YA Book Reviews for May 29, 2008
From CRBSLS
Alcatraz Versus The Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
Find out how the famous Alcatraz Smedry became the hero he is today by outwitting the evil librarians who control all the information of the worlds. Beginning the day after his 13th birthday, Alcatraz discovers that his formerly inconvenient knack for breaking things is really his secret power. He also discovers a grandfather and a long line of Smedry's with a history of fighting evil. Can Alcatraz break into the library, face perilous dangers, and rescue a bag of sand? Find out in this hairbrained adventure that pokes fun at books, authors, and yes, librarians! J. Stott, Shaker Junior High
How The Hangman Lost His Heart by K. M. Grant
Alice insists to the executioner that she must have Uncle Frank's head to bury with his body. Of course, everyone knows that traitors to the King must have their heads on a pike, even Dan Skinslicer, the hangman. Alice is very persistant, however, and Dan, and a handsome member of the Guard find themselves caught up in her crazy attempts to return Uncle Frank, all of him, to his final resting place. Uncle Frank's head pops up in various places throughout London- a sack here, a hat box there, until our plucky heroine saves the day-I mean the head-of Uncle Frank. J. Stott, Shaker Junior High
Castle Corona by Sharon Creech
Creech writes a traditional fairy tale, complete with orphans, mysterious hermits and an unhappy royal family. The book itself is beautifully printed with illustrated pages at the beginning of each chapter that give it a real fantasy air. The chapters are short and the style would, I believe, be good for reading aloud. The hermits are really kindly, there's hope for the royal family to be beneficent rulers, and the orphans, as with all good stories, are the key to happily ever after. J. Stott, Shaker Junior High
Uninvited by Amanda Marrone
What's a girl to do when the player-boyfriend she broke up with comes back to haunt her in the early morning hours from the tree outside her window? Especially, when he supposedly killed himself? Well, she drinks, alone in her room, to the point that her friends know she has a problem. But when they try to intervene, they get caught up in the plot to kill the ex-boyfriend who they now realize is a vampire. Yikes! Naturally, they get a stake and other vampire-killing materials to bring him down. Luckily, the good prevail and Jordan kills her scorned lover with a stake through the heart. (Reviewed by Alicia Abdul, Albany High)
Inside Out by Terry Trueman
Another stunner by Trueman, this time about the experience of a schizophrenic young boy named Zack Wahhsted. Unwittingly, Zack becomes the hero in a coffee-shop robbery gone bad when he inadventantly distracts the two young robbers from their mission and saves all of the hostages, all the while battling the voices in his head without fear (and also without his medication, which his mom has outside, but can't get to him). But, in a sad, but realistic twist, the final chapter of the story is a newspaper article memorializing young Zack who killed himself months later during a bout with the voices inside his head. [Coincidentally, this week's Newsweek headline was about youth dealing with bipolar disorder and features a 10 year old boy who tries many times to take his life-- all while not knowing exactly what it means-- with his own personal disorder] (Reviewed by Alicia Abdul, Albany High)
Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir
Alison Weir is a respected Elizabethan historian, with many non-fiction titles to her name. This is her first foray into historical fiction and it is extremely well done. Innocent Traitor tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, the teenager who was briefly queen in the tumultuous period after Henry VIII's death and before the stability of Queen Elizabeth's reign. The story starts with Jane in prison looking back on her childhood and the events that caused her to become queen and finally be executed for treason. It is not exactly a happy book, but it is well done and gives a very good insight into the time period and some of the fascinating characters in it. (Reviewed by Marion Burghart, Schoharie Jr/Sr H.S.)
The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner
With the turmoil of the French Revolution playing out in the background, this suspenseful story radiates atmosphere and drama. Yann is a teenaged orphan who has been raised by a kind hearted dwarf named Tetu. They both work as magicians' assistants for Topolain. In the opening scenes, the trio is lured to entertain at a sumptuous country estate, where extremes of wealth and poverty abound. During the course of their act, Topolain is killed by his own gun, which has been rigged to go off by the evil Count Kalliovski. As he and Tetu escape for their lives, Yann has a chance meeting with the beautiful young Sido, whose self-absorbed father owns the estate. Soon Tetu is also murdered, and Yann is left to survive on his own. Yann's gypsy background--his ability to move objects and read minds--proves vital to the story, as well as his relationship to the evil count and to Sido. Good solid plot and character development, with great scenes and scenery. Grades 7-10.
Reviewer: Ann Sayers
