Schooled

Biblio Bits Schooled by Gordon Korman, Hyperion, 2007 (ISBN 9780786856923)

Reading Level/Interest Age 740 lexile/ages 12-14

Genre Realistic fiction

Format Audio book

Plot Summary
Capricorn "Cap" Anderson has been raised and homeschooled by his grandmother, Rain, on a now-defunct hippie commune. Up until now, he has worked the farm with her, made his own clothes, and been out of contact with any kids his own age. He knows all of the anthems of the 1960s, can play the guitar, and knows how to tie-dye, but he has never seen TV, handled money, or used the phone. When Rain breaks her hip, Cap goes to live with a social services worker and attends Claverage Middle School as an 8th grader. The culture shock is huge, and more-so because Cap is elected 8th grade president, a rigged election designed to get the biggest dork in school in public office. Cap finds himself in charge of the 8th grade Halloween dance, making many naive and innocent mistakes along the way, while also navigating the social conventions of middle school. The story is told through many voices and perspectives, not just Cap's, which adds a dimension of complexity as the relationships unfold and develop between characters.

Critical Evaluation

The reading on audio is narrated by a full cast that brings to life the voices of Cap, Naomi, Mr. Casigi (the principal), Mrs. Donnelly (his caseworker) and others. Each chapter begins with a statement of who will be narrating, so as to minimize a reader's (or listener's) confusion. The story conveys the somewhat funny, naive foibles of Cap's first taste of institutional education and the complex social realities of middle school, but leaves a reader with a feeling of growing discomfort about the unkindness of Cap's peers as they set him up to fail. You're sort of laughing along, and then realizing that a line has been crossed into cruelty. The relationships are believable, particularly the snappy scorn of Sophie, Mrs. Donnelly's 16 year-old daughter, and the dialogue and social dynamics equally so. Cap makes a believable and subtle transformation, after experiencing Claverage, when he returns to the commune; the world he knew looks different now, after gaining a broader perspective, friends, and new experiences. Less believable was the shift that his grandmother made, when she decided to ground herself in the 21st century for the sake of Cap's future.

Reader's Annotation

That long-haired, tie-dye-wearing hippie didn't walk out of a time warp into the halls of Claverage middle school, but he might as well have! Cap has been homeschooled on a now-defunct commune and has a lot to learn from the mainstream.

Author Information

Gordon Korman, a Canadian American, was born in Montreal, grew up in Ontario, and got his BA in Fine Arts from NYU in 1985. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and three children. Korman has written extensively for kids and young adults, and his books have sold over 7 million copies. (Information for this section was found at the author's official site.)

Challenge issues

Stereotyping of hippies is about the only one I can come up with here.

Booktalking Ideas

The perfect booktalking buddy for Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl! This book would be right at home in a booktalk on those characters that break out of the mold, forge their own paths, and fly in the face of convention. You could even throw in some titles about famous people who challenged popular thinking, perhaps a biography of Amelia Bloomer, DaVinci, or the Wright brothers.

Curriculum Ties

This could actually make an interesting link to a unit that touches on the fundamentals of anthropology, since Cap is a bit like a visitor from a foreign land. He's totally out of touch with mainstream culture and social customs and yet, like Stargirl, begins to influence those around him because of the unique perspective he has. It would be a great compare/contrast discussion to Stargirl.

Why this book?
Funny and engaging through its multiple perspectives, this book portrays the social stratification of middle school in a realistic way. But through Cap's character, it fundamentally calls into question a lot of the norms of our society. An excellent choice for readers who are in the mood to experience a different perspective.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

No.

Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan

Biblio Bits The Ranger's Apprentice, Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan, Puffin, 2004 (ISBN 9780399244544)

Reading Level/Interest Age 920 lexile/ages 11+

Genre Fantasy, Adventure

Plot Summary

15 year-old Will is a castle ward, meaning that he has been raised with a small group of other orphans. On the day of the Choosing, Will is devastated when he is not chosen to attend Battleschool to train to be a knight. Instead, he is apprenticed to the mysterious ranger Halt, who trains him in the complex skills that are required of a ranger. Will shows his willingness to learn, his persistence and cunning, forms a special bond with his ranger's pony, and begins to earn the respect of his taciturn master. When Will saves the life of his former wardmate and rival, Horace, a unique bond of friendship develops between the two boys. But the real climax comes when Will accompanies Halt to the annual ranger's gathering, only to find out that the power-hungry Morgarath is marshaling his forces. Halt and Will must hunt down the monstrous kalkara, the mythical and deadly creatures who are now the trained assassins of Morgarath.

Critical Evaluation

This book is an engaging choice for those readers in the mood for a classic and well-conceived fantasy book, even adults. The writing, language, and description are literary, but without seeming dry or slow. The pace is a good balance between character development and action, and the rivalry between Horace and Will is developed in a satisfactory way. Horace's own experience at Battleschool is also explored, giving the reader a sense of what Will is missing out on, as Horace encounters three brutal bullies who target him. Also equally enjoyable was the way that the relationship between Halt and Will develops through the story. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by this book and look forward to reading others in the series.

Reader's Annotation

The rangers are weird, solitary types, maybe even associated with witchcraft. What's Will to do when he is apprenticed to a ranger, instead of to the Battleschool where he would have learned to be a knight?

Author Information

John Flanagan initially conceived of the Ranger's Apprentice series as a way to interest his own son in reading, and wrote installments in short story form. He had worked in advertising and television prior to becoming one of Australia's premier YA/fantasy authors. He lives in a suburb of Sydney, Australia with his wife. They have several grown children and four grandchildren. (Information in this author biography can be found here, in the author's reading guide to the series.)

Challenge issues

Some violence during the battle against the kalkara, as well as during a boar hunt, although not out of proportion or overly graphic.

Booktalking Ideas

A booktalk that included this title might also include other books that deal with a medieval setting, such as the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! by Laura Amy Schiltz, or Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman.

Curriculum Ties

Again, the medieval setting is the obvious choice. While it is not overly underscored, the world of Araluen is clearly a kingdom that is comprised of smaller fiefs, ruled by barons. The stratification of classes is discussed tangentially, and the concept of apprenticeships is a main theme. A complete guide to the series, including an author interview and discussion questions, is at this address.

Why this book?
Good, solid fantasy series are always popular with tweens and it's great to know another one. The book will appeal to those with somewhat literary tastes, but there's enough action, some humor, and plot development to engage other readers as well.

Awards

None.

Series/Sequel
Yes. This book is followed by several others; the second in the series is The Burning Bridge (2005). Since the books are published first in Australia, there is some lag time between that first printing and a US version.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Middle School

Biblio Bits Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Middle School compiled by Jack Canfield et al, Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, 2008 (ISBN 9781935096269)

Reading Level/Interest Age 10-12

Genre Nonfiction

Plot Summary

In typical Chicken Soup style, this book is a collection of stories submitted by readers and fans of the series. The essays are relatively short, typically 2-3 pages. The essays are organized by topic, with sections entitled: Embarrassing Moments, Bully Payback, Being Happy with Yourself, That's My Family, Doing What's Right, and more. Both male and female perspectives are given, though the female perspectives outnumber the male ones. Middle schoolers will relate to the candor and real-life details that are included in each essay: the infatuation of a crush, social foibles, when a teacher/coach seems to pick on you, and those most embarrassing moments that we can't help but cringe while reading. There is a brief bio of each contributor, with a longer biography of each editor.

Critical Evaluation

The writing in this volume is not going to win any prizes, but that's part of the appeal. These essays are written by regular people who have experiences and stories to share, and read almost like those back-page essays in magazines. Tweens will relate to the stories for their easy-going and accessible style. The book lends itself to browsing, thumbing through and stopping to read various essays, instead of a cover-to-cover reading. This might especially appeal to younger tweens who are eager to find out what middle school is really like, but also to tweens who are looking to find validation in their own experiences. The tone is generally positive and with a strong emphasis on overcoming the hardships that are presented.

Reader's Annotation

First crushes and being crushed by rejection, the perils of the lunchroom, and the most embarrassing moments of middle school (think catapulting out of a moving swing, losing your shorts, and landing next to a towel with some hot 16 year-olds, while now completely naked!)--- it's all here in these pages.

Author Information

Jack Canfield, editor and co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series is the CEO of Canfield Training Group in California. His author bio in the book goes on to say: "He has conducted intensive personal and professional development seminars on the principles of success for over a million people in twenty-three countries." Canfield has appeared on many TV shows, received honorary doctorates, as well as a "Guiness World Records certificate for having seven books... on the New York Times Bestseller list on May 24, 1998." Canfield resides in Santa Barbara, CA.

Challenge issues

Mostly very tame and appropriate for tweens, even young ones. Nothing too graphic and nothing too heavy (though there is mention of a teen who attempts suicide).

Booktalking Ideas

Real life stories by real people about the tween and middle school years could be a viable booktalk, including this and other titles (realistic fiction and nonfiction) on the same subject. Or you could tie a booktalk to any of the section headings, such as In Like, In Love, and Just Not Into You for a booktalk around Valentine's Day, or a Mean Girls/Boys booktalk, again with some realistic fiction titles and other memoirs that relate to the topic.

Curriculum Ties

Perfect for use in a Health Sciences unit during middle school or to stimulate creative writing in an English class on memoirs.

Why this book?
It's always gratifying to read about the painful moments of growing up because it shows that the reader is not alone and that others have had similar---or worse---experiences and have lived to tell about it. I cringed through the whole chapter on Embarrassing Moments, both fascinated and horrified, while recalling a few of my own most embarrassing moments of middle school.

Awards
None.

Series/Sequel

Yes! There are Chicken Soup for the Soul books for every time of life, mood, or crisis.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

Vote for Larry

Biblio Bits Vote for Larry by Janet Tashjian, Henry Holt and Co., 2004 (ISBN 9780805072013)

Reading Level/Interest Age 810 lexile/Ages 12-14

Genre Realistic fiction

Plot Summary

Since readers left Josh Swensen in The Gospel According to Larry, he has had to enact a pseudocide (fake suicide) to get out of the media spotlight. In the intervening years, Josh has left his family and friends behind, lived under pseudonyms, traveled and lived all over the country, always in fear of being found out. His old friend (and heart-throb) Beth, a passionate activist, locates Josh (now almost 18 years old) in Colorado and kidknaps him. Beth's goal is to convince Josh to run for a local seat in his home town in Msasachusetts; the prospect of jumping back into the public life (not to mention explaining that he isn't dead) is scary, not to mention that Josh has a girlfriend out in Colorado and must sort out his feelings for both girls. Ultimately, a local seat just isn't enough and, with help, Josh founds the Peace Party, a political party based on taking back the political system from big business. With a strong momentum of support from teens across the country, Josh and his running mate, Beth, wage a political campaign like no other, despite (or because of) their youth.

Critical Evaluation

Having not read the first Larry book, I was curious to see whether this one could "work" on its own. There were enough references to the exploits of the previous episode that I was able to piece together the background, but it might bother some tweens to read this one as a stand-alone. The pace of the story moves very quickly, especially as the momentum of the campaign builds; there are some slower moments, when Josh self-reflects, either about the "big" issues of the campaign or the equally big issues of his love life. There is a lot of content about the US political system, the presidential process, and many modern social issues facing our country in this story, such as poverty, education, campaign finance reform, and others. It seems to strike a good balance between portraying the fantasy of a teenage presidential candidate, with the realities of running a campaign (including physical threats and threats on his character), the historical/political content, and a little romance thrown in.

Reader's Annotation
When Josh "Larry" Swensen comes back from the dead to offer an alternative to the one-party political machine, it doesn't take long for disenfranchised teens to tune in to his message and turn off the reality TV shows!

Author Information

Janet Tashjian was born in 1956 and grew up in Providence, RI. She obtained her MFA in Creative Writing at Emerson College and studied with the notable children's/YA author, Jack Gantos. Tashjian also cites Lois Lowry as a "goddess" and inspired children's author who is "so funny and smart." She currently lives in Needham, MA, and has a husband, son, and dog. (Information for this author biography is from the author's page on Macmillan books.)

Challenge issues

Challenging mainstream thinking, questioning authority, criticizing our government (and the Bush administration), and some occasional swearing might be offensive to some.

Booktalking Ideas

A great selection for a booktalk on challenging the norms of our society. I could see it paired with So Yesterday (Scott Westerfeld), The Carbon Diaries (Saci Lloyd) and Little Brother (Cory Doctorow) because all three of these books give a realistic picture with a twist, not to mention raising some important questions.

Curriculum Ties

This would be such a fun book for a social studies class to read while they are studying the election process---just to round out the textbook with something fun and thought-provoking, of course. Another link would be in a current events class, to follow-up on some of the issues that the Peace Party raises. There are some great resources listed in the back of the book related to the topics mentioned in the book.

Why this book?
Well how many books are there about teenager who is running for president? This book shows teens that engaged activism and questioning the status quo can enact positive change, even if it's not as a candidate on a political ticket.

Awards
None.

Series/Sequel

The Gospel According to Larry (2003) precedes this title; Larry and the Meaning of Life (2008) follows it.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

Lock and Key

Biblio Bits Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen, Viking, 2008 (ISBN 9780670010882)

Reading Level/Interest Age 840/ages 13+

Genre Realistic fiction, romance

Plot Summary

When 17 year-old Ruby's dead-beat mom abandons her, Ruby copes as well as she can. When social services learns of her situation, Ruby goes to live with her estranged sister, Cora, and brother-in-law, Jamie. Cora and Jamie have successful careers and live in an exclusive neighborhood which is a bit of a culture shock for Ruby. Things get even more shocking when Jamie enrolls Ruby at his alma mater, a private high school, where Ruby feels completely out of place. Ruby finds it difficult to accept her new situation and since she has had to be self-sufficient for so long, she has trouble trusting those who reach out to her. This includes her happy-go-lucky neighbor, Nate, who seems determined to be Ruby's friend. As Ruby and Nate get to know each other better, Ruby realizes that Nate's dad physically and verbally assaults him; given her own past history with her mother, it's hard for Ruby to know how (or if) she should help Nate. As Ruby begins to adjust to and accept her new life and her new relationships, she has to face some difficult truths about herself and her family.

Critical Evaluation

Sarah Dessen has delivered another book that has many of her characteristic appeal factors: family problems, friendships, emotional/psychological reflection, and a little romance thrown in. In typical form, a boy/girl friendship develops into a sweet romance (full of uncertainty, of course), in this case between Nate and Ruby. There were some loose ends in the story, however, that did not feel typical of Dessen, particularly the issue of her mother's disappearance. While this might have been a central focus of the book, Ruby seems to take it strangely in stride that her mother is simply gone. For good? Is she OK? Will she contact or try to find Ruby and Cora? Ruby doesn't seem overly concerned. However, Dessen does give a reader plenty of the realistic details and dialogue, and engaging characters and plot development that her fans enjoy. Fans of Sarah Dessen will probably like this book no matter what.

Reader's Annotation

Ruby thinks she can make it on her own after her mom abandons her---she'll be 18 in only a few months! When she is "found out," she is whisked away to live with her sister in her fancy house, a complicated family reunion ensues.

Author Information

Sarah Dessen was born in Illinois in 1970 and grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. The daughter of two academic parents, Dessen was given an typewriter and a desk and wrote a lot of stories as a child. Dessen was a book-lover from an early age and cites Judy Blume and Lois Lowry as authors who were able to capture her own teenage thoughts and feelings. She waited tables during and after her college years at University of Chapel Hill, and eventually got a teaching position there. Dessen still lives in Chapel Hill with her husband and young daughter, writing full time. (Information in this author biography was gleaned from the author's official site.)

Challenge issues

Underage drinking and drug use, cutting school, casual (but not explicit) sexual encounters, and physical violence against a minor are a few of the parts of this book that might elicit a challenge.

Booktalking Ideas

A perfect selection for a booktalk on the subject of realistic fiction "teen problem" books. Or perhaps a booktalk about teen relationships and romance. Probably, though, you won't have to booktalk it---it'll be mostly off your shelves and in the hands of your 7th/8th grade girls!

Curriculum Ties

Not really much for curriculum content here, but probably high on the list of older middle school girls' pleasure reading.

Why this book?
OK, I admit it. I am a Sarah Dessen fan. I read her latest (ninth) book this summer (Along for the Ride), really liked it, and then remembered that there were a few others that I hadn't yet read. This was the one that happened to be on the shelf when I looked.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

Knucklehead

Biblio Bits Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka, Viking, 2008 (ISBN 9780670011384)

Reading Level/Interest Age 600/9-14

Genre Nonfiction, memoir

Plot Summary

Growing up in a family of 5 brothers (with only male pets!), Scieszka has many funny tales to share about his youth with readers. Although the subtitle alludes to some embellishment on the author's part, there are so many anecdotes that seem to ring true to life. There is a lot in this volume that has to do with living in a large family (sharing Halloween costumes and hand-me-downs) and growing up during the 1950s. Profiles of Scieszka's parents and grandparents, the disappointments of sending away for a toy from the back of a comic book, and the problems of having teachers who are also the wives of God (the nuns at his Catholic school) are sure to amuse readers of all ages. In lieu of illustrations, the book has many black and white photographs from the Scieszka family album.

Critical Evaluation

Short and funny chapters make this an obvious choice for reluctant readers, in addition to an eye-catching cover that looks like a comic book. It makes a fantastic read-aloud---if you don't mind pausing for your audience to get over their fits of giggles. A special favorite with my own family (35, 34, 10, 7) was the one where the boys were in a hurry to get out the door to church, so they decided to economize on time and encircle the toilet en masse. This meant that some of the shorter guys up front ended up getting peed on. Our second favorite was when the family cat ate a candy on a car trip and the brothers had a total barf-o-rama in the back seat. Scieszka has crafted an author autobiography, with all the right details, that kids will actually read. It seems like one that will be recommended by word of mouth!

Reader's Annotation

A kaPOW! of an author autobiography that gives the real scoop on what life is like in a family of six boys---smelly, funny, loud, and potentially hazardous!

Author Information

Appointed as the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in 2008, Scieszka is the popular author many children's books, including the Time Warp Trio series. He studied creative writing at Columbia University in New York and was employed as a teacher at Trevor Day School, a private elementary school. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children. Information about his family and growing up in Flint, Michigan can be found within the pages of Knucklehead. (Author information in this biography was obtained at the author's website here and here.)

Challenge issues

There's bathroom humor here and no mistake! There are questions about God and religion that kids think about, told in a humorous way, which might offend the religious reader. There are also descriptions of the dumb things kids do (with warnings not to try these at home), like letting their younger brother eat a cigarette butt.

Booktalking Ideas

Author memoirs and autobiographies, stories about childhood, and funny stories are all natural themes for booktalks in which this title might be included.

Curriculum Ties

Again, not to be repetitive, but the obvious tie is to autobiography, mainly because it shows that even the smallest anecdotes can feature in an autobiography and be funny and poignant, adding to a portrait of a subject, time, and place.

Why this book?
In addition to being a great book for a reluctant (probably boy) reader and an excellent family read-aloud, this book might appeal to a reader from a small family to see how the big families get along. Funny, funny, and funny, with the family photos to prove it (like the sweater that is passed through the brothers and featured in several school pictures of different brothers).

Awards
ALA Notable book 2009, Maine Student Book Award reading list 2009-2010

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Biblio Bits Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko, Putnam Juvenile, 2004 (ISBN 9780399238611)

Reading Level/Interest Age 10-12

Genre Realistic fiction, historical fiction

Plot Summary

Moose and his family move to Alcatraz Island so his dad can work at the prison, but also so that they will be close to San Francisco and a special school for his sister to attend. Moose's sister Natalie has symptoms of autism (though no one calls it that back then) and his mother hopes that Natalie will be accepted into the school that could make a difference in Natalie's condition. Meanwhile, Moose adjusts to a new home on the island that houses the famous prison in which Al Capone served time. There are several other families with children on the island, and Moose quickly learns that the warden's daughter, Piper, has a lot of ideas that could land them in trouble. When his mom takes a job teaching piano lessons in the city, it means that Moose has to look after Natalie in the afternoons after school (treating her "like a regular sister"); not only does this inhibit his ability to play baseball with his school mates, but it also means that Moose and Natalie develop a deeper relationship.

Critical Evaluation

Moose narrates with a vivid and funny voice; readers can sense he is a "real" boy, one who likes baseball, is just deciphering the boy/girl thing, and has family obligations that sometimes feel like a burden to him. The characters are realistic (particularly the kids and how they relate to each other), with many humorous exchanges and believable dialogue. The story is engaging and captivating, particularly with the dramatic tension that Piper's character introduces. Additionally, towards the middle and end of the book, tension builds again when Moose spots his sister holding hands with an inmate (when Moose was supposed to be watching her). The heartwarming conclusion has a twist that leaves a reader wondering about what really happened. Though set in the 1930s, it's clear that the concerns for 12 year-old boys have not changed much.

Reader's Annotation

Not everyone goes to Alcatraz because they are a high-profile criminal like Al Capone; Moose moves there with his family so his dad can work at the prison. But when Moose meets the Warden's daughter, he knows that not all the trouble-makers are behind bars.

Author Information

Award-winning children's author Gennifer Choldenko has written several titles for children and young adults. She studied art at Rhode Island School of Design and began in a career of graphic design and illustration. Choldenko grew up in a large family, including one sister with symptoms of autism, after whom Natalie's character is based (in the Notes section of the book). Choldenko resides in California with her husband and two children. (Author biographical details, except where noted, are from the Bloomsbury Publishing website.)

Challenge issues

One potential challenge could be the uncertainty that surrounds Natalie's contact with the convict. All that Moose witnesses is Natalie holding hands with him, but he fears that it could have been (or might have been) more sinister. This reference might upset younger readers or their parents.

Booktalking Ideas

This title would be a good one to include in a booktalk on families that include people with special needs or how people with special needs have been viewed and treated in history. It could also go in a historical fiction booktalk or booktalk based on 1st-person narratives.

Curriculum Ties

Life in the 1930s would be a good one, since the focus of this book is not the big issues like the Great Depression, but more about the lives of regular people and the things they did and thought about. It would be a natural choice for a unit on people with special needs and how they have been viewed through history (mentioned above also).

Why this book?
With Moose's engaging narration, a plot that flows and moves along, while developing believable characters, and humor, this book is a natural selection for readers looking for a good historical fiction novel (though the history is not necessarily the main event here). Fans of The Schwa Was Here (Shusterman) might also enjoy this book, for the similar tone and humor, pace, friendships that are developed, and obstacles that are overcome.

Series/Sequel

Al Capone Shines My Shoes is due out in fall 2009, according to a Publisher's Weekly interview.

Awards
Newbery Honor 2005, School Library Journal 2004, ALA Notable Books 2005

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

Nick of Time

Biblio Bits Nick of Time by Ted Bell, St. Martin's Griffin, 2009 reprint (original publication date 2008) (ISBN 9780312380687)

Reading Level/Interest Age 10-12

Genre Adventure, historical fiction

Plot Summary

Nick lives with his lighthouse-keeping family on one of the Channel Islands in the late 1930s. Things are a little too quiet for Nick until he accidentally discovers a hidden drawer in his dad's desk; it hides a log book of German U-boat sightings, and strong evidence that his father is reporting his findings to none other than Winston Churchill. If this isn't enough, he and his sister discover an unusual sea chest on one of their favorite beaches and later that day a pair of sinister pirates literally appear out of thin air, demanding the return of something that, they say, belongs to them. With Nazis and pirates at every turn, Nick's bravery, cunning, and knowledge of his small island and its waters become an essential key to survival.

Critical Evaluation

While reluctant readers might get sucked into this book by the fast-paced action, the length of the book might inhibit them from attempting it, at over 450 pages. The characters seem deliberately caricatured: Nick is the brave boy hero who finds a time machine (made by Leonardo daVinci), with supporting cast members Billy Blood (kidsnatching, sinister pirate whose greed stops at nothing), Lord Hawke (reclusive and broody, former world-class detective, millionaire), and those darned Nazis who are filling up the Channel with their U-boats. The dialogue is often stilted, the action comes with too-predictable regularity, and the plot is just too neat, although the details never quite add up. Perhaps the author, who mainly writes for adults, thinks that kids won't mind these flaws. It felt a little like a comic book, which is not a slight on comics, but a reference to the Tintin-like theme of boy-hero-saving-the-world.

This being said, my own tween boy really loved this book for the action, the sailing lingo, the time travel, and swashbuckling adventure. It prompted him to want more historical fiction books on WWII.

Reader's Annotation

A boy adventurer of the old-school variety, spying on Nazis and fighting pirates, with a time machine on his side and action in every chapter.

Author Information

Ted Bell had a successful career in advertising at several large firms around the world. Since his retirement from this career in 2001, he has been writing full-time, primarily for adults. Given that one of his adult books is called Hawke and another Pirate, I have to wonder if this title was a clever marketing ploy to gain more readership (the kids that read Nick of Time might grow up to read his other books). Bell resides in Florida and Colorado. (Information in this author biography comes from the author's website and wikipedia.)

Challenge issues

None.

Booktalking Ideas

Nick of Time would be a great inclusion in a booktalk on fast-paced adventure books. It's unique in that it is has elements of fantasy (time travel) and a historical fiction (Nazis, pirates) genres. The key appeal here though is that the pace keeps a reader turning pages. So I could envision it in a booktalk that included other fiction and non-fiction titles in the adventure/adrenalin genre that fit this pace and style.

Curriculum Ties

If my son's experience is any indicator, perhaps this book could pave the way for more in-depth study of WWII and the complexities surrounding the English's involvement in the early part of the war. Perhaps readers of this book could be encouraged (or might be intrinsically motivated) to pursue research about what in this book was truth and what was fabrication.

Why this book?
The fast pacing and action-packed adventure will keep the attention of readers who have enjoyed the style of Riordan's The Lightning Thief or Patterson's Maximum Ride series. The historical components of the story might appeal to some, while the time travel machine might appeal to others.

Awards
None

Series/Sequel
According to Wikipedia, a sequel to Nick of Time is due out in early 2010, entitled The Time Pirate.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

Bloomability

Biblio Bits Bloomability by Sharon Creech, read by Mandy Siegfried, Books on Tape, 2009 [1998], (ISBN 9780739385425)

Reading Level/Interest Age 850 lexile/ages 11-14

Genre Realistic fiction

Format Audio Book on CD

Plot Summary

Dinnie's from a nomadic family, always on the move to find better opportunities. When her teenaged sister comes home after a weekend away from home with a marriage certificate (and shortly thereafter shows signs of pregnancy) and her brother ends up in jail, Dinnie's aunt and uncle come to kidknap her (Dinnie's impression). They take her to Switzerland to the upscale boarding school at which they are both employed and Dinnie must come to terms with her new circumstances: away from her family for the first time, in a new educational setting, and in a new country. Dinnie's emotions are mixed, as she navigates a new group of friends and new experiences and begins to develop her own ideas and sense of self in this context.

Critical Evaluation

This is an engaging story that has periods of being more or less compelling. Essentially it's the story of Dinnie's self discovery, but sometimes it felt like self-absorption (completely age-appropriate, but sometimes boring to read). The secondary characters really shine here, especially Guthrie (lovable) and Lila (love to hate her), and their function in the story and in Dinnie's life were a way to explore the various ways to see the world. This volume was not as tightly constructed as Walk Two Moons or Chasing Redbird but fans of Sharon Creech will still enjoy her flair for dialogue and humor, as well as believable characters. The reader, Mandy Siegfried, did a good job of creating a wide variety of voices; at the beginning of my listening, I found her pace a little fast, but I became used to it.

Reader's Annotation

Getting whisked away to a Swiss boarding school never sounded so good. But will Dinnie just adapt into the woodwork, like she has in the other schools she has attended?

Author Information

Sharon Creech is the Newbery award-winning author of Walk Two Moons (1994) as well as many other titles for tweens and teens. She grew up in South Euclid, OH with her four siblings and parents. As a child, Creech visited her cousins in Kentucky and formed many happy memories there; she created the fictitious Bybanks, KY out of the memories of these years, which has appeared in several of her titles. She has taught high school English in Switzerland and England, and currently lives in New Jersey with her husband. She is the mother of two grown children. (Information in this author bio comes from the author's website.)

Challenge issues

Passing references to marijuana and alcohol use, as well as the teen pregnancy of Dinnie's sister.

Booktalking Ideas

This could be a good selection for a discussion about nontraditional families; Dinnie's aunt and uncle serve as her parental figures, as well as the family she creates through her friendships at school. Other themes might be living abroad or stories set at boarding schools.

Curriculum Ties

Social issues like friendship would be the obvious tie or simply growing up and changing perspectives, perhaps in a health unit.

Why this book?
I remember reading and (I thought) liking this book from when it was first published. I still enjoyed it this time around but it wasn't quite all that I remember it to be; perhaps I was remembering Absolutely Normal Chaos. Still, an appealing read for the tween that is considering what it means to fledge the nest, whether through developing new ideas or physically being apart from ones family.

Awards
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award 1999

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes