Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
If Alice Liddell did not fall down the Rabbit Hole, Alyssa, and her ancestors, would not have been cursed with madness. All of her life, Alyssa has been teased because of the tale her great-great-great-grandmother Alice told to Lewis Carroll. Although most people believe that the story is nonsense, what they don't know is that Alyssa can actually hear the chatter of flowers and insects just like her mother and that Wonderland is an actual place that has left its mark on all of the Alyssian descendents. Sadly, Alyssa's mother, Alison, has been institutionalized since "the Accident" that occurred when she was a little girl. Although Alyssa is terrified that she will inherit her mother's illness, Alyssa is starting to have strange visions that not only connect the giant moth from her past, but prove her mother isn't insane. In fact, this inherited insanity is actually a curse that can be broken, but, in order to break the curse, Alyssa must return to Wonderland and undo what her great-great-great-great grandmother did. Not knowing where to start, Alyssa must rely on the ramblings of her sick mother who is in danger of losing herself if Alice does not break this curse. Furthermore, Jeb, her best friend and the love of her life, ends up following her down the Rabbit Hole. Little does Alyssa know, but the visions she has been having are actual memories and Morpheus, the boy in her dreams, is very real as well. Every minute she spends in Wonderland, Alyssa is learning that the whimsical tale that her grandmother told isn't true at all. In fact, the further Alyssa and Jeb travel into Wonderland, more "truths" are turned upside down and they are one step closer to meeting the madness that rules Wonderland and that every character in the story is not whom they seem to be, nor do we know what their real intentions are. In this re-telling, readers will be haunted and thrilled by the dangers that await in Wonderland and if Alyssa can complete the task her predecessors were unable to do.  

Critical Evaluation:
I am beyond impressed with this re-telling of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." Not only does Howard manage to retain the mysteriousness of the original story, but reveal the ugly truth as to why Wonderland is no longer the Wonderland we, readers, all love. For those of us who have read the original story, Wonderland was an ideal where magic, fun, and silliness prevail. However, what we don't pick up, initially, is that Wonderland is actually a very hard place to live because it is filled with contradictions and problems that make the real world look like a better alternative. However, in Howard's version, it was Alice, herself, who willed herself to Wonderland only to find that her real wish was to return home, leaving the delicate balance of Wonderland in shambles. The central theme of this story revolves around choices and consequences. Alice was able to down the Rabbit Hole because she willed the Rabbit Hole to appear. Another example of choices is Alyssa's mother decision to be institutionalized to keep Alyssa safe. One thing about adulthood that bugs me the most id when parents keep very important secrets from their children. For Alyssa, had her mother told her what was going on things could have been different. However, her choice to keep the secret from Alyssa has cost her time, which she may never be able to get back. As for Alyssa, her choice of following Morpheus through the mirror has not only jeopardized her mother's sanity, but brought Jeb to Wonderland with her. However, her choice had a consequence and that is what brought Jeb through the Rabbit Hole as well. Alyssa is actually a very extraordinary girl not just because she can talk to bugs and flowers, but, unlike her predecessors, she is willing to end the curse by any means necessary. She is a very brave girl who goes through a tremendous amount of growth in one story that makes readers want to finish the story. Another aspect of this story, that will keep readers wanting more, is the romance. The best thing about this device is that it doesn't distract from the actual story, which is what I love! I am not a huge fan of mushy books, but the romance compliments the darkness, which can be rather creepy at times (i.e., Rabid White). All in all, this is a great debut and I will be patiently awaiting the next installment (yes...there is a sequel). 

Information about the Author:
According to her blog:

Anita Grace Howard lives in the Texas panhandle, and is most at home weaving the melancholy and macabre into settings and scenes, twisting the expected into the unexpected. She’s inspired by all things flawed, utilizing the complex loveliness of human conditions and raw emotions to give her characters life, then turning their world upside down so the reader’s blood will race.

Married and mother of two teens (as well as surrogate mom to two Labrador retrievers), Anita divides her days between spending time with her family and plodding along or plotting on her next book.

When she’s not writing, Anita enjoys rollerblading, biking, snow skiing, gardening, and family vacations that at any given time might include an impromptu side trip to an 18th century graveyard or a condemned schoolhouse for photo ops.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Splintered:

• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

"Fans of dark fantasy, as well as of Carroll’s Alice in all her revisionings (especially Tim Burton’s), will find a lot to love in this compelling and imaginative novel."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Alyssa is one of the most unique protagonists I've come across in a while. Splintered is dark, twisted, entirely riveting, and a truly romantic tale."
—USA Today

"Brilliant, because it is ambitious, inventive, and often surprising — a contemporary reworking of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’’ with a deep bow toward Tim Burton’s 2010 film version."
—The Boston Globe

"It’s a deft, complex metamorphosis of this children’s fantasy made more enticing by competing romantic interests, a psychedelic setting, and more mad violence than its original."
—Booklist

" Protagonist Alyssa...is an original. Howard's visual imagination is superior. The story's creepiness is intriguing as horror, and its hypnotic tone and setting, at the intersection of madness and creativity, should sweep readers down the rabbit hole."
—Publishers Weekly

"While readers will delight in such recognizable scenes as Alyssa drinking from a bottle to shrink, the richly detailed scenes that stray from the original will entice the imagination. These adventures are indeed wonderful."
—BookPage

"Attention to costume and setting render this a visually rich read..."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Wonderland is filled with much that is not as wonderful as might be expected, and yet, it is in Wonderland that Alyssa accepts her true nature. The cover with its swirling tendrils and insects surrounding Alyssa will surely attract teen readers who will not disappointed with this magical, edgy tale."
—Reading Today Online

"Creepy, descriptive read with a generous dollop of romance."
—School Library Journal

Plot Summary:
Cassie never thought that she would be one of the last human beings alive after the Others arrived. When the 1st Wave hit, no one had any idea why they came and what they wanted; everyone was anticipating some kind of Hollywood movie situation where the aliens would communicate with flashing lights and leave. Well, when they set off the massive EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) that knocked out everything, they finally told all of us that they weren't going anywhere and neither were we. Not only did they disable our power sources, modes of communication, transportation, and just about everything that would keep us from leaving the planet, they sent the 2nd Wave hit (nicknamed the Red Tsunami) that wiped out the human population just like the Plague wiped out most of Europe. Cassie lost her mother to the pestilence and was forced to leave her home with her father and brother. When the 3rd Wave hit, chaos ensued and humans were battling other humans instead of the Others. When Cassie and her family arrived at Camp Ashpit, they should have been saved. However, it was only a matter of time before Cassie and her family would split up, but what Cassie learns is frightening because she is now a fugitive being hunted by an assassin who has an obsession for her. Told in several different point of views, the story behind the invasion and what the government has planned for the human race, comes full circle, which begs the question: Why did the Others choose us and what are their plans. The ending will shock and amaze all of us.
                                    
Critical Evaluation:
I could not for the life of me put this book down. Rich Yancey is, in my opinion, on his way to becoming the next greatest writers for young adults. What is amazing about this story is the pace, given the size of the book and all of the details. I love that The 5th Wave is be hailed as the next interpretation of the famous Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," but there is one hug difference: The 5th Wave has the one thing The Road does not have: hope. After reading The Monstrumologist, I did not expect there to be any romantic connections, but I was quite pleased; it seems to be an integral part of Teen Sci Fi/Dystopian literature formula, which, if overdone, can easily ruin a story. Cassie is an amazing young lady because not only did she lose her entire family, she had to put her knowledge and skills to the test in order to survive. In many ways, Cassie exceeded my expectations because she had to assume so many responsibilities that forced her to get over her "awkwardness" about Ben, but this whole ordeal has given her the confidence to overcome any obstacle she faces. As for poor Sammy, he is another victim of war who had to endure just like Cassie. For a five-year-old, he has to be the bravest kindergartner ever because not only was he chosen, he had to throw away every child-like thought and hope to become a killing machine. However, his love for his sister is what preserves any innocence he has left, which makes this story greater. As for the assassin, The Silencer, his story is just plain tragic. The Silencer is a classic existential character where the body, mind, and soul are conflicted between living and just being. Granted, an alien being has taken over the body of the human, the alien is having a difficult time overtaking the human soul. Although it is possible for the human and alien to become one, it makes readers wonder if aliens are capable of having the consciousnesses and emotions of a human being. The Silencer's mission is to destroy every human being, but, after stalking and learning about Cassie, he was unable to kill her because he fell in love with her. I actually grew to care for the Silencer not because of his battle between the host and the invader, but because of its choices. In many respects, his story is all about what it means to be human and I am glad that he was able to experience it but, for Ben, his story is very different from the rest. Although he was destined to die, he was revived and healed against his own will and forced to become someone he is not. Just like the Silencer, Ben was put in a position that forced him to do things he didn't want, which helped him hold onto his own values and ethics. Just like Sammy, or Nugget, it seems that the harder they push, the harder he fights to hold onto himself. Although readers are not quite sure if there will be a sequel, I am hoping there isn't because there is no way human beings are capable of predicting the aftermath of an apocalypse. Clearly, we hope that they are able to start over, but we must ponder the question of their willingness to let things go back to the way they were before. The answer is left to the imagination, which is absolutely brilliant.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Rick had always wanted to be writer since he was very young. He earned his Bachelor of Art in English at Roosevelt University, in Chicago. After graduating, Yancey returned home to Florida where he started teaching and worked in the the theater (para. 1). Eventually, he ended up taking a job with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and worked there for ten years, which inspired his memoir entitled "Confession of a Tax Collector." The Wall Street Journal has praised his memoir calling it one of the five best books on taxes.

Yancey is also author of the Alfred Kropp Trilogy and the Teddy Ruzak adult mystery series that have quite a following and his titles have been nominated for prestigious awards. Monstrumologist is Yancy's first young adult series and the second book of this series, The Curse of the Wendigo, is available for libraries to purchase. Lastly, Monstrumologist was also selected as a 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Award.


Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance, Teen Dystopian Thriller

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The 5th Wave:

• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
• Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
• Across the Universe by Beth Reevis
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

“It has the dark, swoopy adrenaline of The Hunger Games, but the elegiac tone of The Road. Who cares what shelf you find it on? Just read it.” -EW.com
“Makes for an exhilarating reading experience.” -Tor.com
“Wildly entertaining . . . I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” -Justin Cronin, The New York Times Book Review
"A modern sci-fi masterpiece . . . should do for aliens what Twilight did for vampires." —USAToday.com

"Action-packed intrigue."-MTV.com
*"Gripping!"-Publishers Weekly, *starred review*
*"Nothing short of amazing!"-Kirkus Reviews, *starred review*
*"Yancey's heartfelt, violent, paranoid epic, filled with big heroics and bigger surprises, is part War of the Worlds, part Starship Troopers, part Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and part The Stand . . . a sure thing for reviewers and readers alike."-Booklist *starred review*
"This is DAMN and WOW territory.  Quite simply, one of the best books I've read in years." -Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author
"Breathtakingly fast-paced and original, The 5th Wave is a reading tsunami that grabs hold and won't let go.  A postapocalyptic alien invasion story with a smart, vulnerable heroine."-Melissa De La Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of the Blue Bloods series
"A fantastic read. The 5th Wave is an electrifying page-turner." -Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author
"Prepare to set everything else aside when you launch into this one. The break-neck pace and high stakes will draw you in, but it's the characters who will keep you turning pages. It's been a long time since I've read a story this compelling."-Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author

Plot Summary:
It's been six months since Hannah's best friend, Lillian, died. For Hannah, losing Lillian was like losing a part of herself since they spent every moment together making fabulous outfits and hanging out with Carmen, Angelie, and Jessica. Life was good for the both of them until Lillian stopped eating. Sadly, Lillian suffered from Anorexia, which led to her untimely death. Although Carmen, Angelie, and Jessica were able to move on with their lives, Hannah cannot because the ghost of Lillian is now haunting her. Not only is Lillian "back from the dead," but there is a serial killer loose in the quiet city of Ludlow, which happens to be the one thing that Lillian has been obsessing over after discovering the crime scene photos that the Ludlow Police brought into her cousin's photo shop. In fact, Lillian's grim devotion to these unsolved murders forces Hannah to sneak into her room and fetch a scrapbook that has newspaper clippings of cold cases that are very similar to the current murders. What's even more odd is that Hannah is starting to notice Finn, who is the town bad boy and just as mysterious as the current string of murders. With the town on lock down, parents are ordering their kids and teens to be escorted everywhere, which gives Hannah the perfect opportunity to get to know the boy, whom Lillian despises, that made her cry only a few years ago. Despite the sudden turn of events, the murders are continuing and there is one link that connects them all: a paper valentine. The ending is to die for.
 
Critical Evaluation:
Brenna Yovanoff has written something I didn't expect at all and I really liked it. Not only does the reader feel like they are enveloped in a "murder mystery" atmosphere, they are also reading about very real issues that effect teens such as eating disorders, bullying, overprotective parents, abuse, and depression. By weaving these elements into the story, readers are very sympathetic to Hannah's struggles and, to an extent, Lillian's troubles as well. I can honestly say that I found Lillian to be selfish, judgmental, and cruel, but, when Hannah starts asking the questions that haven't been asked, we start to realize just how insecure, lonely, and scared Lillian is. Furthermore, we learn why Lillian decided to starve herself to death because it was the only ting, in her life, that she could control. Is this the reason why she hasn't been able to move on? More than likely. Just like the television show, Criminal Minds, Hannah and Lillian are looking at the behavior of the killer and are learning that he is not just some typical criminal--but a serial killer who enjoys what he does.Readers will never guess who the Valentine Killer is and, in the final showdown, we see a Hannah that has been hidden for too long and, when let lose, is unstoppable.

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

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 Horror, Teen Mysteries

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Paper Valentine:

• Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
• The Killer's Cousin by Nancy Werlin

Plot Summary:
 In this collection of short stories, one must ask: Zombies or Unicorns. Featuring stories from award-winning and popular YA authors, the question that has been nagging fantasy fans for decades is explored. For example, what if there really was an epic battle waged between both zombies and unicorns? Would the human race survive? Or what if one is already a zombie and having a tough time reconciling with the fact that we are not really human and, guess what, in love with human. How about the fact that is unicorns needed help from pure young maidens and they chose one of us because there was no one else left who met their demands? What about the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse? Is it possible for us to start all over again and pretend nothing every happened? Lastly, what if we wanted to check out the local "freak" show just to be near the hot guy we are crushing, only to find out that unicorns actually exist, but are not the pretty ponies we dreamed of. All of these questions are asked and no matter the result, there is always a chance that things could end perfectly or horrifically.  Despite the end result, the best part about it all, is that everyone will have an experience they will never, ever forget.

Critical Evaluation:
This is seriously one of the best collection of short stories I have ever read. Everything single one of these stories have their own flavor that keeps it alive and appealing to all readers. Unlike most anthologies, the editors provide a beautiful introduction to each story where readers not only get to learn about the author, but what he or she thinks about zombies and/or unicorns. I absolutely loved the one by Naomi Novik, entitled Purity Test, because the premise is so tongue-in-cheek and just plain creative. Although I am not an expert on unicorn folklore, I am pretty sure they never have had contact with human; they are the purest of the species and humans can ruin that innocence. Granted, the only way I know that is because I have watched the film, Legend, a million times, it makes sense why humans are not allowed near Unicorns. However, this belief is debunked because a unicorn needs the help of a female virgin to save the unicorn species. The question that is asked is: why? Furthermore, why did the unicorn approach a girl who, unfortunately, makes poor decisions, which is evident in the very first ten sentences of the story. The question that I had in my mind is what is the real definition of purity? Although popular culture states that being a virgin means one is not sexually active, but what about purity of the mind and soul? With all of the witty dialogue, is a serious discussion of what it means to be pure and how a little faith can go a long way. This is just an example of the brilliance that is in this collection and I am so going to use this collection when I begin my teen story time program!


Information about the Author:
According to their personal websites:

Holly has also been a frequent contributor to anthologies, and has co-edited three of them: Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci, 2009), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier, 2010), and Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner, 2011). Her first collection of short fiction, Poison Eaters and Other Stories, came out in 2010 from Small Beer Press. She has just finished the third book in her Eisner-nominated graphic novel series, The Good Neighbors, and is working on Red Glove, the second novel in The Curse Workers series. White Cat, the first in the series, is out as of May 2010, and is about capers, curse magic, and memory.

Holly lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.

Justine Larbalestier FAQ:

Q: Where were you born?
A: Sydney, Australia. In Paddington Women’s Hospital, which is now a block of flats.

Q: How do you pronounce your surname?
A: Lar-bal-est-ee-air. It can also be pronounced Lar-bal-est-ee-ay or Lar-bal-est-ee-er. Those are all fine by me. Friends at school used to pronounce it: Lavaworm. I have to really like you to let you get away with that one, but.

Q: What’s it like living with another writer?
A: Wonderful. I’m very lucky because even if I wasn’t married to him I’d be a Scott Westerfeld fan. This way I get to read and comment on everything he writes first. He’s also a fabulous editor and reads and comments on all my work.

Q: Do you both write in the same room? Or do you have separate studies? Isn’t it annoying having someone else working so close by?

A: Mostly we write in the same room, sometimes not, though we’re always within shouting distance of one another. Scott and me travel a lot and write in many different places on our trusty and very transportable laptops. Magic or Madness was written in three different houses in Sydney, one in New York City and two in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Magic Lessons was written in two different houses in Sydney, one in New York City and one in Buenos Aires. Magic’s Child was written in San Miguel de Allende, Sydney and New York City. Liar was written in two different flats: one in NYC (the East Village) and the other in Sydney (Surry Hills).

It’s not even slightly annoying writing in the same room as Scott. We get to ask each other for synonyms, how to spell things, and whether Agnetha is an okay name for a character? (Apparently not.) It makes writing even more fun.

Q: What’s it like living in two countries?
A: (For those who don’t know, me and Scott spend half the year in Sydney, where I’m from, and half in NYC, where Scott has lived the majority of his life.)
Living in two places is most excellent. I have two sets of friends. Two sets of favourite restaurants. Two sets of everything really. When it’s six months at home and then six months in New York City I rarely get homesick and nor does Scott. Works out pefectly. Also lots of summer. I love me some summer.

Genre:
Teen Short Stories

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Zombies vs. Unicorns:

• 21 Proms edited by David Levithan and Daniel Ehrenhaft
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Catelluci

Awards & Recognition:


From Amazon.com

"Forget vampires vs. werewolves; the hottest feud is between fans of the fiercely magical horses and the shambling, brain-eating undead. . . . Who is the victor in this epic smackdown? Readers, of course!" - Kirkus Reviews

* "In this offbeat anthology, editors Black and Larbalestier embark upon a literary throw-down to determine which is superior: zombies or unicorns. . . . Without a clunker in the bunch, this anthology more than lives up to the potential its concept suggests. Zombies or unicorns? There's no clear winner, unless it's readers." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Who ultimately wins? To reuse an old joke: everyone." - Booklist

* "This is a must-have for fantasy collections.” - School Library Journal, starred review

Plot Summary:
The uprising at Happy Jack Harvest Camp was only the beginning. Not only are Unwinds rebelling, but the public now knows what it means to be unwound. Although Unwinds believe that Connor the Akron AWOL is nothing but a legend, many of them believe in his legacy and are fighting their way to sanctuary where they cannot be touched or harvested. For Mason Starkey (aka. Starkey) his luck has run out. After being dragged from his bed, in the middle of the night, Starkey reflects on his past and the injustice. Starkey was storked, which means his biological mother abandoned him on the front porch of his adopted family, and has been conflicted about it his whole life. Could this be the reason why he acted out so much? Unfortunately, his actions have forced his parents to sign the "UnWind" order and, although he acts like he doesn't care, he is terrified about the Harvest camp. However, he recalls the Akron AWOL and decides to take his fate in his own hands. When he asks his Juvy's to stop and get him something to eat, he decides to run, but what happens next is utter disaster. After living on the run, Starkey earns a reputation that earns him a lot of respect just like Akron AWOL, but for different reasons. Connor is known for his kindness and fairness; whereas, Starkey is the cunning and strong. When Starkey arrives at the Graveyard, he learns that the Akron AWOL is not dead, but very much alive. However, Connor is not what Starkey thought he was and that creates a lot of disappointment, which leaves Starkey no other choice: challenge Connor as leader. For Miracolina, she has accepted her fate as a Tithe and that her place is to return to God after saving her brother's life with a bone marrow transplant. Although her parents are starting to regret the fact that she must be harvested, she decides that she is at peace with this decision while they live in regret. After picking up another Tithe, Timothy, Miracolina is on her way to the Harvest Camp scared and anxious. What was supposed to be a journey to the end is changed when the van caring her and her friend is hijacked and they are taken to a secret location where they meet Lev--the Tithe who rebelled. For Cam, he doesn't know who or what he is. When he finally awakens, his thoughts are jumbled and his memories are blurred. Who is Cam? What was he created for? And what Starkey? What is he trying to accomplish? All of these questions will be answered, but the peace that the Graveyard knows will be threatened and, although the war on "Unwinding" was won, the battle for survival has only just begun.

Critical Evaluation:
O-M-G!!! I had not idea that Neal Shusterman would Unwind into a series! I will admit that I had one heck of a time reading this book not only because it's about a very, very controversial subject, but the very idea "Unwinding" just scares me. Without getting into the politicking, readers are faced with a very real and disturbing alternative between two very different ideologies. In this sequel, as Connor, Lev, and Risa as take on more AWOL Unwinds, things are getting more dangerous where AWOL's are being snatched and harvested by pirates (who make a lot of money) and there organ/body aprt donations are low. Although the order to reduce the age of "Unwinding" (where teens the ages of 17 & older can no longer be unwound) have brought this reviled practice into the light, things have gotten worse. In fact, Connor is struggling with the massive waves of escapees and he has no idea how he will house, clothe and feed everyone. Connor has grown up so much and, despite the fact that he is the leader, its obvious that its taking its toll on him. As for Lev, he is now a legend among the Tithes, which has been a good and a bad thing. With Risa, she feels the strain in her relationship with Connor and it worries her. Although the gang is faced with these hardships, nothing could prepare them for Cam. Cam, as we learn, is an enigma. Although we think he is a human, what we learn is much more complicated and scary. Granted that "unwinding" is a very unethical practice, it's even scarier to think that this process is now being used create a better human race. I don't know about you, dear readers, but I don't want my body parts, and yours as well, to be used in a giant human "Build-a-Bear" workshop to make a new, and improved, version of Lindsay Lohan. Along with Cam, another character is introduced and his name is Starkey. Starkey is the typical bad boy who was supposed to be sent to the harvest camps only to escape by committing the ultimate crime. Starkey is very unpredictable and, as readers get further and further into the story,  he is not to be trusted because he has his own set of plans that could help or destroy the sanctuary that was made by the Admiral. This is the latest plot twist in the "Unwind" trilogy and it will seriously leave readers wanting more, which is coming soon!

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

Award-winning author Neal Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he began writing at an early age. After spending his junior and senior years of high school at the American School of Mexico City, Neal went on to UC Irvine, where he made his mark on the UCI swim team, and wrote a successful humor column. Within a year of graduating, he had his first book deal, and was hired to write a movie script.

In the years since, Neal has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. As a full-time writer, he claims to be his own hardest task-master, always at work creating new stories to tell. His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country. Neal's talents range from film directing (two short films he directed won him the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Awards) to writing music and stage plays – including book and lyrical contributions to “American Twistory,” which is currently played in several major cities. He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful "How to Host a Mystery" game for teens, as well as seven "How to Host a Murder" games.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to UnWholly:

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
• Divergent by Veronica Roth

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

"A breathless, unsettling read."--Kirkus Reviews

"Shusterman continues to develop and expertly twist plotlines begun in the first book, picking up the pace with short chapters and a present tense narrative while interspersing for verisimilitude actual recent news items about real organ harvesting and abandoned and “feral” teens. Perfectly poised to catch the Hunger Games wave and based on an even more plausible dystopian scenario...Fans will want to get their hands on this the second it’s released." (Booklist )

"Smart, intense, and thought provoking, this series will stick with readers."--VOYA, 5Q

“Shusterman elegantly balances the strikingly different perspectives of the three main protagonists effectively, and these dissimilar approaches to life highlight the ways in which the larger world grapples with unwinding. …The high quality of UnWholly will inspire readers to go back to see what was missed as well as stoke anticipation for the final book.” (The Horn Book )

Thematically rich and packed with action, commentary, and consequences, this is a strong pick for dystopia fans that will also appeal to reluctant readers. (BCCB )

"This sequel to Unwind is well worth the wait...the characters, action, and drama make it easy for readers to be drawn into the story and the weighty issues, such as what it means to be human and what it means to sacrifice for others. Several plot twists at the end not only make for a satisfying conclusion, but also expertly set the stage for the final installment of the trilogy." (School Library Journal )

"Readers will come to think deeply about the question of survival, and to what extremes one would go to for survival of themselves and loved ones. This book is a welcome addition to a science fiction collection, with threads of romance, adventure, and alternate universes which are closer to becoming reality. Recommended." (Library Media Connection ) 

Plot Summary:
Duncan, a courageous knight, is given the opportunity to become the hero of the land and win the hand of the princess. With the help of Brother Patchwork, Duncan is not only handy with a sword, he is respected and loved by the people. However, he has been haunted by a dream of a woman, sitting alone with a bottle of Snappy Cola. Who this woman is, he's not sure, but when he defeats the Frog King, he finds, in a secret chamber, a bottle of Snappy Cola. Although Duncan should be happy that he will be marrying the princess, he can't shake the empty bottle sets out to find it. When he finds it in the hand of an awful ogre,  he learns that his existence has been a lie. For Gran'pa Greenbacks, his whole life was dedicated to making money and nothing could stop him from cheating people out of their money. When he forces his underpaid and abused worker, Filbert, to come with a "Get Rich Quick" scheme, this one is a sure fire way from him to get his pool full of gold. By creating the Church of the Eternal Smile, Gran'pa invests everything he has and what seemed like a success turned sour when his arch nemesis cheated him out of all that money. Rather than dealing with this like a rational person, he beats Filbert to death and Gran'pa learns the truth about who he is and what he has been missing this entire time. As for Janet, her dreary life has left her looking for adventure and meaning. When she gets an e-mail from the Prince of Nigeria asking her for money to help his family re-build his kingdom, she is glad to help. After being denied a promotion, and overhearing how her boss feels about her, she decides to invest everything in helping her Nigerian prince. The only problem is that every time he asks for help, her bank accounts are cleaned out and that is when she tells him that they must meet in person if he still asks for money. When he doesn't show up for their date, she goes looking for him and learns that her prince is not a prince at all, but a lonely college kid. Although he didn't know how she found him, she admits that she knew all along that this was a fantasy, but it was something to look forward to and hope it could be real. In this story are three different tales about individuals who are caught in a dream and are rudely awakened by reality whether they like it or not.

Critical Evaluation:
In this story of three dreamers is invigorating conversation about hopes, dreams, and consequences. Rather then dealing with this horrid home life, Duncan creates a fantasy where he is brave and people love him. After being beaten up by his mother's abusive boyfriend, Duncan is left in coma to grapple with the issues of his life and dreams. Although he could have stayed in the coma, he felt compelled to apologize to his mother after telling her that she "deserved to be beaten." Granted, his mother hasn't been a very good mother, Duncan's fantasy world has taught him about right and wrong, which leads him to the decision to wake up and start over. For Gran'pa, he had no idea that he was a puppet this whole time after learning about the children's television show and personality chip implanted in his brain. Believe it or not, Gran'pa lived a simple life in the pond near the studio that when he laid eyes on it all he could think about is being a part of it. In many ways, returning to the pond allows him the opportunity to learn about himself and find contentment in the life that was taken from him. Lastly, Janet's story is just as heartbreaking because she literally get taken advantage of just to feel alive. All she has ever wanted is to be seen and loved and, although, Prince Henry is really a college student who has been using her money to start a nonsensical business, Janet feels wanted and needed. When she finally confronts Henry/Steve, she forces him to wear traditional African garb and pretend he kept his promise knowing that this was just a fantasy that she wanted to come true. However, after getting to know Steve, she realizes that the only way to make her dreams come true is to prove to everyone that she has what it takes and she can succeed. In all of these stories, dreams were an escape, but those dreams could only provide a temporary relief. The only way these characters can resolve these issues is to make difficult choices that are scary, but necessary. This book was definitely a poignant story where we can all learn a few things and remember that if we want something bad enough, we can make it happen regardless of the obstacles that are keeping us from what we know is right.

Information about the Author:
According to their websites:

Gene Luen Yang:

I began publishing comic books under the name Humble Comics in 1996. In 1997, I got the Xeric Grant for Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks. (If you’re interested in creating comics yourself, check out the Xeric Foundation. They’re a great organization!) Since then I’ve written and drawn a number of stories in comics. American Born Chinese, released by First Second Books in 2006, became the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and the first to win the American Library Association’s Printz Award. It also won an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album – New. The Eternal Smile, a collaborative project I did with Derek Kirk Kim in 2009, won an Eisner as well. Dark Horse Comics is currently publishing a comics continuation of Nickelodeon’s popular Avatar: The Last Airbender, with art by Gurihiru and story by Mike DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and me.  In September of 2013, First Second Books will release my two-volume graphic novel project Boxers & Saints.
I teach at Hamline University as part of their MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

Derek Kirk Kim:

Derek Kirk Kim (born 1974) is an award-winning Korean-American writer, cartoonist, and filmmaker. He is the writer of TUNE and the writer and director of the spin-off webseries, Mythomania. He won both major comics industry awards in 2004, the Eisner and the Harvey, for his debut graphic novel Same Difference and Other Stories, which was originally serialized on his website Lowbright( formerly known as "Small Stories"). He also won the Ignatz Award for promising new talent, in 2003, for the same graphic novel (which was originally published with the help of a 2002 Xeric Award).

Genre:
Teen Graphic Novels

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar The Eternal Smile:

• Orange by Benjomin
• American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
  

 Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review in Booklist
• Starred Review in Hornbook
• Starred Review in Publisher's Weekly
• Starred Review in School Library Journal

Plot Summary:
 It's the future and books are under fire. In order to restore morale, the Media Betterment Committee (MBC) was formed by the National Government to prevent keep out materials that would corrupt the land. In other words, this committee is authorized to confiscate books, movies, and music they deem unworthy. Iku Kasahara, the newest Library Defense Forces recruit, has dedicated her life to protecting books because a Library Force soldier came to her aide when the MBC tried to arrest her because she refused to give up her favorite book. Not only was a hero, she fell in love with him and wants to be exactly like her idol. However, this could have been a lot easier if it wasn't for Sgt. Dojo who pushes her to the extreme and she finds him irritating, mean, and cruel. Although her roommate and fellow librarian, Shibazaki, says quite the opposite, Iku continues to try hard to prove him wrong. After becoming the first woman in the Library Defense Forces, she now works closely with Dojo and even though the fight constantly, she learns another side of him that confuses her and makes heartbeat pound. What is about Dojo that reminds her of her "Prince?" In this action packed series is a great selection of characters and scenarios that will make readers laugh and sigh at the same time. 

Critical Evaluation:
 I will be honest, I just had to read this series. As a Librarian, I want to see how this profession is conveyed in contemporary times and I love it!! Although I don't want to live in a time where Libraries and the government are warring, I love that the principals these brave individuals are the same exact principals I defend as well. I also love the fact that all Library Defense Force soldiers are librarians as well so one day we could a tough looking guy with guns blazing and then he is working a reference desk.  Not only is this a "novel" idea, it doesn't hurt that most of them are super cute so I would definitely not have any qualms working on one of those libraries. My favorite character has to be Iku because she is not the stereotypical librarian. Unlike her superiors, she is goofy, klutzy, avid leader, honest, direct, reckless, loveable, and vulnerable. Despite the fact that sounds a lot like me, she is the embodiment of this profession because, unlike the Nancy Pearls, librarians need to make people feel at ease and we have to be approachable. Moreover, we have to bend over backwards to make the impossible, possible, and we have to stand up and fight when its necessary. All kidding aside, this series is fun and sweet because even when the world is turned upside down, there is still room for love, happiness, and triumph.

Information about the Author:
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of useful information about Kiiro Yumi, but there is a littl about Hiro Arikawa from Wikipedia:

Hiro Arikawa won the tenth annual Dengeki Novel Prize for new writers for Shio no Machi: Wish on My Precious in 2003, and the book was published the following year. It was praised for its love story between a heroine and hero divided by age and social status, and for its depiction of military structures. Although she is a light novelist, her books from her second work onwards have been published as hardbacks alongside more literary works with Arikawa receiving special treatment in this respect from her publisher, MediaWorks. Shio no Machi was also later published in hardback. Her 2006 light novel Toshokan Sensō (The Library War) was named as Hon no Zasshi's number one for entertainment for the first half of 2006, and came fifth in the Honya Taishō for that year, competing against ordinary novels.

She often writes about the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and her first three novels concerning its three branches are known as the Jieitai Sanbusaku (The SDF Trilogy); she also wrote about the fictional Library Forces in the Toshokan Sensō series. Raintree no Kuni, which first appeared as a book within a book in Toshokan Nairan was later published by Arikawa as a spin-off with another publisher.

Genre:
Teen Romance Manga
 
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Library Wars:

• Vampire Knight by Hino Matsuri 
• Kitchen Princess by Natsumi Ando
  

Plot Summary:
Before she got on the bus to a track meet, Jessica's life was perfect. Not only could she set a record, she had friends, a wonderful family, and was well respected by her teammates. However, when the bus was hit by a truck that would not only claim the life of the driver and her classmate, her dreams were shattered. When she woke up in the hospital and saw the space where her leg should have been, she thought she was dead. After spending weeks in the hospital, and many days of self-loathing, Jessica returned home to face the truth that she has changed and that competing would be the last thing she would ever be able to do again. Although she has been given the opportunity to resume a normal life with a prosthetic leg, she is unsure and doubtful that she could ever be the same. However, with a little prodding from her best friend, Fiona, Jessica tries to be the girl she used to be. What Jessica did not count on is that there are worse things then losing a limb. When she returned to school, she not only dealt with the glares and stares, she realized what life might be like for someone who was unable to walk. When she went to math class, she was asked if she wanted to sit with Rosa. Rosa sits in a  wheel chair and that made Jessica which made her panic because she did not wanted to be seen as one of "those" people. However, when Rosa passed her note, she realized that there is nothing wrong with Rosa. Rosa cerebral palsy, which is a debilitating condition and, although Jessica is missing a leg, she at least knows what its like to walk. By looking past her condition, Jessica sees that Rosa is an intelligent and hopeful girl who helps her get out of her rut and even helps her pass math. While getting to know Rosa, Jessica starts to realize just how blessed she really is and she gets the biggest surprise from  a certain boy and her dreams of running again are not as impossible as she thinks.

Critical Evaluation:
I will be completely honest...this book is exactly what this generation of teenagers needs. Adolescence, in itself, is hard enough, but when life throws curve balls that adults can't even handle, these situations can be devastating. I can't even begin to imagine the tragedy that Jessica has experienced because she did absolutely nothing to deserve losing a limb and a team mate. I really do hate saying it but this story, like many, are prime examples of horrible things happening to good people. On the other hand, this story is not about loss, but about surviving and conquering. Jessica was definitely in a slump, but she decided and dared to hope that she can do anything she can set her mind to. I was so touched by her support team because, without them, Jessica would have probably never left the house. Her best friend, Fiona, is what I call a class act; she not only helped Jessica deal with her loss, but pushed her to strive for more. Rosa, the biggest blessing in Jessica;s life, is just beyond amazing. If anyone had a right to be angry and depressed by her condition it's Rosa. However, she doesn't blame people, or the world, for having CP. In fact, Rosa has accepted that she will never run, but it doesn't stop her from living vicariously through others by asking questions. I seriously had goosebumps towards the end when Jessica and Rosa were racing because talk about a wish come true: a girl with a prosthetic limb pushes another girl with CP in a ten mile race. I would have given anything to be in this story just so I can see the power of the human spirit uplift and stomp our despair and hopelessness. The romance bit was toughing, as well, because love doesn't know boundaries and people need to realize that if we cut our hair, gain weight, or lose a limb, we are still worthy of being loved. I was so inspired and beyond grateful that I read this book because we tend to take a lot of things for granted in this world until someone shows us to treasure every day and everyone around us. Bravo, Wendelin Van Draaen!

Information about the Author:
According to Random House:

Books have always been a part of Wendelin Van Draanen's life. Her mother taught her to read at an early age, and she has fond memories of story time with her father, when she and her brothers would cuddle up around him and listen to him read stories.

Growing up, Van Draanen was a tomboy who loved to be outside chasing down adventure. She did not decide that she wanted to be an author until she was an adult. When she tried her hand at writing a screenplay about a family tragedy, she found the process quite cathartic and from that experience, turned to writing novels for adults. She soon stumbled upon the joys of writing for children.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Sports Lit, Teens with Disabilities
 

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Running Dream:

• Wonder by R. J. Palacio
•  Jerk, California by Jonathan Frissen
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012 Schneider Family Book Award
• Positive review from Booklist
• Positive review from School Library Journal

Plot Summary:
Asuka is the epitome of manliness. Not only is he captain of the Kendo team, he is also the best in Judo and he has the highest grades in school. He is quiet and all of the girls want him, which makes all the guys want to be him. However, what they don't know is that deep inside, hidden away from everyone, is an Otomen: a man who likes lovely things. When Asuka is not around a girl he likes, he's fine, but, when he met Ryou, he lost all restraint and is cannot help but cook, sew, read Shojo Manga, and think about love. Just when things could not get anymore complicated, he befriends Tachibana who has taken quite an interest in Azuka and Ryou. What Asuka and Ryou don't realize, is that Tachibana is hiding a secret as well. Asuka's biggest fear is being rejected by Ryou so he tries to hide his "girly" side, but, ironically, Ryou is not a typical girl. In fact, Ryou cannot cook, sew, or be girly because he father has not shown her how to be a girl. For Tachibana, he knows that Ryou is Asuka's opposite, which makes his plans a lot more exciting. Throughout this story, there are twists and turns that will bring Asuka and Ryou together, but, at the same time, tear them apart.

Critical Evaluation:
The manga is just too cute beyond words. I think it's absolutely perfect for teens simply because it deals with gender stereotypes in a rather hilarious way. We live in a world where those stereotypes are shifting, which makes this story incredibly enjoyable. Asuka may be a "manly" man on the outside, but he is ashamed of the fact that he likes cute things. I think what I find refreshing about Asuka is that he is learning that its okay to be himself around those he cares for because, as far as the reader knows, he hasn't been given the opportunity since his parents divorced (his father decided to live his life as a woman; thus, forcing his mother to raise him as a  super masculine boy). For Asuka, he fears that liking things such as stuffed animals and sweets will eventually lead to him being being rejected because men aren't supposed to like "girly" things. For Ryou, the same exact thing is happening to her because her father has no idea how to teach her to be a traditional woman since her mother passed. Furthermore, when he meets Asuka for the first time, he flips out because Asuka knows how to cook and clean. Eventually, Ryou's father comes to terms with this since his own daughter is like his own son, which conveys how ridiculous the adults in this story are. We have two characters here who are clueless about being men and women, but what's re-assuring is that they can teach one another about themselves. Honestly, this is a very sweet story about two teens who need one another in ways that we take for granted. Personally, I love it when my boyfriend makes me breakfast and selects my lotions from Bath & Body Works. Does that make him less of a man? Heck no! Asuka and Ryou will learn that its okay to do things that are beyond the traditional gender roles because it we were all the same then life would be boring!


Information about the Author:
According to Wikipedia:

Aya Kanno (菅野文 Kanno Aya^?, born 30 January 1980 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese shōjo manga artist. She is the former assistant of manga artist Masashi Asaki of Psychometrer Eiji fame. Her debut was in the January 2001 issue of Hana to Yume with Soul Rescue. Thus far, her work has only been serialized in Hakusensha's shōjo manga anthologies: Hana to Yume, The Hana to Yume, Hana to Yume Plus, and now primarily in Bessatsu Hana to Yume, in which her latest work, Otomen, is currently running. Also, she has completed Kokoro ni Hana wo.

Genre:

Teen Romance Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to Otomen:

• Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori
• Skip Beat by Yoshiki Nakamura
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com
Publisher's Weekly
An otomen as defined by this book is [a] male who has feminine hobbies, skills, or way of thinking. Asuka, the title otomen of this well-drawn comedy, secretly reads shojo manga, makes stuffed animals and prefers caramel macchiatos to coffee. Forbidden by his mother from girlish behavior after his transvestite father abandoned the family, Asuka takes on a very masculine public character. He is nationally ranked at judo, karate and kendo. Asukas tragedy is somehow hilarious. He falls for Ryo, the nongirly daughter of a manly martial arts instructor who finds Asuka unacceptable as a friend, let alone a potential suitor: Men dont go in the kitchen! he bellows. The strange deus ex machina character Junta acts as a catalyst to bring Asuka and Ryo together while enjoying Asukas elaborate bento lunches. The over-the-top gender stereotyping is ham-handed at times, but reveals interesting insight into what the Japanese consider the most manly and most girly extremes. The strong artwork carries the comedy premise further than the script could alone, and the manga-within-a-manga, Love Chick, is a hilariously accurate parody of typical shojo. Kannos other manga in translation include the sci-fi series Blank Slate and angel comedy Soul Rescue. (Feb.) 

Plot Summary:
After the demise of the Royal Family, Vetti Sforza has crowned himself Holy Emperor of the Galaxy, favoring nobility and oppressing the masses. Michel Volban, leader of the People's Army, have been waging battle against the empire in order to restore order in the Galaxy. However, Vetti cares little for the People's Army and is obsessed with beating Michel and will pull out all of the stops to get him. What was supposed to be an ambush and the downfall of Michel, he is saved by a glass ship bearing the royal symbol. Not only is this ship a one of a kind, it is powerful and able to crush its opposition thanks to the rag tag crew led by a mysterious man named Cleo who claims to have royal blood running through his veins. After rescuing Michel from disaster, he asks Cleo to join his cause and fight to free the galaxy; however, this royal heir is nothing but a pirate. After agreeing to return Michel to headquarters, the crew run into quite a few close calls with Vetti and they learn that Michel is not who he seems to be; Michel is in fact a woman who is posing as her brother in order to lead the People against Vetti. Although Cleo knew from the beginning that Michel is a woman, he didn't say anything, which later reveals that he has deep feelings for her. Meanwhile, Vetti is not only pursuing Michel, he is obsessed with Cleo after failing to defeat him in a showdown that revealed he is dying. In order to live forever, Vetti must fulfill an ancient prophecy that will not only ensure his immortality, but will give him a power like any other. Glass Fleet is a Sci- Fi adventure where secrets can destroy galaxies.

Critical Evaluation:
I will have to admit that I am absolutely in love with this anime because the art and the animation are absolutely spectacular. Rather then utilizing conventional illustrations, the character detail is spectacular and the fighting sequences are amazing. Although I was not expecting romance in this story, I was crushed that Michel and Cleo could not live happily every after. Although some critics have not given favorable reviews on the plot and writing, this story contains situations that are very deep and somewhat disturbing, which serves as a warning that this anime is not at all suitable for teens under 16. Vetti, the main villain, was molested by his adopted father and, after years of abuse, seduced his adopted mother to murder his mother. Vetti, like many victims of sexual abuse, will either succumb to the abuse or react. In his case, he plotted and murdered his way into power because if there is one thing he can control is his lust for power. I am not quite sure if Vetti is gay, but he is fixated mostly on males and his closest companion is a young boy named Ralph. However, there is an episode where he drugs Michel, or Racine Blanche, and overpowers her (he rapes her) and discards of her. Again, Vetti will do anything and everything to gain power, which contributes to the madness of his wife, Rachel, the daughter of the Pope. This is yet another complexity of the story, which may confuse viewers, but it's all part of a story that will make sense towards the end. Cleo, unlike Vetti, was raised by man who not only cared for him, but made him the impeccable warrior that he is. Cleo is definitely a mystery that no one really knows and then he met Michel. Little by little, he opens himself up to her and the times they spend together fortifies their bond. As for Michel, she is yet another complex character. She is not only an aristocrat, she has lived her life as her brother, who not only taught her to fight, but loved her unconditionally. Although she could have done the job just as well, as Racine, she feels guilty; as a woman she could not fight alongside her brother so his death has been haunting her. However, with Cleo, she not only begins to feel like herself, she falls in love as well. Cleo, who has always been a loner, finally learns that he can be loved and love in return. Although the romance is just one of the many facets of this story, it definitely has the ability to draw in both male and female crowds. The ending will definitely provide one hell of a plot twist, but it is worth the wait.


Information about the Author:
According to Wikipedia:

Mainly, Yonemura works on screenplays for anime. After having graduated from Tokyo Zokei University, he worked as a freelance writer in Arakawa and would attend various film festivals. Then, he studied with  and proceeded to win the Otomo Shoji Award seven times and became a screenwriter.

Okama (born May 25, 1974) is a Japanese manga artist and illustrator. He is known as the artist of Cloth Road as well as the original character designer for Himawari and Glass no Kantai. He was also involved in Gunbuster 2, most noticeably in the ending design.

Currently, Okama is involved in a multitude of works and projects, including the serialization of Cloth Road, association with several animation projects, illustration for various magazines, as well as minor dōjin activities. His most recent work was with the video game No More Heroes as costume designer and artist for the fictional anime 'Bizarre Jelly' featured in the game. Okama is also the illustrator of Vocaloid Nekomura Iroha. Okama also means a transvestite or homosexual. The artist's explanation for his name is that he always plays female characters in online games.

 Genre:
Teen Anime

Rating:
Ages 16 & up

Number of Episodes:
26 episodes

Anime Similar to Glass Fleet:

• Escaflowne
• Cowboy Bebop

Awards & Recognition:
From Wikipedia.com:
"In the end, Glass Fleet tends to suffer from having too many stupid people milling about in control of massive fleets, weapons and soldiers. At this point I'm tempted to believe those stupid people may be the creative staff as this is looking like the first stages of a serious train wreck." — Chris Beveridge, Mania.
 
"Glass Fleet is the anime fans of Last Exile have been waiting for. Suspenseful, fantastic animation, and a bevy of intriguing characters, this is an involving sci-fi drama series filled with action, mystery, and the thrilling journey of a young noble in search of justice." — Holly Ellingwood, activeAnime.

"Glass Fleet is off to quite a start. The show has great pacing and exhilarating inter-stellar battles. This volume ends on quite a cliffhanger, and one would hope that Cleo will figure out Michel's secret sooner or later." — Jeffrey Harris, IGN.

"Gonzo and co-producer Satelight have a great-looking piece of work here, but the story lacks a consistent tone and tries to do (and be) too many different things. The first volume shows potential but has yet to realize it." — Theron Martin, Anime News Network.

 "If you like politically charged sci-fi on an epic scale—along with sassy teen pilots in slinky lingerie, boozing pirates sporting eyepatches and a strong undercurrent of swirling ambisexual possibilities—Glass Fleet is definitely your show." — Jack Wiedrick, Newtype USA.

Plot Summary:
"A" is a being that lives in a different every body every single day. "A" is not a guy or a girl..."A" just exists. Although "A" is used to waking up in a different body, "A" doesn't become the person in his temporary body; "A" has feelings and memories all its own and can act on its own accord. What was supposed to be another day accessing its host memories and life, "A" is in the body of Justin, a guy he despises. Granted, "A" has occupied bodies that are similar to this guy, "A" didn't count on falling in love with Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. "A" has rules and routines, but Rhiannon does something that changes everything--she has shown him the beauty of kindness, grace, and gentility. Rather than forgetting about her, "A" decides to put itself before its hosts; "A" is always careful to not upset the lives of the host he has taken it knows that its existence is temporary. However, after Rhiannon, "A" takes the biggest risk of its life: having a relationship and falling in love for the first and only time. Whether "A" was in a body of a girl named Amy, or guy named Xavier, "A" pursues Rhiannon with a determination and fire it has ever known; "A" has been in the mind and heart of Justin and knows that he does not love or appreciate her. Rhiannon has no idea what's going on, but when "A" reveals itself to her, she starts to realize that within every body "A" possess, she can actually see and feel "A" within all of them, which is scary, but comforting and exciting. While trying to be with Rhiannon, "A" is transported to many different realities that show him the many facets of life, which bring him joy and sadness. Whether it's the girl who wants to kill herself, the drug addict, the bully, the sheltered homeschooler, the gay guy, the alcoholic, the transgendered female, the bad guy, the lesbian, or the nice guy, "A" is gathering experiences that challenge him to make decisions that could affect the person "A" is in and its own existence. Although "A" tries to make Rhiannon see that Justin is not for her, "A" learns that people need to look within themselves to find the truth no matter how much we know in our experiences, minds, and hearts. Unfortunately, "A" makes a mistake in one of is his hosts (Nathan), which not only threatens what he has with Rhiannon, he learns there is something more diabolical out there that could help or hurt "A" in a way it has ever known.

Critical Evaluation:
I am seriously blown away by the complexity and the beauty of this story. Although incredibly heart wrenching, David Levithan has given readers the ultimate forbidden romance with an ending that is very bittersweet. I absolutely love the journey "A" takes through the story because it not only provides readers with an insight into their peers, they see the triumphs and struggles within each character. There were definitely a few characters who plight in life is so difficult that broke my heart. Readers will definitely learn that there are others who struggle with the same issues or may know someone; by providing us with glimpse into the very private lives of these teens, we can't help but feel something for them and want nothing more than to cheer them on and help them. I cried for Kelsey because no one could see her pain and I was just so happy and relieved that "A" was able to help her find her way back from the darkness that was consuming her and would ultimately kill her. Granted "A" is very careful with hosts and tries not to do anything that would affect the overall well-being of him or her, "A" learns that some of them need someone to help them make decisions to seek help or reassure him or her that everything will be all right in the end. With each body he inhabits, "A" learns that not every teenager is created equal; every single one of these characters has a set of challenging circumstances that reveals so much about being human. Like Kelsey, all of these individuals were dying for love, for approval, respect, and acknowledgment that they would do anything to have control over their own lives no matter what. As an adult, this story is incredibly compelling because I have seen and experienced some of these battles and teens need to know just how wonderful and special they are. Furthermore, they need to know that with every action, and reaction, there will always be a set of consequences that will affect those around them and themselves. As for "A," my hope is that he, or she, will find his/her happiness in one state and that everything he or she has experienced will not have been in vain. All we can do in life is hope for the best and no matter what happens there will always be a tomorrow that could change us forever. Be prepared to cry, or have an unwavering amount of emotions pass over and through, because this book will force us to re-evaluate everything we have and are because there could always be someone, or something, like "A" that cannot have what we have. Lastly, "A" is an example that love knows no boundaries so we should embrace the fact that love does conquers everything.

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

I find it downright baffling to write about myself, which is why I’m considering it somewhat cruel and usual to have to write this brief bio and to update it now and then. The factual approach (born ’72, Brown ’94, first book ’03) seems a bit dry, while the emotional landscape (happy childhood, happy adolescence – give or take a few poems – and happy adulthood so far) sounds horribly well-adjusted. The only addiction I’ve ever had was a brief spiral into the arms of diet Dr Pepper, unless you count My So-Called Life episodes as a drug. I am evangelical in my musical beliefs.

When not writing during spare hours on weekends, I am a publisher and editorial director at Scholastic, and the founding editor of the PUSH imprint, which is devoted to finding new voices and new authors in teen literature. (Check it out at www.thisispush.com for a full list.)  Among the authors I’ve edited and/or published under the Scholastic Press imprint are Suzanne Collins, Maggie Stiefvater, Ann M. Martin, Garth Nix, Patrick Carman, Natalie Standiford, Alice Hoffman, Gordon Korman, M. T. Anderson, Blake Nelson, Cecil Castellucci, and many, many other awesome writers.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Every Day:

• Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com
School Library Journal Best of Children's Books 2012

Kirkus Reviews Best of Teen's Books 2012

Booklist Best of Children's Books 2012

"Fresh, unique, funny, and achingly honest, Levithan brilliantly explores the adolescent conundrum of not feeling like oneself, and not knowing where one belongs. I didn't just read this book — I inhaled it."  —Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of Lone Wolf and Between the Lines

Entertainment Weekly, August 22, 2012:
"Rich in wisdom and wit...Levithan keeps the pages turning not only with ingenious twists on his central conceit but with A's hard-earned pieces of wisdom about identity, isolation, and love. Every Day has the power to teach a bully empathy by answering an essential question: What's it like to be you and not me — even if it's just for one day?"

New York Times Book Review, August 26, 2012:
"It demonstrates Levithan's talent for empathy, which is paired in the best parts of the book with a persuasive optimism about the odds for happiness and for true love."

Los Angeles Times, September 2, 2012:
"It's the rare book that challenges gender presumptions in a way that's as entertaining as it is unexpected and, perhaps most important, that's relatable to teens who may not think they need sensitivity training when it comes to sexual orientation and the nature of true love. ‘Every Day' is precisely such a book...A story that is always alluring, oftentimes humorous and much like love itself — splendorous."

MTV Hollywood Crush, September 28, 2012:
"Thoughtful and fascinating...A study in the most real and human of concerns: the importance of empathy, the value of friends and family, and the beauty of permanence that we have the luxury of taking for granted."

Boston Globe, September 15, 2012:
"Ambitious and provocative...we’re not ready to let A go."

OUT Magazine, December 2012:
"One of the most inventive young adult novels of the year."

Romantic Times, October 2012:
"Levithan is a literary genius. His style of writing is brilliant — practically flawless... Reading A’s journey to make love last, in a world that is always changing, is an experience I hope everyone gets to share."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, September 2012:
"Every step of the narrative feels real and will elicit a strong emotional response from readers and offer them plenty of fodder for speculation, especially regarding the nature of love.”

Starred Review, Booklist, July 1, 2012:
“Levithan has created an irresistible premise that is sure to captivate readers….
[Every Day] is a study in style, an exercise in imagination, and an opportunity for readers themselves to occupy another life: that of A, himself.”

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2012:
“An awe-inspiring, thought-provoking reminder that love reaches beyond physical appearances or gender.”

Starred Review, Shelf Awareness, September 7, 2012:
"Levithan's unusual love story will make teens think about how the core of the soul never changes. A speaks of faith, love, dreams and death with a wisdom derived from thousands of lives visited over 16 years and firsthand proof of how much humans share rather than what sets them apart."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, September 2012:
"This unconventional romance considers some fascinating and unexpected questions about the nature of identity, consciousness, love, and gender...Readers will identify with A’s profound longing for connection, but they’ll also be intrigued by the butterfly effect A’s presence may have on numerous other teens who make brief but memorable appearances."

The Horn Book, November 2012:
"Brilliantly conceived...[Levithan] shapes the narrative into a profound exploration of what it means to love someone."

Letter Blocks, the BN Parents & Educators blog, August 23, 2012:
"A definite crowd-pleaser."

The L Magazine, August 29, 2012:
"The premise allows for stimulating parallels: A’s experience is both like the writer’s, who inhabits the consciousnesses of random characters, and the adolescent’s, who tries on myriad identities." 

The story of Lemony Snicket begins in the Hemlock Tearoom and the Stationary Shop. While waiting for his train, with his parents, he recieved a note from his new chaperone. After recieving her note, Snicket climbed through a window and into into her roadster. After a three minute battle of semantics and a tea cup fill of laudanum, Snicket learned her name: S. Theodora Markson. Just when he thought he was making progress with this formidable woman, things become more complicated because she knows things that no one else would know. Although Snicket believes he is traveling to a location outside the city, he finds himself in a place time has forgotten: Stain'd by the Sea. When one thinks of the sea, he or she would think of a large body of water, sand, birds, and people, but neither are there. In fact, all there is ground up rocks, shells, a forest of seaweed, and a ghost town. After being told to put on a mask to help him breathe under water, he learns that this place used to be a busy place that thrived on its largest and greatest export: ink. Unfortunately, the ink is an endangered resource that requires a drill in the shape of a ink pen to collect ink from the giant squids that leave beneath the surface. As Snicket digests all of this information, he learns that his mission is to assist Theodora recover a stolen item called the Bombinating Beast. Apparently, this creature is a legend in these parts that was conquered by Lady Mallahan, whose family maybe responsible for the theft. The problem is that the statue is not at all extraordinary and nor is it valuable. When Snicket meets Moxie Mallahan, she leads him right to he statue, which had been collecting dust in the attic of the Mallahan light house. The mystery is that the person who hired Theodora and Snicket is Mrs. Sallis, whose family had been friends/foes of the Mallahans. Not sure what to believe, Snicket and Moxie join forces to figure out the truth behind this statue and why that every single adult in this town is complete weirdo especially S. Theodra Markson. Just when things could not get anymore complicated, Snicket volunteers to help Ellington Feint find her father who could also be involved with the disappearance an reappearance of the Bombinating Beast. Oh no Toto, we are definitely no longer in Kansas any more...

Critical Evaluation:
All I can say is the Lemony Snicket has done it again! In this tipsy turvey mystery is a young sleuth who embarks on his first solo mission. Despite the fact he has chaperone she is useless and quite the character. Granted, she is not very good, he lack of knowledge, she is the only adult to express any concern for the young man. In many ways, she reminds me of Aunt Josephene, a character Snicket fans are quite familia with. However, the rest of the adults are clueless and absent, which conveys that they have a hard time seeing the bigger picture. As for the other characters, Moxie is just adorable because she really is the record keeper in this story. Lemony is the classic sleuth who isn't afraid to make a move, but he wouldn't be as successful without his sidekick. As for the second plot twist, Ellington's story is a great segue way into a sequel, which readers will be craving. The humor is spot on an I just love that Snicket takes time to introduce large words to no express his true feelings, but allow readers to build their vocabulary. All in all, this is a fun story that will become an amazing series, but, beware, readers with not be able to put them down!

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

Lemony Snicket was born before you were, and is likely to die before you as well. His family has roots in a part of the country which is now underwater, and his childhood was spent in the relative splendor of the Snicket Villa which has since become a factory, a fortress and a pharmacy and is now, alas, someone else's villa. To the untrained eye, Mr. Snicket's hometown would not appear to be filled with secrets. Untrained eyes have been wrong before.

The aftermath of the scandal was swift, brutal and inaccurately reported in the periodicals of the day. It is true, however, that Mr. Snicket was stripped of several awards by the reigning authorities, including Honorable Mention, the Grey Ribbon and First Runner Up. The High Council reached a convenient if questionable verdict and Mr. Snicket found himself in exile.

Though his formal training was chiefly in rhetorical analysis, he has spent the last several eras researching the travails of the Baudelaire orphans. This project, being published serially by HarperCollins, takes him to the scenes of numerous crimes, often during the offseason. Eternally pursued and insatiably inquisitive, a hermit and a nomad, Mr. Snicket wishes you nothing but the best.

Genre:
Tween Mysteries


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 4 & up

Books Similar to Who Could That Be at This Hour?

• The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet
• A House Called Awful End by Phillip Ardagh

Awards & Recognition:

From  Amazon.com:
 "[With] gothic wackiness, linguistic play and literary allusions....Fans of the Series of Unfortunate Events will be in heaven picking out tidbit references to the tridecalogy, but readers who've yet to delve into that well of sadness will have no problem enjoying this weird and witty yarn." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review )

"Full of Snicket's trademark droll humor and maddeningly open-ended, this will have readers clamoring for volume two." (Publishers Weekly, starred review )

 "Full of Snicket's characteristic wit and word play . . . this book belongs in all collections."
(VOYA, starred review )

"Please, it's Lemony Snicket. Enough said." (Booklist )

"A Pink Panther-esque page turner that marks the return of eccentric narrator Lemony Snicket....The black, gray and blue illustrations by celebrated cartoonist Seth only add to the throwback gumshoe vibe of this outrageous, long-overdue, middle-grade follow-up series from a truly beloved narrator." (Los Angeles Times )

"Demands to be read twice: once for the laughs and the second time for the clues....Equal parts wit and absurdity." (The Boston Globe )

"The sort of goodie savored by brainy kids who love wordplay, puzzles and plots that zing from point A to B by way of the whole alphabet." (The Washington Post )