A Penguin Story

A Penguin Story, is the latest book by Antoinette Portis author/creator of Not a Box. Edna the penguin's life is snow white, dark nights, and blue water and sky. Craving color and something different, she ventures out into the world and finds ... orange! Eager to share her discovery, Edna rushes home and leads the others to a camp of scientists living in vivid orange tents with matching coats and gloves. The two communities become friends and when the scientists depart, Edna is given an orange glove as a reminder of their adventure. Portis cleverly uses a limited color palette of white, black, blue, and orange juxtaposed against the penguins for maximum effect; even the text is presented in black and white. Readers are left wondering what color Edna will find next on her next adventure, "What else could there be?"

Eagle-eyed readers will spot the low flying orange air plane foreshadowing color to come and might enjoy guessing what Edna will find during her journey through the frozen tundra. Children who have seen some of the recent penguin movies, such as Happy Feet, may have added questions concerning the scientists. However, this adventure will please anyone who has ever craved something different.

Pete & Pickles

Pete & Pickles, by Berkeley Breathed is a delightful story of unlikely friendship, acceptance and love between a "perfectly, predictable, pig" named Pete and a wonderfully exuberant circus elephant named Pickles. The pair meet during a stormy night when Pickles, an escapee from the circus, attempts to hide under Pete's couch. Found and returned to the circus by a tired clown, Pickles leaves behind a gift of bright, yellow dandelions. Pete's walk the next day takes him to the circus where he helps Pickles escape; soon the two friends are sharing Pete's home and wonderful adventures directed by the free-spirited elephant. Friendship hits a snag when Pickles begins "getting into things she shouldn't have been in" and Pete asks her to leave. The resulting fiasco causes mayhem and puts the pair in danger. Told with vibrant and lush digitally mastered artwork, Pete & Pickles is an appealing tale perfect for sharing.

The Boxer and the Spy

In The Boxer and the Spy, by Robert B. Parker, a young man's body is found washed up on the shore if small town Cabot, Massachusetts and is ruled an apparent suicide with dubious overtones of steroid abuse. Fifteen-year-old Terry Novak finds suicide hard to believe; Jason Green planned to be a landscape designer, suffered from bouts of asthma, did not have the reputation to support steroid use, and once offered words of condolence to a grieving classmate. With the help of his friend Abby, Terry begins to question rumors and innuendo only to find the circumstance of Jason's death surrounded by mystery, greed, and deception. While the mystery itself is open to the readers, Parker uses spycam chapters to delve into psyche of other characters; readers will be intrigued at how Abby, Terry, and their network of friends strive to find the truth while learning about their own moral fiber and character.

Anyone familiar with Parker's other works, Spenser, Jesse Stone, and Sunny Randall, will easily recognize this novel's enigmatic, witty dialogue and overall storytelling structure. As a young adult, Terry is growing into his personal code of honor and has a strong mentor in George, the veteran boxer teaching him to fight. Young readers will enjoy not only Terry and Abby's frank discussions about school, sex, friendship and life, but also unraveling the mystery afoot.

Tags: The Boxer and the Spy, Robert B. Parker, Juvenile fiction, YA fiction

Debbie Harry Sings in French

Debbie Harry Sings in French, by author Meagan Brothers offers readers a fresh coming-of-age novel. After his father's death, Johnny takes care of his mother and ultimately becomes the adult performing necessary mundane tasks of grocery shopping, paying bills, and getting a job when the money is gone. Self described as "just sort of there," he has always been a bit different; not a Goth, Johnny enjoys the flamboyance of their style; not interested in drugs, he takes an adults solace in alcohol and music. This lifestyle choice takes a nightmare toll, a near fatal accident with drugs and alcohol that provides his mother with a wake-up call.

Sent to live with his Uncle Sam and cousin Bug, Johnny is enrolled in a private school hoping just to survive the year and graduate. Johnny bonds with Maria, a fellow prep-school outsider with the same taste in music. In love with Maria, Johnny struggles with understanding his own sexuality and inherent enjoyment of dressing in drag. The teens forge a complicated relationship based on friendship, music, love, and acceptance. Uncle Sam provides a stable father figure and introduces Johnny to a different side of his father, letting him know they are more alike than he ever imagined.

I admit the title of this book is what intrigued me to take it from the cart. I remember Deborah Harry and Blondie in the infancy of MTV (Call Me, Heart of Glass, and Rapture) and wondered how it would work in a contemporary novel without becoming campy. It works nicely; this novel is a wonderful, truthful, and quirky look at how teenagers view themselves, authority, parents, and their sexuality.

Tags: Debbie Harry Sings in French, Meagan Brothers, Juvenile fiction, Young adult fiction, YA fiction

Peeled

There is something strange, almost sinister, surrounding recent happenings at Ludlow house in Banesville. A few citizens reporting ghostly sightings is not of great concern. But combined with town newcomer Madame Zobek's ominous gloom and doom predictions, a sudden influx of advertising cash at the local newspaper, a decrease in The Bee's factual reporting, the purported influx of spirit activity is as unsettling as the ugly rumors of eminent domain circulating amongst local apple farmers.

In Peeled, by Newbery Honor author Joan Bauer, Hildy Biddle is a reporter for the school newspaper The Core who is looking for the truth. While the old adage truth will out seem appropriate, Hildy's questions make a great number of people nervous. When The Core staff gets a new faculty advisor they begin to investigate; only to be silenced by school administration and forced to suspend publication of their newspaper. Determined, Hildy and her friends start and underground newspaper and move forward to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very life blood of Banesville, apple farms.

Hildy is a classic Joan Bauer heroine, full of life and purpose and surrounded by a cast of engaging characters. No one here is perfect, that's what makes the story ring true; subtle shades of gray surrounding good and bad. Fans of Bauer's previous novels, me included, have another treat in store for them, and Peeled should bring a few more fans to the table.

Tags: Peeled, Joan Bauer, Juvenile fiction, YA fiction

My Most Excellent Year

My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins & Fenway Park by Steve Kluger is at heart a creative writing/journaling project by three quirky teenage narrators. High school juniors, avid Red Sox fan TC and charismatic Augie, have been best friends, brothers in every way but by blood, since the death of TC's mom when he was six years old. Their extended family includes TC's dad who is starting to date and Augie's parents. The third member of this unlikely trio is Alejandra, also known as Ale, privileged daughter of an ambassador whose best friend is her secret service agent Clint. Their English assignment is to journal their most excellent year. What keeps this book from being an average diary entry novel is the variety of mixed media entries; IM, journal entries, letters, email, and text messages are the backbone of the novel.

TC writes to his mother, Augie writes to Broadway stars Liza Minelli and Julie Andrews, and Ale addresses much of her journal to Jacqueline Kennedy. Not to be left out, TC's dad and the school guidance counselor text and email, Augie's dad and TC's dad exchange email, and pithy theater reviews from Augie's mother are included. As the novel progresses requisite obstacles are met and overcome with sometimes hilarious and often touching results. Though at times it seems too good to be true, TC and his dad adopting young orphan Hucky and their whirl-wind visit to New York city, good characterization keeps it from becoming sappy. This is a well paced, enjoyable, and charming, character driven coming-of-age novel.

Tags: My Most Excellent Year, Steve Kluger, Young adult fiction, Juvenile fiction

LaRue for Mayor

In LaRue for Mayor: Letters from the Campaign Trail, by author and illustrator Mark Teague, the lovable, crafty, misunderstood pup Ike LaRue returns for another letter writing crusade; and this time takes his "campaign" to the office of mayor. An afternoon in the park with a few friends and his owner results in an unfortunate accident sending Mrs. LaRue to the hospital ("Who knew that hot-dog carts were so unstable?"). Left to his own devices Ike forms a social club, befriending his rambunctious new mates, that soon runs amok. When former police chief Bugwort announces his candidacy for mayor and declares dogs in the city must be kept under control or banned from the city, Ike decides he has had enough and is soon running his own campaign for mayor.

Teague's trademark LaRue illustrations, bold, eye-catching color for reality juxtaposed with black and white renditions of LaRue's interpretation of the same and accompanying typed letters, fill each double page spread. Ike's typed letters overflow with snappy repartee, reporting to Mrs. LaRue what is happening during her period of recuperation and assuring her "Nothing will distract me from this important cause." Readers may guess where this installment will end, but following the campaign trail is definitely worth their time.

Tags: LaRue for Mayor, Mark Teague, Juvenile fiction, Picture books

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

The much anticipated sequel has arrived; Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules was on the cart waiting in line for cataloging on Thursday evening. Intrepid hero Gregory Heffley has survived the summer as only he can, with an embarrassing incident his older brother Rodrick is holding over his head. Under the mistaken impression things can only get better Greg is looking forward to the new school year, even if he begins it with the task of ridding himself of last year's "cheese touch."

Following the same graphic novel and journal format, Rodrick Rules opens wide a window to Greg's school year laced with charmingly droll humor and self-centered growing teenage boy insights into life. Hail, hail, the gang's all here. Greg is living down his older brother's reputation with teachers and struggling with writing letters to a pen pal in France. Best friend Rowley has a new group of very young friends interested in magic. Brother Rodrick is at his finest doing nothing, practicing with his band, and being the bane of Greg's existence. And at the center of everything Greg's normal, dysfunctional, family continues to lead the way with humor (especially holiday's and a visit to Grandpa). Ending with the school talent show, Rodrick Rules delivers making the wait for this sequel worthwhile..

Diary of a Wimpy Kid web site includes information about and an interview with Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney and links to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Blog. Coming soon, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw.


Tags: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Jeff Kinney, Juvenile fiction, Graphic novel

Spanking Shakespeare

Shakespeare Shapiro's name has been the bane of his seventeen years of existence, as has his somewhat avant-garde family; high octane parents and a younger brother Gandhi. Spanking Shakespeare, by Jake Wizner, is an irreverent look into the trials and tribulations of Shakespeare's senior year.

"I should warn you. Some of the material you're about to read is disturbing. Some of it will make you shake your head in disbelief. Some of it will make you cringe in disgust. Some of it might even make you rush out into the stormy night, rip your shirt from your body, and howl, 'WHY, GOD, WHY?'"

"Then again, maybe you'll just sit back and smile, secure in the knowledge that your name is not Shakespeare Shapiro, and this is not your life." (p.6-7).

Shakespeare's senior project, Spanking Shakespeare 17 Down, is cleverly interspersed and visually apparent with different fonts, between the months comprising his senior year. His class memoir provides bright insight to daily happenings in Shakespeare's life at home and in school. No one is exempt from his musings and, most telling of all, Shakespeare's self awareness is portrayed with the same truth and revealing the growing confusion felt by a teenage boy. The result is an unashamedly cheeky book sure to please readers.

Tags: Spanking Shakespeare, Jake Wizner, Juvenile fiction, YA fiction, Young Adult fiction

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

The first of three books I originally freed from the cataloging cart right before Thanksgiving, If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, by Gennifer Choldenko has traveled straight from the cart, to my office, to lunch, home, back to the cart for cataloging, to the circulation desk (officially checked out to me), and finally back to my home office. It has been sitting in Blogger draft format for several days patiently awaiting completion, only to be superceded by diatribes on journal articles, library statistics, resumes, vitaes, movies, and snow.

Kirsten McKenna and Walker Jones are returning to school after summer vacation. For Kirsten, it is a time of relief because summer was stressful, her parents have fought the entire time and her best friend was away at camp. Kirsten's only friend was her younger sister. Walker is returning to school as well, but he is a new student; a young African American in a prestigious white school. Resigned to making the best of the situation to please his mother, Walk is reserving judgment concerning the school and it's inhabitants. It does not take long for either student to realize things are going to be radically different this year. Told in dual voice, Kirsten and Walk each have their own chapter and point of view, the unlikely duo bond as friends before learning how close their lives intertwine beyond the confines of school.

Choldenko, also the author of Newbery Honor book Al Capone Does my Shirts, again provides a glimpse into the messy life of teenagers. Her characters are well developed, flawed as humans should be, and must deal with inevitable complications of life; parents and children included. Kirsten is fighting weight gain, a coping mechanism for her parents consistent fighting and low self-esteem. Walk is dealing with his single mother's fear for her child and subtle issues of race in school. Foreshadowing is subtle, but readers will not be overly surprised when the secret kept by Kirsten and Walk's parents for thirteen years is exposed by an unlikely source and the repercussions reverberate throughout both lives and school. How the character's move forward is realistic and rewarding.

Choldenko's web site is both teacher and reader friendly, there is a If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, Teacher questions section particularly useful for classroom discussion.

Tags: Gennifer Choldenko, If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, Juvenile fiction

Good as Lily

As Good As Lily, by Derek Kirk Kim and Jesse Hamm opens; Grace Kwon is celebrating her 18th birthday at the park with friends. Reflecting on what she has accomplished thus far in her life and enjoying the day complete with presents and teasing, Grace decides to treat her friends to an ice cream cone from a park vendor. After waiting her turn, the elderly woman tells Grace she is out of ice cream; "But hey, what's a birthday party without a piñata?" The teens enjoy themselves trying to break the piñata, only to have Grace suffer the ultimate indignity of having it land ignominiously on her head, resulting in a brief blackout.

At this point, all of the characters are in place for a nice coming of age story featuring a bright young girl who has been accepted to Stanford University, has a part in the school play, a crush on her drama teacher, and is working feverishly with her friends to save the spring play from school budget cuts with various fund raisers. Additionally, Grace is oblivious to a boy with a crush on her, has an encounter with a school bully, and learns to swim. What makes this novel different is the intriguing story line twist the evening following Grace's party, and piñata incident.

Grace realizes she has forgotten a special birthday gift at the park and goes back hoping to find it. While in the park she encounters a scared lost toddler, and with the help of the elderly ice cream vendor, helps save a thirty-year-old woman (she's 29!). As the unlikely group traverses their way through the park, the bickering is escalates and at her wits end, Grace yells for quiet. The startled compliance begs Grace take a closer look at her companions, "Wait, you look awfully familiar .... What .... what's your name?" Each one answers the same, Grace Kwon. Now, Grace must not only explain "herselves" to her friends, but she must learn find a way to return herself home.

This graphic novel has clean black and white illustrations, with distinguishing shades of gray highlighting mood and atmosphere. Panel sizes vary within the pages of story, character close-ups are wonderfully depicted, and there is a nice multicultural character presentatio throughout. Pay close attention to the lessons learned by Grace at each age; the title of the book becomes clear when 18 year-old Grace talks to her parents. A very entertaining read.

Tags: Good as Lily, Derek Kirk Kim, Jesse Hamm, Juvenile graphic novel

Thirteen Reasons Why

Another offering from the rapidly expanding number of first books by new authors that I have added to the library collection this term is Thirteen Reasons Why, byJay Asher. Clay Jensen arives home from school one afternoon and finds a box addressed to him, a box that contains thirteen cassette tapes. After locating an old stereo capable of playing this audio format, he learns it is, essentially, the story of a class mates life. Only, this school mate has recently committed suicide.

"I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why." (p.6)

Compelled by a lingering sense of guilt, he liked Hannah and was hesitant to approach her with more than friendship because of her reputation and popularity, Clay begins listening to Hannah's last days and learns more than he bargained for; secrets, lies, cruelty, and rumors led to the ultimate decision regarding life and death. This is a thoughtful and compelling work that intersperces Hannah's increasingly despairing voice with that of Clay's questioning and guilt, providing readers a glimpse into each teens perception and understanding of the truth. The teen voice in this novel rings true and makes it all the more gripping.

I would have liked more links to suidide hotlines and information at the end of the book and accompanying web site, Thirteen Reasons Why. The web site has an interactive map that accompanies the book and a message and podcast interview with the author.

Tags: Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher, Young adult fiction, YA fiction

Freak

Freak, by Marcella Pixley is the story Miriam Fisher; an average seventh grader, she is somewhat of a loner and definitely not one of the popular girls. Not an ordinary girl, Miriam reads the dictionary for fun and her avant-garde attitude leads to discussing Shakespeare, she is the object of ridicule at school by classmates who abhor someone different. Miriam’s older sister and one-time best friend and family confidant Deborah, has discovered her “feminine attributes” and become popular, shunning her school. When the son of a family friend, Artie, a senior, moves in for the year Miriam is thrilled; sure in her twelve-year-old world that he is her soul mate. Things go from bad to worse as Artie and Deborah are soon a couple, and a girl at school targets Miriam for taunts and practical jokes. With no where to turn, and the taunting escalating to bullying Miriam takes matters into her own hands, finding inner strength, purpose, and willingness to accept responsibility for her own actions.

From Miriam's bewilderment regarding her sister's reluctance to associate with her in school, to her anger at the school bullying, character voices ring true. There are many layers to this novel, as well as various shades of gray. Readers gain insight to Artie and Deborah, keeping them from being one dimensional and the adults are portrayed with realism, as opposed to cartoon caricatures so many juvenile novels employ. A middle school teacher, Pixley presents day-to-day school activities with realism. While the ending is rather abrupt, Miriam’s strength of purpose is not only understandable, but enviable. Anyone who has felt alone or different will find a heroine in Miriam.

This is a powerful first novel. If you think you have forgotten what it’s like to be in high school, this book will bring back all the memories, good and bad.

Tags: Marcella Pixley, Freak, Juvenile fiction, Juvenile fiction - bullying

When Dinosaurs Came with Everything

In Elise Broach's book, When Dinosaurs Came with Everything, it's Friday afternoon, the perfect time for mom and her young son to run errands. Only this time things are a bit different. This Friday, dinosaurs come with everything; a dozen doughnuts? Need a shot at the doctor's office? Don't forget the dinosaur! From the young boy's glee, to his mother's increasing exasperation, David Small's watercolor and ink illustrations are a perfect compliment to this larger-than-life tale. Dinosaurs running amok in the city are highlighted bold strokes and add both subtle and outright humor to the landscape; readers will be excited to find their favorite dinosaur drawn into the pages. There is much offered to capture attention in this lively selection and the mother's solution to her home over-run with creatures shows family does indeed come in all shapes and sizes, even their pets.

I have a lengthy list of juvenile books ready for purchase that will be added to a cart later this evening. It has been a good beginning of the term for juvenile books, all but a dozen of the books ordered since July have arrived and are either on the shelf or cataloged and awaiting processing (well, with the exception of a couple that arrived Friday afternoon). It is not often the billing and receiving end of ordering is "caught up" with the ordering, even with the excellent job done by the technical services department at the library. There is often a book or three back ordered, out of stock, or not available for purchase. Even better, the new book shelves are not overflowing due to student, and professor, interest in checking out new titles. Ordering for the juvenile collection is a definite plus on the job satisfaction meter.

Tags: Elise Broach, David Small, When Dinosaurs Came With Everything, Children's literature, Picture books

Knock, Knock

Fourteen well known children's illustrators collaborated to present their personal answer to the classic joke, "Knock, Knock ... Who's there?" The result is Knock, Knock, a hilarious picture book guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Each artist is given a knock knock set up and page turning answer, perfect for reading aloud in the classroom or for story time. Beautifully illustrated, jokes contain not only the artist's personal humor, but their individual style and art medium. All the classics are here, presented with a fresh style; from Dan Yaccarino's peek-a-boo alien, to Henry Cole's Esther Bunny; from Chris Raschka's classic Vild Things to David Small's sweet proactive toddler, the jokes are definitely on us.

Taken straight from the technical services cart this morning, I was thrilled to see this book living up to it's predecessor, "Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road." I particularly enjoyed Peter H. Reynolds: "Knock Knock! Who's there? Lionel. Lionel who? Lion-el eat me if you don't open up that door!" The hungry lion licking his chops and the frantic young boy trying to get in the door are priceless. My particular favorite was David Small's precocious blond toddler and her subsequent reaction to, "Knock! Knock! Who's There? Ivan. Ivan Who? I van to drink your blood!" Blondie jumps out of bed, stomps on the bat, kicks him out to the cold, dark, evening, and settles down for a peaceful night's sleep. As with Chickens, Knock Knock ends with self portraits by each illustrator who then answers the question, "Who do these artists want knocking at their doors?"

Bravo to Sophie Blackall who answers, "Anyone bearing cake."

Tags: Knock, Knock, Children's literature, Juvenile fiction, Knock knock jokes

Beauty Shop for Rent ... Fully Equipped, Inquire Within

Ever since being abandoned on Granny Po’s doorstep with her mother’s infamous words “It’s not forever” ringing in her ears, Abbey Garner has lived and worked with her great-grandmother in her beauty shop, Polly’s Parlor. Almost fifteen, Abbey works hard, has a supportive non-traditional family with Granny Po and the “Gray Widows,” and is well on the way to accomplishing her goal of being a millionaire before she’s thirty-five. Torn between loving her mother and desperately wanting to live her life beyond her mother’s legacy of mistakes, Abbey lives carefully on the fringes with a few good friends, but systematically deprives herself of any possible relationship with a boyfriend, especially with her friend Mitch. Simple and complicated, Abbey is reluctant to take the chance of living life. The arrival of Gena, a friendly young woman with ambitious entrepreneurial plans for turning Polly’s Parlor into a day spa, sets in motion a series of changes in Abbey’s life that include opportunity and choice. Fighting to stay true to herself, Abbey must deal with the tumultuous upheaval caused by her mother’s return and the devastating family secrets she reveals.

With Beauty Shop for Rent, Laura Bowers has painted a rich picture of family relationships. Beautifully writen with a teenager's clear voice, this story will resonate with readers who are struggling with the hurdles of high school, parents, and the changes maturity and independence bring to their lives. Straying from "typical" happily ever after, Abbey's ultimate acceptance of her mother's failings is a much more satisfying and realistic conclusion. Full of beauty shop gossip and everyday life, this is an enjoyable read. Sit down and spend some time at Polly's Parlor, you won't be sorry.


Tags: Laura Bowers, Beauty Shop for Rent, YA Novels, Young Adult fiction

What Happened

Author Peter Johnson effectively uses an unnamed narrator to tell the haunting story of a teenager's struggle with family, sanity, and doing the right thing in his first young adult novel, What Happened. Four teenage boys leave a house party; the driver and shotgun passenger are high and inebriated, and the backseat passengers, the narrator and his brother, have been drinking . Reckless driving, a blinding snow storm, and slick roads cause the driver, Duane, to hit a man crossing the street. A split second decision has Kyle and his brother attend to the victim while Duane and his friend drive off. After an anonymous call to the police, the boys leave the scene for home. When the man dies from his injuries, decisions must be made regarding telling the truth, or what truth should be. A simple enough premise, but Johnson weaves elements of each individual character into the narrators story, effortlessly building his own "great chain of being." Via the narrator, readers become engaged in the character's complicated lives rifled by both good and bad decisions. As things unravel in a dangerously climactic scene, the ultimate resouding truth each character faces is belief and trust in self.

This was an intriguing novel. At first, I was a bit bereft not knowing the narrator's name, age, or what condition he had that required medication. I could surmise he was a teenager, younger than his brother, and possibly suffering from depression. As the novel progressed, the narrator's prose moved swiftly between past and present; his quirky conversational jumps a compelling contrast unfolding drama. Teenagers will be drawn to this novel, instinctivly understanding that sometimes there is no easy answer.

Tags: Peter Johnson, What Happened, Young Adult fiction, YA fiction

Billie Standish was Here

In Nancy Crocker's novel, Billie Standish Was Here, William Marie Standish, better known as Billie, is the only daughter of struggling farmers in rural Cumberland. It is the summer of 1968 and at age eleven, though not physically abused, Billie has suffered from continuous emotional neglect and learned being invisible has its benefits. Left mostly to her own devices, she chances to meet elderly neighbor Lydia Jenkins one afternoon while picking up the mail. An unlikely friendship forms during a town emergency and strengthens, as friendships do, with shared experience after Miss Lydia’s son brutally attacks Billie. Lydia becomes Billie’s protector, confidant, and family as they struggle to cope with the initial aftermath and consequences of rape including disease and pregnancy.

Years pass as Billie and Lydia’s relationship progresses to a time in life when the child becomes caregiver to her elder. The ending is heavily foreshadowed, but the impact of Billie’s strength during final moments of love between friends is not lessened. This novel examines important social issues of the 1960’s including Vietnam, women’s rights, and education, and charges the characters to search personal beliefs learning that more often than not, right and wrong are shaded with gray.

Crocker’s portrayal of Billie’s parents and their disinterest in her as anything but an afterthought was wonderfully done; the reader could feel sympathy for all. The rape scene and Lydia’s response were vividly realistic and definitely within the scope of reason, though they may be difficult for younger readers to digest. I was a bit disappointed in the quick passage of time at the books end, but understood the need for a mature conclusion. This first novel is a strong entry into the field of young adult literature. Crocker's has a previously published children's book Betty Lou Blue.

Tags: Billie Standish was Here, Nancy Crocker, Juvenile fiction, YA fiction, Historical fiction

One Beastly Beast

Well known for his Keys to the Kingdom series and other fantasy novels, One Beastly Beast, by Garth Nix, is a collection of four short stories. As advertised in the subtitle, Two Aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales, Nix entices readers with a rapscallion band pirates, a princess, an inventor, and a vegetarian sea serpent; interspersed with aliens, monsters, and elements of magic.

In Blackbread the Pirate, Pete’s innocuous trip to the video store becomes a supernatural adventure when his overdue DVDs are hijacked by a cutthroat band of pirate rats. Reluctant to explain how the booty was lost, Pete agrees to be transformed to a rat-sized boy. He joins the navy fighting Blackbread, becomes their champion righting evil wrongs, and returns home in the nick of time.

The second tale, Princess and the Beastly Beast, features Princess Chlorinda, the daughter of a wizard King and warrior Queen. Prone to exaggeration, her pet pig is the beastly beast in question, Princess Chlorinda yearns for grand adventure. Her wish is granted not by trolls or werewolves living in the kingdom, but by a clockwork monster that swallows her whole!

All in one piece, but found in a banana peel and living in a home for lost children is Bill the Inventor. Mrs. O'Squealin tries to find the right parents for each child, but Bill is proving to be difficult. He does not want to join a band of pirates or be turned into an alien and taken to another planet. He does not want to be adopted by a wizard King and Queen, unable to spend time on his inventions. With luck, a final interesting human family will fit just right.

Being right is not a problem in the last story, Serena and the Sea Serpent. One of sixteen girls in a family, Serena is the smartest person in her town. Always right, her propensity to be a bit of a know-it-all grates on the townspeople's nerves. When a sea serpent begins terrorizing their town and Serena offers to talk to the serpent, it seems to be a blessing in disguise for those tired of her meddlesome ways. Serena's solution to the problem provides her with a unique vacation opportunity and ultimately solves a serpents hunger pangs.

Quirky pen and ink drawings by illustrator Brian Biggs add just the right touch providing strong visual elements to each character’s personality and enhancing individual stories. Definitely a title for younger readers, this is an ideal title for fans of fantasy and chapter books.


Tags: Garth Nix, Brian Biggs, One Beastly Beast, Juvenile fiction, Juvenile fantasy fiction

Bravo Zulu, Samantha!

In Bravo Zulu, Samantha byKathleen Benner Duble twelve-year-old Samantha’s summer vacation is off to a bumpy start; she is spending a month visiting her grandparents while her parents are out of town. Not only is she forced to spend time with her grandfather, a cantankerous newly retired Air Force Colonel, but also strangely befriended by her next-door neighbor and nemesis Billy. After several days observing his mysterious and furtive behavior, Sam concludes he is hiding something. Determined to uncover his secret, Sam and Billy follow the Colonel and learn he is building an experimental aircraft to enter in an aeronautical competition. Convinced to let them help, a simple matter of blackmail and threatening to tell of the project, Sam, Billy, and the Colonel band together forming an odd, ragtag team completely devoted to their goal. Sam's quirky love of facts and her grandfather's gruff manner oddly mirror and compliment each other throughout the novel as they reach common ground. Throughout the book Sam's voice and attitude are wonderfully reflective of a pre-teen girl dealing with authority figures and her first "boyfriend." While the end is somewhat manufactured, Sam and Billy work together to save the day, a few deft twists keep it from being trite. This is a nice summer read.

An author's note details information about the Experimental Aircraft Convention and resources for facts spurted by Sam and the Colonel throughout the book are provided. Bravo Zulu, aka "well done," to Duble's interest in flying and her avoidance of the stereotypical boys and airplanes connection; it was nice to see the main character with an interest in aviation be a girl.

Tags: Kathleen Benner Duble, Bravo Zulu, Samantha, Juvenile fiction