Horrid Henry

Biblio Bits Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross, SourceBooks Jabberwocky, 2009 (ISBN 9781402217753)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9-11

Genre Humor, Realistic Fiction

Plot Summary

In this, the first book in this series, we meet Henry and his family, including his brother, Perfect Peter; we also encounter Moody Margaret, Henry's arch-nemesis. In every Horrid Henry book there are four stories or installments; they are not chapters in a continuing story, but always follow Henry and his latest naughty capers. This book opens with Horrid Henry's Perfect Day, in which he spends the whole day being perfect, like Peter always is. Consequently, the family is late for Cub Scouts because the parents slept in (no sounds of fighting to wake them up!). This new and unexpected turn of events infuriates Perfect Peter, who doesn't quite know what his role is now and even tries out being Horrid himself! This story is followed by Horrid Henry's Dance Class, Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret, and Horrid Henry's Holiday. Horrid Henry is rude, disagreeable, disgusting, conniving, difficult, and manipulative, but somehow totally hilarious at the same time.

Critical Evaluation

This series is as perfect as Henry is horrid, particularly for reluctant readers, fans of humor, anyone who has a sibling, or as a classroom or family read-aloud (if you don't mind being interrupted by hysterics). It's Henry against the world, which is a feeling that we can all relate to: a perfect brother (Peter loves veggies, going to bed early, dance lessons, and he gets perfect grades); parents who make us do terrible things (dance lessons instead of karate, wilderness camping instead of cushy camping); and his rival, Moody Margaret, who is always out to thwart Henry at every turn. It's a little bit like the picture book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Viorst, 1972). The illustrations reminded me of Roald Dahl's books and sure enough, Ross illustrated my own copy of Fantastic Mr. Fox. There is always at least one anecdote per Horrid Henry episode that has my own family rolling off the couch with laughter (ages 7-35).

Reader's Annotation

He's awful, he's rude, he's disagreeable----He's Horrid Henry! What happens when Henry decides to try being perfect for a day? Can he do it? If Henry's being Perfect, where does that leave Perfect Peter?

Author Information

Francesca Simon was born in St. Louis (MO) and was raised in California. She majored in Medieval Studies at Yale and Oxford Universities, and then "threw away a lucrative career as a medievalist" to pursue a career in journalism. She worked free-lance for the Sunday Times, The Guardian, and The Mail (all British publications), and Vogue (US). Simon is a best-selling children's book author in the UK; over 12 million Horrid Henry books have been sold, in 24 countries around the world. Simon now lives in London with her husband, son, and dog. (Information in this author biography is from her official site.)

Challenge issues

Any responsible adult might worry about Henry's thoroughly reprehensible behavior and would surely hate to think that the children in their care adopting Henry's antics.

Booktalking Ideas

The Trouble With Siblings would be the theme of this booktalk and I would try to focus on books that are also funny. I would include The Penderwicks (Birdsall, 2005), Superfudge (Blume, 1980), Beezus and Ramona (Clearly, 1955), and Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear (Mazer, 2007).

Curriculum Ties

It would be a great writing prompt to ask students to develop their own Horrid Henry story, inspired by an autobiographical anecdote. Have they ever had one of those days when EVERYTHING goes wrong? At every turn, you are thwarted by your parents who want you to wash your hair or change your shirt, or siblings who insist on having that one LEGO piece that you can't live without?? I could create a character called Irritating Iris whose husband, Jesting Jacob, is constantly making jokes that are just not that funny if she's in a grumpy mood. Irritating Iris bothers Jesting Jacob by telling him that sometimes his jokes really stink! Anyway, it would be a good group activity to "brainstorm" the type of story that makes a "good" Horrid Henry installment: the element of cringing horror that the stories elicit in readers, the interaction between characters, the roles of each character and how that advances the plot, etc.

Why this book?
Isn't it thrilling to read about characters who are horrible and get in trouble? Who do things that we do (or wish we could)? It's satisfying to read about one who is so predictably devious as Henry. Since, chances are, we are not as bad as he is, we delight in his antics.

Series/Sequel

Yes, indeedy, there are plenty more Horrid Henry books. Check the website, here, for the full list.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

No. (But we own others in the series!)

Trouble

Biblio Bits Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt, Clarion Books, 2008 (ISBN 9780618927661)

Reading Level/Interest Age 930 lexile/Ages 13+

Genre Realistic Fiction

Plot Summary
At fourteen years old, Henry Smith has led a relatively trouble-free life. His father always liked to say that "If you build your house far enough away, Trouble won't be able to find you." In the classic homestead that his family has owned for 300 years, and in the elite community on Cape Ann, MA, it seems like Henry's dad is right. Until Henry's perfect, athletic, older brother is struck by an inattentive driver while running, loses an arm and is placed in a medically-induced coma. The family falls into a deep grief and scatter to their respective corners of the family home. The driver of the vehicle, Chay, is also a student at Franklin's private school; Chay and his family are Cambodian and came to America as refugees. Chay's family lives in a nearby town that was settled by many Cambodian families and racial tensions begin to heat up between the two communities. Henry and Franklin had talked about a climbing trip to Mt. Katahdin, in Maine, and now Henry is determined to follow through with that goal. The story is a tightly-woven narrative that is laced with psychological intrigue and suspense, a story of families who find themselves in all kinds of trouble.

Critical Evaluation
Schmidt has crafted a literary coming-of-age story that touches on many emotional nerves: racism, classicism, grief, loss, and families under stress. Though the themes are serious, the book is compelling and does not feel morose or "heavy." Henry rescues a dog from near-drowning who is malnourished and has been abused. Though his parents initially resist, the dog provides an anchor for him in his grief; this relationship is sweet and funny and helps Henry from being totally alone, since his family members are so isolated in their grief. Though the book is very character-driven, it is cleverly crafted so as not to feel slow or brooding, and in fact, sometimes is very suspenseful. There are no easy answers here, and older tweens who are ready for more of a challenge will not be disappointed in Schmidt's storytelling.

Reader's Annotation
Is it possible to hide from Trouble? Henry's family has, in their elite community north of Boston, for over 300 years. But suddenly, Trouble is everywhere in Henry's life and he thinks he knows how to get his life in balance again: Climb Mt. Katahdin alone.

Author Information
Gary D. Schmidt was born in 1957 in Hicksville, NY. He attended Gordon College for his Bachelor's Degree and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for his Master's Degree, where he also received his Ph.D. He is married, with six children, and currently lives in Grand Rapids, MI. Schmidt has received numerous awards and recognition for his other works of children's literature, including two Newbery Honor Awards. (Information in this author biography is from Gale's Contemporary Authors Online, 2009).

Challenge issues
A rape is mentioned, but not described in detail. There is some violence though not overly graphic or gruesome.

Booktalking Ideas
This book definitely falls into the category of the teen problem novel, and more specifically, into the subject of death and grief. In a booktalk, I would emphasize the ways that Henry's family has avoided trouble so far: being white, being privileged, being lucky, and being sheltered in their family homestead. I would also emphasize Henry's goal of climbing Mt. Katahdin as his own way of coping with his grief. Henry finds out that trouble is everywhere. A Summer to Die (Lowry, 1977), Autobiography of My Dead Brother (Myers, 2005), and One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies (Sones, 2004) might be other titles to include for this theme and age group.

Curriculum Ties
This would be an ideal book to read while studying the Civil Rights Movement or immigration because it is clearly shows that institutional racism and segregation are alive and well and living in the United States, during many periods in our history and currently. I could imagine this book as a starting point for a discussion about immigrant or refugee communities in the students' own communities and the issues that might have arisen from their arrival. A formal or informal debate might be initiated, perhaps with the following questions: How can communities respond appropriately to an immigrant influx? What kinds of social services might they need? What about American taxpayers who resent the loss of jobs and higher taxes? What are the next steps for the fictional communities of Blythbury-by-the-Sea and Merton and how will they reconcile their differences?

Why this book?
This book had been recommended to me months ago, but I kept avoiding it because it sounded like the subject matter was so dreary. But I am glad I returned to it.

Awards
MSBA Reading List 2009-2010; Oprah's Reading List New Releases, ages 12 and up.

Rockport Public Library owns?
Yes.

Arrival

Biblio Bits The Arrival by Shaun Tan, Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006 (ISBN 9780439895293)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9+

Genre Science fiction, Graphic Novel

Plot Summary

This is the story of a refugee, told in pictures only. Our protagonist leaves his home, his daughter and wife, to seek a safer alternative in a new country. The illustrations indicate that there is something menacing the city he leaves behind: something big, dark, and with a spiny, tendril-like tail has taken over. We follow our protagonist on his journey across a large body of water, aboard a steam ship, and then into the grand harbor of the new world. Once there, he must be processed and made official; there are lots of lines and waiting, which is reminiscent of pictures from Ellis Island. The new world is as unfamiliar to readers as it is to the protagonist, with strange symbols that must be writing, bizarre and fantastic architecture, unusual animals, implements, and foods. Even shopping for food is different, almost like an old-fashioned automat. Our protagonist finds a place to live and works several jobs in order to save money to bring his family over. Throughout the story we meet other refugees and learn of their stories also, as our protagonist makes friends. This is a singular work that is both evocative and beautifully rendered.

Critical Evaluation

I have read and re-read this book several times and each time I find myself just as astonished and moved by the narrative as the first time I read it. Tan's book is completely unique in many ways. The book design is made to look old or worn, with interior pages that have stains or cracks, and a cover that looks like a weathered, leather album. The illustrations are rendered impeccably in a variety of black, gray, and sepia tones. Some page layouts are comprised of lots of little boxes (like the cloud spread), while others are full-page spreads. There is a soft luminosity in Tan's drawings that makes me think of Old Master etchings. And yet this is only the technical aspect of the work. The sequencing and pacing feels very cinematic: our attention is sometimes focused in on a detail through several frames, or alternatively, we start out close in and then zoom out through several frames, like the movement of a film camera. Tan also manages to convey deep emotions and stir a reader's empathy so that we are no longer reading about a refugee in a strange, new land, we are the refugee.

Reader's Annotation

I really can't tell you about this book, you just have to experience it for yourself. It's the story of a stranger in a strange land, who has come seeking safety. It sounds like a million other books, but I promise this one is different.

Author Information

Shaun Tan was born in 1974 in Australia. His father is a Chinese Malaysian and his mother is Australian, of English and Irish descent. Tan studied fine arts, English literature, and history at the University of Western Australia and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Tan has received many awards for his works and, in 2010, will be the Guest of Honor at the World Science Fiction Convention in Melbourne, Australia, where he currently lives. (Information in this author biography is from Gale's World Literature Today, 2008, and Wikipedia.)

Challenge issues

There are some scary parts of this story and strong emotions that are expressed.

Booktalking Ideas

I think the best way to begin a booktalk on this title would be to talk in some kind of gibberish for the first minute or so, perhaps holding the book and "asking" listeners whether they are familiar with the story (using facial expressions and gestures). Making the switch into English, it would be easy to hook readers in by showing them a few illustrations and asking some pointed questions. Have you ever had to leave your home? Moved to a new country without your family? What if you got there and no one understood you? How would you find food and shelter? It would be an interesting book to include in a themed booktalk on immigrants, mixing fiction and nonfiction, such as Maggie's Door (Giff, 2003), A Step From Heaven (Na, 2000), Letters from Rivka (Hesse, 1992), and others.

Curriculum Ties

This would be a fabulous book to tie into a unit about immigration, in fact I might recommend beginning the unit with this book, perhaps in small groups. For students who have not been an immigrant or refugee, this exercise would offer them a chance to be one. Have students become the protagonist: leaving behind his family in unsafe conditions, his quest for food and shelter, his utter bewilderment in his new surroundings. Perhaps they could also draw an identification page, like the protagonists, with a self-portrait and Tan-inspired symbols/language to represent his status and information (as in, no words in any recognizable alphabet!).

Why this book?
Because it's unlike anything I had ever seen before and I loved the old look of the cover and intriguing cover illustration.

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Books, Older Readers, 2007; Parents' Choice Awards, Fiction, 2007; Booklist Editors' Choice, Books for Older Readers, 2007; Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists, New Releases, Age 12 and up; New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2007; New York Times Notable Books, Children's Books, 2007; School Library Journal Best Books, 2007; USBBY Outstanding International Books, Grades 6-8, 2008; Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year for Older Readers.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Totally Joe

Biblio Bits Totally Joe by James Howe, Ginee Seo Books, 2005 (ISBN9780689839573)

Reading Level/Interest Age 910 lexile/Ages 12-14

Genre Realistic Fiction

Plot Summary

Thirteen year-old Joe has a writing assignment: an "alphabiography," meaning that it's supposed to be the story of his life from A to Z. But when he finishes it, he realizes there's a lot of pretty personal stuff in there, and though he doesn't censor himself, he begs his teacher to handle it with care (and NOT make him read any of it out-loud!). Joe is gay. He's always known that he was different from other boys: he doesn't make armpit farts, he is not an expert on cars or acting tough, and he doesn't use the word faggot all day long. Joe wore dresses when he was little and he liked to play with Barbies, but now that he's in middle school, he's thinking about his friends (straight and supportive), avoiding the name-calling bully, and his first boyfriend. But his boyfriend Colin is not so comfortable with being gay, so their relationship is "in the closet." When some rumors start circulating in school that Joe and Colin were caught kissing, Colin gets cold feet. This is a story about first crushes, friendship, and family. It's about being different and being O.K. with that. Joe is totally himself.

Critical Evaluation

This is an excellent contribution to the genre of queer coming-of-age stories. What is most notable about it is that Joe's family and friends have known his "secret" forever and they love and support him for who he is. He's just Joe, who loves cooking and movie stars and his friends, and who approaches his life with enthusiasm and humor. I also like this book because it is geared to a lower age-group than some other titles in this category, so it would be perfect for a tween who might be exploring or questioning his/her sexual identity in late childhood, or maybe, like Joe, has always known. There is the theme of name-calling and bullying in this book also, but it is resolved for the positive (almost too neatly) when the bully's conservative parents pull him out to attend private school. Ultimately I do wonder if this book isn't a tad wishful: accepting friends and family, supportive school officials---it seems too good to be true for a gay tween. But there is much to recommend here and maybe a hopeful wish for gay tweens everywhere.

Reader's Annotation

Joe is totally himself: funny, fun, a great cook, a good friend, a clever narrator, and---oh! he's also gay. Joe has had a crush on Colin since 5th grade and now it seems like Colin might like him back! What will having a boyfriend be like? Is Joe ready?

Author Information

James Howe was born in 1946 and grew up in upstate New York. He has been married twice: his first wife died, and he divorced his second wife. Howe is a very prolific children's author for books including the Pinky and Rex early reader series and the Bunnicula series. He has received many awards for his books and body of work, recognizing his contributions to the field of children's literature. Howe currently lives in New York with his partner, Mark Davis. He has one daughter from his second marriage. (The information in this author biography is from Gale's Contemporary Authors Online, 2007).

Challenge issues

Joe, our frank and homosexual (or frankly homosexual?) narrator, might be cause for objection in some circles.

Booktalking Ideas

I would focus this booktalk around the supportive network Joe has in his life. His friend Addie starts a campaign to end name-calling at their school because of how Joe is being treated. In 5th grade, at Joe's request, his friend Skeezie tries to teach him how to act like a guy-guy (but gives up, because it's pretty hopeless). His Aunt Pam encourages him to officially "come out" to his family. These are all people who show Joe that he is accepted with their actions and words. We all need a network like Joe's.

Curriculum Ties

This is another great one for the tolerance files: how to be yourself and be O.K. about it. I would want to link this book to a unit on getting to know yourself better, and I think I would borrow shamelessly from Mr. Daly's assignment and have students create an "alphabiography" of their own. The story of your life so far, from A to Z.

Why this book?
Great cover! And a perfect book for tweens about being gay and about being a tween, period.

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Book, Older Readers, 2006; Rainbow Lists, Middle/Early YA Fiction, 2008; MSBA Reading List, 2006-2007.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Buddha Boy

Biblio Bits Buddha Boy by Kathe Koja, Frances Foster Books, 2003 (ISBN 9780374309985)

Reading Level/Interest Age 1090 lexile/Ages 14+

Genre Realistic fiction

Plot Summary
There's a new boy at Rucher High and he's already earned a nickname for himself because of his unorthodox behavior: Buddha Boy. He looks like a small version of a monk, with his shaved head and hippie tee-shirts, and even begs for food at lunch; though he is called Michael on the official school paperwork, he asks to be called Jinsen, which he identifies as his spiritual name. When Justin, our narrator, and Jinsen are placed in a group for a collaborative project, Justin is hesitant because he doesn't want to be associated with this new weirdo. But there's a lot more to Jinsen than meets the eye: he is a practicing Buddhist and an amazing artist. Gradually, Justin starts caring less about what people will think, and more about the ideas that Jinsen has shared with him. But the teasing that Jinsen has experienced is getting worse, as he is physically bullied and and threatened. Justin wants to be a good friend, but he's not sure how to handle this, especially since Jinsen doesn't want the school administration involved.

Critical Evaluation

This is a slim book that delivers a lot of emotional impact. The portrayal of high school cruelty is realistic; in this case, the bullies are considered the "golden" boys of the school who can do no wrong. Justin's gradual acceptance of something new, his confusion about how to help Jinsen deal with the bullying, and the mix of strong emotions that surrounds their friendship, all work together to create a convincing narrative and sympathetic main character. It was sometimes hard to find the flow in Koje's writing, since she uses some unconventional stylistic techniques to express conversation and narration. I also was not fully convinced that Justin's friends, particularly Megan, would have so quickly changed their minds about Jinsen, right after he is given a special award for art and his commissioned banner is displayed for the school to see.

Reader's Annotation

Who's that nutty new kid in the dorky hippie tee-shirt? What's with his shaved head? He looks like some kind of, I don't know, like a monk or something. Is he begging? Oh. My. God. He is coming. To. Our. Table.

Author Information

Kathe Koja was born in 1960 and has made a name for herself as a writer of the horror genre for adults. She has been recognized for her work as a writer in numerous sources and awards. Koja attended Clarion Workshop for writers. She cites J.D. Salinger, Louise Fitzhugh, and Francesca Lia Block as inspirations. Koja lives in Detroit (MI) with her husband and son. (Information in this author biography is from her official site and the Gale's Contemporary Author's Online database, 2008.)

Challenge issues

Language, language, language! Wow. This book was somehow in the Juvenile section of our library and I will be making a recommendation that its designation be switched to YA. There is some swearing, and also references to drinking, smoking, and drugs.

Booktalking Ideas

I would probably design a booktalk about the theme of bullies and bullying and all of the ways this can happen, from excluding/ignoring someone to name-calling and teasing to destruction of property and physical violence. Mostly this has to do with somehow being different from the norm (which most of us are!). Though not as light-hearted, this book reminded me in many ways of Stargirl (Spinelli, 2000). There are lots of books that deal with this topic: Parrotfish (Wittlinger, 2007), Ten Things I Hate About Me (Abdel-Fattah, 2009), and Looks (George, 2008) to name a few.

Curriculum Ties

This book would make a great selection for a class on social health issues or life skills. The topic of bullying is the primary one, and is taken to several levels which could be discussed in large or small groups. The reason why Justin befriends Jinsen is because of a school project, but what else helped Justin to "see" Jinsen in a new way? What does this say about the dehumanization that occurs when we bully or reject or ignore other people?

Why this book?
I was looking for a book to add to my collection that dealt with bullying, and this one was one I had seen on the shelves. I thought it was going to be geared to a younger audience!

Awards
International Reading Association Children's Book Award for fiction.

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.

Ten Things I Hate About Me

Biblio Bits Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah, Orchard Books, 2009 (ISBN 9780545050555). Originally published in Australia in 2006.

Reading Level/Interest Age 720 lexile/Ages 13+

Genre Realistic Fiction

Plot Summary

Sixteen year-old Jamie is just your typical Aussie teenager: bleach-blonde hair, blue eyes, and now she's attracting the attention of Peter, one of the most popular boys in her school. She should be psyched about this social upgrade, right? Sure, except for Jamie is really Jamilah, an Australian of Lebanese descent who is a practicing Muslim (and sometimes wears colored contact lenses). Her dad forbids her to go out at night, her sister is a political activist who wears the hijab, and she has to attend Arabic school on the weekends. Since her mother died suddenly, Jamie's dad has become even more protective of her. Jamie has made the choice to hide her cultural identity in favor of blending in: she doesn't want the negative attention that she would get if she "came out" as who she really is. Jamie has never even told her closest friends about her secret. When racial tensions are running high at school, after the anti-Arab riots (based on true events of 2005), Jamie is as uncomfortable as ever in her assumed identity as racist comments fly among her peers.

Critical Evaluation

This title follows Abdel-Fattah's debut young adult novel, Does My Head Look Fat in This? (2007). As with her previous work, the multi-cultural lessons feel a bit overstated sometimes. While the author does a good job raising the issues, somehow the delivery falls a little flat: characters are either stereotypes or deliberately NOT stereotypes, they are pretty one-dimensional, and the plot development is predictable. The book feels needlessly over-long and creates a weaker impact since the essence of the story is distilled over more pages. That being said, this could be a powerful book for any tween who is contemplating their own identity, religious, cultural, or otherwise; what came off to me as rehashing of the same angst, could be just the right tone for a tween in a similar situation. We have all been in social situations in which we have obscured parts of ourselves, or in situations when another person's beliefs have been offensive; these are the universal themes of the book that will ring true for all readers.

Reader's Annotation

Jamie or Jamilah? Caucasian Australian or Lebanese-Australian? Jamie finds it easier to "pass" as a white in her racist high school. But when she continuously hears racist comments from her friends, will she dare to stand up to them?

Author Information

Randa Abdel-Fattah is an Australian of Egyptian and Palestinian heritage. She is a twenty-seven year-old lawyer who is married, with a young daughter. Abdel-Fattah grew up in Melbourne and now lives in Sydney. She is active in her local interfaith council and serves as a member of the Australian Arabic Council. Abdel-Fattah received Autralia's Kathleen Mitchell Award for Young Writers for this, her second, book. (Information for this author biography is from the book jacket, Wikipedia, and here.)

Challenge issues

Violent race riots and gang-rape are referenced. While nothing is explicit about this latter issue, it might raise further questions in readers.

Booktalking Ideas

This title would be a natural book to include in a booktalk about differences and how characters choose to deal with their own differences from the dominant culture. This could easily branch into questions of sexual identity, as in Parrotfish (Wittlinger, 2007) or My Most Excellent Year (Kluger, 2008). The theme of living with your own differences could even cross into various genres, including the supernatural books that are so popular (How do you blend in as a teen werewolf?), or into fantasy/sci-fi books like The Angel Experiment (Patterson, 2005). I would focus on the hidden identity part of this book of living a double life, and what that means in day-to-day life for Jamie/Jamilah.

Curriculum Ties

For older middle-school students this would be an interesting book to bring up in a social studies discussion about the historical context of "passing." Particularly in the post-Civil War era and the early 20th century, this phenomenon was common in the U.S. Discuss what this really means. Why would someone choose to do this? What is gained/lost? What does it mean for a person's family and extended family? Imagine a family in which a lighter-skinned sister chose to pass, while her darker-skinned sister doesn't have that option.

Why this book?
I was curious about where this author would go next, having read her first YA novel last year.

Awards
Oprah's Kids' Reading List, ages 10-12; Kathleen Mitchell Award for Young Writers, 2008.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.