Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Alan Walker is a very special young man who's arm is a powerful source of power that can destroy demons, called Akuma; Akuma's are dead souls brought back to life by grieving loved ones that are trapped in vessels controlled by the Millenium Earl. In order to combat these demons, Alan becomes an exorcist for an organization called "the Black Order." However, the Earl has called upon the Noah family to destroy the generals since they are immune to Innocence.As the Noah's continue to slaughter generals left and right theya re unable to kille General Cross, who is Alan's mentor and a scoundrel. As part of the order, Alan is joined by his comrades (Lenna Lee, Lavi, Bookman,Aristar, and Kanda) who not only possess their own demon slaying abilities, but they all share one thing: friendship and tragedy. They may not all get along, but they are willing to sacrifice each other to make share the Millenium Earl does not steal any more souls.

Critical Evaluation:
Katsura Hoshino has created a world where evil roams freely praying on defenseless human beings and the art work is just stunning. Hoshino's characters are not only memorable, but their personalities vary, which makes them unique and lovable, especially since most of them happen to be teenagers. Alan Walker is just adorable beyond words; not only is he innocent, he wears his heart on his sleeve, which saddens the readers when they learn about the immense burden he carries. Lavi is the comedy relief of the story whose antics are just astonishing. Moreover, Aristar is a contradiction (he is a vampire that feeds off the blood of Akuma and he cries a lot). Kanda is the stereotypical bad boy, who not only makes fun of Alan, but has a soft spot deep within that hard exterior. Last, but not least, Leena Lee is the den mother who not only keeps all of the boys in check, but is also the only one who can keep her older brother under control since he has a massive sister complex. The plot is not only original, it is puts a spin on the battle between heaven and hell, which makes it intoxicating and hard to put down.

Information about the Author:
Katsura Hoshino was born April 21, 1980. As a manga artist, she has written three manga series and currently lives in the Shiga Prefecture. As the the youngest fraternal twin, she wrote her first manga at the age of twenty-one and she had not made any public appearances until 2008, which left a lot of critics and fans guessing if she was a guy or a girl. However, that same year, all of the questions, regarding her gender, were put to rest when she attended the Animagic convention in Germany as the guest of honor. Unfortunately, due to health problems, the series has been on hiatus several times so readers have been waiting anxiously for new installments.

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up 

Books Similar to D. Gray Man:

• Code Geass by Goro Taniguichi and Majiko
• Bleach by Tite Kubo
• Shaman King by Hiroyuki Take

Awards & Recognition:

• 2006: French Grand Prix Award organized by Animeland  
• 2006: Webotaku's prize for Manga of the Year 2006
• 2006: Prize for Best Manga Series 2006 
• 2006, the second installment was the third bestselling novel in Japan
• 2007-2008: Weekly Shōnen Jump's ninth bestselling manga in Japan
• 2008: The fifteenth volume ranked twenty-second and the fourteenth and sixteenth volumes placed at twenty-seventh and thirtieth respectively

Plot Summary:
Shakespeare Shapiro has endured years of his humiliation starting with his name. His parents are crazy, they drink too much, and are in denial about a lot of things. For Shakespeare, not only is younger brother, Gandhi, cooler than he is, Shakespeare has yet to go on a date with a girl, let alone try to kiss her and than have sex with her. While writing his final project (his memoir), Shakespeare is finally coming to terms with his crush on Celeste and actually works up the nerve to ask her out. Just when everything seemed to be great, reality sets in ans Shakespeare starts to realize that people are not exactly what they seem. While balancing his relationships with his two best friends, who keep "hooking up," Shakespeare's world is turned upside down when people start to notice him; moreover, he starts connecting with Charlotte and learns that his life isn't that crazy, nor is is that bad.

Critical Evaluation:
This book is beyond amazing. Not only is it hysterical, it is thought-provoking and intelligent. Not only do readers get inside the mind of an awkward teenager, this point of view will analyze a variety of problems that adults tend to forget or acknowledge. As an adult, this story took me all the way back to high school where my existence wasn't about working full-time, paying rent, and wanting to start a family...it was about figuring about what college I wanted to go to, what I was doing with my friends that weekend, and if I actually fit in with anyone. Not only is this story cathartic for some teens, it is also an inspirational story where the hero finally learns that it is okay to be who he is. Identity is a huge issue amongst teenagers and, our narrator, is a prime example of a lost teen. However, he embraced his qualities, including his name, and decided to focus on his talents and, in the end, it was his abilities that helped him succeed.

Information about the Author:
According to Random House, his publisher,  Jake Weizner said that :" [...] Shakespeare Shapiro had a lot to say, not just about his name, but also about his crazy parents, his maddeningly popular younger brother, his social ineptitude, and the overall catastrophe of his life. Much of what he said was depraved, disturbing, and utterly distasteful; but it was also really funny to me. And I guess it was funny to other people, too, because Spanking Shakespeare is set to hit the bookstores on September 25, 2007" (para. 2).  Jake Wizner, luckily, was not born on Hitler's birthday; in fact, he was actually born on Freud's birthday, which makes total sense when it came to creating Shakespeare Shapiro. Wentz states, in his personal biography, that his "parents wanted to name me Max, but my grandfather, a Holocaust refugee, strenuously objected, saying the name sounded too German.  My original birth certificate read Baby Boy Wizner" (para. 1). Jake Wentz spent the first ten years of his life living in a college dormitory since his mother was the dean of the college. Not only did he spend his early year outwitting adults twice his age, he explored the school, and had a terrible sleepwalking habit (there we a few times drunk college students would take him back to his dormitory). When it came time to go to college, Wentz attended Wesleyan University and took an English class that would change his life forever; when he turned in his first paper he was extremely proud of his B- and his classmate got an A (turns out this classmate happened to be the famous Lemony Snicket). After college, he moved to New Orleans where he became the "Phantom Bard" as he chronicled his life as a public school teacher in the Teach for America newsletter. Wentz currently works as a middle school teacher, in New York City, with his wife and children. 


Genre:
Teen Lit for Guys, Teen Humor

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Spanking Shakespeare:

• King Dork by Frank Portman
• Destroy All Cars by Blake Nelson
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review 9/27/2007

Plot Summary:
The Bennett family is unlike the other families in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bennet is a gentlemen, and a incredibly accomplished zombie killer. After sending his girls to a Shaolin Temple to learn marital arts, and combat, Mrs. Bennett decides that it is time for them to get married, especially Jane and Elizabeth. Jane is quiet, and shy, which comes off as indifferent; however, her sister, Elizabeth is a force to be reckoned. When Mr. Bingley moves into Netherfield, he finds himself instantly attracted to Jane. When Mr. Bingely is invited to a ball, he brings Mr. Darcy, an incredibly rich and handsome man, who wants nothing to do with country folk--until he meets Elizabeth. Elizabeth thinks Darcy is too proud, ungentlemanly, and arrogant, but when she is acquainted with  Mr. Wickham, the whole mystery behind Darcy's persona is revealed. Furthermore, as Elizabeth gets to know Darcy, and his family, she realizes nothing is what it seems, especially her own opinions, which seem prejudicial at some times. As the story unravels, the Bennett's and the Darcy's show they are true equals in the art of Zombie slaying.

Critical Evaluation:
By taking a classic novel, like Pride and Prejudice, and intertwining it with a Zombie Apocalypse is sheer genius. In this version of the beloved tale, not only are the personal strengths of each character heightened, readers will be excited to read what's next. Elizabeth Bennett is a a very independent, willful, rational, and strong girl who, given knives and sword, is the complete opposite of what a "Lady" should be. In these times, women were expected to obedient, educated, talented, and take care of the house. Elizabeth has these qualities, but her purpose is to protect those she loves from the "unmentionables" (aka. zombies) rather than site idly. Moreover, if Elizabeth is going to marry, she will do it on her terms and her terms alone. Darcy, is sexy as ever in this story, is actually a lot more intimidating because not only is his presence powerful, but arm him with all weapons and women will just melt. However, when he isn't slaying, he has this vulnerability when it comes to Elizabeth that makes him that much more endearing.

Information about the Authors:Jane Austen was born on December 17, 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire England. She was the second-youngest of eight children. While she was growing up, society was incredibly rigid where is was divided into the rich and the poor, and, since her father was part of the Parish, he was neither. In other words, Austen's family was in the middle class. When she was old enough, she insisted on going to boarding school with her oldest sister, Cassandra, which, unfortunately, was frowned upon because educating women would be harmful to their health--both Cassandra and Jane contracted Typhus and had to return home. According to Jamie Aronson (2006): "Rev. Austen did not adhere to such beliefs. He tutored Jane and Cassandra at home and opened his extensive library to them, giving them unrestricted access to his entire collection. Jane became an avid reader, enjoying all the current works of the day"(p.1).

While being educated by her father, at home, she started writing her own stories, which later on inspired her future works: "Between 1787 and 1793, Austen wrote several satirical short novels that parodied the unrealistic way that women were portrayed in sentimental novels" (Aronson,2006, pg.1). Unwilling to accept female representation in "sentimental" novels, Austen's works shifted immensely as she matured, which would create a new literary movement entitled "Domestic Realism." Moreover, in 1797, "while recovering from her broken engagement, Austen wrote the first draft of her second epistolary novel, "First Impressions." The novel deals with a heroine who struggles with her prejudice against a proud, wealthy man who is deeply in love with her. She must overcome her prejudice to be truly happy with him, while he must humble himself to be with her. Once again, Austen's characters are very complex and realistic, and the action takes place mostly within the domestic realm" (Aronson, 2006, p.1). 

Seth Grahame-Smith was born on January 4, 1976. Not only is he an accomplished author, he is co-creator, head writer and executive producer of The Hard Times of RJ Berger. Although there is not a whole lot about his personal life: he was born in New York and grew up in Connecticut where he graudated from Emerson College. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his family. Despite the lack or a personal biography, he has one impressive resume. As the writer of The Big Book of Porn: A Penetrating Look at the World of Dirty Movies his debut novel, he also wrote: The Spider-Man Handbook: The Ultimate Training, How to Survive a Horror Movie: All the Skills to Dodge the Kills, and  Pardon My President: Fold-and-Mail Apologies for 8 Years.  Grahame-Smith wrote Pride and Prejudice and Zombies after getting the idea from his editor. According to an article on Wikipedia:

Rekulak suggested that Grahame-Smith mix a zombie plot into the public domain novel, effectively creating one of the first literary mash-ups. Enamored with the idea, Grahame-Smith immediately began working on the novel, first by reading Pride and Prejudice and then by meticulously plotting out where to insert the zombie elements, a process he has described as similar to microsurgery. Though Quirk Books was initially reluctant to publish the book in fear of alienating Austen’s fans, the novel went to press in 2009, with modest sales expectations. In the weeks prior to the release, however, the book’s popularity swelled dramatically as the cover and title of the novel circulated the internet. Anticipation for the book grew so rapidly that in its first week of release, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies surged to #3 on the New York Times Best Seller list. Since that time, the novel has sold over a million copies and been translated into over 20 languages." (para. 4).

Genre:
Teen Graphic Novels


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Graphic Novels Similar to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies:

• Pride and Prejudice (Marvel Classic) by Nancy Butler
• Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
  

Awards & Recognition:
Positive Reviews from:

• Library Journal: 2010
• Publisher's Weekly: 2010
  

Plot Summary:
In this graphic novel are three very different stories. The first story about the Monkey King and his journey to become an equal with the rest of the gods. The second story is about Jin who is trying really hard to be like everyone else, especially when it comes to a certain girl. The last story is about Danny who is beyond embarrassed of his cousin, Chin Kee, who happens to the worst Asian stereotype known to American culture. All three of these stories carry very different themes, but they prove that no matter who you are, what you look like, how you talk, and what you do with yourself does not determine one's worth and happiness. Moreover, all of these characters, believe is or not, are all related and teens will come to terms with this discovery.

Critical Evaluation:
Gene Luen Yang is not only the first graphic novelist to win the Michael L. Printz award, but he has made a significant contribution to the world of graphic novels by earning the first National Book Award nomination for graphic novels. American Born Chinese is an intelligent, funny story that chronicles the lives of three characters who are searching for ways to change who they are in order to be noticed. The Monkey King, who wasn't allowed to attend a dinner party with the gods, does everything he can to prove that he isn't a smelly monkey, but a force to be reckoned with. Jing Wang just wants to be seen as any other teenager, but is tired of being made fun off because his best friend is an F.O.B.. Lastly, Danny is completely embarrassed of his cousin Chin Kee from China. Clearly, all of these characters are ashamed of who they are; however, no matter how hard they try to change who they are they come to realize that they are actually very special just the way they are. Yang has not only paved the way for future Asian Americans writers, but has provided readers with a story that they can relate to even if they aren't Asian Americans.


Information about the Author:
Gene Luen Yang started publishing comic books under the name of Humble Comics in 1996 and, a year later, he earned the Xeric foundation. Luen Yang has written a total of nine graphic novels and comics that are suitable for reader sof all ages. According to his website: "American Born Chinese, released by First Second Books in 2006, became the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and the first to win the American Library Association’s Printz Award. It also won an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album – New. The Eternal Smile, a collaborative project I did with Derek Kirk Kim in 2009, won an Eisner as well. And I just received word that my 2010 graphic novella Prime Baby has been nominated for an Eisner! Now, Thien Pham and I look forward to the release of our new graphic novel Level Up in June 2011" (para. 1).  When not working on his graphic novels and comics, he is a computer science teacher at a Catholic high school.

Genre:
Teen Graphic Novels

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to American Born Chinese:

• Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
• Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Awards & Recognition:

• Best Fiction for Young Adults: 2007
• Booklist Editor's Choice: 2006
• Kentucky: Bluegrass Award Nominees: 2008
• Michael L. Printz Award: 2007
• National Book Award Nominee: 2006
• SLJ Best Books for Children: 2006

 Plot Summary:Nick and Alan Ryves have been on the run for as long as they can remember. After the death of their father, and their mother stricken with madness, they have had to move, a lot, in order to escape from a man responsible for their misfortune named Black Arthur. When their home is attacked by a flock of crazy ravens, who happen to be possessed by a demon, under the control of the magician, the boys know that Black Arthur knows where the are. Later that night, two of their classmates sneak up on them and ask for advice; Jamie, the brother of Mae, has been marked by a demon, and in the process, Alan is marked as while trying to save them from the mist. Nick will not let Alan succumb to the demon and, thus, they head for London looking for the next Goblin Market to try an erase the mark. Little do they know, this is only just the beginning of a much larger set of problems.


Critical Evaluation:
Sarah Rees Brennan is a brilliant writer. Not only does she hook her readers, immediately, but she keeps them begging for more. In the Demon's Lexicon, is a start of an amazing journey where two brother must put aside their "normalcy" in order to survive. At the core of their problems is the fact they are being chased by their mother's (Olivia) ex-lover who bestowed an amulet of great power. Unfortunately, this man, Black Arthur, drove Nick's mother mad just after she had met his father because of the amulet. In many respects, Nick blames his mother for the death of their father and the fact they cannot live simple lives (there is a lot of animosity). However, Alan is the glue that holds this broken family together since he had to step into their father's shoes. Not only is the adventure awesome, but the vulnerability of each of these characters is easy to relate to and incredibly moving.

Information about the Author:
Born and raised in Ireland, Sarah Rees Brennan spent much of her youth reading books by Jane Austen, Robin McKinley, and Diane Wynn Jones rather than learning the Irish language (not Gaelic). According to her website: "[[a]fter college she lived briefly in New York and somehow survived in spite of her habit of hitching lifts in fire engines. She began working on The Demon’s Lexicon while doing a Creative Writing MA and library work in Surrey, England" (para. 2). After writing Demon's Lexicon, she returned to Ireland where she will continue to write about her future endeavors.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy


Reading Level/Interest:Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Demon's Lexicon:

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Awards & Recognition:
Positive reviews from the following review sources:

• Booklist
• Horn Book
• Kirkus
• School Library Journal
• V.O.Y.A.

Plot Summary:
 Nailer is a ship breaker who scavenges ships that have run a ground and collects copper wiring, or anything valuable,  to be sold. His life is not easy since, especially since he has to go through tight spots, which are incredibly dangerous. Nailer belongs to a crew that swear blood oaths that each member will "have each other's backs" whatever the situatioin is. One day, after a big city killer (hurricane), Nailer and Pima see a clipper ship stranded by "the teeth" and find the biggest scavenge they have ever seen and think they have found their lucky strike. However, as the explore the ship, they find a swank (a rich girl), named Nita, alive and Nailer decides to save her rather than let her die. Little does he know, this girl is not just any swank, but Nailer's one way ticket out of Hell. Although it sounds like a good idea, Nailer has to escape the clutches of his doped up father, half men, and the world's strongest ship known as the "Pole Star."

Critical Evaluation:
In this distant future, the world has been destroyed by mother nature. Oil has run out, hurricanes run rampant, and the people are forced to live in the remains of the disaster. The only people who are able to overcome the disasters are those with money, which leave everyone else destitute; poverty is so bad that it has driven people to sell their blood and woman sell their eggs for genetic engineering purposes where human DNA is mixed with animal DNA. Whatever the case, humanity has turned into a Darwinian state where life is no longer seen as precious. Bacigalupi has created a world that is not only our worst nightmare, but has brought "Hell on Earth" to life. However, the hope for humanity lies in the heart of Nailer who not only saves Nita (the Swank), but forces himself to put his own needs aside for the greater good. What readers will learn in this story is no matter how bad things get, there is always hope at the end.

Information about the Author:
Paolo Bacigalupi is not only a well-known science fiction author, he has taken a new direction in his career by writing books for teens. According to the author bio, on his website, "His debut novel THE WINDUP GIRL was named by TIME Magazine as one of the ten best novels of 2009, and also won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Compton Crook, and John W. Campbell Memorial Awards. His short story collection PUMP SIX AND OTHER STORIES was a 2008 Locus Award winner for Best Collection and also named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly" (para. 2).  Not only is well known for his science fiction novels, but his short stories have are also critically acclaimed: "Paolo Bacigalupi’s writing has appeared in High Country News, Salon.com, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. His short fiction been anthologized in various “Year’s Best” collections of short science fiction and fantasy, nominated for two Nebula Awards and four Hugo Awards, and won the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award for best sf short story of the year" (para. 1). Unfortunately, there is not a lot of personal information avilable at Paolo, but he currently lives in Colorado with his wife and son.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Ship Breaker:

• Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
  

Awards & Recognition:

• ALA Notable Children's Books: 2011
• Best Fiction for Young Adults: 2011
• Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten: 2011
• Michael L. Printz Award: 2011
• National Book Award Finalist: 201o

Plot Summary:
Rose sees, and lives, in black. After losing her best friend, she believes she will never fit in or make friends. Not only has her world turned upside down, she lives in a neighborhood where the Soviets and the Americans are incredibly suspicious of one another. According to Rose, the Cold War hasn't ended in the Bronx, especially when one can notice who is a KGB agent and who is CIA. However, one night, Yrena, her Soviet neighbor knocks on her window and invites herself in. Little does Rose know, that in just one night Yrena would become her best friends for life despite their political differences. In fact, they are both accomplished dancers who have two very different point of views about their talent. As Rose, Yrena, Maurice, Calisto, Caitlin, and Caleb come together to show their Russian friend what Americans do they learn that she will be returning to the Soviet Union in a matter of days.

Critical Evaluation:
Rose Sees Red is a touching tale of two young women who became the best of friends in one night. Castellucci provides readers with an intelligent story that not only breaks down the silliness of political ideology, but provides us with an amazing example of what being human is all about. In this story, six teenagers put aside their political affiliations and enjoy each other by sharing their passions, opinions, and cultures. This story is set in a tumultuous time where neighbors could not even trust one another because they feared the consequences from the government. Readers will definitely feel the power of love and kinship between these characters as they roam the New York City showing Yrena the wonders it holds. Moreover, readers will walk away with an important lesson about people and that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what/who we believe in, we all shed the same blood and and want to live freely and in in peace.

Information about the Author:
Cecil Castellucci has one heck of an impressive CV. Not only does she write young adult novels, she writes graphic novels, children's short stories, librettos for famous operas, a scholar, a fellow, a performer, an actor, a playwright, and the occasional singer. In other words, she is a "Jill of Many Trades." According to her website, Cecil: " was the recent recipient of a Macdowell Fellowship where she completed a new novel The Year of the Beasts due out in 2012." Along with her writing achievements, she also spends a lot of time sharing, and practicing, her craft as well adventuring out into other art forms:

"[Cecil] has participated in the Lincoln Center Directors Lab West and the Banff Centre for the Arts “Writing with Style” program and had both writing and directing assistantships at the Taper. Cecil was a founding member of the Alpha 60 film club. Alpha 60 was a club dedicated to discovering narrative voice and encouraging creative endeavors in film. Other activities included field producer on MTV’s Big Urban Myth Show and Director of Recreating Radio at the Museum of Television and Radio (now known as the Paley Center). In 2006 she wrote and directed her first feature film “Happy Is Not Hard To Be.”  It debuted in Los Angeles at the Alternative Screen series at the Egyptian Theatre" (para. 8).

Among all these activities, she runs a literary series in Los Angeles at Skylight Books called "The Lit Thing."

Genre:
Teen Historical Fiction


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Rose Sees Red:

• Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive reviews from VOYA, School Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, and Publisher's Weekly

Plot Summary:
Ashley Asher grew up feeling empty, alone, unloved, and worthless. In fact, she even wished to die because the agony her stepfather put her through. What readers learn is that Ashely has been molested for years and her own mother didn't do anything to stop it. However, when Ashley speaks up, Child Protective Services is notified and she in her biological father's custody. Although Ashely doesn't know her father, she slowly re-builds her life by seeking help from a therapist, making friends, and connecting with her new family. Furthermore, she finally learns to move by expressing her frustration and  recognizing that her mother will never change and it is okay to let go. This novel will bring a few tears, but it also instills hope that even in the worst of times, people will heal and continue to live their lives. 


Critical Evaluation:
Hope in Patience is an incredibly moving story about survival. Ashley Asher's innocence was not only taken by a bad man, her own mother refused to stop the abuse. In fact, what is even more appalling, is that her mother is convinced that Ashely is trying to steal her husband. However, all off this changes when she is taken away from her mother and is placed with her biological father and his family. What is absolutely wonderful about this book is how Ashely came from a horrible family into the care of a loving family. Readers will learn about family dynamics and, more importantly, how sexual abuse is not acceptable and its devastating effects on the victim (i.e.,depression, self-mutilation, anxiety, and PTSD). Another awesome aspect of this story is the support system Ashley has: her father, stepmother, therapist, and friends, who refuse to give up on her, which not only helps her to deal with her past, but be able to move on. As I mentioned before, this story is about survival and, in the end, hope is the one that prevails where a broken girl is able to pick up the pieces by letting go. 

Information about the Author:
Beth Fehlbaum was born in Dallas, Texas and has one sibling. She met her husband in high school and they have three daughters. When her youngest daughter was born, Fehlbaum went to University of Texas at Arlington where she received her B.A. in English with a minor in secondary education. She then went on to pursue an M.Ed at Texas A&M--Commerce in Elementary School Education. According to Fehlbaum: "Bev Asher and I share a passion for teaching, social justice, and insisting upon authenticity in the classroom" (para. 8). Not only does she write novels for teens, she continues to teach, which she loves dearly. Hope in Patience is based on Fehlbaun's own experiences as an abused child. This is what she had to say about writing this novel:

I was inspired to write this story by my own recovery from childhood sexual abuse. In the process of working through my own grief, disbelief, and anger, I was writing poems and short stories, and sharing them with my (long-suffering) therapist. One day, he suggested that I try writing a novel. It took me about four months of starting and stopping, always ending up in the same place: stuck inside myself-- until one day I became so sick of the scenery that I decided to try to imagine what it would have been like if I had been able to get out of the abusive situation I was in at age 15-- instead of remaining in it much longer. What if a young girl in that situation had a father who had allowed his own shame at being a lousy dad to keep him away for her entire life, as Ashley's father, David does? AND- what if he was able to come through for her in a way he never thought he could, when she needed him the most?

In the process of knocking down the walls I had built around myself,  I found Ashley Nicole Asher, age 15, and Patience, Texas, a tiny East Texas town populated with people who can be found anywhere, dealing with the same problems that all people must face, whether they want to admit it or not.

Hope in Patience is the second book in the Patience series.


Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Hope in Patience:

• Speak by Laure Halse Anderson
• 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
  

 
Awards & Recognition:

•  2011 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Reader

Plot Summary:
After being shipped off from her home, in New York, Daisy has found herself in the country side of England among a strange, but refreshing, group of people. Since her "wicked stepmother" is expecting a child with her father, Daisy felt forgotten and alone. However, all of this changes when she meets her aunt's family who not only welcome her, but love her as if she were one of them. Just when things couldn't be any better, she finds herself in love with her cousin, Edmond, but all of that love is tested when the war breaks out and she is ripped away from everything she knows, including Edmond.


Critical Evaluation:
Since this story is an alternative to the "traditional" novel, Rosoff's lack of punctuation, and grammar, is very telling because readers are inside Daisy's thoughts (unconventional and without guidance). Daisy has lived her life knowing that her mother died giving birth to her, which not only makes her feel guilty, but she believes that people see her as as murderer. Moreover, her eating disorder is reflective of this guilt, which has not been resolved since she and her stepmother constantly fight and her father is indifferent. When she is sent to live with her aunt, Daisy feels like she is being replaced by the new baby, which many readers will be able to relate to. However, with meeting her aunt, and cousins, she believes she can start over again and find what she is looking for. Unfortunately, when the war breaks out she finally learns how families can fall apart when reality sets in. As much as she wanted to return to the first few months on the farm, the war has changed Edmond, and her, forever. 


Information about the Author:
According to her CV, Meg Rosoff was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1956. While growing up, she read a variety of books by Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak. When she was three years old, she was "censured" for using black crayon on the preschool walls; thus, peaking her creativity. During her tween and teen years, she continued to read and eventually fell in love with classics written by authors such as Ernest Hemmingway. In 1974, she went on to get her degree at Harvard University and, three years later, moved to London, England. After spending six years in London, she moved back to New York where she got her first publishing job and, in 1986, she got her first advertising job that eventually landed her the position as Deputy Press Secretary NY State democrats. In 1989, Rosoff returned to London where she spent eight years working various advertising jobs, which she was fired from all, and, in 2003, she quit her job at the advertising firm and wrote How I Live Now and Meet Wild Boars. She has since then written Just In Case, Wild Boars Cook, Jumpy Jack and Googily, What I Was, Pegasus,The Bride’s Farewell, and Vamoose!

Genre:
Teen Chick Lit


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to How I Live Now:

• Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
• Postcards From No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers

 Awards & Recognition:

• Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2004
• Branford Boase Award 2005
• Michael L. Printz Award 2005
• Der Luchs des Jahres Book Prize 2005
• Julia Ward Howe Prize (Boston Authors Club) 2005

Plot Summary:
Never in a million years would Danny believe in ghost stories, but, this time, they are real. After moving to a town covered in snow, Danny, Howie, and Ash, take a joy ride on the snow covered roads. Although Pike, the driver, decided that he want to set fire to the store of a known pedophile, Danny will never forget that night where he was stalked and attacked by a hideous creature. What seemed like an awful nightmare, Danny tries to shrug off this "dream" until the local bully disappears out of nowhere he believes that his attack, and this disappearance, are related. What is even more suspicious, is that his friend, Howie, also meets this beast and is obsessed with finding this creature, which leads Danny, and his friends, on a dangerous journey to destroy the beast. 

Critical Evaluation:
Bonechiller is an amazing horror story packed with suspense and mystery. In this story is a teen who is not only struggling with the loss of his mother, he is also having to deal with his father inability to cope with his wife's death, which forces Danny to move all around the country to escape the memories of his mother. This story is not only scary, but incredibly touching that many teens can relate too. Moreover, one of the main themes of this story is about making choices; when bad things happens do we face them or run away. For Danny, he has decided that the only way he can move on with his life is to stop running away from the past and face his fears (the beast and living without his mother). Teens will not be able to put this book down because not only are they awaiting an epic battle, they want to see Danny triumph.


Information about the Author:
Graham McNamee is an incredibly mysterious man. Although he is well known as an amazing young adult author, his background are under lock and key. According to Teenreads.com, McNamee is an incredibly shy man who is  5'10" with brown hair and eyes.He was born in Toronto, but there have been very few sightings of him. However, his publisher (Random House) said that he can be found working at the Vancouver Public Library from time to time. McNamee based Bonechiller after a nightmare he had when he was staying at his uncle's cabin in the winter and this is what he had to say about this place:

Outside, the squall was howling, heaping drifts up against the cottage and trying to pry the wooden planks off the boarded windows. I stayed up half the night peering through knotholes in the wood, trying to spot the 'thing' that was making that howling noise. More than just the wind, I was sure there was something alive out in the freezing dark. Something big and mad, and hungry. In bed, even with my ear muffs on, that arctic howl found me. And when I finally slept, 'it' came to me. A huge snow-pale beast with blade-like teeth, ice pick claws and big silver eyes. It chased me through my dreams, through the ice-bound town. And when it caught me--it always caught me--all I could do was stare at my own reflection in those hideous, silver-mirrored eyes. And scream until I screamed myself awake.

After two nights of nightmares we finally made it out, driving over the frozen lake to get back to the main road. I remember looking through the rear window, searching the snowy landscape for my beast. The dreams haunted me for months after. And the cottage was never the same after that. Because even in the heat of summer I knew something was hiding, and only waiting for the deep freeze to come back out" (para. 3).

Needless to say, this book was real fun for him to write since it is based on a nightmare that probably continues to haunt him to this day. No one knows what is out there in the wild, and McNamee is definitely not one to say otherwise.


Genre:
Teen Horror


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9& up

Books Similar to Bonechiller:

• Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
• Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan

Awards & Recognition:

•    Best Fiction for Young Adults: 2009
•    Georgia: Georgia Peach Award Nominees: 2011
•    Indiana: Eliot Rosewater Award Nominees: 2011
•    Texas: Tayshas Reading List: 2011