: 9780763636142

Jerry Bee is a big bee with an even bigger problem. He wants to make friends with people, but people aren't too keen to bee-friend a bee. All that changes when one day he finds an old wig on the ground and is (strangely enough) mistaken for a real boy instead of a boy-sized bee. Hilarity ensues as Jerry wins over the local school and eventually realizes that his wig is not in fact a wig after all...at least not in the literal sense.

Cece Bell's illustrations are abstract and whimsical, adding much detail to her already solid storyline. I highly recommend this book for it's silly story, witty word bubbles, colorful pictures, and excellent life lesson. Children and adults alike will enjoy getting to know Jerry Bee.

Scaredy Squirrel

Title: Scaredy Squirrel
Author: Melanie Watt
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd.
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 9781554530236

Scaredy Squirrel is a hilarious story about a neurotic squirrel and his agoraphobic tendencies. The aptly named Scaredy is afraid of many ridiculous things. Killer bees, germs, green martians, and sharks are just a few of the things that leave him shaking in his furry boots. Because of his fears, Scaredy lives a simple life of eating nuts and gazing at the view from his tree, always prepared for a disaster of epic proportions. One day, though, Scaredy is forced out of his nest and realizes that life is much more fulfilling with a little bit of variety.

This clever little book by Canadian Melanie Watt had me, quite literally, laughing out loud. From the first page's note to the reader (written by Scaredy himself,) I was hooked. Scaredy's quirky personality and irrational fears connect with readers at every stage in life from the youngest children to the most mature adults. Fans of Scaredy will be happy to hear there are several more books that follow Scaredy on his adventures as he heads further and further away from his tree.

Read this book now! I promise you'll thank me.

What My Mother Doesn't Know

Title: What My Mother Doesn't Know
Author: Sonya Sones
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2001
ISBN: 0689841140


What My Mother Doesn't Know is an interesting look at young love through the eyes of 14 year-old Sophie. Written in verse, this book almost reads like a diary with fairly short, descriptive "chapters" that are really more like one to two page vignettes. Each one flows beautifully in the next, weaving a story that is complex enough to entertain adults and simple enough to appeal to teens. Sophie's maturity and integrity are seen as she has to make a tough decision at the end of the book. Readers will be glad to find that the story continues in a companion book, What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know.

I absolutely loved What My Mother Doesn't Know. This is the first book written in verse that I can recall reading and I was very surprised at how well it flowed and how quickly it was over! The author walks a delicate line in this book, describing young love and a teen's awakening feelings about the opposite sex in a descriptive yet appropriate way. There are a few things in the book some parents might object to, but Sophie makes good decisions that will help teens as they encounter these same issues. Although the verse style can be off-putting at first, given a chance, this book will delight and inspire.

Achingly Alice

Title: Achingly Alice

Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Publisher: Atheneum Books

Copyright: 1998

ISBN: 0689803559

.

Achingly Alice, the 10th book in the Alice series, explores the complexities of love and puberty. Not only is Alice concerned about her relationship with her own boyfriend, but she also has her widower father to worry about as his relationship with her teacher Miss Summers seems to be getting serious...or is it? Alice and her friends experience equally hilarious and unfortunate events as they stumble their way through eighth grade.

I absolutely enjoyed Achingly Alice. Although I hadn't read any of the prior books in the series, I was able to pick it up easily and understand what was going on. While there are many frank topics discussed in the book, they are age appropriate and told in a positive manner. Alice is one character I am definitely excited to spend more time with. Although this Alice book is fairly tame, I always recommend screening any books your teen child wants to read.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Title: Down the Rabbit Hole: An Echo Falls Mystery

Author: Peter Abrahams

Publisher: HarperCollins

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 0060737034

.

In Down the Rabbit Hole, Inrid Levin-Hill is just your normal Sherlock Holmes loving, soccer playing 13 year-old girl...who happens to be the last person to see a murder victim alive. Recently cast as the lead role in the Prescott Players production of Alice in Wonderland, Ingrid realizes the woman who was killed was also a member of the Prescott Players many years before. Faced with the realization that the killer may be closer than anyone realizes, Ingrid has to solve the murder before she finds herself being accused.

I absolutely loved Down the Rabbit Hole. It was a fun mystery that kept me hooked as I got to know Ingrid, her family, friends, and the town of Echo Falls better. The character development was quite good and I'm excited to get to read more about Ingrid's world in the two books that follow. The book was completely appropriate for the age level it was written for, and I would feel good recommending this book to any middle or high school student. I must say that I figured out the killer fairly quickly, but that's probably due in part to being an adult and having read many mysteries with a similar formula. There are two other companion books about Ingrid and the town of Echo Falls.

The Devil's Arithmetic

Title: The Devil's Arithmetic
Author: Jane Yolen
Publisher: Viking
Copyright: 1988
ISBN: 0670810274


In The Devil's Arithmetic, Jane Yolen crosses lines between fantasy and historical fiction to make the Holocaust easier for children to relate to. Hannah, a young Jewish girl, is resentful of her older family members constantly telling her how important it is that she remember her Jewish heritage. At the family's traditional Passover Seder, she is transported back in time and into the lives of a family of Polish Jews. Shortly after she arrives, they are kidnapped by the Nazis and forced into a concentration camp, helping Hannah gain an appreciation for those who've gone before her and giving her an experience she will never forget.

I have always been very interested in the Holocaust and read many books about it as a child, so I was excited to discover this book. The Devil's Arithmetic didn't have quite the same impact on me as other books such as Night and Number the Stars did, but it was definitely a worthwhile read. I found it very interesting to be experiencing the concentration camp as if I was actually there. Another thing I thought was interesting was that Yolen used a modern day child to set up the story, then transported her back in time. While the idea is taken from fantasy, it still makes it easier for children to relate because they probably understand how Hannah is feeling at the beginning of the book. A definite must read for students studying the Holocaust.

Life As We Knew It

Title: Life As We Knew It
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 0152058265


Written in diary form, Life As We Knew It chronicles teen girl Miranda and her family in the days following a meteor's crash into the moon. Because the moon is hit so hard, it is knocked out of it's orbit and begins to cause many catastrophic events on earth- namely tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanos. Miranda and her family live in rural Pennsylvania, far enough away from all of the major happenings, yet they are still affected. They must ration food, water, and gas to survive, going for months without electricity. This is an interesting book about one woman's idea of what the world might look like in the event of a natural disaster of catastrophic proportions.

Generally I only review books on this website that I find enjoyable. I am taking a break from that practice to bring you my thoughts on Life As We Knew It. Let me say up front that I found the story interesting. It held my attention throughout the book. The character development was decent and I found myself caring about what happened to Miranda, her family, and friends. The concept was intriguing as well. In the science fiction genre, we often hear about meteors hitting earth or aliens invading and causing epic catastrophe (or better yet being spared by Will Smith,) but I've never given any thought to how a disaster on the moon could affect us here on Earth. In that respect it was original and interesting. I'm not sure how scientific any of this is, but it doesn't really matter, because it's fiction. Because of the interesting plot and solid character development, I'm tempted to read the next two companion books, but because of what I am about to discuss, I'm just not sure if I can.

My problems with the book far outweigh the things I liked about. To be frank, this book seemed nothing more than a platform for Pfeffer to present her political and religious views. I don't believe it is ever appropriate to use a work of fiction in this manner, but especially not a book written for teens! They are still children and do not need the opinions of one jaded author coloring their beliefs. (While this book is considered Young Adult, School Library Journal categorizes it as being appropriate for grades six through eight!) It is very obvious that the author has a problem with Christians. Prior to the meteor crash, Miranda's best friend turns to Christianity to deal with the death of another of their good friends. The minister in the church she attends is portrayed as a sneaky, hypocritical brainwasher and his followers are made out to be kooks. Regardless of one's religious standpoint, I think most would agree that the way she portrayed Christians was completely unnecessary. I actually read a review from an Atheist on amazon.com who said she felt the treatment of Christianity in this book was absolutely unacceptable. Had the story been about an evil Jewish rabbi and his crazy followers, I doubt it would've made it past the editors.

Even if one could overlook the anti-Christian aspect of the novel, it would be impossible to overlook the bias she has against former president George W. Bush. Although fiction, it is obvious that he is who she is referring to when making statements (through Miranda's mother) about how stupid he is, what an idiot he is, etc. At one point she talks about how the president took all of his friends and all the food and went to his ranch in Texas. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out she's not talking about Bill Clinton. While I am less concerned with her political viewpoints being shared than I am about her religious viewpoints, I still feel it is unnecessary to the story and quite inappropriate for children's literature. Most of the kids reading this book aren't even of voting age!

While I would offer this book as well as it's companions on age-appropriate library shelves, I would never recommend this book to anyone at all, much less teenagers. Because of the fact that I wouldn't want my children reading this book, I could not with good conscience use this book in a lesson unless I was teaching about prejudice or bias. This book would definitely be a good example for that!

My Louisiana Sky

Title: My Louisiana Sky
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt
Publisher: Henry Holt
Copyright: 1998
ISBN: 0440415701


My Louisiana Sky is a coming of age story about a young girl named Tiger. Set in 1950's small-town Louisiana, Tiger lives with her grandmother and her mentally handicapped parents. Because of the fact that her parents aren't "normal," Tiger is left out by most of the kids her age. When her grandmother dies, she has to make difficult decisions that will not only affect her, but the people she loves most. My Louisiana Sky is chock-full of lessons about life, love, and acceptance.

I found My Louisiana Sky to be an absolutely beautiful book. Tiger was realistically portrayed as a very loving, yet very conflicted daughter. While she loved her parents, she was also embarrassed that they weren't like the other kids' parents. Her best friend Jesse Wade and her Granny were two confidants, but when Jesse Wade tries to kiss her and Granny dies, she is left with no one but her parents. I felt like all of the situations in this book, while perhaps not common, were entirely possible. I was able to really feel like I was a part of the story and loved experiencing life with Tiger. This book was an easy read and highly recommend it for children ages 9-12.

If I were going to use this book in a library setting, I would do a book talk using similar books from the Realistic Fiction genre. Another book that would go well with this one is Because of Winn Dixie. Both books are set in small towns with an interesting cast of characters. While their problems are a bit different, both books are have young girls who have suffered loss as the protagonist and are written for the same age group. This book would also be great for a read-aloud in a 4th-7th grade classroom.


Reviews for My Louisiana Sky:
"Set in the South in the late 1950s, this coming-of-age story explores a 12 year-old girl's struggle to accept her grandmother's death, her mentally deficient parents, and the changing world around her." --School Library Journal

"This lyrical novel, set in central Louisiana in the 1950s, brings fresh perspective to the guilt and anger and caring that surround the mentally disabled as it focuses on 12 year-old Tiger Ann and the love mixed with shame that she feels for her "retarded" parents. --Booklist

Skippyjon Jones

Title: Skippyjon Jones
Author/Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Copyright: 2003
ISBN: 0525471340


Skippyjon is a Siamese cat with big ears and an even bigger imagination. One morning, his mother finds Skippyjon making mischief and sentences him to his room to do some "thinking." Instead of thinking, Skippyjon decides to do some bouncing. He bounces so high on his bed that he can see himself in his mirror and realizes that he isn't a cat after all. He's a Chihuahua! Donning his best Mexican accent, Skippyjon heads forth through his closet door and into the deserts of Me-hee-co where his alter ego Skippito Friskito saves the day for Chihuahuas everywhere.

Skippyjon Jones is an absolutely fabulous book. Children young and old will love the story of a cat-turned-dog and his great adventure. Schachner's writing is hilarious and her illustrations are just as good. The idea behind this book is so original that it was destined to be a hit before the first words were penned. I believe that Skippyjon Jones will fill the bookshelves of libraries, classrooms, and homes for years to come.

This book would be great for use in a bilingual Spanish/English library because of the use of both languages in this book. I think that children who come from Mexico would think it is very funny because of the silly uses of the Spanish words and they would also enjoy the fact that part of it is set in Mexico, even if only in Skippyjon's imagination. This book would also be a great way to introduce a unit on fiction writing for older students. A librarian could focus on Skippyjon's imagination and the story he tells in order to get kids thinking outside of the box.

The Graveyard Book

Title: The Graveyard Book

Author: Neil Gaiman

Illustrator: Dave McKean

Publisher: Harper Collins

Copyright: 2008

ISBN: 0060530928

.Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is a charming fantasy that combines the themes of love, evil, friendship, responsibility, adventure, and more to bring together a very original story. At the beginning of the book, we find a man named Jack in the process of murdering a family. While it sounds terrible, there is very little detail and it is over almost before we realize it has begun. Although the father, mother, and daughter do not survive the attack, the 18 month-old son manages to slip out of his crib and walk across the street and up a hill to the neighborhood cemetary before the killer could find him. The inhabitants of the cemetary adopt him and name him "Nobody" or "Bod" for short. These cemetary "people" raise him, providing for all of his needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and education along the way.

This book was recommended to me by a local librarian a few months ago and I thought the idea behind it was quite strange. Once I began reading, though, I found the book to be a brilliant juxtaposition of worlds. The ghosts that Bod lives among were such lovely characters and the setting- a graveyard- was ingenious. I loved getting to watch Bod as he grew into a fine young man under the examples and tutelage of people long dead. I found myself wanting to know more and more about the characters and the reasons Gaiman did what he did. This book could've easily been stretched into several books. To me, the mark of a good book is one that leaves me wanting more...and this one sure did!

In a library setting, I would only introduce this book to ages fifth grade through high school. Because the book is so long, probably the best way to use it would be by giving a Book Talk or by including it in a unit on fantasy.

Riding on the coattails of the Twilight and Harry Potter crazes, I know this book would be a hit with secondary students!

Go here to listen to Neil Gaiman read The Graveyard Book.

George and Martha

Title: George and Martha

Author: James Marshall

Publisher: Sandpiper

Copyright: 1974

ISBN: 0395199727

George and Martha is a book of little stories with big heart! Originally published in 1974, I was surprised that I'd never read this book or any of it's companions before. George and Martha (named after our first president and his wife, perhaps?) are two hippopotamus friends who have many adventures together, both commonplace and extraordinary...but mostly commonplace. This particular book contained five short stories, each sweet and entertaining. My personal favorite began, "George liked peeking in windows." I think you can guess where it goes from there!

I think this book would be excellent to use in an early childhood setting because the stories are very easy to follow. While each individual story is short, they could be read seperately as introductions to lessons or even read in one setting. With lessons like friendship, manners, and even gravity, it's sure to entertain while teaching valuable lessons. The end of the final story ties in with the beginning of the first, bringing the book full circle.

I definitely recommend George and Martha for children AND their adult companions. Don't forget to check out the companion books that follow!

Love You Forever

Title: Love You Forever

Author: Robert Munsch

Illustrator: Sheila McGraw

Publisher: Firefly Books

Copyright: 1986

ISBN: 0920668364

While I'm not a huge fan of the majority of Robert Munsch's work, Love You Forever is a sweet book of a parent's love for her child. Each night after her baby son is asleep, the mother rocks him, singing "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." Even as the son grows, this continues each night...into elementary school, the teen years, and even moving into his own home. Admittedly it's a bit strange that the mom sneaks into her grown son's home to rock him, but in this story, it works. Eventually, the roles are reversed as the mother grows old and her grown son comes over and sings to her. When he arrives back home, he sneaks into his young daughter's room and begins the tradition over again.

.

If you aren't a children's book afficionado, you may not know this, so I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Sometimes authors write childrens books for adults instead of children. Shocking, isn't it? This is one of those books. I don't really think children would be interested in it at all. Their parents, however, will be touched. I see Love You Forever as a book that was written perhaps to evoke emotion in parents, possibly to help parents realize how short the time is, or to even teach young adults to appreciate their parents more. I don't know for sure, because I haven't researched Munsch's purpose for writing this book. It seems to me, though, that the purpose really isn't all that important. It will touch different people in different ways and each will find their own purpose in the book. I've read or heard this book at least fifty times, and I never fail to let a few tears fall. From it I learned that life is short, parents are irreplaceable, and that bond is not one to be taken lightly. While a child could enjoy the repetitiveness of the song sung throughout the book and might even like the story, I would not recommend this book to read to young children in a classroom setting. I do, however, highly recommend it for adults or even for a parent/child storytime. I dare you not to cry!

Madeline

Title: Madeline

Author: Ludwig Bemelmans

Publisher: Penguin Books, Inc

Copyright: 1939, 1967

ISBN: 0670445800

Madeline is a delightful book about a young girl living in a Parisian boarding school. One night, Madeline wakes up crying because of a terrible pain. The doctor is called and she ends up in the hospital with appendicitis. All of her schoolmates miss her greatly and come to visit her in the hospital, later deciding they all want to have their appendixes removed as well!

I love the book Madeline as well as the companion books that came after. The tale is simple and fun and the pictures are whimsical, aligning perfectly with the story. For American children, there will be some unfamiliar expressions ("Pooh-Pooh" and "DAN-ton-ten-six") and concepts (boarding school,) providing teachable moments. If using this book in a library or classroom setting, teachers could use the famous settings in many of the pictures to teach a geography lesson about France for older students. In the early childhood storytime or classroom setting, this book would be great to use when teaching about rhyme. Madeline is a Caldecott Honor Book, so it could also be used in a Caldecott unit.

I highly recommend Madeline for it's easy to follow story, loveable characters, and excellent illustrations.