Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Devon Davenport is an all-around student who has a lot going for her. Despite her lousy upbringing, and irresponsible mother, Devon does the best she can to take care of herself and her future. However, when the incident occurred on "That Night," Devon needs more than her mother--she needs a time machine. After being arrested for abandoning her child, Devon is devastated and scared. Moreover, in juvenile detention, Devon constantly thinks that she is not like any of the other detainees because she is a good person who has never done anything illegal and is a model student. However, the flashbacks of her time with him are becoming stronger as she looks back on the brief moment with him. How could she not know that she was pregnant? Why hasn't it sunk in that what she did was a crime? Is she really capable of murder? All of these questions haunt Devon during her time in Juvenile Hall, but, at the same time, it is during these moments that Devon slowly learns more about herself and that with every decision comes consequences.

Critical Evaluation:
After is an incredibly compelling of a teenager who did the mos unspeakable thing: she threw her baby away in a dumpster. As an adult, reading this story, it was very hard for me to read because all I could see was a scared little girl who did something very bad. Moreover, her mother is self-centered and lacks common sense, which conveys that she should have never had her child. However, Devon's attitude, at times, not only shows her naivety, but it angers readers because she just doesn't get it...how could she do that to her child? As the story unfolds, not only will readers learn about Devon, but the circumstances that led to this terrible decision. Not a lot of stories like this one are available for teens to read, but, nevertheless, it is a powerful tool that teens can learn valuable lessons such as forgiveness, trusting others, and not being afraid to talk to someone in times of need. Although this is a heart-wrenching story, Devon makes a decision that will not only free her from this nightmare, but lead her down the path to salvation.

Information about the Author:
Amy Efaw was born on September 27, 1967 in Oak Park, Illinois. In her website, she informs readers that she had a difficult childhood where her parents would fight and the police showed up from time to time. Amy was able to deal with all of the moments by applying to the United State Military Academy at West Point; Amy decided to apply to West Point because she knew famous heroes such as Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant graduated from this establishment and because she was a Civil War fan after her grandfather gave her a copy of  Gone With the Wind. Ultimately, besides wanting to step in the shoes of famous military leaders, she has no idea what she was getting herself into. While taking as many courses as she could, and enduring the harshness of training, Amy immersed herself in engineering courses and sports. In fact, she met her husband, a fellow classmate, and they were married a year after graduation, right before they were shipped off to Germany to fulfill their five-year enlistment. However, then months later, she was expecting her first trial and it was the beginning of the Gulf War. Thankfully, she was not deployed so she had two children and no longer on active duty. Amy Efaw spends her time writing and spending time with her family.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to After:

• How to Save a Life by Sarah Zarr
• Crank by Ellen Hopkins 

  Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review from School Library Journal (9/1/2009)

 Suggested Links:
To find information about the "Safe Surrender" law, please check out some of these links. Remember, things like this happen, but it is always important to seek help before making any decision that could bring dire consequences. 

• http://fire.lacounty.gov/programsevents/SpecialProgramsSafeSurrender.asp
• http://www.babysafe.ca.gov/
• http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/safelysurrenderbabylaw.pdf

Plot Summary:
In this alternate reality, The Society controls everything. Every aspect of life is under their control, which means that every citizen has no say in what the eat, where they will work, who they will marry, and when they will die. For Cassia, who just turned seventeen, her mate will be revealed to her at her Matching Ceremony, which is a a big moment in her life. Cassia has always been obedient and has never experienced anything out of the ordinary until her match is revealed...she will be marrying her best friend, Xander. Although excited, and happy, to matched with her best friend, she is worried because this situation never happens (the rules of Matching state that one will never be matched with someone they know). Despite everything, Cassia is ready to look towards for the future, but she feels as if something is missing. In order to put her fears aside, she takes out the microcard given to her at her Matching, which should reveal Xander's profile and courting instructions, but when she his profile something happens...another profile replaces Xander's and Ky's picture shows up. Cassia hasn't seen Ky in years and she has no idea why she would be matched with him. When an official shows up during free rec time, she explain to Cassia that a mistake has been made and to just ignore it. The problem is that Society never makes mistakes. What seems like a minor problem, it instantly multiplies when Ky appears out no where and Cassia, for the first time in her life, makes a decision that will alter her life forever.


Critical Evaluation:
In this futuristic tale, is a forbidden romance that was destined to occur. In this world, the government has a hold of everything where humans are merely seen as followers as tools to maintain stability under the guise of peace. Although war, disease, famine, and pain have all been eradicated, the people live their lives knowing that anything outside of Society's wishes will result in utter disaster. Ally Condie provides a thought-provoking story where readers must decide if a world free of chaos and death is better than a world without free will. Cassia, Xander, and Ky are three teenagers caught in this battle between doing what is best and what is right. Since this story is a forbidden love story, where one girl is at the center of it all, this tale is quite unconventional. Not only does our heroine win, but she is the one who must set things right and decide that she will take the the "road less traveled" where she must sacrifice everything. Moreover, Xander is the classic example of the nice guy who finished last. However, readers will have plenty of hope that he will find what he is looking for in life because he does something for Cassia that will guarantee his happy ending. As for Ky, who should have been the stereotypical bad boy is someone quite the opposite: vulnerable under the guise of being brave. Although readers should feel sorry for him, they cannot help but root for him because he chooses to live the life he wants without letting the government saying otherwise.

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Allie Condie is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel MATCHED, and its just-released sequel, CROSSED. She is also a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband and three sons outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Matched:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly (10/4/2010)
  

Plot Summary:
Life for Nora Gray has not been easy. It's been a year since her father was mysteriously murdered and her mother has taken a full time job, leaving her alone with the housekeeper. Nora isn't popular and she is quite ordinary in comparison to her outspoken and curvaceous best friend, Vee. This year, Nora and Vee are enrolled in a class focusing on Human Reproduction and they are expecting to be partners. However, when Coach, their teacher, assigns them new seating arrangement, Nora is teamed up with a gorgeous boy named Patch. Despite his good looks, there is something about him that makes Nora uneasy. As an "ice breaker" Nora and Patch must ask one another questions about themselves, but Patch seems to know a lot about Nora without even asking her, which creeps her out. When its Nora's turn, Patch is incredibly reluctant to tell her about him, which kicks off a series of events that put Nora in incredible danger. Moreover, her life becomes even more complicated when she starts falling for Patch even though he scares her. The more Nora is around Patch, the weirder things become, especially when she gets the attention of another boy named Elliot, who is quite interested in Nora. However, when Elliot invited her and Vee to Delphic to ride the "Archangel," Nora finds herself the center of a devious plan involving the Nephilim and the Falling.

Critical Evaluation:
Although the story is intriguing, I started reminiscing about a story between and human and a certain vampire. Granted I am not into a lot of romances, I was hoping for a strong female lead and was somewhat disappointed. However, in comparison to the traditional female role, in regards to supernatural love triangles, I have a lot of hope for Nora's character, especially when she made a rather courageous decision towards the end. Since Hush, Hush is part of a saga, the opening sequence will not make a lot of sense nor will the truth behind Nora's involvement be revealed. This entire installment is very stereotypical teen romance where the main character is unsure as to why someone like Patch (i.e., dark, mysterious, and gorgeous) would be interested in them. Furthermore, Nora's best friend, Vee, in my opinion, is irritating since she doesn't do a lot for Nora other than force her to rescue her from her own ignorance when he should have listened to her best friend's warnings. Despite these flaws, the story is rather entertaining and I may actually read the next installment just so I can learn more about the Nephilim and Nora's family history.


Information about the Author:
In her website, Becca Fitzpatrick fell in love with storytelling in Kindergarten. However, she and her sister, alike, didn't like their elementary school not because they disliked learning, but the girls were mean. When she moved to Nebraska, before second grade, she started liking school and came across Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. When her sister introduced her to Roald Dahl, she was hooked and when she saw the movie "Romancing the Stone" she knew she wanted to be an author. Although she still held onto her dream to become an author, she actually had the idea to become a spy: " I stalked the CIA website and filled out at least a dozen applications. I thought being a spy was dangerous and sexy. I didn't want to be the girl who got a degree, only to settle down and do house-ish things...like answer telemarketers' calls and choose between Spanish or Ladybug Red for the kitchen walls" (para. 6).

After marrying her husband in 2000, Fitzpatrick did not join the CIA but got her degree in Community Health at Brigham Young University where she hot a job working as a secretary at a local high school Although she loved working with the students, everything changed when her husband enrolled her into creative writing classes, which helped her to write Hush, Hush.

 
Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Hush, Hush:

• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive review from Publisher's Weekly
• Positive review from Kirkus
  

Plot Summary:
When Joey came home to Albert Narracot, it was destiny that these two would be friends forever. Known for his spirit and his beauty, Joey, a Thoroughbred, was bought by Albert's father, when he should have bought a cow, Joey had to be broken and trained to be a work horse. When no one thought a horse like Joey could do it, Albert and his equine companion sent out to prove everyone wrong. Although Joey had proven his worth as a work horse, the family farm that was meant for Albert was failing. In order to save Albert's future, Mr. Narracot sold Joey to the military to become a war horse. World War I had found its way to England, and Joey found himself in a place that no horse would have ever thought. Luckily, the man who bought Joey was a kind man named Captain Nichols who was just as inexperienced as Joey when it came to war. Before boarding the ship to France, Joey met another horse name Topthorn who was not only as majestic as Joey, but became his brother and best friend as they fought their way through France. What both Joey and Topthorn did not anticipate is where their journey would take them and the many wonderful people they would meet. However, the most important lesson they would learn is how war is not only senseless, but that every one on this Earth is exactly alike not matter the language they speak or where they are from.
 

Critical Evaluation:
War Horse not only conveys to readers the power of friendship, but just how serious and, senseless, war is for every person and entity involved. What is more touching is that this story is told through the eyes of horse who not only sees these messages, but provides readers with another perspective that touches the heart and mind. Joey, albeit a horse, is just as vulnerable and scared as his human owner, which shows that animals really just as empathetic as any other human being. Moreover, the loyalty the Joey has for his owner, caretakers, and best friend is literally a feat that most humans could not attain. Given the setting of this story, World War I, readers will come across the incident in No Man's Land where a British and German soldier actually take the time to rescue Joey, but actually have a friendly conversation expressing their own frustration with this war, which leaves them in agreement that nothing will be solved in this battle. The anti-war message is subtle, but the main story of Joey finding Albert during this struggle is remains center stage and the love will conquer all.


Information about the Author:
According to his website, Michael Morpurgo was born in 1943 where he attended school in Sussex and Canterbury. He went to London University where he majored in English and French and, after graduation, he went on to become a primary school teacher in Kent, which showed him what he wanted to do with his life: 

We had to read the children a story every day and my lot were bored by the book I was reading. I decided I had to do something and told them the kind of story I used to tell my kids - it was like a soap opera, and they focused on it. I could see there was magic in it for them, and realised there was magic in it for me (para. 1).

In 1976, Morpurgo and his wife, Clare, founded a charity called "Farms for City Children" (FFCC), which provides impoverished children with the opportunity to escape the inner city by working a full week on an actual farm in the country side: "As a teacher I realised many children had little real contact with the world around them – to them the television was real. I wanted them to experience life at first hand" (para. 3). Morpurgo has written more than 100 books for children and spends most of his time cleaning out the stables with children, milking the cows, and feeding sheep. When he isn't busy having fun, he is usually found daydreaming about his next book. 

Genre:
Tween Historical Fiction


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 4-7


Books Similar to War Horse:

• Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata
• Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive review from Booklist (4/1/2007)
• Positive review from New York Times Book review (2007)
• Runner-up for the Whitbread Award (1983)
  

Plot Summary:
When Emma received a computer, she saw it as her father's way for showing he cares. Every since the birth of her half-sister, Emma feels as if she has been replaced with a new family. What is even harder is that her mother is already on her third husband who is not re-modeling her home, but changing the environment in which she grew up. Things haven't been going the way they should be since she and her best friend, Josh, aren't really speaking and she wants to break up with her boyfriend, Graham. When Josh comes over, unexpectedly, and brings her an AOL CD-ROM. Although she is happy to see him, she is unsure of his feelings since he tried to kiss her six months ago. After uploading AOL, she creates her first e-mail address and is now able to surf the world wide web. As Emma and Josh explore the Internet, they discover a website called Facebook. When Emma clicks on this bookmark, she sees herself. However, she doesn't see her seventeen-year-old self...she sees herself fifteen years into the future. The year is 1997 and Facebook will not be invented until 2004. After seeing her future, Emma learns that she isn't as happy as she hoped she would be. Moreover, Josh's future turns out to be even more extraordinary that leaves Emma feeling upset that she isn't just as successful. Although Josh firmly believes that Facebook is just a mean prank, Emma decides to take her future into her own hands, not fully understanding the impact of her decisions, which could result in life altering changes.

Critical Evaluation:
Told from two point of views, The Future of Us, is an intriguing story of two young people who haven't really thought about what they want from life. Emma, in all honestly, is a bit of a control freak who not only puts up walls between herself and friends, she is absolutely obsessed with perfection--she wants the perfect job, the perfect husband, and the perfect life. Josh, on the other hand, is more of "go-with-the-flow" kind of guy, which leaves him feeling unable to decide what he really wants out of life. Despite being polar opposites, Emma and Josh have always been able to talk about anything and everything and when Josh decides to take the friendship a step further, the delicate balance that keeps their friendship in tact shifts rapidly, leaving Emma disoriented and confused. Moreover, by throwing Facebook into the mix, not only does it further freak Emma out, but provides her with a glimpse of what could be. The only problem is that what "could" be is not good enough and sends her into a tail spin towards disaster. For Josh, not only does his possible future excite him, it seems to motivates him to put himself out there, especially to his potential wife. Asher and Mackler create a story that not only relates to teens, but gives them the opportunity to decide if the future is set or if it can be changed. Furthermore, readers will understand that every decision they make has consequences, which could change the future for better or for worse.   


Information about the Authors:
According to his blog, Jay Asher was born September 30, 1975 in Arcadia California. Asher has spent most of his life in California, but spent six months in Wyoming where he he came up with the idea for his debut novel, 13 Reasons Why. Asher has worked at several book stores, public libraries, and before he worked there,:

I worked at a shoe store, a trophy shop, and an airline. My very first writing award earned me a free fruit smoothie every day for a year. I've won a lot of awards since then, but that one tasted the best!

Jay Asher is married and has one son and The Future of Us is his second YA novel. 

Carolyn Mackler was born and raised in New York. She has always known she was a little different from all of her peers, especially when most of her friends were gossiping and carrying about their clothes and hair when she was still playing with dolls. As a proud "misfit," Mackler survived both junior high and high school with the love of her parents, best friend, Stephie, and reading. When asked why she writes for teens, she said:

People often ask me now why I write novels for teenagers. Lots of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that I honestly believe that, along with certain friendships, I was saved by the books I read during those years. They spoke to me in a way that nothing else did. They helped me feel less alone. They made me laugh. They made me feel like there was a world bigger than my high school.

After attending college at Vasser, life continues to change, but not for the best. During her junior year at college, her parents split up leaving her distraught. However, she met her best friend Jenny, which not only helped her cope, but sent her on a cross country trip that left her missing the East Aoast and landed her an internship at Ms. Magazine and a beginning novel writing class at NYU. Needless to say, in this class, she wrote the preliminary draft of Love and Other Four Letter Words, which was published by Random House and kicked off her career as a YA author. Mackler currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and two sons.

Genre:
Teen Sci-Fi, Teen Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 and up


Books Similar to the Future of Us:

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Feed by M.T. Anderson

Awards & Recognition:

•  Booklist Starred Review (10/15/11
• Publishers Weekly Starred Review (9/12/2011)
  

Plot Summary:
Conner Lannister just found out that his parents parents signed the order to have him unwound. In this world, children are born to prove their usefulness; if they are "unfit" or "problematic" parents have the right to have their children's organs harvested so they would become useful in the body of another. In other words, the soul doesn't parish, but lives on in someone else. For Risa, a ward of the state, her reasons for being unwound are not because she is unruly, but she is just a statistic where government resources can no longer support her. As for Lev, he was born the be a tithe for his family, which means his existence is to be taken to the Harvest Camp to be a martyr for a greater cause. Although society sees "Unwinding" as an acceptable compromise between the Pro Choice and Pro Life groups, what they don't realize is that their greed, hatred, and ignorance kills hundred and thousands of innocent teenagers. For Connor and Risa, this situation is unacceptable and they decide to run away. What they don't count on is running into Lev, who was set on being tithed, and how it would affect their escape. Although freedom is the goal, what they don't realize is that it comes with a heavy price that will change them forever. 

Critical Evaluation:
Neil Shusterman had created an amazing story that not only mirrors the savagery of William Golding's Lord of the Flies, but creates a debate that will have teens talking for days. Abortion has, and always be, an issue that comes across in party politics, but what this issue really does is provide a extremely realistic outcome about what happens when the issue goes from heated debates to all out war. The main issue that is being addressed is what determines the worth of each person; moreover, it talks about to what extent would we take it upon ourselves to decide that our children are not worthy to live their lives in their current form. Granted, adolescence is not an easy time for any parent, but what really got me going is how these adults can easily sign over their child's life? Unfortunately, there are not a lot of strong adult figures, except for a few, but what is remarkable about these teens is the impact unwinding has on them; those who survive started off a scared kids, but lived to become compassionate, patient, and loving adults. Despite this irony, Connor, Risa, and Lev tell a very scary tale of how morality conquered the government and in order to survive one must rebel and fight for what they believe in. It is almost scary could repeat itself so lets hope this never happens.

Information about the Author:
In his website, Neal Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn and began writing at a very early age. After attending high school, he went to University of California, Irvine (UCI), and made his mark for being an excellent swimmer and writer. Within months of graduation, he got his first book deal and scripting gig. Not only is he known for his young adult and children's novels, he has experience as a screenwriter and television writer:

Wherever Neal goes, he quickly earns a reputation as a storyteller and dynamic speaker. Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers -- such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas. As a speaker, Neal is in constant demand at schools and conferences. Degrees in both psychology and drama give Neal a unique approach to writing. Neal's novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor (para. 4).

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thrillers

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Unwind:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Divergent by Veronica Roth
  

Awards & Recognition:

• ALA Top Ten Picks for Reluctant Readers (2008)
• ALA Best Young Adult Book List (2008)
• School Library Journal Starred Reviews (2008)
• Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews (2007)
• Voya Top 10 Picks for Reluctant Readers (2008)
  

Plot Summary:
In this haunting tale is Victor Frankenstein's first lesson in the ways of alchemy and science. What most readers don't know about Victor Frankenstein is that his inspiration for creating his Frankenstein began with an accidental discovery. When Victor, Konrad (his twin brother), Elizabeth, and Henry stumble upon a secret passage in the Frankenstein mansion that lead to an abandoned library, they didn't  realize that this collection of old books is about alchemy, magic, and science that have been outlawed for quite some time. As they explore the contents of the Biblioteka Obscura (Library of the the Obscure) they discover a book entitled Occulta Philopsophia, which contains the famous "Elixir of Life." Unfortunately, this discovery is short lived when Alphonse Frankenstein, Victor and Konrad's father, finds them exploring the innards of this dark place. Although the twins are unsure why their father would keep these items, they learn that their family has actually dabbled in Alcehmy, which had left a dark shadow. Victor has never really taken his studies seriously, but, when his twin falls gravely ill, his obsession to create the "Elixir of Life" is heightened by fear and recklessness. What Victor realizes is that his pursuit for the elixir will cost him a lot more than he thought, which leads to tragedy.
 
Critical Evaluation:
In This Dark Endeavor, Kenneth Oppel, has provided readers with a background that not only leads into the story of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, but gives us a picture of the innocent young man who became the creator of the monster we all know. Oppel is well known for his Silverwing series, which is amazing, but his venture into the history of dark magic is well executed in this story. In fact, when I stumbled upon this title, I was incredibly excited because I love it when authors step outside of their comfort zone, but are still able to use their talents that set them apart from others; Oppel combines his ability to incorporate the elements of a great adventure that has serious consequences. Clearly, Oppel did his research in regards to Alchemy and Catholicism, which set the ominous tone for the story. Moreover, this story touches on issues that are very prevalent in the mind of a growing teenager: is it better to have faith or to see to believe. A lot of people struggle with this question and the fact that we have a choice in the matter. Although Elizabeth believes in the power of faith, Victor believes in the power of Science, which takes him down a road he never thought possible. Readers will enjoy this glimpse in Victor Frankenstein's adolescence and will want to pick up Frankenstein.


Information about the Author:
According to the author's website, he was born in Port Albani, but lived most of his life in British Columbia. He knew he was going to be an author at the age of twelve years old after realizing he wasn't going to be a scientist or an architect. Like most young boys, he had an obsession with Star Wars and video games, which lead to the foundation of a long story that ended up becoming a short story:

We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl - one of my favourite authors - and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralysed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.

Kenneth Oppel has written over 15 novels and stories for children and young adults and This Dark Endeavor is his latest adventure.
 
Genre:
Teen Adventure, Teen Fantasy


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to This Dark Endeavor:

• Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
• The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Awards & Recognition:

• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review (6/6/2011)
• Horn Book Magazine Starred Review (7/1/2011)
• Bulletin of Center for Children's Books (9/1/2011)

Plot Summary:
Daphne is not the typical demon. In fact, as the daughter of Lilith and Lucifer, one would only expect diabolical things, but, alas, Daphne is far from that. Despite the taunting from her mother, and her sisters, Daphne is bored and unfulfilled. Actually, Daphne is more like her half-brother Obie, who happens to be the son of Lilith and Adam (the Adam from the book of Genesis). Unlike most demons, Obie is actually a "do-gooder" where he actually saves souls rather than reaping. In this story, Daphne learns that Obie is leaving Hell to live on Earth like a human being to be with the woman he loves; the though of Obie leaving her frightens her so much that she asks her teacher, Beelzebub, for help. However, he fear is only escalated when a Obie suddenly disappears and the only person who can help her is a boy named Truman.What she does not know is that Truman carries a dark secret that will bring them closer than she expected.


Critical Evaluation:
Again, I must admit, I rarely read romance novels, but this title actually kept me going. What I thought looked like another regurgitation of humans falling in love with demons, this story took me surprise. What readers will enjoy is Daphne's transformation. In the beginning, she really did not understand love and selflessness until she met Truman. Moreover, the relationship between her and her brother, Obie, is the catalyst to a series of changes because it is through him that she learns that there is more to life than what we are given. In fact, Yovanoff uses demons as an example that love is  not limited to human beings, but to all sentient beings that feel something special for one another. What really caught me off guard it that this story provides a very different picture of Lucifer and Lilith. I didn't really expect to read anything positive, or enlightening, about their characters, but readers will be surprised when they learned that even the King of Hell and the Mother of all Demons, share a weakness: love. The Space Between is a very heart-wrenching tale where a human and a demon learn a very important lesson, which I am totally going to steal from the movie Moulin Rouge: "The greatest thing to learn is just to love and be loved in return."


Information about the Author:
According to her website, Brenna Yovanoff:

I’m good at soccer, violent video games, and making very flaky pie pastry.

I’m bad at dancing, making decisions, and inspiring confidence as an authority figure. I suspect this is because I am short, and also terrible at sounding as though I have any idea what I’m talking about.

I was homeschooled until I was fifteen, which has probably affected my world view in ways I can’t fathom.

Also, I really, really like parentheses. (Really.)

On this site, you’ll find information about my books, answers to questions, and links to things I like. If you want to know more, you can check out my blog, where I frequently talk about zombies, high school, and dessert.

Genre:
Teen Chick Lit


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up


Books Similar to The Space Between:

• Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
• Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

 Awards & Recognition:

•  Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly (9/26/2011)
  

Plot Summary:
Claudia has always known one thing: Time has stopped. On the Outside, Claudia plays the role of the dutiful daughter who is in line to become Queen of the Realm. However, she is not happy about this endeavor since it is her father's grand plan to marry her to the Queen's son, giving her, and him, ultimate power. What makes her so special? Her father is the warden of Incarceron, a living prison that does what it wants and when it wants. What was once a plan to rehabilitate prisoners, Incarceron has become a world where no goes in and no one goes out. In this world, seventeen-year-old Finn, known as the Starseer, is part of the Comitatus, which rules one end of Incarceron. Although he is part of vicious group of "scum" he and his oathbrother, Keiro, fight to survive Incarceron's ever watchful eye. What was supposed to be a routine ambush, Finn holds a woman hostage and she holds the key to his past, which is what will lead on an extraordinary journey through Incarceron that will rival the legend of Sapphique...the only prisoner to escape from this living prison. As Claudia prepares for her "doom," she decides to defy her father and unlock his secrets of Incarceron, but what she does not plan on is that her discovery will connect her with Finn, which strikes a series of unfortunate events that will reveal years of deception and an assassination plot.  


Critical Evaluation:
Incarceron is an incredibly complex, but fast-paced and one heck of a read. I honestly wasn't sure if I could make it through this story, but once I got started I was done for. Catherine Fisher has created a world that is not only beautiful, but incredibly hideous at the same time. By providing readers with two very different worlds, they will begin to understand that neither of these worlds is free from tyranny and oppression. Although one is quiet and peaceful, the citizens are bound by "protocol" where art, music, free-speech, and  progress are forbidden. The other world is filled with fear and violence where only the strongest will survive. Despite these differences, the people, aristocrats and scum, are not in control of their destinies, which lead to one result: chaos. Although the main plot of the story is to bring Finn to the Outside to take his place in society, the separate subplots provide unique elements to these complicated worlds where freedom is the ultimate goal.

Information about the Author:
According to her website, Catherine Fisher was born in Newport Wales. She graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in English and has worked in education and archeology and has lectured,in creative writing at the University of Glamorgan (para.1). Not only is she an award-winning children's author, and poet, she has also written a variety of science fiction and fantasy series as well. Here is what Catherin Fisher says about Incarceron:

Incarceron and its sequel are certainly the most complex books I’ve written. They were a wild roller-coaster ride of fun, invention, despair and worry. Sometimes I thought I would never get through it; other times the book seemed to write itself, the characters took over, things happened I hadn’t even foreseen. I had a really mixed bunch of characters, the austere, dangerous Warden; feisty Claudia, arrogant, vain Keiro; Finn who never quite tells the truth. And Jared, Claudia’s gentle, clever tutor. There are lots of relationships of various sorts going on here which I tried to imply more than state. Also there are a few mid-blowing twists in the story that seriously jolt the reader into amazement. At least I hope they do!

Genre:
Teen Fantasy


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9& up


Books Similar to Incarceron:

• Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
• Maze Runner by James Dashner

Awards & Recognition:

• 2007 Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award
• 2008 Times Children's Book of the Year 
• Starred Review Booklist (1/1/2010)
• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (12/7/2009)
• Starred Review Horn book (1/1/2010)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (2/2/2010)
• Kirkus Review (1/15/2010)

Teens, tell us what  you like to read during the holidays!
For a chance to win a  Snow Much Fun Raffle Basket:

• Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Starbucks Gift Set
• Other Snow Much Fun items

November 21-December 18th

Raffle tickets available at the Teen Reference Desk.
One entry per person; winner need not be present to win.

Raffle will take place on Dec. 19th

Peanuts Characters created by Charles M. Schulz

The Alhambra Civic Center Library will be closed November 24-25, 2011 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will be open on November 26, 2011.

Happy Thanksgiving from Teen Services!

Love Anime? Join the ACCL Anime Club as we watch watch, and discuss Anime. The club will be watching Angels Beats this month.

The Anime Club meets once a month and screenings are subject to change.  To learn more, click on the following link.

Plot Summary:


Critical Evaluation:
The Night Circus is a beautiful tale where magic sets the stage for a dream that most people would love to re-live over and over. What most readers wouldn't expect is how richly complicated this story is where two people, destined to destroy each other, actually come to together to create something incredibly beautiful other than falling in love. Another aspect of this story is the alternating point of views that not only contribute to the complexity of this story, but how one long time rivalry can alter so many lives where the collateral damage changes the lives of everyone involved. Readers will love the characters and the love that develops between the main characters. However, what they won't expect is the ending where a lifetime of deception and secrets finally come to a rather fitting end.  

Information about the Author:
The Night Circus is Erin Morgenstern's first novel. According to her website, Morgenstern grew up in Marshfield, Massachusetts and graduated from Smith College with a BA in Theatre and Studio Art. Most of her stories and art are fairy tales ans she  currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts. According to Morgenstern:

I started querying literary agents in June of 2009. After working with interested agents and revising my manuscript (twice) I signed with my agent in May of 2010. Then I spent a summer in the Revisionland Hotel, and in September of 2010, THE NIGHT CIRCUS sold to Doubleday. The sound you are hearing is my head spinning, still.

My fiction tends to be location-driven. Nocturnal circuses, subterranean libraries, townhouses dressed up as pirate ships. I got tired of living in Alice’s Wonderland and decided to build some of my own.

I write 10-sentence flash fiction pieces inspired by photographs that are posted to the blog every Friday. They are fondly known as flax-golden tales.

Genre:
Fiction


Reading Level/Interest:
Adult


Books Similar to the Night Circus:

• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone Laini Taylor
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Kirkus Starred Review (4/15/2011)
• Booklist Starred Review (5/15/2011)
• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review (5/16/2011)
• Library Journal Starred Review (6/15/2011)

Plot Summary:
Rose is destined to be a wanderer. Despite her mother's superstition, and denial, Rose was meant to adventure beyond the her homeland. Not only is she different from her her brothers and sisters, Rose is the apple of her father's eye because he know that she is special. Neddy, Rose's oldest brother, feels the same way and watches over Rose fearing that something will happen to her. However, when Rose falls into a pond she is saved by a giant White Bear. Even though Neddy witnessed this, he is pretty sure he imagined the Bear and doesn't tell anyone about him. However, when her family falls on hard times, and her sister, Sara, becomes ill, the White Bear that saved Rose returns offering a solution to all their financial troubles and Sara's declining health. The catch is: Rose must stay with the Bear for an unknown amount of time. Although she is excited about this proposition, her father and brother refuse to let her go. Rose's mother believes she is being punished for her denial about Rose's birth direction (Rose was born North, but her mother told her father that that she was born in the East) and the misfortune was upon them. Instead of protecting Rose, she tells her that is would be best that she left with the bear, which leaves her feeling worthless. Caught between her desire to see the lands beyond, and staying with her family, Rose goes with the Bear not knowing what will happen to her. What she does not realize is that this Bear is not any ordinary bear. Moreover, the time she spends with him she eventually learns that something terrible has happened to him and she would have to save him before its too late.   

Critical Evaluation:
Based on a Norwegian folk tale, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, and Beauty and the Beast,  Edith Pattou crafts a tale of love, adventure, heart break, and danger. In this story, is a heroine who not only knows that she was meant for something more than a life a domesticity, but has more courage than most grown men. Readers will not only appreciate her strength, but they will also love Rose's kindness and empathy for the White Bear. Moreover, the quest that Rose must take in order to save the Bear not only provides vivid detail of the lands she travels, but the people she meets along the way, especially Thor and Malbo, the Inuit Shaman. For most readers, the part that will tug at the heart is when Rose reveals the identity of her Bear and losing him to the pale Troll Queen. East is an extraordinary tale of love and sacrifice that will beg readers to keep reading all the way to the end.

Information about the Author:
In her website, Edith Pattou was born "Evanston, Illinois, grew up in Winnetka, and was a teenager in the city of Chicago where she attended Francis W. Parker School. She completed her B.A. at Scripps College in Claremont, California where she won the Crombie Allen Award for creative writing. She later completed a Masters degree in English Literature at Claremont Graduate School followed by a Masters of Library and Information Science at UCLA" (para. 2). Not only has she worked for a variety of organizations (libraries, bookstores, schools, recording studio, and even the Playboy Foundation). She has written over three novels for young adults including: East, Firesong, and Fire Arrow. She has even written a children's book called Mrs. Spitzer's Garden.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up


Books Similar to East:

•  Beast by Donna Jo Napoli
•  Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review KLIATT (5/1/2005)
• Starred Review Booklist (9/1/2003)
• Starred Review SLJ's Best Books (12/1/2003)
• Starred Review ALA's Best Books for Young Adults (3/15/2004)

Plot Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Amy, and her parents, have been traveling on a spacecraft called Godspeed under the guise that they would be amongst the first to establish life on a new plant. The only catch is that Amy and her family would have to cryogencially frozen for three hundred years. Although Amy is hesitant leaving everything, and everyone behind, she decides being with her family is more important. The only problem with this situation is those who froze her had no idea that she was still conscience. For three hundred years, Amy is alone with her nightmares until she is unexpectedly re-animated a hundred years later.Unfortunately, her awakening wasn't planned and she almost dies if it wasn't for Elder. As Amy slowly regains consciousness, she learns there have been some disturbing changes on Godspeed where society has taken a huge step backwards rather than forwards. Moreover, Elder, who is being trained by Eldest, starts to learn that his role in society is not at all what he though and struggles to find the truth about who he is and what he, as the future leader, must do to maintain justice and order. Furthermore, those who have been frozen, like Amy, are being murdered by a ghost and both Amy and Elder must stop this from happening.enteen-year-old Amy, and her parents, have been traveling on a spacecraft called Godspeed under the guise that they would be amongst the first to establish life on a new plant. The only catch is that Amy and her family would have to cryogencially frozen for three hundred years. Although Amy is hesitant leaving everything, and everyone behind, she decides being with her family is more important. The only problem with this situation is those who froze her had no idea that she was still conscience. For three hundred years, Amy is alone with her nightmares until she is unexpectedly re-animated a hundred years later.Unfortunately, her awakening wasn't planned and she almost dies if it wasn't for Elder. As Amy slowly regains consciousness, she learns there have been some disturbing changes on Godspeed where society has taken a huge step backwards rather than forwards. Moreover, Elder, who is being trained by Eldest, starts to learn that his role in society is not at all what he though and struggles to find the truth about who he is and what he, as the future leader, must do to maintain justice and order. Furthermore, those who have been frozen, like Amy, are being murdered by a ghost and both Amy and Elder must stop this from happening.
Critical Evaluation:
This story is probably on of the most beautiful stories I have read in a while. Many important issues such as tolerance, love, and ethics are being discussed as both Amy and Eldest uncover the truth about what it means to be human. This story combines mystery, space travel, the downfall of society, and love in a powerful tale that one cannot put down. By reading from Amy and Elder, readers get a wonderful insight into who these teens are and the power of their minds and hearts. More importantly, we get a rather scary insight into a world where emotions have not only been taken away, but denied because our free will does not always lead to the right decisions, which, unfortunately, cannot be prevented. This book will definitely bring about a lively discussion, especially where all sides of the stories are presented and analyzed.

Information about the Author:
According to her website, Beth Revis was born in North Carolina who always loved to write: " Despite being a complete over-achiever and teacher’s pet in high school, she often wrote short stories instead of taking notes during classes. This habit persisted into college, except the stories became novels" (para. 5). Revis went onto to North Carolina University and earned her BA in English with a Minor in History and later got her MA in English. Like most of us English majors, she became a teacher and absolutely loved it:

Although Beth had originally begun teaching thinking it would be a nice way to pay the bills before she got a book deal, she discovered that, much to her surprise, she didn’t just like teaching, she loved it. This made it much harder for her to quit when she decided to focus more time on her writing (para. 8).

When she is not writing, she loves to travel and enjoys being with her family, husband, and dog. One of her goals, before she dies, is to make her way to Jerusalem, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Across the Universe:

• The Giver by Lois Lowery
• Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Awards & Recognition:

• Kirkus Starred Review 12/1/2010

Plot Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Misao has always known what its like to see beyond this realm. All her life, she has the ability to see demons, but none have ever tried to harm her. Unfortunately, the day after her sixteenth birthday, she is attacked by humans possessed by other demons. Although she has no idea why the demons want to kill her, she learns that she is not of this world. Ten years ago, a boy named Kyou asked Misao to marry him when the time is right. After they made this promise, Kyou disappeared and all Misao has is shattered memories of him. What she did not know that Kyou is actually a Tengu, a bird-like demon, who not only loves, and desires, Misao, but has claimed her as his Senka Roku, which means "Bride of Prophecy." What Misao doesn't realize is that any demon who claims her will not be granted amazing powers, but her blood, alone, will make any demon invincible. After claiming Misao as his bride, Kyou must dedicate his life to protect her not because of her power, but because he loves her.

Critical Evaluation:
Of all of the Shojo manga out there, this particular series is absolutely brilliant since it has a great balance of romance, comedy, drama, and violence. Other than Matsuri Hino's Vampire Knight, the amount of epic battles is almost unheard of in the world of Shojo. However, the best part of this series is the forbidden love between Misao and Kyou. The flashback of their childhood memories are absolutely precious simply because a young boy made a promise to a young girl and fulfilled it. Although I was leery about Kyou's intentions, it is clear that he loves Misao for the woman she is and risks everything to save her. Although sex is a big part of this story (in order to obtain the powers of the Senka one must bed or consume her), there is a hidden moral message about waiting for the right time and the right person, which, for us adults, is better than no message at all. This series is definitely meant for older teens (younger teens will probably be really uncomfortable for the inevitable consummation of the "marriage").

Information about the Author
Although there is not a lot of information about Kanoko Sakurakoji, what we do know is that she was born on August 1 in Tokyo, Japan. According to Shojo Beat.com, " [Sakurakoji's] hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Bestucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird( para.1)."  


Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Romance Manga


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up


Books Similar to Black Bird:

• Haruka Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno
  
• Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2009 Shogakukan Manga Award for Shojo manga