Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
After coming home from the war, Hayley's father is constantly haunted by the memories and the visions of the war that ravaged his mind, body, and soul. What appears to be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Hayley's father isn't coping well where he can no longer hold down a job and self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. Hayley, who is seventeen years old, wakes up every day fearing what lies behind her father's bedroom door. After years of moving around, Hayley and her father moved into her grandmother's home, which would require her to finish high school with other teens her age. For Hayley, this attempt at normalcy has not only made things worse for her father, her heart and her mind won't let anyone in because her thoughts are constantly occupied by her father. Rather than trying to fit in, Hailey sleeps through class, refuses to do her homework, and barely socializes with the people she calls friends and then she met Finn. Finn is a a tall, skinny guy with shaggy hair who refuses to take "NO!" for an answer; Finn wants Hayley to write an article for the school newspaper because he knows how smart and eloquent she is. Despite Hayley's bad attitude, she really is a bright young girl who could go places if she applied herself. Well, after making a pretty sweet deal with Finn, Hayley ends up writing that article, which was not only fun but gave her an escape from all of the worrying and stress. Moreover, the more time that she spends with Finn, the more her feelings grown for him. Hayley wants nothing more than to be happy and for her father to be healthy, but will his pain overcome his will to fight?More importantly, will Hayley be able to keep it together or will she fade away just like her father?

Critical Evaluation:
Lauire Halse Anderson has written yet another riveting story about an issue that society has yet to really understand. Unfortunately, unless you live with someone with PTSD, insight to this disease is very limited and Halse Anderson provides readers with a fairly accurate portrayal. Although most people are aware how devastating PTSD can be for person who has it, we tend to forget the people that have to help and live with their loved ones illness. Despite all of the stress and the heartache that she must endure, Hayley is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a normal teenager and that opportunity is named Finn.  I have to say this, granted it may not be an important observation, but the way that Finn arranged his date with Hayley was absolutely adorbs! Honestly, I squealed!What's important about this relationship is that Finn is going through his own set of family dysfunction because his sister happens to be a drug addict. When Hayley finally opens to up Finn, and vice versa, these two teens find the common ground they have been longing for. Although Hayley and Finn are the main characters, all of the teens in this story are struggling with their own amidst their parents' issues as well. I can't tell you how many times my heart broke for Hayley and her father because no one should have to suffer from the horrible disease because it destroys everything in its path. Hayley's father may have survived several tours of duty overseas, but the biggest battle he has yet to face is transitioning back into civilian life and taking control of his illness. The ending will blow your mind. A very, very compelling read and difficult to put down. Bravo, Laurie Halse Anderson!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards, as well as international recognition. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Laurie was honored with the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award given by YALSA division of the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature…”. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen War Stories

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to The Impossible Knife of Memory:

• Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick
• Porcupine by Meg Tilly

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:
"As in Speak, Anderson provides a riveting study of a psychologically scarred teenager . . . absorbing" —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Compelling, powerful, and timely . . . This is challenging material, but in Anderson's skilled hands, readers will find a light shining on the shadowy reality of living with someone who has lived through war" —Booklist, starred review

"The book offers an eloquent portrait of the effects of both war and family legacies, and many readers will find reflections of their own struggle to keep family connections while obtaining their independence.” —BCCB, starred review

"With powerful themes of loyalty and forgiveness, this tightly woven story is a forthright examination of the realities of war and its aftermath on soldiers and their families. One of Anderson’s strongest and most relevant works to date.” —School Library Journal, starred review

"Anderson's novels . . . speak for the still-silent among us, and force all of us to acknowledge the real and painful truths that are too dangerous to ignore." —New York Times

“The Impossible Knife of Memory isn’t always an easy read-Anderson’s gritty, authentic look at PTSD is by turns painful and heartbreaking-but it’s an important one." —Entertainment Weekly

“Andy comes home from the war in Iraq honored for his service, and haunted by it.  The war still goes on inside of him and threatens to make Hayley another causality. Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the best known writers of literature for young adults and children in the world. ” —Scott Simon, NPR Weekend Edition

“Laurie Halse Anderson has been lauded and awarded for her ability to channel the teenage mind (and heart) dealing with tough issues. In The Impossible Knife of Memory, she takes on PTSD through the story of a girl coping with her troubled veteran dad.” —Family Circle

"At turns heartbreaking, at turns funny, the narrative in this book is so spot on I wanted to give Hayley my phone number so she would have a friend in times of crisis.  Seriously—does ANYONE write troubled teen characters with the realism, grace, and soul of Laurie Halse Anderson?" —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of The Storyteller and Between the Lines

“Laurie Halse Anderson serves the families of veterans with the same honor, dignity, and respect that the veterans, who serve us, deserve. With her trademark hope, humor, and heart-breaking realism, Laurie Halse Anderson has given us a roadmap to heal. She is a treasure.” —Stephen Chobsky, New York Times bestselling author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Hello, everyone!

It's me and I just wanted to share with you a rather interesting proposition called the 2014 Hub Reading Challenge. The Young Adults Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is sponsoring a reading challenge for everyone to read more! In fact, all you have to do is read 25 books by June (not too difficult since the challenge allows you to read graphic novels, books, manga, or listen to audiobooks). The best part is that anyone can participate in this challenge including you!

All you have to do is visit their site and follow the instructions. If you accomplish the goal, not only will you get mad props for participating, you will have the chance to win some serious swag. So what you waiting for?! Sign-up today!

~Deb

Plot Summary:
Sawako Kuronuma is an outcast and, in fact, everyone she looks in the eye runs away. In fact, she is nicknamed Sadako because she looks exactly like the evil girl from The Ring. Although Sawako is nothing like Sadako, she is socially awkward and people mistake her willingness to help for curses and witchcraft. Now that she is in high school, Sawako wants nothing more than to make friends and be liked, but she didn't anticipate Kazehaya. Kazehaya is the most popular guy in school and Sawako had the pleasure of bumping into him before the start of the school year. Sawako admires everything about him because he is nice, smart, handsome, and well-liked by everyone. Little does Sawako know, but her meeting with Kazehaya will set off a chain of events that she never expected. By acknowledging her existence, Kazehaya tells all oof their classmates that Sawako is not the loathsome Sadako. In fact, Kazehaya points out to everyone that she works harder than everyone else and takes on extra duties so no one else has to. With his help, Kazehaya helps Sawako come out of her shell and show everyone that she can't see ghosts or put curses on people. Granted, not everyone takes an instant liking to Sawako, it's the little things that get people to notice how special she is. Not to mention, when she captures the attention of Chizu and Ayane, there kidness to move their desks next to her leads to a special friendship filled with many adventures that allow Sawako to blossom and grow. The only problem with this transformation, is that Sawako will inadvertently make enemies with girls who will terrible things to make her the laughing stock of the school and rip her relationships apart. Furthermore, Sawako's insecurities also pose a threat to her relationship with Kazehaya.  This is truly, and utterly, a sweet tale of first love and friendship where anything is possible.

Critical Evaluation:
It's been a while since I have a read a manga that has made me smile from ear to ear. This manga is about a girl who is so unbelievably shy and awkward that is scares people away. Although I have yet to meet someone like this, I am sure the intention was not to terrify, but to be pleasant. Sawako has been misunderstood her whole life so making friends hasn't always been the easiest thing to do. However, when Sawako meets Kazehaya, she sees everything she wants to be in him. As for Kazehaya, he is such a pure soul that everyone just falls in love with him. For Sawako, Kazehaya is the first person to see her for who she truly is and that makes her feel special. Although Sawako knows she has to do a better job of standing up for herself, Kazehaya gives her the strength and the courage to make everyone notice her (without them running away). What's even more awesome is that Ayane and Chizu actually go out on a limb and befriend Sawako despite all of the obstacles that lay ahead of them. Granted, Chizu and Ayane are also a bunch of misfits with less then reputable reputations, Sawako doesn't let the gossip influence her decision to befriend then because she sees the good in everyone, just like Kazehaya. Although Sawako insists that she wants to be more like Kazehaya, in reality, they are both very alike. My heart skips a beat with every volume because the closer Kazehaya and Sawako get, the more I beg for a happy ending. This really is for the those looking for an sweet and virtuous story about love and happiness.

Information about the Author:According to Amazon.com:

Born October 23rd, Karuho Shiina’s favorite movies include The Apartment, The Shawshank Redemption and My Neighbor Totoro. Her previous series, Crazy for You, was also published in Germany. Kimi ni Todoke is her latest hit manga.

Genre:
Teen Romance Manga, Teen Humor Manga

Number of Volumes:
20-ongoing

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Kimi Ni Todoke:

• Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya
• Otomen by Aya Kanno

Awards & Recognition:

• Top selling Manga in Japan (2013)

Plot Summary:
It all started with Dwight and his Origami Yoda. Tommy, Kellan, Mike, Cassie, Lance, Quovondo, and Harvey have written down their experiences with Yoda/green paperwad. Although Dwight is a bit of a weirdo, his origami Yoda might have special powers to not only tell the future, but provide some pretty solid advice. For example, it was Yoda who helped Tommy make the right decision about whether or not he should ask a girl to dance at the PTA dance. Yoda also helped Kellan take care of the water fountain and pants issue while Mike was able to break his strikeout streak. As for Sara, well Yoda provided his advice that not only was not only weird, but ended up with her having a great time with her lonely grandmother. Although Origami Yoda seems like the real deal, the group skeptic (named Harvey) always has to add his own commentary to each story, which leads to the argument about Dwight and how every character sees Dwight. Although Harvey is a jerk, he does make a reasonable assessment of Dwight who is a genius on minute and a complete weirdo the next; Sara, who has known Dwight her whole life, testify to Dwight's eccentricities (he would dig holes and sit in them because Origami Yoda said to). Well, one day, when Tommy, Kellan, Mike, and Harvey got into an argument about Dwight, the mission to document the success of Origami Yoda has revealed a very important question: Is Dwight be weird on purpose or is her really weird? In this hilarious tale of a group of friends who want nothing more than to fit in and be liked, are they so desperate that they will consult Origami Yoda and Dwight to make crucial decisions about life?

Critical Evaluation:
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is amazing. Along with the tween humor, and issues, readers go on a journey to prove the power of Origami Yoda or his maker, Dwight. The best part about this story is that every character has an individual story where they are so desperate that they confess their fears to Origami Yoda and Dwight. Dwight is the hero of this story because he has endured countless insults for walking around school with a finger puppet, but, at the same time, everyone is seeking Yoda's advice. I can honestly say that Harvey annoyed me sooooo much because he had absolutely nothing nice to say about Dwight or anyone else in the story. Although it sets up the next story, and Harvey is the villain, each character does something remarkable: they allowed themselves to be vulnerable. As we read each case study, all of these tweens have a fear or a concern. Granted, the last person they want to share their problems with is Dwight and his finger puppet, they needed to hear someone, or something, to tell them that everything is going to be okay. Although I don't condone fighting, I was impressed with Dwight when he hears about Caroline's problem with Zack Martin; he was her Knight in Shining Armor not because she was a girl, but because she was being picked on. One thing about this age group is that words really do hurt so I definitely felt Dwight's pain when people would call him weird or a loser. Furthermore, other than standing up for Caroline, he would deny his "friends" access to Yoda because they would be mean to him and expect him to help them. Readers of all ages will realize just how difficult these years are because everything is new: school, liking the opposite sex, making friends, and fitting in. I am happy to say that this book had the perfect ending and I am looking forward to the sequel!

Information about the Author:
According to his wordpress:

Tom Angleberger NOT Anglebooger!!!!!!!!
Age: secret
Birthday: Oct. 24
Location: secret
Toothpaste: secret
Home state: Virginia
Security Clearance: AlphaShadow1
Pen of Choice: Pilot G2 gel roller! 1.0 used for everyday doodling, .7 used for illustrating the Origami Yoda books.
Previous occupations: newspaper reporter and columnist, juggler, weed boy, lawn mower part assembler, biology research assistant (bug larvae and plant diseases)
Current occupation: author and illustrator, keeper of origamiyoda.com (with Webmaster Sam)
First novel: Begun in 8th grade, never completed.
Published or about to be published novels: Qwikpick, Stonewall, Origami Yoda, Horton Halfpott, Darth Paper, Fake Mustache, Secret of the [[top secret]].
Spouse: author and illustrator Cece Bell!
Tom sez: “I’m not necessarily all that creative. I’m more of a puzzle putter together. I take all these little puzzle pieces — Yoda, middle school problems, Cheetos — and I fuss and fuss with them until I fit them together.”
Inspirations: Star Wars, Fumiaki Kawahata, Daniel Pinkwater, my own personal social disasters…
SuperPower: Aspergers!
 

Genre:
Tween Fiction, Tween Humor

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 4 & up

Books Similar to The Strange Case of Origami Today:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal by Jeff Kinney
• NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by Jeff Buckley
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive Review from School Library Journal
• Positive Review from Booklist
  

Plot Summary:
In the midst of WWI, Mary Shelley is on the run from the Spanish Influenza Epidemic while her father has been imprisoned for treason for helping young men dodge the draft. After making her way to San Diego, Mary must start all over knowing that her father, or Stephen (her best friend and first love), may never come back home. Named after the great author, Mary Shelley, Mary, just like her mother, has a fascination with inventions, science, and electricity, which most people find a strange except for Stephen. When Stephen's family moved to San Diego, Stephen and Mary would write letters to one another and, when Aunt Eva moved to San Diego, Mary was thrilled because she finally had a way to see Stephen. However, when Mary arrived, she saw that Julius (Stephen's troubled brother) has transformed the family's honest photography business into a business of deception and thievery. What's worse is that Mary has no idea that Stephen enlisted in the Army and will be shipping off to the very war she, and her father, despise. After the incident in the parlor that left a permanent rift between the brothers, Mary must to Stephen's home to pick package from Stephen. Sadly, the home that she admired so much was crawling with grieving families who are waiting to see their dearly departed loved ones. With the passing of Uncle Wilfred, Aunt Eva has become obsessed with Julius' work and doesn't allow Mary to say one bad thing about him. However, Mary's world is shattered when tragedy strikes and the only way she is going to cope with it is to find some sense of normalcy. The only catch is: what is normal when you can see, and speak, to the dead.         

Critical Evaluation:
It was very, very hard to not give the whole plot away in my summary because there is so much going on, but in an awesome and mysterious way. Mary Shelly is misfit who, like Dr. Frankenstein, has a fascination for everything scientific. What makes Mary Shelly a great main character is that she is an exceptionally bright young lady who, beneath the oddities she explores, is just like any other teenage girl. When I first read this story, I was dreading the romance, but this is definitely not a love story, but a story about love. Mary, who is struggling with the loss of her father, amidst a senseless war, is trying her best to make sense of the mess that she is living in. Her guardian, Aunt Eva, who is only ten years older than Mary, is also struggling with issues where her obsession, and fear of the flu, are driving her to the point of insanity. What I appreciate the most about this book is that the women in this story are undeniably strong and are true survivors. It was such a breath of fresh air to witness a young girl stand up for her beliefs and was willing to risk hell and high water to find the truth. Although I was put off by her attempt to electrocute herself (after finding out about Stephen and her father), the Winters had a reason behind this action because it was her momentary "death" that has allowed her to step in between the realm of the living and the dead. More importantly, has she not done this crazy thing, who knows what would have happened if she didn't. In the Shadow of the Blackbirds is a memorizing tale of a courageous girl who is deperately trying to fight for the ones she loves. Furthermore, it's a hunting portrayal of our own world that could easily repeat itself and let's hope that it will never happen again.

Information about the Author:
According to her website: 

Cat Winters was born and raised in Southern California, near Disneyland, which may explain her love of haunted mansions, bygone eras, and fantasylands. She received degrees in drama and English from the University of California, Irvine, and formerly worked in publishing.

Her critically acclaimed debut novel, In the Shadow of Blackbirds, was named a 2014 Morris Award Finalist, a 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults pick, a 2013 Bram Stoker Award Nominee, and a School Library Journal Best Book of 2013. Her upcoming books include The Cure for Dreaming (Amulet Books/Fall 2014) and The Uninvited (William Morrow/Publication date TBA), and she's a contributor to the 2015 YA horror anthology Slasher Girls & Monster Boys.

Cat lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two kids.

Genre:
Teen Historical Fiction, Teen Horror

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to In the Shadow of the Blackbirds:

• The Diviners by Libba Bray
• Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2014 William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist
• School Library Journal Best Books of 2013
• YALSA's 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults
• 2013 Bram Stoker Award Nominee for Superior Achievement in Young Adult Fiction
• Booklist's 2013 Top Ten Horror Fiction for Youth
• Booklist's 2013 Top Ten First Novels for Youth
• Nominated for the ACL of Northern California's 2013 Distinguished Book List
• Starred reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, School Library Journal
• Highlighted review, VOYA Magazine