YA Book Reviews May 22, 2007
From CRBSLS
The Mouse That Roared by Leonard Wibberley
This oldie but goodie stands up well to modern readers. This classic political satire concerns a small European country which decides to declare war on the United States so that they can lose and receive foreign aid. However, they attack during a nuclear bomb air raid drill and come in to an empty city, where they end up capturing an eccentric scientist, his daughter and the Q-bomb, an experimental atomic bomb. They all go back to Grand Fenwick, where much hilarity ensues for all of the countries are now very interested in becoming friends with this tiny nation now that it has the bomb. While firmly rooted in Cold War fears, much of the satire of political maneuverings still holds true today. Appropriate for older readers who have a good grasp of history and appreicate satire.
Reviewed by Marion Burghart
The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
A powerful and beautifully written tale, this is an adult book suitable for teens. Set in a small town in Wales in World War II, this story weaves together the lives of 3 people: Rotherham, a German-Jewish man who was raised in England, but has not entirely come to grips with his background; Esther, the young Welsh girl of the title; and Karsen a German POW who is imprisoned in the camp near the town. The central plot focusses on Esther, who becomes pregnant after being raped by an English soldier. Davies--who comes from a Welsh-Chinese background--succeeds in vividly portraying the nuances of the small town, where the presence of the English soldiers is deeply resented, even while the townsfolk know they must support the war cause. Memorable. Reviewed by Ann Sayers
Medicus by Ruth Downie
This is definitely an adult book. Thoroughly entertaining and a fast read (short chapters). Gaius Petreius Ruso is a medical officer in the Roman hinderlands AKA Britain. Ruso has recently escaped from an unhappy marriage, and is moreorless throwing himself into his work. When the corpse of a young woman is dumped at his army hospital, the body's indentity remains a mystery until clues lead to a high class local brothel. Life in Roman Britain is graphically portayed, and this is an excellent read. Suitable for mature high schoolers, although be aware that there are gritty undertones here. Reviewed by Ann Sayers
Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
From the moment fifteen-year-old Bailey Morgan chooses a package of four temporary tattoos from the "CREEPYSALESLADY" at the mall kiosk, she begins hearing a strange, yet soothing voice. When she and her three girlfriends apply their three-day tattoos, they are each bestowed a special psychic ability. The girls soon find themselves embroiled in a battle between good and evil fairy warriors. This book is sure to appeal to those readers who liked the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series as well as those fans of Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Recommended for grades 5 and 9. Reviewed by Debbie Collins.
Donuthead by Sue Stauffacher
Franklin Delano Donuthead ("Try saying that in a room full of fifth graders if you think names will never hurt you.") is one of the most engaging characters you'll ever meet. This 5th grader, with a pathological fear of germs and junk food is in for a real change in his life when his teacher asks him to help Sarah Kervic, the new girl in his class - the girl with dirty clothes, tangled hair and a real attitude! Even Franklins' weekly conversations with Gloria Nelots, the chief statistician at the National Safety Department, may not be able to help him with this one. Students who read this one are almost guaranteed to be back for the sequel, Donutheart! Recommended for grades 5 - 8. Reviewed by Debbie Collins.
