Written by Lisa Yee

This is the story of Maybelline Chestnut and her search for her father, a stranger that her mother will tell her nothing about. Maybelline's mother, Chessy, is so self-absorbed that she pays little or no attention to her daughter. Maybe, as she is called, can not comptete for her mother's attention with the girls in the Chessy Charm School. When Chessy's boyfriend Jake attempts to rape Maybe, she flees from her home in Florida to California where she believes her biological father lives. She travels cross-country with her two best friends Ted and Hollywood. When she arrives in California, she finds herself homeless and hanging around USC for food and shelter.  Her life seems to be coming apart until Ted finds her step-father Sammy Wing. Sammy gives her shelter, but makes her call her mother and get a job. She finds a job and a friend called Jess working on a taco truck. Her search for her father may also be working out. This is a good story, but probably for older students because of the content.  

Written by Meg Cabot

When Allie's parents announce that the family is moving, Allie's sure her life is over. She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways . . . not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house.

With a room she's half-scared to go into, the burden of being "the new girl," and her old friends all a half-hour car ride away, how will Allie ever learn to fit in?

This book has a flavor similar to Amber Brown is Not a Crayon, about a nine year old girl who is facing a challenge that many of our students face, the challenges that come when your parents decide it is time to move. Meg Cabot handles this topic very well. She also slips in rules to live by having the main character Allie keep a list of rules girls should live by. I enjoyed this book and think that it will be a hit with 3-6 grade girls.  

Written by Krista Bell, Illustrated by Craig Smith

Cassie wants to become a famous dancer, but has fears of performing before people. Jake is a confident dancer in class, but is afraid of dancing for his father, who was once a dancer. Together they help each other with their insecurities, and do a great performance. Their fears are common for chldren of this age group. the black and white sketches as illustrations help this book make the transition from easy reader/chapter book to beginning chapter. The word "troupe" is used several times, a word that some readers will not be able to pronounce or know the definition. This book handles the insecurities of performing for audiences.  

Written by Jake Maddox, Illustrated by Sean Tiffany

Austin is a competitive boy that loves to race karts. He's upset he had to move to a new state and that he had to leave his kart behind. He has a bad attitude about everything until the end when he learns to become a team player.

I'll be interested to see if the boys enjoy it and ask for more of this graphic novel series.  

Written by Lynne Rae Perkins

This book is about three friends on the brink of adolescence. There's Debbie, who makes a wish that, "something different will happen. Something good. To me." There's Hector, who listens to someone playing the guitar and decides that he wants to learn how to play the guitar also. Then there's mechanical-minded Lenny who finds himself attracted to Debbie. The characters spend spring and summer wandering about their neighborhood, "criss crossing" paths. The downside to this book was that it jumped around a little which made it difficult, at times, to follow. I still thought the book was fun and gave me a little insight to how young adults think and feel.  

Written by Janet Tashjian

Larry really can teach you the meaning of life while he is learning it himself. Larry (or Josh, if you prefer) is an 18 year old trying to find why he should live. He has run for president, blogged life questions, and now returned home-- barely getting off the couch. He doesn't want to do anything. With family and friends worried about him, Larry is pushed to Walden Pond to try and function again. His experiences at Walden Pond were funny, touching, and a world of surprises. Laughing the whole way through the book, Larry takes a journey you can only envy.

Review by Erin Tanner, Social Studies Teacher/School Technology Specialist, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Larry and the Meaning of Life
Henry Holt and Company
242 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7735-3
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Ingrid Lee

Dog Lost is a tale of two lost souls: a 10-year-old boy named Mackenzie, and Cash, a pit bull Mackenzie's father brings to him after winning a card game. Mackenzie and Cash grow to take care of each other until Mackenzie's father loses his temper and turns Cash loose. Their town has growing political opposition to owning pit bulls as pets, and the story follows many twists and turns as this amazing dog proves her worth. Cash brings several people together who need each other, and she is ultimately reunited with Mackenzie (and his older half-brother) to form their own unique family.

This story was sparsely told, and it is the terseness of the description that helps paint the bleakness of Mackenzie's life. He desperately needs that dog, and it was heartbreaking to read about his father taking Cash away. As an adult reader/teacher, it was a reminder that so many of the children I may come in contact with come from less than perfect situations. I felt the author powerfully described the characters through carefully worded observations of their actions.
 
However, some students readers might take offense to some of the language and the dramatic elements might be a little too intense. I am not sure that I would use this as a read-aloud-- it would depend upon the group of students. But, I do think that there are interesting questions of ethics in how people and animals should be treated that could lead to writing assignments and class discussions with a very mature group of upper elementary students.

Curriculum Ties: 6th Grade Writing -- The town debate concerning whether pit bulls should be allowed as pets could be a great springboard for a persuasive writing assignment. Interestingly, this book is based on a true story.

Review by Yamira Hart, 6th Grade Teacher, Bennion Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Mature 5th-6th Grade

Dog Lost
Chicken House / Scholastic
197 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-08578-6
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Susie Day

Story of a girl who blogs her life. Serafina tells about what happens to her in daily life but it doesn't have much plot. If you like blogs and diary type books you will probably enjoy this. It was not my favorite.

Reviewed by a student at West Lake Jr. High
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 7+

Serafina67 Urgently Requires Life
Scholastic, Inc.
236 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-07330-1
Release Date: August 2008


 

Written by Sally Nicholls

This is a touching book about an 11 year old boy named Sam who has Leukemia. It's told from the boy's point of view and in diary form. There are drawings and other things included throughout the story to bring this boy to life. Sam lives in England, so the language in the book might be difficult to understand. I would recommend this book for upper grade reading levels.

Review by Kathy Horne, Library Media Assistant, Redwood Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-6

Ways to Live Forever
Arthur A. Levine / Scholastic
203 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-06948-9
Release Date: September 2008


 

Written by Amy MacDonald, Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith

This book is about a boy who goes to spend the summer with his great Uncle and Aunt on their farm. He is from the city and used to all the conveniences of the city such as cell phones, Gameboys and computers. I love this book because every character learns something from the other characters. I highly recommend this book for adventure and excepting other people's lifestyles.

Review by Susan Seegmiller, Library Media Assistant, Roosevelt Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Too Much Flapdoodle!
Melanie Kroupa Books / Farrar, Straus, Giroux
182 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-37671-0
Release Date: September 2008



 

Written by Alane Ferguson

Cameryn is a seventeen-year-old who assists her father, the county coroner, on cases in the field as well as in the county morgue. Her job can be quite gruesome and the forensic details at times can be a bit much to handle, even for Cameryn, who usually is tough as nails. A mystery unfolds when she is assisting on the case of an apparent suicide of a girl she had just recently met when Cameryn's long lost mother picked the girl up at a gas station a few hours earlier. Cameryn is torn about her mother's possible involvement in the young girl's death, which turns out not to be a suicide. The story takes an interesting turn as Cameryn fits pieces of the mystery together to discover the truth about her mother and the death of the young girl. If you are squeamish about in-depth forensic details of autopsy, you may want to skip some of the pages which can get very graphic.

Curriculum Ties: Forensic science, human anatomy, biology, criminal justice ; law enforcement.

Review by Lorraine Wyness, Library Media Specialist, Taylorsville High School
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The Circle of Blood (Forensic Mystery Series)
Speak (Penguin Group)
236 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241267-1
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Donna Freitas

Antonia is obsessed with saints. She wants to name a saint and, actually, she would like to be one herself.  She keeps a diary of saints, writes to the Pope to suggest saints and, perhaps she is one herself. Some of her suggestions include a fig tree saint, a saint for first kisses and more. This is a fun romance and would be especially fun for anyone who has attended a Catholic high school.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-10

The Possibilities of Sainthood
Farrar Straus and Giroux
272 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-36087-0
Release Date: August 2008
 

Written by Katie Finn

Madison has her profile on "Friendverse" and lists the top 8 of her friends there. She is a slave to her computer, her cell phone and the like. However, she leaves them all behind for spring break as she travels with her family to Ecuador, of all places. When she returns home, she finds that someone has hacked into her profile and said some pretty nasty things about all her "friends" and even her boyfriend. Some of the book is written in text message and blogs. Madison is trying to solve the mystery of who hacked into her space and trying to undo the damage done. She discovers some interesting things about herself, finds a new boyfriend and makes some changes in her life. The book probably would be fun for those who have profiles on Myspace and spend much of their time communicating with text messages, etc.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-10

Top 8: Round Up the Usual Profiles
Scholastic
38 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-05362-4
Release Date: October 2008  

Written by Betty Wicks, Illustrated by Adam McCauley

Rita tries to improve her times and flip turns as she struggles to decide whether to remain the best swimmer on the dolphins team or the worst on the sharks team, where she could be with her friends.  This is a perfect story for young students trying to figure out where they fit in. Listing good and bad points of what you do is a good idea - along with weighing what each point is worth.  This is bound to be a popular series. I expected the story to go on when the book ended. That's sure to bring everyone back for the next "chapter" book.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Swimming with Sharks (Gym Shorts Series)
Roaring Brook Press
55 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-245-1
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Beth Kanell

Molly Ballou lives in Vermont in the 1920s. She hates April because the river fills with water. The river took her sister Gratia years earlier and is now forcing her family to leave their home due to the dam being built. Racial issues in Vermont wanting to rid the state of "poor citizens" makes Molly nervous because of her Abenaki/ French lineage. Her mother becomes ill and loses the baby, and eventually her life, under the supposed "care" of the government nurses. Molly relies on her inner strength and the support of friends and a fellow Abenaki friend Harry to get her through her loss. I thought this was an interesting book, quick paced and a great story! I will recommend it as a good read.

Review by Jennifer Merkley, Library Clerk, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The Darkness under the Water
Candlewick Press
304 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3719-4
Release Date: November 2008  

Written by Pat Flynn

This book begins with an Australian teen who plays rugby. He then moves on to the United States and begins playing football. As he moves to the U.S., he not only has to adjust to the new type of game, but to the new type of life. It is a big adjustment for him. He also has to adjust to growing up and the pains that brings. Out of his League touches on both the honor and the pain of becoming a champion.

Review by Erin Tanner, Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Out of His League
Walker & Co.
298 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9776-6
Release Date: June 2008

 

Written by Bonnie Dobkin

This novel is slightly similar to the novel Lord of the Flies in that it explores the idea of what happens when a group of children have to govern themselves after all the adults are taken away after a disaster.

A plague that kills only people over 13 empties a theme park of adults. Suddenly older children are left with younger children to care for and the job of making an orderly society out of chaos.

The older children soon sort themselves into a kind of social hierarchy that attempts to govern fairly, but soon deteriorates into a kind of dictatorship, complete with a goon squad and the people in charge getting special treatment.

The innocence of some of the kids is shattered, but they soon realize what is happening to the majority of them and devise a way to topple the dictators and make a safe place for those who want to stay at the park.

The fact that they are at a theme park makes the prospect of food and shelter easier to figure out, but the logistics of taking care of and educating the young and keeping the park clean and the electricity running, makes for great problem solving for kids.

Review by Linda Douglas, Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Neptune's Children
Walker & Company
272 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9734-6
Release Date: April 2008  

Written by Barry Lyga

This book is about a young man who comes across a girl who is being attacked by a man. He saves her and the man is caught. It turns out he is a serial killer. The town makes the young man into a hero. There are awards and ceremonies and the car dealer gives him a car. When he picks up his car there are support our troops stickers all over it. That evening he is caught removing the stickers from his new car and now he is labeled anti-American. The town turns against him. He has to deal with the bad sentiment of the town. It was a good read and it gives an opportunity for discussion about war and hate and misunderstanding.

Review by Warren Child, Library Media Specialist, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: High School

Hero Type
Houghton Mifflin
304 pages
ISBN: 978-0-547-07663-8
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Diana G. Gallagher

It is class elections for the 7th grade. Claudia gets her friend, Peter, to run for President. He is very shy and is not sure if he wants to. He is running against the class beauty queen, the school jock, and the school bully. He is determined to run an honest campaign and not get involved in making promises he can't keep and saying mean things about the opponents. Claudia is his campaign manager and realizes how much is involved. This is a great book to make people realize that the most popular people don't always win. There are more ordinary people than popular ones. It also deals with honesty in politics, even if it is in junior high.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Vote!: The Complicated Life of Claudia Cristina Cortez
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
79 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-0770-8
Release Date: July 2008
 

Written by Cecilia Galante

The story begins in a commune named Mount Blessing in Fairfield, Connecticut. It houses about 260 followers of its founder, Emmanuel.  Agnes and Honey, fourteen year old girls, are members of this commune. Agnes strives hard to follow all that Emmanuel teaches and wants to be a good “Believer.” Honey, however, is not too sure about the things they are learning and doing. The two girls have been friends for a long time, but they may not be as much alike as they thought. Agnes’ little brother gets injured badly in an accident, and Emmanuel refuses to take him to the hospital. It is then that life changes drastically, Nana Pete decides to flee from the compound with the three children. When Agnes and Honey get away from the compound they learn a deep, dark secret.

The story is written in a interesting format. Each of the alternating chapters are written from either Agnes’ or Honey’s perspective. The reader may be intrigued by experiencing the life of living in a commune from the two different perspectives.

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts - examining the literary style of the author. Sociology - looking at the lives of different religious beliefs.  Health- making choices.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Library Media Specialist, Olympus High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

The Patron Saint of Butterflies
Bloomsbury
292 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-249-4
Release Date: April 2008  

Written by Barry Lyga

Kross, or Kevin Ross, is making it into all the headlines. It all begins when he became a hero for saving Leah from a murder and rapist.  Kross gets all kinds of recognition and awards for his heroic act. His father, a military man, encourages him to get rid of all the ribbon and awards because that is not what being a hero is about.  Unfortunately that is caught by the media as well. It doesn’t turn out in Kross’ favor.

This story will make readers contemplate what is meant by real heroism and patriotism. This would be a great book to use for literature circles because it provides for great discussions. The author does a great job of not letting the story become or feel too political.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Library Media Specialist, Olympus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Hero Type
Houghton Mifflin
304 pages
ISBN: 978-0-547-07663-8
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Jay Asher

I love a unique story - I'm not sure I have read anything quite like it. The main character, who commits suicide, sends letters to all those who brought her to a place where suicide was the only option.  I found myself thinking about how even the smallest interaction with people can make a huge impression - whether for good or bad. I would have been horrified to receive the set of tapes in this book.

Review by Rachel Murphy, Library Media Specialist, Kearns High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Young Adult

Thirteen Reasons Why
Razorbill
288 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-171-2
Release Date: October 2007




 

Written by Charles R. Smith, Jr.

This book is a guy book, really.  It has some great insight on a lot of things.  It makes you think about life and how guys think. It was weird when it talked about guy things, but other than that it's about this guy whose name is Shawn Jr.  He is going though changes and choices in his life.  He hangs out with his friends; they play basketball everyday. He has three houses where he "lives."  First he lives with his mother and during the day he goes to his aunt (she's a drunk), then on some weekends when he can he goes to his dad's.  This story is all about change as he goes from one thing to another.

Review by a student at Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Junior High / High School

Chameleon
Candlewick Press
377 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3085-0
Release Date: September 2008

 

Written by Abby McDonald

This book is about two girls, Tasha and Emily. They decide to enter an exchange program, where they switch with someone else. These two happen to switch with each other, not that they wanted that certain life.  Tasha joined to get away form her life, in which someone has posted a video of her over the internet. Emily is a serious control freak who gets stuck with Tasha's life and classes.  Both these girls are pretty much alike, they want to escape their social nightmares. This book is about two girls who want to change themselves, and make themselves more aware of who they really are.

Reviewed by a student, West Lake Jr. High School
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Interest Level: Jr. High / High School

Sophomore Switch
Candlewick Press
297 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3936-5
Release Date: March 2009

 

Written by Danette Haworth

Violet is a preteen living in the 70s in rural Florida. She has a good life living with a single mom.  Her world is threatened by a new family moving into town with a daughter her age who edges in on Violet's friendships, especially with her best friend Lottie and Lottie's family. This is a great story of family and friendship.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Library Media Assistant, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning
Walker & Company
162 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9791-9
Release Date: August 2008

 

Written by Rachel Wright

Lauren Cracknell finds herself in trouble with the school Bully, Tonya Ravonia. An e-mail was accidently sent to a number of students when she thought it would be sent only to her friend Dex. She is trying to avoid Tonya to escape her retribution.  Someone breaks into her room and tries to steal items. She first suspects Tonya. Then she suspects her mother is dating one of her teachers. They find a note that someone is blackmailing.  They think the lady works with her mother. The evidence leads her to believe that the teacher is involved that she thinks is dating her mother. This story has lots of shifts in the mystery.

Review by Todd Francis, Library Media Teacher, Jefferson Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

You've Got Blackmail
Putnam / Penguin Group
194 pages
Release Date: April 2009  

Written by Lucy Silag

I liked this book a lot.  It made me want to go to Paris.  I really felt the culture.  The teens seemed okay; I've never met anyone like them but I kind of believe they are real.  It is a good book, though.

Reviewed by a student at Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: High School

Beautiful Americans
Razorbill / Penguin Group
308 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-222-1
Release Date: January 2009



 

Written by Francisco X. Stork

Marcelo is looking forward to his coming summer job as caretaker of the therapy ponies at Paterson, a special school for children with disabilities which he himself has attended for years.  He is an intelligent but sheltered teenager with a condition that places him on the Autism spectrum.   However, Marcelo’s father, wanting him to gain experience in the “real world,” pushes him into a job in the mail room of his Boston corporate law firm.  If he isn't successful at the mailroom job and at following what his father terms "the rules of the real world," he will be required to go to a regular high school for his senior year rather than his beloved Paterson.  And so the reader is thrust with Marcelo into the competitive, confusing and relativistic world of the law firm, viewing it all through his fresh eyes.
 

Written by Sarah Quigley

Becca tends to give too much information (tmi). She is constantly talking and saying just exactly what she thinks. She hates to be interrupted or told to do otherwise. James Irving is new in the school and joins Becca and her friend Katie. He gets her to talk about her boyfriend and their kisses that included a lot of tongue. She loses this boyfriend who finds out she has told her friends such intimate details. Becca eventually decides to reform, placing her comments and thoughts on a blog rather than say everything out loud to everyone. Unfortunately, she does not understand how quickly a blog can become public. She is sorry for what she does, but it's difficult to take things that public back! OK if you like lots of graphic details. Recommended only for high school.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 10-12

tmi
Dutton / Penguin Group
302 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-47908-6
Release Date: Apr 2009
www.sarahquigley.com  

Written by Sheba Karim

Nina Khan wants to experience life. Her parents want to protect her from the evils of the world. Nina lives in Deer Hook, New York, a small town outside of Albany. Her dad is a doctor and her mom runs his office. Nina is a junior in high school. She is also living in the shadow of her older sister, Sonia, who excelled in high school and now is attending Harvard. Oh, did I mention that Nina is Pakistani and Muslim? Skunk Girl, written by Sheba Karim, tells the story of Nina’s struggles to fit in socially and still respect her parents’ wishes and her Muslim beliefs.

I really don’t know very much about Muslim beliefs and this book helped me to understand them better. They don’t believe in drinking alcohol and dating is not something young people do. Marriages are usually arranged by the parents and young girls and young boys don’t spend time together. Nina’s mother told her “Nina, remember that you should never be alone with a boy, ever. Because when a boy and a girl are alone together, there is always a third person with them.” That person is Shaitaan or the devil. Nina’s parents don’t let her attend parties and she spends her Friday evenings at home while all her friends are out at parties and having fun. Nina watched the evening news as the police were taking away a serial killer in handcuffs. The reporter stated that the killer was a quiet guy who was a loner and never attended social events. Nina thinks the only people who stay home on Friday nights are serial killers and Muslim girls.
So why Skunk Girl? Nina finds herself one day hairy. She has hairy arms, hairy legs, and hair on her upper lip. It isn’t the peach fuzz type but rather dark black hair. Her mother tells her to bleach it. When Asher, an Italian transfer student, moves to town she falls head over heals for him. But what can she do? Her parents would never let her date a boy! One day while she is sitting on the school bus next to Asher she leans over to look out the window and he notices that she has a steak of hair running down her back. She is mortified! How can she ever face him again?
Will Nina follow her parents’ wishes and not see Asher or will she go behind their backs and have clandestine encounters with him? Skunk Girl was a fast read that tells of accepting one’s own beliefs and one’s own physical nature and being happy in the process.

Review by Warren Child, Library Media Specialist, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: High School

Skunk Girl
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
240 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-37011-4
Release Date: Mar 2009

 

Written by Jean Craighead George, Illustrated by Tom Pohrt

This book was about a cat that gets abandoned by her owner and finds a nice boy that wants to keep her as a pet, but his mom does not like cats. So the cat lives in the backyard, unknown to the mom. I thought the book was o.k.
Reviewed by a student, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★½✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Cats of Roxville Station
Dutton / Penguin Group
163 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42140-5
Release Date: May 2009




 

Written by Gigi Amateau

Beautifully written book about an albino horse who children will relate to as an underdog. He eventually becomes a therapy horse. Written from the horse's point of view. Once in my library, it never stayed on the shelf - it seemed even more desirable than other horse stories because of Chancey's vulnerable personality. A lovely book and wonderful addition to our fiction section.

Review by Cathie Cox, Library Media Assistant, Plymouth Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Chancey of the Maury River
Candlewick Press
246 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3439-1
Release Date: May 2008


 

Written by Sally Warner, Illustrated by Jamie Harper

Emma wants to be excellent.  When her school PTA decides to do a winter games she works really hard to win. She wants her dad to notice her and see how good she is. When she does win she realizes that there is more to winning . . .

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-3

Excellent Emma
Viking / Penguin Group
130 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-06310-9
Release Date: Mar 2009


 

Written by J.D. Salinger

Rebelling against the structure and strictures of the traditional coming-of-age novel (with the very first sentence the narrator informs us that he’s not going to go into “all that David Copperfield kind of crap,”) this book instead gives us an unfiltered, uncensored and un-”adult”-erated flash into the life and brain of teenager Holden Caulfield as he wanders around New York City for a couple of days and nights after being kicked out of yet another prep school, not ready to go home and face his parents. There is no epic adventure or crisis, we are simply pulled in by Holden’s hilarious, confessional narration, which from page to page is obnoxious, insightful, vulgar, sensitive, spazzy, intelligent, depressed, distracted and empathetic. Above all, Holden seems to be in search of integrity both in himself and in the world at large; he constantly rails against “phoniness” wherever he sees it. Salinger captures adolescent confusion and detachment like no one before probably ever had; we are right with Holden as he wrestles with his confusion over love, sex and the hypocrisy and evil of the world. Rather than showing us the boy growing into a man, we are thrust into a very vivid moment right in midst of the “growth,” and are left to conjecture what will ultimately become of our narrator.

Comparing it to my recent reading, it seems that much of contemporary adolescent literature is heavily indebted to this book; everyone from John Green’s narrators in Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns to Neal Shusterman’s Antsy Bonano, Marcelo of Marcelo in the Real World and the narrator of The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao seem to be taking at least some of their cues from Holden Caulfield. It may just be that Salinger was so remarkably successful at creating an authentic teenage voice that subsequent teenage voices in more recent works remind one of Holden’s voice. This preeminence will make Catcher in the Rye feel very familiar to readers of today’s YA fiction, but still occasionally shock in its frankness.

Something must be said in regards to the explicit language in the book; although it certainly is full of it, any reader that becomes fixated on its inappropriateness has completely missed the point. The narrator simply has the guts to describe real and pervasive dialogue and circumstances that some people would want cut out. Again, this speaks directly to Holden’s desire for integrity; to censor anything real because it might shock or offend would be supremely phony. Furthermore, much of the power of the book comes as we recognize how troubled he is by these compromising circumstances and moral quandaries. His oftentimes empathetic reactions to such situations are extremely insightful.

I’m not exactly sure if this is a book that needs much more hyping. Almost sixty years after its first publication it is still moving more units than many books ever do at the height of their publicity cycles. Clearly it is well known, and a lot of the kids are hip to it. Still, I don’t think this book can be recommended enough. This is a masterful and influential piece of literature that works as well as a high-interest read for teenagers as it does as a text for serious literary study. Every high school library should have this book on their shelves, and it should probably be displayed because the students will pick it up; don’t make them go to the public library for it. This is a tried and true classic that has only increased in relevance since its publication.

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

The Catcher in the Rye
Little, Brown
224 pages
ISBN: 978-0316769488
Release Date: 1951

 

Written by Johanna Spyre, Illustrated by Cecil Leslie, Introduced by Eva Ibbotson

It is the classic novel story about Heidi.  She goes to live in the mountains with her grandfather, and is happy there.  Then she is picked up by her aunt and sent to a family to live in town. It has a dictionary of the characters, and some thoughtful questions. this would be a good book to read as a class and discuss.
Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-11

Heidi 
Puffin Classics / Penguin Group
295 pages
ISBN: 978-0-141-32256-8
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 (reprint)


 

Written by Hannah Roberts McKinnon

This book is about 12 year old Franny Parker.  She lives in a small town in Oklahoma with her mom, dad, a brother, and a sister. Times are tough. They are having a drought this summer. Everyone tries to help and care for each other. Franny is no different. She runs an animal hospital from their barn. Whenever anyone finds an animal that is sick or injured, they bring it to her. One day, new neighbors move in next door. It is a mom, Lindy, and her son, Lucas. Franny and Lucas become fast friends. Later, his dad shows up and things change. Franny and her family realize that there are secrets that Lucas and his family are keeping. When Franny realizes what is going on, she has to decide if she should tell someone or not. This book is well written. It teaches about family, friendship, love, trust, caring, and doing what's right. I think children 9 and up would enjoy this book. It would be a great read-aloud book also. There are many topics a teacher could discuss with the students.

Review by Debbie Carleton, Library Media Assistant, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Franny Parker
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
148 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-32469-8
Release Date: May 26, 2009


 

Written by Mike Lupica

Billy's dad is his basketball coach. He's always been hard on Billy and perfectionistic, but when Billy's parents separate things go downhill even further. Boys will probably like this book and it is well-written. The constant fighting between Billy and his dad does get a bit wearing though. Although there's not an ideal solution, family relationships do come out on top. A nice values book.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Hot Hand (A Comeback Kids Novel)
Puffin Books / Penguin Group
165 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241441-5
Release Date: May 14, 2009


 

Written by Alison McGhee, Illustrated by Drazen Kozjan

Ten-year-old Julia Gillian's best friend is keeping secrets, their beloved lunch lady was replaced by a tyrant, and trumpet lessons prove difficult, making it hard for her to follow the music teacher's advice to "look for the joy."

Julia Gillian must face the music after a few small lies snowball into a lot of uncomfortable fillings as she tries to act grown up and solve her own problems. 

This is a fun read for 5th graders who like school stories.

Review by Julie Johnsson, Library Media Assistant, Oakwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy)
Scholastic Press
312 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03350-3
Release Date: Apr 15, 2009


 

Written by Eric Stevens, Illustrated by Nick Derington

Anton Fox had had a bad day and he was mad, especially at one of his teachers. That's when he decided to use spray paint to vandalize the high school. He ended up being caught and then sentenced to cleaning up the National Mall before the inauguration of President Obama. Anton finds that life can offer him an opportunity to change his life. This is a good mix between the graphic novel style and a chapter book. It will be great for reluctant readers.

Review by Debbie Luke, Library Media Assistant, Westbrook Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-8

Hope!: A Story of Change in Obama's America
Stone Arch Books / Capstone Press
48 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1724-0
Release Date: Aug 15, 2009


 

Written by Rebecca Stead

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

When You Reach Me
Wendy Lamb Books / Random House
324 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-340-8
Release Date: Jul 14, 2009
Rebecca Stead - Official Web Site

 

Written by Eliot Schrefer

This is the story of a high school girl who has been a troublemaker and whose parents, as a last resort, have sent her to a special high security / highly disciplinarian school to be reformed. Once she gets there, she discovers that all is not as it should be. She and her friends proceed to expose the injustices which are occurring at the school.

Review by Becky Davis, Library Media Clerk, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

The School for Dangerous Girls
Scholastic Press
341 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03528-6
Release Date: Jan 1, 2009



 

Written by Herman Melville, Abridged by Jan Needle, Illustrated by Patrick Benson

An abridged retelling of the classic story about Captain Ahab, who becomes obsessed with his quest to find the white whale. The illustrations do a great job of showing readers the brutality, danger, and excitement sailors found on a whaling ship in the 19th century. The editor does a great job of staying true to the story of Moby Dick while still taking out parts of the book that are daunting to readers. Lovers of classics and adventure will probably enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★½✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Moby-Dick (Candlewick Illustrated Classics)
Candlewick Press
185 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4213-6
Release Date: Aug 11, 2009 

 

Written by Sarah Dessen

After being abandoned by her mother, seventeen-year-old Ruby is taken in by her older sister and brother-in-law and is enrolled in a private school. With a promise of a good education and new clothes, she starts to see a future for herself. Hurt by her mother’s abandonment, she has trouble not seeing small abandonments around every corner in her life. When she meets Nate, the hottie next door, things start to look up and she starts to trust again. She can’t help but wonder, however, if Nate is hiding something behind his genial nature. Will Ruby ever be able to trust completely again? Will she start to fit in in her new life? Will she ever see past her past and be able to embrace the happiness her new life offers? Although depressing in parts, this book turns out to be a heart-warming, realistic fiction story that girls will relate to. The characters and plot are unique. Readers will enjoy experiencing joy and sadness with her as she comes to terms with her mother’s abandonment. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Joan Bauer will enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7 and up

Lock and Key
Speak / Penguin Group
432 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241472-9
Release Date: May 14, 2009


 

Written by Lynda B. Comerford

"Being your own person doesn't alway make you a hero. I know on account of what happened to me this year when I started middle school."

Eleven-year-old Clarissa "Rissa" Bartholomew has a rough start as middle school begins. She manages to "leave the herd" in a way that leaves her struggling to decide who her real friends are and what friendship even is.  Rissa relies on her older sister for some strategic hints during a few crises, but must go it alone on some others. 

This book is a fun read for those who like realistic fiction. It focuses on relationships among girls of age eleven or so and has a positive message.

Review by Julie Johnsson, Library Media Assistant, Oakwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence
Scholastic Press
250 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-05058-6
Release Date: May 1, 2009


 

Written by Alan Gratz

This book has an interesting format. The author has written nine stories (or "innings") about life growing up in Brooklyn and how baseball has effected the lives of the people living there. The story focus on successive generations in one family for over a century and a half. The story begins with a 10 year old boy, Felix Schneider, that is an immigrant from Germany to America in the mid-19th century. Felix is a fast runner on the baseball field and uses his running talent to help the family earn money. Then his legs are injured during a warehouse fire in 1845 and it spirals his family into a downward turn. The next inning of the story focuses on Felix's son. The stories not only follows the family, but it also follows the changes in baseball, from the girls league during WWII, to the Negro league, to more current baseball history.

Review by Cindy Dunn, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District 
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-10

The Brooklyn Nine: A Novel in Nine Innings
Dial Books / Penguin Group
299 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3224-7
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009


 

Written by Mike Lupica

Keith "Hutch" Hutchenson is a fourteen year old who LOVES baseball. He play short stop and loves it because it keeps him in the middle of the action. His dream is to attend a private baseball school up north and make it to the major leagues. His father was once a triple A player who had his heart broken by the game. In the past he was Hutch's biggest fan, but now does little to encourage Hutch in his dreams of making it big in baseball.  Hutch is the team captain and takes his baseball very seriously. One day Hutch is moved to second base because Daryl Williams or 'D-Will' is on his team. he is very talented and the coach wants him to play short stop. Hutch decides he must do what is best for the team. I think that any boy that has an interest in baseball will love this book. The character of Hutch is very likable and the story is intriguing.

Review by Cindy Dunn, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Big Field
Puffin Books / Penguin Group
243 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241910-6
Release Date: Feb 5, 2009


 

Written by Susan Vaught

Chan Shealy, 16, has had her reputation destroyed by an ex-boyfriend that left her with an STD. She turns to online chats to meet a new boyfriend. She wants to meet someone that isn't familiar with her past and how everyone at school sees her. She meets Paul, and a friendship develops. Soon Chan discovers the dangers of meeting someone online. She finds herself and her sister in trouble. This is a scary but timely topic.

Review by Cindy Dunn, District Library Media Specialist, Granite Schools
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

Exposed
Bloomsbury
330 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-161-9
Release Date: Nov 25, 2008


 

Written by John Coy

Liam Bergstrom, a sophomore, feels very lucky when he gets asked to play on the varsity basketball team for his school.  He was a little surprised at his first game when one of the other team members, the only African-American teammate, quit the team during half-time. Then when he is asked to attend an Athletic Fellowship meeting he finds himself feeling a bit uncomfortable about the prayers being said at these meetings as well as before and during games. He was nervous to say anything, fearing the coach would take away his playing time. Eventually Liam and the other team member that quit the team are asked to help train the girls team in preparation for the state championship. This helped Liam find a place for him to fit in. It is a good story to help students know that they do not have to stand by and accept things that they are uncomfortable with in school.

Review by Cindy Dunn, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Box Out
Scholastic
276 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-87032-0
Release Date: Jun 1, 2008


 

Written by Carl Hiaasen

Scat is a story about an unpopular High School biology teacher and a few of her students who help save an endangered mama black panther and her cubs in the swamps of Florida. Not a very interesting story, really, but what motivated me to keep reading was the bit of intrigue and mystery woven into the theme of helping endangered animals and good overcoming evil. I think upper elementary and junior high students would enjoy this book, even though it is about high school students.

Review by Becky Shaap, School Technology Specialist, Twin Peaks and Woodstock Elementary Schools
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-8

Scat
Knopf
371 pages
ISBN: 978-0-375-83486-8
Release Date: Jan 27, 2009



 

Written by Jacqueline Wilson, Illustrated by Nick Sharratt

Born on the same day in the same hospital, Gemma and Alice are best friends. Gemma is a tomboy that acts up in school, while Alice is a proper student and loves anything pink. Although they may be complete opposites, nothing ever comes between their friendship, until Alice has to move hundreds of miles away. Follow Gemma as she learns how to survive her best friend leaving. The illustrations are fun and are great to use for predicting what will happen in the next chapter. The characters in the book are believable and the story is one that many can sympathize with. The terminology in the book can be a little confusing for those that are not familiar with British English. The use of the term "sex maniac" was not appreciated in a book for younger children. Overall the book was fun and engaging.

Review by Lisa Grieve, 4th Grade Teacher, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Best Friends
Roaring Brook Press
229 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-278-9
Release Date: Sep 30, 2008


 

Written by Dale Peck

Sixteen-year-old Daniel Bradford lost his mother to cancer at the age of twelve. His bereaved and alcoholic father moves them from Long Island to a small town in Kansas in an effort to move on with their lives. In an attempt to fit in to his new school, Daniel dies his hair bright green and has taken on the name of “Sprout.” Now a high school junior and a gifted writer, he has been chosen to represent his school in the State Essay Contest. Sprout tells his story with warmth and humor as he describes himself and how he comes to accept the fact that he is gay. The occasional rambling, tedious narratives can be distracting to the story, and the teen obsession with sex is pervasive and come just short of describing “how it is done.”  This is a book that seems to be written to affirm the gay teen. The author’s dislike of all things “Kansas” is obvious in the telling of Sprout’s story. Sprout’s world seems dreary and dark despite Sprout’s clever writing and humorous narratives.  Most of the supporting characters are stereotyped to the point of being unbelievable. The reader is left with a warped view of the world and little hope for the future. Although teen sex is encouraged, nothing is said about the need for caution or the possible consequences of sexual activity. The message of this book is irresponsible to say the least. Not recommended.

Review by Carol Burmester, Library Media Specialist, Evergreen Jr. High School
Rating: ★✩✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grade 11-12

Sprout
Bloomsbury
277 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-160-2
Release Date: May 26, 2009


 

Written by Paul Volponi

This is a story of Hurricane Katrina, told through the eyes of 16 year-old Miles. Miles has been living in New Orleans for two months with his estranged father and uncle when they are forced to leave because of the impending storm. When their car breaks down, they are forced to take shelter in the Superdome. Miles describes in graphic detail the nightmare of those who were forced to stay in this overcrowded arena with inadequate food, water and sanitary facilities. The author’s outrage and indignation of this event is clearly revealed and gives cause for serious reflection of our society’s preparedness to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. Crude language and graphic descriptions of violence could be offensive to readers. Recommended for high school. A good reluctant reader pick.

Review by , Library Media Assistant, Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Hurricane Song
Speak / Penguin Group
138 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241418-7
Release Date: Jun 25, 2009 (paperback)


 

Written by Gaby Triana

Chloe Rodriguez has a lot on her plate. She's failing chemistry and her parents are threatening to take away her motorcycle. She joins a peer tutoring group to get help with her chemistry, but finds out she has body chemistry with her male tutor. Between high school chaos, failing grades, a guy friend jealous of her tutor, and wondering about who her real parents are, she struggles with her identity. Will Chloe be able to pass chemistry and survive high school? Will she be able to keep her bike? Who will she end up with her guy friend or her tutor? A funny, heartwarming story for jr. high girls. Would recommend to girls who want a romance, realistic fiction, or humor book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-9

Riding the Universe
HarperTeen
267 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-088570-0
Release Date: May 5, 2009


 

Written by John van de Ruit

Fifteen year old Spud milton is starting his second year at his boarding school in South Africa. With a great girlfriend and great friends, the year couldn't go better. He and the crazy eight are up to their old tricks. From convincing the first years that they needed to go for an illegal nightswim to going on expulsion-worthy adventures, Spud and his friends are as rowdy as ever. When things with his girlfriend get rocky and the first years turn out to be just as ruly and disobedient, Spud realizes things aren't always what they seem and puberty can be a real bear. A funny story filled with mischief and mayhem that reluctant readers will love. Boys who like humor, David Lubar, and other boy school survival stories will love reading about Spud.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7+

Spud- The Madness Continues . . .
Razor Bill / Penguin Group
337 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-245-0
Release Date: Sep 17, 2009



 

Written by Amy Efaw

Devon Davenport was the all-American girl. Straight-A student and star soccer player, Devon was hard-working, responsible and mature in the face of an alcoholic mother. That is until that horrible night. Could Devon have completely repressed her pregnancy so completely that when she threw her baby away she truly didn't realize what she was doing? How could she NOT know she was pregnant?

After is a great coming of age book in the midst of an epidemic of newborns being left in the garbage or other places instead of at the safe houses that have been set forth. Devon is a wonderfully written character that pulls you in until the end. The lessons taught in this book could possibly save a life. I would recommend this book to any young female.

Reviewed by a student at Taylorsville High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 10-12

After
Viking / Penguin Group
350 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01183-4
Release Date: Aug 11, 2009



 

Written by Mavis Jukes

Colton is a young boy who lives in Idaho with his mother. They are moving to California to live on a ranch. Colton does not want to leave his life in Idaho and he will also miss his grandfather. Colt's parents are divorsed and Colt would like to spend more time with his father, but he is a Champion Bull Rider in the Rodeo. This lifesyle does not leave much time for father and son. Colton has one constant in his life, and that is his cat, Smoke. However, shortly after they get to California Colt lets Smoke out one night and he doesn't come home. Colton is devastated. He spends a lot of time searching for him. He is also having a hard time coming to terms with his Mom having a boyfriend. 

One night after Celeste, Colt's mom, goes out to dinner, Colton decides to go and look for his cat. He ends up in the woods by an old cabin. There are a lot of stories of ghosts and spooky things that happen at this cabin. Colt then sees a cougar and decides to hide in the cabin. Before long, everyone is looking for Colt. However, he attributes the sounds the others are making as the stories he has heard. He is finally rescued by his father and his girlfriend. His parents then try to work things out that will be in Colt's best interest.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

Smoke
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
164 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-37085-5
Release Date: Mar 31, 2009


 

Written by Darleen Bailey Beard, Illustrated by Heather Maione

Annie's Grandma is always protesting something. This time she chained herself to a 100-year-old tree across the street from Annie's school. Everyone notices Grandma, gives Annie the third degree, and calls her "Crazy Grandma." Everyone would rather have the new swimming complex instead of the tree.  Annie discovers what the tree means to the town and herself and begins to think that maybe Grandma is not crazy afterall.  With the help of her best friend, a wacky trio of parachuting Elvis impersonators, and even Grandma; Annie discovers what is really important.

Review by Donna Gubler, Title I Para-Professional, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Annie Glover Is Not a Tree Lover
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
120 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-30351-8
Release Date: Sep 2009