PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
Abrahams, Peter. Reality Check. NY: HarperTeen, 2009. 978-0-0612-2766-0. 330p. $16.99. Gr. 9+.
Things should have been great for Cody Laredo. He passed all his classes so he can be the starting quarterback on his high school
varsity team, he’s working for his dad this summer and he has a beautiful, smart girlfriend, Clea. Then things start to go wrong.
Clea’s father decides she shouldn’t be hanging with Cody and sends her away to live with her uncle. Then in September, she is sent to
boarding school in Vermont. Cody tears his ACL after being hit hard on the field and that ends his dreams of attending a college,
football was to pay his way. To make matters worse he gets the news that Clea has disappeared from her boarding school and no one
can find her. Cody travels to Vermont to look for her and finds both Clea and himself along the way.
Coming of age, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Sandra Krieg
Agard, John and Kitzmura, Satoshi. The Young Inferno. London: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2008. 978-1-84507-7693. 80p. $19.95. Gr. 5-9.
This is a clever and powerful book about Dante’s famous poem, Inferno. The author reworks the poem about the ascent in hell for
modern children, with a set of narrative poems. Dante used the Virgil as a tour guide to hell, and Agarnd and Kirzmura, use Aesop (of
the fables) instead. This book mixes the 21st century with ancient mythology. Along the way the boy in the hoodie and his guide
Aesop meet Einstein and Homer, etc. The drawings are magical; drawn with heavy black ink and watercolors.
Fiction/Poetry
Jill Toye
Alvarez, Julia. Return to Sender. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 978-0-3759-5838-0. 325p. $16.99. Gr. 4-7.
Julia Alvarez provides a realistic look at undocumented Mexican workers, the farmers who need their help and the family dynamics
that they both face. Tyler’s father has an accident and now needs help on the farm, and his brother convinces him to hire Mexican
laborers. The Mexican family has three daughters, one of whom, Mari, becomes friends with Tyler. Through Tyler and the letters that
Mari writes to her missing mother and family in Mexico, the blending of the lines of family and what is right or wrong occurs. This is
a coming of age story that shows the goodness in people, as well as the fight the government is waging to protect our country against
illegal immigrants. Coming-of-Age, Family, Undocumented workers, Coyotes, Vermont, Farming, Friendship, Multi-cultural
Sandra Krieg
Anderson, Jessica Lee. Border Crossing. Minnesota: Milkweed, 2009. 978-1-57131-691-2. 174p. $8.00. Gr. 9-12.
This is the story of Isaiah “Manz” Martinez, a biracial (Mexican/Caucasian) teen, plagued by paranoid schizophrenia just like
his father. This novel packs in a tremendous amount of story over a short period of time including a first love, family
troubles (his as well as his best friend’s), day labor and more. The book would allow for much discussion regarding mental
illness/mental health, illegal immigration, alcoholism, broken families and death. Most importantly, it brings mental health
issues to the forefront at a time in a young person’s life when signs of an illness may begin to appear. Mental Illness,
Problem Families, Coming of Age
Maureen Kirk, Library Coordinator, The Haverford School
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01110-0. 278p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
Lia’s best friend Cassie has just died as a result of her bulimia, and Lia’s own eating disorder is threatening her life as well. Lia’s
father is away, Lia’s stepmother is so self-absorbed she does not realize what is happening, and Lia truly believes that getting thinner
and thinner will solve her problems. Told through Lia’s eyes, the story is a heart-wrenching look at how teenage girls see themselves.
This novel capably demonstrates the complexities of this disease and how hard it is to overcome. Teen Story Nancy Chrismer
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01110-0. 278p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
Anderson's Wintergirls is both intense and frightening as main character, Lia wrestles with anorexia and a cutting disorder. While on
a slight path to recovery Lia learns of best-friend and co-anorexic, Cassie's death alone in a motel room and Lia recounts the 33 times
Cassis tried to call her before she died. After learning this, Lia begins a slow slide into self-destruction. The reader becomes a voyeur
looking into Lia's world of calorie-counting, vomiting, exercising and self-mutilation all to relieve her pain and self-loathing.
Anderson adeptly captures this sad world but leaves the reader with hope that Lia will find the strength to survive.
Recommended for all those who work closely with adolescents
Susan Mowery
Angleberger, Tom. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. New York: Amulet Books, 2010. 978-0-8109-8425-7.
141p. $12.95. Gr. 5-7.
This book is guaranteed to induce chuckles and at times outright laughter. Sixth-grade weirdo Dwight has created an origami Yoda
finger puppet which has the uncanny ability to dispense amazingly sage advice to the rest of the 6 th grade student body. Author
Angleberger seems to recall with razor-sharp clarity what it was like to be a middle-schooler, to whom it would make perfect sense to
dowse oneself with water and go to class dripping wet rather than show up with a water spot that looks like a pee-stain. The book also
draws on various voices and points of view as narrator Tommy solicits input on the Yoda phenomenon from his classmates. Highly
recommended for the target audience. Humor
Patricia Fischer
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PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
Baratz-Logsted, Lauren. Crazy Beautiful. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-547-22307-0. 208p. $16.00. Gr. 7-12.
Crazy Beautiful is a fantastic book about Lucius and Aurora, two teenagers who are very opposite. Lucius loses both of his arms in an
“accidental” explosion and wears hooks so that everyone will know that he is different. He and his family have moved to start over
where no one knows what happened at their former house. Aurora is the beautiful new girl at school. Lucius is the Beast to her
Beauty. His hooks do not seem to bother Aurora in the least. The lively pace keeps you reading the entire book in just one sitting!
Fiction/Family Relationships
Jill Toye
Barnes, John. Tales of the Madmen Underground. New York: Penguin Group, 2009. 978-0-670-06081-8. 532p. $18.99.
Gr. 9-12.
Karl Shoemaker wants his senior year in high school to be normal. This year, for once, he does not want to re-enter the “Madmen
Underground,” a therapy group for troubled teens. Karl’s father died, his mother is an alcoholic, and he has to work five jobs. The
other kids in the therapy group have equally sad situations, but surprisingly, this novel is hilarious and touching. At over 500 pages,
this book breezes along with funny adventures, high school angst and anecdotes about Karl’s crazy mother. The dialogue is honest and
believable. In the end, Karl finds that the kids he was trying to avoid so he could fit into high school are most likely the only people
who can keep him sane. Fiction/Profanity/Family-Teen Problems
Jill Toye
Baron, Kathi. Shattered. Lodi, NJ: WestSide Books, 2009. 978-1-934813-08-9. 262p. $16.95. Gr. 8 –12.
Fourteen year old Cassie is a violin prodigy and her big day as a soloist with the youth orchestra should be perfect. But her
grandfather arrives to see the concert and she hasn’t seen him since he had given her an expensive vintage violin at the age of eleven.
Her father is particularly upset with his arrival and this puts his usual anger over the edge. He refuses to go to the concert and shortly
after, throws Cassie’s cat and her prized violin across the room. The violin is shattered and to Cassie so is her life. She is upset and
confused and runs away. She ends up spending the night in a homeless shelter for teens. She is determined to make it to her
grandfather’s house and there begins to learn the truth about her father’s anger. Adult Child Abuse
Susan Krenicky
Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson. Peter and the Sword of Mercy. NY: Hyperion, 2009. 978-1-4231-2134-3. 515p.
$18.99. Gr. 5-9.
Peter and the Sword of Mercy by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson is the 4th book in the Peter and the Starcatchers series.
This book continues the prequel story of Peter Pan. Molly is now grown up, married and living in London with 3 children.
She still keeps contact with some of the former Lost Boys and she is concerned when one of them (James) makes a startling
discovery. James thinks that one of the King’s officials is being influenced by Lord Ombra, the shadow creature that has been
the main enemy in the past few books. James thinks that he is targeting a starstuff cache under London, but when Molly sets
out to investigate, she goes missing and it’s up to Wendy, her daughter to go to Neverland to get Peter’s help. But they soon
learn that there is more going on than meets the eye.
The riveting writing and fantastic, unpredictable events will leave the reader glued. Though it may seem that having a villain
reincarnated again would be tiresome or boring, Barry and Pearson do a great job of keeping the plot fresh. The final action
scene still stays firmly planted in my mind because of the way that the writing makes you feel like you are there, running
from disfigured bad guys and flying high above foggy London at night. In conclusion, Barry and Pearson pull off another
successful page- turner and create another book to help polish off any fantasy lover’s collection.
Fantasy, Adventure
A.B. Student, The Haverford School
Bastedo, Jamie. Sila’s Revenge. Toronto: Red Deer Press, 2010. 978-0-88995-422-9. 320p. $14.95. Gr. 9+. 9-12.
Ashley Anowiak lives on Canada’s Arctic coast and is desperate to tell the world that global warming is real and it is affecting her life
and the life of her people. Her opportunity comes when she and her drumming group are invited to play at Carnegie Hall. What
happens next is not what Ashley expected: she and her group are deceived and taken hostage by a man who pretends to be an ecowarrior but who is also working for the oil company that has caused a lot of the problems in the Arctic. Ashley finds out that he is
planning a destructive ‘global event’, and has to figure out how to stop him before it is too late. Teen Story/Futuristic Eco-Story
Nancy Chrismer
Beaufrand, Mary Jane. The River. Little Brown. 224p. $16.99. Gr. 8+12.
Set in Hoodoo, Oregon, we meet Veronica (Ronnie), who has recently moved from Portland, and helps run a rural inn with her
mother, a chef, and her father who has recently suffered a breakdown. When Karen, the young girl she’s been babysitting dies, Ronnie
is led deep into the woods to investigate a secret. Filled with romance, dark atmosphere, and suspense, readers will quickly engage in
this page-turner. They will be drawn into the beautifully-crafted mystery and to Ronnie’s personal journey.
Romance. Mystery.
Joyce Valenza
Benioff, David. City of Thieves. New York: Plume, 2009. 978-0-4522-9529-2. 258p. $15.00. Gr. 11-12.
Set during the Siege of Leningrad, this historical fiction novel by screenwriter, David Benioff reads, appropriately, just like a movie.
As the best historical fiction writer’s do, Benioff captures the reader with the captivating story, and while doing so, uncovers the
essence of the history of this time. Two young men, recently captured for individual “crimes” are saved by a Colonel asking what
seems like an impossible task in exchange for their lives. The boys set off on a hunt for a dozen eggs, in a time when starvation and
rations have been a part of life for too long. Along the journey they run into many individuals coping with the war in various ways,
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PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
some of which are horrifying and all based off of the need to survive. This novel will keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Put
this novel into the hands of mature high school students who are able to handle strong content. Historical Fiction
Karen Hornberger
Berk, Josh. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 2010. 978-0-375-85699-0. 256p. $16.99.
Gr. 8-11.
In hopes of leaving the politics of his former “deaf-school” behind, Will Halpin, a witty, clever boy, decides to attend a mainstream
school. From the first day, Will is met with the trials and tribulation which every teenager finds when attending a new school.
However this situation is exacerbated by the fact that his main form of receiving communication is through lip reading. As he
navigates the daily ordeals of the average high school student, reluctantly making a new friend in Devon Smiley (a social outcast), he
is thrown head first into murder mystery which takes place while on a field trip. Pat Chambers, the boy found dead at the bottom of
the local mine, is not only one of the most popular boys in school, but also the one garnishing invitations to the most desired party of
Carbon High School’s social scene. Through a mixture of first-person narration, texting and instant messaging, Will takes the reader
with him through his high school experience, lavishing humorous insights and painful truths with which any high school student
would identify, as he works with Devon to solve the mystery. Recommended, Realistic
Bekci Kelly
Berlin, Eric. The Potato Chip Puzzles. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2009. 978-0-399-25198-6. 256p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
Winston Breen is a puzzle whiz. He's thrilled to discover he and his friends are going to be involved in a day of solving puzzles –
until he finds out who their chaperone is. Still, a $50,000 grand prize for the winner's school is enough to placate his initial
disappointment. As the big day arrives, solving puzzles will not be the only challenge Winston and his team will face. There is a
cheater among the contestants who needs to be stopped before the contest is over and a winner declared. A day filled with flat tires,
obsessed players, and girls is enough to cause the boys some mild anxiety. Filled with a variety of puzzles, readers will enjoy solving
them along with the characters while simultaneously trying to figure out who the cheater is.
Realistic Fiction/Mystery
Christine Massey
Bowler, Tim. Blade: Playing Dead. New York: The Penguin Group, 2008. 978-0-399-25186-3. 240p. $16.99. Gr. 9-12.
This novel is about 14-year old boy Blade; a British adolescent who lives on the streets. Blade is attacked by a gang of girls who show
no mercy and then chased by thugs who want to kill him. The fast pace keeps you reading and wanting more, which is good because it
is going to be a series. The British slang can be a little confusing at times, but you can still figure out the meaning through context
clues. Fiction/Gang
Jill Toye
Bradley, Alan. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. New York : Delacorte, 2009. 978-0-385-34230-8. 373 p. $23.00. Gr. 7+
Winner of the Debut Dagger Award from Canada’s Crime Writers’ Association, this delightful and irreverent mystery features a
precocious 11-year-old sleuth. Set in the period following World War II, Flavia deLuce is the youngest of three sisters. She has a
passion for chemistry, inherited from her adventurous late mother, and a special interest in poisons. When a dead bird with a stamp
impaled on its beak, and later a dead man, shows up in her garden, Flavia sets out to solve this mystery, and clear her father’s name.
A period piece that is out and out fun to read, exciting and clever, with a gripping encounter with the killer, in the library outbuilding,
that will leave readers breathless. Mystery
Pat Naismith
Brashares, Ann. 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows. New York: Delacorte, 2009. 978-0-385-73676-3. 318p. $18.99. Gr. 6-10.
Ann Brashares has created a new sisterhood with this engaging story of friendship. Since third grade when Ama, Jo, and Polly planted
three tiny willow trees, both the tree roots and their lives have become intertwined. Now, as the summer before high school
approaches, their special friendship is suffering growing pains. They return items borrowed from each other, and for the first time they
go their separate ways for the summer. Each girl confronts personal challenges and feels the absence of the other girls. When they
reunite at the end of the summer, Ama, Jo, and Polly have grown enough to appreciate their differences and their friendship. This
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for younger readers will earn kudos from many fans! Realistic Fiction
Ro Becker
Bray, Libba. Going Bovine. New York: Random House, 2009. 978-0-3857-3397-7. 496p. $17.99. Gr.10-adult.
Libba Bray, of Gemma Doyle fame, does a 180 with Going Bovine, a novel about a wise-cracking slacker teen, Cameron who learns
that he has "mad cow disease" which will eat away his brain and kill him. Since he’s going to die young, he sets off for wild
hallucinatory-driven adventures with his hospital mate, Gonzo who's a dwarf. They travel to Mardi Gras to meet a jazz great, flee from
the fire giant, get help from a pink punk angel, escape from a happiness cult, work with physicists interested in time travel and save a
yard gnome/Viking god from MTV culture clones who steal one's thoughts. Did these trips really occur or were they just trips of
fantasy from a dying teen? Bray's book will have its own cult appeal in those who wish to find meaning in life away from the
mainstream.
Susan Mowery
Breathed, Berkeley. Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster. New York: Philomel, 2009. 978-0-399-25218-1. 216p.
$16.99. Gr. 6-8.
In this story about love and survival, the main character, Sam the Lion, is a very special breed of dachshund. He escapes his intended
owner and is adopted by 16 year-old Heidi, as she returns home to Uncle Hamish. He sent her to boarding school after her parents died
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PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
eight years ago. The housekeeper’s poodle, Cassius, is jealous of Sam and sets him up to look rabid. After being shot, Sam wakes up
in the pound with some very friendly, but very ugly mutts. He escapes the pound, a dog fight, and three years in a testing lab before
escaping to get revenge on Cassius at the Westminster Dog Show. He assembles his friends from the pound and they infiltrate the
show. When it comes down to a fight between Sam and Cassius, Sam sacrifices himself to kill Cassius, and save Heidi’s life. When
Heidi holds Sam in her arms, a scruffy but magical mutt, Peaches, brings Sam back to life. Fantasy Adventure, Animal Story
Michelle Stone
Breathed, Berkely. Flawed Dogs: The Novel. New York: Philomel Books, 2009. 978-0-399-25218-1. 208p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
Flawed Dogs tells the delightful, whimsical story of Sam, a show dog who becomes disfigured and unwanted due to an unfortunate
“accident.” Sam then teams up with other unloved, misfit animals to strike back against the show-dog that plotted his downfall.
There are interesting interesting twists and turns throughout this enjoyable, little book. Fiction/Dogs
Jill Toye
Brewer, Heather. The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Tenth Grade Bleeds. New York: Penguin Dutton, 2009. 978-0-52542135-1. 292p. $16.99. Gr. 7-9.
Tenth Grade Bleeds is the exciting new installment of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. Heather Brewer’s insight into teenage
life through the eyes of the half-vampire, Vlad, is both accurate and intelligent. With touches of humor and plenty of action,
Vlad continues the discovery of vampire powers and teenage urges. This book is great for any student preparing for high
school. Horror
Kevin Grummun, Springfield Township Middle School
Brown, Jennifer. Hate List. New York: Little, Brown & Company. 2009. 978-0-316-04114-7. 408p. $16.99 Gr. 9-12 .
What a great debut novel by Jennifer Brown! Imagine you are madly in love with a brooding bad boy and you list the names of
everyone you hate in a notebook. Valerie Leftman is this girl, a junior at Garvin High, who has loved Nick Levil for the last few
years. They are outcasts and bullied by the popular teens in their school. Only problem is, Nick takes the hate list and begins shooting
on May 2 of their junior year after one bully, Christy, breaks Val’s MP3 player. Val desperately tries to stop the shooting, only to be
accidentally shot by Nick, who then turns the gun on himself. As Valerie recuperates in the hospital with her leg wound, and also in
the in-patient psychiatric ward, she continually replays her relationship with Nick and how she didn’t see what he was planning. Nick
had an unhappy home life and Val’s parent’s fights had become very bitter. Her mother is suffocating and distrustful after the
shooting and her father is furious with her total lack of judgment. After spending her summer recuperating and seeing a shrink, Dr.
Hieler, Valerie decides to return to her high school “to see what’s out there.” There are many students who hate her, but one student,
Jessica (who Val dove in front of and saved) continually reaches out and gets Val involved in the senior time capsule project.
Throughout her senior year, Val slowly lets go of her love for Nick, realizes her parent’s marriage will not survive, owns up to her role
that tragic day, and how to move forward, forgive, apologize, and heal. This is a sad, depressing book with a truly redemptive ending.
Fiction – School shooting
BJ Neary
Brown, Linda Beatrice. Black Angels. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2009. 978-0-399-25030-9. 260p. $16.99. Gr. 7-12.
Luke, an 11-year-old slave boy, wants to join the Union Army, but when he runs away to meet the men he knows are going north,
they are not at the meeting place and Luke has no choice but to continue on alone. In the woods he finds Daylily, a nine-year-old slave
girl who has seen her family killed and is now on the run, and Caswell, a seven-year-old white boy whose mother has died and whose
house has been burned to the ground. The three become a family as they journey north while trying to survive and not get caught or
killed. They receive help from Betty, an Indian lady who is also trying to survive the war, but when her life is in danger, she sends
them on alone to Harper’s Ferry. This is a wonderfully evocative story of place and time, as three children learn just what ‘family’
means. Historical Fiction
Nancy Chrismer
Buckley, Michael. Nerds: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society. New York: Amulet, 2009. 978-0-8109-43247. 306p. $14.95. Gr. 5-7.
N.E.R.D.S. is an acronym for National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society. N.E.R.D.S. is about Jackson Jones who loses
his popular status thanks to his new braces. All of the N.E.R.D.S. have special powers that were made from their weaknesses.
Jackson’s powers come from nanobytes in his braces that attack anyone who attacks or tries to attack him. N.E.R.D.S. is a
suspenseful book with each event crazier than the last. I recommend this book. Adventure
Emma C., STMS
Buckley, Michael. NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society. New York: Amulet Books, 2009. 978-0-81094324-7. 306 p. $14.95. Gr. 4-7.
When fifth grader, Jackson, gets braces, he suddenly goes from a popular bully, to an outcast. One day he follows a group of nerds out
of class to a secret lab under the school. He used to tease these kids, but they reluctantly allow him to join their top secret team of
government spies, NERDS. Each child looks helpless, but they have humorous gadgets and powers that make them an elite group.
After his second mission, Jackson quits the team. When the rest of the NERDS disappear, Jackson is the only one who can rescue
them and save the world. This action packed adventure has great messages about bullying and the qualities that are really important to
becoming successful in life. Adventure, Humor
Michelle Stone
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PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
Burd, Nick. The Vast Fields of Ordinary. New York: Dial Books, 2009. 978-0-8037-3340-4. 309p. $16.99. Gr. 11-12.
This is a coming-of-age story combined with a coming-out story. Dade Hamilton has just graduated from high school, and has to
spend the summer dealing with many troubling issues: his parents’ crumbling marriage, his job at the local grocery store, a missing
little girl, and other teens who in turn taunt him, tempt him, and trouble him. But most of all, he is exploring his own feelings about
himself, his sexual orientation, and how he goes about finding that special someone. Students in similar situations in our high school
will relate to this book. Teen Story/Gay Fiction
Nancy Chrismer
Byrd, Tim. Doc Wilde and the Frogs of Doom. New York: G. P. Putnam’s, 2009. 978-0-399-24783-5. 186 p. $15.99. Gr. 4-6.
(higher for reluctant readers)
Swashbuckling to say the least – Doc Wilde and his family leap, crash and rush into adventure with calculated abandon. Wren and
Brian, the kids, are nearly as well trained and prepared as their Dad. When Grandpa goes missing, the family and entourage are
swiftly on his trail, following clues, a statue of a frog, off to South America into the darkest jungle. Encountering mutant, perhaps
alien, frogs is only the beginning of a highly complicated, dangerous adventure to save the world. Through all the action Byrd is
constantly bombarding the reader with scientific facts. Fans of Indiana Jones, Alex Rider, and young James Bond will thrill to this
adventure which hints strongly at a sequel. Family relationships, adventure
Jeannie Bellavance
Byrd, Tim. Doc Wilde and the Frogs of Doom. New York: G. P. Putnam’s, 2009. 978-0-399-24783-5.186 p.
$15.99 Gr. 4-6. (higher for reluctant readers)
Doc Wilde and the Frogs of Doom is a thriller that will have you questioning until the end. The characters are set within
certain limits, but the rest is up to the reader to shape and form them within those boundaries. This book is fast acti0n that
doesn’t wait a second more to get into the action. Throughout the entire book the reader pieces together certain facts and
information that is given to them right under their noses. The book is like a puzzle with the reader piecing the information
until it is complete. Then everything becomes crystal clear as you read about the crazy adventures of the Wildes. This book
can be read by anyone who would want to be right in the action, as Tim Byrd guides and leas the reader through this insane
adventure.
Patrick, grade 6 GMA
Carey, Benedict. The Unknowns. New York: Amulet Books, 2009. 978-0-8109-7991-8. Uncorrected Proof. Gr. 7-10.
Di and Tom have always lived on Adjacent, a round island that houses their trailer park community. Adjacent used to house the
Folsom Nuclear plant, but all that is left of the plant is a barren, flat section of land in the northeast quadrant of the island. When their
friend and math tutor Mrs. Clarke turns up missing, Di and Tom become detectives and begin to search for her. The only clues take
the form of mathematical equations and puzzles. The mystery is solved when, to everyone’s horror, it is revealed that the nuclear plant
has not shut down. Instead, it has been operating illegally underground. This book will keep inquisitive students reading until all the
unknowns are known. Mystery
Sarah Braxton
Cashore, Kristin. Fire. New York: Dial, 2009. 0803734611. 480p. $17.99. Gr. 9+.
A prequel, set in the same world as Cashore’s Graceling (just over the mountain in the Dells in King Citey), Fire, a human monster,
must hide herself from attack by animal monsters and human men who are attracted to her extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. Fire
also has the ability to enter people’s minds and manipulate them. She is drawn into a war and to save King Nash, who is fighting to
maintain his throne. A fast-paced action romance with spies and thieves and monsters and intrigue, readers will also enjoy the
complex relationship Fire manages with her girlhood friend and lover, Archer. Romance. Adventure. Fantasy Joyce Valenza
Cashore, Kristen. Fire. New York: Dial Books, 2009. 978-0-8037-3461-6. 461p. $17.99 Gr. 9-12.
This fantasy, filled with romance and suspense, is set in the same lands as its companion, Graceling, though on the other side
of the mountains in a kingdom called the Dells. Magical monsters, often dangerous versions of real creatures, inhabit this
kingdom. Fire, the last of the human monsters, is considered to be the most dangerous. She struggles to use her powers,
reading and manipulating minds, for good rather than evil. The royal family recruits Fire to aid the kingdom in its war with
the southern and northern lords. She reluctantly leaves her home and heads to King's City. As a monster, she is
breathtakingly beautiful with a mane of hair the color of glittering golds and reds. The vivid storytelling, bold adventure
scenes, and strong female protagonist make this companion a compelling read. Though readers can enjoy this book without
reading Graceling, the villain referenced in the Prologue provides the link between the two lands and paves the way for a
third book. Highly ecommended. Fiction –Fantasy
Randi Wall, Cheltenham High School
Chaltas, Thalia. Because I Am Furniture. New York: Penguin Group, 2009. 978-0-670-06298-0. 368p. $16.99. Gr.9-12.
Fourteen-year-old Anke lives with her mother, brother, sister and abusive father. Her father abuses everyone in the family except her.
He ignores her as if she is a piece of furniture. Anke learns to keep her mouth shut about the travesties taking place in her home until
the day her father abuses one of her friends. This is a powerful story set in verse containing a realistic portrayal of family violence.
Fiction/Family Problems
Jill Toye
Chatterton, Martin. The Brain Finds a Leg. Atlanta: Peachtree, 2009. 978-1-56145-503-4. 212p. $16.95. Gr. 5-8.
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Following in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christy, Theophilus Nero Hercule Sherlock Wimsey Father Browne
Marlowe Spade Christie Edgar Allen Brain must solve the mysterious events surrounding Farrago Bay, Australia. The Brain, for
short, convinces a somewhat reluctant Sheldon McGlone to become his most trusted sidekick. As they investigate strange happenings
and discover a barking crocodile, ill-tempered koalas, and other peculiar animal behavior, Sheldon's brother is accused of murder and
thrown in jail. It's more important than ever to solve this mystery before Sheldon and his mother end up in the cell next to his brother.
Readers are taken on a wild adventure filled with an outrageous amount of absurdity. Mystery
Christine Massey
Clare, Cassandra. City of Glass. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009. 978-1-41691-430-3. 541 p. $15.29. Gr. 7+.
In this third book of The Immortal Instruments, Clary adjusts to the responsibilities that come with being a Shadowhunter, which as
learned in the previous novels, is an ancient race dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. She uses her newfound skills to travel to the
City of Class, the ancient home of the Shadowhunters, after being left behind by her new-found brother, Jace. After a less than
friendly welcoming from Jace, she finds an ally in the charming Shadowhunter, Sebastian, who tries to help Clary find a way to wake
her mother from a coma. To complicate matters, her best friend-turned vampire, Simon, is imprisoned by the Ildris government for his
Daywalking abilities. An epic battle is brewing as Valentine continues his search for the last Mortal Instrument and put an end to the
world of the Shadowhunters. An unlikely alliance is made between the Shadowhunters and Downworlders, who must try to put their
differences aside to fight their common enemy. As war comes to the City of Glass, Clary must come to terms with her new powers as
it becomes apparent that only she and Jace can truly defeat Valentine. Romance, War - Fantasy
Melissa Daugherty
Coffelt, Nancy. Listen. New Jersey: WestSide Books. 2009. 212p. 978-1-934813-07-2. $16.95. Gr. 9-12.
Coffelt creates a tale of three disturbed but interesting characters. Each has a past that has affected both his/her mental state
and the choices he/she makes in life. Will, a high school senior lives alone because his mother was mysteriously killed. Will
tutors Kurt who is an extremely intelligent student who, puts no effort into his schoolwork because of the millions of other
things on his mind and is in danger of failing out. Kurt lives with his grandmother but yearns to be with his father in
Minneapolis. Kurt is looking for ways to earn money so he can get to his father and soon meets Carrie, an often irrational
schizophrenic 40-year-old woman who rescues mistreated animals. She takes Kurt under her wing and teaches him about
animal cruelty and offers to pay Kurt for every mistreated animal he brings to her. As a result of their backgrounds, neither
Will nor Kurt are eager to make friends but as events collide a friendship blooms when Carrie kidnaps an “abused baby” and
when Kurt tries to intercede, he is also held against his will leaving Will to save the day.
Jen Leszcyzinski, Reading Teacher Upper Dublin High School
Colasanti, Susane. Waiting for You. New York: Penguin Group, 2010. 978-0-670-01130-8. 322p. $17.99. Gr. 8+.
Marisa and her best friend Sterling are heading into their sophomore year of high school. For them this will be a year unlike any other
year. They will be popular and they will each get a boyfriend. Marisa develops a crush on Derek who already has a girlfriend. But he
breaks up with her and begins to date Marisa. Sterling meets an older guy online. Life is good? Not quite. Derek begins spending time
with his ex and Sterling wants to hook up with the older guy. In addition, Marisa’s Mom and Dad whom she thought were gloriously
happy and in love are breaking up. Will Marisa’s relationship survive? Will Sterling hook up with an older guy? What will happen to
Marisa’s parents? This book is perfect for the young teen crowd. It’s easy to read with many of issues that are important to this group.
Young Adult
Nora S. Neumann
Cole, Steve. Z. Rex. New York: Penguin, 2009. 978-0-399-25253-2. 245 p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
In this fast paced sci-fi adventure, 13 year old Adam Adler and his father are designing a state of the art video game using Adam’s
brain waves. When Mr. Adler disappears and gunmen come looking for Adam, the adventure begins. Adam is literally picked up by a
flying, talking T-Rex named Zed, who even thinks like him. The two fly to Scotland in search of Mr. Adler and answers. Desperate,
Adam confides in Mr. Hayden who double crosses him. Zed and Adam are captured and taken to a hidden facility where Mr. Adler is
being held. They discover the goal of the scientists behind Zed’s creation is to bring about the evolution of man through science, no
matter how many people get hurt. Finally, Adam, his father, and Zed destroy the facility and plan to expose the other scientists
involved with this research. Throughout the story, many people are brutally killed. This is book one in The Hunting series.
Adventure Science Fiction
Michelle Stone
Collard, Sneed B. III. Double Eagle. Atlanta: Peachtree, 2009. 978-1-56145-480-8. 245 p. $16.95 Gr. 5-8.
1862 – The Skink a blockade runner tries to avoid a Union warship outside Mobile Bay. Reportedly there was gold aboard. Fast
forward to 1973. Mike, spending the summer with his dad, a biologist teaching graduate students, becomes interested in the possible
treasures when he and his new friend Kyle find a gold coin. Could this double eagle coin possibly one from the Confederate mint?
Sam and Kyle sneak into the fort near by to search for other coins. They do not go unobserved. The category 4 hurricane brewing
may not be the only danger they face. This book supplies a good mystery, friendship and some adventure.
Fathers and sons, mystery, Civil War History, coin collecting
Jeannie Bellavance
Collins, Suzanne. Catching Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-4390-2349-8. 400p. $17.99. Gr. 8-adult.
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The excitement fueled in The Hunger Games ignites in Collins' sequel Catching Fire. Where the first "games" saw Katniss and Peeta
fighting for their lives and their staged romance, the new 75th anniversary games sees all contestants not only fighting for their lives,
but also for the survival of their home districts. The capital sets out to quell any uprising in the districts and tries to use the games as
an example of control. Katniss, the heroine, uses her survival skills again with help from other fighter-friends to protect herself, her
family, her district, and possible real love, Gale. Anxiously awaiting the third book in the series
Susan Mowery
Collins, Suzanne. Catching Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-4390-2349-8. 400p. $17.99. Gr. 8-12.
Readers who were riveted by The Hunger Games and left yearning for more will not be disappointed in this exciting sequel. Six
months after Katniss and Peeta return from the Hunger Games as victors, they find themselves trapped in a story of deceit by the
menacing President Snow. As the Capitol prepares for a grand wedding between Katniss and Peeta, Katniss finds herself struggling
with hard decisions. Should her devotion be towards Peeta or her life-time, dear friend, Gale? Should she lead a rebellion against the
Capitol, or would that be putting her mother, sister and the residents of District 12 in terrible danger? Catching Fire has plenty of
twists and excitement to keep readers turning the pages and longing for the next sequel.
Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Mary Schwander
Collins, Suzanne. Catching Fire. New York: Scholastic Press, 2009. 978-0-439-02349-8. 391p. $17.99. Gr. 7-12.
In this sequel to the Hunger Games, we return to the dystopic nation, Panem, and to Katniss and Peeta, the winning tributes from
District Twelve. Last year they both won the televised battle-to-the-death tournament, a victory that should have been for one only.
This year, the two are back home and prepared for a highly publicized Victory Tour before they prepare for the 75th Annual Hunger
Games. This sequel more closely examines the politics of Panem and the hints of rebellion, inspired by Katniss and Peeta’s
subversive victory. Katniss becomes a fully-developed character. Readers will enjoy her romantic dilemma. They will furiously turn
the pages during the final section covering the excitement and mystery of the new games. Fantasy. Adventure Joyce Valenza.
Combres, Elisabeth. Broken Memory: A Novel of Rwanda. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2009. 978-0-88899-892-7. 139p.
$18.95. Gr. 8-12.
Emma was only five years old when her mother was brutally murdered in her own home during the genocidal war in Rwanda. After
escaping from her hiding place and finding refuge with an elderly Hutu woman, Emma spends ten years suffering from nightmares.
When she befriends Ndoli, another Tutsi survivor with his own ghastly past, Emma decides she must face what happened to her and
try to remember the abominable details in order to have a chance at a future. A haunting story describing the horrors of the Rwanda
Civil War told through the perspective of a child. Historical Fiction
Christine Massey
Cooper, Afua. My Name Is Henry Bibb: A Story of Slavery and Freedom. Tonawanda, NY: KC Fiction (Kids Can), 2009. 978-155337-813-6. 160 p. $16.95 Gr. 6-8.
Although this is a fictional account, Henry Bibb was indeed a prominent figure in campaigning to end slavery and an advocate for
Black civil rights. His 1848 autobiography Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an American Slave was an instant
success, published both in the United State and in Europe. Dr. Cooper sets this book in his childhood showing through Henry’s eyes
the cruelty and hardship of slavery. Henry was the son of a white man. His mother, a mulatto, had seven other sons all fathered by
slave owners. When Henry was ten he was hired out to various slaveholders, many who abused him. “As I grew older I came to
understand that slavery meant to crush the victim, drive him mad, render him a thing incapable of fighting back, and accepting his
lot.” He eventually escaped, but at a cost. This book, while it is not a true first hand account does give the reader a real sense of life as
a slave. It is too bad that the author does not include her sources. Abolition; Slavery
Jeannie Bellavance
Cowan, Jennifer. Earthgirl. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2009. 978-0-88899-889-7. 232p. $17.95. Gr. 10+.
One day, as 16-year-old Sabine Solomon is bicycling along, she unexpectedly gets hit by the flying remains of a picked over
McDonald’s meal. Very quickly, an encounter with the trash-out-of-an-SUV thrower leads to Sabine’s total commitment to
environmentalism. When Vray, a like-minded environmentalist, enters Sabine’s world, she is so enthralled that she does not see his
radical side. Once she learns about his plans to blow up an SUV dealership, Sabine must decide just where her environmental
convictions lie. Strong language (f-expletives) appears in context. Realistic
Sarah Braxton
Crawford, Brent. Carter Finally Gets It. New York: Disney Hyperion Books, 2009. 978-1-4231-1246-4. 300p. $15.99. Gr. 810.
At first I thought reading this book would be like watching the movie, The Graduate (intense discomfort while witnessing a
protagonist’s growing pains) but it turned out to be more like the experience of being taken on a surprise joyride. Carter is a character
many students will identify with; he is hilarious, full of adventure, über cool, and surprisingly sensitive. Carter takes us through his
freshmen year as he gets his first girlfriend, loses his first girlfriend, and ultimately follows his own path. Author, Brent Crawford,
has written a book that will keep boys authentically interested in reading a book – just the type libraries need to purchase (with a little
disclaimer: strong language is often used.) Realistic Fiction
Karen Hornberger
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Crutcher, Chris. Angry Management. New York: Greenwillow, 2009. 978-0-06-050246-1. 246 p. $16.99. Gr. 8+.
Three novellas, featuring characters from Crutcher’s previous novels, are bound together with notes from the counselor in an anger
management class. Mr. Nak from Ironman provides the “notes” that bind the novellas together, but each stands on its own. "Kyle
Manard and the Craggy Face of the Moon" features Angus Bethune (Athletic Shorts, 1991) and Sarah Byrnes (Staying Fat for Sarah
Byrnes, 1993) on a road trip to Reno to confront the mother who abandoned her. "Montana Wild," features student journalist Montana
West (The Sledding Hill, 2005) in a school censorship battle. "Meet Me at the Gates, Marcus James" unites gay Marcus James, sole
black student at his high school, with Matt Miller (Deadline, 2007) and teacher John Simet (Whale Talk, 2001), in this look at gay
bashing and racial prejudice. All in all, a very satisfying offering. Crutcher fans will devour this one.
Problem Fiction/Short Stories.
Pat Naismith
Crutcher, Chris. Deadline. Greenwillow Books, 2007. 978-0-06-085091-3. 316p. $8.99. Gr. 9-12.
Ben Wolf is a normal high school senior in a normal high school. Suddenly Ben’s life is completely changed when his doctor tells
him that this will be his last year --- literally. Ben has a disease which is killing him and he will not survive much longer than one
year. Ben makes a decision: he will tell no one about his disease, not his parents, not his friends, not his school, no one. And then Ben
feels free, free to live his life as he always wanted, so he does everything he has wanted to do, fearlessly and without remorse: join the
football team, go after the perfect girl, and much more. Despite its sad premise, this amazing story is full of hope and humor and will
fly off the shelves.
Teen Story
Nancy Chrismer
Currie, Ron. Everything Matters! New York: Penguin Group, 2009. 978-0-670-02092-8. 320p. $25.95. Gr. 10+
This story surrounds the clairvoyant and gifted Junior. It is told from multiple points of view, including the all knowing
voices that Junior has always heard even while in utero. The voices tell him when and how the world will end in his 36 th year.
Burdened with this “gift” he must learn how to live out his life. Through his family and loved ones he discovers what matters
most. In spite of the fantastic circumstances the characters are compelling and real. Learning how to live with knowledge of
our own mortality is an issue for us all. Astimulating and rewarding read. Science Fiction/Spirituality Paul M. Neumann
Dashner, James. The Maze Runner. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. 978-0-385-73794-4. 374p. $16.99. Gr. 8-10.
Dropped into a society of all boys, Thomas has no memory of his former life. This place, called the Glade, is at the center of a maze,
and the boys living there have learned to survive, but continue to try and find a way to leave. Thomas has no understanding of why he
is there, and the plot thickens when a girl, the first ever, arrives. Excitement builds as Thomas comes to understand that they all must
leave the Glade, even if it means being attacked by the fearsome Grievers. Unraveling the mystery helps bring the reader into the
story, and fans of action-packed science-fiction will find this an interesting read. Science Fiction
Bekci Kelly
Datlow, Ellen and Terri Windling. Troll’s Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-06141-9.
200p. Gr. 5-8.
Noted authors including Jane Yolen, Peter Beagle, Holly Black, Neil Gaiman, Nancy Farmer, and Michael Cadnum offer different
perspectives on some standard and not so standard fairy tales. Spinning straw into gold is not Rumplestiltskin’s only talent.
Rapunzel’s parents were happy to be rid of her. Just what does the giant’s wife think of Jack and her husband? Datlow and
Windling‘s collection will appeal to those students who liked The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales in their earlier
years. English teacher will appreciate having another source for different points of view. The editors supply a list and web sites for
further exploration.
Jeannie Bellavance
Davis, Eleanor. The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook. New York: Bloomsbury, 2009. 978-1-59990-396-5.
154p. $10.99. Gr. 4-7.
This is the familiar tale of a science “nerd”, Julian Calendar, and his inventions. He joins two friends to form the Secret
Science Alliance as he attempts, and successfully improves the minor annoyances of school. The three children attempt to
thwart the plans of an evil scientist after he steals their blueprints. Although the story doesn’t have many surprises, the art is
engaging and colorful, and the characters are likeable. Graphic Novel Gary Hite, Gifted Support, Sandy Run MS
De La Pena, Matt. We Were Here. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. 978-0-385-73667-1. 359p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
We find Miguel serving a one year sentence in a juvenile detention center, but we don’t know why he is there. We only know that
something terrible has happened in his life. His mother cannot even look at him. At the detention center he meets 2 boys, one who is
planning an escape and wants Miquel and Rondell to go with him. They boys think if they escape to Mexico they can start their lives
over again. You have to read this to see what the boys go through while they are on the run and how they are trying to survive.
Fiction
Jill Toye
Derby, Sally. Kyle’s Island. Massachusetts: Charlesbridge, 2010. 978-1-58089-316-9. 192p. $16.95. Gr. 5-8.
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Kyle is twelve years old and loves going to the family cottage by a Michigan lake where he has been summering for as long as he can
remember. The cottage belonged to his grandmother, but she has died. To complicate matters even more, he finds out that his mother
has to sell the cottage because she will no longer be able to afford it. This devastates Kyle and he really feels that life is not fair.
Everything in Kyle’s life has changed and we get to see how Kyle deals with all the angst he has been dealt. The book is a bit sad, but
a faced-paced read where Kyle matures throughout. Fiction/Family
Jill Toye
Dessen, Sarah. Along For the Ride. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01194-0. 383p. $19.99. Gr. 8-12.
Having grown up in an academic family, Auden has missed much of the fun of childhood. In the summer before college, however, she
visits her father, stepmother, and baby sister in the beach town of Colby and discovers a previously unknown world of girlfriends,
summer job, hanging out, and young love. In this heartwarming and realistic novel, Sarah Dessen has captured the ups and downs of
making up for lost time. Sure to be popular, Along for the Ride will capture a large audience. Realistic Fiction
Ro Becker
Dessen, Sarah. Along For the Ride. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01194-0. 383p. $19.99. Gr. 8-12.
This book is about an 18 year old girl named Auden, who decides to spend the summer before college in a small beach town
called Colby to visit her dad, his wife, and their new baby. Auden has always had pressure to do well in school with a
professor for a mom and a writer for a dad, which made her miss out on a normal childhood. She never went to prom or even
learned how to ride a bike. When she goes to Colby, she works in a clothing store, hanging out with girls her age for the first
time, and most importantly, she meets the mysterious bike riding Eli, who helps her rediscover herself at night when they
both can never sleep. I loved this book because the characters were so amazing and real. Each person was so surprising and
unique, but so perfect. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially girls who enjoyed other Sarah Dessen books.
Realistic Fiction
Lily G., Springfield Township Middle School
Dessen, Sarah. Along for the Ride. New York: Viking, 2009. 0-670-01194-0. 383p. $19.99. Gr. 8-10.
Auden, a recent high school graduate, has lived a life that has been pretty stifled by her highly successful mother. This summer,
however, is different; Auden goes to a beach town to live with her dad, his new wife, and new baby and changes begin to happen.
Auden begins the summer feeling superior and bitter, but as time progresses, she slowly uncovers who she truly is through the help of
some new friends. This book explores some issues such as whether people are capable of change along with accepting mistakes as a
part of life while not allowing them to disable you. Realistic Fiction/Family
Karen Hornberger
Dessen, Sarah. Along for the Ride. New York: Viking Juvenile, 2009. 0670011940. 400p. Gr. 9-12.
17-year-old Auden (named for the poet) is about to start college in the fall. Instead of spending this last summer with her controlling
college professor mother, she decides spend the summer in a shore town with her novelist father, his wife and their new baby Thisbe.
Over the summer Auden is forced to grow in a number of ways--she learns to ride a bike, learns the language of teenage girls and how
to hang out, faces unresolved emotions over her parents’ divorce, and understand that she is not smarter or better than all of the new
friends she meets. She grows in her new relationship with Eli, who is recovering from his own loss and guilt. The two share their
habit of sleeplessness in a sweet love story bridging the two lonely teens. The characters and the dialog are rich and authentic. Girls
will enjoy the story and the depth. Realistic
Joyce Valenza
Dick, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Los Angeles, CA: Boom! Studios, 2009. 978-1-60886-500-0. 144p.
$24.99. Ages 12 and up.
In a dark future, where the line between technology and humanity is greatly blurred, values and morals are just as blurry. Our hero,
Rick Decker seems to have just as many questions as answers and seems to be unsure of the existence he is living. With intense
comic-style graphics and descriptive and at times creative wording, the author creates a world that we don’t want to be a part of, but
can’t look away from. This book is mature, and at times deals with dark themes. It is a must read for sci-fi junkies, but will not be for
all audiences. Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Jason Epstein
Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. New York: Sterling, 2009. 978-1-4027-6690-9. 85p. $9.95. Gr. 6-12.
This is an unabridged publication of Dickens’ classic story. The tale begins on Christmas Eve. Greedy businessman
Ebenezer Scrooge is warned by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, to change his ways. Scrooge is then visited by
three ghosts who take him through various scenes of his life in an effort to help him become a better person. A few black and
white drawings compliment the text. Fifteen “Questions for Discussion” are included. Classic
David Mancini, SRMS English Teacher
Doeden, Matt. The Civil War: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose Books). Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2010.
978-1-4296-3419-9. 112p. $20.99. Gr. 4-7.
In this delightful journey through the Civil War, readers take on the role of soldier or civilian to capture a glimpse into events
leading up to Gettysburg and Vicksburg, and eventually Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. They must choose to aid escaping
slaves, or turn them in; to run, or obey commanding officers; to charge the cannon, or retreat. This book offers a unique
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perspective on the dilemmas and decisions facing those involved in this tumultuous time in our history. Recommended for
students in intermediate grades. Historical fiction. Reviewers Note: Capstone lists the following book as nonfiction.
However, that the reader becomes part of the action and makes choices draws this book more into the area of
fiction…hence historical fiction.
Peggy Vosseler, Springfield Township Middle School
Donaldson, Joan. On Viney’s Mountain. New York: Holiday House, 2009. 978-0-8234-2129-9. 231p. $16.95. Gr. 7-12.
This story is an excellent portrayal of the complications and complexities of progress. Sixteen-year-old Viney, a skilled weaver, loves
her rural mountain life even though she and her brother and sister have been left to fend for themselves after their mother’s death and
their father’s abandonment. Viney’s life changes abruptly when a group of Englishmen move in and build a settlement, thereby
destroying some of Viney’s precious mountain plants and animals and making her hate them and their settlement. When her sister
goes off with an Englishman, and her brother is ready to marry his sweetheart, Viney feels all alone and seeks relief through her
weaving. That is, until she realizes that her feelings for Charlie, an Englishman, have changed her outlook on everything in her life.
Romance/Historical Fiction
Nancy Chrismer
Dowd, Siobhan. Solace of the Road. New York: David Fickling Books, 2009. 978-0-375-84971-8. 263p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
This is the story of 14-year old Holly Hogan who is living in a home in England for teenage children who are troubled. She finds a
blond wig and her “new” home and changes herself into Solace, who is an older, cooler version of herself. Solace gets herself into
some scary situations on her way to trying to find her mom. Solace is under the impression that her mom has left for Ireland. This is a
quick read and you can feel Holly’s angst. Fiction
Jill Toye
Durrow, Heidi W. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky: A Novel. Chapel Hill, NC: 2010. 978-1-56512-680-0. 256p. $22.95. Gr. 10+.
For reasons she does not know, Rachel falls off the roof of a nine story building in Chicago with her whole family. Rachel, the only
survivor, is taken to live with her black grandmother in Portland, Oregon. Rachel is biracial. Everything is new for her in Oregon,
especially being raised as a black girl. She tries to become “the new girl” and tries not to remember anything that happened to her
before her fall. A boy who witnessed the family’s fall from below is profoundly affected by that event; some chapters are from his
perspective. Eventually the boy finds Rachel to give her a message from her father, whom she hasn’t seen in years. It is a heartwrenching, well-written exploration of identity and discovery. Realistic Fiction
Toni Vahlsing
Efaw, Amy. After. New York, Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01183-4. 350p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
Buy multiple copies of this one! Devon doesn’t know what is going on: she was a straight-A student, Olympics-bound star of the
soccer team, an all-around great student. Now she has been arrested and is accused of attempted murder. What has she done? What is
her connection to the baby found in the trash can behind her apartment? Why has her mother abandoned her? Devon is in deep denial
that any of these things were caused by her. Efaw does a superb job of portraying the disconnect between the reality Devon believes
she is living in, and the truth about what she is really doing. This book will fly off the shelves, and will be a top-notch favorite for the
Picoult and Sparks fans. Teen
Nancy Chrismer
Efaw, Amy. After. New York, Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01183-4. 350p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
As a high school soccer player, Devon has grown up on her own while her alcoholic mother goes out with guys and works
just enough to pay the bills. But when Devon is home from school, and the cops show up, looking for witnesses to a baby
found in trash can, Devon’s life is turned upside down. When she ends up in a detention center, Devon doesn’t know what’s
happened or where her mother is. This book is so good I couldn’t put it down.
S. Hart, Library Assistant, Juniata High School
Ehrenhaft, Daniel. Dirty Laundry. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. 978-0-06-113103-5. 229p. $16.99. Gr. 8-12.
Told in the voices of the main characters, Fun (short for Fellini Udall Newport) and Carli enter 12th grade at the private but dingy
Winchester Academy, notorious as a last resort for troubled teens. Carli is an undercover actress preparing for a new role, and Fun is
her director’s son. He has attended Winchester for two years now. The mystery begins when Darcy, the most popular senior,
disappears the day before school begins. The interaction between the quirky teen characters is humorous and real as they try to
discover the truth despite ineffective adults, including teachers, the head master, and the police. After a few weeks and many puzzling
situations, Carli finds Darcy a bit too easily, but overall, this book is a page turner. Mystery
Michelle Stone
Elkeles, Simone. Perfect Chemistry. New York: Walker, 2009. 0-8027-9823-3. 360p. $12.95. Gr. 8-10.
Attempting to present yourself as perfect is truly impossible, but Brittany has successfully achieved this illusion for years. Inside she
is a whirlwind of emotions as a result of her family and their relationships. The school year is about to begin and Brittany’s boyfriend
has been away all summer. Nothing begins as planned and on the first day of school, Brittany almost hits the car of the most notorious
gang member in school and later in the day is assigned as his chemistry partner. Things change quickly and through hard times and
harsh realities they begin to open up to each other and themselves. This Romeo and Juliet story of sorts is already extremely popular
at our high school and circulates heavily. Realistic Fiction
Karen Hornberger
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Ellis, Ann Dee. Everything is Fine. New York: Little, Brown & Company. 2009. 978-0-316-01364-2. 154p. $16.99. Gr. 9-12
Ann Dee Ellis takes you into the heart and mind of Mazzy in her novel, Everything is Fine. Ellis walks the fine line of creating a
funny, eccentric main character while captivating readers' sympathy and compassion for her. The first person narrative delves into
the peculiarities of Mazzy's day to day life with her interesting neighbors and odd, erratic thoughts. Ellis captures the raw emotion and
hardship of teenage loss as Mazzy deals with the death of her sister which leads to her mother's depression, father's absence and her
own confusion. Mazzy is young at heart but forced to take care of her mother and find a way to re-create the family she once had.
Ellis' style is unique and captivating as she writes in prose. Her character development is one of a kind; Mazzy is portrayed as a
strange, young girl in the beginning and slowly becomes a strong, determined young lady. Young adult readers will be able to relate
to Mazzy as she deals with the unknown of change. Everything is Fine is a quick read, but very thoughtful and heart provoking.
Fiction – Family problems
BJ Neary
Falcone, L.M. The Midnight Curse. Tonawanda, New York: Kids Can Press, 2010. 978-1-55453-358-9. 208p. $16.95. Gr. 6-9.
Twins Charley and Lacey are excited when they hear that their family has inherited a house in England, but when they arrive, they
discover not only that the house is haunted, but also that there is now curse on Charley because he is the male heir. They must work to
get rid of the ‘midnight curse’, which threatens Charley’s life every night. With some supernatural help, Lacey helps Charlie get rid
of the curse, and they manage to free the ghosts that were haunting the house. Ghost Story/Fantasy
Nancy Chrismer
Fantaskey, Beth. Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-15-206384-9. 354p. $14.45.
Gr. 9+.
Jessica Packwood is content with the life her adoptive parents have given her in rural Pennsylvania and doesn’t think much about her
Romanian heritage, until a mysterious foreign exchange student calls her by her birth name, Antanasia Dragomir. Jessica’s perfect
senior year comes to a halt as she discovers she is the heir to a royal vampire family and in addition, betrothed to Lucius Vladescu.
Lucius, rude, condescending, and drop dead gorgeous, cannot understand why Jessica refuses to unite their feuding families by
marrying him upon her eighteenth birthday. Lucien decides to stick around and wait on Jessica, who avoids him by dating charming
farm boy, Jake. Despite her attempts to avoid Lucien, Jessica finds herself instinctively drawn to him just as he gives up on her, but
both are in for a fight when Lucius’ family comes to collect their princess. This book is a must read for vampire romance lovers and
even better, the sequel can be read for free on Fantaskey’s website. Vampires-Fantasy
Melissa Daugherty
Fantaskey, Beth. Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. New York: Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-15-206384-9. 354p. $16.99.
Gr. 7+
Just when Jessica thinks that her senior year is looking great, along comes a creepy, yet handsome, Romanian exchange student who
claims that she is not only betrothed to him since birth, but they are both vampire royalty. How can she ditch him and enjoy her senior
year? Vampire Romance
Pat Naismith
Ferguson, Alane. The Dying Breath. New York: Penguin Group, 2009. 978-0-670-06314-7. 234p. $16.99. Gr 9-12.
Kyle O’Neil, a deranged killer, is obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, Cameryn Mahoney. Working closely with the coroner, she is
accustomed to seeing dead bodies. However, when Kyle leaves a letter addressed to her with the body of his latest kill, the case
becomes personal. For her safety, she taken off the case and watched closely by police, including Justin Crowley, a love interest. As
more people are murdered, Cameryn is called upon to help piece things together, although in doing so, she put herself in danger.
Unable to stand aside as her monstrous ex continues to kill, she believes she holds to key to stopping his murderous reign. This book
features characters from Ferguson’s former book The Angel Killer. Fans of CSI will be intrigued by this read.
Forensic Mystery/Thriller
Bekci Kelly
Fine, Susan. Initiation. Woodbury, MN: Flux, 2009. 978-0-7387-1466-0. 279p. $9.95. Gr. 9 – 12.
Mauricio Londono decides to attend a prestigious all boys’ prep school in New York City for high school after spending his previous
years in a public school. His parents are immigrants so his status is well below those of his fellow classmates. Mauricio isn’t sure
how he fits in at school and he is particularly shy. He is befriended by a nerd and very wealthy brilliant boy with a beautiful twin
sister. There is another boy at school who seems to be despised by everyone and he comes to school hung-over and always disheveled
but his FaceSpace pages lists hundreds of friends. Mauricio isn’t sure what to think of all of these new friends and acquaintances and
then he is caught up in the midst of a cyber bullying scandal that threatens to shake the reputation of the school. Who can he trust?
This is a look at high school life in all boys’ prep schools with realistic teen voices. High Schools, Preparatory Schools
Susan Krenicky
Ford, Jamie. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. New York: Ballantine Books, 2009. 978-0-345-50533-0. 290p. $20.40.
Gr. 7+.
At the age of fifty-six, Henry Lee’s life is at a standpoint. He has just lost his wife to cancer, is unable to communicate with his
twenty-one year old son, and since retiring, he struggles to find ways to pass time. When a news story comes out that items belonging
to Japanese Americans sent to interment camps during World War II have been discovered in the basement of the Panama Hotel, the
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image of a red parasol takes Henry back to a different point in his life. The novel goes back and forth between what Henry went
through as a twelve-year-old Chinese boy during World War II and how Henry in present time comes to grips with his past. The red
parasol found in the hotel belonged to a Japanese girl, Keiko, who Henry forges an unlikely friendship with. His relationship with
Keiko changes not only Henry’s opinions on the United States, but also forces him to take a closer look at his staunch, anti-Japanese
father. Forty years later, Henry searches for a long-lost object in the basement of the Panama Hotel in hopes of reconnecting with
both his past and his son. Historical Fiction
Melissa Daugherty
Ford, Jamie. Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. New York: Ballantine, 2009. 978-0-345-50533-0. 290p. $24.00. Gr. 9+.
After the death of his wife, Henry Lee, a Chinese-American in Seattle, recalls his youth, when he and his Japanese-American friend,
Keiko, were the only non-whites at a private school, before her family was sent away to a relocation camp. Beautiful and evocative
story of love amid racial prejudice and the panic of the Japanese relocation from the West Coast. Multicultral /Historical Fiction
Pat Naismith
Forman, Gayle. If I Stay. New York: Dutton Books. 2009. 978-0-525-42103-0. 201p. $16.99. Gr. 9-12.
What a sad, but great book about musically talented, shy Mia who plays the cello, is in love with Adam, has a best friend, Kim and
has a strong, if zany family---dad was in a band, goes back and becomes a teacher after Mia is born, then gets his driver’s license (at
age 33!)and changes the way he dresses. Mom is neat, outspoken, and lets everyone know where they stand and little brother, Teddy,
who loves to talk and run and play with toys. One little trip in the car and life as Mia knows it ends, heartbreakingly. Her family is
dead, Mia is in a coma and she remembers her wonderful life with them. She also recalls her love, Adam, and her friends. Will she
stay among the living or will she live with what she has lost and “what the great unknown of life might still bring”. I just loved the
way Mia saw things, the way she expresses herself and knows unconditional love from her family and her friends---a must read, can't
put it down and what a great title. Fiction – Death, Family life
BJ Neary
Forman, Gayle. If I Stay. New York: Dutton Juvenile, 2009. 978-0525421030. 208p. $16.99. Gr. 9+.
One moment 17-year-old Mia, a talented cellist who aspires to attend Julliard, is driving with her family to visit family friends. The
next, she is standing outside her body observing the wreck and her parents’ bodies, watching as paramedics care for herself and her
little brother. At the hospital and in a coma (and using a narrative strategy reminiscent of The Lovely Bones), Forman has Mia reflects
on her life and whether or not she should fight to stay alive. This is a beautifully drawn and compelling story of a real and loving
family, real friendships, and first real love. It may cause a few tears and reflection about the value of what we have while we are here.
Realistic.
Joyce Valenza
Frank, Lucy. The Homeschool Liberation League. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009. 978-0-8037-3230-8. 279p.
$16.99. Gr. 6-9.
After returning from a riveting summer at Wilderness Camp, thirteen-year-old Katya decides she can no longer return to her
traditional school environment. She is now adamantly trying to convince her parents that homeschooling or “unschooling” is the
answer. Imagining her days filled with gathering edible plants from the woods near her house, making new discoveries and
annihilating large sections of invasive plants, she is disheartened when her mother and grandfather's girlfriend Cookie set up a
different schedule. Now she sits at a desk completing worksheets and DIMs while still learning algebra and filling in as a receptionist
in her mother's salon. As Katya struggles to convince her parents that her ideas about homeschooling have merit, she finds solace in
new friends and the mysterious young musician, Milo. Katya's journey to self discovery is incredibly delightful and illuminating.
Lucy Frank has created a exceptional young character who is adventurous yet strong-willed and learns that while her life may not
work out exactly as she has planned, unexpected changes can result in surprisingly pleasant outcomes.
Realistic Fiction
Christine Massey
French, Terrell S. Operation Redwood. New York: Amulet Books, 2009. 978-0-8109-8354-0. 350p. $16.95. Gr. 5-7.
Julian Carter-Li and his friends cannot believe that the trees in the Amazon are protected but the giant redwoods in Northern
California are not. After accidentally finding out that Julian's Uncle Sibley plans to log an ancient redwood grove, they
decide to fight corporate America, and save a grove on private company property by setting in motion "Operation Redwood".
The mission begins as “top secret” but they soon realize they need help. Thanks to a newspaper article, Julian’s grandmother
sees the passion in his convictions and uses her vast resources to save the trees.
Realistic
Patricia Chialastri, Occupational Therapist, Sandy Run MS
Freymann-Weyr, Garret. After the Moment. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. 2009. 978-0-618-60572-9. 328p. $16.00. Gr. 9-12.
Leigh Hunter is a smart, respectful, young man involved in a multi-parent family, who answers his half sister’s Lillian’s wish after the
death of her father, to move in with her family for the school year. He meets Lillian’s best friend, Maya Morland, and falls head over
heels in love with her. What we witness is Leigh’s progression from a tentative teen, who ponders many things, but never says them.
We know Leigh already has a girlfriend, Astrid, who is a swimmer, smart, and sleeps with Leigh any time they can grab some alone
time. Lillian looks out for her self-proclaimed train wreck of a friend, Maya, because she doesn’t eat, cuts her feet (why she always
wears socks) and is a germaphobe. She enlists Leigh’s help with getting Maya to eat, driving her to visit her father in jail, and just
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talking and walking. As Leigh falls deeply in love with Maya, he becomes her protector, confidant, and knows he must break up with
Astrid. It is when he leaves that fateful weekend, that Maya is irreparably harmed, and she doesn’t want to talk about it, with Leigh or
anyone else, and the rift begins to form in their relationship, forever changing their bond. A compelling read about the failure of love
to save and heal. Fiction – Dating, Emotional Problems
BJ Neary
Gang, Wang. English. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-02059-1. 313p. $24.95. Grades 10-Adult.
This novel looks back on the teen years of Love Liu who grew up during the 1970s Cultural Revolution in Űrűmchi in remote
northwestern China. It focuses on his desire to learn English and his friendships with another good English student, Sunrise Huang,
and their Chinese English teacher from Shanghai, a cultured honorable polished gentleman bachelor in his 30s who genuinely cares
for his students. Although the brutality of the Cultural Revolution is not depicted, events show its effect on freedom of speech and
conscience, suspicion, and family life. We see Love Liu in his turbulent years from 12 to 17, his growing sexuality (none explicitly
described), his changing views of his parents (both architects) who punish him but spend little time with him, his strong emotions, and
his poor decisions (but no drugs or alcohol) that undermine his once bright future. Beautifully written, English was voted best novel of
the year in China by both critics and the public. Coming of Age, Adolescents, China, Cultural Revolution
Eleanor Howe
Garcia, Kami and Margaret Stohl. Beautiful Creatures. New York: Little, Brown, and Company, 2009. 978-0-316-04267-3.
563p. $15.29. Gr. 7-12.
Ethan cannot wait to graduate and get away from Gatlin, South Carolina, the small, narrow-minded town that his family has lived in
for generations. The town does not take well to outsiders and when the town recluse, Macon Ravenwood, enrolls his niece Lena in the
school, she finds this out pretty quickly. While his peers avoid Lena Duchannes at all cost, Ethan finds himself inevitably drawn to
her when he realizes they share a form of telepathy. When Lena finally lets Ethan into her world, his eyes are opened to the unknown
realm of the Casters, who are people with powers from telepathy to mind control. Lena is leery to allow her relationship with Ethan
advance because in six months she turns sixteen, which is the age in Caster tradition where a person is Claimed for either the light or
dark. With the aide of Lena’s eccentric family, Ethan’s maid/pseudo-mother, Amma, and the town librarian, Ethan and Lena race
time as they attempt to save Lena from becoming the epitome of evil. This is a an intense, eccentric book that includes everything
from time travel, super powers, the Civil War, mystical libraries, voodoo folklore, and leaves the reader anxiously waiting for the
sequel, Beautiful Darkness. South Carolina, Civil War, Romance – Fantasy
Melissa Daugherty
Garcia, Kami and Margaret Stohl. Beautiful Creatures. New York: Little, Brown & Company. 2009. 978-0-316-04267-3.
563p. $17.99 Gr. 9-12
Lena Duchannes is a fifteen year old girl who comes to visit her uncle in the "haunted" mansion of a small southern town. When she
turns sixteen she will know what she becomes. Will it be a good witch, bad witch, a vampire, a healer , an illusionist or some other
being with super natural talents? She is surrounded by a family, each already has their own powers. Lena is afraid of this upcoming
birthday because she thinks she might be heading over to the dark side. She meets an ordinary mortal named Ethan Wate who
somehow is connected to Lena through dreams and voices. When they meet, they know they are vastly different from each other but
their connection is strong and getting stronger every day. They eventually fall in love, against all the wishes of the adults. Ethan will
save the day in more ways than one. This is fast moving with creatures like the uncle is a vampire who devours people's dreams, not
blood; the aunt who is totally confused all the time because she can see the past and future in the now. A great book for Twilight fans!
Fiction – Supernatural
BJ Neary
Geektastic : Stories From the Nerd Herd. Ed. Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci New York: Little, Brown & Company. 2009.
978-0-316-00809-9 403p. $16.99 Gr. 9-12.
A very funny, humorous look at geeks in all shapes, sizes and the many different types and kinds of geeks through short stories
penned by current, popular, young adult authors. Each story is followed by a two paragraph bio of authors such as John Green, Barry
Lyga, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Sara Zarr, etc.where they proclaim their geek status and their love of geekdom and a listing of
their novels and stories. After each short story, illustrators Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O’Malley’sgraphics depict outrageously funny
parts of the geek world. One of my favorites is The Best Ways to Stay Awake for Gaming. Wildly entertaining stories to be enjoyed
by geek or those wanting to be educated on what comprises a geek. Fiction – Short stories
BJ Neary
Gehrman, Jody. Triple Shot Bettys In Love. New York: Penguin, 2009. 978-0-8037-3248-3. 249p. $16.99. Gr. 8-12.
Geena and Amber both have jobs at the coffee shop called Triple Shot Bettys. When Amber has a crush on their new hot English
teacher, she talks Geena into helping her write e-mails, My Space messages, and texts to him using Amber’s name but Geena’s
intelligence and style. Meanwhile, Geena’s boyfriend Ben is feeling somewhat forgotten, especially when he catches Geena in some
lies, thanks to Amber. He doesn’t like feeling cast aside, and is ready to end the relationship with Geena, when some surprising things
happen that work to untangle the teens’ web of deceit. A frothy and fun read, just like the coffee the girls sell.
Teen Story/Friendship
Nancy Chrismer
George, Jessica Day. Dragon Spear. New York: Bloomsbury, 2009. 978-1-59990-369-9. 246p. $16.99. Gr. 6-8.
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Young Creel is about to go on vacation from her small tailoring store with her fiancé Prince Luka, but this is no ordinary
vacation. Creel is going to visit her friends on the Far Isles, which takes months to get to by boat, but the couple isn’t going to
be taking a boat; they will be riding on their friends’ backs. Yes on their friends’ backs because Creel’s friends are dragons!
In this exciting fairy tale Creel and Luka go on an adventure to help the dragons win back their queen from another group of
dragons. This thrilling tale will attract anyone who likes adventure. Fantasy, Adventure
Sarah W., STMS
Gibson, Marley. The Awakening. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-547-15093-2. 338p. $8.99. Gr. 7-10.
When Kendall moves from Chicago to Radisson, Georgia, she's plagued by insomnia. Soon after the move, she has a
“spiritual awakening” and needs help from her newfound friends to solve the mystery surrounding a malevolent ghost
seeking vengeance. Always considered a loner, Kendall finds that her newfound abilities have given her a purpose. Readers
will enjoy the charming cleverness found in Kendell and look forward to the next title in the Ghost Huntress Series.
Mystery/Ghost Stories
Amber S. J.W. Parker M.S.
Gibson, Marley. The Guidance (Ghost Huntress, Book 2). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. 310p. $8.99. Gr. 7+.
As if Kendall and the Ghost Huntresses don’t already have enough psychic problems to deal with, now hateful cheerleader Courtney is
being possessed by the spirit of a Civil War soldier, looking for revenge. Sequel to The Awakening, this books taps into psychic
phenomena and ghost hunting, increasingly popular subjects and pastimes for teens. Ghost stories/Psychic Fantasy Pat Naismith
Gilbert, Murdock, Catherine. Front and Center. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-618-95982-2. 256p. $16.00.
Gr. 7-11.
The pressure is on for farm girl athlete D.J. Schwenk in the third and final installment of the “Dairy Queen’s” story. D.J. returns to
school after several weeks of helping her brother rehab from a serious football injury and feels overwhelmed by expectations from all
sides. Missed schoolwork, basketball pressures, and choosing a college add to DJ’s stress and self-doubt. She has sworn off rival
football player/boyfriend Brian, but he is never far from her thoughts even as she is dating an old friend, Beaner. Told with warmth,
humor, and palpable teen angst, Front and Center is every bit as endearing as the Dairy Queen and The Off Season. Readers will not
want to miss this one. Realistic Fiction
Ro Becker
Gilbert Murdock, Catherine. Front and Center. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-618-95982-2. 272p.
$16.00. Gr. 9+.
The final book in the Diary Queen trilogy is humorous and touching. This story is about D.J. Schwenk, an athletic girl who
plays football for her school’s team. At the beginning of the book D.J. is happy to think she is “returning to the background
of life. Where no one would really notice me or talk about me or even talk to me…” As it turns out the people in her life have
other plans for her. How she handles all of this makes for an enjoyable read. Every girl will be able to relate to D.J. and the
Schwenk family of Red Bend. Teen Story
Katherine T. 10th grade student
Godbersen, Anna. Envy. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. 978-0-134572-2. 405 p. $17.99. Gr. 9+.
Third in a series of four projected novels in the Luxe series, this novel moves some of the action to Palm Beach Florida, where the
reader can “winter” along with the rich and fashionable of New York City. All the delicious social intrigues and scandals that have
attracted readers to the series are present, but the reader will get to know the characters more in depth, and will eagerly await the final
novel, Splendor. Period details and juicy plot lines make this an enjoyable chick lit read. Story and time lines will appeal more to
older readers. Historical Fiction, Romance
Pat Naismith
Going, K.L. King of the Screwups: A Novel. Boston: Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-15-206258-3. 320p. $17.00. Gr. 9-12.
Liam Geller is the son of a world-famous model and a well-known businessman. Liam screws up everything; he acts out so much that
his dad throws him out of the house. Liam then moves in with his cross-dressing uncle, “Aunt Pete,” in a trailer park in a tiny town.
He strives to become someone his father would like: someone who enjoys academics and is not fashionable or popular. He begins this
process by joining the AV club. Liam even screws up trying to not be popular. I love the five older men in this book who try to help
Liam fulfill his potential, but not in the way his father is thinking. High school boys would love this book, though they might not
admit it! Realistic fiction
Toni Vahlsing
Golds, Cassandra. The Museum of Mary Child. Tulsa: Kane Miller, 2009. 978-1-935279-13-6. 329p. $16.99. Gr. 6-12.
Ten year-old Heloise lives with her cold, strict godmother next door to The Museum of Mary Child, from which they make their
living. When Heloise finds a forbidden doll (playing is a waste of time) she experiences love for the first time, and chooses to run
away instead of giving it up. Friendly birds lead Heloise to the home of Old Mother, who takes in orphans. They also introduce her to
a young man in prison, Sebastian, who not only knows Mary Child, he actually carved the doll that Heloise loves so much. When
Heloise learns the truth, she returns to her godmother and releases the enchantment held in the museum. Her godmother is actually
Mary Child, bitter after being abandoned as a child in the mad house because of her ability to bring inanimate objects to life. Heloise
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discovers that she is one of Mary Child’s creations. Meanwhile, Sebastian escapes from the prison and turns out to be the long missing
Prince. The doll is his proof of identity. Mystery
Michelle Stone
Gonzalez, Ann. Running for my Life. Lodi, New Jersey: West Side Books, 2009. 977-1-934813-00-3. 237p. $16.95. Gr 8-10.
Andrea McKane, a14-year-old girl, must deal with the mental illness of her mother. When her mother is hospitalized for
schizophrenia, Andrea relies on her father, close friend Margie, and her newfound interest in running to come to grips with her pain
and fear. As any teen would question, she wonders what life will be like when her mother returns, and whether her mental illness runs
in the family. A realistic portrayal of the difficulty of having a parent who is mentally ill, this book offers students an empathetic view
into the life of a teen coming to terms with the sickness of a parent. Realistic
Bekci Kelly
Goobie, Beth. Ni un día más. Custer, WA: Orca, 2009. 978-1-55469-137-1. 106p. $9.95. Gr. 8-12. Spanish Language
Fifteen-year-old Diana is a rebellious teen who does not get along well with her parents and their many rules. Her brother, a
paraplegic, offers to have her move in with him. She does, and through conversations and experiences with him, Diana
matures and gets her life back on track. This is a good high-low reading selection for Spanish speaking students and Spanish
language learners in a very high language level (4 or above).
Realistic, Coming of Age
Jamie Rongione, Sandy Run MS, Spanish Teacher
Grant, Michael. Hunger. New York: HarperTeen, 2009. 978-0-06-144906-2. 509p. $17.99. Gr. 7+.
Second in a series of six projected novels, this novel continues the story begun in Gone. Not only do the residents of Perdido Beach
have to deal with mutating animals, superpowers, and Sam’s evil twin, Caine, a new evil, The Darkness, is also infiltrating the minds
of the teens and children left after the events in the first novel (everyone over the age of 14 has disappeared). A frightening look at a
dystopian society. Lord of the Flies with added supernatural evil forces. A problem with the novel, which is otherwise gripping and
engaging, is that the introduction is not enough to set the stage. Readers must read Gone before embarking on this sequel. They will
not understand the complexities of the dilemma facing Sam and the other children of the FAYZ. Science Fiction. Pat Naismith
Gratz, Alan. The Brooklyn Nine. NY: Dial, 2009. 978-0-8037-3224-7. 300p. $16.99. Gr.6-10.
Gratz uses baseball to tell the story of nine generations of the Schneider/Snider family. The first inning is the story of Felix Schneider
newly immigrated to America and a fan of the New York Knickerbockers. Each inning takes the reader through the history of America
and baseball. In the 1920’s female math whiz Frankie, runs numbers, manages to outwit her bosses with the help of a baseball
reporter, during World War II, Kat Snider is a star in the All-American Girl’s Baseball League and today Snider Flint is on track to
pitch his first perfect game, maybe. This is an interesting look at American history through baseball. Baseball, American History,
Immigrant families
Sandra Krieg
Green, Tim. Football Champ. NY: HarperCollins, 2009. 978-0-0616-2689-0. 280 p. $16.99. Gr. 4-9.
In this sequel to Football Genius, Troy White is still calling plays behind the scenes for the Atlanta Falcons. Only now a reporter,
Brent Peele is trying to accuse Troy of stealing other teams plays and to smear the Falcons because of a grudge against their star
linebacker, Seth Hathaway. Seth noticed Troy’s unique skill at reading defenses and calling plays when he started dating Troy’s
mom. When Peele can’t get to Troy, he accuses Seth of steroid use and finds a doctor to lie for him. Troy and his friends set out to
prove Peele wrong. Tim Green, a former Atlanta Falcon linebacker, has again written a fast-action, sports adventure that will appeal
to middle school boys and older reluctant readers. You don’t have to read the first story to enjoy this title.
Football, Adventure
Sandra Krieg
Griffin, Adele. V is for…Vampire: A Vampire Island Story. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2009. 978-0-39925-277-8. 128p.
$14.99. Gr. 3-8.
When vampires are all the rage, this book brings colorful personality with jovial situations in another installment of the Vampire
Island Stories. Lexie Livingstone and her family are vampires trying to make a non-vampire go of it in modern day society. Lexie,
might actually be the first vampire to run for 9 th grade president. Now only if she can deal with the two pixies that are her
houseguests, her werewolf friends new “other” friend and a smear campaign against the cool-girl Mina. Fun situations and zany
characters abound in this book. Fiction, juvenile literature
Jason Epstein
Griffin, Paul. The Orange Houses. New York: Dial Books, 2009. 978-0-8037-3346-6. 147p. Gr. 10-12.
At fifteen, Tamika (Mik) Sykes has had her share of a difficult life: hearing loss from an illness at five years old, living in a tough
Bronx neighborhood, defending herself in school. She chooses to tune the world out. Mik is guided to maturity with the help of Jimmy
Sixes and Fatima, two social outcasts, misjudged by society. This book could be used to teach character development. Fiction,
Realistic
Jill Toye
Grossman, Lev. The Magicians: A Novel. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-02055-3. 402p. $26.95. Gr. 11-Adult.
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Quentin Coldwater uses his intellect and talents to get into and do quite well at the Brakebills College of Magical Pedagogy, where he
adopts collegiate speech and vocabulary (4-letter words), works hard, masters a new discipline, and finds friendship, love, and sex (not
explicitly described). After graduating a 5-year program in 4 years, he and some friends live a hedonistic life of drinking and partying
in New York City and then find entry into Fillory, the land of his favorite childhood fantasy series, where he discovers that coping
with the new settings, events, and characters in Fillory is quite different from reading fantasy fiction and practicing magic in college.
Grossman, a book critic for Time with degrees in comparative literature, moves beyond Oz, Narnia, and Harry Potter, and he inserts
the mature and reflective views of several characters, including Quentin with his regrets, throughout the work: magic can be a force
for good, evil, and unintended consequences; you can’t escape who you are and your character; you can’t escape reality by opting out
or leading an empty life ~ you have to deal with it as it is; and you have to have a purpose in order to find happiness. Well-written
with culturally literate references, some humor, very creative wizardry, and flawed human and fantasy characters, this novel is
ultimately a reality check for fantasy lovers.Fantasy, Coming of Age, College students
Eleanor Howe
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Sent. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009. 978-1-41695-422-4. 313p.
$13.59. Gr. 5+.
This is the second book in The Missing series and continues right where the first book, Found, left off. Chip, Jonah, and Alex are
three young boys who have discovered that they are missing children from history, kidnapped from their real time periods. When a
time purist named JB tries to send Alex and Chip back to the fifteenth century where they were stolen from, Jonah and his sister,
Katherine, grab Chip’s arms just as they are transported into the past. The group is slammed into fifteenth century, where Chip is
really Edward V, king of England, and Alex is his younger brother Richard, Duke of York. Both boys are in extreme danger because
their uncle, Richard of Gloucester, wants them killed so he can seize the crown for himself, which is why the two were kidnapped in
the first place. The four kids struggle as they, with JB’s help, try to save the princes’ lives without changing too much of the past.
Science Fiction
Melissa Daugherty
Hahn, Mary Downing. All the Lovely Bad Ones. New York: Clarion Books, 2008. 978-0-618-85467-7. 182p. $16.00. Gr. 5-8.
Corey and Travis's parents have decided to send them to Fox Hill, their grandmother's inn, for the summer. With no organized
activities like summer camp, the two are very excited about spending their days swimming and relaxing. Their interest is peaked
when guests start talking about ghosts. Grandmother refuses to believe the stories, but Travis and his sister begin to do a little
scheming. An innocuous prank won't do much harm but would surely boost the number of guests staying at the inn and improve
business for grandmother. How could two imprudent children realize that such an innocent little trick would awaken something so
dark and evil. Now Corey and Travis must find a way to undo the terror that has been unleashed. Filled with suspense and
malevolent evils, readers will be quite satisfied with this sinister tale. Mystery/Horror
Christine Massey
Hahn, Mary Downing. All the Lovely Bad Ones. New York: Clarion, 2008. 978-0-618-85467-7. 182p. $16.00. Gr. 4-7.
When adventurous siblings, 12-year-old Travis and 11-year-old, Corey, spend the summer at their grandmother’s inn in
Vermont, they discover that it was once a popular tourist destination for guests seeking a ghostly encounter. The two play a
prank to pretend the ghosts are back and inadvertently wake the dormant spirits. They eventually have to learn what the ghost
children want and exorcise the evil spirit that torments them in death as it did in life, when the inn was a work farm for poor
families. Horror, Ghost Stories
Suzanne Maslowski, Sandy Run MS Teacher
Hale, Shannon and Dean. Calamity Jack. New York: Bloomsbury, 2010. 978-1-59990-076-6. 144p. $14.99. Gr. 5-8.
Jack is back with a devious new attitude and a motley crew of friends. Still using his magic beans, Jack hatches a plan to help his
mother while underhandedly displacing Blunderboar, the giant tycoon. When things don't go accordingly, Jack skips town to save his
life, figuring his mother will be better off without him. Heading into the Wild West, Jack meets up with Rapunzel and decides to
change his crafty ways. As this new duo heads back to the city to rescue Jack's mom, they need to concoct a plan to destroy
Blunderboar's ant people and bring down the giant's empire. Based on the original “Jack and the Beanstalk”, this new rendition is
filled with witty dialogue and friendly bantering as a new cast of heroes grapple with the bad guys. Nathan Hale's illustrations enrich
the story and take the reader on an adventure that spans the western frontier only to return again to the big-time city.
Graphic Novel
Christine Massey
Hale, Shannon. Forest Born. New York: Bloomsbury, 2009. 978-1-59990-167-1. 389p. $17.99. Gr. 7+.
Teenage Rin comes to the forefront in this 4th installment in the Bayern series, discovering and commanding her power of treespeaking. While it stands alone as an entity in and of itself, providing a thrilling and delightful tale, it incorporates characters from the
earlier tales (Goose Girl, Enna Burning and River Secrets) and provides an excellent addition to the series. The kind of multi-layered
and luminous tale that readers expect from Hale. They will not be disappointed. Fantasy.
Pat Naismith
Halpern, Jake and Peter Kujawinski. Dormia. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0547-07665-2. 506 p. $17.00. Gr. 7+.
In World’s End, Minnesota Alfonso Perplexon often wakes up in the top of a massive pine tree. Awake he would not dare such a feat,
but asleep he can do the mot incredible things. A stranger claiming to be his long lost uncle, Hill, arrives with an explanation.
Alfonso is destined to be the Great Sleeper who will bring the special plant (somewhat akin to the tree of life) to save the last city in
Dormia, a kingdom in the Urals. Off they go into a fantastic adventure through some rough and rugged parts of the perilous North to
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save Dormia from the villainous Nartam and his Dragoonyan horde. Alfonso learns much about his heritage and his fantastic wakeful
sleeping talents. The start is a bit slow as the authors set the scene, but once on the quest the action is lively and dangerous. Halpern
and Kujawinski have indeed created an interesting world. Expect a sequel as the villains seem to have escaped!
Fantasy; adventure
Jeannie Bellavance
Hartry, Nancy. Watching Jimmy. Toronto, Canada: Tundra Books, 2009. 978-0-88776-871-2. 152p. $16.95. Gr. 5-8.
This charming little tale that takes place in 1958 Canada will still resonate with today’s young adult readers. Engagingly told
through the eyes of an empathetic eleven year old girl, Watching Jimmy tells the tale of the girl’s challenges in caring for her
brain-damaged friend while dealing with issues of poverty and prohibitive healthcare costs, all the while harboring a terrible
secret that impacts all in her life. The narrator displays wit and pluck that will keep the reader engaged throughout the book.
Recommended, Realistic Fiction.
Peter Olsho, Springfield Township Middle School
Headley, Justina Chen. North of Beautiful. New York: Little, Brown, 2009. 978-0-316-02505-8. 373p. $16.99. Gr. 8-11.
Born with a port-wine stain on her face, Terra has learned to cover herself up; she has taken control of her looks by exercising 2 hours
every day, perfecting makeup application, etc. Terra has both a best friend and a boyfriend; however, neither really knows her. The
dysfunction in those relationships pales in comparison to the relationships at home; Terra’s father lives a miserable life and makes sure
everyone in his home mirrors his mood. Terra’s mom has lost her self esteem completely and Terra finds herself speaking to her
mother in similar ways to those she detests coming from her father. Early in the novel, Terra accidentally hits the car of a young boy
her age. The boy and his mother befriend Terra and her mother and help to restore their lives. Justina Chen Headley presents a
beautiful novel where each character is well developed and life lessons linger long past turning the final page.
Realistic Fiction
Karen Hornberger
Headley, Justina Chen. North of Beautiful. New York: Little, Brown, 2009. 978-0-316-02505-8. 373p. $16.99 Gr. 9-12.
This book had a very good message woven through its pages: truly beautiful was vastly different than just being physically beautiful.
The main character of the story, Terra Cooper, was a talented budding artist, had a beautiful body and face, except for the wine
colored birthmark that covered almost half of her face. Terra was always thinking about what other people thought of it. She was
always trying to hide it with make up or with her hair styled so it fell over the side of her face. Added to this misery, she lived in a
household dominated by a mean father who criticized anyone in his line of vision. He created misery for every member of the family.
He criticized and sniped at his wife and she became a compulsive overeater who cringed at any comment directed towards her. One
of her brothers left home, went to college, and then went to China to work to be as far away from his father as he could. The other
brother had a history of scars on his body since he had an "accident" and hurt himself, trying to divert his father's mean comments
away from his mother. He also left home. Terra’s brother invites his mom and Terra to China for a visit. They both escape the
father's domination and go along with another mom and son, called Jacob. Jacob also has a scar on his face from having a hare lip as a
child and having surgery to fix it. Together in China, Jacob shows Terra how to live without thinking first of the birthmark. He shows
Terra by example after example how she should meet the stares of on-lookers with a smile and be open with them. The message
finally hits home when Terra visits an orphanage in China and sees a little girl with a birthmark on her own little face and how this
youngster hides and shows she is ashamed. Terra reaches out to the little girl hoping to change her outlook. In reality, she changes
her own outlook and realizes Jacob's message- truly being beautiful comes from the inside. Fiction, Birthmarks BJ Neary
Hegedus, Bethany. Between Us Baxters. Lodi, NJ: West Side Books, 2009. 978-1-934813-02-7. 306p. $17.95. Grades 7-12.
Polly Baxter, a poor white girl, experiences social bullying from other white girls in her small town of Holcolm, Georgia in 1959. Her
best friend is Timbre Ann Bigs, the older and wealthier black niece of her mother’s friend and co-worker, Henrietta, who also helped
raise her mother. This is a story of Polly’s awareness first of the tensions, differences of opinions, love, hate, and loyalty within her
own family and then of the larger social issues and conflicts surrounding interracial friendships in Jim Crow Georgia after the 1954
Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that reactivated the KKK and Citizens Councils in often violent attempts to
prevent integration in the schools. Cataclysmic events force members of both Polly’s and Timbre Ann’s families to take positions and
act on their values, to find or lose integrity, and to support or abandon friends. Told in the first person from Polly’s point of view, the
writing is simple, but the characters are complex and the issues are challenging in this story of the dangers of gossip, hatred, and
revenge and the importance of loyalty, courage, and positive role models in shaping a community as well as individual lives.
Adolescents, Family life, Segregation, Interracial friendship, Georgia, 1950s
Eleanor Howe
Helgerson, Joseph. Crows and Cards. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-618-88395-0.344 p. $16. Gr. 7-12.
Set in1849 St. Louis, Zeb Crabtree is sent off on a riverboat to apprentice as a tanner. However, he becomes tied up with a
riverboat gambler by the name of Chilly Larpenteur. It is an entertaining story with an interesting cast of characters. The
dictionary provided at the end of the book may be useful for clarifying some of the words and phrases used by the author.
Further reading suggestions are included. Historical
David Mancini, SRMS English Teacher
Hemphill, Michael and Sam Riddleburger. Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run. New York: Dial, 2009.
978-0-8037-3179-0. 176p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
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Not surprisingly, 12 year-old Stonewall’s parents are Civil War buffs. The family frequently participates in battle reenactments where
Stonewall reluctantly portrays the bugle boy for the Confederate Army. When he forgets his bugle, Stonewall borrows one from a
salesman, Tom. As soon as Stonewall plays the battle charge, he is transported back in time, into the midst of the actual Battle of Bull
Run. When he is safe enough to read Tom’s instructions, Stonewall discovers he must stop another time traveler, Mr. Dupree, from
changing the outcome of the war. With the help of Ash, Dupree’s daughter, Stonewall succeeds, and they all return to the present.
Tom, he discovers, is actually Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate Army General. Stonewall now understands the importance of
remembering the past. Historical
Michelle Stone
Hemphill, Michael and Riddleburger, Sam. Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run. New York: Dial Books for
Young Readers, 2009. 978-0-8037-3179-0. 176p. $16.99. Gr. 5-7.
This book is a mixture of fantasy and historical fiction concerning the Civil War. Stonewall Hinkleman is a normal, GameBoy-loving,
12-year-old who has to accompany his parents most weekends in Civil War reenactments. He resents this, but goes along, and has the
“job” of a bugler. He forgets his bugle on the weekend of the Battle of Bull Run reenactment, and gets another one from a vendor.
This turns out to be a magic bugle, and Stonewall is transported to the actual Battle of Bull Run. There he sees the horrors of war and
learns a great deal about the Civil War. Stonewall’s whole attitude changes in this amusing, fast-paced novel.
Fiction/Historical
Jill Toye
Hendrix, John. John Brown His Fight for Freedom. New York: Abrams Books, 2009. 978-0-8109-3798-7. 40p. $18.95.
Gr. 3-6.
This book makes history interesting! While admittedly taking some liberal license with some parts of the story, Hendrix does a great
job of delivering a vivid picture of John Brown and his abolitionist fight. With fun, stylized illustrations and clear, easy to read text,
this book will quickly draw in young readers. One of the greatest conventions of this particular book is the way the author and
illustrator have merged the text into the illustrations, almost making the words part of the artwork, almost allowing the reader to
become part of the story. Historical Fiction, Juvenile literature
Jason Epstein
Hepler, Heather. The Cupcake Queen. New York: Dutton, 2009. 978-0-525-42157-3. 242p. $16.99. Gr. 6-9.
The Cupcake Queen is a “sweet” story about Penny, an average teen girl living in New York City. She gets huge news; she is
moving to Hogs Hallow so her mother can open a cupcake shop. She absolutely despises this new life, and manages to get on
the bad side of Charity, the most popular girl in town, before school even starts. How will she survive? With the help of her
partner in crime, Tally, Penny might just get the boy, and defeat Charity. She soon comes to respect the RPS, befriend a
strange bird, and see the whole universe, so when the choice comes to leave, will she? Realistic Fiction Annie B., STMS
Hepler, Heather. The Cupcake Queen. New York: Dutton, 2009. 978-0-525-42157-3. 242p. $16.99. Gr. 7+.
Life is quite different for Penny when her Mom moves her from Manhattan to the small town of Hog’s Hollow to open up a cupcake
bakery. How will she get along without her old friends and where is her Dad? Why didn’t he come with them? To make matters worse
Penny caters one of the most popular girl’s birthday parties and causes a major cupcake disaster. Now she is a social outcast. But all is
not lost. She meets a new friend named Tally and there Marcus, a cute boy who she keeps running into on the beach. Life is beginning
to make a turn for the better when Penny’s parents ask her to make a major decision. This book is fun and entertaining.
Nora Neumann
Herrick, Steven. Cold Skin. Honesdale, PA: Front Street, 2009. 978-1-59078-572-0. 279p. $18.95 Gr. 9-12.
Cold Skin is a novel in verse that takes place after World War II in a mining town in Barruga, Australia. The story is told from many
different characters points of view. Most of the men in Barruga have come back from the war, Albert Holden drove a truck but did not
fight during the war, something of which he is not proud. Mayor Paley never went to war and Jack O'Connor saw too much fighting.
Albert's sons, Eddie and Larry, couldn't be more different. Eddie is ridiculed by his teacher in school and wants to work in the mines.
His father refused to go back down in the mines (won't entertain Eddie working in the mines either and now does manual labor on
someone else's farm. Larry Holden loves learning, and sees it as a way out of their dead-end town. Both Father and his son Larry,
enjoy drinking too much, as do many of the other men in town on Friday evenings after a tough week. It is on one of these Friday
nights, that a young sixteen-year-old girl is missing and later found dead. Every man in Barruga is suspect and the spare verse by
Herrick, paints of picture of revenge, cowardice, and twisted justice while also probing the friendship of Eddie and Sallie as it slowly
becomes love. Fiction – Novels in Verse, Murder
BJ Neary
Hiatt, Shelby. Panama. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-547-19600-8. 250p. $16.00. Gr. 10-12.
It is 1910, and a fifteen-year-old girl with a bold spirit has a longing for adventure which cannot be fulfilled in staid Dayton, Ohio.
Her dreams are about to be realized when her father is commissioned by the U.S. Government to assist with the construction of the
Panama Canal. Her hopes are dashed, however, when she arrives in Panama to discover that the communities created for the
American workers and their families are replicas of those back home. Her quest for excitement leads the young narrator into an affair
with a handsome Spanish digger. There is not an abundance of fiction with this historical backdrop, and this book is an interesting
and enlightening treatment of the event. Recommended for mature high school readers. Historical Fiction
Patricia Fischer
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Hoag, Tami . Deeper Than the Dead New York: Penguin. 2010. 978-0-525-95130-8. 421p. $26.95. Gr. 11+.
The setting of this thrilling book by well-known author Tami Hoag, is the quiet town of Oak Knoll, CA where nothing ever
seems to happen. That is until the day four children find a female body in the woods. Whose body is it? Who killed this
woman? These are the questions that FBI agent Vince Leone must answer. As the case progresses we are thrust into the lives
of many different characters including a school teacher, the children who found the body and Vince Leone himself. We
observe several points of view from various aspects of the case including the victim and the killer. Suspenseful, frightening,
and graphic at some points, this book leaves the reader turning the page as quickly as possible.
Fiction/Mystery
K. Toll – 10th grade student
Hoban Julia. Willow. New York: Dial Books. 2009. 978-0-8037-3356-5. 336p. $16.99. Gr. 9-12.
Sixteen-year-old Willow drives her parents home after they have too much to drink at a party. The car crashes and both of her parents
are killed. Willow feels responsible and her life changes dramatically. She has to now live with her brother, and switch schools; her
entire teenage life has been turned upside-down. She feels that by cutting herself, she can alleviate the pain. This is a great read for
teenage girls. Fiction/Death/ Teen
Jill Toye
Holder, Nancy. Possessions. New York: Razorbill, 2009. 978-1-59514-255-9. 320p. $9.99. Gr. 9-12.
Lindsay is the new girl at Marlwood Academy for Girls, which is a haunted boarding school. Lindsay’s mom died and Lindsay is
trying to get away from her troubles back home and is starting fresh at the Academy. She quickly realizes she has traded one set of
problems for another. Mandy is the beautiful, popular girl that Lindsay knows she should not trust, but others do. Lindsay sees
Mandy and her friends doing strange things as well as witnessing their eyes turn black. Someone-or something wants someone dead,
but who? This book is a real page turner that cannot be put down. Fiction/Teenage Life
Jill Toye
Holmes, Elizabeth. Trackdown Summer. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2009. 978-0-525-47946-8. 248p. $17.99.
Gr. 5-8.
Twelve year old Jake’s parents are divorcing and there is so much animosity between them that when he sees his dad for the first time
in a year, his mother pulls in the driveway and does not even get out of the car. She lets Jake walk into the shabby cottage by himself.
The cottage is right next to the train tracks and every time a train goes by his dad’s house, the house shakes so much it wakes him up.
He meets Adrian and Alllie who live on the same street. Adrian is fourteen and sometimes becomes violent. Jake is never allowed in
Adrian’s house and is very confused by this. He and Allie try to figure out why this could be. Jake learns the true meaning of
friendship.
Fiction/Divorce/Teenage Life
Jill Toye
Hopkins, Ellen. Tricks. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009. 978-1-41695-007-3. 627p. $18.99. Gr. 10+.
Hopkins is well known for tackling tough subjects in unvarnished form in her free verse novels. This story in five voices is no
exception. Five teens, with problems as varied as abuse, homosexuality and death of a parent, are drawn together in the gritty reality
of prostitution in Las Vegas. Realistic, at times graphic, this story is definitely for older readers who can handle realistic sexual
situations. As usual, Hopkins fans will grab this off the shelves. Realistic Fiction/Novels in Verse
Pat Naismith.
Horowitz, Anthony. Alex Rider: Crocodile Tears. New York: Philomel Books, 2009. 978-0-399-25056-9. 388p. Gr. 6-12.
Fourteen-year-old Alex Rider once again finds himself working for the British Secret Service M16. This time, Mr. Blunt asks him to
check out the Greefields Bio Center, involved in GM technology. In typical breakneck speed, which is Horowitz style, Alex needs to
save the world again. In this action packed novel Alex Rider fans will once again enjoy going for the ride. Newcomers to the series
will search out the earlier book in the series. Fiction/Adventure
Jill Toye
Hostetter, Joyce. Comfort. Honesdale: Calkins Creek, 2009. 978-1-59078-606-2. 306p. $17.95 . Gr. 8-12.
In this historical fiction novel, Ann Fay is home from a polio hospital and her father has returned from serving in World War II. Ann
Fay is struggling with her polio and is uncomfortable returning to school and friends where she is held back a year due to her illness.
She has heavy clanking leg braces and some of the kids make fun of her. At the same time her father is struggling from post war
trauma and life is upside down in the household. Then Ann Fay is given the opportunity to go to Warm Springs, Georgia for some
advanced therapy for her polio. This is where President Roosevelt spent much time and he is Ann Fay’s hero. However, her stay is
shortened when troubles continue at home and she must return there to help out. A story of family struggles in the rural south during
World War II. This is a sequel to Blue but can stand on its own. Family Problems, World War II
Susan Krenicky
Hubbard, Jennifer. The Secret Year. New York: Viking, 2010. 978-0670011537. 208p. $16.99. Gr. 9+.
This is a classic story of forbidden love between two modern-day teenagers, and the struggle to keep their love a secret,
especially after the sudden death of the girl, Julia. Hubbard’s short novel describes both the year before and the year after
Julia’s death, and the effects it has on her secret love, Colt. This book’s complex characters and branching story line will
keep readers entertained throughout the story. Many teenagers can relate to this book, even if they haven’t had a secret lover
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or lost someone special, as Hubbard’s characters truly epitomize American teenagers. The Secret Year is a great novel which
many, young or old, will love. Teen Story/Romance
Anna S. 10th grade, STHS
Huntley, Amy. The Everafter. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2009. 978-0-06-177679-3. 244p. $14.44. Gr. 7-12.
Death is not exactly how Maddy Stanton thought it would be. Instead of fluffy clouds and golden gates, the seventeen year old finds
that she is reliving key moments of her life through items she lost back when she was alive. Every lost item, her boyfriend’s
sweatshirt, a bracelet, a cell phone, a hair clip, all take Maddy back to a pivotal moment that somehow changed her life. As Maddy
realizes how to connect with other spirits and change bits of her life, she discovers the tragic story of just how she died. Fantasy
Melissa Daugherty
Ibbotson, Eva. The Reluctant Heiress. New York: Speak, 2009. 978-0-14-241277-0. 325p. $9.99. Gr. 9-12.
In the years immediately after World War I, Tessa loves working backstage as an unpaid jill-of-all-trades for the opera company, and
she has taken great pains to hide her real identity as the impoverished Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. When dashing and
handsome Guy Farne buys Pfaffenstein Castle for his new fiancée, Tessa thinks all her problems are solved --- until she meets him and
they fall in love. Very well-written, with great atmosphere, this romance novel will be a hit, even with non-genre fans interested in the
place and the period. Fans of Anne Osterlund will also love this one. Romance/Historical Fiction
Nancy Chrismer
Ignatow, Amy. The Popularity Papers. New York: Amulet Books, 2010. 978-0-8109-8421-9. 205p. $19.95. Gr. 4-7.
Best friends Lydia and Julie start a journal as they begin fifth grade with the intention of understanding and improving their popularity
by the time they enter junior high. The girls write and illustrate their thoughts and observations of classmates while the drama of their
friendship makes this a page turner. The story concludes with the girls meeting new friends, pursuing new interests, and appreciating
their families. The unusual format uses various large handwritten fonts in multiple colors with color pencil drawings throughout to
give it the appearance of an actual journal. It is not an issue in the story, but Julie has two dads. Realistic
Michelle Stone
Jay, Stacey. You Are so Undead to Me. New York: Razorbill, 2009. 978-1595142252. 272p. $8.99. Gr. 7-10.
This novel begins as teenager, Megan Berry, is excitedly preparing for a date. Instead, what shows up at the door is a zombie. Megan
hasn’t put zombies back to rest since she was ten years old and forgets all protocol. There is no relaxed re-training for Megan as her
life and lives of those she cares about keep becoming jeopardized. When all the facts are analyzed, it appears as if someone is trying
to ruin the homecoming dance – but that would be crazy – wouldn’t it? This fun little romp through fantasy will be engaged by many
students and is the beginning of a new series by Stacey Jay. Stacey Jay writes in a voice that will easily speak to teenagers looking for
an adventurous read. Fantasy
Karen Hornberger
Jennings, Richard. Ghost Town. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009, 978-0-547-19471-4 165 p. $16.00. Gr. 6-9.
Spencer Adams Honest is the last kid in Paisley, Kansas. Other than his mother his only companion is his make believe friend, Chief
Leopard Frog. Isolated and lonely and “home schooled” Spencer wanders around town taking in the “sights” and making comments
about the state of modern society. Never a cultural center Paisley has been dying for years with the advent of Wal-Mart, super
highways, and loss of jobs overseas Oddly though this is not a story of failure. It is fantasy pure and simple. Not only does Spencer
has the usual teenage boy fantasies about the girl next door (actually she has moved to Kansas City), but the reader will have to
suspend belief to enjoy this very funny story. The change comes when Spencer receives a mail order catalog, Uncle Milton’s
Thousand Things You Never Thought You Needed. How does this catalog, his hand carved amulet, poetry, and an ambitious reported
make Spencer savior of Paisley? Business enterprises; humorous stories; ghost towns
Jeannie Bellavance
Jinks, Catherine. The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Boston: Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-15-206609-3. 368p. $17.00. Gr. 6+.
A fun look at vampires and werewolves set in Sydney, Australia. A support group for vampires meets every Tuesday night in a local
church. These vampires live off of guinea pig blood and supplements. Nina is stuck in a fifteen-year-old body and writes vampire
fiction to make a living. She wishes she were like the heroine of her books, but she hasn’t been out of her neighborhood in 30 years.
When one member of the support group is murdered by an anti-vampire fanatic, she reluctantly takes on a more adventurous role.
Your vampire fans will enjoy this one, though it is very different than Twilight! Fantasy
Toni Vahlsing
Johnson, Peter. Loserville. Honesdale, PA: Front Street, 2009. 978-1-59078-581-2. 150p. $17.95. Gr. 8-12.
Loserville is a cautionary tale about a group of teens dealing with typical adolescent disagreements and misunderstandings on
their way to adulthood. Throw in a reality show that sensationalizes “losers” and exploits their families and the result could
be tragic. There is plenty of hanging out, playing pool, watching TV – but are the kids watching out for each other? Teens
may gain an appreciation for speaking up and reaching out when they see something out of sync with a friend. “We should
have seen this coming,” is a sad, sad statement. Recommended, Realistic Fiction
Peter Olsho, Springfield Township Middle School
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Kate, Lauren. Fallen. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. 978-0-385-73893-4. 464p. $17.99. Gr. 8-12.
Fallen grabs the mystery lover's attention straight away with the promise of an exciting adventure. Lucinda Price is a troubled
girl. Throughout her life she's haunted by shadows only she can see. What terrifies her most is whenever they appear,
unspeakable tragedy occurs. Like the death of her first date, Trevor. Because Lucinda does not remember the details of the
night in question, she is forced to leave her fancy private boarding school and attend the court appointed Sword and Cross
Reformatory. The gothic style concrete buildings, dead lawn, and thick double doors, "reek of death." The whole depressing
scene is made worse when she has to forfeit her cell phone. Cut off from all outside contact, including her parents, Lucinda
is forced to rely on the other "crazy" students. They each respond to her very differently but it's the beautiful dark haired,
green eyed Daniel Grigori that catches her attention. Lucinda immediately feels an unexplainable draw to Daniel and the
strong feeling that she knows him from somewhere. This is a love story featuring fallen angels and intriguing characters that
keep Lucinda guessing as she tries to figure out her role among them. Romantic Fantasy
Kristina D'Amore, Librarian North Hills Library (UD)
Katchum, Liza. Newsgirl. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-01119-3. 327p. $17.99. Gr. 5-8.
In 1851, Amelia moves to California, yet soon she learns, with a population of mostly men, things may be even worse for
women than in Boston. She decides no matter what people may say she plans to sell newspapers. Through her pursuit of this
job, she has many problems, ideas, and adventures, the whole time knowing that women are just as good as men. This girl
power book is a must read for middle school girls everywhere, and a positive book, that is historical fiction too. Well written,
with unique characters, this book is definitely a page turner! Historical Fiction
Elizabeth A., STMS
Kate, Lauren. The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove. New York: Razorbill, 2009. 978-1-5951-4265-8. 235p. $9.99. Gr. 9-12.
Natalie has come a long way from her white-trash roots, and is now part of the in-crowd and about to be named Palmetto Princess, her
lifelong goal. Her boyfriend Mike is going to be the Palmetto Prince, and they will have a perfect reign. But fate has a way of
intervening, and when Natalie and Mike take a drunken Justin Balmer, Natalie’s nemesis, away from a party, things get out of hand.
Natalie thinks that they are just playing a joke on J.B., but when he is dead by the next morning, Natalie and Mike find their lives
tragically changed forever. Teen Story
Nancy Chrismer
Kate, Lauren. Fallen. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. 978-0-385-73893-4. 452p. $15.29. Gr. 8-12.
After being involved in mysterious incident that left a teenage boy dead, Luce has been sent to Sword & Cross boarding school in
Savannah, Georgia. Luce has issues with seeing foreboding shadows that seem to mean her harm, but after meeting some of her new
classmates she realizes that no one at Sword & Cross is quite normal. Immediately she finds herself caught between two devastatingly
handsome boys, the clever Cam who cherishes her every move and the brooding Daniel with whom she feels an instant connection
with but is strangely hostile towards her. Things begin to heat up as Luce researches Daniel’s past when realizes she cannot deny the
sense of déjà vu she feels when he touches her. As secrets are violently revealed, Luce finds herself the center of a battle between
good and evil, and both sides are willing to kill for her. Fantasy.
Melissa Daugherty
Khan, Rukshana. Wanting Mor. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2009. 978-0-88899-858-3. 190 p. Gr. 7-10
Growing up in a poor Afghan village Jameela does not seem to have a promising future. She cannot go to school, she was born with a
cleft palate, and most of her relatives have been wiped out it the war. Although her mother (Mor) has died she imparted her faith and
wisdom to Jameela. Jameela’s father (Baba) drags her away from all she has known to Kabul where after marrying woman who is
rich, he abandon’s Jameela. Sent to an orphanage, Jameela’s true strength shows as her faith sustains her. This compelling story
broadens the reader’s view of the culture in Afghanistan and religion. Afghan War; Girls, Afghanistan; Orphanages
Jeannie Bellavance
Khan, Rukhsana. Wanting Mor. Toronto, Groundwood Books, 2009. 978-0-8889-9858-3. 190p. $17.95. Gr. 5-8.
Set after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, this novel is based on a true incident that shows how children suffer during a war.
Jameela’s mother dies during the night and her father remarries within a month. Her stepmother treats her as a servant and then
decides that Jameela must leave when the stepmother’s son takes an interest in Jameela. Her father leaves her in the market in Kabul.
Fotunately, a kindly butcher arranges for her to go to the orphanage where she has her cleft lip repaired, attends school and becomes a
help to those running the school. When her father discovers she is working as a teacher at the orphanage and can earn money, he
suddenly leaves his wife and wants Jameela to go away with him and support him. Jameela has discovered her worth and realizes that
a father should take care of his child not the other way around. This is a heartbreaking story with a positive ending that shows there are
good people working for change in a part of the world where women and girls are undervalued.
Afghanistan, Girls, Orphanages, Coming of Age, Multi-cultural
Sandra Krieg
Kibuishi, Kazu. Copper. New York: Scholastic, 2010. 978-0-545-09892-2. 95p. $21.99. Gr. 6-9.
A collection of comics previously published online, featuring a young adventurous boy, Copper, and his fearful dog, Fred. The stories
are imaginative but more contemplative and subdued than many graphic novels. The color and graphics are excellent. The final
chapter demonstrates the process Kazu uses to create his comics, with drawing tips for aspiring authors. Graphic Novel
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Michelle Stone
Kimmel, Cody. Unhappy Medium. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2009. 978-0-316-06687-7. 277p. $10.99.
Gr. 3-7.
In this, the third installment of the Suddenly Supernatural series, Kat visits a haunted mountain house to help a dead medium
solve the mystery of a terrible murder that happened 100 years ago. Kat also comes face to face with her greatest fear, an evil
dark spirit. This book has a more mature tone and sees Kat balancing the normal life of a thirteen-year-old girl and the
adventurous life of a medium. Fantasy Mystery
Michael Sussman, 8th Gr. Teacher, Sandy Run MS
Klise, Kate. Dying to Meet You: 43 Cemetery Road: Book One. New York: Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-15-205727-5. 155p.
$15.00. Gr. 3-6.
When grouchy children’s author, I. B. Grumply, rents a quiet house in hopes of overcoming writers block, he is annoyed to find that it
comes with young Seymour, who lives upstairs. Seymour is the home owners’ son, but he is cared for by the ghost of Olive Spence,
the home’s original owner. Olive initially tries scaring Grumply away, but they soon become friends. Olive was an aspiring writer in
life, so she helps Grumply overcome his writers block and co-authors his new book. Once the book is published, she realizes that she
can now rest in peace, but Grumply and Seymour beg her to stay, and she agrees. The story is mostly written in short humorous letters,
making it a fun, quick read. Pencil drawings of the characters and the house compliment the text. Humor, Ghost Story
Michelle Stone
Korman, Gordan. Pop. NY: Balzer +Bray/HarperCollins, 2009. 978-0-0617-4228-6. 260p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
Gordon Korman focuses on football and the resulting effects of repeated concussions on football players. Marcus Johnson has just
moved to a new town and hopes to make the football team. He spends the summer practicing alone at the local park until one day he is
“popped” (tackled hard) by Charlie Popovich, a former NFL player. They form a friendship of sorts as Charlie helps Marcus get ready
for school try-outs. It turns out that the High School quarterback is Troy Popovich, Charlies’ son. As Marcus gets to know Charlie’s
family, he begins to realize that Charlie has a problem, Alzheimer’s disease. Korman teams football action with a look at how this
disease affects families. Football, Family relationships, Friendship, Football, Divorce, High Schools
Sandra Krieg
Korman, Gordon. POP. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. 2009. 260p. 978-0-06-174228-6 $16.99. Gr. 9-12.
One does not need to be a football fan to enjoy the rich characters and heartwarming yet tragic story Korman creates. Being
the new kid in town is never easy so when Marcus finds someone to practice football with on a vacant field, he’s not going to
question the quirky middle aged man who seems to be a hero to everyone in the town. Marcus learns invaluable skills from
the ex-pro football player, Charlie Popovich aka “the King of Pop;” yet, when he wants to try out for the varsity football team
as a quarterback he’s met with resistance and shunned off the field. It turns out that the current starting QB is Popovich’s
son and through persistence, Marcus finds a spot on the team playing any position he is needed. and prepares by practicing
mind blowing tackles with the former pro-leaguer. Ultimately, Marcus witnesses Charlie “Pop” doing some really weird
things like egging stores and climbing to the top of statues. Marcus attempts to talk to Pop’s family are ignored; so he does
some research and comes to the conclusion that “Pop” has Alzheimer’s, however, Marcus continues to be rebutted by
Charlie’s family members. When Marcus learns that Pop’s family isn’t taking him to his college Alma Mater to enter in their
hall of fame, Marcus decides to get him there himself. During the road trip there is triumph and disaster alike and he finally
gets Pop’s family’s attention.
Jen Leszcyzinski, Reading Teacher Upper Dublin High School
Korman, Gordon. Zoobreak. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-545-12499-7. 230p . $16.99. Gr. 5-7.
When Savannah, a sixth grader with a keen interest in animals, looses her pet monkey, Cleopatra, her friends pitch in to help her
search. On a school trip to the floating zoo, “All Aboard Animals”, they discover Cleopatra looking sad in a small cage. The friends
devise and carry out a plan to rescue Cleopatra and the twenty other abused animals. They secretly care for the animals in their homes
for a week, until deciding to break into the Long Island Zoo and leave the animals to professionals. The floating zoo’s director
surprises the kids, threatening them and the animals. Fortunately, a classmate tells the police about the plan. This is the same group of
children featured in Korman’s Swindle. Adventure, Animal Story
Michelle Stone
Krech, R.W. Love Puppies and Corner Kicks. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 2010. 978-0-525-42197-9. 213p. $16.99.
Gr. 5-8.
Summer break is over and a new soccer season is about to begin, but Andrea is not the least bit excited about the new school year.
Her dad has decided to participate in a teacher exchange program, so the entire family is headed to Scotland for a year. As everyone
settles in, Andrea struggles to make friends and overcome her stutter that has returned in full force since the airplane landed. She tries
to find her place on the “football” team but has a hard time when the cutest boy in her class has suddenly taken an interest in her. Full
of teenage angst and first love, Andrea learns a lot about herself and the importance of real friends no matter where you go to school.
Realistic Fiction
Christine Massey
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Kwasney, Michelle D. Blue Plate Special. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle, 2009. 978-0-8118-6780-1. 366p. $16.99. Gr. 8-11.
Alternating chapters tell the stories of three teenage girls, each growing up at a different point in history. Each story is gripping in its
own way and equally poignant. Connections become apparent as the stories progress, but the author successfully throws multiple
surprises into what would be predictable connections. The cover art lacks appeal and intrigue but the story is quality and will resonate
with many teens. Realistic Fiction
Karen Hornberger
LaCour, Nina. Hold Still. New York: Dutton Books, 2009. 978-0-5254-2155-9. 304p. $17.99. Gr. 10-12.
Readers who enjoyed Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak will be captivated by Nina LaCour’s Hold Still. Similar to Melinda from Speak,
Caitlin must struggle through a year of high school as she comes to terms with a traumatic event: in this case, Ingrid, her best friend’s
suicide. Feeling guilty about her ability to help her friend, Caitlin at first shuts herself off. As the seasons change, Caitlin slowly
begins to re-enter the world, assisted by a new friend, a possible romance, and her art teacher. While most of the novel is written from
Caitlin’s perspective, letters from Ingrid’s journal are woven throughout the novel, providing insight into the motivation behind her
suicide. A gripping story, Hold Still is a must read, a story about how to move on when haunted by the past.
Fiction/Suicide/Teen
Jill Toye
Larbalestier, Justine. Liar. New York: Bloomsbury, 2009. 978-1-59990-305-7. 376p. $16.99. Gr. 8-12.
Though Micah is a self-proclaimed liar, she begins the book with a promise: "I will tell you my story and I will tell it straight. No lies,
no omissions. That's my promise. This time I truly mean it." Or does she? Throughout the novel, readers are taken on such a rollercoaster of self-admitted lies that nothing can be believed or taken for granted. Was she born a girl, a boy...or something completely
different? What kind of relationship did she really have with Zach, a fellow high school student who was murdered? What does she
know about the murder...was she involved? The ambiguous ending will leave readers intrigued with an urge to discuss the novel with
others. Recommended for mature high school students only since it contains some sexual content and vulgar language.
Supernatural
Mary Schwander
LaCour,Nina. Hold Still. New York: Dutton, 2009. 0525421556. 304p. $17.99. Gr. 10+.
We meet 16-year-old Caitlin as summer vacation draws to a close. Stunned and depressed after the suicide of her best friend, Ingrid,
she refuses therapy and begins the new school year. Caitlin finds that Ingrid has left her journal for her under her Caitlin’s bed.
Reading it is painful, but the journal helps Caitlin to see her friend through a new lens. With the help of new friends and her parents,
Caitlin discovers that life can still be good, even after a devastating loss. Bittersweet and hopeful and moving. Realistic
Joyce Valenza
Larsen, Reif. The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet: A Novel. New York: Penguin, 2009. 978-1-59420-217-9. 374p. $27.95. Gr.
10-Adult.
T.S. Spivet loves to observe and draw what he sees, and an adult friend nominates him for the prestigious Baird Award at the
Smithsonian Institution by submitting a portfolio of his “maps,” each a visual representation of the observations and data collected by
T.S. As winner, T.S. accepts the invitation to speak at a ceremony in Washington, DC, begins his journey east from his parents’ ranch
in Montana as a hobo on a railroad car hiding in a Winnebago, reads his mother’s story of a 19 th century woman scientist in the family,
gets in a fight in Chicago, and arrives seriously injured at the Smithsonian on the day before the event, shocking his contact there with
not only his bruises and torn clothing but his age ~ 12! Written in an adult voice and supplemented with “maps” and digressions on
numerous topics in the wide margins, this novel is for the curious and thoughtful good reader who is interested in science and drawing.
Adolescents, Scientists, Artists, Voyages and Travel
Eleanor Howe
Lasky, Kathryn. Two Bad Pilgrims. New York, NY: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-06168-6. 40p. $16.99. Ages 4-8.
Johnny and Francis Billington were the two naughtiest boys on the Mayflower. This fun adventure takes us with Johnny and Francis
as they sail on the Mayflower and set forth in the New World. The fun cartoons combine with a story that is loosely based on history.
Lasky writes in a style that combines a sense of the time period with a contemporary flare that will allow children to connect with the
main characters. This new approach to an old story, is entertaining, fun to read and look at but not something I would use for a social
studies report. History, Graphic Novel, Juvenile fiction
Jason Epstein
Latham, Irene. Leaving Gee’s Bend. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2010. 978-0- 399-25179-5. 230p. $16.99. Gr. 7-12.
It is 1932. 10-year-old Ludelphia’s family lives in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, home to the poorest of the poor. When Lu’s mother gets
sick, there is no one to help her, so Lu leaves her home for the first time ever to go to town to ask the doctor to come and save her
mother. Deeply scared and blind in one eye, Lu is nevertheless determined to get help for her mother. What she didn’t bargain for is a
river that is too high to cross, a bizarre circumstance where she falls into the hands of a crazy woman with a shotgun, and someone
who believes Lu is a witch. This is a wonderful story about a family that sticks together and helps each other under the worst of
circumstances. Family/Historical Fiction
Nancy Chrismer
Layburn, Joe. Ghostscape. London: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2008. 978-1-84507-826-3. 105 p. $15.95. Gr. 4-6.
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Living in a new country and attending a different school present a number of challenges for Aisha, a young Somalian refugee. Feeling
isolated and confused, she struggles to accept her father's death. While worrying about continual threats from a bully in her
classroom, Aisha unexpectedly finds an unusual friend in the most uncommon place. Realizing she has something to offer Richard, as
well, she struggles against all odds to overcome obstacles in his world and hers in order to get to him in time. With shorter chapters
and a fast-paced plot, this stirring war story may appeal to reluctant readers, who will find comfort in a friendship that can withstand
the perils of war and time travel. Historical Fiction
Christine Massey
Lethcoe, Jason. (The Mysterious Mr. Spines) Wings. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 2009. 978-0-448-44653-0. 214p. $6.99.
Gr. 5-8.
This is a terrific guy read. Edward Macleod is a sweet and gentle boy who is over six feet tall at the age of fourteen. His mom dies
and he is sent to a school for difficult children. Suddenly, he can move objects with his mind and wings start to sprout on his back.
When a mean teacher tries to cut his wings, Edward is saved by Mr. Spines, who is half-man, half-porcupine. Mr. Spines tells Edward
that he is a Guardian who guides souls between life and death. So now, unwillingly, Edward has to battle evil forces to guide thee
souls. This book is action-packed and talks about good and evil. This is the first in a series about Mr. Spines and Edward.
Fiction/Fantasy
Jill Toye
Levin, Daniel. The Last Ember. New York: Penguin, 2009. 978-1-59448-872-6. 418p. $25.95. Gr. 10-Adult.
Levin brings his knowledge of current as well as historical Rome and Jerusalem to the setting and antiquities in this story of Jonathan
Marcus, attorney and classical archaeologist, who has been called to Rome to defend the legitimacy of an ancient Roman map of the
Colosseum donated by his firm’s client to the Capitoline Museum. Jon’s former classmate and friend, Dr. Emili Travia who is now a
UN conservationist, is a witness for the prosecution. Their interests in researching the map, however, bring them together; and they
follow clues in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew back to an even more significant artifact, related to Titus’ rule in the 1 st century CE, which
has been sought by empires throughout the ages. They consult with other experts to expand their knowledge, make a quick trip to the
Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and bump into two other groups looking for the same artifact: the Roman antiquities police following
leads from a “Corinthian Maiden” (an embalmed and perfectly preserved 1 st century CE body found in a column), and a ruthless and
corrupt international illegal excavation network trying to capture and destroy the artifact. This page-turning thriller written by an
attorney follows the three groups simultaneously in a twisting plot with characters of uncertain loyalties.
Thriller, Archaeologists, Art Thieves, Rome and Jerusalem
Eleanor Howe
Levine, Kristen. Best Bad Luck I Ever Had. NY: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2009. 978-0-3992-5090-3. 272p. $16.99. Gr.5-8.
Kristen Levine’s first novel is based on a story told by her grandfather. This story takes the reader on a fast-paced journey to a clever and
surprising climax. Set in 1917 Moundville, Alabama, Dit Sims was told that the new postmaster had a boy his age. It turns out that not
only is the son a daughter, the family in black. The educated Emma can’t play baseball, fish or climb, she likes books! However, she
becomes the first person to really listen to Dit, who is one of ten children. As their friendship develops, Dit begins to wonder why Emma
can’t go to school with him and has to go to the Black school and why when Doc, the black town barber, was only defending himself he is
accused of murder. Then the town’s people decide to lynch Doc and Emma and Dit hatch a plan to save Doc. This historical adventure is a
fast read and should appeal to all students.
Historical Fiction, Race Relations, Prejudices, Friendship, Family life, Alabama
Sandra Krieg
Levithan, David. Love is the Higher Law. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 978-0-375-83468-4. 167p. $13.59. Gr. 9+.
Claire sees the planes hit from the windows of her downtown classroom during homeroom. Peter sees the second plane hit while he is
waiting in line at Tower Records to buy the new Bob Dylan CD. Jasper slept through it. Levithan captures the reactions of three New
York City teen’s encounters of September 11, 2001. The three characters were loosely acquainted before the tragedy, with Jasper and
Peter meeting a party and coincidently scheduling their first date on the 11 th and Claire and Peter go to school together. Each teen
deals with the aftermath of 9/11 in their own way, but come together to grieve their beloved city. The novel is told in alternating
chapters and describes each teen’s reaction during that first year, as Claire struggles with the coming of war, as Peter is pulled in
constant memories, and as Jasper does his best to avoid feeling at all. In times of tragedy, the three friends overcome obstacles and
learn what really matters. September 11, grief, friendship
Melissa Daugherty
Lieb, Josh. I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President. New York: Penguin Group
Razorbill, 2009. 978-1-59514-240-5. 303p. $15.99. Gr. 7-9.
Josh Lieb has written a superbly creative novel about the trials and tribulations of the “non-popular” kids in school. The
story is told directly through the eyes of 7th grader, Oliver Watson, who is not only unpopular at school, but also
underappreciated by his father at home. Ollie hides the fact that he is a genius by acting as a simpleton, and his secret
identity is one of global power. Someone with as much power as Ollie has can get anything he wants any time that he wants
it. When Ollie decides he wants to be class president, his ruthlessness is on display as he does anything it takes to achieve his
goal. Lieb is masterful with words and does a wonderful job with character development. Readers will be laughing out
loud… and often. Humor
Jason Pane, Springfield Township Middle School
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Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2009. 978-0-316-11427-1. 278p. $16.99.
Gr. 4-7.
This well deserved Newbery honor book tells the story of Minli, a young Chinese girl living in a poor village with her parents. Her
father’s stories prompt her run away to Never Ending Mountain to ask the Old Man of the Moon to change her family’s fortune. Along
the way Minli rescues a dragon, who accompanies her through many obstacles, hearing stories from everyone they meet. Arriving on
the mountain, Minli may only ask one question of the Old Man, so she wisely asks why the dragon cannot fly. The answer gives the
dragon flight, and the pair return to Minli’s village. Minli’s generosity brings her family and the village great prosperity. The tales told
throughout the story demonstrate how everything and everyone is connected, and were inspired by Chinese folktales. A list of books
that inspired Lin is included. Fantasy
Michelle Stone
Lloyd, Allison. Year of the Tiger. New York: Holiday House, 2008. 978-0-8234-227-7. 194p. $16.95. Gr. 5-8.
When the Tiger Battalion army arrives in Beicheng, Hu is provided an opportunity to earn riches that will liberate his family from
poverty. If he can win the archery tournament, his family would be able to afford the high price of flour and survive the coming
winter. Commander Zheng's son, Ren, also wants to prove himself, if only to win his father's approval for once. When the two boys
form an uneasy alliance, their strained relationship is soon tested. When Hu ends up wrongfully accused of stealing and Ren is sent
back to the Capitol, the future looks bleak. When Ren discovers important information, he risks his life and his sister's to return to
Beicheng. Only with Hu's help will he be able to convince his father of recent treachery and save the city from the approaching
barbarian army. Full of adventure and rich Chinese history, readers will enjoy this fast-paced story.
Adventure/Historical Fiction
Christine Massey
Lo, Malinda. Ash. New York: Little, Brown & Company. 2009. 978-0-316-04009-9. 264p. $16.99. Gr. 9-12.
This is a breath-taking Cinderella story about a courageous girl named Ash, who loses her beloved mother to death but she has
instilled in her daughter a love of fairy tales and a belief in magic. It is this belief in the fairy world that continues to sustain Ash as
she becomes a stepsister to Anya and Clara,when her father remarries Lady Isobel. Soon after, her father becomes ill and dies. For a
short while, Ash is part of this family but alas, things change when Lady Isobel finds that her husband died owing money and she
makes Ash repay her father’s debts by becoming a servant in their home. Ash continues to wish for her mother, read her fairy tale
book and walk to her mother’s grave. It is here that she meets Sidhean, a fairy who scares her, entrances her, and exerts an unnatural
pull on Ash’s feelings. Ash also becomes friendly with Kaisa, the King’s Huntress and learns how to ride, hunt, and escape the
desperation in her daily life. When Kaisa asks Ash to participate in the hunt and attend the Prince’s Ball, Ash strikes a deal with
Sidhean’s magic knowing she will be in debt to him. Ash is such a strong female protagonist because she continues to search for love
and acceptance, never doubts who she is, and is willing to risk everything for love. Lo’s story is enthralling, captivating and beautiful
in the many different fairy tales woven throughout by each character. Fiction – Fairy tales, Love
BJ Neary
Lo, Malinda. Ash. New York: Little, Brown, 2009. 0316040096. 272 p. $16.99. Gr. 8+.
This is a Cinderella variant like no other. In familiar fairy tale style, we watch as Ash, who is fascinated by fairies and magic, loses
her mother and soon after, her father. An evil stepmother forces her to wait on her and her two stepsisters. In the woods, Ash flirts
with the dark Sidhean, a fairy who promises a release from her sad life. Though she is given a beautiful dress and attends the Prince’s
ball and meets the prince, it is Kaisa, the King’s huntress with whom she finds true love. This strong protagonist makes her own
choices and she chooses to live in the real world. Fans of fantasy and romance will love this one.
Beautifully told. Romance. Fantasy, GLBTQ
Joyce Valenza.
Lodato, Victor. Mathilda Savitch. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009. 978-0-374-20400-6. 292p. $21.25. Gr. 9-12.
A year after Mathilda's older sister is hit by a train, Mathilda is still coping with her death, often with alarming behavior. Mathilda
seems determined to shock her parents into confronting her pain and suffering, yet they just admonish her actions with shame and
disgust, never offering her the emotional support she so desperately needs. Mathilda's voice is both poetic and haunting as she wills
herself to find the real reason for her sister's death. Family relationships/Grief
Mary Schwander
Lord, Gabrielle. Conspiracy 365: January, Book One. Tulsa Oklahoma: Kane Miller, 2010. 978-1-935279-49-5. 188p. $10.99.
Gr. 7-12.
Callum Ormond receives a warning from a crazed stranger who tells him “they” killed Callum’s father and are killing him, and are
now going to kill Callum if he doesn’t go into hiding for 365 days. Suddenly strange things start happening to Callum: his uncle, who
is helping his widowed mother, suddenly tries to make it look like Callum died in a boating accident; a treasured drawing from his
father’s papers is stolen from his room; and worst of all, someone attacks Callum’s beloved little sister Gabbi, and makes all the
evidence point to Callum. Callum must go on the run, but can he survive the next twelve months? The series is designed to reach over
twelve months, with one book being published for each month. To help maintain the countdown stress, even the page numbers in the
books count backwards. Buy several copies; this series will be in great demand. Fantasy/Adventure
Nancy Chrismer
Lupica, Mike. Million-Dollar Throw. New York: Philomel, 2009. 978-0-399-24626-5. 244p. $17.99. Gr. 5-8.
Nate Brodie, star eighth grade quarterback, has a dream opportunity: he will win a million dollars if he can throw a football through a
target at a New England Patriots football game. With his dad out of work, Nate knows how much the money would mean to his
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PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
family, and the pressure Nate feels about the million dollars starts to wreak havoc on his generally outstanding passing game. Nate’s
slump is paralleled by his best friend Abby’s rapidly degenerating eyesight. Middle school sports fans will appreciate the play-by-play
football and will gain insight into the value of friendship and supportive teammates. Sports fiction
Ro Becker
Lupica, Mike. Million-Dollar Throw. New York: Philomel, 2009. 978-0-3992-4626-5. 244p. $17.00. Gr. 4-8.
Once again Mike Lupica gives the reader a sports story populated with well-defined characters with real life problems. Nate Brodie
seems to be living the good life; he is the star quarterback on his eighth grade football team, he has a golden arm, and he has a great
relationship with his best friend, Abby, with whom he can talk about anything. But this is the real world in which his father has lost
his job, his mom is working two jobs, they are in danger of losing their house and Abby has a congenital condition which is causing
her to go blind. Nate has the opportunity to win one million dollars by throwing a football through a target at half-time during a
Patriots game. This would solve all his family’s worries. This realistic fiction story should appeal to both boys and girls.
Football, Relationships, Family life, Friendship
Sandra Krieg
Lytton, Deborah. Jane in Bloom. New York: Dutton, 2009. 978-0-525-42078-1. 182p. $16.99. Gr. 6-8.
What is supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life turns to one of heartbreak for twelve year old Jane and her family.
Her best friend and sister, Lizzie, is rushed to the hospital and soon loses her battle with anorexia. Jane wonders if she and
her parents will ever be able to recover from this tragedy and move forward. With the help of her babysitter, Ethel, and her
new passion for photography, Jane comes to terms with her sister’s death, her damaged family, and who she really is. This is
a moving tale of self-discovery. Realistic Fiction
Patty Nolan, Springfield Township Middle School
MacCullough, Carolyn. Once a Witch. New York: Clarion, 2009. 978-0-5472-2399-5. 304p. $16.00. Gr. 7-10.
Tamsin is in a family of witches. It was prophesized when she was born that her powers would be unprecedented in her family.
Instead, as a teenager, is has become common knowledge in her family that she is talentless (in terms of powers) and this makes her
feels like a misfit. One day, while Tamsin is working in her family’s store, a mysterious man mistakes her for her sister and offers her
a mission. Tamsin accepts and unlocks and unknown world of danger. Tamsin’s friend, Gabriel, helps her and later her family
becomes involved. This highly readable story is a nice pick for reluctant readers and leaves the reader curious to watch for sequels.
Fantasy
Karen Hornberger
MacLean, Jill. The Nine Lives of Travis Keating. Canada: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2008. 978-1-55455-153-8. 217p.
$11.95. Gr. 9+.
This novel is told in diary form by twelve year old Travis Keating. After his mother’s death he and his physician father move
to a small town in New Finland. In this rural town Travis begins his new life as a wounded outsider but heals his life by
caring for a group of feral cats. In doing so he befriends several local characters and restores his relationship with his Dad.
The book is thoroughly engaging and provocative both for young adult readers and the adults who love them. Juvenile
Fiction, Death and Dying
Paul M. Neumann
Madigan, L.K. Flash Burnout. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-547-19489-9. 332p. $16.00. Gr. 9-12.
Actions have consequences is a phrase often repeated by Blake's mother when she is reprimanding Blake or his older brother. Blake
learns just how accurate the statement is when he gets involved with Marissa, a girl in his photography class. Though she is just a
friend, he becomes caught-up in her personal life when he unknowingly photographs her mother passed out on a city street. Blake's
efforts to help Marissa deal with her mother's serious drug problems puts a real strain on the relationship with his girlfriend, Shannon.
The strength of family is a powerful theme in this novel and, ultimately, is what helps Blake come to terms with his ordeal and with
his relationships. Family/Friendship
Mary Schwander
Madigan, L.K. Flash Burnout. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-547-198-489-9. 332p. $16.00 Gr. 10-12.
Fifteen- year old Blake is balancing his first love, Shannon, and his good friend, Marissa, and this is no easy feat. His favorite class in
school is photography and we watch as the concepts he learns in class mirror life. Blake snaps a picture of a homeless woman who
happens to be Marissa’s mom. This book gives us a realistic glimpse of a boy negotiating through all the drama and factors which
play major roles in all teen’s lives. Fiction/Realistic
Jill Toye
Magoon, Kekla. The River the Rock. New York: Aladdin, 2009. 978-1-4169-7582-3. 290p. $15.99. Gr. 7-10.
Eloquently written, The River and the Rock allows readers to listen in on a conversation often held during the Civil Rights
era. Is it better to be passively patient or assertively insistent when your humanity is at stake? Through Sam's eyes and along
with him, readers face this puzzling question. Magoon does a great job of creating a realistic moral and intellectual dilemma
as Sam tries to figure out if his brother or father is the best reflection of himself. Magoon's language, imagery, and historical
content make this a great young adult read. Reading level is appropriate for 5-7 grades.
Civil rights, Family, Historical
Nakeiha Primus, English Teacher, The Haverford School.
Magoon, Kekla. The Rock and the River. New York: Aladdin. 2009. 978-1-4169-7582-3. 290p. $15.99 Gr. 7-12.
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The mesmerizing story of two close brothers who are torn apart by the civil rights tumult in 1968 Chicago. Roland Childs is a civil
rights leader and father to Sam and Stick. For as long as they can remember, the brothers have been involved in their father's
demonstrations. Sam is the "good son" who always does the expected and Stick has the fiery temper and tests his father's oath of
nonviolence. And it is this conflict between father and son that comes between the two brothers. Sam learns that Stick is a member of
the Black Panthers Party and thinks he may want to join as well. But Sam is conflicted about many things and is not always definite
about what kind of person he wants to become. He cares for Maxie, but she lives in a bad neighborhood and at one point, Sam lies and
insults Maxie, and loses her trust and admiration. As Sam continues to question what kind of person he is, who he should give his
allegiance to (his father or his brother), events conspire to make Sam question the mythological tale Stick would read to him over and
over as a child. Who is he? Was he the rock or was he the river? A piercing coming of age story of a boy who struggles mightily to
become the kind of person both his father and brother envision. Fiction – Civil Rights movements, Black Panther Party
BJ Neary
Maldonado, Torrey. Secret Saturdays. New York: Putnam, 2010. 978-0-399-25158-0. 198p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
Set in the Red Hook housing project in New York City, this is a realistic and moving story of best friends Justin and Sean who share a
love for hip-hop, rap, and hanging out together. When Sean starts getting into trouble, and acting secretive, Justin worries and does not
know how to handle the situation. His confusion, anger, and ultimate understanding ring true. The gritty urban setting and challenging
choices for minority boys add authenticity to this heartfelt story. Realistic fiction
Ro Becker
Malliet, G.M. Death and the Lit Chick. Woodbury, Minnesota: Midnight Ink, 2009. 978-0-7387-1247- 5. 307p. $14.95.
Gr. 9-12.
When Kimberlee Kalder, successful writer, attends a conference for writers at a castle in Scotland, she certainly does not expect to be
found dead at the bottom of the castle dungeon. Kimberlee had many enemies, and it is up to Detective Chief Inspector St. Just to find
out which one among the interesting mix of attendees hated her enough to kill her and put her body into the dungeon. In the wonderful
style of the best “house party” mysteries, this novel will be immensely popular with Christie fans and others who like their mystery of
the “cozy” type. Mystery/Detective Story
Nancy Chrismer
Malliet, G.M. Death and the Lit Chick. Woodbury, Minnesota: Midnight Ink, 2009. 978-0-7387-1247- 5. 307p. $14.95.
Gr. 9-12.
Beautiful, well-dressed Kimberlee Kalder has become the darling of the publishing industry with her bestselling chick-lit
mystery. Her hitting a home run the first time out of the box has ruffled many feathers. When she turns up dead, there is no
shortage of suspects for Chief Inspector St. Just to investigate. Lucky for St. Just, the suspects are all under the same roof
attending the crime writers’ conference at Dalmorton Castle in Scotland. The fact that most of the suspects write mysteries
wherein they plot out murderous storylines for a living will make singling out Kimberlee’s killer the greatest challenge St.
Just has ever encountered. This is a real find for the mystery lover! Mystery/Detective Story
Suzanne Hummel, English Teacher, Juniata High School
Manning, Matthew K. Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon. London: DK, 2009. 978-1-4053-3895-0. 199p.
$24.99. Gr. 5-Adult.
Wolverine is one of Marvel comics favorite mutants. This book is the complete guide to all things Wolverine, from his body
composition (indestructible alloy adamantion,) to his X-men friends to his future. This should be a big hit wherever X-men comics are
popular. Graphic Novel, X-men
Sandra Krieg
March, Stephen. Strangers in the Land of Egypt. Sag Harbor, New York: The Permanent Press, 2009. 978-1-57962-185-8.
$28.00. 248p. Gr. 9-12.
When Jesse Terrill and his friends vandalize a synagogue, Jesse is the only one who gets caught. Instead of going to prison, Jesse is
assigned to be a companion to Mendal Ebban, elderly Jewish resident of Havenwood nursing home and Holocaust survivor. Jesse
doesn’t want to do this, but he has no choice. A very wise man, Mr. Ebban tries to help Jesse put things in his life in perspective by
sharing his faith, but Jesse doesn’t have any faith and he doesn’t know if he can do it. He lives with his uncle, G.T., because Jesse’s
father was beaten in an alley on his way home one night, and suffered permanent brain damage and his mother abandoned him. Jesse
doesn’t know who his real friends are, and he is out to avenge his father’s injury any way he can. Through the love and concern of Mr.
Ebban, G.T., and a few other adults, Jesse is able to get his life somewhat on track. This is an excellent story about mistakes and
ultimate redemption. Teen Story, Tolerance
Nancy Chrismer
Marr, Melissa. Fragile Eternity. New York: Bowen Press, 2009. 978-0-06-121471-4. 389p. $14.44. Gr. 9+.
This is Marr’s third book of the Faerie world and the sequel to her first novel, Wicked Lovely. Being the Faerie Queen of the Summer
Court is not an easy position to fill, especially when you cannot help but be pulled to your Summer King, yet still in love with your
mortal boyfriend. Keenan, the Summer King, respects the boundaries that Aislinn set when she agreed to become his Summer Queen,
but as summer nears, neither can deny the passion that grows between them. Seth is becoming more aware that his mortal status is
straining his relationship with Aislinn, especially as Donia, the Winter Queen, tries to let go of her feelings for Keenan. A battle
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between all the Faerie realms is on the brink as Seth sets out on a quest to overcome his mortality and become a Faerie, even if it
means asking the mysterious High Queen, Sorcha, for help. Faeries, Romance – Fantasy
Melissa Daugherty
McClintock, Norah. Taken. New York: Orca, 2009. 978-1-5546-9152-4. 165p. $12.95. Gr. 8-10.
After two recent kidnappings in local towns, Stephanie and everyone near her are on edge. Even so, Stephanie makes the decision to
walk home by herself. She, unfortunately, is also taken and finds herself coming back to consciousness in a cabin in the middle of the
wilderness. Scared, without any idea where her attacker may be, Steph manages to escape and sets out into the woods to try to locate
help. Using her survival skills, Stephanie is ultimately found. This quick read encompasses flashbacks to Stephanie’s life and the
meaning of the events which have occurred. This is a great pick for reluctant readers. Survival Fiction
Karen Hornberger
McCormick, Patricia. Purple Heart. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2009. 978-0-06-173091-7. 198p. $16.99. Gr. 7+.
This offering, from the mistress of the problem novel, takes the reader in a new direction from Cut and Sold. Set amidst the drama of
the war with Iraq, this psychological thriller follows the recovery of a soldier wounded in an attack, who fears that he is responsible
for the death of an Iraqi child he befriended. Amazing and gripping up to the last page, this is a wonderful companion to Myers’
Sunrise Over Fallujah. A page-turner that will appeal to boys and girls alike. Older middle school and high school students will
eagerly await their chance to read this novel.
Pat Naismith
McKernan, Victoria. The Devil’s Paintbox. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 978-0-375-83750-0. 354p. $16.99.
Grades 8+.
McKernan, the acclaimed author of Shackleton’s Stowaway, has done it again. The Devil’s Paintbox is a terrific young adult
novel about an orphaned brother and sister that convince J. J. Jackson to let them join his wagon train through the Oregon
Trail to the lumber camps in Seattle. This moving coming-of-age book about family, perseverance, disease, hard-work and
smarts will keep you reading due to the many twists and turns of the plot. Remember, you are talking about two thousand
miles to conquer. The book ends with both an author’s note as well as a bibliography for further reading. Coming of age,
Historical fiction, Adventure, American West, Love and Loss
Maureen Kirk, Library Coordinator, THS
McMullan, Margaret. Cashay. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-547-07656-0. 166p. $15.00. Gr.7-10.
Fourteen-year-old Cashay lives a relatively contented existence in the projects with her mother, a former drug addict who has been
clean and sober for several years, and a loving sister. Her world collapses, however, when her sister is killed by a stray bullet during a
neighborhood shooting and her mother slips back into addiction. At an after-school program, Cashay connects with her mentor,
Allison, with whom she develops a strong, mutually beneficial bond. The book is a gritty portrayal of the world of an urban teenager,
but it is also a testament to the power of friendship. A quick and easy read that will be popular with YA girls. Realism
Patricia Fischer
Mead, Richelle. Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4). New York: RazorBill, 2009. 978-1-59514-198-9. 503 p. $16.99.
Gr. 8+
This fourth novel in the Vampire Academy series will have fans holding their collective breaths for the fifth in the series of six
projected novels. Angst, danger, broken promises, a break-neck paced plot, revelations. The reader will not be able to put this one
down. As a fan of the series, with my box of kleenex beside me, I was not disappointed. That said, the series offerings do not stand
well alone. You will need to have read the previous three novels to fully understand the dynamics in this book. High school and older
middle school girls are lining up to read this one. Vampire Romance
Pat Naismith
Michael, Jan. City Boy. New York: Clarion, 2009. 978-0-547223-10-0 188 p. $16.00 Gr. 5-8.
Set in contemporary Malawi where AIDS related deaths affect everyone in one way or another. Orphaned, Sam must leave his
relatively comfortable life in the city and move to a one room hut of his aunt and cousins in a rural village. There is no electricity so
no computers, no indoor facilities, and different customs. Sam is not sure what to believe in his grief for his parents. The spiritual life
in the village is a mixture of Christianity and traditional beliefs. Sam’s struggles to find out where he fits in will ring true even if the
cultural setting is different. The author provides a glossary of native words and English expressions that are used differently.
Orphans; country life; AIDS
Jeannie Bellavance
Miller-Lachmann, Lyn. Gringolandia. Willimantic, CT: Curbstone Press, 2009. 978-1-9318-9649-8. 279p. $16.95. Gr. 9-12.
Gringolandia tells the story of Marcelo Aguilar, who was a political prisoner in Chile for many years, and his family. After Marcelo
was arrested in the middle of the night, his family fled to Wisconsin. His wife, and children, Dan and Christina, have made a life for
themselves outside of politics. When Marcelo is released he to joins his family in Wisconsin. He immediately starts working to help
Chile get its freedom. Dan’s girlfriend, Courtney, finds Marcelo’s stories fascinating and starts to record them. The change of
narrators by chapter brings to light the various feelings that Marcelo’s return has stirred. This book will stay with the reader long after
s/he finishes it as it recounts the history of Chile in the 80’s, the torture the political prisoners endured and how that affects all the
members of the family. Share this with your history teachers.
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Fathers and sons, Chilean government, Political activists, Family, Friendship
Sandra Krieg
Moss, Marissa. The Pharaoh’s Secret. New York: Amulet, 2009. 978-0-8109-8378-6. 302p. $15.95. Gr. 5-8.
Fourteen-year-old Talibah tells the story of her visit to her parents’ homeland, Egypt, with her younger brother Adom, and their father.
Talibah receives small gifts from strangers and hears a woman’s voice telling her to “find him”, in her dreams. As direct descendants
of the pharaoh Hatshepsut, she and Adom must solve a 4000 year old murder. They visit the Cairo Museum, ancient ruins, and face
danger in the murderer’s tomb. Talibah briefly travels back in time to tell Hatshepsut the truth. Readers will learn about Ancient Egypt
through the interesting and informative descriptions of the tombs, and drawings of the hieroglyphs. Mystery
Michelle Stone
Myracle, Lauren. Peace, Love & Baby Ducks. New York: Dutton, 2009. 978-0-252-47743-3. 292p. $16.99. Gr. 7-12.
This is an emotional and bittersweet novel about two sisters who are very different, but love each other all the same. They
struggle with racism, faith, and some sibling rivalry. The book is set in a wealthy suburb of Atlanta, Georgia where money,
material objects, and outward appearances mean everything to the students of the prestigious school that Carly and her sister
Anna attend. Carly is “different” and smart, and her younger sister Anna is “hot” and fits in. They find a way to get along and
be best friends, even with their differences and the pressures of society and materialistic parents. I loved this book and would
recommend it to kids in grade 7-12. Realistic Fiction
Lily G., Springfield Township Middle School
Myracle, Lauren. Peace, Love, & Baby Ducks. New York: Dutton, 2009. 0525477438. 192p. $16.99. Gr. 8-11.
All sorts of sister angst rages in suburban Atlanta between hippie-chick sophomore Carly and Anna, a freshman who has developed
into a buxom beauty overnight, as they attend the exclusive private school, Holy Redeemer together. Carly tries to help Anna with
the stress of high school—a bullying coach, a misunderstanding with the computer teacher, their controlling dad, their materialistic but
well meaning mom, and the many unwelcome comments relating to Anna’s swift development. The story climaxes at an unintended
wild party that takes place when Mom and Dad are out of town. The two sisters explore their bond as they tackle issues and themes of
underage drinking, what not to post on YouTube, musical tastes, faith, fashion, racism, class, friendship, and true love. Authentic teen
voices and realistic high school drama make this a both a poignant and fun read. Give this to your Sarah Dessan fans. Realistic
fiction
Joyce Valenza
Nelson, Blake. Destroy All Cars. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-545-10474-6. 218p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
Seventeen-year-old James is more introspective than most teens. He is trying to understand how he fits into a world being destroyed
by consumerism and pollution. Through journal entries and writing assignments, such as “Destroy All Cars”, James tells his life story
of growing up with a pessimistic world view. He is strongly influenced when his English teacher gives him the book, Black Elk
Speaks, about the injustices done to Native Americans. James finally finds an outlet and a future publishing his writing on a website
where he can express himself and fight the status quoi. Realistic
Michelle Stone
Nieuwenhuizen, Agnes. Right Book Right Time: 500 Great Reads for Teenagers. Australia: Allen & Unwin, 2008. 9781741148831. 368p. $19.95. Gr. 8+.
An excellent source if you’re ever in a bind for a great read, this book offers well written summaries for all types of teen
reads. From The Boy in the Striped Pajamas to The Seeing Stone, Right Book Right Time expands readers’ minds to a world
of books, all touching on different subjects. Nieuwenhuizen cleverly grouped books together for easy access. The index also
makes searching for a book you may have heard about easy. Book explanations are revealing and include need-to-know
information such as where and when a book was written, the author and a short summary. The books that are included in
Right Book Right Time are good books that would be enjoyable to both male and female teens as well as some pre-teen. This
is a great resource for libraries.
Ellie F. 10tt grade student, STNS
Northrop, Michael. Gentlemen. New York: Scholastic Press. 2009. 978-0-545-09749-9. 234p. $16.95 Gr. 9-12.
Mike narrates and navigates the hallways of life and his high school in this chilling tale of a friend who goes missing. Mike, Tommy,
Mixer, and Bones are all friends in the remedial classes at Tits High School. But they are also hard core, damaged in one way or
another, don’t like too many people, and scare most of the students with their attitudes. The problems start with Tommy flipping over
a desk in math class (he has a lisp) and won’t answer the teacher because he can’t say the word “three.” After he is sent to the
assistant principal, Mike, Bones, and Mixer don’t see him again. It is in English class, that the teacher Mr. Haberman, has a plastic
barrel, filled with something, that he makes everyone guess what it contains. According to Mike, Mr. Haberman calls them
“gentlemen,” has a horrible cough from too much smoking, and uses the barrel as an idea for the novel, Crime & Punishment. As
Mike, Bones and Mixer try to locate Tommy, they begin to believe their teacher might have something to do with their friend’s
disappearance. They believe Haberman is feeding them clues about Tommy (was his body in the barrel?), their complicity (they put
the contents of the barrel into his car ) and together they decide to confront their teacher about Tommy’s whereabouts. This is an
intense psychological study of how Mike is totally conflicted, he can’t make any decisions with authority and he can’t control his
friends. The cover is totally creepy, students will take it out for that reason alone, but they will not be able to put this thriller down!!!
Fiction – Guilt
BJ Neary
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Oaks, J. Adams, Why I Fight: A Novel. New York: Atheneum, 2009. 978-1-4169-1177-7. $16.99. Grades 7-10.
Wyatt Reeves has been on the road with his mysterious uncle since he was twelve and a half. His uncle is a travelling salesman,
selling anything he can. As Wyatt grows in size his uncle sees the possibility of making money from having Wyatt fight. After six
years of fighting, Wyatt has had enough. This compelling story of an unconventional life will keep your patrons attention.
Realistic Fiction
Toni Vahlsing
Ockler, Sarah. Twenty Boy Summer. New York : Little, Brown, 2009. 978-0-316-05159-0. 290p. $16.99. Gr. 9-11.
What appears, by the title, to be a frivolous read instead is a journey through grief. Anna has lost Matt, a best friend and secret
boyfriend. She is left reeling as she feels she cannot openly discuss the depth of her feelings with anyone close to her. Meanwhile,
Anna’s other best friend, Frankie (Matt’s sister) is grieving in her own way. On the surface, Frankie pretends that she is fine but in
reality she is not. The friends go away for the summer with Frankie’s parents which turns into a relatively unsupervised summer. The
girls go through ups and downs but grow as friends as they begin to deal with their grief together.
Realistic Fiction/Grief
Karen Hornberger
O’Donnell, Liam and Mike Deas, Ill. Media Meltdown: A Graphic Guide Adventure. Custer, WA: Orca, 2009.
978-1-55469-065-7. 64p. $9.95. Gr. 5-8.
Three kids, Pema, Bounce, and Jagroop, learn about media and advertising when they try to expose a corrupt land developer.
TV and internet media are defined and explained, including terms like media consolidation, scripts, and advertising hooks.
The kids eventually learn that filter free alternate media is best for exposing unpopular and controversial cover-ups among
powerful people. They ultimately reveal the corruption of the land developer and save the family farm. The vivid illustrations
are detailed and easy to follow. Graphic Novel
Suzanne Maslowski, Sandy Run MS Teacher
O’Meara, Stephen James. Are You Afraid? The Science behind the Scary Stuff. Toronto: Kids Can Press 2009. 9781554532940.
78 p. $17.95. Gr. 5-8.
With visions of vampires, werewolves, Frankenstein, black cats, and mummies dancing in your head, how can you sleep at night?
O’Meara has devised a properly gruesome combination of the supernatural and the true science facts behind them. Read with baited
breath about vampires and real people who have porphyria or Mike the Headless Chicken who lived for 18 months! Freaky facts side
bars keep the tone moderately frightening. Jeremy Kaposy’s illustrations will send a chill or two up your spine. These fascinating facts
will be great conversation starters. Reluctant readers may find this book is a perfect late night read! Jeannie Bellavance
Osterland, Anne. Academy 7. New York: Penguin Group, 2009. 978-0-14-241437-8. 259p. $8.99. Gr. 8+.
Set in a different galaxy, Academy 7 takes its readers on a surprising and suspenseful journey. There are many twists in the
plot line, resulting ultimately in a happy ending. Perfect for pre-teen and teenage girls, the evolving relationships and tension
filled pages are just what the desired audience wants to read. Academy 7 is a page-turner. Interest in the book definitely lasts
even after the last page is flipped. This book is well written with a fairly easy vocabulary, making it good for a light and
wonderful read. Teen Story
Ellie F. 10th grade student, STHS
Patterson, James. Max. New York: Little, Brown, 2009. 978-0-316-00289-9. 309p. $19.99. Gr. 7-9.
The fifth book in the Maximum Ride series continues the action packed adventures of fourteen year old Max and her flock of five
friends. Each has genetically altered super-human abilities, including the ability to fly. When Max’s mother is kidnapped, the flock
works with the Navy to rescue her and discover the cause of an ecological disaster. Unanswered questions lead into the sequel, Fang,
published in 2010. Reluctant readers will enjoy the nonstop adventure of this series. Adventure
Michelle Stone
Patterson, James and Gabrielle Charbonnet. Witch and Wizard. New York: Little, Brown, 2009. 978-0-316-03624-5. 314p.
$17.99 Gr. 9-12
Witsy and Whit Allgood think life is great until they are taken from their parents, tried and convicted before the One Who Judges and
sent to a psychiatric hospital to await execution. And here begins the story of Witsy’s and Whit’s magic. Neither one knew they had
magic powers. The world has become an evil place, run by adults and kids who want to punish the children who refuse to conform to
the New Order. Witsy realizes that when she gets angry she can set herself on fire and burn those around her. Whit also has powers;
he can make people freeze in place. The book describes the journey this brother and sister take to escape from the hospital, hook up
with other kids like them ,and try to save children in jail and mental hospitals awaiting execution. They use their magic to help kids
and in the process learn lessons about themselves and their magic. The chapters are short and each chapter is told from Whit’s or
Witsy’s perspective. Fiction – Supernatural
BJ Neary
Patterson, Katherine. The Day of the Pelican. New York: Clarion, 2009. 978-0-547-18188-2. 144 p. $16.00. Gr. 6-8.
A heart wrenching tale, with an uplifting ending, The Day of the Pelican tells a young girl’s story of survival and escape from
the horrors of the Serbian oppression and resulting cruelties, as recently as the regime of 1999. Patterson’s writing is, of
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course, very readable and understandable. She makes a complicated, political situation approachable through the eyes of a
very real (but fictional) family. Most students are familiar with the Holocaust; this book brings the same topics (race,
genocide) to light in more modern times. Unfortunately, the novel illustrates that history does repeat itself. Historical
Kim Stern, Sandy Run MS, Gifted Support
Pearson, Mary E. The Miles Between. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2009. 978-0-8050-8828-1. 266 p. $15.29. Gr. 7+.
Destiny Faraday makes it a point to never get close to people, and when your parents toss you from one boarding school to another,
this becomes pretty easy. One look at the calendar on October 19 causes Destiny to realize that she has been at Hedgebrook academy
too long and she needs to move on, but when her routine gets mixed up she gives in to being unpredictable. Stumbling upon a car full
of cash, Destiny grabs three of her classmates and sets out on a road trip with one goal in mind, to find one fair day where the good
guy finally wins. As the foursome encounters incredible coincidences and bows of luck, Destiny breaks her number one rule and
shares some secrets of her own, which leads to a mind blowing revelation as she confronts the parents that cannot seem to love her.
Friendship
Melissa Daugherty
Peck, Richard. A Season of Gifts. New York: Dial, 2009. 978-0-8037-3082-3. 164 p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
The story begins in 1958, when twelve year-old Bob’s father, a Minister, is assigned to the Church in a small town for one year. The
family moves in next door to the very odd and very old Mrs. Dowdel, a character from Peck’s previous novels. Though her
strangeness initially causes the family to avoid her, each one soon learns that Mrs. Dowdel may be eccentric, but she is also
thoughtful, considerate, and very helpful. For example, when Mrs. Dowdel finds Bobby naked and injured from bullies, she keeps his
embarrassing secret and quietly finds a way to get the bullies to leave town. She also assures that the Church is successful and Bob’s
family has a very gratifying Christmas. This is a companion novel to Newbery Medal winner, A Long Way from Chicago and
Newbery Honor winner, A Year Down Yonder. Historical
Michelle Stone
Peterfreund, Diana. Rampant. New York: HarperTeen, 2009. 978-0-06-149000-2. 402p. $17.00. Gr. 7+
A relatively new author has spun a tale that is both great and unforgettable. With strong female characters, and forbidden
love. If you think killer unicorns is a bad idea for a book, think again. The story starts out slow focusing on Astrid the main
character. But quickly gets faster and faster with the turn of each page. You see how her somewhat normal life gets turned
upside down, and inside out. When she discovers she is a hunter, a unicorn hunter that is. The rest of the story takes place in
Rome. But in this beautiful city filled with music, art, and love lurks a danger that not even the best hunter will see coming.
So get cozy, and be prepared to enter Astrid’s world where unicorns are not just a figment, of your imagination.
Katherine D. 9th Grade, Springfield High School (Delco).
Philbrick, Rodman. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg. New York: The Blue Sky Press, 2009. 978-0-439-66818-7.
224p. $16.99. Gr. 4-7.
Young Homer P. Figg and his older brother Harold reside with their only living relative, Squinton Leach, “the meanest man in the
entire state of Maine.” After Squinton illegally sells Harold, who is underage, into the Union Army, Homer runs away to rescue him.
And here the adventure begins as Homer regales the reader with a recounting of his exploits (with perhaps just a little embellishment),
which include a stop on the Underground Railroad, a stint in a traveling medicine show and a ride in a runaway hot air balloon. The
adventure culminates at the Battle of Gettysburg, where Homer finally catches up with Harold. Philbrick is a master storyteller who is
able to infuse humor and excitement into this adventure tale without downplaying the horror that was the Civil War.
Historical Fiction
Patricia Fischer
Philbrick, Rodman. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg. New York: The Blue Sky Press, 2009. 978-0-43966818-7. 224p. $16.99. Gr. 4-7.
Homer Figg finds himself abandoned after his older brother is forced to leave home. He decides his only hope is to be
reunited with his brother, Harold. Through his journey, he encounters many mishaps and misfortunes. From the Underground
Railroad to an exhibit as a pigboy, Homer continues to search for his brother. In the end, he describes in detail the battlefield
of the Civil War where he is reunited with his brother. I loved this book because it was adventure at every turn. Literally,
every chapter turned a new bend in the suspense. Figg meets so many characters in his travels and manages to get one over
on many of them while he is in pursuit of his brother. Personally, I feel that this book ranks up there with Huck Finn and
Johnny Tremain
Amber Hilt, ELL Teacher, Edward Hand MS
Pignat, Caroline. Greener Grass. Canada: Red Deer Press, 2008. 978-0-88995-402-1. 278p. $12.95. Gr. 7-10.
Fourteen year old Kit Byne along with her parents, brother and younger sister face hard decisions during the second year of the potato
famine in Ireland. Their family struggles to stay as their crops rot, the landlord demands the rent or face eviction while disease and
injustice flourish. She has to weigh her hard decisions of what she must do to keep her family alive. Kit’s spirit prevails through their
struggle to survive. Fiction/Historical
Jill Toye
Pyron, Bobbie. The Ring. New Jersey: WestSide Books. 2009. 252p. 978-1-934813-09-6. $15.95. Gr. 9-12.
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Mardie Wolfe is often told that she is a “screw up, just like your mother.” This troubled teen faces many obstacles in her life
from the “perfect” brother, to the not so evil step-mom and her aching for her mother who died when Mardie was just a
toddler. Like many teens; she lives up to the prophecy and screws up often; shoplifting, smoking marijuana and cutting
classes. Since she can't be trusted Mardie is forced to accompany her step mom to the gym where Mardie discovers a boxing
facility with a girls' trainer. Both her new interest in boxing, while challenging, and her required community service with
physically-disabled children begin to give Mardie new insights and to set a more positive path for herself.
Jen Lesczzynski, Reading Teacher - Upper Dublin High School
Quick, Matthew. Sorta Like a Rock Star. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2010. 978-0-316-04352-6. 355p. $16.99. Gr. 8-12.
Amber Appleton is one of The Five - a group of misfit, "freak" students who have been friends since they were put together for
counseling in the fifth grade. After school, you can find Amber drinking green tea with a Vietnam vet who is fond of writing haiku's,
tutoring Korean women in English by leading them in Motown songs, or visiting a retirement home where she and Joan of Old
entertain residents with their optimism vs pessimism battles. At night, Amber sleeps (often alone) on the Hello Yellow bus which her
mom drives for a living. Her mom is often "out fishing" at bars, looking for her next Prince Charming. Readers will smile with
delight at the positive, vivacious attitude of Amber as she spreads hope among her various, eccentric friends. However, when she
struggles to come to terms with a tragic, life-changing event, we find that Amber is not as capable of receiving help as she is at giving
it. This is a truly delightful book which will have readers both laughing and crying throughout. Highly recommended!
Homelessness/ Friendship.
Mary Schwander
Quigley, Sarah. TMI. New York: Dutton, 2009. 978-0-525-47908-6. 302 p. $16.99. Gr. 8-10.
Becca has only one friend; she believes it is because she talks too much without remembering to censor what she says. Becca also has
a new boyfriend that seems to like her for who she is although they don’t yet know each other too well. All of this changes when a
new boy arrives at school and immediately becomes friends with Becca and her friend, Katie. The three become close and Becca
shares details about her relationship with her boyfriend with them causing him to break up with her. She is shaken by this and decides
writing an anonymous blog will help her be able to express herself without hurting anyone. It blows up in her face, yet Becca remains
honest throughout and learns to censor herself and, in the process, gains additional friends. Realistic Fiction Karen Hornberger
Rallison, Janette. Just One Wish. New York : Putnam, 2009. 978-0-399-24618-0. 264p. $16.99. Gr. 8-11.
This novel begins with a crazy black Friday adventure as main character Annika takes on another Toys R Us shopper. Just like any
good hero, Annika’s cause is worthy; her little brother has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Annika is doing everything in her
power to make sure he has the spirit and strength to fight. Her quest gets a little out of control when she finds herself stalking a
Hollywood star to fulfill a promise she made to her brother. Told with a well balanced mix of lightness and seriousness, this book
should circulate regularly. Realistic Fiction/Grief
Karen Hornberger
Rapp, Adam. Punkzilla. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2009. 978-0-7636-3031-7. 244p. $14.44. Gr. 11-12.
From the author of 33 Snowfish comes this raw novel about a fourteen-year-old boy who is AWOL from the military school his father
forced him to attend. As Jamie (aka “Punkzilla”) travels across country to reach his dying, gay brother in Memphis, we go through his
notebook of letters, most of which were written but never sent to his brother. Through his stream-of-consciousness, we learn about
Jamie’s bleak life and his tense relationship with his parents. The mature sexual content makes this book only suitable for older high
school readers. It is Jamie’s honest and witty voice which makes this book worthy of a Printz Honor. Runaways
Mary Schwander
Richter, Jutta. Beyond the Station Lies the Sea. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed, 2009. 978-1-57131-690-5. 81 p. $14.00.
Gr. 5-7.
Two homeless boys, nine-year-old Niner, and an older, tougher Cosmos, come together in order to survive on the streets.
They share the dream of finding the sea. This simple but inspiring story tells how the boys try to make their dream come true.
At one point Niner sells his guardian angel, his most valuable possession, for money in order to pursue that dream. The book
can be a bit awkward to read due to its translation from German, but it is well worth the effort. Nancy Eisele, STMS
Rinaldi, Ann. My Vicksburg. Boston: Harcourt Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978015-206624-6. 152 p. $16.00 gr. 5-8.
Grant laid siege to Vicksburg, Mississippi for 47 days in 1863. Many of the residents including 13 year-old Claire Louise Corbet’s
family took refuge hollowing out caves in the hills above the river. In the turmoil of the shelling the Corbert family is at odds with the
father serving the Confederacy as a doctor and the elder son, Landon, serving the union also as a doctor. Landon does return to the
family during the siege and it is very interesting to see how he is treated by the people of Vicksburg. He can wander freely. It may be
that as a doctor and member of a respected family that he is not taken. True to his calling, he helps the ill on both sides. Claire Louise
is at odds with his after she helps his prisoner escape to the south.
Jeannie Bellavance
Rinaldi, Ann. Leigh Ann’s Civil War. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2009. 978-0-15-
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206513-3. 320p. $17.00. Gr. 6+.
Fifteen year old Leigh Ann Connors lives on a plantation in Roswell, GA where her family runs the local cotton mill. Because her
father has psychological problems and her mother has left the family, she is being raised by her older brothers and sister. The Civil
War breaks out and the Yankees arrive in Roswell. In an attempt to save the cotton mill from destruction Leigh Ann flies the French
flag from its top. As a result of this action Leigh Ann is arrested for treason and sent north. The twists and turns of this novel make for
a stimulating read. Ann Rinaldi is known for exciting and engaging historical fiction novels and this one will not disappoint.
Historical Fiction
Nora S. Neumann
Robert, Na’ima B. From Somalia With Love. London: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2009. 978-1-84507-832-4. 159p.
$7.95. Gr. 7-12.
Safia is a 14-year-old Somali girl who came to live in London with her mother and two brothers twelve years ago to escape the war in
her country. She has adapted to being Muslim in Great Britain, and seems quite happy saying her prayers five times a day and
wearing her head scarf called a hijab. Then everything changes as her presumedly-dead father comes to live with them after many
years apart. Safia is jealous of her parents’ intimacy and feels left out. She feels she does not know her father and rebels a little by
hanging out with a flirty and fun cousin who does not wear a hijab. After a disastrous date with a boy, Safia grows up and comes to
terms with her identity. This book shows positive aspects of the beauty and culture of Somalia. There is a helpful glossary of Arabic
words and phrases as well.
Fiction/Realistic.
Jill Toye
Rock, Peter. My Abandonment. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-15-101414-9. 225p. $18.70. Gr. 8-12.
As this novel opens, thirteen-year-old Caroline is living with her father, generally hidden from the world in a cave in Forest Park,
Oregon. "Father" is a recluse who is suspicious of society at large and believes that he is protecting his daughter by keeping her away
from friends, school and most all of mainstream America. Caroline seems quite content in this unconventional lifestyle until
authorities discover them and social services attempts to intervene. Inspired by a true story, this novel is unsettling and reveals some
troubling information about Caroline's father. Though a compelling read, some may not be pleased with the disconcerting ending.
Homelessness
Mary Schwander
Roesch, Mattox. Sometimes We’re Always Real Same-Same. Denver: Unbridled Books, 2009. 978-1-932961-87-4. 317p. $15.95 .
Grades 9-12.
Seventeen-year old Cesar has just moved with his mother to her hometown, a tiny village in remote Alaska, in order to escape the
tough environment in Hispanic Los Angeles. Although neither boy is Hispanic, both Cesar and his brother were in gangs, and Cesar
has just participated in a gangbang and his brother Wicho is serving a life-sentence for his involvement in a murder. In Alaska Cesar
becomes friends with his slightly older cousin “Go-Boy,” a recent drop-out from a Bible college who preaches love, good deeds, and
optimism and bets Cesar that he will stay in Unalukleet for more than just the three summer months despite his desire to return to L.A.
as soon as possible. Both boys fall in love and get summer jobs counting salmon as Cesar meets family members and learns Eskimo
ways of life. First appearances are deceiving, however, as both boys bring prior lives to their current relationships and then face
unexpected challenges. Cesar comes to realize the importance of the social environment ~ strong community and family ties ~ in
shaping behavior. The author, like Cesar, lived in the lower forty-eight, moved to Unalukleet, and plays drums. Teens will enjoy the
likeable Cesar’s informal laid-back voice and dialogue; his credible and easy-to-read first person narrative contains many flashbacks,
digressions, and some convoluted time sequences. Teenage boys, Coming of Age, Family Life, Alaska
Eleanor Howe
Rosoff, Meg. The Bride’s Farewell. New York: Viking. 2009. 213p. 978-0-670-02099-7. $24.95. Gr. 9-12.
Set in 1850’s England, Meg Rosoff weaves the tale of Pell Ridley who is betrothed to a neighboring lad with whom she has
worked taming and caring for horses. Yet, the thought of ending up in the same fate as her mother burdened with trying to
raise too many children with little food or income forces Pell to choose a different path as she sets off for the Salisbury Horse
Fair. Her mute brother, Bean decides to accompany her and he, Pell and her beloved white horse set off on an adventure. At
the fair, Pell isn’t taken seriously because she is a woman; however, one man gives her the opportunity to assess horses for a
sum of money. After her work is complete, she is swindled out of the money and loses her brother Bean in the process. Pell
travels across England in search of her brother and her true identity; along the way meeting the gypsy Esther, earning a
position as groom in a respectable stable and falling in love with a poacher named Dogman. Each of these adventures is met
with various obstacles and heartaches in Pell’s quest for her brother and for purpose in her life.
Jen Leszczynski, Reading Teacher Upper Dublin High School
Roth, Phillip. The Humbling. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-547-23969-9. 140p. $22.00. Grades 11-Adult.
Simon Axler, a well known and respected classical American actor in his 60s, suffered memory loss during a recent performance,
received bad reviews, and now has lost not only his confidence, energy, and desire to act but also his wife. Sunk in lassitude and
depression, he checks into a psychiatric hospital and makes some improvement. When Simon returns home, the fortyish Lesbian
daughter of old actor friends, Pegeen, stops to see him and they become lovers. Simon’s energy and ambition return as he bestows her
with gifts of clothing, jewelry, and even another woman. Although Simon is worried about her parents’ opposition and someone
getting hurt, they continue the affair, Roth providing details of their sexual life. Simon thinks that Pegeen wants a baby and that he
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will return to the stage. All is not well and does not end well, however, as Simon prepares and completes his final performance. The
sexual content of this novel by the multiple national award-winning author makes this appropriate for mature readers only.
Aging , Actors, Lesbians Affairs
Eleanor Howe
Rottman, S.L. Out of the Blue. Atlanta: Peachtree, 2009. 978-1-56145-499-0. 297p. $16.95. Gr. 6-10.
Moving frequently is part of a military family’s life so Stu is used to being uprooted. However, the move to an Air Force base in
Minot, North Dakota is particularly tough. Stu feels lonely since his dad has moved to Nevada, his brother has started college, and his
mom is very busy with her new position as base commander. Stu suspects that a neighborhood boy is being abused but not until an
accident occurs does he confront the situation and his responsibility in it. Stu struggles with changes in his family, making new
friends, and dealing with difficult choices on his own. A thought-provoking, engaging read. Realistic fiction
Ro Becker
Runholt, Susan. Rescuing Seneca Crane. New York: Penguin Group, 2009. 978-0-670-06291-1. 276p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
Kari and Lucas are 14-year old best friends who are visiting Scotland. Kari’s mom is a journalist interviewing a piano prodigy,
Seneca Crane, so the girls tag along. Seneca gets kidnapped, and the girls try to solve the crime. There is cute dialogue between the
girls, along with some facts about Scotland. Rescuing Seneca Cane is a predictable mystery but still enjoyable.
Fiction/Mystery
Jill Toye
Saenz, Benjamin Alire. Last Night I Sang to the Monster. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press, 2009. 1-933693-58-4. 239p.
$16.95. Gr. 9-12.
When looking at the title, a person might predict that this story is about a person who is glorifying and embracing darkness. This story
is in fact, the opposite. Zach, a senior in high school, is in a rehab facility for substance abusers who have endured trauma. He has no
recollection of what brought him to rehab and fights his memories in both his waking and dreaming life. Zach presents a tough
exterior, yet, memories begin to emerge as Zach feels safer in his environment and around people he becomes attached to. Zach tries
to escape the personal demons that keep haunting him but with the help of these friends, he realizes that escape is not the answer.
Zach’s emotional journey is portrayed movingly as he learns to live with and soothe his past. Realistic Fiction
Karen Hornberger
Sakai, Stan. Usagi Yojimbo: Bridge of Tears (Book 23). Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Books, 2009. 978-1-59582-298-7.
244 p. $17.95. Gr. 6-12.
This is the story of two Journeys. The first is of Usagi as he travels through ancient times as a ronin. In the second journey,
Usagi starts to question his lifestyle as a ronin. Should he rethink his role and purpose? This is the wonderful continuation of
the Usagi series. In fact, it’s a very good point to start reading the series. Strong characters and inviting line art helps pace
this exciting story. Rich plot with detailed subplots. Graphic Novel
Gary Hite, Gifted Support, Sandy Run MS
Sakai, Stan. Usagi Yojimbo, Bridge of Tears , Bk.23. Milwaukie, OR:Dark Horse Books, 2009. 978-1-59582-298-7. 248p.
$17.95. Gr. 5-7.
This graphic novel is number twenty-three in the series. It has a dark tone and is rich in tragedy. Usagi is a wondering ronin who is
lonely and has been traveling for a long time. At the start of the novel, Usagi is staying with the Merchant Endo and his daughter
Hanaka and having a nice time. Then, the deadly League of Assassins come so Usagi has to hit the road again. He comes to a town
with a lot of street gangs, but meets a lovely woman, Mayumi. She convinces him to take her with him on his travels. Danger and
brutatity are found in this novel, along with honor. Fiction/Graphic Novel
JillToye
Sandell, Lisa Ann. A Map of the Known World. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-545-06970-0. 273p. $16.99. Gr. 8-12.
Fourteen-year-old Cora struggles to understand her place in the world after the death of her 17-year old brother, Nate. Her parents are
detached but overprotective, and her best friend doesn’t understand. She feels alone and detached until Nate’s best friend, Damien
shows her the artwork he and Nate were secretly creating when everyone thought they were out causing trouble. Cora decides to
complete Nate’s last sculpture and dedicate the school art show to his memory. Through art, Cora finds true friends. The author has
captured the voice of both male and female teens that don’t fit into the cliques. Their struggle for acceptance and the emotional toll it
takes is demonstrated repeatedly throughout the book. Realistic, Death
Michelle Stone
Scott, Elizabeth. Love You Hate You Miss You. New York: HarperTeen, 2009. 978-0-06-112283-5. 246p. $16.99. Gr 7+.
A novel of teen angst and coming to terms with life. Amy is sent to alcohol rehab after she experiences devastating feelings of guilt
for the crash that killed her best friend. The main character is well-developed and readers will identify with her feelings and family
situations that led her on the path to drinking and casual sex. For mature readers. Will appeal to fans of Green’s Looking for Alaska.
Problem Fiction.
Pat Naismith
Scott, Elizabeth. Love You Hate You Miss You. New York: Harper Teen, 2009. 978-0-06-112283-5. 276p. $16.99 Gr. 9-12
Amy is in her 75th day of rehab for alcohol addiction, journaling to her best friend, Julia. Julia and Amy were in a car accident. Julia
died and Amy survived. Amy is so lost without Julia and she blames herself for Julia’s death. She recounts their friendship, boys,
drinking, and drugs. Amy’s parents are very supportive but Amy has always felt left out of their intense, loving relationship. Amy is a
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cranky, moody, insecure teen. She hates her height, her hair and herself. It was Julia who made her feel loved, supported, and fun.
Now that Julia is gone, Amy is seeing Laurie, a shrink, who clicks her pen too often and wants Amy to talk about Julia. Amy has
returned to school and deals daily with the mean “friends,” stares and snide remarks. What she finds through 152 days of journaling is
a way to heal herself, accept herself, and move on without her best friend. Fiction – Death, Best friends BJ Neary **Picture**
Shinn, Sharon. Gateway. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-6700-1178-0. 288p. $17.99. Gr. 8-11.
Daiyu, a relatively independent teenager who was adopted from China as a baby, finds herself drawn to a ring she saw at a vendor
stand at the St. Louis Fair. When she purchases the ring, she is transported, not back in time – but to an alternate universe. The
universe is a near replica in terms of geography to her home in St. Louis but the buildings and modes of transportation are different
and the people all look Chinese, they speak an unknown language (which the ring enables visitors to interpret). Daiyu learns that she
has been called upon to complete a mission to send an evil leader back to his own universe. The only problem is that Daiyu likes him
and cannot commit to the act. While there, Daiyu becomes extremely close to a boy named Kalen who is aware of her situation. He is
Daiyu’s friend and proves himself worthy of her friendship. This story explores justifying action and the true and intense friendship
between Daiyu and Kalen make this novel an outstanding selection in a time where time travel (or in this case, universe travel) novels
seem cliché. Fantasy
Karen Hornberger
Slayton, Fran Cannon. When the Whistle Blows. New York: Philomel, 2009. 978-0-399-25189-4. 162 p. $16.99. Gr. 7+.
Beautifully written and lyrical story of coming of age in a small town in West Virginia in the 1940s. Each chapter is almost a separate
story, taking place on subsequent Halloweens, over seven years, from age 12 to 19. Funny, sad, nostalgic, and told through Jimmy’s
eyes, these stories are poignant and resonant. Historical Fiction
Pat Naismith
Slayton, Fran Cannon. When the Whistle Blows. New York: Philomel Books, 2009. 978-0-399-25189-4. $16.99. 160p. Gr. 5-9.
Jimmy is a boy growing up in a small West Virginia railroad town and this delightful book examines Jimmy’s life, his family, and the
towns seven consecutive All Hallows Eves, witnessing the changes taking place. This book is a fine example of family life in a small,
rural, railroad town, with its complexities and changes. Fiction/Family Life
JillToye
Smith, Jennifer E. You Are Here. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009. 978-1-41696-799-6. 251 p.
$13.58. Gr. 7-12.
Sixteen year old Emma has never quite fit in as the youngest in a family of professors, lawyers, and doctors. Her neighbor Peter, who
is a civil war buff and map fanatic, finds himself more at home at Emma’s house than with his sheriff father. After coming across
documents stating that she had a twin brother who died two days after their birth, Emma decides to take an unannounced road trip to
her find her brother’s grave and the reasons behind her family’s secrecy. When the car she “borrowed” from her brother breaks down,
she takes a chance and calls on Peter for help. Though the two had never been close, Emma and Peter bond as they discover they are
not alone. Told in alternating chapters, this is a poignant story that identifies the difficulties and struggles that families go through.
Family, Grief
Melissa Daugherty
Sonneblick, Jordan. Ever After Ever. New York: Scholastic Press. 2009. 978-0-439-83706-4. 260p. $16.99. Gr. 7-12.
Jeff and Tad are best friends, both have had cancer and are now starting 8 th grade. Lindsay is the new girl from California who
becomes Jeff’s girlfriend and Tad’s friend. The three of them learn many lessons together; about living, surviving and in the end,
about death. This is a great book for kids of any age. Although the main characters have, or had cancer, it is a very humorous, light
book that deals with many of the issues that both kids with cancer and normal kids face at age 13. Jeff just can’t understand math
because he says the chemo screwed up his brain, so Tad takes it upon himself to tutor Jeff so he can pass the standardized test and
move on to high school. Tad and Jeff discuss “beau geste” and each has a beau geste for the other; Tad’s for Jeff is getting the entire
8th grade to walk out of the standardized test because it is unfair to hold Jeff back if he doesn’t pass, and Jeff’s beau geste for Tad is
that Jeff rode in a bike-a-thon for cancer in Tad’s name. Although the end is sad, it really is a great book, that can be enjoyed by all.
Fiction – Cancer
BJ Neary
Sorrells, Walter. White-Out: A Mystery. New York: Dutton, 2009. 978-0-525-421-2. 312p. $15.99. Gr. 6-11.
In this fast-paced, mystery/thriller sixteen-year-old Chass, new girl in town with a fake ID, stumbles upon the dead body of her music
teacher in life-threatening blizzard conditions. She suspects foul play and thinks that the murderer may be the same man who has been
tracking her mother. Chass and her friend spend one frightful day in which they experience a host of larger-than-life threatening
situations as they attempt to find the killer. White-Out, the third book in Walter Sorrells’ Hunted series, will keep readers turning
pages even if the story strains credibility. The action, suspense, and snappy dialogue will be especially appealing to reluctant readers.
Mystery/Thriller
Ro Becker
Spillebeen, Geert. Age 14. Boston : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. 978-0-547-05342-4. 216p. $16.00. Gr. 7+.
Once again, as he did in Kipling’s Choice, Spillebeen has taken the true story of the youngest soldier killed in World War I and woven
a compelling historical novel. Readers will be swept along, living the life of Patrick Condon, as he goes from playing soldier at age
10 to living the horrors of trench warfare in Belgium. A grim and riveting novel, that gives a voice to child soldiers.
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Historical Fiction
Pat Naismith
Spires, Ashley. Binky The Space Cat. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press Ltd., 2009. 978-1-55453-309-1. 64p. $16.95. Ages 9-12.
This creative cat’s-eye perspective is fun from start to finish. Binky’s adventure is fun, and very funny! Combining simple graphics
with an intelligently penned story, this book is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Any reader’s imagination will be sparked by the
adventure Binky takes as he prepares for space and examines what is important in his life in the process. I will never look at my cat
again. Graphic Novel, Juvenile fiction
Jason Epstein
Springer, Nancy. Somebody. New York: Holiday House, 2009. 978-0-8234-2099-5. 117p. $16.95. Gr. 6-9.
The adolescent narrator in Somebody has grown up believing that her family life is pretty normal. But lately, she is starting
to question some things that have become routine in her life – like moving every couple of months, and changing her hair
color and even her name. With no friends, and a father and brother who seem to be conspiring to keep the truth from her,
Sherica has sought the comfort of food. With great courage, and the help of some caring people, Sherica risks losing what
little comfort there is in the status quo to find her mother and her own sense of self. Themes of self-discovery and decision
making will resonate with young readers of this compelling tale. Recommended. Realistic Fiction
Peter Olsho, Springfield Township Middle School
Springer, Nancy. The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline. New York: Philomel Books, 2009. 978-0-399-24781-1. 176p. $14.99.
Gr. 5-9.
Enola Holmes is a strong and determined 14-year-old living in Victorian England. This is her fifth case in a series of mystery books.
After older brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, want to put her in a finishing school, she evades them at all costs. Her mother has run
away a year ago, and Enola(alone spelled backwards) is literally all alone. She has a beloved landlady who gets kidnapped and Enola
has to use all her wits and disguises to get her back. Enola is clever and daring and this is an exciting, mysterious read. Florence
Nightingale is even woven into this thrilling story. The vocabulary is a bit challenging, but necessary in the story, as Enola is an
educated, aristocratic girl. Fiction/Mystery
Jill Toye
Standiford, Natalie. How to Say Goodbye in Robot. New York: Scholastic Press. 2009. 978-0-545-10708-2. 201p. $17.99.
Gr. 9-12
Loved the bright pink cover, each chapter page is pink, the page numbers are pink with some solid black pages and the cover has a
black telephone hanging off the hook....
I just loved Beatrice, she begins in August moving once again and her mother is upset about it and Bea doesn't know why, but when
she doesn't get upset (like her mother) with the death of the neighbor's gerbil, her mother calls her "heartless" and a "robot," so begins
the journey of Robot Girl. Each month is a new pink chapter, and Bea makes friends at school but is drawn to Ghost Boy, called Jonah
Tate, who looks like Casper, is an outcast, and has a major chip on his shoulder. But Jonah and Bea forge a close friendship based on
listening to radio callers late evening on WBAM in Baltimore, the Late Night Show with Herb Horvath, talking and driving to places.
But Jonah is tortured about the death of his twin brother and even though Bea will steadfastly help him in any way, Jonah uses their
friendship and then pushes Bea away. Bea sheds her “robot” image as each page turned, her family changes, and Bea is a really sweet
girl who will always hold a fond place in her heart for Jonah and will move on to college. Who knows what Jonah will do?
Fiction – Death, Family life
BJ Neary
Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2009. 978-0-385-90664-7. 199p. $20.50. Gr. 5-8.
A street savvy main character, Miranda, is helping her mom prepare for an appearance on the $20,000 Pyramid when she receives the
first of a series of mysterious notes. Who is sending the letters and how does he know things that are impossible to know? Miranda’s
favorite book, Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, serves to alert readers that time is not linear and that some characters are not
what they seem. Losing her best friend and making new friends, avoiding a deranged homeless man, and steering clear of tough guys
in her New York City neighborhood anchor the story even as events that defy logic occur. A mind-bending read!
Mystery, Fantasy, Realism
Ro Becker
Stein, Garth. The Art of Racing in the Rain. New York: Harper, 2008. 978-0-06-153793-6. 321p. $14.99. Gr. 9-12.
This wonderful story is narrated by Enzo, the family dog. Denny, a race car driver, is on the edge of success when he finds out that his
wife Eve is dying of brain cancer. Their little girl, Zoe, goes to live with Eve’s parents temporarily, but when Eve dies, the
grandparents refuse to give Zoe back to her father, trump up molestation charges against him, and use all of their wealth to thwart his
attempts to see his daughter and bring her back home. Through heart-wrenching parts and hilariously funny parts, this book has heart
and soul that lifts it above ordinary prose. Enzo teaches readers much about being human.
Family story/Animal story
Nancy Chrismer
Stewart, Trenton Lee. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma. New York: Little, Brown and Co.,
2009. 978-0-316-04552-0. 391p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
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This is the third book in the Benedict Society series, about a group of four extraordinary children and their efforts to save
their town. The evil Mr. Curtain tries to steal the brainwashing machine to take over the town and eventually the world.
Only the children and their mentor, Mr. Benedict, stand in the way. The children’s puzzle solving skills and the newly
developed mental powers of four-year-old Constance help the group unravel many mysteries and survive action packed
adventures. The book also introduces and explains a lot of vocabulary. Adventure, Science Fiction
Seth Hogan, 8th Gr. Teacher, Sandy Run MS
Stiefvater, Maggie. Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie. Woodbury, MN: Flux, 2009. 978-0-7387-1484-4. 353p. $9.95 Gr. 9-12.
James Morgan and his best friend, Deidre(Dee) have awesome musical abilities. James plays the bagpipes, is annoyingly egotistical,
funny and brash to all his friends, and sarcastic towards almost everyone else. He is desperately in love with Dee, but something
happened the summer before between them and now things have drastically changed for both of them. Dee composes text messages
and never sends them to James. James never really says how much he cares to Dee, he just cracks jokes and makes her laugh. Both are
new to the prestigious Thornking-Ash School, which only accepts those musicians with a very special gift. Unbeknownst to them,
there is a reason both James and Dee are at this school and it involves Faeries. Nuala is a faerie who singles James out and promises
she will make him the most famous bagpiper. James continually turns her down, knowing she will eventually suck the life out of
him. Things are changing for James, Dee and Nuala. There are evil forces at work, and Nuala finds herself caring more for James than
wanting to kill him. James and his friend Paul, keep hearing a hauntingly beautiful song that beckons them to the fields to watch an
antlered faerie king play his song of the dead and Dee is to be keeping her text messages in her cell phone and not sending them to
James. The author of Shiver has done it again with complex characters, breathtaking scenes and heartbreaking life or death decisions. I
can't wait to read, Lament! Fiction – Supernatural, Fairies
BJ Neary
Stiefvater, Maggie. Shiver. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-545-12326-6. 392p. $17.99. Gr. 9-12.
A fantasy twist on the traditional Romeo and Juliet romance, this story brings together two star-crossed lovers: Grace, a 17-year-old
girl fascinated by a yellow-eyed wolf she believes saved her life as a child, and Sam, a boy bitten by a wolf, who has become a
werewolf, himself. Forced together when Sam is wounded in his human form, he is thrust into Grace’s life and the fascination of the
two characters turns into love. Told in alternating views of each of the characters, the story builds a love between a human and a
fantasy creature that is not only believable, but thoroughly touching. This book will appeal to Stephenie Meyers fans that are now
searching for a new romance. Recommended, Fantasy, Romance
Bekci Kelly
Stier, Catherine. The Terrible Secrets of the Tell-All Club. Illinois: Albert Whitman & Company, 2009. 978-0-8075- 7798-1.
125p. $14.99. Gr. 4-6.
Middle school student Kiley decides to start a new club at school – The Tell-All Club. She distributes questionnaires to potential
candidates and fellow students. Starting with some very innocent questions including “What is your favorite T.V. show?” and “What
is your favorite color?” the questions progress to the most intimate question a fifth grader would answer “Who do you like? (REALLY
like, not just as a friend kind of like). With different motives for joining, each student submits his/her answers. When secrets are
exposed, friendships will be put to the test as the characters face the consequences of their answers. Avid realistic fiction readers will
enjoy the drama, frustration and elation found in the lives of these young teens.
Christine Massey
Stillerman, Marci. Something Terrible Happened on Kenmore. Lodi, New Jersey: WestSide Books, 2009. 978-1-934813-11-9.
199p. $16.95. Gr. 9-12.
Told in three viewpoints, this is the story of what happened in a Chicago neighborhood after a child murder has taken place. Zane is
the son of a well-to-do minister, and Fred is a hard-working gay teen who loves to draw. Zane and Fred are sort-of friends through
their shared love of drawing, but Zane often treats Fred badly. Zane has casual sex with Maizy, a working-class girl who is seeking
acceptance and love for herself while helping to raise her mentally challenged brother. When Maizy becomes pregnant from the
episode with Zane, Fred realizes that Zane is not who he thought he was. Zane has nothing more to do with Maizy, and Fred tries to
help her in his own way. Both Maizy and Fred have clues to the murderer, and both of them are shocked to realize that they know who
did it. Coming of Age, Teen, Mystery
Nancy Chrismer
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York : Amy Einhorn Books, 2009. 978-0-399-15534-1. 451p. $24.95. Gr. 10-12.
As I read the reviews, I could not wait to get my hands on this book. This is an historical fiction novel set in the south during the civil
rights movement. The novel centers around black maids and the white families who employ them. The historical context was weaved
into an absorbing plot. There were many intriguing ties to human nature; some stories illustrated the kindness found within
relationships while others illustrated the slight abuses, which are at times subtle, yet can wield so much hurt. This book which has
earned all of its accolades is a great choice for older high school students. Historical Fiction
Karen Hornberger
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York: Amy Einhorn Books, 2009. 978-0-399-15534-1. 451p. $24.95. Gr. 10-12.
First-time novelist, Kathryn Stockett clearly delivers a realistic view of domestic life in the 1960's America's South in her novel, The
Help. The novel is narrated by Skeeter, a would-be writer, and Minnie and Abilene, African-American housekeepers. Skeeter wants
to write the real stories of the black women who worked in the homes of affluent white women and Minnie and Abilene, along with
others, reveal how they were treated, good and bad by their employers. The stories as told by the black workers are humorous, sad,
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degrading, heartfelt and illuminating. Stockett delves into the complex dynamics of black women caring for white children and
raising them while the white mothers were off to their many social events. A glimpse into a world that showed class distinction and
the onset of the civil rights movement. May be used in conjunction with an American History curriculum
Susan Mowery
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York: Amy Einhorn Books, 2009. 978-0-399-15534-1. 451p. $24.95. Gr. 10-12.
Through the strong voices of two black maids and one white woman, readers get a glimpse of the cruel treatment of African
Americans in Jackson, Mississippi during the Civil Rights movement. Aibileen, who lost her only son in an accident, is a devoted
maid who fiercely loves the children for whom she cares. Her spirited friend, Minny, is known among her employers for her excellent
cooking but has a tendency to freely speak her mind. Skeeter is a young, white woman fresh from college who decides to write a book
about the mistreatment of these and other African American maids. Her mission proves to be a dangerous one in an area strewn with
the Ku Klux Klan and an opposition to the Civil Rights movement. This beautiful story gives a raw and personal look at the treatment
of southern blacks in the early sixties. Civil Rights movement
Mary Schwander
Stork, Francisco X. Marcelo in the Real World. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009. 978-0-545-05474-4. 312 p. $17.99.
Gr. 9-12.
17-year-old special education student, Marcelo Sandoval, has a condition that resembles Asperger’s. He is disappointed when his
lawyer father suggests he abandon his planned summer job of taking care of the ponies at Paterson, his special school, in favor of a
more real-world summer experience at the law firm, a job his dad hopes might prepare him for a mainstreamed senior year in the fall.
Marcelo is absolutely out of his comfort zone in the mailroom of the high power firm. Marcelo’s first (but often third person)
narrative reveals his differences as well as his passion for understanding religion, and his internal music. As he innocently navigates
the politics and the underside of product liability law, he develops a deep friendship with Jasmine, the young woman in charge of the
mailroom. He learns to stand up to the son of Arturo’s partner who takes advantage of him. After finding a photo of a girl disfigured
by his father’s largest clients, Marcelo confronts an ethical decision that could seriously affect his father’s practice and their
relationship. Marcelo is sympathetic, sometimes admirable, and very believable character who will continue to live after you close the
covers of this book. Realistic.
Joyce Valenza
Stork, Francisco X. Marcelo in the Real World. New York : Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009. 0-545-05474-5. 312p. $17.99.
Gr. 8-12.
When his father insists that seventeen-year-old Marcelo work at his law firm for the summer, Marcelo feels nervous and reluctant.
Having a condition similar to autism, he has trouble interacting with people and would be much more comfortable working on the
horse farm as he has every other summer. However, once Marcelo is in the "real world", he surprises himself and others with his
capacity for love and compassion and his strong sense of morality. Readers will appreciate the honest and innocent voice of Marcelo
as well as the sincere characters who help inspire him. Autism
Mary Schwander
Strasser, Todd. Wish You Were Dead. New York : Egmont USA, 2009. 978-1-60684-049-8. 236 p. $16.99. Gr. 8+.
Madison’s friends are disappearing, and, to make matters worse, she, herself is being stalked. Strasser does not disappoint in this teen
thriller. As usual, his characters are well-drawn and compelling, his plot taut, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing
throughout the story. Cyberstalkers, blogs, Facebook – all the social-networking technologies are blended seamlessly into the
narrative. The story is timeless, but the technology is current and brings immediacy to this tale of a heroine determined to solve the
mystery before she becomes the next victim. A great read for older students. Suspense
Pat Naismith
Tarshis, Lauren. Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love. New York: Dial, 2009. 978-0-8037-3321-3. 169p. $16.99. Gr. 4-7.
Socially awkward Emma Jean is in 7th grade and at the top of her class academically. She has a nice group of friends who understand
her logical way of thinking. As a school dance approaches, the girls start thinking about the boys they would like to invite. Emma-Jean
experiences her first crush, and intends to ask Will. When Colleen receives a note from an anonymous admirer, she asks Emma Jean
to discover the boy’s identity. While investigating, Emma-Jean realizes that her crush on Will has passed, so she encourages Colleen
to ask him to the dance. Meanwhile, Emma-Jean fears that Vikram, her mother’s boyfriend, is leaving town, so she tries to intervene.
Just before the dance Vikram proposes to Emma-Jean’s mother. Very relieved, Emma-Jean goes to the dance and gets a very warm
reception from her friends. This is the second book in the Emma Jean series. Realistic
Michelle Stone
Taylor, Greg. Killer Pizza. NY: Feiwel and Friends, 2009. 978-0-3123-7379-5. 346 p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
Greg Taylor has given his book a great title for middle school students. Add to the mix adventure, horror and the fight of good against
evil and it should fly off your shelves. Fourteen- year old Toby, a Food Network fan, is happy to get a job at the new pizza place,
Killer Pizza. As he, Annabel, Strobe and a strange guy named Doug are being trained to make the Killer pizza, learn oven skills and
other general rules, Toby begins to have nightmares about horrifying monsters. Soon he and the others find out that Doug heads up an
organization to fight the monsters and they are to become agents in the fight to save the town from being taken over. This is a fastpaced adventure, horror story. Monsters, Adventure, Horror, Friendship
Sandra Krieg
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Taylor, Laini and Jim Di Bartolo, illustrator. Lips Touch: Three Times. New York: Alfred A. Levine, 2009. 978-0-545-055857.
265p. $17.99. Gr. 9+.
When is a kiss more than a kiss? Not once, but three times, a kiss is all it takes to change the lives of three young women forever. In
three tales, Taylor grabs us and places us alongside Kizzy, Anamique and Esme as they yearn for the intimate touch of their lips on the
lips of lovers. Their lovers are not human, however, by any means, yet this does not diminish the sensuousness of each kiss. Di
Bartolo’s graphic illustrations that precede the text of each story prepare anyone for the fantastic journeys that awaits them in this
sumptuous collection. This Booklist Best Books for Young Adults 2010 book and 2009 National Book Award finalist is highly
recommended. Fantasy
Sarah Braxton
Teague, Mark. The Doom Machine. New York: Blue Sky Press, 2009. 978-0-545-15142-2. 376 p. $17.99. Gr 5-8.
Set in small town America in 1954, young Jack has a reputation as a trouble maker and a talent for fixing cars. While covering for
Uncle Bud at his car repair shop, he meets Isadora and her scientist mother when their car breaks down. When a spaceship lands in
town looking for Bud’s latest invention, the adventure takes off. Jack, Bud, Isadora and her mother are kidnapped. Separated from the
adults, Jack and Isadora travel the universe, encountering strange and dangerous aliens, in order to stop the spider-like skreeps from
taking over earth. Occasional drawings help the reader visualize the imaginative characters and scenery. Students will enjoy the
nonstop adventure. Science Fiction
Michelle Stone
Urrea, Luis Alberto. Into the Beautiful North. New York: Little, Brown & Company, 2009. 978-0-316-02527-0. 342p.
$24.99. Gr. 9-12.
An epiphany comes to Nayeli and her two girlfriends when they see The Magnificent Seven at their local theater in their small
Mexican town. Following the plot of this American movie, they decide to head north to the United States to find seven worthy men to
protect their village and to replenish their weakened male population. With their whole town rooting for them, the girls, along with
Nayeli’s gay boss, lead a mission filled with adventure, despair and plenty of laughter. Highly recommended and appropriately
awarded one of Booklist's Adult Books for Young Adults 2009. Mexico
Mary Schwander
Valentine, Jenny. Broken Soup. New York: HarperTeen, 2009. 978-0-06-085072-2. 216p. $16.99. Gr. 7+.
A dropped negative starts a chain of events that culminates in friendship, romance and healing for 15-year old Rowan after the tragic
death of her brother. Like Valentine’s earlier novel, Me, the Missing and the Dead, a death is the catalyst for the action, and there is
and interesting and intricate puzzle to be solved. This portrait of a family torn about by the death of a son and brother will resonate
with readers. Mystery
Pat Naismith
Vega, Denise. Access Denied: And Other Eighth Grade Error Messages: A Novel. New York: Little, Brown and Co.,
2009. 978-0-316- 03448-7. 280p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.
This book is perfect for middle school girls. It touches on a variety of topics that students deal with on a daily basis; fitting
in, peer pressure, and growing up. Erin Swift, the main character, struggles to be cool within her peer group while remaining
true to herself and obeying her parents. The plot keeps moving and the mix of traditional novel format and "blog" pages is
interesting.
Kathi Babin, Counselor, Sandy Run MS
Villareal, Ray. Who’s Buried in the Garden? Houston: Pinata Books, 2009. 978-1-55885-546-5. 155p. $10.95. Gr 6-7.
Artie Mendoza is consumed with the idea that his neighbor, Mrs. Foley, has killed her husband and buried him in her garden. He tries
earnestly to get Joshua, his best friend, to believe him. Josh, on the other hand, knows his friend often tells stories, and would rather
concentrate on his social life in seventh grade than worry about the story his friend tells, no matter how intriguing that story happens
to be. In this fast paced, humorous story, peppered with Spanish phrases that emphasize the boys’ heritage, the boys learn what it
means to truly be a friend. Realistic, Multicultural
Bekci Kelly
Volponi, Paul. Response. New York: Viking, 2009. 978-0-670-06283-6. 145p. $15.99. Gr. 9-12.
Another Volponi success: what seems like a simple book is a masterfully complex plot involving teens, gangs, racial tension, and
justice. Noah, a teenage father, goes with his friends to a nearly all-white section of town, intending to steal a car, which doesn’t
happen. Instead, Noah gets beaten nearly to death in a vicious attack from a racist white gang. Charlie Scat, the attacker, claims he was
just protecting his turf, but Noah and his friends know differently. When Charlie and his friends show their true natures, Noah is
vindicated, knowing that the world will see their hate crimes for what they really are. This is an excellent story that speaks to today’s
teens. Teens, Gangs, Racial Issues
Nancy Chrismer
Volponi, Paul. Response. New York : Viking. 2009. 978-0-670-06283-6. 145p. $15.99. Gr. 9 – 12.
Noah Jackson is a 17 year old who suddenly finds himself in the center of a widely publicized hate crime. He is the victim but the
circumstances that got him there were wrong. Noah went to an all white neighborhood next to his all black neighborhood with two
friends with plans to steal a Lexis to make some quick money by selling it to a chop shop. Things don’t work out but while in the
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neighborhood he is viciously attacked by three white teens. Noah is a struggling teen father who really wants to do the right thing in
life for both himself and his young baby daughter but keeps making wrong choices. An honest look at urban teen life.
Hate Crimes, Race Relations
Susan Krenicky
Waldman, Neil. Voyages: Reminiscences of Young Abe Lincoln. Honesdale, PA: Calkins Creek, 2009. 978-1-59078-471-6.
29p. $16.95. Gr. 5-8.
When Abe Lincoln was a boy, he made several trips on a flatboat on the Mississippi, the Ohio and the Sangamon Rivers. He watched
and never forgot the scenes he saw there-mainly slaves and people abusing the slaves with whips and shackles, as well as slave
auctions. These images gave him compassion for these people. The author intertwines his fiction with Lincoln’s own writings, which
appear in brown italics. The drawings are sepia-toned, giving the book a beautiful, old-time look. Fiction/Historical. Jill Toye
Waldorf, Heather. Tripping. Canada: Red Deer Press, 2009. 978-0-8899-5426-7. 344p. $12.95. Gr. 8+
Tripping is a typical teenage angst book – touching on all the hot topics, i.e. alcoholism, divorce, abandonment, sex, drugs,
teen pregnancy, with disabilities thrown in to boot. It is an easy read and may appeal to the reader who is looking for a diary
type of book. The storyline was inventive and the characters were engaging. Tripping is definitely a teenage girl book and
would serve well to be part of a series. The characters are likeable and believable while the plot is interesting enough to make
the reader want to know what is happening next.
Teen Story
Pat Field
Walker, Kristin. A Match Made In High School. New York: Razorbill, 2009. 978-159514-257-3. 288p. $9.99. Gr. 8-12.
Match Made In High School follows a teen girl through the trials of friendship, school, cliques and crushes during her senior year of
high school. A new school policy matches up a senior boy and girl randomly to pretend they are married for the year. The couple is
not allowed to date, but they must set up a budget, get a job together and join activities together. This forces Fiona to become a
cheerleader against her wishes and leads to unexpected results. This is an entertaining, light read.
Fiction, Interpersonal Relationships
Jill Toye
Warman, Jessica. Breathless. New York: Walker & Co., 2009. 978-0-8027-9849-7. 311p. $16.99. Gr. 8+
In this debut novel, Warman establishes herself as a welcome new voice in YA fiction. Katie has a lot on her plate, a schizophrenic
older brother who is incarcerated in a prison for the criminally insane, parents who retreat into work and alcoholism to deal with their
problems. When she is sent to a boarding school, she turns to the one thing that calms her otherwise chaotic life - swimming. She
slowly begins to reinvent herself, only to have the secret she so desperately wants to keep (her brother) brought out into the open.
Themes of friendship, love and self-worth are woven seemlessly into this coming-of-age, coming-to-grips story that will resonant with
older middle school and high school readers. Problem Fiction
Pat Naismith
Ward, Rachel. NUM8ERS. New York: Scholastic, Inc, 2010. 978-0-545-14299-1. 336 p. $17.99. Gr. 8-12.
When she was fifteen Jem Marsh’s mother died of a drug overdose and Jem became part of the foster care system. Ever since that day
Jem has known about the numbers. The numbers spontaneously pop into her head when she looks into another person’s eyes. The
numbers that Jem sees are each individual’s predicted death date. Because of the numbers Jem prefers to be a loner and avoids
relationships. Then she meets another loner named Spider. While on a trip to the London Eye Ferris Wheel, Jem realizes that many of
the tourists have the same death date: today. What happens next is the beginning of an exciting thriller that will have you on the edge
of your seat. Teen Story, Romance
Nora S. Neumann
Warman, Jessica. Breathless. New York: Walker & Co., 2009. 978-0-8027-9849-7. 311p. $16.99. Gr. 8+.
In this debut novel, Warman establishes herself as a welcome new voice in YA fiction. Katie has a lot on her plate, a schizophrenic
older brother who is incarcerated in a prison for the criminally insane, parents who retreat into work and alcoholism to deal with their
problems. When she is sent to a boarding school, she turns to the one thing that calms her otherwise chaotic life - swimming. She
slowly begins to reinvent herself, only to have the secret she so desperately wants to keep (her brother) brought out into the open.
Themes of friendship, love and self-worth are woven seemlessly into this coming-of-age, coming-to-grips story that will resonant with
older middle school and high school readers. Problem Fiction
Pat Naismith
Wenberg, Michael. Seattle Blues. New Jersey: WestSide Books, 2009. 978-1-934813-04-2. 236p. $16.95 Gr. 4-7.
After thirteen-year old Maya’s father is listed as MIA in Vietnam and her mother returns to college, Maya must go to Seattle to stay
with her grandmother whom she has never met. Her adventures into discovering herself, her family history, and life are enlightening.
Maya becomes friends with past jazz greats, an autistic boy next door and other people she never imagined. Maya discovers a
trombone in the attic that belonged to her grandfather and finds out that she has musical talent. The book examines our preconceived
notions of people and life and then makes us reconsider and question ourselves. Fiction/Family Life.
Jill Toye
Westerfeld, Scott. Leviathan. New York Simon and Schuster (Simon Pulse), 2009. 978-1-4169-7173-3. 440 p. $19.99 Gr. 7+.
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First of all there will be a sequel! World War I is about to breakout, but it is not the world we know. In this alternate history the
Germans and the Austrians known as Clankers, create massive steam powered war machines that use legs (8 sometimes more) to cross
the terrain. Conversely the English (Darwinists) have fabricated all sorts of animals as their mode of transportation and destruction.
Aleksander (Hapsburg) has been orphaned by assassination. He is spirited away to Switzerland for safety. In the meantime a Scottish
girl, Deryn, joins the British Air Service passing as Dylan. Meeting in a disaster, Alek and Deryn struggle to overcome the differences
in their cultures and to resolve the conflicts. The entrenched powers-that-be seemingly thwarts these attempts but it is not over yet.
Westerfeld and illustrator Keith Thompson create an H. G. Wells/Jules Verne world that will have readers enthralled.
Alternate history; science fiction; genetic engineering
Jeannie Bellavance
Whelan, Gloria., Milelli, Pascal. Waiting for the Owl’s Call. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009. 978-1-58536-418-3. 32p. $17.95.
Ages 4-8.
Zulviya is an eight year old Turkoman girl, from Afganistan. Her days are spent weaving beautiful rugs with her family and
imagining all of the colors she sees and their place in her country. Nights are spent dancing and dreaming of all things that are good,
as the shadows of her loom fade into darkness. Gloria Whelan gives us a little insight into the lives of a people that are not in the main
stream with wonderful prose combined with beautiful illustrations. Fiction, Juvenile Literature
Jason Epstein
Whitcomb, Laura. Fetch. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. 978-0-618-89131-3. 379p. $17.00. Gr. 9-12.
Calder is a ‘Fetch’, a being sent from Heaven to escort humans through their death to Heaven. He is unable to be seen by humans, but
when he sees Anastasia and Alexis’s mother, he is entranced and decides to inhabit the body of Rasputin. When he does, he becomes
enmeshed in the chaos of the Russian Revolution, and he realizes that he will not be able to return to his place as a Fetch until he can
escort Anastasia and Alexis safely to Heaven. This is a very well-written and enticing fantasy. Fantasy
Nancy Chrismer
Whitney, Tim. Thanksgiving at the Inn. Baltimore, MD: Bancroft Press, 2009. 978-1-890862-64-0. 223p. $21.95. Gr.
4-7.
This book is very full of “characters” – people quite different in life style and age, all living or associated with the inn. The
main character and the easiest to follow is a young teenage boy. Some of the happenings are quite unique and unimaginable.
It is a good story to demonstrate the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” or as it pertains to this story don’t judge people
before you know them. A good quote that was found in this book: “there are three types of people, those who make things
happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what just happened”. This book was somewhat slow moving
and a little preposterous but left a good feeling at the end. Family Fiction
Mary H. Stinger
Willey, Margaret. A Summer of Silk Moths. Woodbury: Flux, 2009. 978-0-7387-1540-7. 246p. $9.95. Gr. 9-12.
Pete leads a pretty simple life. When he's not in school, he helps his friend Abe build Riverside, a nature preserve that Abe's brother
always dreamed of until his tragic and untimely death. The balance of nature is shattered when Nora, Abe's niece, shows up
unexpectedly. With an irascible disposition and a short temper, Pete and Nora do not hit it off. As Abe accepts Nora and begins to
provide support and help her sort out the past, Pete finds himself distanced from Abe yet entwined in Nora's secrets, discovering
connections to his own perplexing past. As the secrets unfold, so does a respect and love for each other and nature. The journal
entries from Nora's father interspersed between the chapters add interesting facts about discoveries regarding moths and provide
insight into a devoted and caring individual. With plausible characters and an interesting plot, readers will enjoy this captivating
story. Realistic Fiction
Christine Massey
Williams, Carol Lynch. The Chosen One. New York: Macmillan. 2009. 0-312-555113. 224p. $16.95. Gr. 9-12.
Suspenseful fast-paced, short book about a scary American group of religious zealots and bigamists in the dessert. Thankfully the
main character, Kyra, who finds knowledge of the "outside world" through the contents of the passing bookmobile, has enough
courage to stand up for herself, risk her life, and in so doing helps a flock of people and their offspring break away from the confines
of pseudo- prophets who prey on young girls in the guise of religion. Quick-pick reluctant reader
Susan Mowery
Williams, Carol Lynch. The Chosen One. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2009. 0312555113. 224p. $16.95. Gr. 7-11.
This is a true page turner and a peek into a closed culture. 13-year-old Kyra lives in an isolated polygamist commune. She has a
loving father and three mothers. She finds some freedom in her ability to play piano, a growing (but highly forbidden) flirtation with
her classmate Joshua, and the book mobile she regularly visits right outside the compound. Prophet Childs assigns her to be the
seventh wife of her 60-year-old uncle. When she and Joshua try to resist this plan, a tragedy is set in action. Kyra and Joshua are
beaten. Kyra attempts to escape with the kind bookmobile driver and a high-speed chase ensues. Kyra is a strong, fully-developed
character, one most girls will relate to. They won’t be able to put this one down.
Joyce Valenza
Williams-Garcia, Rita. Jumped. New York: HarperTeen, 2009. 978-0-06-076092-2. 169p. $16.99. Gr. 9+.
The events leading up to and after a school fight between girls is told in three voices – the basketball player who feels disrespected and
threatens to “jump” another student, the clueless and self-absorbed object of her wrath, and a gossipy bystander who does nothing to
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warn the other student, nor stop the fight. Brilliant and believable characters, a fast-paced plot and a realistic look at girl-on-girl
violence. Problem Fiction
Pat Naismith
Wiseman, Eva. Puppet: A Novel. Plattsburgh: Tundra Books, 2009. 978-0-88776-828-6. 243p. $17.95. Gr. 6 – 9.
Set in a Hungarian village called Tisza-Eszlar in the late 19th century, this historical novel tells the tale of a very famous blood libel
trial in the village. These trials accused Jewish people of sacrificing Christians (usually children) for their blood in preparation for the
feast of Passover. In this case a young Christian girl named Esther is missing. Esther’s mother blames the local rabbi and the
kosher butcher of killing her daughter for her blood. Julie another Christian teen tries to help find the truth when Esther’s body is
found and there is no sign of any trauma. The story is told through Julie’s narrative. The townspeople find witnesses, including the
rabbi’s son Morris, who is beaten into making false testimony against his father. This is a terrible tale of religious myth and antiSemitism. The story is based on actually records from a trial in this village. A compelling story
Historical Fiction, Jewish Persecution Europe
Susan Krenicky
Wolf-Morgenlander, Ragtag. New York: Clarion Books, 2009. 978-0-547-07424-5. 225p. $16.00. Gr. 3-6.
Ragtag, a young swallow, must rise to the challenges ahead of him to save the feather alliance from the Talon
Empire. Among the challenges, he must fight against betrayal, other hawks, and the capture of the leaders of the
Feather Alliance. He must find the eagle who gave his solemn promise to help in the fight but has disappeared and
fight Surt, the strongest and fiercest of the Talon Empire who is next in line for leadership for the Talon Empire.
The story is fast-paced and full of action. I really enjoyed reading this book and consider it to be one of the best
books I have read this year. I would recommend it to my friends. Fantasy
Lucas H., J.W. Parker M. S.
Wooding, Chris. Malice. New York: Scholastic, 2009. 978-0-545-16043-8. 379p. $14.99. Gr. 5-9.
The lights go out and the strange scratching begins when Luke repeats the chant “Tall Jake, take me away”. He wants to prove the
rumors are wrong; that he won’t disappear and be featured in the mysterious and frightening Malice comic book. But after weeks of
searching, Seth and Kady find a few clues, but they fear Luke was really eaten by the dark creatures, as shown in the new issue of
Malice. Frustrated, Seth repeats the chant. He awakens in Malice, a dark and grimy world, surrounded by deadly creatures. Instead of
surviving there like the other skinny children he meets, he and Justin set off to find an escape. Justin has been in Malice for years.
Meanwhile, Kady’s search for clues brings danger to her door. She cleverly finds her way into Malice, where she, Seth, and Justin
decide not to escape, but to stop Tall Jake. The story ends with a graphic of Tall Jake tempting readers on to the sequel. This book will
leave you wanting more. Horror
Michelle Stone
Woods, Brenda. A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. New York: Penguin Group, 2010. 978-0399246838. 175p. $16.99.
Gr 8-10.
As part of an English assignment, nine students tell the story of their lives, differentiating what it is that makes them unique. Each
story is riddled with the trials of being a teen, mixed in with the difficulty of living in an urban environment. Each short chapter tells
part of each student’s story, from Sunday who is abused by her stepfather, to the interracial relationship between Jake and Shante, and
also includes insight to the life of their teacher, Ms. Hart. Fast paced, and easy to read, this story will appeal to reluctant reader as it
offers a diverse plot, however your stronger readers will be disappointed that each story does not go into further detail.
Realistic
Bekci Kelly
Woodson, Jacqueline. Peace, Locomotion. New York: Putnam, 2009. 978-0-399-24655- 5. 134p. $15.99. Gr. 3-7.
Peace Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is an excellent book. It’s told through letters from Lonnie Collins Motion to his
little sister Lili, whom he had separated with through foster care after both of their parents had passed. Lonnie loves Lili but
they have different ideas on what family really is. The sadness is subtle with a poetic edge. It shows us how much we really
have, and how we can find happiness after losing it all. Realistic Fiction
Annie B., STMS
Woodson, Jacqueline. Peace, Locomotion. New York: Putnam, 2009. 978-0-399-24655- 5. 134p . $15.99. Gr. 3-7.
Peace, Locomotion is a book about a brother and sister who suddenly become orphans when their parents die in a house fire.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Locomotion (the boy) learns that peace really can happen in the world. I
really enjoyed this book.
Anna D., Springfield Township Middle School
Yancey, Rick. The Monstrumologist. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009. 978-1-4169-8448-1. 434p. $17.99. Gr. 8-12.
In the year of 1888, 12-year-old Will Henry witnesses an intrusion of terrifying, carnivorous monsters and captures every gruesome
detail in his journal. Over a hundred years later, that journal reaches the hands of Rick Yancey who then turns the journal into this
book...or so the story goes. The story of this young boy, who is a dutiful assistant to a monstrumologist in New England, is absolutely
horrifying and has the potential of causing many a reader's nightmares. Yet, with a captivating story-line and exquisite writing, a
literary gem lies beyond the bloodcurdling prose. Look for a sequel in September! Horror, Monsters
Mary Schwander
42
PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
Young, E. L. STORM: The Black Sphere. New York: Dial, 2009. 978-0-8037-3268-1. 299p. Gr. 5-9.
A deadly explosion brings Will, Gaia and Andrew back in the third STORM adventure. This time they end up in Switzerland trying to
find a missing scientist. They are not the only ones. MI6 and a huge energy corporation also want to get the scientist or his work.
There is plenty of excitement including a white knuckle ride through the Alps, a bombing of a restaurant, and fantastic gadgets that
would make Alex Rider envious.. Do not trust anyone! Double crossing and double agents abound. Check out the gadget file
including a self hardening armor and a flexible wrap around surveillance camera.
Friendship; spies; adventure; inventions
Jeannie Bellavance
Zarr, Sara. Once Was Lost. New York: Little, Brown, 2009. 0-316-03604-8. 217p. $16.99. Gr. 8-10.
Sam, like many teenagers who have grown up in a faith based home, is finding herself questioning her personal beliefs. Life has
always been difficult for Sam as the daughter of a popular pastor and a mother who has been struggling to constantly keep
appearances perfect. Now life has become even more difficult for Sam, as her mother is in rehab as a result of a DUI, a young girl
who attends her church goes missing, and her father helps everyone in the crisis but Sam herself. Once was Lost is the story of Sam as
she questions her personal faith in religion along with her faith in the people that she counted on to support her in a world that doesn’t
always make sense. This grippingly honest story is tinged with sadness and hope. Realistic Fiction, Religion Karen Hornberger
Zarr, Sara. Once Was Lost. New York: Little, Brown & Company. 2009. 978-0-316-03604-7. 217p. $16.99 Gr. 9-12.
Samara Taylor is the fifteen year old daughter of a pastor workaholic and a mother who has been drinking so much, that she has
landed herself into New Beginnings Recovery Center; her father wants to “officially tell” the congregation when he feels it is right,
which is never. Sam is at a point in her life that she is questioning everything; the air conditioning is broken in their house, her ceiling
fan is not working, it is the middle of a heat wave, the outside of the house looks like a disaster, all the while her father plunges
himself into his congregation while Sam’s world is falling apart. Sam has been the one who has seen her mother drink because of the
stress of being a pastor’s wife. Since Sam is the pastor’s daughter, she is part of the youth group and she is afraid of sharing, thinks
she might be depressed, and is questioning why now that she is in high school, she is not feeling the understanding, friendship and
bonding that she grew up believing existed in her community. Just as Sam is at her lowest, Jody Shaw, a sweet thirteen year old,
disappears and the whole town is rocked to the core. There are searches in fields, house to house, and suspicions about suspects begin
to permeate throughout the town. As Sam worries about what once was lost, she is also determined to talk to her mother in rehab,
bring her home, and faithfully work on a family unit. This is a story of a young teen able to weather an internal storm of doubt and
emerge a more secure, stronger daughter and friend. Students will love Zarr’s masterful storytelling, she weaves an engrossing tale of
love and the power to heal. Fiction, Faith, Self-perception
BJ Neary
Zielin, Laura. Donut Days. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2009. 978-0-399-25066-8. 246p. $16.99. Gr. 7+.
Donut Days by Lara Zielin is about a girl named Emma and the weekend that her life came full circle at a Crispy Dream
camp. She went to this ‘camp’ as an escape from her two evangelical minster parents who preach at the Living Word
Redeemer. But this escape does not turn out to be an escape at all. There Emma learns the value of friends and family.
Also, that strangers can help you in so many ways. And that God is not just in church and in people that can quote readings
from the Bible, but in our hearts, even if we don’t know that He is there. I would recommend this book to anyone, boy or
girl, that likes hearing about real life and how faith affects people. But, in a humorous way. I would also recommend this
book to anyone that is struggling with their faith in God. This book is from kids 14 and up, because I feel that they can relate
to what Emma is going through.
Alaina G. - 11th Grade Student, Springfield High School (Delco
FICTION SERIES:
Grant, Vicki. Nine Doors. Victoria BC Canada: Orca Book Publishers, 2009. 978-1-55469-073-2. 102p. $9.95 Gr. 9-12.
Part of the Orca Currents series, Nine Doors is about this teen, Emery, and because he is bored, he becomes friendly with someone
who he wouldn’t normally associate with and how this kid, Richard, gets Emery to play a stupid game that gets them into trouble.
Since it is summer, Emery listens as Richard cooks up a scheme to play Nicky Nicky Nine Doors, which is knock on people’s doors
and run away before they answer. Emery doesn’t really want to play this game but Richard convinces him it will be fun and they can
make a video and win movie awards. They decide to spice up the game and put bags of dogdirt on the porch and light it before racing
away. It is at door number three that Emery falls down because his shoelace becomes wedged in the spacing between the boards. A
pretty girl answers the door and Emery is saved by her. This teen, Bebi, tells her father a lie about a science project they are doing
together. Emery does not want to play this game anymore (he likes Bebi!!!) and decides he will make up an excuse to Richard and see
Bebi instead. But all three are separately kidnapped. How will they get out of this mess that they probably caused themselves with
this stupid game? A great read about a conflicted teen that makes some poor choices in a friend and the resulting consequences.
Fiction, Neighborhood, Games
BJ Neary
43
PSLA TITLES FOR 2009
FICTION
Marvel Age; Iron Man Graphic Novel Series II. Minnesota: Spotlight, 2009. $91.12 whole set, Ages 9-12.
Van Lente, Fred. Destructive Reentry. 978-0-399-24655- 5. 24p. $22.78.
Van Lente, Fred. Ghost of a Chance. 978-1-59961-590-5. 24p. $22.78.
Van Lente, Fred. Pirated!. 978-1-59961-591-2. 24p. $22.78.
Van Lente, Fred. The Simple Life. 978-1-59961-592-9. 24p. $22.78.
Whether or not you are a comic book fan, these graphic novels about one of the most popular superheroes will captivate you. Each
short book houses one Iron Man adventure, full with suspense, good-guys, bad-guys and of course superpowers! With easy to follow
stories, and incredible artwork this family friendly format will be great for a range of ages and both boys and girls. Graphic Novels,
Superheroes -- Fiction
Jason Epstein
Tullson, Diane. Riley Park. Victoria BC Canada: Orca Book Publishers, 2009. 978-1-55469-123-4. 102p. $9.95 Gr. 9-12.
Part of the Orca Soundings series, Riley Park is about two best friends, Corbin and Darius. They both like Rubee, who is their age,
goes to a different school, but works as a cashier at the local Safeway food store. Darius has asked Rubee out and been shot down
because she has a boyfriend who picks her up from work in a nice car. When they notice that Rubee is not wearing his ring, Darius
asks her to go to the local hangout, Riley Park, and she accepts. That night, Corbin drinks too much and misses out on most of the
fun. As he and Darius leave Riley Park, they are viciously attacked from behind by someone with a crowbar. Both teens are
repeatedly beaten, but Corbin lashes out and fights for his friend, who is lying on the ground motionless. The next thing Corbin
remembers is waking up in the hospital and finding out his best friend is dead. The cops think Corbin had something to do with it, but
it is only after the doctor reports that their attacker was much taller that they begin to believe he did not attack his best friend. Corbin
sustains brain trauma, losing his best friend, not being able to play ice hockey and begins to think about how to find out who killed
Darius. A winner for the reluctant reader, the suspense and pace never stop and we feel Corbin’s loss and frustration as he tries to
regain his life without his best friend. Fiction – Death, Family life
BJ Neary
Committee Members
Ro Becker, Springfield Township Middle School
Jeannie Bellavance, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy
Sarah Braxton, Juniata Valley High School
Nancy Chrismer, Juniata High School
Melissa Daugherty, Sharon-Middle High School
Jason Epstein, Newtown Friends School
Tricia Fischer, Edward Hand Middle School
Karen Hornberger, Palisades High School
Eleanor Howe, Pine-Richland High School
Rebecca A. Kelly, Quakertown Community School District
Susan Krenicky, Phoenixville Area High School.
Sandra Krieg, The Haverford School
Christine Massey, JW Parker Middle School Library
Susan Mowery, Upper Dublin High School
Pat Naismith, Springfield High School (Del Co)
BJ Neary, Abington High School
Nora Neumann, MLS Student
Mary Schwander, New Hope-Solebury High School
Michelle Stone, Sandy Run Middle School
Jill Toye, Jenkintown Middle/High School
Toni Vahlsing, Abington Friends School
Joyce Valenza, Springfield Township High School
Barbara Wray, Thomas Holme Middle School
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