My Most Excellent Year

Biblio Bits My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger, Dial Books, 2008 (ISBN 9780803732278)

Reading Level/Interest Age 1030 lexile/Ages 13+

Genre Realistic Fiction, Humor, Romance

Plot Summary

Ninth grade holds some surprises for T.C., Augie, and Alejandra. T.C. doesn't expect to fall head-over-heels for the new girl, Alejandra, the smart, politically-minded, daughter of an ambassador, who has zero interest in his attention. Augie, T.C's Chinese-American "brother," doesn't expect to direct the school talent show or to have his first crush on a boy (and he really doesn't expect that everyone already knows he's gay!). Alejandra (or Ale) has no idea what to expect from a public school, she doesn't expect to get on stage and perform in front of an audience, and she does not expect that she can ever live up to the plan that her parents have for her. She certainly doesn't expect that she'll ever give the time of day to T.C.! None of them expect that a deaf six year-old boy will change their lives. This romantic comedy is a roaring good time and is told in IMs, emails, and letters between the characters.

Critical Evaluation

What a crazy cast of characters, but somehow Kluger makes it all work so well together in this book. I was skeptical about the IM, email, and letter-written format when I started it, figuring it would be distracting and just a cute gimmick. But it really worked here and actually enhanced the flow and pace of the story. Each of the three main characters, T.C., Ale, and Augie, alternate "narration" in each chapter, yet the narration comes from their own content (letters), as well as content by others (parents, friends, and even some people who are mostly on the periphery). This is a classic romantic comedy, so we know the ending will be positive. But it's not just fluff, there's some real depth. Themes about identity and self-discovery, friendship, grief, and dreams. This is a book about engaged youth who care about each other, good causes, their families, and they are teens who ultimately do good things for the world.

Reader's Annotation

Dancing, theatrical productions, romance...Wait! Wait! There's also baseball, die-hard Red Sox fans, and baseball trivia. There's an ace lip-reader who steals pitching signs to tip off the batter. It's all tied up in this story about a few kids and the stuff they care about.

Author Information

Steve Kluger was born in 1952 and grew up in Maryland. He has worked as an actor and playwrite. He's a gay activist and an ardent baseball fan. Kluger has written plays and books for adults and youth, many of which feature baseball. He lives in Boston, "the only city in the world." (Information for this author biography are from his official website and the Gale's Contemporary Authors Online, 2002.)

Challenge issues

Some swearing, a pretty liberal worldview, and a gay protagonist might be the areas that would draw negative attention.

Booktalking Ideas

It's a tough sell to get this book into the hands of boys because of the darn girly cover (softcover has a slightly less girly look). So I would choose NOT to show the cover at all. I would introduce listeners to the three main characters who share the fact that during their ninth grade year, each of them faces some unexpected challenges...but I would stress the fact that I laughed my way through the whole book! It definitely falls in the category of Love with a Laugh, and I might pair it with An Abundance of Katherines (Green, 2006), What My Mother Doesn't Know (Sones, 2001), and Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging (Rennison, 2000).

Curriculum Ties

I love how the English teacher has the students writing letters. T.C. writes to his mom, Augie writes to movie stars, and Ale writes to Jackie Kennedy. (And of course Hucky writes to Mary Poppins.) With the exception of Hukcy, these letters won't be sent (many recipients are dead anyway). What does it mean to write a letter that you know won't reach it's addressee? Each of our three main characters has chosen their letter recipient to be someone who they feel knows them and their experience somehow. Have students pick someone to write to---alive or dead---who they share something with: share a problem or issue and ask for their advice. Students will need to refer to things in the recipient's life that show that they "know" them, like Augie, Tick, and Ale do.

Why this book?
Funny, funny, and funny. And then I cried at the end. But what I really love is how the friendship between Augie and T.C. is portrayed: totally supportive (including when they razz each other!) and completely believable.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing)

Biblio Bits Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing) by Alison McGhee, pictures by Drazen Kozjan, Scholastic Press, 2008 (ISBN 9780545033480)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9-11

Genre Realistic fiction

Plot Summary

Julia Gillian is the only child of two academic parents and, this summer, they are busy with their studies. They are attentive and loving, just a bit unavailable at the moment. Julia Gillian's Saint Bernard dog, Bigfoot, and her older, downstairs neighbors, Enzo and Zap, form members of her close network of friends. Julia Gillian is artistic and creative: she makes papier mache animal masks that she sometimes wears when she needs to feel brave. She's afraid of how the book she's reading is going to end; it's about a dog who is old, and she worries that the dog may die. Julia Gillian must navigate the small hardships of her life (and growing up), but has a good group of supporters to carry her through. The humorous and evocative illustrations by Kozjan, as well as the layout of the book, make this an appealing choice for younger or reluctant readers.

Critical Evaluation

This may be one of the best younger tween books that I have yet to come across. McGhee conveys the delicate moment when a child begins to know more about the world, sees flaws in him/herself and the people around him/her, and begins to grow into a new understanding. Julia Gillian is a likeable character whose emotions and feelings are familiar to us. It is notable that Julia Gillian is an only child who is cherished not just by her parents, but by her 20-something downstairs neighbors; it is clear that this is a child who is connected to her community in a refreshing way. It is a gentle book that is character-focused, mainly on Julia Gillian, and her small triumphs and challenges. Though not a lot "happens" the story is compelling and readers will want to know if Julia Gillian ever masters the claw machine or finishes "the green book."

Reader's Annotation

Julia Gillian has a mission: to master the Claw Machine at her local hardware store. She wants that meerkat! But can she do it? Will she become the Claw Machine Master?

Author Information

Alison McGhee was born in 1960 and writes for all ages. She has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She teaches on the creative writing faculty at Metropolitan State University (MN). (Information for this author biography was found here.)

Challenge issues

I suppose the downstairs neighbors, Enzo and Zap (a brother/sister team), could be perceived as unconventional, since they don't live with their parents.

Booktalking Ideas

I would definitely play up the things Julia Gillian is focused on: the claw machine, her dog, the uncertain book ending, and bubble tea. She is such an engaging and central part of this story that I might even read a small portion of the narration so listeners could get a "feel" for the narrative voice. This title could fit in a booktalk about kids and their pets or about the books with real main characters that readers can relate to.

Curriculum Ties

This could be a good book to discuss as part of a life skills class, particularly focusing on the support network that Julia Gillian has in place. The character of Enzo is interesting because she doesn't always take Julia Gillian at face value or even agree with her. How does she still manage to show Julia Gillian that she is there for her? Can students identify adults in their lives who support them in a similar way?

Why this book?
I came across this title last year and loved it and have since read the sequel. It was too perfect for this project not to include.

Series/Sequel
A trilogy is planned for this series. This one is followed by Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy) (2009).

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Little Brother

Biblio Bits Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, Tor Teen, 2008 (ISBN 9780765319852)

Reading Level/Interest Age 900 lexile/Ages 14+

Genre Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

Plot Summary

Marcus (screen name w1n5t0n) is just your typical, technologically savvy seventeen year-old. He lives in the San Francisco's Mission District, likes hanging out with his friends, and playing Harajuku Fun Madness (an ARG---Alternative Reality Game). He's figured out some quick hacks to get around the school's security firewalls and subvert the motion-recognition software on the CCTV monitors. Marcus convinces his buddies to ditch school and pursue the next clue for HFN, but while they're out there is a terrorist attack and a big explosion. In the mayhem that ensues, the teens are picked up and whisked away in large, black SUVs, as suspects; they are interrogated and held and they are not sure by whom. When they are finally released, with orders not to say anything to anyone about their interrogation, they return to a new San Francisco. In order to protect its citizens, there are now strict security measures in place all over the city, and Marcus and their friends know they are being watched. Marcus is determined not to give up and to subvert the system that is threatening democracy, in whatever way he can.

Critical Evaluation

Doctorow packs a lot of civics into this one volume: everything from activism to democracy to privacy to a police state to the Department of Homeland Security...and more. Sometimes the narrative takes a distinctly lesson-like turn that slows the pace of the action and plot, but these sections never last too long and the content is really interesting/scary. Doctorow has created a novel of empowerment: these are engaged teens who realize what they are losing in favor of being "safe." This is a refreshing change from books in which teens are powerless and disaffected. There are two stellar Afterwords and a Bibliography that are not to be missed.

Reader's Annotation

Big Brother is Watching; Little Brother is Fighting Back!

Author Information

Cory Doctorow was born in Toronto and now lives in London with his family. He is the co-editor of Boing Boing, a blogger, science fiction author, journalist, and activist. Doctorow used to work for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, "a non-profit civil liberties group that defends freedom in technology law, policy, standards and treaties" (Doctorow, here). He has delivered some great speeches about privacy and rights, like this one. (Information in this brief bio was found at the author's official site.)

Challenge issues

I wrote a blog post about this title when I first read it and bemoaned the fact that there is this one sex scene which definitely limits the audience to whom I would recommend this title. Yes, it's protected sex, and yes, it's between two people who care about each other. But it would still probably make some younger teens/tweens uncomfortable who otherwise might have really loved this book. I usually feel this out with a question like "there's some boy/girl stuff in here..." and the reader either cringes visibly or shakes it off as no sweat. (And as an aside, the author emailed me a response!) Also, there is a very graphic description of water-boarding that is totally, and appropriately, disturbing.

Booktalking Ideas

This title would be at home with other books that portray a clever twist on an idea, similar to The Last Book in the Universe (Philbrick) or So Yesterday (Westerfeld).

Curriculum Ties

Oooh, oooh---this book screams to be in a middle/high school civics class! The power of this book lies in the "it could be now," post-9/11 setting. It could provide some good fodder for debate: what liberties are we sacrificing in favor of protecting ourselves? What current or recent events fall into this tricky catch 22?

Why this book?
Because Cory Doctorow is this librarian's idea of a modern hero: so smart, so savvy, so forward-thinking that I might even admit to having a small crush on his ideas.

Awards
School Library Journal, Best Books, 2008; New York Times Notable Children's Books, 2008; Booklist Editors' Choice Award, 2008.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Mystery of the Third Lucretia

Biblio Bits The Mystery of the Third Lucretia by Susan Runholt, read by Krista Sutton, Random House/Listening Library 2008 (ISBN 978073936747).

Reading Level/Interest Age 920 lexile/ages 13+

Genre Mystery, Realistic Fiction

Format Audio book

Plot Summary

Kari and Lucas are two fourteen year-old best friends. When Kari's journalist mom gets a new job that requires her to travel more, she agrees to take both girls with her on some of her international business trips. On a visit to the Minneapolis Art Institute, in their home city, they notice an artist set up to copy a Rembrandt painting. When they want a closer look, they are growled at by the artist to "Go. Away!" They term this unfriendly fellow Gallery Guy and don't think much more of the incident. Months later at London's National Gallery, on their first international trip with Kari's mom, they head for the Rembrandt room and suspect that the artist copying another Rembrandt painting is their Gallery Guy, in disguise. The girls shift into surveillance mode, hoping to observe Gallery Guy and glimpse the painting, without his knowledge. They employ disguises of their own, but realize that the stakes are high when the regular guard of the Rembrandt room is suspiciously killed. When a new Rembrandt is discovered in Amsterdam, the girls decide to share their hypothesis with Kari's mom, but are unsure of how to get the art world critics to believe their story.

Critical Evaluation

Two strong female characters, a mix of art, art history, international travel, and culture, not to mention a great mystery---what's not to like? Krista Sutton does an excellent job reading a pretty diverse cast of characters; she conveys a variety of accents with subtle differences, and also pronounces Dutch street and place names with apparent ease (no mean feat!). This debut novel has many appealing elements, particularly the realistic friendship between Kari and Lucas. Their minor spats and tiffs, as well as their sillier moments (conducting giddy mock interviews in the bathroom at the National Gallery), are just as I remember my friendships in middle school. The initial coincidences begin to arrange themselves into a mystery and the girls trust their instincts and each other as they follow the clues. Sometimes their instincts are not always that brilliant, as when they decide one night to venture into The Quarter (the seediest part of Amsterdam), dressed to blend in (as prostitutes), in an effort to conduct surveillance on Gallery Guy's studio. The conclusion was definitely intense and nerve-wracking, as the threads of the story wove together. Fans will be glad to know that more Kari and Lucas mysteries are planned.

Reader's Annotation

Lucas and Kari are just two girls in middle school with the usual family problems. But their lives take an unexpected---and dangerous---turn when they suspect a major art forgery during their European travels. How will they get the grown-up art world to believe their story?

Author Information

Susan Runholt is a fan of travel, music, food, art, and feminism. She is the single mother of a grown daughter, who has been a consultant on this title and the subsequent installments. Runholt and her daughter, Annalisa, attended many exhibits at the Minneapolis Museum of Art when Annalisa was young. They attended a Rembrandt exhibit there that moved Annalisa to tears, and this event was an inspiration for The Mystery of the Third Lucretia. This is Runholt's first published work. (Information in this author bio is from here.)

Challenge issues

There are some mature themes here that contribute to the subplots of the story, such as the prostitution industry in Amsterdam, rape, and sexual abuse. There are no explicit details, but the references might spark further questions and discussion.

Booktalking Ideas

This would be a natural book to include in a booktalk on art and artists, particularly Rembrandt or Dutch masters, and a great pairing (if a little more mature) with the series by Blue Balliett that begins with Chasing Vermeer (2004).

Curriculum Ties

Oooooh, lots of great links for art teachers! The true crime genre of art theft and forgery has a lot of appeal for kids and adults. I could envision this book tying into an art class on painting and old masters. Many middle school art classes include an assignment where students are asked to paint a reproduction of a famous painting. There are some great passages that describe the need to observe the texture of the paint, the colors, etc. in person, which is what Gallery Guy is up to. What can students still observe from good-quality reproductions? What is lost/gained?

Why this book?

In the mood for a good mystery, and knowing that certain tweens I know have trouble finding mysteries amidst all the fantasy and vampire books out there, I checked the Debut Dagger Awards site and noted that Susan Runholt had been "commended" for this work of young adult fiction.

Series/Sequel

Rescuing Seneca Crane (2009)

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

No.

Graveyard Book

Biblio Bits The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, read by the author, Harper Children's Audio, 2008 (ISBN 9780061551895)

Reading Level/Interest Age 820 lexile/ages 10+

Genre Magical realism

Format Audio book

Plot Summary

When a calculated killer murders his family one night, it's only his penchant for escaping the crib that leads Baby to slip out of the house unnoticed. This turns out to be for the best, as the most important target was the baby himself. He makes his toddling way up the hill and into an old graveyard, but the killer has not forgotten his missed prey. The residents of the graveyard (ghosts) decide to harbor the fugitive, after much deliberation; Mr. and Mrs. Owens take him in as their ward and his guardian is the mysterious Silas, who is not quite a ghost, but not living either. Young Bod (short for Nobody), has the Freedom of the Graveyard, which affords him some of the privileges that the ghosts have, such as Fading and Haunting. But the caveat is that Bod must not leave the Graveyard or else he won't be protected from the outside forces that still seek his destruction. A magical tale of growing up and learning life's lessons both large and small, The Graveyard Book is a mix of humor, friendship, and love, and with a bit of suspense and scary thrown in.

Critical Evaluation

The audio version of this title is a true delight, read by Gaiman himself (one of the few authors who should be allowed to read their own stuff), with music by Bela Fleck interspersed between the chapters. In fact, though I want to share this book with my 11 year-old son, I may opt to listen with him rather than read it aloud, since Gaiman reads so masterfully. The only place in the story that has made me pause in my reading is the chapter when Bod enters the Ghoul Gate. During both of my readings of the book, I could see that Bod was about to get into trouble and I wanted to avoid reading about it or listening to it. The characters in this book, and their relationships, are one reason why this title is noteworthy (particularly Bod's relationship with the ghost girl, Liza, and the relationship between Bod and Silas). But really, Gaiman's everlasting talent as a writer is that he can conjure a complete and believable world of fantasy with absolutely no holes. As a reader, this allows one to fully immerse in the flow of the story and marvel at the possibilities Gaiman poses.

Reader's Annotation

Ready for a great story just in time to give you the Halloween shivers? Then you might be in the mood for the story of Nobody Owens, an orphan who lives in an ancient graveyard full of ghosts.

Author Information

Neil Gaiman was born in 1960 and grew up in West Sussex, England. Gaiman is the critically-acclaimed author of the Sandman series of graphic novels, has written poetry, short fiction, and books for adults. He has received many awards for his works, too many to name, and is primarily considered an author who writes in the fantasy genre (though there is lots of crossover). Gaiman is the father of three children and is divorced. He resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Information for this bio was gleaned from this entry and the author's official site.)

Challenge issues

The element of terror and suspense during the scenes when Bod is being actively pursued might make some parents leery of this title if they have younger children. Witchcraft is referred to because Bod is friends with a long-dead witch who was drowned, then burned.

Booktalking Ideas

I would definitely play up the supernatural elements for a Halloween-themed booktalk: a boy who lives in a graveyard and talks to ghosts, Fading, Haunting, Dream Visitations, not to mention the Danse Macabre (a traditional and ancient ball when the dead get to dance with the living).

Curriculum Ties

This makes an excellent read-aloud, even if you aren't Neil Gaiman. This would be a good selection for a language arts book, particularly because there are threads of the story that allow for some ambiguity and therefore lend themselves to interesting discussions. Who/What is Silas? Who are the Jacks? Who is Bod? Why is he the Jacks' target?

Why this book?
This book initially turned me off because the first few pages are so dark and scary. But the audio version was recommended highly by two librarians I know, so I tried it that way first (loved it), and then read the paper version.

Awards
Newbery Medal (2009); ALA Notable Book for Middle Readers (2009); Booklist Editors' Choice Award for Older Readers (2008); Hugo Award for Best Novel (2009); Audie Awards for Best Children's 8-12 and Best Audiobook of the Year (2009).

Rockport Public Library owns?

No.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Biblio Bits Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale, Bloomsbury, 2008 (ISBN 9781599900704)

Reading Level/Interest Age 500 lexile/ages 10-14

Genre Modern fairy tale; Western

Format Graphic novel

Plot Summary

This graphic novel re-tells the fairy tale of Rapunzel (with a little Jack in the Beanstalk thrown in). When Rapunzel discovers that Mother Gothel stole her as an infant she demands to be returned to her real mother. Mother Gothel, who has some amazing growth magic, imprisons Rapunzel in a tall tree in the middle of the forest where she lives for four years. With the goal of rescuing her real mother from Gothel's mines, Rapunzel escapes and is thrust into a world she doesn't know, a world that has the look and values of the wild west. She quickly realizes it's a cruel place that is ruled by hardship and finds a comrade in Jack, who is on the run from the law himself (a problem with stealing that he is rather vague about). Rapunzel masters her long braids as her weapon-of-choice, and the two set off to find and free her real mother and vanquish the powerful Mother Gothel.

Critical Evaluation

This modern fairy tale places Rapunzel at the center of her own destiny. She is a heroine with a vision of a world that might be different, without the cruel reign of Mother Gothel. The authors have penned an engaging narrative and compelling re-telling of this fairy tale classic. Rapunzel and her sidekick Jack make a fun team; their small exchanges, on their way to friendship, are definitely a highlight of the story. Readers will respond to the pace of the action of the story, not to mention Rapunzel's moral code and sense of honor and humor. Nathan Hale has done a masterful job of bringing life to the story by Dean and Shannon Hale; the vibrant colors and setting, emotions, and humorous parts are thoroughly evoked by Hale's illustrations. The page layouts are relatively easy to navigate, even for novice graphic novel readers.

Reader's Annotation

A braid-wielding redhead who takes no guff is on a mission to vanquish cruel Mother Gothel. Think tall-tale meets fairy tale and you might have a notion of what awaits you in this rollicking adventure!

Author Information

Shannon and Dean Hale live near Salt Lake City, Utah, with their two small children (a boy and a girl), "and their pet, a small, plastic pig." Shannon has written the best-selling young adult series that begins with The Goose Girl, two stand-alone books, and two books for adults. Shannon obtained her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. She was awarded a Newbery Honor for The Princess Academy, one of the stand-alone titles. (Information in this author biography was gleaned from the author's official website.)

Challenge issues

Perhaps staunch Grimms' traditionalists might object to a Western version of this story. But I am stretching it here.

Booktalking Ideas

Perfect in a booktalk on fractured fairy tales, this book might also be at home in an Adventure Tales booktalk, or even Modern Hero/ines. I might adopt a twangy accent and read some of the exchanges between Jack and Rapunzel aloud, or perhaps put my hair in two braids and don a cowgirl hat!

Curriculum Ties

It would be great fun to use this book in a language arts unit, maybe focusing on the idea of taking a classic story and bringing it into a new setting or period. The assignment, perhaps in a group, could be to take a fairy tale of their choosing, re-read it, and then begin to brainstorm a modern take on it. This would probably lead to some research on the time and/or place. Where would the setting be? Time period? Cast of characters? How about a Three Little Pigs set in modern day Manhattan? Cinderella in Australia? The possibilities could be really fun.

Why this book?
Well, this title has been checked out from the library by my two sons probably eight times, so I have seen it floating around quite a lot (in between visits to the book-mender for a recurrently weak spine!). Finally, I figured it was high time I read it myself, especially since it's on the Maine Student Book Award Reading list for 2009-2010, and I was not disappointed!

Series/Sequel

Yes! By visiting the author's website I learned that a sequel, Calamity Jack, is due out in 2010.

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Book, 2009; Maine Student Book Award Reading List 2009-2010.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Willoughbys

Biblio Bits The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry, Houghton Mifflin, 2008 (ISBN 9780618979745)

Reading Level/Interest Age 790 lexile/ages 10-12

Genre Parody fiction; modern classic; modern fairy tale

Plot Summary

The four Willoughby children (Timothy, Barnaby A, Barnaby B, and Jane) have decidedly loathsome parents. The mother chooses to knit a sweater for the cat, rather than a second sweater for the twins, A and B, who are forced to share one. The father is irate when the children want to hear a story, as he is involved in a newspaper article about interest rates. The children are the old-fashioned sort, who even find a baby on their doorstep; they decide that they really should be orphans like the characters in the books they read. It turns out that their parents feel the same way, and decide to book an adventure with the Reprehensible Travel Agency (the brochure was procured by Timothy). Enter the Nanny, described by Timothy as "odious," who quickly begins transforming the children, as nannies in old-fashioned stories tend to. When the children realize that their parents are selling the home they live in, they take action to try to thwart the sale. A reclusive tycoon, a train car buried for years in an avalanche, a cross-continental journey, and the invention of a new candy bar also figure into the tightly woven plot of this story.

Critical Evaluation

Lois Lowry: such a versatile author! This title seems to defy attempts to place it in a genre. Lowry delivers a story rife with delectable vocabulary and references to children's literature standards, in a cleverly–constructed story laced with dark humor. This book has the feeling of an old–fashioned story, even a fairy tale. The baby on the doorstep, the bossy older brother and meek sister, the nanny figure, the tycoon, and the nefarious parents are all stock characters that Lowry weaves together in a new, darker form. The humor is wryly hilarious and may be too dark for some, similar to the gothic style of the Lemony Snicket books. The plot is rather tightly conceived and dependent on many coincidental circumstances, which might bother some "reality" sticklers. The glossary of vocabulary words as well as the selected bibliography of children's literature titles are also hilarious and a must–read. Overall, this book was just what it promised to be on the first page: a book about an old–fashioned family, written in an old–fashioned style. Happy ending included.

Reader's Annotation

Although this story contains some nefarious and ignominious characters, the Willoughby children are certainly not odious. These plucky heroes are winsome and clever, if occasionally conniving.

Author Information

Lois Lowry was born in Hawaii into a military family, and lived in Japan and other places during her childhood. She attended Brown University for two years and took a hiatus from her studies to get married and start a family. Lowry raised her four children in Maine and finished her education at Southern Maine University. Lowry is one of the only two-time winners of the Newbery Award for Children's Fiction. She currently resides in Cambridge, MA, and is a proud grandmother.

Challenge issues

The Nanny is nude (not "naked") when she poses as a statue, in camoflage, by powdering her skin and then draping a sheet over her, toga-like. This might be a sticking point for some readers. Some readers may object to the dark humor or theme of parental abandonment.

Booktalking Ideas

A booktalk on this title should be told in the style of the writing, full of great words and deadpan humor. Perhaps even reading a few of the funny definitions in the glossary at the back would be a way to hook readers. Other titles to include: The Pocket Guide to Mischief, The Dangerous Book for Boys (Iggulden and Iggulden), and The Daring Book for Girls (Buchanan and Peskowitz). The booktalk friends might also include the titles from the selected bibliography.

Curriculum Ties

Language arts would be a natural tie-in with all of the great words in this book. It might be a fun extension activity for students to pen their own definitions of interesting words, in Lowry's style in the glossary. Another Language Arts activity might be a literature circle in which each group of students read one of the titles from Lowry's bibliography and then compared the title to The Willoughbys.

Why this book?
Because Lois Lowry is awesome. Oops--not graduate-student speak! This book is clever, short, and literary. It's also funny (the Nanny camoflages herself into a Greek-style statue and refers to Mary Poppins as "that fly-by-night woman") and would make an excellent read-aloud selection.

Awards
Parents' Choice Award, 2008; Booklist Editors' Choice, 2008; Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists, 10-12 category.

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

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

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

The Pocket Guide to Mischief

Biblio Bits The Pocket Guide to Mischief by Bart King, Gibbs Smith, 2008 (ISBN 9781423603665)

Reading Level/Interest Age 9-14

Genre Nonfiction

Plot Summary
This small volume is full of all sorts of fun, with chapter headings such as "Practical jokes inspired by ancient Rome," "Mischief of the Rich and Famous," and "Mischievous foods." The content is diverse, with information about why bellyflops hurt, the best comebacks for various situations, how to interact with your elders, some good insult-worthy vocabulary ("flocculent," "lurdane," and "mucopurulent," to name a few), and practical jokes. The tone is breezy and conversational, and even somewhat snarky. There's a bibliography of mischief-worthy titles at the back for further reading.

Critical Evaluation

This title will be thoroughly appealing to a broad age range (into adult!) for its value on the playground or by the watercooler. The vocabulary and miscellanea are cleverly aimed at the tween audience who may have also enjoyed The Dangerous Book for Boys and the Daring Book for Girls. The layout is accesible, with frequent sidebars and lists that relate to the chapter. Local tweens describe this book as a page-turner and one in which they didn't want to miss any of the tidbits included. Adults should be wary of readers of this title, as some of the skills they may acquire through reading it are not necessarily ones we might want them to have!

Reader's Annotation

All the tricks, insults, and comebacks you'll ever need in one handy, pocket-sized book! Fun for all ages.

Author Information

Wow. You can read more about Bart King and his family (eight siblings), his wife, in-laws and spouse-in-laws at his author website than you probably want to know. It's funny reading, just like the book. King grew up in Sebastopol, CA but now resides in Portland, OR with his wife, Lynn. He has written several other books in the Pocket Guide series, including The Pocket Guide to Magic, The Pocket Guide to Games, and more.

Challenge issues

Some might react negatively to the tone of this book (which is not always respectful), as well as to some of the tricks and mischief inside its covers. There shouldn't be any unpleasant surprises, however, given the title of the book.

Booktalking Ideas

So many potentials, but I would select it for a booktalk in which I highlighted books I would like to have along with me if I were to be stranded in a boring airport, a desert island, or an elevator. Great miscellany, like the Guinness Book of World Records, but funnier. It would also be a perfect selection to have in an April Fool's Day themed booktalk, or just jokes and humor in general.

Curriculum Ties

As mentioned previously, this title has bits of history, biography, vocabulary, and cross-cultural connections sprinkled liberally throughout the text. But mainly, it's for fun and quirky edification.

Why this book?
An adorable size and vintage look drew my eye immediately. It seemed like the perfect sort of book to browse or thumb through, though others who have enjoyed it tell me that have read it cover-to-cover. A terrific selection for a reluctant reader who might not have found a niche with non-fiction yet, because the tone is so captivating and the information is delivered so well. I recommended it today to a reader who was looking to purchase a gift for a 9 year-old boy; when I described this book to her, she told me I'd nailed the perfect gift for him.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

No

Savvy

Biblio Bits Savvy by Ingrid Law, read by Lily Blau, Penguin Audio, 2008 (ISBN 9780143143482)

Reading Level/Interest Age 10-12

Format Audio book

Genre Magical realism

Plot Summary
In the Beaumont family, when you turn thirteen you get your "savvy." A savvy can be anything from conjuring extreme weather to moving landmasses to bottling radio waves, and Mibs, who is about to turn thirteen herself, can't wait to find out what her savvy is. When her father ends up in the hospital because of an automobile accident on the eve of her birthday, the plans for Mibs' special day go awry. Mibs, two of her siblings, and two friends from church end up on a madcap adventure aboard a pink bus, trying to make their way to the hospital where Mr. Beaumont is in a coma because Mibs thinks she just might be able to use her savvy to wake him up. Along the way, Mibs learns more than just what her savvy is all about.

Critical Evaluation

This coming-of-age story is a tender and sometimes funny look at the challenges of growing up, magical powers aside. Mibs is a likeable and believable character who is navigating the complex waters of family, friendship, and the inklings of a first romance. This title provides an accurate portrayal of what it means to know and understand yourself and others, even as you (and the world around you) are changing. The author plays with language throughout the story, using repetition and alliteration to add emotion and emphasis. Lily Blau might not have been my first choice as reader for this title, since the southern dialect seems challenging for her and often slowed down her reading.

Reader's Annotation

Think X-Men, think superpowers, think about what it would be like to have an unusual ability AND be turning 13 and you might have an inkling about where this outrageous adventure aboard a pink bus might be headed.

Author Information

Ingrid Law grew up in upstate New York, near Lake Champlain, and currently resides in Colorado with her 14 year-old daughter. Savvy is Ingrid Law's first book. She is planning another book about savvies, though not about Mibs. (Biographic information gleaned from the author's official site and an interview on August 23, 2009.)

Challenge issues

Not witchcraft per se, but certainly magical and extraordinary powers are exhibited in these pages.

Booktalking Ideas

The idea of savvies and superpowers (which one would you pick if you could?) is certainly one that could be a theme for this booktalk, as well as trying to figure yourself out and growing up in an unusual family. The Runaway Princess (Coombs, 2006) and Saffy's Angel (and others) (McKay, 2001) are other titles that would fit with this age, on the theme of being different and being O.K. with yourself.

Curriculum Ties

Tall tales would be the obvious link here, with the idea of savvies as a modern take on this classic type of storytelling. The characters in Mrs. Beaumont's clan use their savvies for good or evil means, which is a bit different, given that most of the Tall Tale heroes (Paul Bunyan, the Jack stories) use their powers for good.

Why this book?
The idea of kids with superpowers (savvies) is a pretty compelling one to a variety of readers. Even though the main character is a girl, the sense of adventure is strong, the characters are realistic, and there are many funny moments so that it might appeal to some boys also (although the cover is a bit girly---could be a tough sell). There is also a real sense of tension that develops as Mibs tries to understand what her savvy is and the full extent of it, which is intriguing because it's not like you get a user's manual with your savvy.

Awards
ALA Notable Book 2009, Maine Student Book Award 2009-2010 Reading List, Newbery Honor 2009.

Rockport Public Library owns?
Yes.