Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Min has decided to return all of the mementos and memories to her ex-boyfriend Ed. Along with these items, she has written a letter, telling Ed, exactly why they are breaking up. Although her best friend Ed and Lauren, don't understand why she has to put the time, or effort, into returning everything to Ed, they support and comfort her through the process. In her letter, Min explains why she has to return everything from the bottle caps, movie tickets, a cookbook, and a poster to show him that he never, ever considered her feelings and interests. Throughout this story, Min does not pull out the stops in this letter and tells him exactly why they broke up and how she made the mistake of not doing it sooner.

Critical Evaluation:
In this tale of heartache, a girl not only explains the faults in her relationship, but offers a real portrait of herself. Although this story was written by a man, Daniel Handler provides readers with an honest representation of a person falling in love and having their heart broken. Since Min is not the average teenage girl, her obsession with old time films and lack of filter, pose a challenge for the stereotypical teenage boy that is Ed. Clearly, when readers learn how different these two characters are, it's predictable that this relationship won't work. However, both Ed and Min provide readers with a type of hope that "opposites attract" when they allow each other to become vulnerable with one another. In fact, when they admit that they love each other, readers have the right to hope that it will work between them. However, when reality sets in, and Min learns about Annette, her world comes tumbling down and the pain of betrayal strikes every part of her being, which resonates with every reader. When we found the real reason as to why they broke up, readers will be crushed, but, like Min, we will get over it and move on with out lives. The point of this story is that we will all love and lose, but we always have the future and hope that we will find the other half of soul.


Information about the Author:
According to Barclay Agency, Daniel Handler was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he founded the magazine, American Chickens, with his future wife, Lisa Brown. After moving to New York City, he wrote, and sold his first novel, and worked as a film and book critic. Again, he returned, with his wife, to San Francisco where he now currently lives. Handler has worked in film and music, an accomplished accordian player, and well known Children's, Young Adult, and Adult novelist.  Why We Broke has earned him the 2012 Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in Young Adult Literature.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Why We Broke Up:

•  The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
•  Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Awards & Recognition:

•  2012 Michael L. Printz Honor Winner
• Booklist Starred Review (11/1/11)
• School Library Journal Starred Review (11/1/11)
• Kirkus Starred Review (11/15/11)
• Bulletin for the Center of  Children's Books (11/15/11)
• Horn Book Magazine Starred Review (1/1/12)

Plot Summary:
Miles Halter starts his first year at Culver Creek, Alabama, an elite boarding school, to pursue the "Great Perhaps" that he has been longing to fulfill. After meeting his roommate, Chip (aka. The Colonel), he meets a girl names Alaska Young. Although she is gorgeous, smart, and sassy, she bares a cross that can only be seen by those who are close to her. Along with Alaska, Miles (aka. Pudge) meets Takumi, the only Japanese person he has ever seen in Birmingham, Alabama. Since Miles is awkward, "gawky," and not use to having friends, this group of misfits creates a bond that no one could ever break. While trying to excel in his studies, his new friends are about to turn his boring and safe life completely upside down. The Colonel and Alaska are masters of pranks so when they are not reading classical literature, they are planning their revenge against the "Weekday Warriors" (the ultra rich students who can go home on the weekends). Unfortunately, Miles is initiated into Culver Creek by being abducted, duck taped, and thrown into the river. Despite his "brush with death," Pudge learns about an incident that fueled the fire between the misfits and the preps. Although Colonel and Alaska are brilliant, they tend to defy the system, which could lead them to disaster where Pudge slowly starts to realize that these amazing people are not who they seem. Unfortunately, a tragic accident shakes their worlds and kick starts a search for the "Great Perhaps" that Pudge has been looking for.

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, I forgot how incredibly awesome this book is until I re-read it. Not only are these characters complex, their very talents and failures are what create this memorable tale of adolescence. First of all, it has, and never will be, easy to be a teenager. For Alaska, her life has been based upon an accident that has sent her fearing failure. Moreover, the pain she clings to not only cripples her, but it also provides her with a daring and infallible attitude. For Colonel, not having a father, and being poor, has pushed hiumself to not only excel in school, but forces him to do what is necessary to preserve his true identity by overcoming his poverty by keeping the rich in check. As for Takumi, of all characters, he is the antithesis of what others see; he is a sarcastic, rule-breaking, and a rapper who does what he wants and when he wants. As for the main character, Miles, he is the one character who changes the most. Known for building walls, he allows himself to take everything around him and let loose for once. As an adult, reading this, I sometimes lost sight of the fact that these teenagers are teenagers; based on their behaviors, and experiences, it seems like these teens seem older than they are. For example, there is no constant authority figure (other than "The Eagle"), they smoke, have sex, they cuss, have intense, often inappropriate, conversations, break the rules knowing they could get expelled, involved in compromising situations, and determined to succeed like any person my own age. However, the more that I read, the more I realized that despite their brains,whit, and experiences, they are still children who seek love, the need to fit in, and, ultimately, forgiveness. The ending of this story was hysterical, but, at the same time, redeeming and quite satisfying.

Information about the Author:
Again, check out his website, and become a Nerdfighter today!
http://johngreenbooks.com/bio-contact/

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Lit for Guys

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Looking For Alaska:

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky
• Realm of the Possibility by David Leviathan
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Michael L. Printz Winner (2006)
• LA Times Book Prize Finalist (2005)
• ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2005)
• School Library Journal Best Book of The Year (2005)
• BookList Book Editor's Choice (2005)

Plot Summary:
Lily Arkansas is a small town where everyone aspires to leave the moment they turn eighteen years old. However, somehow, someway, those who swore they would never return always find their way back. For Cullen Witter, Lily has very little to offer him other than adding to his cynical point of view about life and people. Luckily, Cullen has a younger brother, Gabriel, not only keeps his cynicism in check, but provides him comfort and happiness even if he doesn't want to to be feel happy. However, Cullen's life has taken a tragic turn when their cousin, Oslo, dies of an overdose and Gabriel goes missing. What was supposed to be another year, turns into ten years where Cullen must press on despite the loss of his brother. With the help of his best friend, Lucas, and the town of Lily, they set out on a search, which is later bypassed when the sudden reappearance the once extinct Lazarus Woodpecker. Told in various point of views, this story intertwines the lives of four young men who are not only trying to meet the expectations of their families and peers, but find out, exactly, what their purpose on this earth is.

Critical Evaluation:
In this riveting and complex story, Whaley takes readers on an unexpected adventure where a variety of deep topics are discussed and dissected. One topic, which was totally out of left field, is the Book of Enoch. For those who are not familiar with Apocrypha, or apocryphal texts, will read about the Book of Enoch, which can only be found in the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible. With the story of Benton, which ends up relating to Cullen and Gabriel, is his quest to determine if God loves unconditionally or he fears us ( i.e., The Left Hand of Gabriel, the Nephilim, and the Flood). Although readers won't quite see the similarities between Cullen and Benton, off the bat, they will eventually learn that their connection to Gabriel (the Archangel and Cullen's brother) who will determine their fates. Along with this component, Whaley integrates the usual teenager issues such as love, sex, anger, inadequacy, and angst, but does it in a way that makes all of us realize that we, as humans, have a reason to feel the way we do. For Cullen, being unable to cry over the death of his cousin, and dealing with the disappearance of his brother, convey how utterly confused and lost he is. For Benton and Cabot, the shared obsession with the "What If" will drive them to do things they never thought they would ever do. Although the ending will shock the heck out of readers, this is a gripping novel that both teens and adults will want to talk about.


Information about the Author:
According to his website, he grew up in a small town in Louisiana. He received a B.A. from Louisiana Tech University and an M.A. in Secondary Education. As a child, Whaley wrote stories about aliens and underwater civilizations, which later evolved to realistic fictions that might have a zombie character or two. He is a teacher and full-time writer who enjoys traveling, music, and movies. When asked about his first novel, Where Things Come Back, Whaley says:

What the novel is really about is a teenage boy who just so happens to have been raised in a place he absolutely hates with a town full of people he’d rather not know . [...] When the town he despises is flooded with strangers who are desperately searching for a lost species of woodpecker, Cullen’s world, which he barely understands in the first place, reaches its pinnacle of madness.  And Cullen is supposed to decide what to do with the rest of his life under these ridiculous circumstances? Now throw in a recently deceased cousin and a close younger brother whose sudden disappearance submerges Cullen and his family’s life into utter chaos.  With this novel, I set out to not only write a story about the possibility of second chances, but also about the people who crave them the most.

 Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Where Things Come Back:

•  Lucas by Kevin Brooks
• Big Mouth and Ugly Girl by Joyce Carol Oates

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012 Michael L. Printz Award Winner
• 2012 William C. Morris Debut Award
  

Plot Summary:
For Jack Holloway, Zara XXIII, or Zarathustra, is home sweet home. As an independent surveyor for the ZaraCorps, he spends his time mining, and exploiting, planets for precious minerals and materials. The thing about Jack is that he is a very selfish and self-serving man who sold out his ex-girlfriend to protect his reputation. Despite these unflattering characteristics, Jack stick to himself and does his job well with the help of his canine buddy, Carl, who knows how to detonate explosives. One day, while excavating, Jack and Carl end up blowing up part of a mountain to discover that this planet is rich in Sunstone, which means that Jack is now a millionaire. However, all of this changes when a cat-like creature breaks into his home. Known as the "Fuzzies," Papa, Mama, Grandpa, Pinto, and Baby not only take over his home, but they steal his heart. Although Jack sees these creatures as intelligent animals, they more he gets to know them, the more he realizes that his early retirement is in trouble--if these creatures are not intelligent animals, they are evidence of a species of sentient beings, which are protected by the Colonial Authority, which can shut down ZaraCorps plans to mine the planet. With the help of his Isabel, his former flame, he slowly starts to learn that these creatures can do bring down ZaraCorps, which results in a series of events, and trouble, that even Jack Holloway can escape.

Critical Evaluation:
Based on H. Beam Piper's "Little Fuzzy," Scalzi revitalizes the story for the reader's of today. Since I am new to Science Fiction, I did have a hard time digesting all of the Sci-Fi aspects where a lot of dialogue is dedicated to explaining the gadgets, history, and culture of this generation. However, in any story where the future is unknown, these elements are necessary in order for the reader to envision what this world is like and what the characters are facing. Once I realized that this is pretty much the foundation of the genre, I continued reading this story and fell head over heels in love with the "Fuzzy Family." Although Jack Holloway is the typical "bad boy" who only looks out for himself, the Fuzzy Family has an unlikely impact on him, which actually forces him to re-evaluate his entire character. However, the real stars of this novel are the Fuzzies because it is through their presence that molds and shapes the story. Along with the Fuzzies, the dialogue is hysterical; in fact, since Jack is supposed to be a middle-aged grump, Scalzi has re-vamped the character to sound more like a cynical young person who needs a real kick in the pants. Scalzi's rendition focuses on serious issues such as ethics and what it really means to be "human" that actually pose lots of questions for readers to grapple with, which, along with the humor, is what makes this story an excellent read.

Information about the Author:
According to his blog, John Scalzi was born on May 10, 1969 in Fairfield, California. Growing up he lived in the San Gabriel Valley in a town called Claremont. He attended school in Claremont and attended University of Chicago. After graduating college, he came back to California and worked at the Fresno Bee as a movie critic where he met his wife, Kristine. In 1996, he left Fresno to work for America Online and eventually went on to become a freelance writer. After the birth of his daughter, in 1998, he started writing nonfiction and his first title was published in 2000. He now currently lives in Ohio where he published his first novel, Old Man's War, which earned him the Hugo Award.

Genre:
Science Fiction



Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 11 & up

Books Similar to Fuzzy Nation:

• Little Fuzzy by H. Beam Piper
• I am Number 4 by Pittiacus Lore

Awards & Recognition:

• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review (3/21/2011)
• Kirkus Starred Review (5/1/2011)
  

Plot Summary:
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the President of the United States issued Executive Order 9066 stating that all person of Japanese Ancestry were to relocate to interment camps. In other words, Japanese Americans, along with their families, had less than three days to gather their belongings and take of their affairs before the government shipped them off to the unknown. For seven-year-old Jeanne Wakatsuki, she and her family were uprooted from the home in Long Beach and sent to live in ghettos and barracks for being Japanese. In this tale, Wakatsuki tells us about her experience in Manzanar, an internment camp, where she and her family had to start all over again in the barren desert, knowing that they have done nothing wrong. More importantly, Wakatsuki enlightens readers with accounts of daily life in the camp, the conditions they had to endure, the shame and anger that hung in the air, family dynamics, violence within the camp, and the sheer injustice of having their civil rights stripped.
 

Critical Evaluation:
In this riveting biography, readers will experience life during on the darkest times in American History. Not only were American citizens unlawfully imprisoned, this story shows the power of the human spirit during war time. Unfortunately, the Japanese Internment has yet to be fully covered in every curriculum across the country, this book is extremely important. As a young person, Jeanne Wakatsuki uncovers very heavy issues that most tween and teens will not experience, but provide readers with legitimate answers to difficult questions such as: "What does it mean to be an American" and "How could something like this happen?" Young people, today, are fortunate enough to live in an age where prejudice and fear, although they still does exist, cannot, whatsoever, strip them of their constitutional rights as American citizens. Although this happened almost 70 years ago, it still is an issue that activists and lawmakers will never, ever forget. As the granddaughter of an internee, I cannot express how angry this made me. When my grandmother would tell me her story, I was taken aback about the lack of anger that was in her tone. Ultimately, like Jeanne Wakatsuki, she and my family had no choice but to endure because it is not in our nature to just give up. The Japanese Americans are an extraordinarily group of people who don't roll over and die; they resumed their daily lives behind the barbed wire, which will impress readers and convey that even in the worst of times, there is always hope. This is a touching story and one that we should never, ever forget.   

Information about the Author:
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston was born on September 26, 1964 in Ingelwood California. She was the youngest of nine children. She and her family were evacuated from their Long Beach home in 1942 and were interned at the Manzanar Relocation Camp. According to a Wikipedia article:

Several years after leaving the camp in 1945, Jeanne went to San Jose St. College where she studied sociology and journalism. She met her husband James, there and they married in 1957. Jeanne later decided to tell her story about the time she spent in Manzanar in Farewell to Manzanar, co-authored with her husband, James D. Houston in 1972. Ten years later, in 1967, Jeanne gave birth to twins, Joshua and Gabriel. A third child was born years later. In an effort to educate Californians about the experiences of Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during World War II, the book and the movie were distributed in 2002 as a part of kit to approximately 8,500 public elementary and secondary schools and 1,500 public libraries in California.

Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston continues to write and speak about the Japanese American experience at Manzanar and Asian American issues.

Genre:
American History

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 7 & up

Books Similar to Farewell to Manzanar:

• Dear Miss Breed:true stories of the Japanese American incarceration during World War II and a librarian who made a difference by Joann Oppenheim
• Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
  

Awards & Recognition:
 "A poignant memoir from a Japanese American. . . . Told without bitterness, her story reflects the triumph of the human spirit during an extraordinary episode in American history." ~ Library Journal

"[Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston] describes vividly the life in the camp and the humiliations suffered by the detainees... A sober and moving personal account." ~Publishers Weekly

Plot Summary:
After the loss of her father, Jill has not only shut everyone out her life, she feels that she nothing, or no one, can ever make her feel alive and happy. For Mandy, being pregnant was the last thing she had ever wanted, including the grief that her mother gives her and the fact that she could easily mess up the life of her unborn child just like mother. In order to provide her child with a home, Mandy contacts Jill's mother who decides that after losing her husband, she wanted to adopt a child. Unfortunately, Jill sees this differently and believes that her mother is trying to replace her father. Moreover, Jill was much closer to her dad so the new baby would be replacing her because she graduates in a year since she is not a "mommy's little girl." When Jill and Mandy meet, for the first time, they don't know really what to expect; for Mandy, she just wants what's best for her baby and Jill doesn't want her mother get hurt by adopting a child from a stranger who maybe using them for their money and a place to live. Although Jill won't take a chance on Mandy, it's Mandy who eventually shows Jill just how scared and brave a person can be when happiness is at stake. In this emotional story, two teens must retreat from their old habits and open their hearts to find the love they are looking for and, ultimately, for themselves.

Critical Evaluation:
In this tale of loss and redemption, two teen girls are forced to deal with their issues. Ever since the death of her father, Jill has not allowed herself to grieve; instead, she had chased away her friends, her boyfriend, and taken it out on her mother. For Mandy, no one, not even her mother, have been there for her or provide her with guidance and words of encouragement. In essence, the two girls are complete opposites where one would trade the loss of her father than live with her mother. This story tackles very sensitive issues that not only affect adults, but are extremely difficult for teenagers to deal with on their own. Sara Zarr gives readers the opportunity to look at this situation from Jill and Mandy's point of view, which evoke empathy, patience, and understanding. More importantly, this story revolves around the central theme that love comes in all forms and anyone can have as long as they want it. For me, I had a hard time with Jill because she has everything in the world and yet she she refuses to live. As for Mandy, all I could see is a lost child who is having a child. The more I read, the more I learned that these characters are much more complex, especially when they would contradict themselves.   Given the nature of this story, a happy ending seems like a long shot, but, luckily, the ending will definitely surprise the reader.

Information about the Author:
According to her website, Sara Zarr currently lives with her husband in Salt Lake City, Utah. Along with writing YA novels, she also contributes articles regarding faith, God, and culture. According to a Wikipedia article, Zarr based her debut novel, About a Girl, on the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart  and Once Was Lost revolves around faith, identity, and home. She has written four teen novels and is working on her fifth entitled The Lucy Variations. 

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10& up

Books Similar to Save a Life:

• The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
• Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Publisher's Weekly Starred Review (10/24/2011)
• Booklist Starred Review (11/01/2011)
• Kirkus Starred Review (11/01/2011)
• VOYA Starred Review (12/01/2011)
  

Do you ever wonder what it takes to be a super sleuth? Come and have a cup of tea and watch Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Rated PG-13

Thursday,
March 22nd
3 p.m.
Reese Hall

No reservations required.

Celebrate 2012 Geek out @ Your Library Teen Tech Week by gaming through time with the original Nintendo NES, Nintendo 64, and the Nintendo Wii.

Thursday, March 8
3-5 p.m.
Reese Hall

Refreshments will be provided so get ready to geek out!

No reservations required!

Plot Summary:
Nine years ago, Ethan was abducted by two men in a black car. He was only seven years old and his little brother, Blake, saw Ethan jump into the car. Nine years have passed and Ethan has no memory of his real family except for the pictures that he feels attached to. After finding his family, Ethan must take back what is his and resume of life of normalcy. However, the house, the people, the memories are nothing but blank canvases? Why can't he remember the fun times he had with his parents? How can he explain to his brother why he jumped into that car? Although the family seemed to have moved forward with life (Ethan has a little sister now), when they got the call that he had been found, everything turned upside down. What is even harder is that his "BFF" happens to be hottest girl he has ever seen, yet he can't remember here. Despite the awkwardness of reacquainting himself with his loved ones, but the person who is hit the hardest is not Ethan, but his brother, Blake. Why couldn't he accept the fact that his big brother has been found? Why does Ethan feel that something is missing?

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, I could not put this book down. Lisa McMann delivered an incredibly suspenseful and heartbreaking tale of a boy who was kidnapped as a child. Not only is this story a quick read, it will appeal to those who want to read about issues such as child abduction and its effects on those who were traumatized. Ethan's character is so complex and his experiences are so heartbreaking that one would be more than happy to see him with his family again. However, what most people don't take into account, is that the person who was kidnapped has to find a way to transition themselves back to normalcy and even relate to their own family. Moreover, with a child as young as Ethan was, readers will learn the effects of Stockholm Syndrome, especially when he admits that he does not like bad-mouthing the woman who abducted him. The psychological war that is going on in Ethan's head is very real including the way Blake treats him; it was hard to see Ethan's brother treat him like a complete stranger and, eventually, a complete fake. The bond between Ethan and Gracie is just precious. Gracie was born after Ethan's disappearance so his sudden appearance is just as tough on Gracie as it is Ethan. Although the ending leaves the reader hanging, it leaves room for a possible sequel that will explain what happened to Ethan when he ran away. This is an incredibly moving tale about family dynamics.

Information about the Author:
Lisa McMann was born on February 24 in Holland, Michigan and eventually moved to Arizona with family in 2004. She had two brothers and sisters who have given many nieces and nephews. According to her website:

The first summer we lived here, we totally tried frying an egg on the sidewalk. Basically, it made a mess. We try to go on vacation during the summer to get out of Phoenix, and I usually do a conference or two if it’s in a nice-weather city in order to escape the heat. In the fall, winter and spring, the weather here suits me just fine. I like to cook, swim, read, and hang out with my husband and kids. I also love watching reality TV shows, even the sappy ones that make me cry, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

Genre:
Teen Suspense, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Dead to Me:

• Stolen by Lucy Christopher
• Dead Girls Don't Write Letter by Gail Giles
  

Awards & Recognition:

" McMann's narrative is layered and emotional, with constant questions about family dynamics, identity and reconciliation. While an amnesia-based plot risks a quick foray into formula, this resists, balancing the fractured nature of Ethan's recollections nicely with the character's development. The sibling rivalry builds secondary tension and suspense."

"McMann's gripping new novel...will leave readers burning for closure long after its chilling ending.... [Her] succinct first-person narrative skillfully carries the authenticity of a teenage boy, his fractured memory and reintegration into a family who expects much from him, despite his scarring childhood. Her exploration of an abductee psyche is both illuminating and unsettling and is realistically portrayed... With a disturbing and raw ending, "Dead to You "is unforgettable." --Adam Silvera, Books of Wonder
"--Kirkus Reviews"

Plot Summary:
Hazel Grace is a survivor. Diagnosed with Stage IV Thyroid Cancer, her life should have been over last year. However, she proved the doctors wrong by making a miraculous recovery. However, the treatments and the cancer have left her lungs filled with tiny tumors that need to be eradicated with medicine, but leaves Hazel permanently dependent to on oxygen tank named Philip. What should have been the typical life of a teenager, Hazel is light years ahead of peers except that she doesn't have a lot of friends and prefers to spend her time alone. In order to get her out of the house, her mother forces her to attend a support group at the local church, which she finds utterly depressing and boring until Gus came around. In fact, Hazel never thought a gorgeous boy would show up to this group, nor did she count on the fact that he actually thought she was beautiful. Confused, and unsure why this perfectly normal guy would want to be with her, she learns that he too is a cancer survivor and he has a prosthetic leg. Although this fact does not change anything, Hazel is forced to tear down the walls she has put between herself and live the life that she has been given even if for a little while longer.
 
Critical Evaluation:
John Green ceases to amaze me. Not only is he able to tackle all kinds of issues teens face, he is able to do it in a way that one forgets that this novel was written by an adult. Those who have cancer survivors in their family, or are one, will definitely be touched and moved by the relationship between Gus and Hazel. Although we tend to think teenagers are unable to fully understand the circumstances of life, Green conveys that teens are a lot more smarter, and mature, than most of adults when faced with adversity. Not only do these teens take their sickness seriously, they are actually able to poke fun at it and use it to their advantage to prove that sick kids are not so willingly able to give up on life. I will warn readers that tears will be shed, but along with the sadness, there is this renewed sense of hope that when we lose someone, they are never really gone. On a personal note, my aunt, who passed away almost ten years ago, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent chemo (which was completely experimental at the time) that destroyed her lungs. She, like Hazel, could not be without her oxygen, but, even on the worst days, she did everything she could to fight her illness. Although the human body is fragile, the soul and spirit are much stronger; Hazel and Gus know that mourning will does not fill feel the empty space in our hearts, but living keeping the memories alive will help us get thought those days and on with our lives. Beautiful, beautiful story.    

Information about the Author:
Honestly, I am just gonna leave the link to the author's website only because it so cool! Check this link out:
http://johngreenbooks.com/bio-contact/

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar The Fault in Our Stars:

• It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini 
• Stoner & Spaz by Ron Koertge
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Booklist (1/1/2012)
• Starred Review Kirkus (1/15/2012)
• Starred Review Publisher Weekly (1/16/2012)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (2/1/2012)
  

Plot Summary:
Meggie loves books. In fact, not only does she love books, she cannot sleep, eat, or breathe without them. Thanks to her father, Mo, and his profession (he is a bookbinder), Meggie passes her time with books. However, she isn't like most twelve-year-old girls. Meggie lost her mother when she was three-years-old and it's been her and Mo ever since. What's even more unusual is that she and Mo are constantly moving so her idea of home is the van parked outside of their temporary homestead. What was supposed to be another lazy evening, Meggie spots a man lurking outside their "home" in the rain. When she tells her father, he goes to meet this man, who turns out to be an old acquaintance of Mo's. Although Meggie does not like the idea of a stranger visiting them so late, she overhears that this man is not just a stranger, but someone from past who carries many secrets and a warning that Capricorn is after a specific book that Mo has. Unlike most collectors, Capricorn is evil and dangerous who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. What Meggie doesn't know is that her mother's disappearance, the stranger's warning, and Capricorn's threats are all related to a single book that her father refuses to hand over, which leads to an adventure that can only be found in the books that Meggie loves.

Critical Evaluation:
Inkheart is one of the most detailed, thorough, and and epic tween novel I have ever read. In many respects, readers have to have the patience to digest the background story before the adventure really begins. I will admit that my interest was waning because there would be moments of story-->action-->story. Although I wasn't sure what to expect, I kept on reading and I am so glad I did! The characters in this story are utterly amazing, in the fact, they all have stories and personalities of their own. My favorite character in this story is Elinor because not only did she grow, as a person, she changed immensely, which gives readers hope that she will be more loving, courageous, and determined. Moreover, her transformation proves that even the most stubborn character can change, including the villains. Lastly, another aspect of this story, is the ending of this book prepares the readers for an adventure that leaves them craving the next installment. This feeling is important to motivate the reader to keep reading, which is essential for any series.

Information about the Author:
Cornelia Funke was born in 1958 in Westphalia, German. According to Scholastic Publishers:

Following a post-graduate course in book illustration at the Hamburg State College of Design, Cornelia Funke worked as a designer and illustrator of children’s books. But disappointment in the way some of the stories were told, combined with her desire to draw fantastic creatures and magical worlds rather than the familiar situations of school and home, inspired her to write her own stories.

 Cornelia Funke is a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkies, J.M. Barrie, and C.S. Lewis; she loves a good fantasy and she clearly has good taste. Before becoming an author, Funke worked as a social worker where her experience, during that time, provided her with ideas for future works:

When I finished the school I wanted to change the world and I though the best way would be to become a social worker. I worked for three years on an adventure playground in Hamburg and I’ll never forget the children I met there. Many of them came from very difficult backgrounds and dysfunctional families, but I respected them so much for their courage and their compassion for one another. I saw them care for their siblings, where their parents didn’t care at all. I saw them laugh although life didn’t give them much to laugh about. They taught me so much that I still owe them.

Genre:
Tween Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 5-7
 

Books Similar to Inkheart:

• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull and Brandon Dorman

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Kirkus (9/15/2003)
• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (7/21/2003)

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)