Thursday, May 7, 2020

Good Moon Rising by Nancy Garden

Title: Good Moon Rising
Author: Nancy Garden
Publisher: Open Road Media Teen & Tween
Publication Date: September 5, 2017 (originally October 1996)

Format: eBook
Price: $8.69
Page Count: 241
ISBN-13: 9780374327460

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up (ages 13+)
Interest Level: Grades 8 and up (ages 13+)

Annotation: Two girls meet and fall in love while rehearsing a school play.

Plot and Content Summary: When new girl Kerry Ann Socrides joins Jan and her theater friends in their school's production of The Crucible, the two quickly bond during rehearsals. Even though Jan tried out for this part, she was assigned stage manager and assistant—something she finds unimportant. However, she agrees that Kerry would be the best fit, and even offers to help her practice. The two quickly become friends, and then something more.

Evaluation: I was expecting this to be outdated, but I was pleasantly surprised! This is a simple story about two girls falling in love and facing negative responses from opposing peers. Although the writing and story was not necessarily captivating, I love that Garden weaves in their relationship with their growing love of theatre. Reading this would probably be more powerful having read The Crucible, because I'm sure there are similar themes and such, but teens will still enjoy it nonetheless.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Girls who have unspoken feelings and are trying to figure out their sexual identities may find this book relatable. Jan and Kerry face mean comments and bullying because they love each other, and this can help some teen girls feel seen.

Issues Present: Explicit language, LGBTQ+

"Fag" is used multiple times in a derogatory manner by an angry peer and "n*gger" is used once—but not directed at anyone, and only to prove a point. Adults may have an issue just with this book centered around two girls who love each other. But like all other controversial titles, the library collects books that represent ALL voices.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • How did Jan's perception of being stage manager and assistant change, and why?
  • How do Jan and Kerry's classmates respond to their relationship? Is this reflective of real life?
  • Why do you think Kent was so hellbent on "exposing" Jan and Kerry?

Genre/Subgenres: LGBTQ+ fiction; Realistic fiction

Readalikes: Odd One Out by Nic Stone; Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters; Look Both Ways by Alison Cherry; The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Title: The Chocolate War
Author: Robert Cormier
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 12, 1974

Format: Hardcover
Price: $16.95
Page Count: 264
ISBN-13: 9780394828053

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)
Interest Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)

Annotation: Jerry refuses to sell chocolates for his school's fundraiser, leading to trouble bigger than he could imagine.

Plot and Content Summary: At Jerry's all-boys Catholic school, a group called "the Vigils" are, not-so-secretly, in charge. Even the teachers know about them and use them to do their dirty work. Lead by Archie Costello, the Vigils create "assignments" (read: pranks) for chosen individual students, and saying "no" is not an option. Jerry is assigned to say "no" to selling chocolates for the school fundraiser—and he does, but things get bad when the jokes end and he continues to say "no." This fundraiser is a big deal to teacher Brother Leon, who threatens Archie to fix it.

Evaluation: The Chocolate War is a book created for discussion. There's a lot to talk about: how bullying is a cycle and no one, not even adults, are exempt; the reality that "bad guys" can win; etc. However, in terms of the storytelling, it was mediocre. We are introduced to a relationship between Jerry and his father, but nothing comes out of it except glances at each other when they both go to pick up the phone from prank callers late at night. We are introduced to Jerry's mother, who died of illness, and Jerry often brings her up, but all those feelings go unaddressed. Perhaps these things are to show us their absence and how this can affect teens' lives, but I personally would've appreciated being in Jerry's head about these things. Even though he's made out to be the main character, we really don't know a lot about him. But maybe that's not the point that Cormier is trying to make with The Chocolate War, and that's fine—it is just my preference. Also, the way teen girls were used as objects for these guys to look at and fantasize about was awful.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: This is actually a very hopeless book, revealing the sad realities of our society. Jerry "disturbs the universe" in hopes to break a cycle of bullying, and ends up all beat up. And sometimes, life is like that. Does it mean we go with the flow, even though it's harmful? Something to think about.

Issues Present: Bullying (from both peers and adults), violence, offensive language

The Chocolate War is controversial because, I suspect, that adults don't see a need for books that depict society in such a negative way. However, these things happen in real life. And teens should be aware early on. This can help with and prepare them for the challenges they face. We need to stop sheltering them, because all that does is make them ignorant.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • Why do you think Jerry agrees to the Vigils' assignment?
  • What makes Jerry different than someone like Goober?
  • How are Brother Leon and Archie similar?
  • Why do you think The Chocolate War ends with, what seems like, no resolution?

Genre/Subgenres: Classics; Realistic fiction

Readalikes: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton; Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick; A Troublesome Boy by Paul Vasey; Winger by Andrew Smith; Shattering Glass by Gail Giles

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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins

Title: People Kill People
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Format: Hardcover
Price: $19.99
Page Count: 448
ISBN-13: 9781481442930

Reading Level: Grades 10 and up (ages 15+)
Lexile: HL730L
Interest Level: Grades 10 and up (ages 15+)

Annotation: A gun, purchased anonymously for protection. In Tucson, Arizona, six teens are all under pressure. Someone will die.

Plot and Content Summary: Told in a mix of verse and prose, People Kill People follow the perspective of six different teens. A gun used accidentally in a domestic shooting is sold anonymously to one of these teens—we don't know who buys it, but we know every one of them is capable. Everyday, the voices in their heads—that is, violence personified—tempt them to take a life, or take their own. In exploring their stance on gun violence, "immigration[,] and racial superiority" (Kirkus), their true natures are unraveled slowly.

Evaluation: We know someone is going to shoot and we know someone is going to die, but it's difficult to pinpoint who those two people are. Hopkins does this intentionally, exploring the way that each of us just needs that one thing to set us into motion. We are all capable of violence.

"See, there's this thing inside / every one of you, / the collective human call / toward violence. / All it takes is one singular / moment to encourage / it into play / and the lamb / transforms / becomes / the lion." (p. 1)

This is a dark read, obviously because of the subject matter, but it was done really well. The multiple perspectives gave it many layers—we are able to see how each person views things differently and internalizes their issues in different ways. This is not about who's "right" and who's "wrong," but an exploration of how they externalized their thoughts and feelings. Hopkins shows us that anyone could be a killer, "A / gun / just / makes / it / easier" (p. 428).

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Everyone is capable of violence, and those who are feeling this way may find People Kill People relatable. Everyday, there are stresses in our lives that push us closer. How can we address it in a healthy way? This can offer clarity and understanding to those who are in this position and also those who aren't.

Issues Present: This book tackles the issue of gun violence very explicitly, and adults may fear teens are too young to read about it. However, as the media and news so painfully report constantly, high school shootings are becoming all too common. This is a serious issue that is happening to them, and People Kill People offers perspective and an opportunity for discussion.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • Discuss each teen's perspective and pinpoint how they could've been the killer. What of their thoughts lead you to believe they were capable and had the motive?
  • Why do you think Hopkins chose to use a combination of verse and prose?
  • After reading this book, why do you think Hopkins chose to title it "People Kill People?"

Genre/Subgenres: Multiple perspectives; Novels in verse; Realistic fiction

Readalikes: This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp; Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser; Shooter by Walter Dean Myers; How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon

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Monday, May 4, 2020

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

Title: I Hunt Killers
Author: Barry Lyga
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Format: eBook
Price: $8.99
Page Count: 368
ISBN-13: 9780316201742

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)
Lexile: 750
Interest Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)

Annotation: Jasper "Jazz" Dent, son of the world's most infamous serial killer Billy Dent, helps the police hunt down the new serial killer in town.

Plot and Content Summary: Jazz wants to be nothing like his father, locked up in jail for murdering over 100 women. But in his mind, it would be so easy for him—his father taught him all he needed to know. To atone for his father's sins, he insists on helping the police with their new investigation. There's a new serial killer on the loose, and it looks like his crimes are similar to Billy Dent's. He drags his easily-bruisable best friend, Howie, into his schemes, and, of course, does whatever it takes to solve the case.

Evaluation: Aside from the mystery aspect of who the new serial killer is, what is most fascinating is the way we get to be in Jazz's mind. Growing up, his dad taught him all the ways to murder someone and cover up the tracks. He is destined to be a serial killer—and often thinks about how killing someone would feel—but fights again these urges because, like he often chants, "people matter."

Jazz's relationships with his best friend, Howie, who is the total opposite of him, and his girlfriend, Connie, develops so well—I love how much the two of them humanize Jazz and brings out the softer side of him. Howie and Jazz are a hoot together, and it is refreshing to see Connie challenge Jazz.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: One situation I think I Hunt Killers features well is absent adult role models. Jazz's father is in jail and we are not quite certain what happened to his mother, so he lives with his grandma. However, Jazz's grandma has issues of her own, so Jazz is her caretaker instead of the other way around. There isn't any Jazz can turn to for support, aside from friends his age, and this could be comforting for anyone who can relate.

Issues Present: I Hunt Killers has been banned for being too violent for its target audience, and I can't disagree with that. There are a lot of gruesome scenes. However, this does not mean it should be removed from the library. Teens are already being exposed to violence in many different ways outside of books—the news, movies, real life, etc. This book allows them to grapple with and experience the consequences of violence.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • What is Jazz's relationship with his father like? How does it affect the way he lives?
  • How do Howie and Connie show us who Jazz really is?
  • Why does Jazz constantly repeat to himself, "people matter?"
  • With the way this book ended, what do you think really happened with the serial killer and the bigger issue?

Genre/Subgenres: Thrillers and suspense

Readalikes: Breaker by Kat Ellis; The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey; Still Waters by Ash Parsons; The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes; Acceleration by Graham McNamee; The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

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Sunday, May 3, 2020

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 5, 2005

Format: Hardcover
Price: $22.99
Page Count: 544
ISBN-13: 9780316160179

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)
Lexile: 720
Interest Level: Grades 11 and up (ages 14+)

Annotation: Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father and meets a very handsome boy at school. A very handsome boy who is not human.

Plot and Content Summary: Bella moves from Arizona to Forks, Washington to live with her father, Charlie, so her mom can travel with her new husband. At her new school, she attracts a lot of attention from boys, but the very attractive Edward Cullen seems repulsed by her. Bella is distraught, wondering what she did wrong—is it the way she smells? After Edward saves her from a car accident, Bella knows something is up. But finding out who Edward really is might put her life in danger.

Evaluation: The writing was mediocre and the plot a step up from that, but I understand the appeal. There is fun in the mystery of Bella living her life "on the edge"—any second, Edward could kill her—but the romance is quite cringe-worthy. Edward likes Bella for the way she smells, and Bella likes Edward because ... he is good-looking? Even if the attraction is there, there is no reason to believe it should escalate to love that quickly. Aside from that, it was interesting to learn about Edward and his family's history of becoming vampires and how that world operates.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Bella learns about vampires and how they live their day-to-day. There are a lot of dangers to being in a relationship with Edward, but Bella decides that it is worth it. This is not meant to be looked at as admirable, but perhaps reflects our human nature and our desire for things that are not the best for us. We want what we want, no matter how harmful those things can be. Seeing this from an outside perspective—looking at Bella and the decisions she makes—may help us identify our weak spots.

Issues Present: Twilight has been challenged for being violent, sexually explicit, and "unsuited to age group." Toward the end of the book, it is a thrilling set of events that follow Bella and the Cullen family as they are hunting down and running away from a pair of vampires. It does get violent, but readers are not likely to copy it. Teens can handle it—and if they cannot, we have to trust that they will stop reading! Also, it is almost laughable that adults have called Twilight "sexually explicit"—the furthest that Edward and Bella go is kiss.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • Does Edward treat Bella the same before and after she finds out that he is a vampire? Why do you think so?
  • Does Bella treat Edward the same before and after she finds out that he is a vampire?
  • Discuss Bella's relationship with her father, Charlie. Is this "normal?"
  • Why do you think Bella and Edward want to be together even though it is dangerous?

Genre/Subgenres: First person narratives; Paranormal romance; Supernatural

Readalikes: Wake by Lisa McMann; Firelight by Sophie Jordan; Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon; Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater; Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

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Saturday, May 2, 2020

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Naturals
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Format: eBook
Price: $7.99
Page Count: 320
ISBN-13: 9781423181187

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up (ages 12+)
Lexile: 690
Interest Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)

Annotation: With an almost-supernatural sense of reading people, Cassie agrees to join the FBI's program for talented teens and help them crack cold cases.

Plot and Content Summary: Cassie is able to read people very well, and the FBI wants someone like her in their teen program. She agrees to participate, hoping it will bring her closer to finding out who murdered her mom. The program moves her into a house with other teens similar to her, and Cassie learns that there are a lot of secrets and threats. With a new serial killer on the loose, all the teens must team up and put their heads together to solve this case.

Evaluation: This was so much fun to read from beginning to end. Being in the mind of someone who picks up on so many details was incredibly interesting, and especially so when she met other teens of similar natures. Teens reading this will no doubt enjoy the banter, jokes, and games between Cassie and her housemates. The Naturals is a suspenseful and plot-driven first book in a series—the way Barnes ties everything together is so smart!

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: The Naturals is a great book for anyone looking to escape reality and wanting to get lost in a good story. For teens who have lost parents, they may be able to relate to Cassie and her loss. It may be comforting to take her perspective and follow her as she tries to figure out what happened to her mom. Although their experiences may differ, knowing that someone shares the same feeling of not having a parent or older adult figure could help work out lingering emotions.

Issues Present: There is a lot written in this series starter that can be looked at as unrealistic or exaggerated, but nothing is completely impossible. And even if it was, there is nothing wrong with escapist literature. Sometimes, we need a fun story to enjoy and temporarily forget life problems.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • Discuss Cassie's relationship with each of her housemates. Do you think their abilities affect (both positively and negatively) it?
  • How does murder of Cassie's mom affect how Cassie approaches life?
  • Were you able to guess who the serial killer was?

Genre/Subgenres: Thrillers and suspense

Readalikes: I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga; How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller; Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon; My Sister's Stalker by Nancy Springer; The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

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Friday, May 1, 2020

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

Title: This One Summer
Author: Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Format: eBook
Price: $9.99
Page Count: 320
ISBN-13: 9781466858503

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up (ages 12+)
Lexile: 180
Interest Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 12+)

Annotation: This year's summer trip to the lake house is not the vacation Rose thought it would be.

Plot and Content Summary: Every summer, Rose takes a trip with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach and meets up with her cottage friend, Windy. This time around, although their intentions are to relax and have a little fun, there is tension between her parents and Rose is caught in the middle of it. Her mom is depressed, but Rose is too naive to understand why. At the same time, Rose and Windy overhear a girl not too much older than them telling her friends she thinks she is pregnant.

Evaluation: The themes presented in This One Summer are ones to look forward to, but the plot fell incredibly flat. The illustrations are very nice and visually pleasing to look at, but it only helped the story telling so much. This One Summer brings up many tough issues, such as Rose's mom with her miscarriage and her dad's inability to empathize, but it only does just that—there is no further discussion about it. This graphic novel would have been much more impactful if these things were addressed in some way. But perhaps Rose not understanding her mom's pain is a response.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: I could see this being useful to someone who has distant parents. We see Rose on the trip with her parents, but they do not really spend any time with her. Of course, we learn that they are going through something difficult. This shows us that our parents are humans like us, and they are not always perfect.

Issues Present: There is constant slut-shaming in this graphic novel—and the ones doing it include Rose and Windy, who surprisingly do it without knowing exactly what it means. They learn it from older guys, one of whom Rose develops a crush on. Personally, I think it is valuable in a book only if expresses to readers how hurtful this type of language is. Even though Rose and Windy's parents overhear them calling the pregnant girl a slut and reprimand them for it, Rose and Windy still do not understand why it is a big deal. I wish this issue could've been further discussed, so I hope readers can read between the lines.

Book Talk Ideas:
  • Why do you think Rose doesn't understand what her mom is going through? How does that relate to what she thinks about the pregnant girl?
  • How are females treated in this graphic novel? Do you think Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki did this intentionally?
  • Discuss Windy and Rose's relationship.

Genre/Subgenres: Canadian fiction; Comics and graphic novels

Readalikes: The Zabime Sisters by Aristophane; When My Sister Started Kissing by Helen Frost; Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks; Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

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