Audiobook Review: The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater

Stiefvater, Maggie. The Scorpio Races. 2011. Scholastic Audio Books. Audiobook $79.99. ISBN 9780545357050. 

Let me admit this up front: I'm not really a horse person. I went to Girl Scout horse camp in 5th grade, and I liked it, but I've never been enamored of horses the way so many girls are.

So maybe I'm not the ideal audience for The Scorpio Races, a story about a boy and a girl who live on an island where wild, dangerous water horses climb out of the ocean every Fall, and the islanders try to tame and ride them in an annual race. It's a brutal tradition in which not everyone survives, and both Sean and Kate (called Puck) have their own reasons for participating.

My feelings are mixed about the book as a whole, but by the end, I have to admit that I kind of did come to love the horses.

For me, this book's strength lies in its atmospheric setting. I could practically feel the bracing winds and smell the sea through Stiefvater's prose. Though it is fictional, the remote little island of Thisby feels completely real, layered with its own history.

In contrast, my difficulty in connecting with this book lies in the character of Puck. She's selfish, prickly, and often startlingly ungrateful: a difficult character to like. I'm usually all for a character with flaws, and her flaws may very well make her more endearing to many readers, but Puck's self-centered outlook grated on me. Despite the fact that she does show growth, compassion, and maturity toward the end of the book, I felt I spent too much time simply trying to endure her. Alas!

I enjoyed other characters, though-- especially Puck's little brother, Finn, for his loyalty and faith in his sister. I'm pretty sure I said "aww!" every time he made an appearance.

Since this Printz Honor winning novel was also named an Odyssey Honor book for audiobook excellence, and was selected as one of YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, I decided to listen to this book on CD. And indeed, the audiobook production is gorgeous. Steve West as Sean and Fiona Hardingham as Puck deliver solid, rich performances and bring so much life to the characters. Both narrators have excellent pacing and British accents that are simply a pleasure to hear.

When audiobooks feature dual narrators, each narrator is responsible for their own main character, but they also read the dialogue of the other narrator's character in scenes where the two interact. I always wonder if the director has both narrators listen to each other's performance, so they can loosely replicate the other actor's pitch and pacing. I don't think all audiobook productions go to that level of detail, but I do believe Steve West and Fiona Hardingham must have listened to each other's performances. Their deliveries of each other's characters in dialogue scenes are spot-on, making for a seamless listening experience.  

Not only are the narrators utterly fantastic, but Stiefvater appears at the end of the audiobook with an informative and interesting author's note explaining the research she did about water horse mythology.

Also, the audiobook is framed by evocative music that suits the story perfectly-- and which, as I was astounded and impressed to learn, was composed by the author herself. Talk about talent! The music is also featured in the mesmerizing book trailer, animated by Stiefvater. I am in awe. Take a look!



In the end, although The Scorpio Races was a somewhat uneven read for me, I can appreciate its merits, and can see why it has garnered so much recognition. It is a beautifully written, fantastically original novel.

Book Review: Sisters of Glass, by Stephanie Hemphill

Hemphill, Stephanie. Sisters of Glass. 272 p. Knopf Books for Young Readers. 2012. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780375861093. 

The latest book from Printz Honor winning author, Stephanie Hemphill, provides a lovely look at 15th century Venice and centers around a fascinating topic I knew very little about before reading: glassblowing.  

Sisters of Glass, a novel in verse, tells the story of Maria, the second daughter of the Barovier family, famed for their glassmaking. Her late father proclaimed that she should marry a nobleman, and thus it must be so-- even though that role would traditionally go to the elder sister, Giovanna. The sisters clash as the family attempts to make a suitable match for Maria. Meanwhile, they've hired a handsome artisan to help maintain the family business, and Maria can't help but take notice of him, although he's far from being part of the nobility.

The setting of the Venetian island of Murano during the 15th century is vibrant, and the characters are believable. The swoon-worthy forbidden romance brings an alluring element to the plot, and many readers will relate to the turbulent yet strongly affectionate relationship between the two sisters.

I included this book in my list of Downton Abbey readalikes because the plot has a lot to do with the social customs of its era, particularly pertaining to the roles of women. It's curious how much responsibility rests on the weight of a young woman's shoulders- save the family's fortune by making a good marriage!- but they have so little agency. Readers will root for Maria and Giovanna-- they are definitely girls with goals.

Personally, one of my favorite aspects of this book was the chance to learn about the art and history of glassblowing on the island of Murano. (My BA is in Art History! I love this stuff!) The Barovier family of this book is a real part of Murano history-- the oldest glassmaking family in the world, with a tradition of glass production that can be traced back to the 13th century, according to barovier.com.

Coupe de Angelo Barovier, Museo del vetro, Murano.

Murano glass is still a sought-after art form today. Hemphill's descriptions of the island and its famous glass made me eager to visit Murano someday. I love that this rich tradition is still alive after so many centuries.

Photo of Murano by flickr user Harsh Light

I only wish this book had been longer. I could have happily read more! And the ending is perhaps a bit too convenient. But it will please those who just love a happy ending-- as well as students who are required to read a certain number of pages for a historical fiction assignment, as the verse format manages to provide a decent page count while the amount of text is light and very readable.

Sisters of Glass is a quick, engaging read, and a good introduction to the verse novel format. Look for it in bookstores everywhere on March 27. ARC for review provided by Random House Children's Books via NetGalley.
 

Audiobook Review: Hattie Big Sky

Larson, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky. 2007. Listening Library. Audiobook $37.00. ISBN 9780739350515.

I never knew I was interested in the adventures of a girl trying to prove up on a homesteading claim in 1918 Montana until Kirby Larson wrote Hattie Big Sky. I love it when a book surprises me like that. 

Sixteen-year-old orphan, Hattie, inherits a piece of land that must be "proved up" on before it's hers, meaning that she must show evidence that she's living there and must meet certain farming requirements before the land is officially hers. She doesn't know a thing about farming, but she's up for the challenge.

The hardships of homesteading life are brought into vivid detail by Larson, who must have done extensive research. In addition to a multidimensional cast of characters that the reader grows to love and an episodic plot that borders on survival story at times, the setting and time period of the story are fascinating to me. Hattie is facing this incredibly intense pioneer lifestyle-- in 1918. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't know people were still homesteading in 1918!

By that time, most people in urban or suburban areas were living comfortably with indoor plumbing and automobiles, not living in a tiny shack and hammering fence posts into the ground. Hattie's struggles to reach her own barn in a blizzard are juxtaposed with a sobering portrayal of the prejudice against German Americans during World War I, and the combination of these elements makes for a truly unique setting. Much more Little House on the Prairie than Betsy-Tacy.

The story has a satisfying and realistic ending that leaves the door open for more, so I just about squealed aloud when I read that Larson is working on a Hattie sequel. I can't wait to spend more time with this character.

I'm glad I experienced this most excellent book in audio format. Kirsten Potter's engaging narration made my daily commute much more vibrant than usual. Her voice sounds a bit more mature than I would imagine Hattie, but she's got a strong, down-to-earth quality that really works for the character. Potter makes the listener believe that this girl is no cream puff-- she's a driven young woman, and she's going to do everything in her power to succeed.

My children, ages three and one, are often subjected to random bits and pieces of whatever audiobook I'm listening to, and let's just say they don't hesitate to give me their opinions. (Seriously: there was another audiobook that actually made the one-year-old CRY every time we listened to it. Oops!) Well, Hattie got an enthusiastic seal of approval from my three-year-old. There's a particularly exciting chapter involving a cow, and every time we got into the car after that, it was, "Mama? Can listen to cow story, please?" We all loved this audiobook.

Hattie Big Sky was named a Newbery Honor book in 2007, and is very deserving of the award. I would recommend this rich and uplifting book to students assigned to read historical fiction for school, as well as readers who are already avid fans of the genre-- it's certain to please most any reader.

Book Review: Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale

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.

(Speaking of which, have you listened to our Authors are ROCKSTARS! podcast interview with Shannon? Love 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.

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green

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.

Book Review: Incarnate, by Jodi Meadows

Meadows, Jodi. Incarnate. 384 p. Katherine Tegen. 2012. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780062060754.

With its gorgeous cover and intriguing premise, this was my first pick for the 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by the Story Siren.

Incarnate is set in a world where everyone's soul is reincarnated over and over-- until one soul disappears forever, and later, Ana is born. Her soul is new, and nobody knows what to make of her. Raised on the fringes of society by an unloving mother, she is determined to discover the truth of her existence. As she begins her search for information, she is aided by a young man named Sam, and must learn to trust the first person who has ever shown her kindness.

This book is filled with truly lovely writing that drew me into the story and kept me reading, even though I felt mixed about several elements. Brisk pacing moves things along nicely, yet the plot is slightly unfocused. Ana's mission to find out more about herself is set alongside the development of her romance with Sam. The two aspects of the story don't always seem to mesh, and even compete for importance at times.

As far as characterization goes, I enjoyed the practical and patient Sam, but found myself frustrated by Ana's constant angst, even as I empathized with her difficulties and doubts in navigating a society where she's the ultimate outsider.

The worldbuilding in this book is inventive. But with fantasy elements such as dragons intermingled with mundane contemporary items like backpacks and handheld electronic devices, I felt like I never quite had a grasp on the setting. Is an an alternate universe? Our world in another era? I couldn't get my head around it, and the uncertainty nagged at me. That said, I think the need for a strictly defined setting may very well be a personal quirk of mine! I can see other readers really getting into this world-- it's unique, mysterious, and there's an intensely vivid segment toward the end of the book that takes place in a surreal location that stands out as particularly memorable.

Ultimately, even though this was an uneven read for me, I can see its appeal for readers who love fantasy and are looking for something a little different. I predict that this book will circulate often in my library.

Incarnate comes out tomorrow, January 31st, in bookstores everywhere. ARC for review received from Katherine Tegen, an imprint of HarperCollins, via NetGalley.

Book Review: A Ball for Daisy, by Chris Raschka

Raschka, Chris. A Ball for Daisy. 32 p. Schwartz and Wade. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9780375858611. 

As a teen services librarian, I have to admit I was less tuned into the potential Caldecott contenders than Newbery or Printz, so I didn't register an immediate reaction when A Ball for Daisy was announced as the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner. I knew Chris Raschka's work, but hadn't read his latest.

So when I pulled it off the library shelf, and thought, "A wordless picture book about a dog and her ball? Okay, looks adorable, but..." I have to admit, on first glance, I wondered what made this book stand out above the rest. I was skeptical-- would it have substance?

And then I read it, and I found the substance.

The plot is straightforward: Daisy the dog loves her ball beyond all else... until the day another dog accidentally pops it. But this deceptively simple story grows deeper with each re-reading.

It's a story of a dog and her ball, yes, but it's also a story of loss, acceptance, and healing.

Raschka's thoughtful use of color and bold, unrestrained brush strokes convey a vivid spectrum of emotions, from pure joy to confusion and grief. There is genuine heartbreak in the sequence of drawings where Daisy puzzles through the loss of her beloved ball and finally realizes that it's gone.

According to this NPR article,

The story was inspired by Raschka's son, who had a beloved ball that was destroyed by a dog. "[It happened] when he was 4 ... and it was such a devastation for him," Raschka says. "It's kind of ... the first time he experienced something he loved ending, and that he couldn't get that back."

Raschka depicts so clearly the pain of that first, incomprehensible, irrevocable loss. Happily, Daisy's story is resolved in the end as she learns to love anew, and the reader is left with a sense of satisfaction and relief. And ultimately, it's such a relatable story. Who among us hasn't lost something?

I tested this as a read-aloud with my three-year-old, and it was a big hit with him. We talked about how Daisy felt about her ball, how she felt when she lost her ball, and so on. Not only did my son like the cute doggy and her ball, but reading this book together and supplying our own words for the story presented a valuable opportunity for discussing emotions and identifying how body language can transmit certain feelings.

Reading this book with my son, I felt like hugging him a little tighter. As his mother, I want to spare him the sadness of losing something he loves, but I know can't. It will happen eventually. And when it does, I can take heart from Daisy's story-- how she learns to move on and embrace the next good thing in her life.

I highly recommend A Ball for Daisy. I could read it again and again. Good choice, Caldecott Committee.

Book Review: Martha Doesn't Say Sorry, by Samantha Berger & Bruce Whatley

 

Berger, Samantha & Whatley, Bruce. Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! 48 p. Little, Brown. 2009. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780316066822.

If you have a three year old, you NEED this book. Believe me, I know.

It tells the story of a spirited young otter named Martha who, as you can guess from the title, is kind of a pain in the rear. She stirs up all kinds of trouble and then has a little trouble with apologies.

NOT COOL, MARTHA.

But, of course, she does learn the beauty of a nice, clear "I'm sorry" in the end. Whew!

Now, why is it that kids love watching other kids do something bad and get in trouble for it? Toddler schadenfreude, I tell you. Our little guy picked out this book all on his own, and he finds Martha's naughtiness hilarious. He totally gets that she's doing bad things, and he delights in commenting disapprovingly on her behavior. ("Marfa not say sorry.")

The story may seem didactic to an adult, but it's wonderfully simple and straight to the point, reinforcing the importance of an apology at just the perfect level for a small child's understanding. The illustrations add a layer of levity to the text that children and adults will both enjoy.

The book's title is repeated quite a few times in the narrative, making for a fun-filled interactive reading experience. When you read it aloud, trail off with "Martha doesn't say..." and let your little one fill in with an exuberant "SORRY!" This works well for enhancing the participatory elements of a preschool storytime, too.

I love it-- Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! is a crowd-pleaser that teaches an important lesson.

Book Review: The Dead of Winter, by Chris Priestley

Priestley, Chris. The Dead of Winter. 224 p. Bloomsbury USA. 2012. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781599907451.

This engaging, atmospheric gothic novel is the perfect antidote to the 80-degee weather we've been having here in Southern California lately. I mean, it's JANUARY. I'd like to feel the cold!

Well, despite the unseasonable temperatures, reading The Dead of Winter made me want to wrap myself in a heavy blanket and sit in front of a roaring fire to keep warm. It's deliciously chilling!

The plot neatly comprises nearly all the familiar Victorian gothic tropes: an orphan, a gloomy old manor with a tortured owner; a helpful and loyal servant; a tragic ghost. Oh, and moors. In short, it's pretty awesome.

This book reads like an homage to classic gothic novels, and could be a great introduction to Poe or the Bronte sisters. Occasional SAT words encourage vocabulary building, but short sentences and a fairly straightforward plot make the old-fashioned writing style very approachable for a young reader.

The ambiguous ending works well with the tone of the novel, and the overall effect is genuinely creepy, but not exactly scary-- a solid pick for a middle schooler who likes ghost stories. 

The Dead of Winter was published in the UK in 2010, and will hit US bookstore shelves on January 31. ARC for review provided by Bloomsbury USA via NetGalley.

Book Review: Across the Universe Series, by Beth Revis

Revis, Beth. Across the Universe. 398 p. Razorbill. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9781595143976.

Revis, Beth. A Million Suns. 400 p. Razorbill. 2012. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9781595143983.

Across the Universe begins with an agonizing decision as seventeen-year-old Amy must choose whether to stay on Earth or be cryogenically frozen for 300 years alongside her parents, who are instrumental in a space mission to a new planet. She decides to go with her parents-- but is awoken 50 years too early. Somebody on the spaceship is unplugging the frozen people and leaving them for dead, and she has to solve the mystery before her parents fall victim to the murderer.

I'm honestly not much of a sci-fi reader, yet Across the Universe kept me turning the pages with its layered characters and riveting plot twists. The narrative is well paced, blending mystery and suspense with moments of human reflection, (justified!) angst, and even some romance as Amy forges a tentative relationship with the ship's future leader, Elder. The story is told through the dual narration of these two characters, and the constant shifting between their perspectives works to keep driving the plot forward.

I truly felt immersed in this book. Reading about characters cooped up on a spaceship made me crave the outdoors. I had to go out for a walk and get some fresh air, and had a new appreciation for the ability to breathe fresh air and see the sky! Revis creates and sustains a remarkably claustrophobic atmosphere with the spaceship setting, and the result is unforgettable.

A Million Suns does exactly what a sequel should do: it has more of what we experienced in the first volume, but ups the stakes, reveals more complications, and delves deeper into the characters and their relationships. It answers questions from Across the Universe while raising new ones, and leaves the reader eager for the final book in the trilogy. There were some truly awesome "OMG!" moments in this one. Just when you think it can't get any worse for these characters, Revis drops another bomb. I couldn't put it down!

I recommend these books to sci-fi fans and non-fans alike. This series has something to appeal to almost every reader. Don't miss it!

Across the Universe was published in last year, and A Million Suns comes out from Razorbill/Penguin tomorrow, January 10.

Book Review: Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi

Rossi, Veronica. Under the Never Sky. 400 p. HarperCollins. 2012. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780062072030.

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I was seriously hooked!

A unique blend of dystopian sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure, Under the Never Sky tells the story of Aria, a girl from a rigid pod-based society whose residents use virtual reality to escape the monotony of their closed-in life. When she's banished to the outside world after an incident, she is rescued by the rugged Outsider, Perry. Though the two can't stand each other, they have to learn to work together to achieve a common goal.

This book strikes me as a great title to introduce science fiction to a non-sci-fi reader. Despite the dystopian setting, most of the action takes place in the more primitive outside world. With battles against warring tribes, fierce wolves, and unpredictable bursts of deadly weather, the bulk of the narrative is a riveting survival story as Aria and Perry undertake their journey through one dangerous situation after another. 

Worldbuilding is somewhat vague, but I didn't mind the lack of specifics one bit. I didn't feel like I needed to know exactly what had happened to this world to make it such a harsh place-- I could glean enough from context. 

Rossi's concept of a dualistic society is inventive, with those living in the pods being completely dependent on their technology, and those left on the outside having developed supernatural powers to help them survive the elements. The contrasts between these two factions of society set up a perfectly compelling conflict between the two main characters as they learn to overcome their differences.

Indeed, the romance between Aria and Perry is well-crafted and quite swoon-worthy-- definitely one of the highlights of the narrative for me. These characters harbor true disdain for each other initially, and the gradual development of their relationship is believable, with genuine chemistry. I couldn't get enough of these two!

First in a trilogy, this fast-paced story is sure to please those who read across a variety of genres.

Under the Never Sky hits bookstore shelves today. ARC for review provided by HarperCollins via NetGalley.

Book Review: Dumpling Days, by Grace Lin

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.

Audiobook Review: Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool

Vanderpool, C. Moon Over Manifest. 2010. Random House Audio. Audiobook $25.00. ISBN 9780307941930.

When this year's Newbery winner was announced, I had the same reaction as a lot of readers:  Moon over WHAT? It kind of came from left field to win the medal. But let me tell you, that Newbery committee knew what they were doing when they chose this title. It's good. Really, really good! To be honest, I had my doubts about how I would like it, but ended up completely riveted.

It's a book in which different threads of story come together in an satisfying conclusion. In 1936, Abilene is sent to the town of Manifest, Kansas, while her father works on the railroad, which he says is no place for a young girl. Her father had spent some time in Manifest as a boy, and Abilene is determined to find out more about his connection to the town. In her efforts to discover the history of her father, she discovers the history of the town itself.

Moon Over Manifest is one of those seemingly quiet books that kids may not pick up on their own. But if they do, they’ll undoubtedly be drawn into the mystery of the story as it unfolds layer by layer. Boys and girls will both enjoy this book equally, as there are two main characters: Abilene in 1936, and Jinx, the boy whose letters she discovers from 1918.

Of the dual narratives that make up the story, it’s Jinx’s story that really grabs the reader. His story is filled with lively characters, high stakes, and brilliant schemes, and Abilene's story is more of a frame. The storytelling is masterfully executed, as neither portion of the story would have the impact of the two combined. Abilene’s determination to find out more about her father gives emotional weight to the flashbacks, and the structure of the narrative makes for a fascinating puzzle as the reader wonders how the town went from a place full of hope in 1918 to a near ghost-town in 1936. If we didn’t have the picture of the town in 1936, the events of 1918 wouldn’t mean as much to the reader.

This novel works very well as an audiobook. The three modes of storytelling (the main narrative, a newspaper column, and a young soldier's letters home from war) are differentiated nicely with three actors reading the parts. The two secondary narrators, Kirby Heyborne and Cassandra Campbell, bring their roles to life and are a pure pleasure to hear.

The primary narrator, Justine Eyre, has a very distinctive texture to her voice that makes her unconvincing as a young girl, so I’m not sure she’s the best choice for a first-person youth narration. That said, she has excellent pacing, and does a fabulous job with the adult characters. She’s got quite a range, creating distinct voices for each character and using a variety of accents. Also, I enjoyed that her speech is clipped and precise in a way that sounds old-fashioned, like something out of a 1930s movie, making her performance perfect for historical fiction.

I still find myself thinking about this book months after finishing it.  I'm so glad I gave it a try, and recommend it enthusiastically to anyone looking for a solid, uplifting story.

Book Review: Stars, by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee

Ray, Mary Lyn and Frazee, Marla. Stars. 40 p. Beach Lane Books. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781442422490.

This beautifully illustrated, simply written picture book calls children to notice the stars, to feel comforted and strengthened by their presence-- even when they're invisible. The narrative underscores the importance of having something to believe in. It also encourages creativity and imaginative play, and invites children to look beyond the literal and see stars in different places all around them.

For me, the highlight of this book is Marla Frazee's artwork. Always expressive and endearing, her coloring technique reminds me of Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire's work, as the drawings seem to glow from within. There's an illustration of three children cozily huddled in a hollow tree trunk that's positively spellbinding. If it were made available as an art print, I would buy it immediately. (I'd like an art print of the cover illustration, too, please.)

The richness of Frazee's artwork emerges with each reading of this book. Details and characterizations reveal themselves to the delight of a child who loves to make visual connections, and the brilliance with which Frazee depicts the vastness of the sky is stunning.

Ray's text is spare and lovely. The concepts are easily relatable for a child, and an adult will enjoy the deeper themes reflected. It occasionally seems a little aimless to me ("Because a star is different from a rock."), but there are moments of pure beauty. I love the way the book begins:

"A star is how you know it’s almost night.
As soon as you see one, there’s another, and another.
And the dark that comes doesn’t feel so dark."

This book has become a welcome part of my three-year-old son's bedtime routine. He asks for it every night, and I'm more than happy to cuddle up and read it with him.

I've heard Caldecott buzz for this one, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a sticker on its cover next year.

Book Review: Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again was my "lunch hour" book for a few days, so here it is on my desk at the library.
It's surrounded by my favorite scarf because unlike the subtropical climate of south Vietnam,
it's been co-o-o-ld here in Orange County and I've been bundling up! 

Lai, Thanhha. Inside Out and Back Again. 272 p. HarperCollins. 2011. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780061962783.

I'm still thinking about this book, reflecting on it several days after finishing it. Reading the author's story of her family's escape from Vietnam just before the fall of Saigon felt personal for me. My husband was born here in California, but his family, too, escaped Vietnam in 1975.

His family rarely mentions their refugee experience because it was so harrowing. The memories are too difficult to talk about, too overwhelming to bring to the surface. The older generation doesn’t want to “burden” their children by discussing what they went through.

I think it’s really important, therefore, that Thanhha Lai has written her family's story. It's fictionalized, yes, but as I understand it, still very much the truth of her own experience, and reflects the stories of so many who escaped Vietnam at that time. Through this poignant novel in verse, younger generations of Vietnamese-Americans can gain perspective on the pain and trauma their parents and grandparents endured to give them the life they lead now.

Even without the personal connection, this is an intensely powerful book. Readers don’t have to be Vietnamese-American or be connected to refugees in any way to feel their heart rate increase as the tension of war infiltrates daily life, perch on the edge of their seat during the desperate escape on a crowded ship, or sigh with empathy at the bullying young Hà endures as she struggles to adapt to her new life in the United States.

Headstrong Hà is a relatable protagonist and a keen observer of the world around her. Young readers will champion her for getting angry at the frustrations and limitations she faces as a refugee trying to learn a new language and culture. Lai doesn't sugar-coat, and the effect is stunningly real. The verse format is a perfect fit for her story, eliciting heartbreak or laughter with just a few words.

A fairly quick read that's well worth lingering over, Inside Out and Back Again is the winner of the 2011 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

Book Review: Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake

Blake, Kendare. Anna Dressed in Blood. 316 p. Tor. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780765328656.

For whatever reason, I ignored the buzz about this book, even though there was a LOT of it. But once my library’s copy came across my desk, I found myself absolutely hooked from the first page. I love it when a book takes me by surprise like that!

The premise is awesome: a creepy Victorian house haunted by the wrathful spirit of a murdered teenage girl who kills anyone who enters the house... except our ghost-hunting main character, who’s there to put an end to her slaying spree? HELLO, SIGN ME UP.

And the book delivers on that awesome premise, making for a fast-paced, genuinely engaging read. Really, I have no idea why I didn’t pick it up sooner.

Anna Dressed in Blood reads like a really awesome episode of the TV show, Supernatural-- before the show got all convoluted with demons and angels, back when it was just monster-hunting, I mean. There’s lots of legends and lore, and the horror is pitch perfect in this book. There are some genuinely chilling scenes and really creepy, gruesome imagery-- things I’d cover my eyes to avoid watching on a screen, but don’t traumatize me in print. Scary, but fun!

It’s kind of unfortunate that this book has a girl on the cover and a girl’s name in the title, because it's not just for girls-- guys will totally dig it too. It’s got a gruff, street-smart male protagonist who delivers some truly great hilarious one-liners. It’s light on the romance and heavy on the action and suspense. It’s got gore. I know, I know-- the cover and title shouldn’t matter, guys should transcend stereotypes and read it anyway… but I can tell you from experience pitching books to teen guys, most of them are pretty self-conscious about reading a potential “girl” book. Alas! So it might take some convincing, but I would definitely recommend this title to girls and guys.

But speaking of the cover… BONUS! There’s a dead girl depicted, but unlike so many other dead girls on book covers, she’s clearly not a victim. She looks strong and imposing. Dead girl empowerment! It’s about time.

I enthusiastically recommend Anna Dressed in Blood to anyone looking for a slightly scary story to curl up with on a chilly Fall night.

Book Review: Audition, by Stasia Ward Kehoe

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.

Book Review: Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi

Mafi, Tahereh. Shatter Me. 342 p. HarperCollins. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780062085481.

In the wake of The Hunger Games, there are a lot of novels about dystopian societies popping up these days-- but with its inventive premise, heart-pounding romance, and strong writing, Shatter Me stands out from the crowd.

Juliette is incarcerated for a crime she didn’t mean to commit. She has the power to kill a person just by touching them... a power she doesn’t want. Society is in shambles, the environment has gone haywire, and a new regime called The Reestablishment is in power. And they seek to use Juliette as a weapon.

Mafi’s use of language is striking and unique, crafting vivid imagery and believable emotions. Run-on sentences and strike-through formatting in the text deftly establish Juliette’s fragile mental state at the beginning of the story, and the writing gracefully shifts to a more even-keeled style as the character gains stability and confidence, occasionally reverting to run-ons to highlight moments of intense emotion with great effect.

The plot moves at a brisk pace, and the first-person, present-tense narration adds a sense of urgency. The full truth of Juliette’s lethal mistake unfolds bit by bit, and the big reveal is horrifying-- definitely a “wow” moment. Mafi pulls no punches, that’s for sure.

Readers will root for Juliette, a sympathetic main character who really deserves something good for once in her life. Fans of the dystopian genre will eat this book up, and the romance element of the story may attract readers who think they don’t like science fiction. I can’t wait to recommend it to teens at my library.

Shatter Me hits bookstore shelves today. ARC for review was picked up at BEA by my library director and graciously shared. Also, we have an interview coming up with Tahereh Mafi for the Authors are ROCKSTARS! podcast, so stay tuned!

Book Review: Between the Sea and Sky, by Jaclyn Dolamore

Dolamore, Jaclyn. Between the Sea and Sky. 240 p. Bloomsbury. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781599904344.

Ahhh, this book is just what I want out of a mermaid book. It's solid fantasy, as opposed to paranormal romance, taking place in an old-fashioned alternate-world Italy. Esmerine, a mermaid and newly appointed siren, uses her ability to form human legs when she goes above the water's surface to search for her older sister, who has gone missing. The only person she can turn to for help is Alandare, a winged boy, her childhood best friend... and perhaps more than that.

Detailed fashion descriptions, charming dialogue, and rich and imaginative worldbuilding all add up to a lovely read. Esmerine is a strong character with a lot of determination, and the gradually blossoming romance between her and Alandare is enchanting.

And a there's a bookshop!

The bookshop scenes will bring a smile to any book lover's face-- Alandare is hilariously snobbish about his customers' reading choices. In contrast, Esmerine turns out to be delightfully skillful at recommending a good read, and it's adorable.

Oh, and for anyone suffering from sequel-itis with all the trilogies out there these days, you'll be glad to note that this book stands satisfyingly alone.

We have a great interview with Jackie at Authors are ROCKSTARS!, so be sure to give it a listen, and pick up her books if you haven't already.

Book Review: The Kingdom of Xia series, by Cindy Pon

Pon, Cindy. Silver Phoenix. 338 p. Greenwillow. 2009. Paperback $8.99. ISBN 9780061730245.
Pon, Cindy. Fury of the Phoenix. 362 p. Greenwillow. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780061730252.

The Kingdom of Xia books comprise a captivating duology with a strong-willed heroine who possesses mysterious powers, adventure-filled quests, and a lush fantasy setting inspired by ancient China.

Now, I'd heard that these books would make me crave Chinese food, but that's an understatement. I was basically ready to PITCH A FIT if I didn't get dim sum after I finished reading.

Photo by Flickr member Robert S. Donovan

The protagonist, Ai Ling, loves her food, and I just wanted her to keep eating-- all the time! Every time a meal was described, I cheered a little. At one point, a character actually refused a meal, and I was like, “Noooo! What are you DOING? You have to EAT so I can READ about it!”

Seriously. The food descriptions are that tantalizing. Cindy Pon, you are brilliant.

It's not all about food, though. Exquisite worldbuilding provides a lush backdrop for inventive plotting. With a storyline that avoids being formulaic, I couldn't predict exactly where the plot would go, which allowed me to enjoy the journey as it unfolded through Pon's expert pacing. I love books where the characters travel from place to place, and savored each location so beautifully described in Silver Phoenix. Too, characters are well-developed and multi-faceted, each with their own goals and obstacles. Ai Ling is especially relatable, with believable flaws that she strives to overcome.

The sequel, Fury of the Phoenix, continues the story of Ai Ling and her swoon-worthy love interest, Chen Yong, while introducing a fascinating new setting and answering questions that were deliberately left dangling in the first volume. Told via dual narration, this book fills in the backstory of the first book's villain, Zhen Yong. Through reading his perspective, the reader gains surprising empathy for him. You're sort of pulling for the guy, even though you know things aren't going to end well for him. In that way, it's sort of like the Star Wars prequels-- but better! Because, you know, no Jar-Jar Binks.

And- this is important to note- there's still LOTS OF FOOD in Fury. I went into it thinking, “Okay, please please please make with the food...” and was rewarded by the second page. *fistpump*

With its elements of questing, adventure, and romance in a fantasy ancient Chinese setting, fans of Fushigi Yuugi and Avatar: The Last Airbender will love the Kingdom of Xia. I highly recommend these books, and look forward to whatever else Cindy Pon has in store for us in the future.