YA Book Reviews for November 14, 2007
From CRBSLS
VIKING WARRIOR: Book One of the Strongbow Saga by Judson Roberts
Denmark, AD 845. This is a first rate Viking adventure, told in the voice of Halfdan, a young slave who is just coming into manhood. His mother is also a slave, and our hero is the product of a forced union with the local Viking chieftain. Judson obviously knows his Viking history, and this one will appeal to boys ages 11-15. There are lots of bloody fighting scenes, but this book is ultimately about finding your own way in life. A sequel, "Dragons from the Sea" was just published. Reviewed by Ann Sayers
THE MAILBOX by Audrey Shafer
12 year old Gabe has knocked around in the foster care system his whole life. At long last a caring social worker locates Gabe's wandering Uncle Vernon, who is an aging Vietnam vet with plenty of emotional problems. As Gabe's only relative, Vernon becomes Gabe's legal guardian and together the two commence a loving, unlikely friendship. But just as the school year starts, Gabe comes home one day to find Vernon dead. The boy panics, not knowing what to do. The next day he goes to school without telling anyone, and when he returns he finds his uncle's body gone, and a cryptic note in the mailbox "I have a secret. Do not be afraid." Gabe continues to hide the truth from the authorities, and to carry on communicating with the mysterious stranger who keeps leaving notes for him. Eventually matters begin to unravel, of course. This is both a mystery, and a story about love and trust. Good for grades 4 to 7. Reviewed by Ann Sayers
Becoming Chloe by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Chloe meeting Jordan in New York City where they've both run away to escape their problems, although Jordan finds out that his may be small in comparison to Chloe's. She has been abused and pushed-around her entire life, but has become immune to feeling pain, instead she takes a childish approach to life's dealings, which causes Jordan some angst. He takes her to a psychologist and gets her medicine, while Chloe takes care of Jordan's own emotional problems, soon after they become close friends, move in together, and have a mutual affection (though not physically intimate because Jordan is gay). But it's Jordan's quest to teach and show Chloe what beauty there is in the world. By bike, hitching rides, walking, and driving, Chloe and Jordan travel the country to see some of the most beautiful sights in America, like the Grand Canyon. And, through all of the trials and tribulations, Chloe and Jordan can now face their world with a more sincere and emotional, though not totally stable, balance. (Reviewed by Alicia Abdul, Albany High)
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
A quicker read, but just as heart-wrenching as Daniel Half-Human, Boyne's story details the instability of Europe during World War II, more specifically the Holocaust. With the reign of Hitler, Bruno's father takes up a leadership position at Auschwitz, with their house sitting just outside the fences. Bruno, having moved from his big, beautiful house in Berlin is now friendless and looking for companionship, which he finds in Shmuel, a nine-year-old, just like him, sitting inside the fences wearing his striped pajamas. Yet, both boys don't know what is going on around them: Bruno refers to Auschwitz as Out-With and Hitler as the Fury, Shmuel doesn't know why he has to wear the Star of David, but knows it landed him where he is. I won't give away the ending (although I did at book group), but it leaves you with goosebumps. A decision is made by the boys that leaves them both in the situation that many Jews faced unknowingly. (Reviewed by Alicia Abdul, Albany High)
Beauty Shop Rent: Fully Equiped, Inquire Within by Laura Bowers
What makes up a family? In Abbey's case it's her great-grandmother, her friends, and the new owner of the beauty parlor that connects to their apartment. Her mother? She abandoned her to her great-grandmother, promising to return "soon". As a result, Abbey vows to work hard to become self-sufficient, never waiting for anyone else to make her happy. Unfortunately her defense is at the expense of relationships. The women that surround her, and a confrontation with her mother, force her to move on and make her own future. This is just a very nice story about women supporting each other with humor and caring. Abbey does confront her mother (I was really rooting for her there) and clears the air. There's even a romance angle. I booktalked this the day after the discussion group and it's checked out. Can't wait to see what the student has to say! (Reviewed by Judi Stott, Shaker Junior High)
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Aislinn has spent her life pretending she can't see fairies, like her grandmother has taught her. But suddenly the metal doors and walls she has hidden behind are not enough to stop the fairies that seem to be stalking her. The King of Summer is convinced that she is the girl who can save him and they both become pawns in the Queen of Winter's game. But Aislinn has other plans for her life, and other people like the bad-boy Seth. Taking a twist on an old fairy legends, this is romantic and edgy. It will appeal to some of your readers who are waiting for the next installment in the Twilight trilogy. (Reviewed by Melissa Bergin, Niskayuna HS)
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
Fifteen year old Amari loves her life in her small village in Ghana, Africa. She spends her days daydreaming about her future husband. Then one day during a celebration to welcome visitors, she hears gunfire. She is stunned to see that her parents and brother have been killed. She tries to escape but is captured. She is brought aboard a ship—a slave ship where she endures severe maltreatment and rape. Her nightmare doesn’t end because she arrives in America, only to discover that she is to be a slave. She is thrust unto an auction block and is sold to the highest bidder, a rice grower. The rice grower purchases Amari as a birthday gift for his son. On the plantation, she befriends a white girl who is an indentured servant. Unexpectedly, a special bond develops between the two girls as they fight for their freedom. This story speaks about a painful part of our history that should not be ignore and, moreover reflects the human need to overcome. Appropriate for high school students. (Reviewed by Sonji Greenaway, Albany High School)
