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.
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.
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.
Double Dog Dare is a middle grade novel filled to the brim with humor and heart-- I had a great time reading it.
In this book, fourth graders Francine and Kansas find themselves competing for the position of news
anchor in their school's media club, and the winner will be decided
by a competition of dares. The two can't stand each other at first,
but it turns out they have something in common: their parents'
divorces.
Lisa Graff strikes a neat balance between the hilarity of the dares and the tough
stuff kids have to deal with, and young readers will really relate to this book. When I ask elementary school
aged readers what kind of book they want, the most common response is: "something like real life and kinda funny." Double Dog Dare definitely fits the bill! It's a
solid story that will appeal to both boys and girls, and I can't wait to
recommend at my library.
*****
As part of her blog tour, Lisa was kind enough to answer a few questions for me!
Reading Everywhere: Your writing authentically captures the feel of being a kid-- you really hone in on the things kids worry about and laugh about. How do you get in touch with your inner kid when you’re writing?
Lisa Graff: Thanks so much! That's something I try really hard to accomplish with all of my books. There are a lot of ways to get into that "kid zone" - I read a ton of children's books, for one thing, and visit elementary schools fairly often to talk about writing, so that helps. But most of it is just a matter of remembering. I’m pretty lucky in that I kept a diary for most of my growing-up years, so now it's easy to go back and see what a hilarious weirdo I was as a child. Case in point: I would like to share two pages from my actual fourth-grade diary.
(In case you have trouble reading my stellar nine-year-old handwriting, I will decipher for you:)
11/2/90 This year I'm in forth grade. I havent writen in a year, so I'm sort of out of date. It is still the 1990's but alot has changed. I havent written in so long because I lost my diary. This year I don't relly have a boy friend and I'm not relly poplaur, but I'm Ashley's best friend. And Ashley's relley poplaur this year, so I'll be more poplaur than Ashley soon. [Please note that this is a PHENOMENAL plan to take over the world. Please also note that it did not work in the slightest.] I relly like my theacher but, he gives me alot of homework, which I hate. His name is Mr. Oliver, [written before I got in trouble for passing notes in class later that year:] he's relley cute. [Text as altered after said note-passing incident:] no way!!
Reading Everywhere: I LOVE IT. I think my elementary school diaries were very similar. You're no stranger to writing for kids-- in fact, Double Dog Dare is your fifth novel for young readers. What do you like best about writing for a middle grade audience?
Lisa Graff: I really enjoy the themes of middle-grade novels-- family and friends and figuring out your place in the world. Something as slight as a snub from a friend can be so life-or-death at that age, and I love that. Because those things are extremely important, and we tend to forget that as we get older.
I also enjoy that my audience is very honest, and they know what they like and what they don’t. If they think my book is boring, they will just stop reading it. And then they will probably write me a letter to tell me how boring it is. I like being held to such a high standard.
Reading Everywhere: That's so true-- kids will always tell you what they think! You have a very memorable cast of young characters in Double Dog Dare. I empathized most with Francine and her determination to get the long-coveted role of news anchor in the fourth-grade media club. Which character in this book is most like you, and why?
Lisa Graff: I think I'm probably most like Francine, in that she has a lot of trouble dealing with things that don't end up the way she thinks they’re supposed to, like her plan for becoming news anchor, or her parents' marriage. That kind of thing always throws me off my game, too, and I sometimes have a lot of trouble recovering. But I think I'm also a little like Kansas, in that I have a tendency to take care of others before myself. (I wish I was also as good at basketball as he is!)
Reading Everywhere: They're both great characters! This book contains some really unique character names-- you don't meet a lot of little Kansas and Francines running around! How did you come up with the names in this book?
Lisa Graff: Sometimes characters just pop into my head with names already attached, and that was the case with these two. I have no idea where the name Kansas came from. Once I came up with his first name, I gave him the last name Bloom, which I thought was completely random, but later I wondered if I was subliminally channeling actor Orlando Bloom (another place name!). Reading Everywhere: Well, it's not hard to see why Orlando Bloom might be on your mind! I mean...
Anyway!
So, you're originally from Southern California, but are now living on the East Coast. As a Southern California girl myself, I have to ask-- what do you miss most about SoCal?
Lisa Graff: Most people expect me to say that I miss the weather, but I actually grew up in a weird little pocket of Southern California (the San Bernardino mountains, to be precise) where it snows fairly frequently. So, eschewing the obvious answer (my family), I am going to have to say that I desperately miss the Mexican food. New Yorkers think they know what Mexican food is, but they do not. Some days I would murder someone for a really decent taco.
Reading Everywhere: Oh yes, Mexican food is part of the essential Southern California experience. I promise I will eat some authentic tacos in your honor! Lisa, thank you so much for this fabulous interview.
*****
Readers, now that you've learned more about Lisa and her latest book, I know you must be eager to get a copy. I have good news for you! Philomel is giving away one copy of Double Dog Dare to one reader of this blog. All you need to do to enter is to email Lisa at graff [dot] lisa [at] yahoo [dot] com with the subject line READING EVERYWHERE. The winner will be chosen at random on May 1st. Good luck!
And if you're looking for another way to win, Lisa has just the thing for you! Together with Penguin Books, she is sponsoring a contest to see who can build the best Rube Goldberg Machine. Check out Lisa's video to learn more!
Many thanks to Lisa for inviting me to participate in her Double Dog Dare blog tour. I've had a blast! To catch up with the other tour stops and learn more about Lisa, visit the following:
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.
The Dead End in Norvelt audiobook along for the ride on my commute.
Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. 2011. Macmillian Audio. Audiobook $29.99. ISBN 9781427213563.
Ah, the 2012 Newbery Medal winner. What can I say? I was rooting for Gary D. Schmidt's Okay For Now, so I couldn't help but experience Dead End in Norvelt through the lens of my disappointment. I can't get over the fact that Okay For Now wasn't honored by any of the ALA Youth Media Awards. (It did just win big over at School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books, which is completely awesome... but still!)
So, although my perspective on this book may be somewhat biased, I liked Dead End in Norvelt quite a lot. I didn't love it-- but I did enjoy this semi-autobiographical tale of a wacky and life-changing summer in the life of young Jack Gantos as he ends up grounded and spends much of his time transcribing obituaries for an elderly neighbor.
That may not sound like an enticing plot, but surprisingly, my favorite parts of the book were the obituaries. I was so moved by the thought of one very dedicated woman dictating not only tributes to her friends and neighbors, but documenting her beloved town's history. Really, really lovely stuff. Indeed, the overall theme of history- Gantos' affection for studying it, the idea that we should all learn from it- is woven throughout the story to great effect.
Still, this book isn't quite as cohesive as I would expect from a Newbery award winner. There are a lot of plot threads and a lot of characters, and I was expecting them to all intersect and come together in some sort of awe-inspiring way, but... they don't. A mystery is solved, the main character learns an important lesson, and the book just seems to trail off in the end.
That said, I'm very much looking forward to attending this year's Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet at the ALA Annual Conference in June to see Jack Gantos speak. If his solid performance on this audiobook recording is any indication, his speech should be fantastic. I did find myself missing the variety of character voices I enjoy in audiobooks narrated by professional actors-- but Gantos has a gift for presenting his own writing in an engaging way with a great deal of heart.
At my library, I often help middle school students who are assigned to read a Newbery winner. I would certainly recommend Dead End in Norvelt to any reader looking for a humorous pick.
Vivian, Siobhan. The List. 332 p. Push. 2012. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780545169172.
High school can be tough. The latest title from Siobhan Vivian is set in a school with a dark tradition. Each year, an anonymous list is posted all over campus to proclaim the ugliest and prettiest girl in each grade. The List tells the stories of how these labels affect the eight girls singled out this time.
The spare prose in third-person present-tense makes for an quick, thoroughly engrossing read. With eight protagonists, it sometimes took me a second to mentally adjust from one to another and recall their concerns and situation-- like "Oh yeah, the girl with the boyfriend" or "the girl with the little sister." But Vivian writes each character in a distinct and memorable way, which is an impressive feat with such a large cast. Most compelling to me were athletic Danielle, trying to find her footing
as a physically strong girl who doesn't necessarily want to feel
unfeminine, and Candace, dethroned mean girl who has to learn how to be nice.
Each character's story is individual, but the girls' lives intertwine in intriguing and sometimes surprising and ways. Some of the secondary characters could have been more fully fleshed out (Why was Lauren's mom so controlling?), and some of the protagonists didn't have a strong sense of character evolution or closure at the end of their stories. But perhaps it's more realistic that way, and Vivian leaves it up to the reader to consider the fates of all the girls. The text also naturally invites the reader to decide which they might see themselves reflected in-- which characters they want to be like, and which characters they don't.
All in all, even though I wish there had been a little more "oomph" to the ending, I loved reading this. Vivian's writing style is addictive, and I spent a couple of nights reading way past my bedtime. This look at the way girls see themselves and are affected by others' perceptions is thought-provoking-- a highly compelling read that would make an excellent high school book club pick.
Look for The List in bookstores everywhere on April 1. ARC for review was kindly passed along to me by my local indie bookseller.
Hale, Shannon. Midnight in Austenland. 288 p. Bloomsbury USA. 2012. Hardcover $22.00. ISBN 9781608196258.
When I heard that there was going to be a follow-up to Austenland (Bloomsbury, 2007), the first foray into adult-level fiction by Newbery Honor winning author Shannon Hale, I thought, "Yay! Wait... really?" Because that story wrapped up so nicely, you see. Did it need a sequel? Maybe, maybe not-- but Midnight in Austenland is a companion book, not a direct sequel. And it's so much fun!
There's a new main character, Charlotte, a recent divorcée who finds herself drawn to the titular Jane Austen reenactment vacation spot. As Charlotte immerses herself in the Regency-era lifestyle, there's an appealing blend of humor, self-discovery, and romance that fans of the first volume will love. And this time around, a new element is introduced in the form of a clever and engaging mystery. I had a great time reading this book.
I have to say, Shannon Hale is one of my very favorite authors. I read and love anything she writes, whether it's written for young readers or adults. Her writing for adults is markedly different from the books she writes for kids and teens-- it's conversational, quirky, and even a little sassy, rather than lyrical and lush. Reading one of her adult-level books feels kind of like getting a chance to hang out and chat with her.
Midnight in Austenland is fresh, fast-paced, and simply an enjoyable read-- the perfect book for a cozy evening in. Brew a pot of tea and get ready for a delightful reading experience.
This book just came out at the end of January from Bloomsbury USA. ARC for review provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. 318 p. Dutton Juvenile. 2012. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780525478812.
What to say about this book? The Fault in Our Stars is what everyone says it is: funny, insightful, heartbreaking. A beautiful book. I don't feel like I can adequately express anything about this book, and I'm not sure how much I want to say, out of fear for spoiling any major plot points for those who haven't read it yet, so I'll keep my comments vague.
You probably know that the book is about two teens, afflicted with cancer, who fall in love. It's tragic and hilarious and sweet and devastating in a good way.
I finished this book in about two days-- so it'll probably only take one day for those of you without small children. Once I really got into it, I couldn't put it down and just ended up lying in bed, reading it obsessively.
I mean, not that I have time to lie in bed reading all day. With two little kids at home? No, this obsessive reading occurred at one o'clock in the morning. I lost sleep over this book! And any parent knows that's the mark of a really good book.
Of the many emotionally affecting aspects of this book, the thing that hit me hardest was the main character's concern for her parents' ability to cope once she was gone. I connected with a different part of the book than a lot of teens will, which just goes to show that this would be an excellent pick for a book club-- for teens or adults. It's richly layered and will mean different things to different readers.
The Fault in Our Stars is the kind of book that doesn't leave you once the last page has been turned. I know I'll go on thinking about this one for a while.
Lin, Grace. Dumpling Days. 272 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2012. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780316125901.
I once took a trip to China just for
the food. True story!
Of course, I was living in Japan at
the time, so it wasn't that far, but still... I am dedicated to experiencing good food and interesting travel. Given
that this book combines both of these things, it’s no surprise that I
absolutely loved it.
The third installment in Grace Lin's
semi-autobiographical "Year of..." series sees the Lin family on a
month-long trip to Taiwan. It's a first for Pacy, who is not exactly in touch
with her Taiwanese heritage, having lived in upstate New York all her life. She
doesn't feel like she belongs in Taiwan, and is caught between her two
cultures. As Pacy navigates an unfamiliar language, a daunting new art style in
Chinese painting class, and her own insecurities, her only comfort is dumplings.
Luckily, there are a lot of delicious dumplings to be had in Taiwan!
Soupy dumpling photo by flickr member keepwaddling1
Filled with vivid descriptions of Taiwan, an exuberant extended family, and a rich array of new experiences for
Pacy, this book is a treat for the senses. As in the previous books in the
series, charming black and white line drawings accompany the narrative. In this
volume, the illustrations give the feeling of a travel journal.
One need not be familiar with Taiwan
to enjoy the narrative; in fact, since it’s all new to Pacy, the reader is
introduced to the sights and customs of Taiwan along with her.
The wonder of discovering a new place deftly parallels the theme of self-discovery, and Pacy's struggle with the sense
that she doesn’t belong in her parents’ homeland will ring true for many
bicultural readers. The process of her coming to terms with her identity and
finding balance is layered, realistic, and ultimately heartening.
Those who have gotten to know Pacy through the first two books in the series will love witnessing her continued growth in Dumpling Days. Here, in learning more about herself, she also forges deeper connections with her family, displaying increasing maturity as she considers how her parents must
have felt when they left Taiwan to make a new home in the United States.
I found this book to be completely enchanting, and so true to the confusing, amazing, exhilarating experience of travel. I'm so excited to give it to my niece
as a Lunar New Year gift-- she'll get a red envelope too, don't worry... but a
new book by her favorite author will be quite a bonus!
I recommend reading the first two
books in the series before this one, but DumplingDays stands on its own quite effectively if you want to jump right in.
Warning: you may feel an urgent need to run to the nearest dim sum restaurant and order up a mountain of dumplings while reading this book. I say go for it!
Dumpling Days will be available in bookstores everywhere on January 2, 2012. ARC for review kindly provided by Little, Brown.
Mellom, Robin. Ditched. 288 p. Disney-Hyperion. 2012. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 978142314338.
If you're looking to start the new year off with a light, fast-paced read that will make you laugh, this book is definitely it.
Justina has the wost prom night ever, as a series of crazy misadventures culminate with her ending up in a ditch. See? She was ditched! LITERALLY! (Hee.) Seeking solace at a convenience store after her awful night, Justina tells her story in flashbacks to a hilariously opinionated audience. The nonlinear storytelling is fun, as details and relationships cleverly unfold bit by bit.
In addition to a sympathetic protagonist, this book has a large cast of unforgettable characters. I adored the cheerful stoners, Mike and Mike, who call their dates by their "essences" instead of their names (Serenity and Bliss). The dates themselves, classic "bad" girls with hearts of gold, are also utterly endearing.
Speaking of "bad" girls, I was a little perplexed by Justina's angst over her own supposedly tarnished reputation. She used to kiss a lot of guys, and- horrors!- kissed two guys at the same party one night. I mean, not that I condone rampant kissing... it's just that I'm not entirely sure it's that big of a deal to today's high schoolers. But hey, for our younger teen audience, I like that the author keeps it clean!
As I was reading, I kept thinking: "This would make an AWESOME movie!" It's reminiscent of one of my
favorite teen classics, Can't Hardly Wait. In fact, the characters
in this book attend Huntington High School, just like in that movie... a clever shout-out? Or maybe the
book is actually set in Huntington Beach, which is possible from the
references to In N Out Burger, a California-based fast food chain.
Either way, the setting made me smile.
Bottom line: Ditched is a super cute story and a fun read. I can't wait to recommend it at my library, and if it's ever made into a movie (which it totally should be!), I will be there.
Look for Ditched in bookstores everywhere on January 10, 2012. ARC for review provided by Disney-Hyperion via NetGalley.
Audition shares the nightstand with other precious items: a picture of my husband and myself, a baby doll that reminds me of my daughter (it's hers, really, but she'll just chew on it), a baby monitor, and a tin of my current favorite hand lotion, Badger Balm.
Kehoe, Stasia Ward. Audition. 464 p. Viking Juvenile. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780670013197.
Even if you think you don't like verse novels, try this one. The story of a young dancer admitted to an intense ballet academy on scholarship might change your mind.
Kehoe's knowledge of the ballet world, with all its beauty and ugliness, shines in this book. The intimate details of ballet school life and an inadvisable (but inevitable) romance make for a compelling combination.
The complex and consuming relationship between twenty-two-year-old Remington and sixteen-year-old Sara may tempt the reader to race through the pages to reach the story's conclusion. But to do that would be a disservice to Ward's writing. Her use of language is graceful, expert. You want to linger over it. She harnesses the power of the verse novel format effectively, evoking fully-realized settings, emotions, and plot turns with spare, deceptively simple lines of text.
Tension is sustained throughout the novel as Sara compares her relationship with Remington and her entire experience at the ballet school as one long, never-ending audition. She can never rest easy. She's always striving, always competing, always feeling judged. The pressure is palpable.
It's coincidental that this novel was published around the same time as Bunheads, another novel about a young ballet dancer (read my review here). Though both novels cover somewhat similar territory, the writing styles and plot elements are different enough that the books don't feel too much alike. In fact, reading one book actually enhances the experience of reading the other, especially for those unfamiliar with ballet terms.
I had the pleasure of meeting Stasia Ward Kehoe at KidLitCon 2011, and she is totally fantastic. Isn't it nice when fantastic people write fantastic books? Audition is a captivating story of self-discovery, and I am eager to recommend it at my library.
Rocklin, Joanne. One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street. 2011. Listening Library. Audiobook $38.00. ISBN 9780307879745
Once upon a time, Southern California was covered in orange groves. Nowadays, you’re lucky if you spot one here or there. That’s how it is on Orange Street: just one tree left standing from what used to be hundreds. Over the span of a day and a half, the reader gets to know the residents of Orange Street, past and present, and learn what this wonderful tree means to all of them.
Normally, the kind of story where seemingly unrelated threads come together in surprising ways is my favorite. I love that that spine-tingling moment where it all clicks. Unfortunately, I found this middle grade read to be a little lacking in the plot department.
Rather, the emphasis here is on character development. Which isn't a bad thing! Character development is a good thing! BUT- but… there's a lot of time spent developing the various characters and their wants, hopes, and concerns, and I feel that their personalities and issues could have been more seamlessly integrated into the narrative, rather than forcing the plot into slow motion.
Too, I have some quibbles with the storytelling. The object that sets everything in motion a suspicious orange cone placed near the neighborhood’s beloved tree, but the cone seems to be forgotten for the bulk of the book. Moreover, the orange tree’s fate is wrapped up with the appearance of a mysterious stranger, but his motivations were never entirely clear to me even after his backstory was revealed.
That said, there's plenty to like about this book. Rocklin really captures the little rituals and worries and superstitions kids rely on. The gentle writing style and timeless setting are enjoyable, and the subtly diverse cast of characters is a plus.
The highlight of the book for me was Ms. Snoops, the oldest resident on Orange Street, written with great sensitivity as she recalls the most minute details about the past, but can't seem to remember what happened an hour earlier. Oh dear-- I just want to give her a reassuring pat on the hand.
Additionally, there are some genuinely stirring moments at the book's conclusion, and a comforting feeling of just-rightness with a satisfying epilogue. I love a good epilogue!
Orange Street has received several glowing reviews from journals and has been getting some Newbery buzz, so I’ll be curious to see if the committee recognizes it. I think this title may only appeal to the most patient young readers, and in fact, feels like the kind of book that will appeal more to adults than kids-- but since child appeal is not one of the criteria for the Newbery, who knows?
I listened to this book on CD, and I found myself ambivalent about Lisa Baney’s performance. I enjoyed her depiction of some of the adult characters-- Ms. Snoops and a cheerful set of grandparents in particular-- but her younger characters were unconvincing to me. So, the book itself and the audiobook experience were both a bit uneven for me. Still, I would recommend this title to an avid young reader looking for a realistic story, especially if they want something about friendship and community. I’m not sure it will appeal to everyone, but those who do connect with it will wholeheartedly enjoy it.
Flack, Sophie. Bunheads. 294 p. Poppy. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780316126533.
Although I’ve taken ballet at various times in my life, I have to admit that I’ve never progressed past beginner's level. Alas, I’m completely hopeless at chaine turns! So, ballet and I aren’t meant for each other, but I love it. It’s so structured, so disciplined. There’s so much effort that goes into holding one’s body in the proper stance, yet professional ballet dancers make it look so fluid and natural. I have the deepest respect for the years of training and dedication that go into a ballet career, so I was excited to read Sophie Flack’s debut novel about a young dancer in the corps of a prestigious New York ballet company. Hannah has devoted her whole life to dance, but isn’t sure it’s what she wants anymore.
Having danced with New York City Ballet for nine years, Flack writes from an insider’s perspective, and her expertise shows. This book is full of intimate details about life in a dance company, both painful and beautiful. She depicts it all with authenticity: the uplifting feeling of performing on stage, the rivalries between dancers, body image issues, the physical toll dancing can take, the single-minded focus necessary to succeed, and the varying attitudes of the dancers toward their careers.
For me, the appeal of this book is more about glimpsing the inner world of life in a ballet company, rather than a strongly driven plot. I was never quite sure whether the author wanted the reader to root for Hannah to stay in the ballet company or leave it, and I was a little conflicted about the ending (which I won’t spoil, don’t worry!). Hannah has a tough choice to make, and perhaps the ending is meant to be a little bittersweet. Major life choices are never easy and there’s not always a solution that’s 100% perfect. Many readers will be satisfied by the conclusion; I just found myself thinking, “But, but…!”
One of the influencing factors in Hannah’s ultimate decision is her relationship with aspiring musician, Jacob, and I wasn’t a big fan of his character. I was frustrated that he couldn’t understand why Hannah couldn’t or wouldn’t hang out all the time and do things like normal people-- surely it's not so hard to fathom that ballet dancers have to devote themselves entirely to dance. Frankly, I felt like telling Jacob to shut his yap! That said, Jacob is a realistic and well-written character. It doesn’t bother me that I didn’t fall head-over-heels for Hannah’s love interest, because this book isn’t really about romance. It’s about a young woman’s examination of her goals and her struggle to achieve balance in her life, which, I think, makes for a stronger story.
Anyone who has ever been involved in the performing arts will relate to this book. I really liked it, and will look forward to future books from Sophie Flack.
Bunheads hits bookstore shelves tomorrow, October 10. ARC for review borrowed from my friend Lalitha at SoCal Library Connection.
Selznick, Brian. Wonderstruck. 608 p. Scholastic. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780545027892.
Quite simply, this is an incredible book. When I turned the last page, I wanted to start again at the beginning. It's that good. I forgot about the world for a while and completely lost myself in the story and the exquisite artwork.
Selznick weaves together parallel stories about two children separated by 50 years. Rose's story, set in the beautifully depicted 1920s, is told entirely through images, and Ben's story in the slightly gritty 1970s is told in words. Both children are searching for something, both have hearing disabilities, and both find solace at American Museum of National History in New York City.
Tension is sustained as the stories alternate back and forth, and the reader wonders what on earth is going to happen to these two kids. It's remarkable how much Selznick's art conveys. Rose's story is necessarily simpler than Ben's, but each illustration is so expressive, emotions come through with remarkable clarity and the reader becomes fully invested in the plot. Selznick's prose is strong, too. It's more descriptive than the text of his previous novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, since images substituted descriptive language there, but the writing is still fast-paced and sufficiently straightforward to draw in even reluctant readers.
When the two stories mesh, it takes a minute to sink in. I really had a moment of: "Whoah, wait a minute. What? OHHHH..." I can't say any more, because discovering it on your own is the most fun. But when you see it, you'll know what I mean. The transition is surprisingly emotionally affecting, and just gorgeous.
There are several themes at play in this novel. It's a very affirming book about searching and finding, and also about curating, documenting, and defining one's self and one's experiences. The rather unexpected theme of curation is especially endearing to librarians, as are the references to the Dewey decimal system and Ben's librarian mother.
When the last past is turned, there's a wonderful author's note detailing Selznick's meticulous research. Someday, whenever I have the opportunity to visit New York City, I will be sure to add the American Museum of National History to my list of places to see. In fact, I look forward to sharing this book with my children in preparation for a trip to New York. One of my favorite things to do when traveling as a child was visiting locations mentioned in books, and Wonderstruck lends itself perfectly to that agenda. I can't wait to share Ben and Rose with my children and seek out the special places they'll know from this book. Given that my children are currently still in diapers, I'll have to wait a while... but I know they're going to love it.
My big question after reading this title is, of course: will it win a Caldecott? I think it's completely deserving, but I wonder if Hugo Cabret's win will detract from this title's chances, since the format is very similar. I hope not! I feel like Selznick uses images in a slightly different way here than he did in Hugo Cabret, and I'd love to see this one win, too.
Thank you, Brian Selznick, for contributing another amazing book to the world.
Wonderstruck will be published on September 13. ARC for review was picked up by my library director at BEA and graciously shared.
Brashares, Ann. Sisterhood Everlasting. Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2011. Audiobook $40.00. ISBN 9780307912220.
Oh, Sisterhood Everlasting. I was hoping to love you! Alas, our love was not meant to be.
This conclusion to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series picks up a decade after the last book left off, and the four best friends are all grown up... but lost without each other.
My issues: The characters are really, really immature. Traits that were acceptable in teenagers, I found intolerable in adults. Lena is still painfully passive and afraid to act in any capacity; Bridget is still a screw-up who does whatever she wants without thinking of others. Carmen- always my favorite character- is the only one who seems to have her life together, but she’s clearly got her priorities in the wrong order-- she’s putting her career first (tsk!) and has apparently lost her ability to think deep thoughts because she’s constantly glued to an iPhone.
Hey. I like my iPhone.
Also, the plot is kind of a downer, and while I’m okay with the fact that not everything in life is all sparkles and unicorns, I found the pacing through the sad parts of this book to be, well, somewhat excruciating.
To be fair to Brashares, a good deal of my irritation with this book may stem from the audiobook narrator. Angela Goethals has a truly lovely voice. She sounds youthful enough to believably portray all the characters, and does a commendable job creating distinct voices for each character-- which is a difficult task, as the main characters are all 29 year old females. But! My main problem with her reading is that it's very slowly paced and overly deliberate. Her delivery plays up the angsty melodrama… or maybe her melodramatic tone is caused by the inherent melodrama in the text. Either way, I found myself shouting at the audiobook frequently. Things like: “THIS AGAIN?” and “REALLY? YOU WENT THERE?” and “LENA, I WILL SMACK YOU.”
Which, on the bright side, means that at least the book elicited a strong reaction from me, right?
So, while I can’t say I exactly enjoyed the experience of this novel, I will say that I couldn’t put it aside. I absolutely had to keep listening; I had to find out how everything would end up for these characters I had so loved from the first four volumes of the series. Most fans of the Traveling Pants books will likely feel the same way, whether they end up loving this book or not-- for better or worse, it's a compelling read if you loved the first four.
Sloan, Holly Goldberg. I'll Be There. 392 p. Little, Brown. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780316122795.
Everyone's been raving about this book all year, and let me tell you-- it lives up to the hype!
Two brothers, Sam and Riddle, have been dragged around the country by their abusive, mentally ill father for most of their lives. They finally get a taste of normal life after a chance encounter with a girl... but how long can normal last?
The first thing that struck me about this novel is the strong voice. The writing is tight, like every sentence, every word has been carefully considered for maximum impact. I was completely in awe while reading. Author Holly Goldberg Sloan comes from an extensive screenwriting background, and it shows: this novel has a cinematic quality that will draw readers right into the pages. In fact, I would love to see a movie of it-- but only if Sloan herself writes the screenplay.
I'll Be There is a wholly engaging story with a large cast of fully realized characters. The genre is realistic contemporary with elements of romance, suspense, survival, mystery, and there's a little something for everyone here. It will appeal equally to a male and female audiences, and with the strong presence of adult characters in the cast and the minimum of teen angst, this is one of those YA novels you can recommend to adults who don't usually read YA.
This book puts me in mind of John Irving's style, with the way Sloan tells her story through a third-person omniscient point of view that allows for multiple perspectives, as well as the way she puts her characters through the most incredible situations-- some absurd, some heartbreaking, some inspiring.
And the cover? I can't stop staring at it. Utterly gorgeous.
I'll Be There is one of the most amazing debut novels I've read this year, and I eagerly await whatever Sloan has in store for us next.
Perkins, Stephanie. Anna and the French Kiss. 372 p. Dutton. 2010. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780525423270.
I'd heard so much about this book and deliberately held off reading it for a while. Why would one do that to a perfectly good book? See, I KNEW I would love it. So I was saving it for a time when I was in a reading slump and needed an absolutely wonderful read to perk me back up. I was waiting, ready to savor the reading experience when I would need it the most. As it happens, I ended up reading it just before our Authors Are ROCKSTARS! interview with Stephanie Perkins, Andrea Cremer, and Kiersten White, so I wasn't actually in a slump. But just as I had predicted, I loved, loved, loved this book.
It's the story of an American girl reluctantly transplanted in Paris. And of course, in a city known for its romance, she meets a boy. A shame he has a girlfriend, but they can just be friends, right...?
This book took me right back to the month I spent studying in Paris at the Sorbonne in 1998. In fact, I'm itching to book a plane ticket there RIGHT NOW! (Alas, my husband, toddler, and baby might have something to say about that.)
Photo by Flickr member okisayaka
I lived at the Cité Universitaire, international student housing, so Anna's dorm experience was nostalgic for me. The dining hall where I lived made the fluffiest, most delicious omelettes imaginable to which I will forevermore compare all other omelettes... and they will never, ever measure up-- they were made to order, and each one was like a work of art-- but I digress. Sorry, I got caught up in French food nostalgia!
I love the details of Paris in this book. Despite the fact that Perkins had never been to Paris before she wrote Anna, she got it all amazingly, wonderfully right through the power of research. The Latin quarter! Shakespeare & Company bookstore! Standing on point zero in front of Notre Dame! Francophiles will love this.
Photo by flickr member mojavesin
Much has been said in other reviews about Perkins' ability to write Anna as an authentic teen, and I agree. Anna is an appealing, well-rounded character with relatable flaws and quirks, and her realistic, sometimes sarcastic, voice makes the book such a pleasure to read as she gains confidence in her new surroundings and in herself. And of course, her love interest, St. Clair... what can I say? A charming, self-deprecating guy with a British accent? Well. I think most of us would be happy to read entire volumes about him.
Anna's story of self-discovery and romance stands alone, but there are two more companion novels to look forward to. Lola and the Boy Next Door will hit bookstores in late September, and I can't wait to read it.
Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks at Point Mouette. Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2011. Audiobook $34.00. ISBN 9780307915313.
The third installment of the charming Penderwicks series is... oh, it's completely... just...
BRB, BOOKING MY VACATION COTTAGE IN MAINE!
...okay, only in my dreams. Sigh. But yes, this book is truly a treasure. It makes you want to stay in a cozy cottage on the coast of Maine and eat lots of pie, just like the three youngest Penderwicks and their friend Jeffrey do. It's the perfect summer read.
For the most part, the book isn't exactly plot driven, but is thoroughly enjoyable due to the charm of its characters, with their quirky and relatable personalities, their worries and hopes, and their delight in the everyday. Like Elizabeth Enright's Melendy quartet, which is one of the inspirations for this series, this book is filled with small adventures-- the kind that make summer magical, and can be replicated by the reader. The Melendy kids inspired me to count shooting stars during the Perseids meteor shower, eat petits fours, and get the occasional manicure (hee, poor Mona!). Likewise, Penderwicks devotees will undoubtedly be moved to build a fire on the beach and roast marshmallows, go boating, learn to play the piano (or at least appreciate it), and maybe hunt for lost golf balls. Lovely stuff.
This the first Penderwicks book I experienced as an audiobook, and I wasn't sure I'd like it as well as the print version. One of the things I love best about reading this series is soaking up the language, and I didn't think I'd be able to do that with an audiobook. But Susan Denaker's performance is perfect for the Penderwicks. In addition to portraying each character with a distinct and believable voice, her narration has a gentle tone and precise diction, well-suited to the old-fashioned feel of the book. At first, I thought her pace was too slow, but as I relaxed into it, I realized the pace allowed me to soak up the language-- just like I wanted. Listening to this audiobook is like having a dear aunt read you a bedtime story. I wished it would go on forever.
I came to love Skye more and more in this book, as much of the story is centered around her learning to take confidence in her ability to take care of her family in her older sister's absence. I always liked Skye, but she really shines in this book, sarcastic and straightforward. Maybe, too, it was the audiobook reader. She gets Skye's deadpan skepticism just right.
Okay, now this next bit is only of interest to those of you who have read the series, but I have to get put it out there: I AM SO CURIOUS ABOUT WHO WILL END UP WITH JEFFREY. Because let's face it, somebody has to, right? Skye seems like the natural choice, but could Birdsall pull an Alcott and pair him with the youngest sister later on? According to this fascinating interview, the next Penderwicks book will take place six whole years (gasp!!) after this one, and the series finale will again jump forward in time, so it's possible. Batty and Jefferey do share a certain bond. OR... will Birdsall "fix" Alcott and pair the boy next door with the second-oldest, the sister he SHOULD end up with? (Because, seriously people, did anyone really like Amy with Laurie? Didn't think so!) Skye and Jefferey are so completely MFEO, in my opinion. I felt like there were definite hints at setting up a future romance in this book more than the others, but Birdsall is playing with us a little. AND I LOVE IT.
Hmmmm. Am I the only one shipping Penderwicks? Probably! Still. Your thoughts?
If you haven't read this series yet, and you've been wondering why nobody writes good, old-fashioned books for kids anymore... what are you waiting for? You'll love the Penderwicks, and the third book is no exception.
Chaltas, Thalia. Displacement. 364 p. Viking Childrens Books. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780670011995.
Novels in verse aren't always my cup of tea. In fact, to be completely honest, more often than not, I'll pass them by. A lot of the time I just don't understand Why The prose needs to be Broken up On different lines Like this.
...oooh, actually, now that I did that? It was kind of fun!
Anyway, novels in verse may not exactly be my thing, but at the same time, I don't harbor an automatic prejudice against them. I can be swayed by one that's well done, and I found myself really getting into Displacement. It's a quick yet thought-provoking read about a girl who's grieving the loss of her younger sister. She decides to get away from her life and her family for a while by escaping to an isolated town in the desert.
Chaltas uses evocative language to set the scene and illuminate the main character's struggle with grief and her journey to healing. Chaltas' writing works especially well to bring the setting to life-- the desert is a strong presence in the book, almost a character in itself. Word choices are deliberate and powerful, and the reader can really sense why this author writes in poetry rather than prose.
Sometimes, too, Chaltas' language is rather... shall I say blunt? Like, you know how in some books and TV shows, characters never have to go to the bathroom? Well, um, this book doesn't have that issue. Your mileage may vary as to whether that's a positive or a negative!
I think this book will have an appreciative audience in teens because of its themes of self-discovery and healing, so I'll be buying it for my library's collection.
Displacement was published earlier this month; ARC for review snagged at ALA Midwinter.
