Parrotfish

Biblio Bits Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger, Simon and Schuster, 2007 (ISBN 9780416916222)

Reading Level/Interest Age 790 lexile/Ages 14+

Genre Realistic Fiction

Plot Summary

Grady used to be a girl called Angela. Angela grew up knowing she was really a boy inside and fully aware that she had to pretend to be a girl. But that only worked for so long. Now, as a sophomore, Angela makes the decision to change her name to Grady and begin to live and dress as a boy. This isn't easy, but neither was living a lie. Some people think this is just some ploy to get attention on Grady's part (like the school principal); others just can't understand Grady's decision and are confused, embarrassed, frustrated, and even angry with his new identity as a boy (like Grady's mom, sister, former best friend, and most of the kids at school). A few people stand out because they support Grady during this difficult transition, including Grady's dad, brother, the gym teacher, and a new friend, Sebastian. Grady must navigate some tricky waters here, from telling his teachers to call him by his new name to figuring out where to change for gym class.

Critical Evaluation

Wittlinger has created an astonishing book about a tough subject. Wittlinger makes Grady just a regular guy: his first crush, the importance of friends, dorky family traditions, and family tension. It's refreshing that this book avoids the cliche of violence, but there is a believable amount of bullying, teasing, and cruelty from Grady's peers. The best part of this book, besides for normalizing the issue of transgendered teens, is that it shows the importance of having even a few advocates and supporters during a transition time like this one. Grady is a character readers can empathize with, who makes a courageous choice to be true to himself. This is a theme that has merit for any young adult, whether or not they are transgendered.

Reader's Annotation

What if you never felt right in the body you were born into? That's how it is for Grady, who was born a girl but has always felt like a boy inside. Grady is ready to stop pretending. Is the world ready for Grady?

Author Information

Ellen Wittlinger was born in 1948 and grew up in Belleville, Illinois. She attended Milliken University (IL) where she majored in art and sociology. Wittlinger attended the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop for her graduate studies. She worked as a children's librarian in Swapscott, Massachusetts, which was how she became interested in writing for youth. Wittlinger has two grown children and lives with her husband in Swamscott. (Information for this author biography is from Gale's Contemporary Authors Online, 2008).

Challenge issues

There is some swearing in this book, but the main challenge for some will be the idea of a transgendered teen coming out.

Booktalking Ideas

The theme of how to be yourself and be O.K. with it is one that deserves repeating with tweens (see also Totally Joe)...over and over and over again. We could call the booktalk "I'm Different and I'm O.K.!" I would probably pair this title with Buddha Boy, Another Kind of Cowboy (Juby, 2007), Looks (George, 2008), and Stargirl (Spinelli, 2000), however, since they are more mature and serious. If a little levity was needed, I would also include My Most Excellent Year, since it adds a bit of humor to the theme of self-discovery.

Curriculum Ties

This would be a good book to tie into a health unit on sexuality for older middle schoolers. Students could read this book and discuss some of the issues it raises: gender vs. sexual identity, as well as the practical concerns (choosing a new name, family and friends, which bathroom to use, etc.). This discussion could precede a visit from a transgendered person, perhaps on a panel with gay, lesbian, and bisexual people who might be willing to share their stories with students.

Why this book?
This is an important book in the cannon of queer literature for youth. Placing it in the hands of the right reader could, quite literally, save a life.

Awards
New York Public Library, Books for the Teen Age.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Mysterious Benedict Society

Biblio Bits The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, Little Brown, 2007 (ISBN 9780316057776)

Reading Level/Interest Age 840 lexile/Ages 10+

Genre Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery

Plot Summary

Reynie Muldoon is an eleven year-old orphan who sees the following advertisement in the newspaper: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" He pursues the unusual testing sessions which turn out to be designed to evaluate more than just book smarts. It turns out that only four children have been selected, though they each approached the tests in very different ways, and are met at their concluding test site by Mr. Benedict. A genius with an uncanny talent for mind-reading, Mr. Benedict has made a startling discovery: subliminal messages of puzzling nonsense and contradictions are being broadcast through the televisions of the masses. The villain behind this is none other than Ledopthra Curtain, entrepreneur and founder of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (L.I.V.E. or backwards, EVIL!). The children soon infiltrate the institute as students and must work together, drawing on each other's talents, to solve the mystery and stop this dastardly megalomaniac. Will they be able to thwart his plans without being discovered as spies?

Critical Evaluation

I'll tell you how much I liked this book: at a time in the semester when time is of the essence, I didn't just abandon this book after gathering the necessary information to write an informed post about it! I had to finish it, and plan to read the two sequels over the break between semesters. Stewart has created a clever, engaging, and tightly plotted story here, filled with the types of unlikely heroes that readers love rooting for, and some great vocabulary words along the way. Constance seems the least likely heroine: grumpy, prickly, rude, and often dull. Readers will enjoy puzzling about why Constance is even a part of this group; they may suspect that she has a big part to play. In fact, the book is filled with puzzles, large and small, that will engage readers along the way. There is just the right amount of emotional engagement with and empathy for the characters, mixed with humor, suspense, and adventure. The adults at L.I.V.E., including Mr. Curtain, may remind readers of Roald Dahl's adults: those most odious ones who think they know everything and condescend to children.

Reader's Annotation

Are four kids really capable of foiling a global plot to brainwash its citizens by thought-control messages in their TVs? (Wait a minute, is this realistic fiction?) They make an unlikely team of heroes but quickly infiltrate the headquarters of the mastermind and use their combined talents to puzzle out the solution.

Author Information

Trenton Lee Stewart was born in 1970 and graduated from the Iowa Writer's Workshop. He lives in Little Rock (AR) with his wife and two sons. He conceived of this, his debut novel, out of a chess riddle that randomly came to mind on his way to a restaurant. (Information from this author biography was found here and from the book jacket.)

Challenge issues

Oh come on. It's good, clean fun. Evil masterminds, genius orphans, friendship, cleverness. OK, I guess if you have a nose like a cucumber you might be offended by the description of Mr. Curtain's nose.

Booktalking Ideas

Stylistically, this book reminds me of the Series of Unfortunate Events (Snicket) books or The Willoughbys (Lowry, 2008). But I think I would approach a booktalk by emphasizing The Kids Saving The World (or at least making some necessary changes) theme of this book. It's pretty creepy to consider subliminal messages being piped out of our TVs (and not so far from the truth). Other titles that might fit in could be Holes (Sachar, 1998), Hoot (Hiasson, 2002), Chasing Vermeer (Balliett, 2004), and That Girl Lucy Moon (Timberlake, 2006).

Curriculum Ties

There are some ideas about problem-solving and teamwork in these pages. It would be interesting to have small groups of students consider how the team (Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance) work together, perhaps even through some role-playing. How does each one fulfill a role that benefits the group? Why did Mr. Benedict choose them as individuals, and why does he consider them the perfect team? And there is a lot to say about Constance---she is so enigmatic, disagreeable, awkward, and difficult. Why is she part of the team?

Why this book?

My almost-eleven year-old and some of his good friends really loved these books and just read the latest installment, so I thought I would give their recommendation a try.

Series/Sequel

Yes. This book is followed by: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (2008), and The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma (2009).

Awards
MSBA Reading list 2008-2009; Booklist Editors' Choice Books for Youth, 2007; School Library Journal Best Books, 2007; ALA Notable Children's Books, 2008.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

Biblio Bits Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson, Scholastic Press, 2007 (ISBN 9780439925501)

Reading Level/Interest Age 730 lexile/ages 10-12

Genre Fantasy, Humor

Plot Summary

Alcatraz has been bouncing through foster families for as long as he can remember. The trouble is, he has a knack for breaking things in a big way, and after a while, his foster parents can't keep up with the replacement costs. On his thirteenth birthday, Alcatraz receives an unusual package from his parents: a bag of sand. He's still scratching his head about this (Aren't his parents dead? How did the package come to the right address when he moves so often? Who sends their son a bag of sand for his birthday?!) when a strange man shows up who claims to be his Grandfather. This alleged grandfather is a stranger to Alcatraz, though he seems to be quite familiar with Alcatraz's situation, and he says some pretty bizarre things. When the bag of sands is discovered missing, his Grandfather convinces Alcatraz that time is of the essence and they must go after the Evil Librarians to recover these priceless sands before it is too late. This adventure story will keep readers guessing and entertained as they follow the twisting tale and meet the outrageous characters.

Critical Evaluation

Though Sanderson's plot is brisk and there is plenty of action, his storycrafting and wordplay makes this a book that can be enjoyed by a diverse audience. It would make an excellent classroom or family read-aloud. The situations are often absurd and silly, but Sanderson's world is seamless fantasy (meaning that there are not a lot of distracting gaps in the story, so readers can fully immerse themselves). The humor and conventions are tongue-in-cheek and directed at bibliophiles, like Alcatraz's assumption that no librarians will recommend this title because it exposes them for the villains they really are. This is a fun and funny read, a clever and lighthearted take on the fantasy genre.

Reader's Annotation
Oh, inhabitants of the Hushlands, you are ignorant that your world is controlled by dastardly librarians! In Alcatraz, you have an unlikely hero whose talent of breaking things helps him on his quest to foil their latest plot.

Author Information

Brandon Sanderson was born in 1975 and is a noted writer of fantasy books for adults. The Alcatraz books are his only series for children. He graduated from Brigham Young University in their Master's program in creative writing. Sanderson was selected to complete Robert Jordan's final installment of The Wheel of Time series, after Jordan's death. Sanderson currently resides in Utah with his wife. (Information in this author biography is from the author's official website as well as Wikipedia.)

Challenge issues

Librarian stereotyping alert! Horn-rimmed glasses and buns! But the librarians do get to rule the world...Anyway, besides for this stereotype, there are not many other objectionable sections of this book. Just plain, good, fun, fantasy.

Booktalking Ideas

I would have to read the first sentence aloud in a booktalk for this title, it's just too good to resist (see below "Why this book?"). Terry Pratchett comes to mind as a booktalking bedfellow and readalike, for this genre of clever, humorous, fantasy.

Curriculum Ties

Sanderson does a lot of circuitous storytelling here (which some critics seem to hate), where the narrator tells us in advance that we won't believe what we are about to read or gives us a cliff-hanger sentence and then tells us that we'll have to wait for a minute while he digresses. A language arts class in a unit on creative writing or storytelling might discuss what this literary convention is contributes to the story, plot, and Alcatraz's narrative? What is the experience of the reader when they encounter this?

Why this book?
I couldn't resist this first line: "So, there I was, tied to an altar made from out-dated encyclopedias, about to get sacrificed to the dark powers by a cult of evil librarians."

Series/Sequel
This title is followed by two more installments (as of November 2009): Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (2008) and Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia (2009). There are five titles planned for the series.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

City of Bones

Biblio Bits City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Margaret K. McElderberry Books, 2007 (ISBN 9781416914280)

Reading Level/Interest Age 740 lexile/age 14+

Genre Urban fantasy

Plot Summary

When Clary Fray starts seeing things that her friend Simon can't, that's the first tip-off that Clary's understanding of reality is about to expand in a major way. She's still trying to understand the murder she witnessed (that appeared to involve some fantastic beings), when Clary's mom, Jocelyn, leaves her a garbled message and disappears. Clary has never known her dad, who died in a fatal car accident when she was too little to remember him, so suddenly Clary is on her own. When one of the murderers shows up and offers to help Clary, she is as confused as ever, and pretty soon is on a race against time to solve the mystery that will save her mom, with the help of a few Shadowhunters and some Werewolves. Clary discovers that her own history is not what she thinks it is and that her mother kept some important secrets from her.

Critical Evaluation

This fast-paced urban adventure story is compelling. It appears on several lists that liken it to Twilight ( Meyer), and though it deals with supernatural beings and has a girl protagonist, it has many differences that readers who are expecting a Twilight-like read might be disappointed in. First, the pacing is brisk: this book is action-driven, not character-driven. In this way, I would liked it more to the Percy Jackson or Maximum Ride series, where practically every chapter has an element of surprise/danger. There are more relationships in this book to sort out and many more plot twists. Because of the larger cast of characters, some characters seem a bit one-dimensional and predictable. Again, with the pace at which the plot moved, there really wasn't time to get too deep with any one character except for the most central ones. Romance? Well, sort of. Definitely some romantic tension, but this gets complicated as the story unfolds. The fun part is the details like the vampire motorcycles that run on demon energies or the eccentric character of Magnus Bane, the warlock of Brooklyn. But there are a lot of holes in this fantasy world which makes it difficult to enter into the story fully, if you are a picky reader.

Reader's Annotation

A great romp through New York City's underworld of the supernatural, normally invisible to us "mundies" (short for mundanes), on a fast-paced adventure to keep the balance of good and evil in order, with many plot twists to keep you guessing!

Author Information

Cassandra Clare (pseudonym) was born in Tehran, Iran, and spent her childhood traveling with her parents to various places around the world. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles, where she also lived after college and worked as a writer for entertainment magazines and tabloids. Clare began writing this first installment of the Mortal Instruments series in 2004, and took inspiration from the city of New York for the setting. Clare has also written Harry Potter fan fiction, and gained attention for her extensive works in this genre. (Information for this author bio is from here and here.)

Challenge issues

Yes there are! The supernatural beings might be enough to give some readers pause, but there is definitely some language and swearing in this book that may be inappropriate for younger readers.

Booktalking Ideas

Supernatural beings...the unexplained...searching for your identity...urban fantasy...myths. These are all potential booktalking buddies for City of Bones. Maximum Ride (Patterson) would be a good companion here, particularly because of the female protagonist and the angelic themes. This book also has plenty of suspense and "creepy" so it could be a good one to promote around Halloween.

Curriculum Ties

Students could be asked to take one of the Downworld groups, (like vampires, werewolves, faeries, etc.), and flesh-out their cultures a bit more. Students could research cultural explanations of the supernatural group they choose and begin to build a world in present day New York for them. How would their history with Shadowhunters influence their alliances, survival, and leadership? Where would they hang out? What would their headquarters look like?

Why this book?

The Mortal Instruments series has appeared a few times on lists of "If you liked Twilight, you'll also like..." so I decided to try it and see what I thought.

Series/Sequel

Yes, this one is followed by City of Ashes and then City of Glass.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

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.

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat

Biblio Bits Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell, MacMillan Children's Books, 2007 (ISBN 9780061448799)

Reading Level/Interest Age 760 lexile, ages 8-11

Genre Humorous mystery

Plot Summary

Ottoline is a privileged young girl who lives with her Norwegian bog creature, Mr. Munroe (small and hairy, a bit like Cousin Itt from the Addam's Family), while her parents travel the world collecting unusual things and sending postcards. When Ottoline and Mr. Munroe discover that small lapdogs and jewels are disappearing around Big City, they quickly formulate a plan to investigate. They uncover a crime ring headed up by a cat burglar (who is actually a cat) and a tricky plot to steal jewels from unsuspecting wealthy ladies. Mr. Munroe goes undercover and, with the help of Ottoline, the two make a plan to foil the crime ring.

Critical Evaluation
Though not a graphic novel per se, this book has Riddell's illustrations on every page which could be a great hook for reluctant readers. Although the mystery is fairly light and there is not a lot of text, the detailed and funny graphics (maps, postcards, annotations, etc.) enhance and add depth of pacing and emotion to the story.

Reader's Annotation

Thumb through this one and I dare you to not get hooked into the story by the amusing illustrations in black, white, and red. Ottoline and Mr. Munroe are on the case of the missing jewels in Big CIty.

Author Information

Chris Riddell is an award-winning illustrator and political cartoonist who lives in Brighton, England with his wife and three children. He has collaborated with Paul Stewart on the Edge Chronicles and the Far Flung Adventures series for children. (The information for this brief biography was obtained on the author's website on August 22, 2009.)

Challenge issues
Probably none, but I suppose absentee parenting, bears that talk, and mysterious and fantastic creatures from Norway might offend some.

Booktalking Ideas

This book would be great in a booktalk on mysteries, one that highlights books with a graphic component, or nontraditional storytelling methods.

Curriculum Ties

Not a lot of content to work with here, but Ottoline and the Yellow Cat is definitely a story that exhibits creative problem solving skills. One fun option could be to find an action sequence in another book and then "map" it out, similar to the very funny illustration that highlights the action of the climactic capture.

Why this book?
Just the right amount of silly mixed with a mystery along with those fun graphic details makes this book a great choice for a reluctant reader or a low-skills reader. Particularly for a young (emotionally or physically) tween, this title looks and feels like a chapter book without being very challenging in terms of content, complexity, or length.

Series/Sequel
Yes, more Ottoline books to come! Next up: Ottoline Goes to School (2009).

Awards
Maine Student Book Award Reading List 2009-2010

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes