They Mysterious Howling

Wood, Maryrose. The Mysterious Howling. 2010. Balzer + Bay, 267 pages. $15.99 ISBN: 9780061791055

Plot Summary:

15 year old Penelope Lumley has just graduated from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and is on her way to a job interview and possibly her new home at Ashton Place. Penny is hired immediately without even meeting the children, which she finds slightly strange. The first thing Penny notices about her new home is a mysterious howling emanating from the barn. An animal lover Penny is determined to help what must be a very distressed animal and sets out to find the source of the howling, only to discover three naked children yapping and howling like wolves. These are Penny’s new charges. Penny puts away thoughts of teaching Latin and French for the time being and focuses on more basic skills such as buttons and speaking English. The children, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia as they are named adore their new governess, but are unsure about their care takers Lord and Lady Ashton. Lord Ashton is more interested in hunting and his gentleman’s club and Lady Ashton is abhorred at the thought of interacting with the children. Despite their wild origins and less than desirable table manners Lord Ashton insists that the children attend the Christmas Party and Penny worries if the children will be ready in time.

Review:

They Mysterious Howling is a heartwarming and hilarious literary romp. Penny is firm but caring and fair as a governess and is clearly adored by her three pupils. The antics of the Incorrigibles, particularly those involving squirrels are especially entertaining. Wood leaves little mysteries in the story, such as the children’s origins and the true nature of their benefactor, unsolved, thus ensuring reader will not be able to exist the newly published sequel The Hidden Gallery. Fans of Lemony Snicket will be sure to enjoy The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place.

Genre:

Humorous Fiction

Reading Level:

4^th to 7^th grades

Similar Books:

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Author’s Website:

http://www.maryrosewood.com/

They Call Me a Hero: A Memoir of My Youth

Hernandez, Daniel and Susan Goldman Rubin. They Call Me a Hero: A Memoir of my Youth. Simon & Schuster BFYR, New York, 2013. 223 pages.  Tr. $17.99 ISBN 9781442462281

Plot Description:

On January 8, 2011 Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot, along with several members of her staff and citizens.  Daniel Hernandez was a 20 year old intern working in Giffords office and when he heard the shots ring out he immediately ran to the aid of the victims.  Hernandez was the first to reach Giffords and he saw that she had been shot in the forehead, but she was still conscious and responding.  Hernandez had had some first aid and trauma training in high school and knew he needed to elevate the wound and apply steady pressure.  Doctors later attributed Hernandez’s actions to be responsible for saving the Congresswoman’s life.  In They Call Me a Hero, Hernandez recounts what happened that fateful January day and chronicles his childhood and adolescence growing up in Tucson and how he first became interested in politics.

Review:

They Call Me a Hero is a thoughtful memoir of an exceptional young man.  It is clear that Hernandez is a humble person who is uncomfortable with being labeled a hero, but he also realizes he has been put in a position in which he can have a positive influence.  Hernandez clearly cares deeply about education and improving the lives of children through public service.  By telling his story in this book Hernandez will be able to reach and inspire even more tweens and teens.  As a gay Latino man Hernandez is a role model to many communities and discusses briefly in his book on his experiences growing up gay and about his early education as a bilingual student. 

Genre:

Nonfiction

Biography/Memoir

GLBTQ

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 6 and up

Author’s Website:

http://danielhernandezjr.org/

http://susangoldmanrubin.com/

Better Nate Than Ever

Federle, Tim. Better Nate Than Ever. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 1970. 275 pages.  Tr. $16.99 ISBN 9781442446892

Plot Description:

Twelve year old Nate Foster loves Broadway and wants nothing more than to be a star on the stage, so when his friend Libby tells him about an open audition for E.T.: The Musical, Nate knows he must audition.  The only problem is the audition is in New York City.  With Libby’s help and the good fortune that his parents are out of town, Nate sneaks out and heads to the big city for what is suppose to be an afternoon trip, but when Nate’s older brother Anthony finds out about Nate’s trip and calls their aunt Heidi in New York, his trip takes a different turn.  Heidi agrees to let Nate audition, but then he has to get on a bus back home before his parents discover he is missing.  Heidi barely gets Nate on the bus, but they have barely pulled out of the station when the miraculous happens; Nate gets a call back! 

Review:

Nate is a wonderful character.  Despite constant teasing about being chubby, his love of Broadway, and his perceived sexuality, Nate refuses to be anyone other than himself.  Nate is not ready to decide on his sexuality, but he is frequently teased at school and by his own brother who greets him as “homo.”  New York, where Nate sees two men dancing together and kissing, and meeting his Aunt Heidi’s gay roommate makes a big impression on Nate and it is clear that he is comforted by the idea that a place like New York exists.  Federle debut novel is truly wonderful, the characters are well developed and the plot speeds along a good pace and is filled with humor. 

Genre:

Realistic Fiction

Humorous Fiction

GLBTQ

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 5-8

Similar Books:

The Misfits by James Howe

Awards/Honors:
ALA Notable Book 2014
ALA Rainbow List 2014
Stonewall Honor Book 2014

Author’s Website:

http://www.timfederle.com/

Book Trailer:
http://goanimate.com/videos/0ChDidXBwU1s?utm_source=linkshare

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Saenz, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Bradbury Press, New York, 1970. 312 pages.  Tr. $16.99 ISBN 9780803736702

Plot Description:

In 1987 in Texas, Aristotle or Ari, as he likes to be called, is a lonely 15 years old until he meets Dante at the pool one summer.  Dante does not have a lot of friends either and the two immediately bond and become best friends, a friendship that is further strengthened when Ari saves Dante from being hit by a car.  But then Dante and his family move away for a year when Dante’s father takes a position guest lecturing at a university in Chicago.  It is while in Chicago that Dante realizes he is gay and comes out to Ari and tells Ari he is in love with him.  Ari says Dante is still his best friend but that he is not in love with Dante.  When Dante returns to Texas the two resume their friendship despite Dante’s sexuality.  Ari is exploring his own sexuality dating girl while Dante dates other boys discreetly, that is until a group of boys see Dante kissing another boy and beat him up.  Ari is furious that anyone would do this to his best friend and learn a lot about and with the help of his parents Ari is able to come to terms with the various emotions he is feeling about Dante, Dante’s attackers, and himself. 

Review:

I thought long and hard about whether I would give this book to a tween reader.  The message of tolerance and self-acceptance is a very important one and Saenz’s writing is beautiful.  While some of the content is very mature, such as the hate crime committed against Dante and why Ari’s brother is in prison, I felt that there is an audience for this book in middle school.  A child who is struggling with their sexuality will find much to relate to in both Dante and Ari.  Dante is more ready to accept that he is gay, but because he is gay he feels like he is not really Mexican and does not feel like he fits in with his Mexican relatives.  Ari has a harder time accepting his sexuality, even though it is clear to everyone in his life, he needs his parents to tell him that they love him regardless to find the courage to finally come out.  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is one of the best books I have read this year and is clearly a deserving winner of the Printz Award.

Genre:

Historical Fiction

Realistic Fiction

GLBTQ

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 7 and up

Similar Books:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Awards/Honors:

Printz Award Honor Book 2013

Pura Belpre Award Winner 2013

Stonewall Book Award Winner 2013

Drama

Telgemeier, Raina. Drama. Scholastic, New York, 2012. 312 pages.  Tr. $23.99 ISBN 9780545326988

Plot Description:

Callie loves the theater, unfortunately she can’t sing or act, but she stills find a way to be involved in her school’s drama department by joining the stage crew.  Callie is determined to make this year’s production stand out by building a set worthy of Broadway, complete with a working canon.  Callie has her work cut out with her, but she also has help from two new friends, twin brothers, Justin and Jesse.  Justin is going out for the lead part and is open about his acting ambitions and his sexuality.  Jesse is shier than his brother and prefers to remain out of the spotlight, working back stage with Callie.  Battling dwindling ticket sales and all the drama off stage, can the production survive?

Review:

Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel is a fun and flirty story about where all the real drama of the theater happens: back stage!  Callie is an enthusiastic and determined protagonist.  She is understandably confused by Jesse, having a crush on him and then discovering him with West, but in the end she realizes that no one is more confused than Jesse and the two are able to mend their friendship.  Brothers Justin and Jesse are wonderful secondary characters.  At first the brothers seem completely different, Justin is openly gay and extroverted and Jesse is quiet and thoughtful.  Teglemeier’s illustrations are bright and bold, the perfect complement to Callie’s personality! 

Genre:

Graphic Novel

Realistic Fiction

GLBTQ

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 6-9

Similar Books:

The Secret Language of Girls by Frances O’Roark Dowell

Awards/Honors:

YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2013

Stonewall Award Honor Book 2013

Author’s Website:

http://goraina.com/

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Kelly, Jacquline.  The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Henry Hold and Company, New York, 2009. 340 pages.  Tr. $16.99 ISBN 9780805088410

Plot Description:

Eleven year old Calpurnia Tate is the only girl in a family of six brothers living in Texas in 1899.  As the only girl in the Tate family Callie is expected to grow up to be a proper young lady knowledgeable in cooking, sewing and deportment.  Unfortunately for Callie she despises all these activities, she would much rather spend her days down by the river swimming and observing nature.  Callie bonds with her ornery grandfather over their mutual love for nature and ecology.  Callie’s grandfather teaches her about the natural world, sharing Charles Darwin’s On the Origins of Species with Callie and teaching her how to use a microscope.  But as Callie becomes a young lady she is not as free to spend her days exploring nature and science and she feels herself being torn between duty and her passion for science.   

Review:

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a delightful coming of age tale of a young girl who defies the expectations of girls in her time.  I adored Callie’s grandfather and his sarcastic comments about the state of Callie’s schooling (not enough science, too much deportment).  This is a wonderful story that encourages girls who are interested in science and the outdoors.  Callie’s childhood reminded me of my own and made me long for days spent down at the creek and in the forest.  The difference between my modern upbringing and Callie’s, is that I was always encouraged to be curious about the world and to pursue science if I wanted.  Callie was lucky to have her grandfather to help her realize her dreams of being a scientist.  Most girls at the turn of the century would have to put aside such aspirations for a life of marriage and motherhood. 

Genre:

Historical Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 4-8

Similar Books:

Moon Over Manifest Clare Vanderpool

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs Betty G. Birney

Awards/Honors:

ALA Notable Book 2010

Amelia Bloomer List 2010

Newberry Honor Book 2010

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2010

Author’s Website:

http://www.jacquelinekelly.com/

My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer

Gennari, Jennifer. My Mised-Up Berry Blue Summer. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children Boston, 2012. 119 pages.  Tr. $15.99 ISBN 9780547577395

Plot Description:

Things have been difficult for June since her mother, MJ’s, girlfriend Eva, moved in with them and now that Vermont has passed a law allowing same sex couples to marry in a civil union ceremony, Eva and MJ are talking about getting married.  It has always just been June and her mother and they have gotten along just fine on their own.  MJ runs the Stillwater Marina Store, but since Eva moved in business has been slow.  “Take Back Vermont” signs have been popping up around town since the passage of the civil union law and when a note saying gay people shouldn’t be allowed to raise children is found on Eva’s windshield, MJ, afraid for June’s safety, forbids her from entering the pie competition at the fair.  Unbeknownst to MJ and Eva, June experiences a fair share of bullying for MJ’s sexual orientation; a friend’s older brother teases her for being a “lezzie” and a classmates mother organizes a boycott of businesses owned by gay people, including MJ’s store.  After being harassed at the library, by a group of adults promoting the boycott and the “Take Back Vermont” initiative, June decides she has to do something to help her mother’s store.  June decides to enter the pie contest without MJ’s knowledge, hoping to win and bring business back to the store. 

Review:

Gennari’s debut novel is a wonderful story about what it means to be brave and how families come in all shapes and sizes.  For most children accepting a step-parent can be a delicate and difficult situation and for most children it would be a private family matter.  June’s neighbors have no problem letting her know how they feel about MJ and Eva and whether they are suited to have a child.  It is no wonder June feels resentment toward Eva, before she moved in June and MJ’s lives were quiet and no one bothered them.  June may not care for how Eva’s presence is disrupting her life, but she still possesses extreme bravery for someone her age standing up for what is right and to bullies of all ages.  This is a wonderful book that conveys a message of tolerance and should be read by children and adults. 

Genre:

GLBTQ

Realistic Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 4-7

Similar Books:

How I Survived Being a Girl by Wendelin Van Draanen

Awards/Honors:
ALA Rainbow List 2013

Author’s Website:

http://www.jengennari.com/

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her own Making

Valente, Catherynne M. Ana Juan, Illustrator. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her own Making. 2011. Feiwel and Friends, 247 pages. $16.99 ISBN 9780312649616

Plot Summary:

September is whisked away from Omaha by the Green Wind upon the Leopard of Gentle Breezes. The Green Wind leaves September at the borderland of Fairyland with a warning not to eat any fairy food and a wish for her to enjoy herself. Right away September meets a trio of witches and agrees to retrieve their magic spoon from the evil Marquess who stole it because the spoon tells the future. On her way to confront the Marquess in the capitol Pandemonium, September meets a wyverary (part wyvern part library) library named A through L, Ell for short. Ell is walking to Pandemonium to meet his grandfather the Municipal City Library and joins September in her travels. September’s quest is really just beginning when she is brought before the Marquess, who sends September on a quest to retrieve a sword from the Autumn realms in exchange for the spoon the live of Ell. Upon leaving the Marquess September picks up another friend, Saturday, who September frees from the Marquess. Together with Ell and Saturday, September set out for Autumn on a quest that will take them farther than they ever imagined.

Critical Review:

Valente’s first foray into children’s literature is an imaginative quest through Fairyland. The story itself is told beautifully and September is a lovable and stalwart heroine. The interest level is more juvenile than the reading level. This would be a great book for a teacher to read to her class and she could do vocabulary lessons using some of the more difficult words in the book. I would also recommend this for younger middle grade readers who are looking for something with a slightly more challenging reading level.

Genre:

Fantasy

Interest Level:

4^th to 7^th grade

Similar Books:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Awards/Honors:

Andre Norton Award 2010

Author’s Website:

http://www.catherynnemvalente.com/

http://www.catherynnemvalente.com/fairyland/

http://us.macmillan.com/thegirlwhocircumnavigatedfairylandinashipofherownmaking/CatherynneMValente

Turtle in Paradise

Holm, Jennifer. Turtle in Paradise. 2010. Random House, 191 pages. $16.99 ISBN: 9780375836886

Plot Summary:

Turtle got her name because she has a hard shell; it takes a lot to rattle Turtle, not even saying goodbye to her mother for the summer. In 1935 during the Depression people are lucky to find a job, so when Turtle's mother gets a job housekeeping for a lady who does not like kids, Turtle is sent to live with the family she's never met in Florida. Turtle's mama insists Turtle will love Key West, but all Turtle sees is a bunch of ramshackle houses and boys running around with no shoes. Turtle expects to spend the summer being an outcast like she usually is treated the children of the family's her mother keeps house for. Turtle begins spending her days with her cousins Beans and Kermit and their friends in the Diaper Gang, who work taking care of neighborhood babies. Grudgingly the boys let Turtle tag along with them, but as the summer goes by and the group shares some exciting adventures they all become friends. Turtle begins to open up as she gets to know her family and discovers family she never knew she had, including the grandmother she thought was dead and the father she's never met. Turtle finds a place that she truly belongs and a family to belong to.

Critical Review:

I knew this was a special book on the second page. Turtle narrates the book in a strong, sensible voice. Holm describes the dilapidated houses and overgrown forests of Key West in vivid detail. Holm’s level of research is evident in the description of local history and customs and gives the novel a rich setting and well developed characters. This is a novel about self discovery and finding a place to belong. Turtle comes to Key West as a stranger to her family, not sure where she fit in with them.

Genre:

Historical Fiction

Interest Level:

4^th to 6^th grade

Similar Books:

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Awards:

2011 Newberry Honor Book

ALA Notable Book 2011

Golden Kite Award 2011

Author’s Website:

http://www.jenniferholm.com/index.html

Heart of a Samurai

Preus, Margi. Heart of a Samurai: Based on the True Story of Manjiro Nakahama. 2010. Amulet Books, 301 pages. $15.95 ISBN: 9780810989818

Plot Summary:

At age 14 Manjiro and his fellow fisherman are shipwrecked on an uninhabited island after being blown off course during a storm. The men have little hope of being rescued and returning to Japan. Even if they were rescued they could never return home; Japan was in seclusion and no one entered, shipwrecked fisherman who have tried to return in the past and been executed. As they are all about to lose hope at ever being rescued, Manjiro spots a ship and they are saved, but their saviors are Westerns who the men believe to be savages and demons as they were told in Japan. Only Manjiro is friendly with the white men and begins learning English and helping aboard the John Howland, the American whaling ship that rescued them. The men aboard the John Howland call Manjiro, John Mung and soon he catches the eye of Captain Whitfield and soon the widowed caption and the Japanese boy become friends.

When the ship reaches the Sandwich Island Captain Whitfield invites Manjiro to remain aboard ship and return with him to America as his adopted son. Manjiro’s countrymen are staying in Honolulu, but Manjiro is drawn to explore the world and agrees to return to America with Captain Whitfield. Two years after Captain Whitfield rescued Manjiro they John Howland returns to America. Soon Captain Whitfield has remarried a kind woman, purchased a farm and built a home for the new family to live in. Manjiro is sent to school to learn to read and write in English and basic mathematics. Soon Manjiro is moved the Bartlett School of Navigation where Manjiro can learn navigation skills needed to captain a ship. Despite facing racism from fellow students and townspeople, Manjiro refuses to give up and succeeds in school and gains the skills of a cooper as well. Manjiro grows up with Captain and Mrs. Whitfield, but soon it is time for Manjiro to set out on his own and if he can find a way back home to Japan.

Critical Review:

This was a compelling and exhilarating adventure based on a true story. This book was hard to put down. Manjiro encounters numerous adventures in his young life. Majiro is curious, excited to learn, and extremely likable. Manjiro is brave and open minded, the only one of his companions to befriend their rescuers. The Japanese view the whites as barbarians and savages and Manjiro encounters people who believe the same of him, but despite the ugly beliefs and actions of people around him Manjiro is friendly and welcoming to people of all races.

Genre:

Historical Fiction

Adventure

Reading Level:

5^th to 8^th grades

Similar Books:

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

Awards/Honors:

ALA Notable Book 2011

Asian Pacific American Award for Literature 2010

Newberry Honor 2011

Author’s Website:

http://www.margipreus.com/

The Willoughbys

Lowry, Lois. The Willoughbys. 2008. Houghton Mifflin, 174 pages. $17.20 ISBN: 9780618979745

Plot Summary:

The Willoughby children do not overly care for their parents, but in all fairness their parents find their children tiresome and obnoxious. The Willoughby’s find Tim, the eldest, to be bossy, the twins are whiny and demanding, and most often they forget about their youngest Jane.

When the children find a baby left on the doorstep their mother instructs them to get rid of it, so the children leave the baby girl on the doorstep of the dilapidated mansion around the corner belonging to candy tycoon Commander Melanoff. Six years earlier Commander Melanoff lost his wife and son in an avalanche that buried their train in the Swiss Alps. The Commander fell into a deep depression and since has lived in squalor in his mansion, never leaving the house. But when the Commander find the baby, who the children named Ruth, his depression is lifted as he assumes care for the young life.

Meanwhile the children have been inspired by baby Ruth and have decided they would much prefer to be orphans too. Tim assures his siblings that he will take care of things and later that night after receiving a travel brochure from the Reprehensible Travel Agency, their parent announce that they are going on a vacation and will be leaving the children in the care of a nanny. Unknown to the children, their parents also have a plan to get rid of them. The Willoughby’s intend to leave the children in the care of a nanny until their home sells at which point the children will need to find a new place to live.

Critical Review:

The Willoughbys is a laugh out loud funny and fast paced story. The wry humor of The Willoughbys follows the tradition of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novels. Lowry’s novel is sure to become as cherished as Dahl’s stories have for generations to come. Darkly humorous, The Willoughbys has no end to intrigue that is sure to hook readers right away.

Genre:

Humorous Fiction

Reading Level:

5^th to 7^th grades

Similar Books:

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Awards/Honors:

Cybil Award 2008 Finalist

E.B. White Read Aloud Award 2009 Honor Book

Author’s Website:

http://www.loislowry.com/

When You Reach Me

Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. 2009. Wendy Lamb Books, 199 pages. $15.99 ISBN: 9780385737425

Plot Summary:

It all started after Miranda’s friend Sal is punched by Marcus in the street after school. It was around this time that Sal stopped wanting to be Miranda’s friend. It was also around this time that Miranda discovers the first note and that the extra key to the apartment is missing. Miranda is understandably scared by the note, but also intrigued. The author claimed that he was coming to save a friend of Miranda’s before it is too late. But why would the author of the note ask her to write him a letter? And why would they need to know where the key to their apartment was hidden if they already broken in and took the key. Miranda continues to find mysterious notes, one of which offers “proof,” giving her three dates that will prove important to Miranda. When her mother is selected to participate on $20,000 Pyramid on April 27, the last date on the “proof” note, Miranda is convinced that the author of the notes somehow knows what will happen before it happens. As she uncovers further clues and with a little help from her favorite novel she will make an incredible discover.

Critical Review:

When You Reach Me is a unique story. Reader will not be able to put it down, become more intrigued with the mysterious author of Miranda’s notes and who might be in danger. Stead’s story gives nothing away and readers certainly be surprised by the ending. The clues in When Your Reach me are subtle and easy to overlook if you are not paying close attention.

Genre:

Realistic Fiction

Science Fiction

Interest Level:

5th to 7th grades

Similar Books:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Awards:

2010 Newberry Award Winner

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2010

ALA Notable Book 2010

Andre Norton Award 2010

Author’s Website:

http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

Fleming, Candace. Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart. 2011. Schwartz and Wade Books, 118 pages. $18.99 ISBN: 978-0-375-84198-0

Plot Summary:

Amelia Lost recounts the life of the famous female aviatrix, Amelia Earhart. Earhart was born in Kansas on July 24, 1897. Earhart’s parents indulged her tomboy behavior and interest in athletics. So, in 1920 when Amelia announced she was going to take flying lessons, her parents did not stand in her way, despite their concern about the dangers of flying. In 1920 airplanes were still rudimentary and navigational tools were almost nonexistent and airstrips few and far between. These factors and several others made flying perilous.

In 1928, Earhart became the first woman to make a trans-Atlantic flight, though she did not actually pilot the plane, it was still an important first for women. It was the beginning of Earhart’s aviation career and fame. It was also when Earhart met her future husband, George Putnam, who worked tirelessly to promote Earhart’s career. Over the next 9 years, Earhart set several aviation records, piloting her own plane. She was constantly setting new challenges for herself until her disappearance in 1937 on her round the world flight.

Review:

Fleming quickly hooks her reader by introducing her book with an account of Earhart’s last hours. Fleming recounts Amelia’s life chronologically, but between chapters she inserts updates about the search for Amelia directly after her disappearance that she introduced in the beginning of the book. This tactic keeps the reader interested and the drama high. Amelia Lost is an intriguing and page turning biography of the pioneering woman. In her own time Earhart encouraged and inspired young women to challenge themselves and follow their dreams. Fleming’s well researched biography is sure bring Earhart’s inspiring character to a new generation of girls.

Genre:

Non-fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 5 to 7/Grades 5 to 11

Awards/Honors:

ALA Notable Children’s Book 2012

Author’s Website:

http://www.candacefleming.com/

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. 2009. Little Brown and Company Books for Young Readers, 278 pages. $16.99. ISBN: 9780316114271

Plot Summary:

Minli has grown up listening to her father’s stories of Old Man of the Moon and Never Ending Mountain. After a magic goldfish tells Minli how to find Never Ending Mountain, Minli sets out to change the fortune of her impoverished family. Along the way Minli meets Dragon, who wishes to learn how to fly and join Minli on her journey. Along the way Minli and Dragon make many friends and hear many stories. When Minli finally meets Old Man of the Moon she is only allowed one question and she must decide whether to ask the Dragon’s question or how to change her family’s fortune.

Critical Review:

In Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Grace Lin elegantly interweaves together folklore and fantasy in this original story. Lin incorporates short stories about the different characters Minli meets into Minli’s story. Minli is a brave and open hearted heroine who is not shy about sticking up for the less fortunate and proves to be a loyal friend. Lin also contributes beautiful fully colored paintings to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. This is sure to be a cherished classic for years to come.

Genre:

Fantasy

Adventure

Reading Level:

3^rd to 6^th grade

Similar Books:

The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum

Awards/Honors:

2010 Newbery Honor Book

2010 ALA Notable Children’s Book

2009 Cybil Award Finalist

Author’s Website:

http://www.gracelin.com/

Geography Club

Hartinger, Brent. Geography Club. Harper Tempest, New York, 2003. 226 pages.  Tr. Pbk. $6.99 ISBN 0060012234

Plot Description:

Russel Middlebrook is convinced he is the only gay kid in his high school until one night he meets GayTeen in a chat room.  GayTeen is not only from Russel’s town, but says he goes to Russel’s high school.  The two agree to meet in person, despite not knowing each other’s true identities.  Imagine Russ’s surprise when Gay Teen turns out to be Kevin Land, star of the baseball team and one of the most popular guys in school.  Kevin and Russ agree to keep each other’s secret and to continue to meet outside of school.  Meeting Kevin encourages Russ to come out to his best friend Min, who in response tells Russ that she is bisexual and is dating another classmate, Terese.  The four teens, along with Ike, a fellow gay classmate, decide to form a support group for gay teens.  However, none of them are ready to come out at school so they call their group the Geography Club hoping no one else will want to join such a boring club.

Review:

Brent Hartinger’s novel Geography Club is an insightful and revealing novel into the life of a gay teenager.  Russ is not reader to come out, but he is uncomfortable not being himself, despite his admitted practice at lying to friends and family.  Russ feels incredibly uncomfortable leading Trish on, but he also wants to be a good friend to Gunnar, so he agrees to date her even though he doesn’t want to.  Russ draws the line at having sex with Trish; he knows that he would not be being true to himself or to her if he was to sleep with her, even though she wants him to.  Russ has a very difficult time fitting in at school.  He doesn't want anyone to know his true identity so he plays along when fellow baseball players are teasing Brian Bunce for supposedly being gay.  In the end Russ learns a lot about himself and becomes a better and more empathetic person.

Genre:

Realistic Contemporary

GLBTQ  

        

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 7 to 11

Similar Books:

Pink Lili Wilkinson

Awards/Honors:
Lambda Literary Award 2003 Finalist

Author’s Website:

http://brenthartinger.com/