Hornby, Nick (2007). Slam. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

At the age of fifteen, Sam Jones's girlfriend gets pregnant and Sam's life of skateboarding and daydreaming about Tony Hawk changes drastically. Even with advice from his idol, Tony Hawk, Sam has to make many decisions which will affect the course of his life as well as his family.

Bonnie LaForge, Fall 2008

Contemporary Fiction

Alexie, S.  (2007).  The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York: Little, Brown and Co.

Celebrated author Sherman Alexie makes his foray into teen literature with this hilarious and touching novel about Arnold “Junior” Spirit, a Native American teen born with water on the brain.  Wearing glasses and speaking with a stutter and a lisp, Junior, an all-around outcast, relies on his humor and penchant for cartooning as a way to escape from his often grim existence.  Junior, it the attempt to better himself, leaves “the rez” to attend an all-white high school twenty-two miles away.  Despite his parents' frequent lack of gas money, racism at school, and many crushing deaths at home, he manages to make it through the year.  Occasionally over-the-top, this well-told tale is otherwise enjoyable romp that tackles important issues with grace and aplomb.  Junior’s hilarious illustrations also accompany the story.

-Mike Salerno, December 12, 2008

Carey, M. & Hempel, M., & Liew, S. (2007). Re-gifters. New York: Minx.

This graphic novel is about Jen Dik Seong -- or "Dixie" as she's known to her friends. Dixie lives on the ragged edge of LA's Koreatown where she competes in the ancient martial art of Hapkido. The book is a really fun read with totally believable characters. There are California surfer dudes (Dixie’s crush and main competitors is one of them), Hispanic tough guys, and the Korean-American way of life all thrown in the mix. The book does well as it treats cultural identity issues and racial politics smartly and with sensitivity in a post-Rodney King L.A. But unless the reader isn’t sucked in by the characters or plot, the fact that this book is a great window into a multicultural world may be totally missed. And that’s a good thing! The relationships between the different ethnicities come out naturally as they fit in nicely to likeable and realistic characters. Dixie, herself is sassy, strong-willed, and determined, but also bears the weight of keeping her family’s honor within the community. She is the outsider, but also the insider as well in a variety of different societal interactions. But again, the beauty of this graphic novel is that it’s a totally enjoyable read.

Will Wagler, Fall 2008

 Barry, M. (2003). Jennifer Government. New York: Abacus.

In this not-too-distant future, American corporations rule the world to the extent that employees take on the last name of the company they work for. There are characters with names like Buy Mitsui and Billy NRA. Jennifer Government is a fierce agent assigned to track down Jon Nike for multiple murders. In Jon’s eyes these killings are just part of the latest Nike campaign - murder off 14 teenagers in order to build up the street credibility for Nike's new $2,500 sneaker. Besides being extremely good at being a government agent, Jennifer also must deal with the hardships of raising a teen-aged daughter in this world gone crazy by consumerism.

Will Wagler, Fall 2008

Gilbert, Catherine (2007). The Off Season. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

This is the sequel to Catherine Gilbert's book Dairy Queen. This book takes up where Dairy Queen left off, with D.J. Schwenk (female) playing on the boys Varsity football team. D.J. is not your average female athelete, at over 6 feet tall and coming from a family of football players, she stands out in any crowd. This book explores how DJ copes with a family crisis, and how she chooses to embrace herself and her family without any apologies. She also makes some tough life decisions, such as giving up football for basketball, since she recognizes that basketball is her ticket to a college scholarship. This book is a good follow-up to Dairy Queen, and is an enjoyable read.

Deborah Diliberto, Fall 2008

__________________________________________________

Brand, R. (2007). Evolution, me, and other freaks of nature. New York: Knopf Books.

Mena is in trouble with her parents, hated by her friends, and kicked out of her church all because she did what she thought was the right. She wrote a letter to a boy from her school who attempted to kill himself after being harassed by her group of friends for being gay. All she wanted to do was apologize and explain her actions, but the letter is now evidence in a lawsuit being brought against the kids' parents. Her situation only gets worse as her biology class begins a section on evolution.  She now must question the choices she's made, her own belief system and whether science and religion can coexsist.

Submitted by Travis Whitt

Crutcher, C. (2007). Deadline. New York: Greenwillow Books.

This novel revolves around the senior year of small town high schooler, Ben Wolf. At the end of the summer before his senior year, Ben finds out that he has a rare (highly aggressive) blood disease. He’s odd of surviving are slim to none, even with treatment. Since Ben is 18, he makes the decision to forgo treatment and live a normal life – also aiming to make the most of his final year. He keeps his illness a secret from both family and friends, including his brother (Cody) and crush/girlfriend (Dallas). There are a lot of subplots going on in this book, which may seem a bit odd and messy (a manic depressive mother, dreams of a Jesus-like figure named Hey-Soos, the pedophile town drunk, his girlfriend’s former sexual abuse from an uncle), but that’s what I liked about it. Ben is a track star, fast on his way to a college scholarship. However, he decides to go out for football since this may be his only chance. His brother is the star quarterback and this decision gives the brothers more quality time to spend together. Ben is an unlikely football player, as he’s somewhat short and weighs a measly 123. Some great themes throughout the entire novel are confidence, understanding, and forgiveness. With his impending demise just around the corner, Ben decides to try new outlets, get the girl of his dreams, learn all that he can, and make the most of the time he has. As Ben’s illness begins to take its toll, he decides to come clean with his loved ones and prepare them for a life without him. This is truly a splendid novel that will keep tears in your eyes, both from laughter and sadness.

Desiree Lazo, December 9, 2008

Downham, J. (2007). Before I Die. Oxford: David Flickling Books.  

Before I Die revolves around 16 year old Tess, who is dying from Leukemia. However, while I was reading this book I felt like I was becoming a part of Tess’s story – wanting to experience everything from life I could before it ended. Her lists and behaviors seem typical for a young adult faced with this fate, and I find that refreshing. She’s mad, really mad about dying – and why shouldn’t she be? I was so much fonder of the male characters in this novel then the female characters. Tess’s father, her brother (Cal), and Adam are quite fascinating in their own way, and it’s interesting to follow how they each respond to Tess’s condition. For example, Tess’s father is in total denial and is trying to make her well with healthy/natural foods and bugs. Her brother handles is like any brother might, Cal can’t really fully understand and except it. Adam, well Adam is remarkable and his presence in Tess’s life is sweet. I’m not completely comfortable with her mother’s withdrawal and I find Zoey to be really selfish… or rather too self-absorbed. Downham did a wonder job getting her readers through Tess's death, and after finishing the novel it's difficult not to mourn her.

Desiree Lazo, December 9, 2008

Stewart, T.L. (2007). The mysterious benedict society. New York: Little, Brown

Four young children, alone in the world, are brought together to take a test that may change their futures. Reynard, Kate, George, and Constance are all able to pass the tests set forth by the mysterious Mr. Benedict. They discover that their ability to pass the tests have made them perfect candidates for Mr. Benedict's project. He knows that someone is trying to use children to broadcast subliminal messages used to control people. He believes that only children can discover the full scope of the plan and put an end to it. Stewart's first novel in what promises to be a series, is a solid introduction to the characters. The story sets up an interesting premise, but the pacing of the action of the novel is quite slow.

Heather Neidenbach, November 2008

__________________________________________________

Dowd, S. (2007). The London eye mystery. Oxford: David Fickling Books.

In The London Eye Mystery, Ted and his sister take their visiting cousin for a trip to the popular tourist attraction, the London Eye. They watch as Salim enters one of the capsules of the ride, but he never exits. Ted tries to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim and where he could be. The story is a well-balanced mystery for the young boy to solve, which easily maintains reader interest. Ted is a unique character and although it is never specifically stated that he has Autism, he views himself as someone who runs on a different operating system from other people. His unique way of viewing the world helps him to find the clues necessary to solve the mystery.

Heather Neidenbach, November 2008

Historical Fiction

Bodrov, S. (Director). (2007). Mongol [Motion picture]. China: Andreevsky Flag Film Company.

This was a visually stunning movie – absolutely beautiful. For the most part, this movie was a love story. It’s the story about Temujin, who would later unite all Mongols and become Genghis Khan, and the trials he faced in the early years of his life. As a young boy, Temujin goes on a trip with his father to select a bride, but his party is attacked and his father murdered on their return. Over the next several years, the boy endures many hardships (including slavery and imprisonment). Ultimately, Temujin returns to marry his bride, Borte and sets out to begin his life with her. Unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan and the couple is attacked, Temujin is injured and Borte is kidnapped. A year later, Temujin and allies lead an attack to rescue his bride. He’s able to find Borte, who is pregnant and has killed her capture. The couple has a joyous reunion. A few years later, Temujin goes to battle with Jamukha, a Mongol chieftan. He defeats Jamukha’s army by showing bravery during a thunderstorm. The film ends with Temujin uniting all the Mongols and becoming Genghis Khan.

Desiree Lazo, December 9, 2008

___________________________________________________________ 

Schmidt, Gary B. The Wednesday wars. New York: Clarion Books, 2007. 272 pgs. ISBN:0618724833

This Newbery honor book is a fun treat, especially if you're feeling a little bogged down by all those young adult books filled with adolescent angst. Not that Holling Hoodhood, a seventh grader growing up in the 60's, doesn't have his share of problems. The Vietnam War is raging and there is growing uncertainty in America. Holling reflects that uncertainty, suspecting his teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates him. Why shouldn't she? Unlike his peers, Hollings doesn't have outside religious school on Wednesdays. Which means Mrs. Baker has to stay with him in class. Their weekly one-on-one time, which Holling dubs "the Wednesday wars," is pure torture. But Hollings, undeterred by the difficult assignments Mrs. Baker thrusts on him, comes to learn and grow in unexpected ways. A whimsical adventure filled with absurd twists and heartwarming turns, it's adolescent angst at its funniest best!  

Green, J. (2006). Looking for alaska. New York: Dutton Books.

A touching, interesting story of high school junior, Miles, a recent transfer to a boarding school. He makes new friends, learns to smoke and drink, to pull elaborate stunts, and falls in love with the group's leader, Alaska. Alaska is a confused, tortured, intelligent, energetic, beautiful young woman. Miles is a thoughtful student, who struggles to determine if Alaska's death was a simple accident or suicide, and if there was anything he could have done to prevent it. A well-written book with believable characters whose struggles and subsequent maturity explore the meaning and value of life and life's choices. 

Kathy Parisen - Spring 2008

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Koja, Kathe. Kissing the Bee. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2007. RF $16.00 ISBN: 0374399387

I read this book in one sitting. I was more excited over it than it warranted because she begins the first few chapters with information about bees, and then the chapter has a connection to it. It seems though that the main point of the bee connection is simply that Dana has a queen bee Avra in her life. It is senior year and where Avra wants to run away as soon as prom is over, Dana is a serious science student plotting everything to get a scholarship to college. Avra gets the new boy Dana likes but is too shy to meet, by reaching out to him first. Dana is the third wheel with the private crush. Dana is like the worker bee, but will she be content to stay in the queen bee Avra's shadows? This would be a good book for a teen wondering about senior year.

Francine Silver 04/12/2008

Sheth, Kashmira. Keeping Corner. Hyperion, 2007 TR 281 Pages $15.99 ISBN: 0786838590

Keeping Corner” refers to the Brahmin Indian custom of a widow staying in her house for a year following the death of her husband. In addition, she must shave her head, and dress only in a plain brown widow’s sari, never marry and live as the object of shunning, bullying and fear. This fate comes to 12-year-old Leela in a 1918 village near the city where Ghandi has just opened up an ashram where he and his followers will begin to fight British rule.

Leela was engaged at two, married at nine, and just about to have an Anu which would mark the time when she would begin living with her husband’s family. Still, she is considered a widow to this boy that she has never even held a conversation with; her family is determined to follow these traditions, no matter how much they love and have pampered their only daughter.

The caste system, the culture and atmosphere of India are interwoven in this story, which is based on the author’s great aunt’s who was, also, a child widow. Leela’s older brother, at college, fights for her to escape her village to attain an education. Despite the village’s disapproval of this pursuit, Leela is tutored at home so that she may study for the state exams, and so attend boarding school.

The book contains a glossary of the Indian terms used throughout the book and an author’s note. Homeless Bird is also a book about a child widow that illuminates further information about Indian widows.

Francine Silver 04/12/2008

Budhos, Marina. Ask Me No Questions. Anthenum, 2008. TR $16.95 162 pages. ISBN: 1416903518 and 9781416903512

The time is just after the destruction of the towers in New York. An illegal family from Bangladesh is driving to the Canadian border hoping to be granted political asylum. They are terrified because their passports and visas are seven years old. Their paperwork to stay in this country was never updated properly because they used a charlatan lawyer who took their money but did nothing for them.

This book told me more about the illegal aliens in this country than any of the news stories I've ever seen. It is a fast and excellent read.

Francine Silver 04/12/2008

Weinheimer, Beckie. Converting Kate. Viking Juvenile, 2007. TR 416.99 ISBN: 0670061522

Sixteen-year-old Kate has just moved to Maine from Utah a year after her 41 year old father died from an unexpected heart attack. Kate was raised in a small church sect populated largely by her mother's family. She was home-schooled until high school, and not allowed to have associations outside the church community, see TV, movies, go to the mall or read any book not church approved. Her father was a non-believer. Her mother divorced him when she saw that he would not convert despite years of her efforts. Kate has left the church, too, and is trying to find her way now without it, and despite her mother's profound disapproval and shock.

I enjoyed this book because it really had Kate asking all the right questions about such rigid doctrine, although it did seem like an adult wrote it. There was a nice secondary theme that had to do with Kate questioning herself about whether the boy she likes is really worth her attention. An additional theme occurs when the minister that Kate grows to love and respect loses his post when church elders discover that he is gay. Kate has come from a church that vilifies gays, so this is another eye-opener for her. This is a good book for a teen of any age that is questioning their faith. This might be a good book to read with Quaking, where a teen questions her own non-belief.

Francine Silver 04/12/08

Kantor, Melissa. The Breakup Bible Hyperion, 2007. TR 265 pages $15.99 ISBN: 0786809620

This book spoke right to me! I have gone through several break-ups, and I don't care what age I was, it was always a very, very stressful and grief-stricken experience for me. Melissa Kantor nails it in this book where Jennifer, a smart, upper middle class suburban girl breaks up with her boyfriend of five months, and crush of three years, school paper editor and senior Max Brown. Jennifer's pain, and just the sheer effort it takes for her to function at all, is so real despite her supportive family (parents divorced; dad, gay, and re-partnered), her loving grandmother, and her dear friends.

This is a fast read, with lots of humor. Eventually, there is a happy ending but Jennifer works for it as she plows her way through advise given her (that mostly seems to not work) by a "Breakup Bible" that her Nana buys for her, after hearing the author on NPR. I highly recommend this book as an enjoyable read for anyone but of particular help to any teen-age girl who might be in the same situation--going through a break-up.

Francine Silver 04/12/08

Garden, Nancy. Annie on my Mind. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007 commemorative paperback edition (original 1982) with an author interview. 263 pages $8.00 ISBN: 10  0-374-40011-3

Annie On My Mind  has just been newly released in paperback.This twenty-five year, commemorative edition (originally done in 1982--this one in 2007) that includes an interview with the author conducted by Kathleen T. Horning. What a great book, and the author interview afterward completes it so perfectly.

This novel was one of the first ones where the main characters are two girls who discover through their feelings about one another that they are gay. Twenty-five years ago, this was an even much more difficult orientation to have than today. I think the author just wrote this from her soul. It is a fast read and a beautiful love story that has withstood the test of time. I highly recommend it to all.

Francine Silver 04/12/08

Key, Watt. Alabama Moon. Recorded Books, 2007. Narrated by Nick Landrum  CAS 8 CDs 8.75 hours. $67.75 ISBN: 978-1-4281-3392-1

This unusual book is about a ten year old boy who has lived nine of his years growing up in the National Forest with his father who moved there because he "hated the government and was afraid that they were out to get him". Moon, as the boy is named, is comfortable living off the land but knows nothing of other people, and non-survival living. The only exception is a storekeeper/trader that his father has occasionally allowed him to see when he is forced to trade for something they must have.

Moon's father refuses medical attention after an accident. On his deathbed he tells Moon to go to Alaska to find other people like his father (government fearing and survivalists) to live with. Moon sets out to do so but finds he likes the company of other people even as he struggles to live indoors and get used to civilized ways.

This book is like a Hatchet (by Gary Paulson) opposite: Rather than needing to learn survival skills in the forest, this boy needs to learn to accept the gifts and the ways of modern civilization. At 8.75 hours, this was a lengthy CD to listen to. The narrator was excellent but due to the author's words, I would keep forgetting that this was supposed to be a ten-year-old boy. The story would have been far more believable if the boy had been at least thirteen. I think this is a good book to recommend to male readers.

Francine Silver 04/112/08

Kephart, Beth. Undercover. Harper Teen, 2007. TR $16.99 278 pages.  ISBN: 0061238937

Teenage Elisa writes love letters for guys hoping to impress the usual popular girls into dating them. She unexpectedly falls for one of her “clients”. Eventually, he sees her uniqueness and starts falling for her, too. In the meantime her parents’ marriage is suffering because of her father’s long absences as a trouble-shooting consultant. This author has given Elisa a beautiful voice with little insights that you just want to read over and over.

Francine Silver, 04/12/2008

Zarr, Sara.  Story of a Girl. Little Brown and Company, 2007. 192 pages. TR $16.99 ISBN: 0316014532

This relentlessly downbeat book is about a sixteen year old girl, Deanna, whose father caught her having sex with her brother’s pothead buddy, Tommy, when she was thirteen. The father was so angered that he hasn’t seemed to have forgiven her yet; the boy involved told everyone about their hook-ups at school. She feels that even three years later she has been branded the high school slut.  She dreams of escaping her family by working and saving all summer so that her brother, his wife and their baby can move out of the family basement into their own apartment together.  She has only two friends at school, who date but include her most of the time they go out.  Deanna winds up getting a job at the same rundown pizza joint that Tommy now works at.  Confronting Tommy about the repercussions of his actions three years ago, jealousy of her two dating friends, and an inability to begin a new family life with her brother’s young family are played out. 

I think this book describes a young girl’s feelings about trading sex for feeling noticed and a little special, but it is such a downer.  Her nastiness to her mother and her overall lack of enthusiasm or interest in anything make her a difficult character to feel empathy with. On the other hand, it probably describes a common theme of low self-esteem that often accompanies a large percentage of teen girls who do not attract boys to date, excel at any interests, or have any other way of feeling special in a culture that tells them that male attention is the most important compliment in a female’s life.

Francine Silver 4/12/08

Sonnenblick, Jordan. Zen and the Art of Faking it.  Helwig Industries, 2007. TR $16.99 264 pages. ISBN: 0439837073

As someone new to Sonnenblick, this was an exciting find for me. His fast, witty style was a pleasure to read from the first sentence to the last, even if I couldn’t really understand how his peers could view him as a “Zen master”.  A Chinese adoptee, thirteen-year-old San has moved many times in his young life because his father has always been staying one step ahead of the police, a fact he only found out recently, after his father was jailed. In going through the process of figuring out how to be impressive to a girl in his new school, San decides to pretend to be more knowledgeable about Zen, the topic his social studies and literature classes are currently studying. Whether helping to feed the poor at a homeless shelter or coaching the “B” string basketball players, San sees the humorous side of everything.

Francine Silver 4/12/08

Levitin, Sonia. Strange Relations. Alfred A. Knopf, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-375-93751-4 LB

Fifteen-year-old Marne’s family have remained stuck in a silent grief since her sister was kidnapped and never found six years, ago. When her mother wants to spend her summer in Paris, giving her all to her new design career, Marne comes up with the idea of spending the summer in Hawaii with her mother’s sister’s family, her Aunt Carol from whom the family has been quietly estranged from since she is a Hasidic follower and Marne’s family are secular Jews.

Marne goes to Hawaii, and is indeed, touch by this large, busy family struggling to keep the old yidishkite traditions and laws, and minister to the Jewish population who come their way. This page-turner is an excellent introduction to the differences between Hassidic and secular(non-practicing) Jews.

Francine Silver 4/12/08

High, Linda Oatman. (2004) Sister slam and the poetic motormouth roadtrip. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books.

Sister Slam is an awesome story written in "poetry slam" style about two friends who go on a roadtrip to what else but a poetry slam in New Jersey.  Sister Slam and Twig have countless mishaps and adventures along the way.

Though the story is not as deep and thoughtprovoking as some others, the rythm and melody of the poetry slam style makes you want to read it wearing a beret and black turtleneck.  And yes, Jack Kerouac's name is even mentioned.  Grab a cup of tea, burn the incense and cozy up to Sister Slam.  It's worth the read.

Sally Gomez, Summer 2007

Freymann-Weyr, Garret. (2002) My heartbeat. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Ellen is a girl who adores her brother Link and has a massive crush on his best friend James.  The two boys are inseparable.  It isn't until one of Ellen's schoolmates tosses a casual comment about the boys' relationship that Ellen herself starts questioning the relationship between her brother and her crush. 

The story addresses some of today's most delicate issues in a witty and endearing way which captures the reader's interest from beginning to end. Pick up the book, open it to any random  page and start reading.  Guaranteed you will be reluctant to set it down.  This book was awarded the Printz Honor for excellence in literature for young adults. 

 Sally Gomez, Summer 2007

Reinhardt, Dana. (2007). Harmless. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

This novel by Dana Reinhardt is a lesson in forgiveness. We all make mistakes. The teens do that too, but it is for us, the adults to see the motive( usually not to harm anyone)behind that and to forgive the child so that the consequences of his/her mistakes do not follow them to their next step in life. Emma, Anna, and Mariah are three friends, who try to cover their one mistake by telling a lie to their respective parents. They just wanted to avoid getting in touble with their families, and they did not mean to harm any one with this lie. But, it was a lie! And when they are found out, not only do they realise the consequences, but are also faced by the fact that an innocent person gets arrested because of them.

The novel has the power to keep the reader glued to it to know the outcome. The story takes interesting turns, and finally, to the much relief of the three friends, they are saved from any dire consequences of their actions.

Posted by Maninder Ghuman on 08/10/2007.

• Dean, Zoey. (2003). The a-list. New York, NY: 17th Street Productions.

Anna Percy decides to move to LA from New York to live with her father. She is a super rich teen that is allowed to do as she pleases and she step right into the scene of teens from the same background. The reader enters the world of Prada handbags, Manola Blahnick shoes, and Versace outfits for teens.  While on the plane from New York, Anna meets a boy traveling back to LA from college.  They end up making a date for a wedding and Anna meets the A-list kids of LA.  Will Anna make friends and enter their world? Or will Anna learn their secrets and be left on the outside?

• McCormick, Patricia. (2006) Sold. United States: Hyperion.

Lakshimi, a thirteen year old in rural Nepal, is sold by her step father to become a maid for a rich city family. Lakshimi loves her mother, her brother, and her goat but realizes she is another mouth they cannot afford to feed. She hopes to earn money in the city to send home for basic needs and someday a tin roof for their hut. Things don't quite work out that way. Through many laughs and tears, readers learn of Lakshimi's eventual fate. Highly recommended!

• Sheldon, Dyan. (2003). Sophie Pitt-Turnbull discovers America.Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Sophie is a well to do teen in England disappointed her family is not taking their usual vacation to France. The opportunity to visit New York arises and she jumps at the opportunity. However, her living arrangements and family are not what she expected. Sophie returns to England with experiences much different than her wealthy friends and is all the better for them.

-- Mandy Ballenger 8/08/07

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Koertge, Ron (2002) Stoner & Spaz. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Stoner is Colleen, a drug addict who tells it straight up like it is.  Spaz is Ben, a kid with CP, who hangs out at the movies and isn’t used to people paying attention to him.  They develop an unlikely friendship that evolves into a little something more.  Could they be right for each other?

I liked this book a lot.  Ben has a terrific sense of humor.  Colleen is crass. Koertge writes snappy dialogue, and the underlying message is that there is someone out there for everyone, as Colleen teaches Ben that he is more than just a kid with CP.

Michele Gilchrist, LIBR 262, 8/7/07 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Cohn, Rachel and David Levithan. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2006.

Nick is a non-queer bassist in a queercore band. Norah is the street-wise yet emotionally vulnerable niece of the owner of the club where Nick is playing. During one long angst filled, hormone driven night on the town, Nick and Norah meet, fall in love, fall out of love, separate, meet again and in the process explore their mutual passion for music and quest for love and acceptance. Not only are Nick and Norah looking for love, Nick’s band mates are dealing with issues integral to both short and long term homosexual relationships. Which turn out to be pretty much the same thing as with the hetero variety. Written in alternating “he-said” “she-said” chapters this story plays out in real time, yet still maintains a narrative urgency that keeps the reader hooked. The songs mentioned serve as a sound track to a night on the town and are used to accentuate the mood and pace of the story. Don’t let the over-the-top profanity put you off. This story is well written, fast paced, true to life, with fully fleshed out characters whose stories ring true. In the context of the narrative, the profanity is appropriate, if a bit excessive to my elderly ears. There are discussions of sexuality, promiscuous sex, drug and alcohol use, and although the two main characters don’t imbibe some of their friends do. My only problem was that not once while the characters were hooking up, separating, and hooking up again, was safe sex mentioned. It need not be pedantic, but it needs to be present. I would be uncomfortable recommending this book to anyone under 16 years old.

Submitted by Anne-Marie McKissick, Aug. 6th, 2007

 Anderson, L. H. (1999).  Speak.  New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.

Speak is a story of a high school freshman, Melinda who has been raped at the seniors' end-of-summer party. The trauma devastates her and she doesn't know how to talk about it. At school, she finds herself an outcast. People blames her for calling the cops and wrecking their party. They call her names and harass her. Her best friends from junior high abandon her. People she doesn't even know hate her. Her grades start dropping. Her relationship with her parents deteriorates. She becomes more and more withdrawn and finds it harder and harder to speak out loud. Her parents know something is wrong but cannot get her to open up. Her only hope is her art teacher, Mr. Freeman. He realizes something is very wrong with Melinda and tries to draw her out by giving her assignments. With the support of Mr. Freeman, Melinda begins to reach out to others and eventually find her voice.  Speak is a real page-turner. Readers do not learn why Melinda called the cops and what happened to her in the party until much later. Readers are pulled into the head of an isolated teenager. Melinda's change leave readers touched and inspired. Speak accurately portrays the very common existence of high school cruelty and peer pressure. 

Posted by Lori Chan.  07/30/2007

Forever by Judy Blume. Scarsdale, NY : Bradbury Press, 1976.

Shusterman, Neal. (2007). Unwind. New York: Simon and Schuster.

In a future society, unwanted children can be unwound between the ages of 13 and 18. An unwound child is harvested for their body parts, which are given to someone who needs them. Three children – a tith, a ward of the state, and a juvenile delinquent – are brought together by a chance accident. Their reasons for being unwound are different, but together they must evade authorities or be sent to the harvest camp. Their only chance is to live long enough to see their 18th birthday.

Submitted by Travis Whitt

Multiculturalism

Caro, N. (Director). (2002). Whale Rider [Motion picture]. Auckland, New Zealand: ApolloMedia.

The movie takes place in a small and slightly impoverished coastal community in New Zealand. Pai, our main character is a young Maori woman being raised by her grandparents after her mother (and twin brother) dies in childbirth. The movie primarily focuses on the emotional conflicts between Pai (a very talented young person) and her obdurate grandfather Koro, who is chief of the Maori clan residing in this area. This society is deep rooted in traditional Maori practices, which is filled with male dominance and highly underestimates the talents of its women. It was difficult to not instantly dislike Koro due to his male chauvinist pig attitude – particularly when it came to his granddaughter and youngest son. He treated both with very little respect and often makes them feel useless. Koro is resentful that his oldest son (Pai’s father) left New Zealand after the death of his wife and son, leaving him with a granddaughter – instead of a male heir whom he could raise and train in Maori customs to eventually become chieftain. He is too blindsided to notice that his granddaughter has been training with his youngest son to be a chieftain contender. By some unusual circumstances, Pai is able to prove to her grandfather (as well as everyone else in the community) that she is worthy of being chieftain – casting off her chains of male oppression. It’s truly a beautiful tale – especially for young women.

Desiree Lazo, December 9, 2008