YA Book Reviews February 7, 2007

From CRBSLS

PETER PAN IN SCARLET by Geraldine McCaughrean

This "first ever authorized sequel to JM Barrie's Peter Pan" is actually the result of a competition to choose an author to extend Barrie's story. In 1929 Barrie donated the rights of his book/play to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, and this book is published with the support of the hospital. McCaughrean's story lifts off wonderfully, with vivid scenes from London in which the once Lost Boys, now "old boys" (i.e. grown up men), are haunted by dreams of NeverLand. There is nothing for it: these poor fellows must get back and sort out the dreams/nightmares. But first, in order to fly, they've got to find some fairydust. McCaughrean grabs the reader with short chapters which are preceded by black silouette drawings by Scott Fisher [note to this session's group: this is a correction from DiTerlizzi, who designed the cover illustration, not the silouettes]--sometimes the drawings are scary, as in "The Great Reef and the Maze of Witches." This book in some ways promises more than it delivers; however it is full of action scenes, and whimsical--although not always logical--turns-of-plot. Compare to "Peter and the Star Catchers." Review by Ann Sayers

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian

This starts off as a story within a story as a writer gets a manuscript from an anonymous boy who tells about his life, fame and subsequent disappearance. Josh has created an anonymous website where “Larry” rants about the evils of consumerism. This becomes very popular and starts attracting fans, including Josh’s friend and secret love Beth. However, after becoming a world-wide phenomenon, Larry is outed as being Josh and finds being a celebrity and hounded by paparazzi completely destroys his message. The only way he can see to save the situation is to fake his own death. This book’s anti-materialism message will resonate with some teens as will its portrayal of a situation spiraling out of control. Also, the unrequited love Josh feels for his friend Beth and his hope for a future together, which is dashed when she finds out Larry’s identity and feels betrayed, rings true. Reviewed by Marion Burghart

Shug by Jenny Han

Annemarie Wilcox is nicknamed Shug after a character in Alice Walker's The Color Purple and is entering junior high. She knows her childhood friendships are about to change especially now that she has a crush on her lifelong neighbor, Mark. Shug senses that her friends are maturing faster than she is. Many are losing patience when she tries to hang on to the old ways. At home, Shug's father is always away on business and her alcoholic mother resents him and many others in her small hometown. The author describes the conflicting emotions of early adolescence better than most YA authors, infusing her main character with energy and heart. Recommended for grades 6-8. Reviewed by Mary Jeanne Dicker.