YA Book Reviews March 14, 2007
From CRBSLS
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Tudors are hot right now, and part of the reaon is Philippa Gregory's bestselling series of books about the lives of Henry VIII and his six wives. This one is concerned with the tumultuous relationships of Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary and brother George. Mary has originally captured the king's attention and serves as his mistress, but Anne is able to get the ultimate prize of becoming his wife. This book shows the scheming complexities of the English court and the lengths that the Howard family will go to obtain power and how quickly they can fall. For older readers, this is a fascinating glimpse into another age.
Reviewed by Marion Burghart
Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People by Albert Marrin. Illustrated by C. B. Mordan
This highly readable, informative, and entertaining book by Marrin (who is better known for his well-researched biographies)is recommended for all ages. The opening sentence, "Over the years I learned that rats and humans have much in common" draws the reader into a fascinating scientific journey. Did you know that there once lived a rat as big as a rhinoceros? (Don't worry, that was 17 million years ago). That the large muscles in a rat's jaw allow it to bite down with a force of 7,000 pounds per square inch? That rats can "fish?" That rats are persnickety about personal hygiene? The pen and ink drawings are excellent; there are boxed factoids in the margins; the chapters are short and have great headings ("Rats and Their Ratty Ways"). Excellent non-fiction.
Reviewed by Ann Sayers
Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst
This is good, solid historical fiction for middle grades. Set in Tennessee during the Civil War, this is the story of 14 year old Hannah's struggle to keep her family together after the deaths of her father (who goes off to fight for the Union) and mother, who wastes away (for not altogether explained reasons). Because the family sides with the Union, while most of their Cumberland neighbors are Confederate sympathizers, Hannah's people are ostracized. In particular, Hannah is estranged from Ben, whose family lives on a near-by farm. Hannah has no choice but to set off for Nashville, where they have an aunt who will hopefully provide succor. With her 10 year old brother and twin 5 year old sisters to protect, the 200 mile trek becomes a journey for survival. The core of this book is about the refugee scene in Nashville. In many ways, this is a tale of refugees the world over. There is gentle romance, human suffering, and a good story here.
Reviewed by Ann Sayers
The Legend of Bass Reeves : Being the True and Fictional Account of the Most Valiant Marshal in the West by Gary Paulsen
You might figure that subtitle for a bit of hyperbole, but after reading the marshal-type exploits, you’ll grant it, especially if you’re in your fifties, as was Bass when he began his law enforcement career. Little is known about Reeves’ early life, but what is likely the fictional piece of the novel rings just as true as what can be substantiated in fact. There is a bit of gruesome gore in descriptions of a ranch family wiped out by Comanches. Fans of works like Soldier’s Heart or the Mr. Tucket series, or history students looking for a true African American hero will find a match in Bass Reeves. (Middle school or high school, especially reluctant readers)
Malcolm X : A Graphic Biography by Andrew Helfer
Especially for reluctant readers, this comic-style version provides good information in a visually appealing style. Most will be hooked on the first page, a pen-and-ink rendition of the famous photo of Malcolm balancing a rifle at the window of his hotel room. The text explains, “The rifle wasn’t’ simply a prop—Malcolm believed he needed it for protection. Malcolm always had enemies, but this time was different. Now his enemies were black men he had once called his brothers…and they wanted him dead.” On the next page, as his views are laid out across six slim frames, his image gradually disintegrates to a pointillist blur. Readers can use it for the information or enjoy it for its well-crafted visuals. (Middle school or high school, especially reluctant readers)
In the Night, on Lanvale Street by Jane leslie Conly
Her name his Charlene Poggio, but you better call her Charlie. She lives in a blue-collar neighborhood that has seen a disturbing rise in gang activity, culminating in the shooting of a beloved neighbor, Mr. Healy. Charlie and her impressionable younger brother get involved with a bizarre drifter, James Chalmers, who thinks he knows the identity of the killers and wants the kids’ help to prove his theories. The brother of her best friend, Shan, might be one of the suspects, and to complicate Charlie’s position further, James Chalmers is apparently a mental patient who has decided not to take his medication but count on God’s justice to see the mission through. The situation becomes deadly serious, and the disturbing outcome was both better and worse than I had imagined. Thematic meat and plot-rich mystery make this a good read. (Mostly middle school, given the characters’ ages)
For those who attended, here’s the citation for the book whose name I couldn’t recall—the one about the almost-13-year-old protagonist looking for four old keys to open his mysterious box. The antique dealer for whom Jeremy and Lizzy are doing community service is in fact a pawnbroker, and each round of service leads them to a person who, as a teen, had to pawn the returned item for what was then a very compelling reason.
Mass, Wendy. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. New York : Little, Brown, 2006.
Reviewed by Donna Phillips
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Colin is a child prodigy who at the end of high school is wondering if life will present him with any more opportunities for the things he is really good at – memorizing, languages and anagrams. When he is dumped by his girlfriend on the night of graduation – the nineteenth girl he’s dated named Katherine – he goes into a tailspin. His best friend suggests the universal panacea – a road trip. As the two travel, Colin realizes if he can develop a formula to predict who will get dumped and when based on his experience with the Katherines he will prove himself. An insightful and funny look at a very bright and slightly neurotic young man surrounded by a great cast of characters. Green also had a friend working on his doctorate in mathematics develop the “formula” that Colin works out. Understanding the math isn’t critical, but it adds fun for teen who want to try the calculations for themselves. (For older teens due to language and content.)
Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Ginny’s has always found her Aunt Peg fascinating, even if she was the black sheep of the family. After her aunt dies, Ginny receives a strange bequest – directions to pack a backpack and a buy a ticket to London, where she begins a journey through Europe at the direction of 13 little blue envelopes that her aunt leaves for her. As she travels Europe, she meets people and sees places important to her aunt and gains greater understanding of why her aunt made the decisions she made and learns something about herself in the process.
Reviewed by M. Bergin
