Dad's Book Review: Bomb, by Steve Sheinkin

If you haven't noticed, I've been kind of slacking on my blog. I'm juggling so many other things- work, family, conference and committee involvement, podcasting, ballet- this blog is the one thing I can let drop. And I'm okay with that. But the blog slacking has gotten so extreme, I guess even my dad noticed. So he wrote a book review for me! Thanks, dad!

Earlier this year, I brought home a copy of 2012 Newbery Honor book, Bomb, by Steve Sheinkin, and my dad picked it up while he was visiting. I'm glad he did, because although I was riveted by this compelling work, I never ended up reviewing it myself-- so I really enjoyed my dad's thoughtful take on it. Without further ado, my dad's review: 

Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build- and Steal- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon. 266 p. 2012. Flash Point. Hardcover $19.99. ISBN 9781596434875.

This is a well-written book and an important one. I grew up in the Cold War era so the bomb was a more or less constant threat. Today, young people have gone beyond learning to live with the bomb. The threat of nuclear war seems to be just background noise these days. Since the future lies with the decisions yet to be made and those decisions will be made by young readers the subject of this writing is of importance.

The book itself is three stories in one: the concept of the bomb, its production, and the theft of the technology by the Soviet Union. The mixing of these three stories requires shifting the narrative from one thread to another as they develop. The structure is apparent but not too distracting. Some of the stories of certain individuals were so dramatic, I found myself wanting to know their outcome but having to wait as I read through another part of the narrative. Fortunately, the author pretty much connected most everything so the reader understood what happened and how the various characters ended up. Some attention is required to track this kind of writing. The story is big enough that this type of presentation works.

Enough technical detail was included to understand how the bomb works but not overwhelm the average reader. The photographs were compelling and worth close examination. The seemingly casual handling of highly radioactive and dangerous material was remarkable. In those days, much was not understood about these materials and their effect on human health.

It is clear that technology cannot be contained or kept secret. That is what underlies the espionage part of the story. Moral issues on the part of scientists and spies alike were part of the story. It is remarkable so much of the Manhattan Project was kept secret and that so much of it eventually was stolen.

The brief conclusion reminds us that the bomb is part of our world today. It is a thought-provoking and dark conclusion. There are no clear answers and no clear path to a safe world, let alone a completely peaceful world. That is beyond the scope of this writing, but is the obvious next step to consider. This book encourages thinking in that direction and gives an understanding of a part of history that is closer to our daily life than most young people or most all of us care to think about.

Recent Reads and Happenings

How can it possibly be December already? I've got our Christmas shopping done (all books, of course) but somehow I still find myself surprised that we're heading into the final weeks of 2012. It's been a busy year!

So what have I been up to lately? Working on the grant application to seek funding for my Eureka! Leadership Program project, reviewing books for School Library Journal, accepting taskforce/committee appointments for YALSA and my state library association, blogging for The Hub (my latest post is about gender-neutral names in YA novels).

What have I been reading? 

The Raven Boys, by Maggie Stiefvater
I've read some of Stiefvater's previous works, and I liked them, but none hooked me as much as her latest book did. The Raven Boys is a most excellent blend of eclectic elements-- a family of psychics, a group of elite boarding school boys, and a quest to find a legendary Welsh king said to have been buried in the hills of Virginia. I was riveted. Stiefvater's prose is always lush and gorgeous, and the plot elements really clicked for me in this one. It may be personal preference- I'm just not that into werewolves or horses- but I think this is her best work yet.

The Fire Horse Girl, by Kay Honeyman
Historical fiction lovers, keep an eye out for this title in January 2013. Honeyman's debut novel tells the story of a headstrong girl who leaves her small village in China with hopes of a new life in San Francisco during the 1920s. I haven't seen many YA books addressing the difficulties Chinese immigrants encountered in coming through Angel Island to enter America, so this was a refreshing read. Honeyman's historical research shines on every page, and the characters are interestingly flawed and three-dimensional. Also, how gorgeous and eye-catching is that cover? I love it! (ARC for review generously provided by Scholastic via NetGalley.)



What have I been up to?

Last weekend, I went to the grand opening of the Whittwood Branch Library in the City of Whittier. The director of Whittier's library system is one of the mentors I was honored to meet at the 2012 Eureka Leadership Program, and I wanted to take part in celebrating her success.

It was fun and interesting to observe a library event as a spectator-- I'm used working these types of events as a librarian, so I really liked being able to step back and witness this community's deep appreciation for their library.

Maybe the best part of the event was seeing how many people came out on a Saturday morning- during the holiday season, when they could have been shopping, no less!- to support their new public library. Hundreds of eager library patrons lined up to enter the building, as soon as the ribbon cutting ceremony was done, they streamed into the building and immediately started using all the resources the library offered. It was truly inspiring. Congratulations, City of Whittier!

Book Review and Giveaway: The Diviners, by Libba Bray

Bray, Libba. The Diviners. 592 p. 2012. Little, Brown. Hardcover $19.99. ISBN 9780316126113.

What can I say about The Diviners? It's like Libba Bray sat down and said, "Now, Allison, I know you're a big fan of my work. What would YOU like me to put in my next book?" Because I swear this book was practically tailor-made for me! Let's take a little inventory of the things I loved about this book:

• Extensively researched 1920s setting. 
• Plucky heroine with snappy dialogue. 
• Diverse cast of characters. 
• Fascinating Victorian/early 20th century spiritualism.

Yep, it's awesome! And creepy. Awesomely creepy! Creepily awesome? It may seem a little daunting at nearly 600 pages, but the intricate plot and strong pacing kept me riveted. Bray introduces a large cast of characters, and juggles their intertwining storylines with grace. This is the first volume in a four-book series, and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel.  

I was thrilled to get a chance to meet Libba earlier this year at the ALA Annual Conference and chat with her about The Diviners. She is just as awesome as you would expect!

Be sure to catch our podcast interview with Libba and her amazing editor, Alvina Ling, on Authors are ROCKSTARS!

While I was reading The Diviners, I kept thinking about Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, a small retailer that creates all-natural, hand-blended perfume oils with a "dark, romantic Gothic tone." I could see the Lab having a field day crafting the most incredibly evocative scents to compliment the eerie imagery from this book. In fact, there are already several scents in the Black Phoenix catalog that remind me of The Diviners. For example...

OUIJA 
Lush parlor rooms draped in thick velvets and gilded in gold, unearthly whispering in the distance, fleeting flashes of wraithlike figures rushing just outside your vision, the chill of a phantom presence brushing by your cheek, the inscrutable knowledge that disembodied eyes are peering at you from darkened corners-- this is the essence of Victorian-era spiritualism: rosewood, oak and teak notes with wispy blue lilac, tea rose, dried white rose and ethereal osmanthus.

OMEN
Deep, mysterious, and full of dark portents: oakmoss, juniper berry, myrrh and patchouli.

THE RAVEN
Sleek, dark, and ominous. Violet and neroli mingled with iris, white sandalwood and dark musk.

INTRIGUE
A sultry, exotic scent that inspires devious plotting and clandestine affairs. It is a scent painted in artifice, veiled in deceit, and slithering with whispered secrets. Black palm, with cocoa, fig and shadowy wooded notes.

VEIL
A quiet scent, soft, calm and enigmatic. A perfume of mystery, of whispers, and of secrets behind secrets. White sandalwood, lilac, gardenia, violet, orris, lavender and ylang ylang.

Are you convinced that Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab goes perfectly with The Diviners? Then I have a giveaway for you!

This giveaway includes the following:

• A Diviners pendant on a black cord, in a small burlap bag.
• Sample vials of Ouija, Veil, and a few other Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab perfumes that remind me of The Diviners. (To be honest, I have quite a collection of sample vials, so I'll throw in some random ones just for fun!) 

To enter, just comment on this post and tell me:
1. Your favorite thing about The Diviners (or what you're most looking forward to about this book, if you haven't read it yet).
2. The Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab scent that tempts you the most. (Take some time, browse their catalog! They offer hundreds of scents and the descriptions are alluring. And no, I am not affiliated with this company in any way- just a big fan.)

Be sure to leave your email address with your comment so I can contact the winner. Contest is open to US residents only. Enter by November 8th for your chance to win.

Blog Tour Stop: Dear Teen Me

Anderson, E. Kristin & Keneally, Miranda (ed.). Dear Teen Me. 192 p. 2012. Zest Books. Paperback $14.99. ISBN 9781936976218.

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Dear Teen Me blog tour!

This book, based on the awesome Dear Teen Me website, hits bookstore shelves on October 30th from Zest Books. Distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Zest is one of my very favorite publishers of teen nonfiction. I know I can always count on something edgy, entertaining, and informative from them, and Dear Teen Me is no exception. It's a compelling read.

Dear Teen Me is an anthology of letters from authors of young adult fiction giving advice and insight to their teen selves. Contributors include Ellen Hopkins, Lauren Oliver, and Sara Zarr, among many other fantastic authors. Ranging from heartbreaking to hilarious, their letters share the most soul-baring, cringe-inducing, and life-altering moments they experienced during their teen years. There is an overall message of hope and affirmation in these letters-- a reminder that we all experience ups and downs in the process of growing up, and we can all come out on the other side, older and wiser.

It's the perfect book to curl up with on a contemplative evening. If you're an adult, this book will make you think about what you would want to tell your teen self, and remember what it was like to be at a such a pivotal point in your life. If you're still a teen, it will make you think about what you're trying to get through right now, and encourage you to realize that you're not alone.

Now here's the part where I take you on a nostalgic pictorial tour of my own teen years... 

But before we journey back in time to the 1990s, I should mention that if you read all the way through this post, there's a giveaway at the end! Okay, here we go--

I was a teen in San Diego during the mid-'90s, and I remember those years fondly. I was kind of a bookish geek, but given the fact that I'm a librarian now, that's no surprise, right? Middle school was hard for me. I had trouble figuring out who I was and where I fit in. But by high school, I was feeling more comfortable in my own skin. Not perfect, but pretty happy.

I had really long hair.

I reveled in wearing pleated miniskirts and Mary Jane high heels Thank you, Clueless, for that fashion aesthetic!

I did a lot of plays and musical theater, and absolutely loved performing. Every theater experience was so important to me-- from playing an extra in Our Town as a freshman to getting the lead role in Steel Magnolias during my senior year. (I can't quite explain my fashion choice in this picture from a musical revue, but I'm pretty sure vests were considered stylish at the time.)

I was a cheerleader. Mostly to earn the PE credit, and certainly not because I was an amazing dancer. I wasn't! It took me forever to learn each routine (and also, I never actually understood football). But I tried really hard, got to know a great group of girls I might never have spoken to otherwise, and had so much fun.

I had an awesome group of friends. We used to pass notes in class, use ridiculous code names to talk about cute boys, and laugh at inside jokes built up over layers of years.

If I  were writing a letter to my teen self, a la Dear Teen Me, I might include the following...

• Study harder. Seriously!
• You're not the only one feeling angsty. It's just part of being a teenager. You'll be okay.
• Do me a favor and stick with ballet instead of quitting after 6 months. 
• Please don't wear this outfit:

The dress is cute, but why the hat? Why?? Oh, 13-year-old self, bless your heart. I'm pretty sure you were exceptionally pleased with that ensemble.

Since leaving my teen years behind, I like to think I've matured and maybe even gained some wisdom along the way. But... well, confession time: I used to get in trouble with my high school librarian for spinning the giant world globe in the library. It absolutely begged to be spun! It rumbled in the most satisfying way with each spin... which was, of course, the reason I got shushed and scolded.

Last weekend, I visited my high school for its centennial celebration and had the opportunity to peek into the gorgeous, brand-new library during the festivities. What did I see? THE GLOBE.

What did I do?

Well...

Some things never change.

Do you think my high school librarian would believe I'm a librarian now?

Hey, Teen Me, you did all right.

Giveaway alert! 

Now that you've gotten a peek into my teen years, I'm sure you're eager to read the (much more insightful) letters in Dear Teen Me. Well, lucky you: Zest Books is giving away an awesome Dear Teen Me prize pack to one reader of my blog!

To win a copy of Dear Teen Me (autographed by 4 - 5 contributors, plus postcards and bookmarks!), comment on this post by Monday, November 5, and tell me about your favorite or most regrettable fashion choice of your teen years. Pictures earn a double entry. Be sure to leave your email with your comment so I can notify the winner. Contest open to US residents only.

Be sure to visit all the stops on the Dear Teen Me blog tour, and take a look at the Dear Teen Me events page to see if there's a book signing at a location near you!

Book Review: Red is a Dragon, by Roseanne Thong and Grace Lin

Thong, Roseanne & Lin, Grace. Red is a Dragon. 40 p. 2001. Chronicle. Hardcover $15.95. ISBN 9780811831772.

Having been a fan of Grace Lin's work for years, I'm so pleased to introduce her work to my children. I'm hoping they will become equally devoted fans. We've started with Red is a Dragon, which was illustrated by Lin, and written by Roseanne Thong.

Thong's text and Lin's illustrations complement each other beautifully to celebrate the wide variety of colors found in the world around us. What I love most about this book is the way it presents a uniquely Asian American identity. Some pages introduce elements of Chinese culture, such as incense, a festival with firecrackers and a dragon, or dumplings. Other pages are more universal, with images such as a taxi cab, sand castles at the beach, or flowers in the garden. The text includes Auntie and Grandpa, subtly showing the importance of extended family in Asian cultures.

My children are half Vietnamese, and I really value the way this book speaks to my children's Asian-American experience just as naturally as we incorporate both sides of their cultures into their daily lives.

Books can be a mirror of our own experiences or a window to another world-- and this book is both. It doesn't appeal to my children just because they're Asian-American; children of all cultural backgrounds can enjoy it. The reader might learn something new, see something familiar, or just enjoy the vivid colors and bold, lively illustrations. Whichever way a young reader approaches it, they will surely regard this book as the treasure that it is.

Book Review: The Dark Unwinding, by Sharon Cameron

Cameron, Sharon. The Dark Unwinding. 318 p. 2012. Scholastic. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780545327862.

I was introduced to this book at the Scholastic brunch at this year's ALA Annual Conference, in which Sharon Cameron and other authors performed an excerpt, readers' theater style, to give the audience a taste of the story. She was fabulously funny and the scene piqued my interest, so I knew I had to read this one! And it did not disappoint.

This is a wonderful debut novel, filled with lush prose and a plot that stands out from the rest of the YA shelves these days. Young, orphaned Katharine finds herself saddled with the daunting task of checking up on an uncle to verify that he is insane, and have him committed to an asylum so he will stop frittering away the family fortune. Only, when she arrives at his countryside manor house, she discovers something quite unexpected: a workshop of wondrous clockwork creations and a community of people who desperately need her uncle to continue with his inventions.

The story is full of mystery, self-discovery, and romance set against a sometimes-cozy, sometimes-eerie English manor backdrop. It's an absolutely delicious setting, and I loved the book's period feel. The language is straightforward enough for a contemporary reader, but Cameron employs turns of phrase that ring true to the mid-1800s setting. Also, it's important to note that there's lots of gorgeous costume description. (I don't know about you, but when I read historical fiction, I want to read about the clothes!)

With the steampunk genre on the rise, Scholastic is really playing up the clockwork machinery aspects of this book in their marketing, but it's not actually a steampunk-heavy novel. On the whole, it's more like an Austen or Bronte novel that just happens to have some mechanical goodies in it. I would recommend this book for any fan of historical fiction who doesn't mind a dash of fantasy.

The story wraps up nicely, but a few hanging threads deliberately leave the door open for a sequel. It was so lovely I didn't want it to end, and I look forward to reading more from this promising new author.  

The Dark Unwinding hits bookstore shelves on September 1st. ARC for review received from Scholastic.

Book Review: Princess Academy: Palace of Stone, by Shannon Hale

Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy: Palace of Stone. 336 p. 2012. Bloomsbury. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781599908731.

I was completely enchanted by 2006 Newbery Honor book, Princess Academy. I mean, let's face it-- when am I NOT completely enchanted by Shannon Hale's writing? Never, that's when! I adore anything she writes. So... Princess Academy-- I thought it wrapped up beautifully and never did it enter my mind that there could be room for a sequel. Thus, I was a little...surprised?... to hear there would indeed be a sequel published this year. But, I figured, it's Shannon Hale. She can do no wrong.

And?

It's Shannon Hale! She can do NO WRONG! Princess Academy: Palace of Stone is an absolutely wonderful sequel. It was such a pleasure to welcome back characters I knew and loved in the first volume, delve deeper into the mysteries of quarry speech, and get to know more of the country of Danland as Miri travels beyond her mountain home.

This book is a bit more mature than its predecessor; there is more romance, more danger, and more complexity. The narrative involves self-discovery and romance amidst political intrigue and revolution. It's sort of... Princess Academy meets Catching Fire. In other words, thought-provoking and multi-layered while somehow cozy and, of course, beautifully written. As usual with a Shannon Hale book, I just wanted the story to go on and on; I wanted to live in it. Gorgeous.

Look for Princess Academy: Palace of Stone on bookstore shelves starting August 21st. ARC for review provided by Bloomsbury via Netgalley.

Book Review: Famous for Thirty Seconds, by P.G. Kain

Kain, P.G.. Famous for Thirty Seconds. 320 p. 2012. Aladdin. Paperback $6.99. ISBN 9781416997863.

Instead of a typical life attending school and playing sports like most kids her age, thirteen-year-old Brittany has grown up on a steady stream of go-sees, auditions, and callbacks for national commercial spots. Her family's temporary move to Hong Kong put a halt to her acting career, but she's confident that she'll be back in the game as soon as they return to New York. Easy-peasy, right? Well... not exactly. She's about to find out that a lot can change in a year.

I have to confess something: I am a total ham. I used to pretend to do commercials in my childhood bedroom. I would have DEVOURED this book as a twelve-year-old! And I guess I've never really grown out of my fascination with commercials, because I had a great time reading this-- even though I'm well past the age of the target audience. Author P.G. Kain has personal experience in the world of acting for commercials, and has penned a very compelling look at both the glamour and competitive nature of the entertainment industry. Acting may sound alluring, but in reality, it's hard work that can involve a lot of heartache and disappointment.

Besides the appeal of reading about a young person's experience in the acting business, there's a solid story about friendship and self-discovery here, and the main character has a lively, engaging voice. I loved Brittany right off the bat-- she's overconfident, a little judgy, and totally self-absorbed. But she's likable! Her flaws are realistic and relatable (I mean, what thirteen-year-old isn't self-absorbed??), and it's fun to watch her evolve as the story progresses. As she attempts to scheme her way back to the top and knock out the competition, you just know it's all going to end in disaster... but she learns a few things and bounces back in her own way. Plus, there's a cute, well crafted romance, for those who enjoy that sort of thing (AND I DO).

Famous for Thirty Seconds is the first volume in P.G. Kain's "Commercial Breaks" series. This book is a lighthearted, engaging read, perfect for middle grade readers-- especially those who have been bitten by the show biz bug. I look forward to seeing what's in store for the rest of the series! A review copy of this book was generously provided to me by the author.

Book Review: Liar & Spy, by Rebecca Stead

Stead, Rebecca. Liar & Spy. 192 p. 2012. Random House Children's Books. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780385737432. 

I was so excited to get ahold of the ARC of the upcoming title from Newbery Medal winning author, Rebecca Stead. I absolutely loved her Newbery-winning title, When You Reach Me. I still get chills thinking about the way she wove all the plot elements together in that book! On the other hand, I really didn't connect with her debut novel, First Light. Having had such drastically different reactions to her books, I was curious to see how I would like Liar & Spy, a story about a kid trying to survive the awkwardness of middle school and navigate a strange but compelling friendship when he moves to a new apartment building.

My verdict? I loved it. This slim volume, clocking in at under 200 pages, is a quick read that's jam-packed with thought-provoking themes and memorable, multilayered characters. It has the feel of an indie movie-- quirky and brilliant, and will undoubtedly appeal to fans of The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin. 

The main character, Georges, is someone the reader really roots for. He's matter-of-factly morose at times, in the most endearing way. The themes of bullying, friendship, and fitting in versus standing out provide much fodder for discussion and insight, making this title a good choice for a middle school book group. Stead also weaves in unexpectedly delightful motifs like spelling and silent letters, choosing one's own name, and painter Georges Seurat's pointilism as a metaphor for life-- whether you see the big picture or examine all of the little dots individually.

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand-Jatte,
by Georges Seurat, 1884-86

As she did in When You Reach Me, Stead weaves a tight storyline with subtle clues and red herrings that keep the reader guessing and wondering-- and then brings it all together with a twist at the end. I love a good unreliable narrator, and this book has a great one. 

Brilliantly plotted, tightly written, and deeply satisfying. 

Look for Liar & Spy on bookstore shelves on August 7. ARC for review acquired at ALA Annual from Random House.

Audiobook Review: Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry

Weighing in with my second pick for the Newbery Medal Reading Challenge, and I have to admit: I am not exactly rocking this challenge. It's a struggle to pick up an old Newbery winner when there are shiny new releases and ARCs that beg to be read. I feel like a student again, poring through the list of titles, thinking, "That one sounds boring.... so does that one... no way... nope..."

But that's part of my motivation for participating in this challenge-- making myself read some of the titles I might not otherwise pick up. I am aiming to increase the depth of Newbery titles I can recommend to young readers at my library... and little by little, I will.

My latest selection for this reading challenge is the 1941 Newbery winner: Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry.

Sperry, Armstrong. Call It Courage. 1994. Recorded Books. Audiobook $25.75. ISBN 0788746480.

Why did I choose this one? I'm not a huge fan of survival stories, but it has two things going for it:

1. It's available on audiobook.

2. It's set in Polynesia. My husband and I honeymooned in Moorea and Bora Bora ten years ago, so I was eager to revisit that setting.

Newlyweds on Matira Beach in Bora Bora.
(Can we go back there, please?)

In Call It Courage, a young boy Mafatu survives a tragic incident in which he and his mother are caught by a hurricane. She doesn't survive, and he is left with a lifelong fear of the sea-- which is not an acceptable phobia for a Polynesian boy to have, considering so much of their daily life revolves around the water. Spurred by the constant taunts of his peers and determined to prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out in a canoe for places unknown and must survive against the elements with only his trusty dog and a friendly albatross for companionship.

If you like survival stories, you'll probably like this one: it's pretty solid. As a bonus, contemporary readers will relate to the bullying Mafatu endures, and his desire to prove himself.

I was curious, however, about how a 1940s novel would depict Polynesian culture. Would there be a lot of nonsense about primitive natives and whatnot? Mostly, the cultural elements come across well enough. The author describes Mafatu and his people respectfully. However, Sperry constantly refers to another (purportedly cannibalistic) tribe as "the black eaters of men." It's plausible that there were cannibalistic tribes in ancient Polynesia, but the emphasis on their skin color is problematic. Sperry hardly ever mentions this tribe's cannibalism without making sure the reader knows they're black, which is awkward and, frankly, disturbing. 

But on the plus side, there's a dog in this story, and he doesn't die! I thought for sure he was a goner when he fell in the water near a hungry shark, and his eyes were described as "puzzled" and "so faithful and true" or something along those lines. I was like, "OH NO, HERE WE GO."  ...but the dog survived! Hooray!

The audiobook makes for a pleasant way to approach this book. The narrator, George Guidall, gives a solid performance. He doesn't display much of a range of character voices, but most of the book is narration, rather than dialogue, so his performance works here. (There's also a 2009 recording from Listening Library done by Lou Diamond Phillips that I'd be curious to hear.)

All in all, I'm not in love with this particular Newbery winner, but if I get a request for a Newbery from a young reader who likes action and adventure, I might recommend this one-- but then again, with all the "black eaters of men" stuff, maybe not. It would depend on whether or not the child's parent would be willing to discuss how the language used to describe other cultures or ethnic groups in the 1940s is not necessarily acceptable now. As long as it's used as a teachable moment, I think Call It Courage could work for a contemporary reader.

Book Review: Perfect Escape, by Jennifer Brown

Brown, Jennifer. Perfect Escape. 352 p. 2012. Little, Brown. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780316185578.

Having been riveted by Jennifer Brown's debut novel, Hate List, I thought it was high time to read another of her books, so I was excited to pick up the ARC of her upcoming title, Perfect Escape, while I was at ALA Annual.

The premise is compelling: Kendra is an overachieving, perfectionist who has lived in the shadow of her older brother's OCD all her life. When she gets caught cheating in her senior calculus class, she starts driving and doesn't look back-- with her brother an unwilling passenger. She believes she can get away from her troubles and "cure" his mental illness all in one shot.

Brown's writing is just as tight and engaging as I remember from Hate List, and while I enjoyed this book, I had a mixed reaction to it. The fact is, I'm the wrong audience. Teens will love the sense of escape with Kendra's impromptu road-trip, and they'll empathize with her "I made one mistake and now my life is ruined" thought process (I so remember that feeling!). On the other hand, I found Kendra to be frustratingly irresponsible and self-centered, which is by no means a criticism of Brown's writing-- on the contrary, she is a realistic and well-written character.

I'm reading as a mother. I kept thinking how selfish Kendra's actions were toward her family, and even more, I got completely hung up on a secondary plot point. Kendra and her brother come across a teen mom and her baby, and that section of the book had me SO WORRIED that the baby wasn't going to make it, I couldn't focus on the main storyline. I HAD TO KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THAT BABY... to the point that it made me really uncomfortable. A teen reader would have an entirely different experience with that part of the book, so again, my comments are not a criticism. My issues are entirely my own!

All in all, I will definitely recommend this book to teens, especially those looking for a realistic, issue-driven book that keeps you hooked. Tension is sustained throughout the narrative as the reader wonders if Kendra and her brother will make it to their destination, or if they'll have to give up and turn around-- and what, exactly, was so terrible that it drove Kendra to run away in the first place.

Brown provides a thoughtful portrayal of OCD, and I feel I came away from the book with a better understanding of the disorder. Kendra's brother, Grayson, is a multi-dimensional character who struggles, but is not defined by his mental illness. Also, readers with siblings will appreciate the well-crafted, complex relationship depicted here-- sometimes tortured, sometimes affectionate, but always genuine.

Perfect Escape hits bookstore shelves on July 10th. ARC for review received from Little, Brown at ALA Annual.

Audiobook Review: The Door in the Wall, by Marguerite de Angeli

This book is my first pick for the Newbery Medal Challenge! Hooray!

As mentioned previously, I'm modifying this reading challenge to make it a little less intense, and will be reading one Newbery Medal winner from each decade (instead of every single winner). And yes, I was going to start with the 1920s, but I have to admit that I keep getting hung up every time I look at the choices for that decade-- they're just not appealing. And it seems I'm not alone, according to this article on the Digital Shift. So it's not just me. Whew! But... any advice, Newbery fans? I've got to read a 1920s Newbery winner at some point, after all...

Anyway, after waffling for a few months, I decided to forget about going in order and just jump in with whatever title catches my eye. So! My choice for the 1950s is The Door in the Wall, by Marguerite de Angeli.

de Angeli, Marguerite. The Door in the Wall. 2008. Listening Library. Audiobook $24.00. ISBN 9780739371879. 

Winner of the 1950 Newbery Medal, this title piqued my interest because of its medieval England setting. Robin, the son of a nobleman, has always anticipated growing up to become a knight, but finds he must learn to cope with a different sort of life when he loses the uses of his legs after an illness. 

This book is what I'd call a cozy read. I enjoyed the details of medieval life and was inspired by Robin's struggle to come to terms with his physical challenges. His transformation from a spoiled brat to a young man with a sense of purpose is heartwarming, as is the large cast of endearing characters who support and encourage him. 

But I have to say: this is not the most suspenseful story ever. An adult with an interest in history (me!) is likely to enjoy it, but the lack of tension in the plot might make it pretty dull for a young reader.

For example: the characters are traveling through a wood, and realize they have to stop for the night. One character mentions he had been this way before, and found a woodcutter's cottage to be a hospitable place to stay. With this kind of setup, you're thinking-- okay, SOMETHING BAD has definitely happened to that woodcutter, and our main characters are about to be attacked by wolves or bandits or zombies. Right? Nope. The band of travelers finds the cottage easily and the woodcutter and his wife are indeed friendly and accommodating. The lack of complications is sort of sweet, really. But will it appeal to today's readers, who expect twists and turns and cliffhangers?

That said, the audio production of this book is truly stellar. Roger Rees, a well-known actor who got his start in the Royal Shakespeare Company, expertly breathes life into the archaic language of the book, making it  accessible for contemporary readers. Too, his steady pacing and wide variety of character voices keep the narrative interesting despite its relatively low-key plot. The audiobook is further enhanced by the addition of medieval music and other sound effects at appropriate times (e.g. when the narrative mentions a song being played on a harp, or church bells ringing), making for a memorable listening experience.

If you're going to read The Door in the Wall, the audiobook is definitely the way to do it.

Book Review: Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth Wein

Wein, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. 327 p. 2012. Hyperion. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781423152194.

I was lucky enough to read an e-galley of this book a couple months ago, and I've been pondering how to review it ever since then. Honestly, I started drafting this review in March, but all it said was: "OMG where to begin??" ...which is more or less how I still feel.

This book is one of my favorite reads of 2012 so far. Possibly my very favorite. Basically, I want Code Name Verity to win ALL THE AWARDS.

It's about two young women who are part of the Allied war effort during World War II. One of them, a pilot, has crashed her plane. And her friend, also in the plane, has been captured by Nazis and is writing out her confession in the hopes of staying alive for just a little while longer. 

This New York Times book review explains why it's impossible to say any more without revealing spoilers. Here's what I can say, though:

One of the most appealing aspects of this book this book- something that's actually a bit of a rare find- is the beautiful portrayal of a strong female friendship. The main characters are wonderful and memorable on their own, and they're even better together. There's an overall theme of female empowerment, with these two young women acting in untraditional roles during the war. Female characters in supporting roles are layered and complex, too.

There's a very epic, cinematic feel to Wein's writing. I'd love to see this book adapted for the big screen-- but then again, it's more effective in print, because most of it is supposed to be a written narrative. The intricate plotting and astounding twists will keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering what on earth is going to happen to these characters.

Despite the fact that there are parts that will make the reader cry, I didn't actually cry a lot... except for one point when I actually cried out in shock and sadness, like someone yelling "Nooooo!" at a movie screen. Yes, I was that invested.

And when I finished reading, I wanted to start again from the beginning.

Code Name Verity comes out today, and you won't want to miss it. ARC for review received from Disney Hyperion via NetGalley.

Book Review: Dreamless, by Josephine Angelini

Angelini, Josephine. Dreamless. 487 p. 2012. HarperTeen. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780062012012.

I had a blast reading Josephine Angelini's Greek mythology inspired debut novel, Starcrossed, last year. Talk about addictive-- I couldn't put it down! And I can safely say that fans of the first volume will absolutely eat up this action-packed sequel.

Dreamless builds on the foundation set in Starcrossed and continues its complex storyline-- essentially a modern retelling of The Iliad with some twists. The book maintains an epic feel as Angelini, one of the most organized and focused writers I've encountered, juggles several plot threads in a seemingly effortless manner. The plot is propelled forward at a consistent pace, with no lulls in the action.

It's fun to revisit the same characters we fell in love with in its predecessor (I heart Helen's feisty best friend Claire!), and meet some dynamic new characters in this book. Romantic tension is heightened as Helen and Lucas are still forbidden to get too close, and a possible new love interest is introduced in the form of Orion, another Scion who joins Helen in her nightly visits to the Underworld.

Speaking of the Underworld, Angelini's vivid descriptions of this realm will set your hair on end. Not a place you'd want to get stuck in! On the other end of the spectrum, there's an exquisite scene with Morpheus, the god of dreams, that's so beautifully written, you might want to read it again and again.

Look for Dreamless in bookstores everywhere on May 29th, and visit the Authors are ROCKSTARS! podcast for an interview with Josie! ARC for review generously provided by HarperTeen.

Book Review: The Last Princess, by Galaxy Craze

Craze, Galaxy. The Last Princess. 295 p. 2012. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780316185486.

This books combines two things that are WHITE HOT right now:

a post-apocalyptic future

Photo by Rising Damp

...AND...

the British royal family

Photo by anonlinegreenworld

Seriously. Seriously. How awesome is that?! Talk about high concept.

So when I picked up The Last Princess, thinking I'd just browse a few pages, I found that I absolutely could not put it down. Luckily for me, it's a quick read! The first two-thirds of the book are seriously edge-of-your-seat exciting-- a crazy roller-coaster ride in a futuristic Great Britain that has been ravaged and isolated from the rest of the world by an environmental disaster. As the nation falters in the aftermath, a sinister plot against the royal family comes to fruition and young Princess Eliza finds herself on the run, infiltrating enemy territory with her sights set on one goal: revenge.

It's really suspenseful.

The action slows down a little bit in the last third of the book, but is still definitely engaging and enjoyable, with an appealing romance amidst suspense, and a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the story nicely, yet leaves the door open for a sequel.

The author includes some details that will please Anglophiles-- the royal family's children all have family names, such as Elizabeth, Mary, and James, for example. On the other hand, there are a few inconsistencies. One thing that snapped me out of the story is that the main character does a lot of "interstate" travel... in Great Britain. Granted, in my frenzied reading of the first few chapters, I might have missed some kind of futuristic explanation about why there are interstate highways in a place with no states. But... I'm not too sure about that.

Another thing that gave me pause was a mention of "Princess Kate." It was an aww-worthy moment, but assuming this is the distant future, wouldn't the Duchess of Cambridge have eventually become Queen, or Queen Consort? Admittedly, my knowledge of the way titles work in the British monarchy is a bit fuzzy, so I'd love to hear any experts weigh in.

Still, these minor nitpicks didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I didn't go into it with significant expectations-- I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was hoping for a diverting, compelling read. And this one definitely delivered! I had a great time reading it, and will look forward to the sequel.

The Last Princess hits bookstore shelves today, and I recommend checking it out.

Book Review & Giveaway: Wentworth Hall, by Abby Grahame

Grahame, Abby. Wentworth Hall. 288 p. 2012. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781442451964.

Publisher's description

And you thought there were secrets in the Abbey...

The Darlington family of Wentworth Hall, an elite British family, fills their time by caring for their extensive estate, and looking over their shoulders as they struggle to keep up an elaborate charade to hide their scandalous secrets of illicit romances, and bitter betrayals.

Wentworth Hall is a lush historical novel by debut author Abby Grahame, which is spot-on perfect for fans of Downton Abbey!

Read an excerpt.

My review

The Edwardian era is my favorite time period history, and you already know I'm a huge fan of Downton Abbey, so I had fun reading Wentworth Hall.

With the story's action taking place in both the upstairs and downstairs of a distinguished yet slightly run-down manor, and a mysterious someone surreptitiously reporting the family's goings-on in a bitingly satirical newspaper column, this book is like a mashup of a British period drama and Gossip Girl.

While serious historical fiction aficionados may crave something weightier, fans of Anna Godbersen's Luxe series will flock to Wentworth Hall. This book is chock-full of delicious drama and appeals to a slightly younger audience than Godbersen's series-- scandal is alluded to, but nothing particularly steamy happens. (Which will be nice to remember at the library when I'm recommending books for 8th graders with a historical fiction assignment!)

The newspaper columns cleverly satirizing life at Wentworth Hall are a true highlight of the story, and the author offers some memorable dialogue amidst the briskly paced plot. My favorite, as one of the maids describes the Darlingtons, who are nearly destitute despite their noble lineage:

"They're rich and they've always been rich. They can't stop being rich just because the money has run out." 

Ha! You can tell Grahame must have had a ball writing this book.  

Giveaway

Simon & Schuster is generously giving away a copy of Wentworth Hall to two lucky readers of my blog! I am so excited to bring this giveaway to you. Just fill out the following form with your name and email address for your chance to win.

This contest is open to United States residents only. Must be 13 or older to enter. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Monday, May 1st. Prizing courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

Look for Wentworth Hall in bookstores on May 1st. Review copy provided to me by Big Honcho Media.

Book Review: Thumped, by Megan McCafferty

McCafferty, Megan. Thumped. 304 p. 2012. Balzer + Bray. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780061962769.

Last year, Megan McCafferty introduced the satirical dystopian world of Bumped, in which teen pregnancy is revered and two long-lost twin sisters become victims of society's out-of-whack ideals. (Read my review of Bumped.)

The plot of Thumped picks up right where Bumped left off and charges full steam ahead without an obvious rehash of the previous volume. If you're hazy on the details of Bumped, the first few chapters of this sequel might be a little confusing, but McCafferty smoothly weaves in the details of the first book as the story progresses.

Like its predecessor, Thumped is satire, with moments of laugh-out-loud humor, but sometimes the plot and characters seem a little scattered. There's a lot going on, and some of the secondary storylines (like: what's going on between Zen and Ventura Vida?) felt underdeveloped and didn't add anything to the book's main plot. I found Bumped hilarious, smart, and unexpected, whereas Thumped doesn't necessarily bring anything new to the table. At the same time, it's definitely a fun read, and it ends with a positive message. 

Bottom line: if you liked Bumped, you'll enjoy Thumped. I liked it!

Thumped will be available in bookstores everywhere on April 24. ARC for review kindly picked up for me at ALA Midwinter by my friend Lalitha of Masala Reader.

Book Review: Ladies in Waiting, by Laura L. Sullivan

Sullivan, Laura. L. Ladies in Waiting. 336 p. 2012. Harcourt Children's Books. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780547581293.

This tale of three very different girls named Elizabeth in the era of King Charles II features a setting rich with details about fashion, customs, and favorite pastimes of England in the mid-1600s, painting a vivid picture of everyday life inside the royal court and out.

Ladies in Waiting explores roles of women at the time, especially their lack of agency, as each of the Elizabeths pursues goals that are frustratingly out of their reach. Romantic entanglements are a prominent feature of the plot, but there is not a perfectly swoon-worthy romance here-- rather, the love stories are all flawed in some way, highlighting the limitations on women at the time and making for quite a thought-provoking read.

Character development is similarly well executed. All three Elizabeths are fully fleshed out and interestingly flawed. Beth is unbelievably naive and bizarrely faithful to her dreams of true love, even when circumstances change for the worse. I honestly couldn't decide whether she was sweet or insane. Zabby is a likable, brainy girl trying to choose between head and heart. Her inner conflicts may prove a bit much for the reader at times, but ultimately make her a three-dimensional character. Headstrong Eliza is delightfully frank, using slang of the time in a most unladylike fashion to hilarious effect. I confess, her bawdy language makes her the most fun to read, and she ended up being my favorite Elizabeth.

Indeed, there's quite a bit of bawdiness in this one, making it most appropriate for an older teen audience, although the impact is softened by the fact that all scandalous content is referenced in antiquated terms likely to fly over the head of younger readers.

A slight drawback for me is the fact that significant parts of the narrative are fictionalized in a somewhat outlandish way. I'm all for fictionalization of events in a historical setting, but when it comes to portraying actual people, I prefer for the story not to deviate too much from reality or believability. Too, the third-person narration sometimes seems to speak from a contemporary viewpoint, explaining to the reader about the customs of the time, and I found that a little distracting.

Overall, Ladies in Waiting is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction. With its quick pace and lively characters, it may also sway readers who think they don't enjoy the genre. It pairs well with Eve Edwards' Lacey Chronicles (starting with The Other Countess), a series with a similar tone, set about 100 years before this book.

Ladies in Waiting hits bookstore shelves on May 8. ARC for review provided by Harcourt Children's Books via NetGalley.

Book Review: Purity, by Jackson Pearce

Pearce, Jackson. Purity. 224 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2012. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780316182461. 

I had some pretty intense dental work done last week (fun, right?) and needed a really good book to keep my spirits up while recovering. Purity turned out to be the perfect book to curl up with for the afternoon. Funny, sweet, and thought-provoking, it kept my attention and left me with a feeling of contentment after I turned the last page.

Before Shelby's mother died, she made her promise three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Fast forward several years, and Shelby's dad drops a bomb on her: they are going to plan and attend a purity ball! When Shelby realizes that vowing to her father that she'll remain a virgin until marriage may directly contradict her promise to live without restraint, she decides to exploit a loophole: if she's not a virgin when she makes that vow, then it doesn't count.

As you can surmise from the slightly absurd premise, this book is hilarious. The juxtaposition of Shelby calculating the most efficient way to lose her virginity while simultaneously taking waltz lessons and going cake-tasting with her dad for the purity ball is uproariously awkward. It would make a great movie, complete with a terrifically embarrassing buying-condoms-in-a-drugstore scene.

On top of the comedy, this book has real heart. The strained relationship between Shelby and her dad is emotionally affecting as they fumble to relate to one another, as is Shelby's grappling with the loss of her mother. Too, I love the strong relationships between Shelby and her two best friends, Ruby and Jonas. (And those of you who have a soft spot for good friends who fall in love, get ready to be delighted with the romance in this story!)

This book also offers a sensitive exploration of some weighty topics such as grief and faith. The author doesn't offer any grand, sweeping statements about what's right or wrong-- just an affirming message that our choices are our own, and that's okay. It's positive without being preachy.

As a librarian, part of my job is to consider the audience for any book I read. One question I had going into Purity was: how will a conservative reader react to a book about a girl trying to lose her virginity before attending a purity ball? Things to consider: sex is a part of the plot, but it's not glorified, nor is the decision to have sex minimized. Shelby is realistically portrayed as a down-to-earth girl who sometimes makes poor decisions, and her plan to lose her virginity is not depicted as, you know, a super great idea. Shelby questions faith and spends time being angry at God over her mom's death, but there are no neat and tidy answers about faith in the end. As noted above, one of the main themes of this book is making your own choices. So, a conservative reader might appreciate this as a conversation starter, or they might decide it's not for them at all. To each their own, right?

Personally, I loved this book.

Look for Purity on bookstore shelves on April 24. ARC for review kindly picked up at ALA Midwinter by my friend Lalitha of Masala Reader.

Book Review: Grave Mercy, by Robin LaFevers

LaFevers, Robin. Grave Mercy. 549 p. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2012. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780547628349. 

This is the third book I'm reviewing for the 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by the Story Siren.

Set in medieval Brittany and layered with inventive supernatural elements, Grave Mercy is an appealing read for fans of historical fantasy. Young Ismae escapes an arranged marriage and finds refuge in a convent dedicated to St. Mortain-- the god of death. Blessed with supernatural powers, she becomes a handmaiden of death, expertly trained in the art of assassination, and is sent on an undercover mission to protect the Breton duchess from those who would betray her. And of course, since Ismae can't just waltz into court, she is accompanied by a handsome nobleman who isn't exactly thrilled to have her along for the ride.

LaFevers offers a tightly-written, suspenseful narrative with believable romance and inventive fantasy elements against a historical backdrop. There's also some unexpected and delightfully dark humor in the midst of political tension; Ismae can be very matter of fact about what she does, sometimes to hilarious effect.

I also enjoyed the thoughtful exploration of women's roles in the Middle Ages; Ismae is driven to serve the god of death not only because she is his daughter, but also because her circumstances in life have been cruel and she has no agency to choose her own path. The reader will root for Ismae on her journey of self-discovery as she learns to claim her power.

This book involves a lot of political intrigue surrounding the protection of the young duchess, Anne, with much hinging on finding Anne a suitable marriage prospect who will help defend the independent state of Brittany from French rule. I found this aspect of the plot fascinating because I read up on Breton history after the first few chapters of the book piqued my interest, so I understood the significance of the duchess and the importance of her marriage for the entire duchy. I'm not sure all the political scheming would come across as quite so interesting to a reader who's unfamiliar with the history of the region, however. Although the history is well incorporated into the story, this book would be enriched by a foreword or author's note.

(Of course, my librarian self says: all the more reason to learn some truly interesting history while you read an awesome book!)

Because Grave Mercy is the first volume in a trilogy, I was expecting a cliffhanger ending, and was pleasantly surprised to find a very satisfying conclusion. The next book will focus on one of the most intriguing secondary characters from this volume, and I'll be looking forward to it!

Grave Mercy is now available in bookstores everywhere. ARC for review provided by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.