Duchessina: A Novel of Catherine de' Medici by Carolyn Meyer

Duchessina: A Novel of Catherine de' Medici, by Carolyn Meyer, Sandpiper, 2009, ISBN -10:978015066208

Plot Summary: Catherine De'Medici finds herself an orphan at a young age, completely dependent on her uncle for everything. After unrest reaches her home town of Florence and her family finds themselves out of favor, Catherine is forced to spend the remainder of her childhood locked away in convents. With nothing but her happy memories of life before the nunnery, her feelings for a boy she knew then and the occasional friendliness she receives from other girls and a few nuns, Catherine must stay safe and try to stay sane. After her uncle becomes the pope, Catherine finds herself in favor once more and her marriage is arranged to the young King of France. Full of optomisim and hope, Catherine prepares for her new life as the queen of a country she's never seen. Catherine soon finds that marriage isn't everything she'd hoped for and there is a lot for her to learn. Despite all of her challenges, she's a Medici after all, and she'll survive - one way or another.

Critical Evaluation: Carolyn Meyer's Young Royals series offers a unique look into women of power and prestige throughout history. In this installment, Meyer turns her talents to describing the youth of one of the most notorious queens in the history of France, a queen responsible for the massacre of thousands. With the real life knowledge of what she will become in the mind of most readers, Meyer paints an interesting portrait of  young woman in crisis. She has no power, no say in her future and at times she's hated just for who her family is. Meyer does a nice job of showing the role of women - even powerful, rich women like Catherine - during the time period and shows us a young woman who has suffered much, and who has much to revenge. Well written with wonderful historical details, Meyer has another strong effort under her belt with this addition to her established series.

Reader's Annotation: Catherine De'Medici has a vast fortune, a bright future, and no power. With unrest threatening at every turn, can she survive to take the place of power she's meant to?

About the Author: Carolyn Meyer was born in 1935 in Lewistown, PA and graduated from Bucknell University in 1957. After marriage and the birth of three sons, she published her first book, Miss Patch's Learn to Sew Book, which was followed by several how-to books.

Meyer has to date written more than 50 books - including many non-fiction titles and the Young Royal series of which Duchessina is a part. Now married to her second husband, a retired college professor, Myere lives in New Mexico where she continues to write.

Information retrieved from http://www.readcarolyn.com/

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: History 

Booktalking Ideas: Comparison of Duchessina's life to current time. Comparison of her life to less fortunate women of same time period.

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: A good example of historical fiction.

The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson

The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson, Puffin Books, 2008, ISBN-10:9780142408117

Plot Summary: Cameryn is a high school senior in tiny Silverton, CO. Her mom left long ago and now it's just Cammie, her father and town Coroner, Patrick and her grandmother, a no nonsense Irish woman. Cammie has always wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and study forensics. She loves everything about it! Once she convinces her father to take her on as his assistant, Cammie thinks she's got it made. But the realities of the job are more gruesome than her avid reading on the subject had led her to believe, and things get even more scary when there's a murder in town - the first one in years. Things get even worse when the victim turns out to be someone Cammie knows, and it's looking more and more like the murderer is the notorious Christopher Killer. As Cammie gets closer and closer to the truth, she risks attracting the attention of the killer himself. Real life is not how it looks in books, and unfortunately for Cammie, you can't stop real life with a bookmark. Can Cammie, her father and the town sheriff catch the killer before he strikes again?

Critical Evaluation: While on the surface the plot of this novel is just a re-hashing of a tried and true story line - killer strikes, teen hero investigates thus rousing suspicion and deadly attention, things eventually resolved one way or another - the details of this novel make it worth a read. Ferguson includes detailed information about the forensic field that capture the imagination and interest for further learning of the reader. Combining that with the inclusion of well-written colorful characters, detailed settings and a controversial pyschic creates an engrossing story that teens will be drawn to. This is Ferguson's first title in the darker vein of suspense and mystery and it's a well done effort that will earn her fans among the teen demographic.

Reader's Annotation: Cameryn has always wanted to work with her father on forensic cases - but things get real when the victim is a friend.

About the Author: Born in 1957 in Cumberland, MD, daughter of author Gloria Skurzynski, who inspired her to become an author herself. Ferguson attended the University of Utah and Westminster College before becoming a writer later in her adult life.

She is currently at work on her 32nd book for children and young adults and crosses freely between the two age groups. She's married, has three adult children and lives in Colorado, where she sets many of her novels.

Information retreived from alaneferguson.com

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Are pyschics real? Appropriateness of Cameron as assistant to her father.

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Graphic Imagery
Challenge Response: I would reference the violence of the news, this is no more graphic than that without the pictorial representation.

Why is This Included: A different kind of mystery with an emphasis on forensics makes for a nice variation on YA mysteries.

The Line by Teri Hall

The Line by Teri Hall, Dial Books, 2010, ISBN-10:0803734662

Plot Summary: For as long as Rachel can remember she's lived on the Property. Her mother, Vivian, takes care of the house and Ms. Moore, and Rachel keeps out of her way, and away from the Line - the border between the United States and Away - that runs along the back of the property. However, whenever she can Rachel looks up stories about the others that live in the Away, but she has to keep it a secret from her mother who gets upset when Rachel questions things. Her mother has been sad for Rachel's whole life, ever since her father was lost during the war, and she just seems concerned with keeping her head down, and keeping Rachel safe. One thing Rachel can do is help Ms. Moore with the orchids that make her living. Working with the flowers Rachel gets to know Ms. Moore better and has more questions than ever. One day, while in town with her mother, Rachel witnesses a woman arrested and her mother's actions in the face of the arrest raise even more questions for Rachel. How much does she really know about her mother's past? How much does she know about the Line? It's time for answers for Rachel, but will she like what she learns?

Critical Evaluation: In her debut novel Teri Hall really swings for the fences. The Line is ambitious in its scope and story. Set in the United States after a horrible wars have led to the creation of an uncrossable boundary called the Line, the government controls everything and they know everything about you. Big Brother is definitely watching, but instead of just relying on cheap tricks, Hall attempts to create a nuanced, interesting plot with well developed characters and just enough of the flashy to keep things interesting. For the most part, Hall succeeds in her aims and reader is really drawn into the world she has created. On the heels of the extreme success of The Hunger Games dystopian is a hot genre right now, but Hall's contribution is original and a worthy addition to the genre. I for one will be anxiously awaiting Hall's subsequent novels and only hope she can meet the high expectations her debut novel has created for her work.

Reader's Annotation: No one ever questions going over the line, it's just not done. But Rachel is curious, and it seems that something is out there.

About the Author: Teri Hall is a bit of an enigma. The Line is her debut novel, and as a new author she hasn't garnered enough attention to have multiple sources for her biographical information to be widely displayed on the web.

On her own website the only information she includes only the following tidbits: she likes to write books, she lives in Washington State and she has two cats and a strange dog. Literally that is it. Hopefully she will soon write more novels and garner more attention causing all of her personal details to become public fodder. Until then!

Information retreived from http://www.terihall.com/

Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Write your own story of what would have happened if WWII had played out differently with atomic attack, creating a world like in the line.

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: N/A 

Why is This Included: A thrilling dystopian novel offers additional read for those enamored with The Hunger Games

Sabriel by Garth Nix

Sabriel by Garth Nix, HarperCollins Children's Books, 1995, ISBN 0-06-027322-4

Plot Summary: The series takes place in a fictional land called Ancelstierre which is similar to 20^th century England, except it has magic. This land is bordered by the Old Kingdom, which is steeped in magic and old ways, where creatures from the dead can come back to life to haunt the living. Standing between these creatures and the living world is the Abhorsen who is tasked with putting the dead to rest, and maintaining the balance of Free Magic and the controlled Charter Magic. Our heroine, Sabriel, is the daughter of the current Abhorsen who must assume the role when her father is trapped in the world of the dead. The novel follows Sabriel as she struggles to find her father, take over the role of Abhorsen and right the balance of power between living and dead.

Critical Evaluation: Sabriel is breathtaking, start to finish. Nix creates two wonderful worlds of fantasy, both the somewhat conservative world of Ancelstierre and the scary and fantastic world of the Old Kingdom. In Sabriel he creates a memorable heroine, in the vein of strong female protaganists created by fantasy greats Lloyd Alexander and Tamora Pierce, who is worthy of our adulation. He gives Sabriel enough vulnerability and fear that we're rooting for her, and at many times, scared for her, while showing her to have enough grit and strength to put us at ease. The descriptions of the magical creatures and the history of the Abhorsen and Ancelstierre and the Old Kingdom draw in even the most reluctant reader. While the back story of the world's the story takes place in are lengthy and involved, the story that follows rewards the readers patience and the end result is a masterpiece.  

Reader's Annotation: Sabriel has learned a lot about death and what it means to walk in the world of the dead. But now her father is in trouble and it's up to her to take on the role of abhorsen, at least temporarily, can she remember all she's learned and survive?

About the Author: Garth Nix was born in Australia in 1963. He attended University of Canberra and received his BA in professional writing in 1986. After working in publishing and game theory and design, Nix began writing children and young adult titles and has been a full time writer since 2001.

He writes fantasy and science fiction and has published numerous novels and even created an online role playing science fiction game. He lives outside of Sydney, Australia with his wife and two children and is a well respected member of the YA children's literature genres

Information retreived from http://www.garthnix.com/

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Create an alternate world like the old kingdom - what kind of people would it have?

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Magic
Challenge Response: I would stand on the shoulders of giants and use the extensive defenses of other fantasy titles dealing with magic that exist while citing the high literary quality of this title.

Why is This Included: Breathtaking fantasy novel that will excite teen readers.

Letters From Wolfie by Patti Sherlock

Letters From Wolfie by Patti Sherlock, Puffin Books, 2004, ISBN 0-670-03694-3

Plot Summary: Mark has always been in the shadow of his older brother, Danny, who's everyone's favorite. His mother never shares jokes with him like she does his brother, and his dad doesn't look at him with that shining pride in his eyes like he looks at his brother. When Danny enlists in the Army and gets sent overseas to Vietnam, his actions cast an even bigger shadow over Mark. In one of his letters home, Danny mentions that the Army needs dogs to help the soldiers in Vietnam, dogs like Mark's beloved pet german shepard, Wolfie. After a little pressure from his dad, and in an effort to cast his own shadow, Mark volunteers Wolfie to the Army and sends him on a plane to be trained. As soon as Wolfie has left for training Mark regrets his decision, but by then it's too late. While Mark can't get Wolfie back, he can write to his new handler, a young soldier named Tucker. Through the letters from Tucker, Mark gains new understanding of the war, sacrafice and fear. Meanwhile, things are far from settled at home and everyone seems to have  different opinion on the war and what it means. Together Mark and his friends try to make sense of it all, and get Wolfie home.

Critical Evaluation: Patti Sherlock excels in writing stories about animals, and in this novel she manages to take a scary and controversial topic like the Vietnam War and boil it all down to the relationship between a boy and his dog. While the protaganist of this novel is only thirteen, the inclusion of his older brother, the young soldier who's in charge of Wolfie while he's in the Army and the strength of the bond between boy and dog will make it appeal to an older audience. Sherlock has created a completely heartbreaking tearjerker that is based on real events, which makes it even more touching. The reader is drawn in completely and really roots for Mark and his dog Wolfie. The varied viewpoints of Mark, Danny and Tucker show a multifaceted representation of the Vietnam War that make it accessible to teen readers who might not be that familiar with the personal struggles families faced during that time. The addition of a draft dodger into the family of characters continues the nuanced portrayal creating a wonderful story for kids, teens and adults.

Reader's Annotation: Mark's not sure how he feels about war, but one thing's certain, his beloved dog, Wolfie is headed to Vietnam to help the soldiers there. Now that the decision's been made, how will Mark deal with it?

About the Author:Patti Sherlock has written numerous books about animals, driven by her love of animals and the outdoors. Along with her husband, Patti founded a sheep farm in Idaho and has won awards for the Polypay sheep they raise there.

Patti began writing when her twin sons were very young, travelling through the Idaho mountains to interview sheep herders for her first novel. Now, her children are grown and she continues to write and live in Idaho on her farm.

Information retreived from http://www.pattisherlock.com/

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: History, Civics

Booktalking Ideas: Pets given for a bigger cause. Thoughts on protesting and war.

Reading Level: 10+
Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: War and protests
Challenge Response: Good exposure to turbulent time in American history without graphic imagery.

Why is This Included: Good title for teen boys.

Running Loose by Chris Crutcher

Running Loose by Chris Crutcher, HarperCollins Children's Books, 1983, ISBN 0-688-02002-X

Plot Summary: Life is looking up for Louie. He's spent the entire summer training hard with his best friend for a starting spot on the football team and he's got it, he's got a great girlfriend who he loves, and who loves him, and he's got a great family. After a new, awesomely talented football player, Washington, transfers into a rival school, Louie's football coach is worried that the school's perfect record is on the line. One of Louie's teammates follows Coach's advice and takes Washington out of the game physically, Louie protests vocally, to the ref, the other coach, anyone who'll listen. As a result of his moral stand, Louie's kicked off of the team, but it's still okay. His family supports him and he's still got his girlfriend, Becky. He and Becky are even planning a future, you know, in case it works out. Then, real tragedy strikes and Louie has to figure out life all over again, from the beginning.

Critical Evaluation: Chris Crutcher is the undisputed king of the problem novel and in this, his debut novel, he's still working out the kinks. The story is engrossing and it will pull in teen readers, especially teen boys, but Crutcher's still creating his masterful storytelling style in this novel. While later characters will literally make you sob or laugh just thinking about them, outside of the few main characters, the supporting actors are drawn in too stark of a black or white style to make readers care about what happens to the majority of them. Even in a novel that's not his best work, Crutcher makes a believer out of the reader and keeps us all guessing about what will happen. Those who haven't read any other Crutcher title are advised to start with another book of his, but this debut is strong and certainly was a sign of things to come from the controversial, and proud of it, author.

Reader's Annotation: Louie's doing okay - he's got a girlfriend, a spot on the football team and a good family. Then things start to go sour when he opposes his football coach and gets kicked off the team - but hey, how bad can it get?

About the Author: Chris Crutcher was born in 1946 in Columbus, OH and grew up outside of Boise, ID. He received his BA from Eastern Washington University, and after earning his teaching credential went on to teach at risk students in Oakland, CA for a decade before returning to the Northwest to write his first novel.

Since then he has published 12 novels, and is among the most challenged authors in America. He lives in Spokane, WA and is a popular public speaker and columnists.

Information retreived from http://www.chriscrutcher.com/

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Have you ever been a part of something (like the football team in this book) that had a bad leader? Did you go along with it?

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Racisim, Mature Themes, Language
Challenge Response: I would refer to Crutcher's own defense of his works and rely heavily on the awards won for this title. 

Why is This Included: A title that can appeal to teen boys.

Ginger Bread by Rachel Cohn

Ginger Bread by Rachel Cohn, Simon Pulse, 2003, ISBN 0-689-86020-X

Plot Summary: Cyd Charisse is used to being shipped off. First she was sent to a fancy boarding school back East, where she met he who must not be named. After that didn't take, she finds herself back home with her mom, her stepdad and her two half siblings in San Francisco. Things are going okay, but her idea of fun doesn't mesh with her mom's and after one too many nights breaking curfew to hang out with Shrimp, her boyfriend, she's being shipped back east to stay with her father, who she's met exactly once. Cyd's actually really excited to stay with her cool dad and meet her other half siblings and besides missing Shrimp and Sugar Pie (the greatest friend in a nursing home a girl's ever had) things are looking up! However, once she arrives in NY, she finds that not everything is how she pictured it. Meeting the new family, dealing with the painful past she's tried to keep behind her at boarding school and reconciling all these new parts of her takes a toll and Cyd's not sure if she's coming or going. One way or another she'll figure it out, she's Cyd Charisse after all!

Critical Evaluation: This debut novel from now experienced and successful author Rachel Cohn is a charmer that relies on well written characters, perfect dialogue and a smattering of "problems" and "family issues" to advance the plot. Readers will want a lot more from Cohn, and thankfully, she's writing at a pace to satisfy them. The novel has the pacing and vibe of a light summer read, but manages to mix in enough character growth and revelation to make it feel deeper. Cyd Charisse is a likeable heroine who readers will root for, and want to know more about. A good entry novel for reluctant readers, Cohn has struck debut gold.

Reader's Annotation: Cyd Charisse doesn't need anybody, she's got Ginger Bread her childhood doll. When even her mom can't deal with her latest antics it's off to NY to meet the father she's met once.

About the Author: Born in 1968 in Silver Spring, MD, Rachel Cohn grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. After graduating from Barnard with a degree in Political Science, Cohn thought she wanted to be a journalist and decided that writing was where it was for her.

After a move to San Francisco, Cohn took an administrative position to support her writing ambitions and since the publication of her first novel, Gingerbread, she has been writing full time. She now lives in Brooklyn, and besides publishing her own titles, frequently collaborates with David Levithan on books like Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (now a major movie) among others.

Information retrieved from http://www.rachelcohn.com/

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Blended families - family trees of similar families. Prevelance of abortion/pregnancy these days.

Reading Level:12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Abortion, Adult themes, Adultery
Challenge Response: I would refer to statistics about awareness of abortions vs. safety of teens, popularity of Teen Mom negates this exposure. 

Why is This Included: A well written story about blended families that will appeal to teens.

The Goodness Gene by Sonia Levitin

The Goodness Gene by Sonia Levitin, Dutton Books, 2005, ISBN 0-525-47397-1

Plot Summary: It's 2035 and 16 year Will and his twin brother Berk represent everything that's good about the Dominion. As the sons of the Supreme Compassionate Director, Hayli, they are slated to take over the rule of the Dominion, and it's now time for Will and Berk to take a tour of the Dominion and truly prepare to lead. Lenora, a girl from a colony outside of the capital, travels along with Will, to show him where she came from. Lenora has an unnerving habit of not agreeing with Will and she has opinions on things Will's never considered before. While touring the colonies, Will sees real life, outside of the controlled realities the sim gives residents of the capital, tastes real food and sees real life trees. Just as Will is gaining a new understanding of what life is and what life could be, he and his brother both develop illnesses - something that's not supposed to happen in this genetically engineered future. The illness leads to a few new hard to answer questions. Is it possible that everything isn't perfect in the Dominion? Is it possible that Will's not who he thinks he is?

Critical Evaluation: Another excellent entry into the dystopian genre by experienced novelist Sonia Levitin. The close proximity of timeline of this novel give it a chilling edge as you can't help thinking that it could be just around the corner. The world of the Dominion is a radically controlled one, where people even pick the qualities they want in their children, and procreation takes place in a lab, without the messy details of traditional breeding. Leivitin has checked every box when it comes to creating a creative, new and different world that will transport readers to the world she writes about. Will and Lenora share an interesting bond that takes flight before our eyes and brings us to care about them deeply as characters, even while we're shown that caring is weakness in this world. The twists and turns feel somewhat predictable at times, but the final reveal was a definite shock. Teen readers will be hooked.

Reader's Annotation: Will has got it made - he's the son of the Supreme Compassionate Director of the Dominion and he and his brother are slated to take over one day. Why does something feel wrong about it all?

About the Author: Sonia Levitin was born to a Jewish family in Berlin, Germany in 1934. Her family moved to Brazil to escape the growing power of the Nazi party in 1935 but they were unable to make a living there and returned to Germany after a year. In 1938, Levitin's mother convinced her father to move to America and send for them later. Eventually, Levitin's entire family made it to America and her journey was the basis for her first novels.

Now, many years later, Levitin has written some 40 books for young adults and adults in a variety of genres. She lives in Southern California with her husband and teaches the occasional college level course. She has two grown children.

Information retreived from http://www.sonialevitin.com/

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Can we ever design the perfect world? How does the Supreme Compassionate Director compare to dictators of the past

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: An interesting dystopian science fiction page turner.

Underground by Jean Ferris

Underground by Jean Ferris, Farrar Straus Giroux, 2007, ISBN-13:978-0-374-37243-9

Plot Summary: It's 1839 and Charlotte, a slave in Kentucky, has been sold to the Mammoth Hotel, a tourist spot that capitalizes on nearby undergroud caves for visitor interest. Once there she meets Stephen, another slave who gives tours of the caves to visitors. Charlotte doesn't understand the appeal of the caves, but soon finds herself drawn to Stephen, who loves the caves and considers himself free when he's touring and exploring them. While Charlotte and Stephen develop their relationship, Charlotte discovers that the Mammoth Hotel is more than it seems - it's also a stop for runaway slaves! While Charlotte struggles with wanting freedom and Stephen, who won't leave the cave he loves so much, an unexpected opportunity for change walks into her life. What will Charlotte decide to do?

Critical Evaluation: This book is well written and covers a contentious time in American history from the perspective of teen slaves. The story flows well and the reader is drawn into the world of Charlotte, Stephen and the other slaves at the Mammoth Hotel. We share her fears about being sold, finding her family and figuring out what Stephen means to her. Slavery is a dark mark on American history, but it is very important that teens and young adults continue to learn about the events during that period and books like these, that offer a fictional take on the time period from a perspective they can relate to are a great jumping off point for further learning. A well put together novel that really brings history to life for young adults and teens.

Reader's Annotation: 16 year old Charlotte is a slave in 1839 Kentukcy sold to a new place with a lot going on - underground caves, a new boy, runaway slaves. As she adapts to her new home life throws a few curveballs - come along for the ride as she deals with the ups and downs and the elusive search for freedom.

About the Author: Jean Ferris was born in 1939 in Kansas. She moved around a lot as a child and always kept a diary of her activities and began writing fiction when she was seven. After a BA and MA in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Stanford University, she discovered that the field was not a good fit for her and eventually turned to writing as a vocation.

She published her first young adult book in 1983, Amen, Moses Gardenia, inspired by the attempted suicide of a friend of her daughter. Since then she has dabled in other genres, but keeps coming back to young adult fiction and has written many titles. She now lives in San Diego, California with her husband where she continues to write.

Information retrieved from http://www.jeanferris.com/

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: History

Booktalking Ideas: Why is Stephen so excited about touring the cave? Where are other underground railroad stops in the Kentucky region?

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Subject of Slavery
Challenge Response: Slavery is a fact of American history, this story offers a nice viewpoint without overly graphic content that would be upsetting for some readers. It provides a platform for disucssion.

Why is This Included: This book has great tie ins to history from the perspective of several different types of characters during that time. I think it would pique teen interest in learning more about slavery from the perspective of slaves and could inspire further research and investigation.

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci, Candlewick Press, 2005, ISBN 0-7636-2333-4

Plot Summary: Victoria Jurgen (aka Egg) is a senior at Melrose Prep and she's going to be valedictorian. Besides being the best student in all of her AP classes, she's the star photographer for the school paper, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy club, and a huge fan of the movie "Terminal Earth", and the star of the film Egg, who she mimics down to the long cloak she wears. Egg's got it all figured out, even down to the career she wants to follow (creature designer like her famous father, NOT a big time actress like her mother). But life, in the form of newcomer Max, has other ideas and suddenly she's wondering why she tries so hard to stay to herself. Is it possible that Egg can't stand alone?

Critical Evaluation: In her debut novel, Castellucci creates the perfect modern teen heroine. She can do everything herself, and has been ever since she can remember. She's strong, she's smart, she's got an amazing sense of herself - or does she? Everyone will be able to relate to the literal (Egg's costume including cloak at all times) walls Egg erects around herself to keep herself from noticing that she's really lonely. A relatable character with charming (if a little desperate in the case of her mother, and absent in the case of her father) parents, and a varied (albeit lacking) social circle you definitely end up rooting for Egg, mostly rooting that Egg can figure out that she can't go it alone. A well written, well conceived novel that will find it's niche easily.

Reader's Annotation: Victoria (Egg to her friends) is gifted, and knows it. She doesn't need anybody, or maybe she's just never met anyone like Max before.

About the Author: Born in New York City, Castellucci is a citizen of both Canada and America. She has written several novels for young adults and has recently written a graphic novel, with its sequel due out soon.

Besides novels, Castellucci has written plays, made movies and "occasionally rocks out". She currently lives in Los Angeles, CA.

information retreived from http://www.misscecil.com/

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Dressing up like a favorite character to escape. Burdens of successful parents.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A 

Why is This Included: A charming realistic fiction read

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher, HarperCollins Children's Books, 1993, ISBN 0-688-11552-7

Plot Summary: Eric was fat in junior high, and as a result a social outcast. That suited him just fine as he always had Sarah Byrnes, a girl who had been horribly disfigured by an accident when she was three, and still bears the scars. Sarah's tough enough to take on all comers, and together they're doing okay. However, when high school rolls around and Eric takes up swimming, the pounds start to come off, but no one can fix Sarah's face. Eric is so worried about losing Sarah when he's not fat that he eats three times as much as he needs to, to stay fat and stay her friend. Eventually she learns what he's doing and they stay friends even though he's slimmed down. Then, one day at school, Sarah Byrnes just stops talking and is sent to mental facility to help her. While she's in there, Eric tries to figure out what's really going on with Sarah, while trying to stay on top of his own life too. And suddenly there's a girl . . .

Critical Evaluation: In this amazing narrative Crutcher teaches us all a thing or two about loyalty, friendship and bravery. Eric literally makes your heart break because he gives you hope that real people like Sarah Byrnes could have a friend like him. Eric, Sarah, and the rest of this cast, including the Christian bully, are memorable, amazing characters that draw the reader so completely into this story that you won't notice you're in public when you start bawling like a baby (or maybe that's just me). Chris Crutcher is at his endearing best and you feel the need to run out and help anyone you can or do just one thing to make the world a better place for all of the Sarah Byrnes' out there. Best of the best in Crutcher's stable in my opinion.

Reader's Annotation: It was easy when Eric was fat and Sarah Byrnes was, well, burned. But now Eric's in shape but Sarah Byrnes is still burned and life's getting complicated.

About the Author: Chris Crutcher was born in 1946 in Columbus, OH and grew up outside of Boise, ID. He received his BA from Eastern Washington University, and after earning his teaching credential went on to teach at risk students in Oakland, CA for a decade before returning to the Northwest to write his first novel.

Since then he has published 12 novels, and is among the most challenged authors in America. He lives in Spokane, WA and is a popular public speaker and columnists.

Information retreived from http://www.chriscrutcher.com/

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Silent pleas for help. Relationship between Sarah and Eric.

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Graphic Content, Abuse, Violence, Attempted Suicide
Challenge Response: I would use Chris Crutcher's defense of his own titles and facts from pyschologists about the power of books like this.

Why is This Included: A beautiful book that deals with child abuse that could help teens.

Then I Met My Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso

Then I Met My Sister, by Christine Hurley Deriso, Flux, 2011, ISBN 978-0-7387-2581-9

Plot Summary: Summer's older sister Shannon was perfect. She was pretty and nice and smart as all get out. And then she died. Summer has always known she was her parent's replacement kid, they literally had her to replace Shannon and that's a lot for a kid to deal with. This summer things are differnt though, she's turning 17, the same age Shannon was when she died, and her aunt has given her the journals Shannon kept the summer before she died. As she reads the diaries and learns more about her sister, she finds out new things about her whole family, including some uncomfortable truths. Is there any way she can find peace in these journals or are they just going to bring her pain? Summer's waited so long to find out more about Shannon, but it seems she might have bitten off more than she can chew.

Critical Evaluation: This novel is nice overall, but relies on a bit of a heavy hand to get it's point across at times. In case the reader missed it Summer is an important time of discovery in the novel. Our protaganist is named Summer, it was Summer when Shannon died, it's Summer when Summer is learning about Shannon - it was all a little bit much. That anvil like touch on that point was a disappointment in commparison to the beautiful writing style and touching characters of the rest of the novel. Hopefully Hurley Deriso has gotten that out of her system and her future novels will let her storytelling do the heavy lifting. The premise of meeting your dead family member through their writings is not original, but the slant Hurley Deriso gives it makes it feel fresh. A lovely story if you can get past the summer of it all.

Reader's Annotation: Summer's always had to live in the shadow of her older sister Shannon, even though Shannon died before she was born. This summer though, things will be different, this summer she'll finally meet her sister.

About the Author: Christine Hurley Deriso lives in North Augusta, South Carolina with her husband and children, and she graduated from the University of Georgia College of Journalism in 1983.

She has written extensively for magazines and newspapers in addition to her fiction novels. She has also worked in public relations and marketing for Georgia Health Sciences University since 1988.

Information retreived from christinehurleyderiso.com

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Diary as personal artifact. Dealing with siblings.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: An interesting take on the traditional teen overshadowed by sibling story.

Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison

Sing Me To Sleep, by Angela Morrison, Penguin Group, 2010, ISBN 978-1-59514-275-7

Plot Summary: Beth has always been awkwardly tall, with huge glasses, scars, and crazy hair to match. What she's always had is her voice - it's beautiful and can take over any room. She feels at home at show choir, but she's not soloist material. She leaves the attention getting role to Meadow. However, once Meadow can't handle a song because of the range, Beth steps in and there's no denying her voice is meant for center stage. Once it's clear that Beth will be their lead heading into the international show choir competition in Lucerne, Meadow steps in to give her a makeover so her looks will match her voice. Beth's beautiful now and at Lucerne she meets Derek, and shock after shock, he likes her! Once back in Michigan Beth and Derek (who lives just over the border in Canada) stay together, but it's soon clear he's keeping something from Beth.

Critical Evaluation: We've all seen this story before. Girl has makeover, girl gets guy, something is wrong, girl and guy have to overcome odds. While the story isn't original and the author isn't shy about making sure you get what's happening, there are some really tender moments that will drag the romantics (like myself) into the story. This is one of those guily pleasure reads that you might not rush to reccommend at a dinner party, but you will secretly read at the beach or as you cuddle into a chair on a rainy day. The twist doesn't surprise, but does seem right given the rest of the story and there are flashes of something more that make me think Morrison is capable of better. A fine version of this kind of story, nothing to write home about.

Reader's Annotation: Beth's always had the voice, but after a makeover she's got the looks too. Watch out show choir world championships - the beast has been tamed!

About the Author: Angela Morrison is a graduate of Bringham Young University and the mother of four children. She has lived all around the world following her husband's career.

She only began writing after her youngest child started full time school and receivd her MFA from Vermont College at that time. She is active in the Mormon church and is a certified deep sea diver.

Information retreived from web.me.com/AngelaMorrison

Genre: Romance, Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Childhood illnesses, role of beauty and the beast within the story.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: Show choir angle gives a new perspective to the doomed romance angle.

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

L.A. Candy, by Lauren Conrad, Harper Collins Children's Books, 2009, ISBN 978-0-06-176758-6

Plot Summary: Jane and Scarlett have always been friends. After graduating high school in Santa Barbara, CA the two besties move to LA together. Scarlett's going to be a freshman at USC and Jane has an internship at a top event planning company. However, LA's a big city and the girls have a hard time adjusting. Things are looking up when they make a few friends and meet a few cute guys. Then, one night while they're out on the town they're spotted by a reality tv producer, who wants them on his show. Initially they're both a little trepidatious about the show, but eventually they are convinced and together with spoiled girl Madison and ditzy but sweet Gaby their every move is recorded for a national audience. Overnight, they're all famous, and Jane has emerged as the true star. LA's defnitely a different town when you're famous and Jane and Scarlett are finding it's a long way to the top and in this town, you can fall out of favor fast.

Critical Evaluation: This debut novel from reality tv sweetheart Lauren Conrad really followed the adage of write what you know. There can be no doubt in any reader's mind that Conrad is Jane and the entire book is written to further endear her to her public. Once you get over that, and after you've stopped trying to figure out who's who in real life of the rest of the characters, it's not actually too bad. That is, until the ending, or lack there of. Conrad signed a three book deal of which this was the first and never has a book been so obviously a set up for the sequel. I literally thought my copy was missing pages as the ending was so abrupt, but fans of Conrad's (of which there are many) will no doubt delight in the book despite it's issues.

Reader's Annotation: Jane and Scarlett have been friends forever. Surely nothing can change that, not even a new city and a reality tv deal, right?

About the Author: Lauren Conrad came to fame as a teenager on MTV's reality series Laguna Beach and then starred in a spin off series The Hills. She has used that platform to transform herself into a global brand with clothing lines and endorsement deals under her belt.

She has written 4 books, 3 young adult novels and 1 style guide, all of which have become best sellers. She recently signed on for another young adult series which will be released in the next few years.

information retrieved from http://www.laurenconrad.com/

Genre: Chick Lit

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: The role of reality tv in celebrity. Think of your own reality tv show.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: Lauren Conrad is a reality tv celebrity and this book might draw in a reluctant reader to the library and into other titles.

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

The Boyfriend List, by E. Lockhart, Delacorte Press, 2005, ISBN-13:978-0-385-73207-9

Plot Summary: Ruby Oliver has got problems. She lives on a house boat that's TWO buses away from all of her friends and her school. On top of that she's started having panic attacks, and her parents are making her see a shrink. The makes her write a list of all the guys she's ever been involved with, even if it just means she liked them once, years ago. On top of all of that, her supposed best friend is going out with her ex-boyfriend, and it's unclear when that started and all of her other friends are on THEIR side. Then, to make matters even worse, her "boyfriend list" ends up distributed all around school and everyone thinks she's an awful slut. No wonder she's having panic attacks. You would too if your life was like Ruby's.

Critical Evaluation: A charming addition to the teenage chick lit genre. While the heavy reliance on footnotes to move the story along makes the novel a little slow, the actual meat of the story is lovely. Ruby is a believable protaganist that has undeniably had a few bad breaks. Readers will root for her to come out on top after reading about the knocks she's taken and the supporting characters are fun. All in all, this novel doesn't strive for the pullitzer prize, but it achieves it's aims of a readable tale with a well written plot and enough drama to keep readers interested.

Reader's Annotation: Well, your list of boyfriends would be longer than mine I bet. I mean 15's not so many, right?

About the Author: Born in New York, NY in an undisclosed year, E. Lockhart grew up in Cambridge, MA and Seattle, WA. She spent her undergraduate years at Vassar and received her doctorate from Columbia University.

She has written 8 young adult novels and is very private about her family and personal life. She will reveal that she likes yoga and baking and that she has taught creative writing and composition at Columbia, Barnard and NYU.

Information retreived from http://www.emilylockhart.com/

Genre: Chick Lit

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Friends and double standards. Therapy and teens.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: A charming take on traditional chick lit

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Oh. My. Gods., by Tera Lyn Childs, Penguin Group, 2008, ISBN 978-0-14-241420-0

Plot Summary: High school senior Phoebe is ready for the best year of her life in Los Angeles. She just aced the summer track camp and if she keeps up her times and her grades she's guaranteed that scholarship to USC for next year. She and her two best friends have been planning it forever and Phoebe can't wait to make it happen! Then, her mom comes back from Greece with news, she's getting married and they're moving to a tiny island in Greece - right now. Phoebe's plans are thrown out of the window and when she arrives in Serfopoula it gets worse. Her new stepsister hates her, everyone at her new school is descended from Greek gods, and she can't tell anyone about it - not even her two best friends back in Los Angeles. At least she still has running - at least on a trial basis.

Critical Evaluation: Greek myth retellings and riffs on Greek myths are having their day in the young adult genre sun right now and this is a capable addition to the existing list of titles. Childs definitely stays away from too many "lessons" and "deep issues" and the result is fun from the first to the last page. A nice combination of chick lit and fantasy, this book will be popular with teen girls and I'm sure those who read this title will be hungry for more from Childs when they're done. The Greek mythology aspect of the tale is woven in well and feels organic, not just a last minute add on. A fun read for the beach.

Reader's Annotation: Phoebe's got it all figured out - USC next year with her best friends. Then her mom gets remarried and it's off to a tiny greek island - could things get any worse?

About the Author: Born outside of Minneapolis, Childs spent her youth travelling from city to city with her theater family. Once it was up to her, she continued that nomadic tradition and spent her time in college in University of Colorado - Boulder and Columbia University, where she majored in theater. She then recieved a masters in historic preservation at Columbia University.

After all of that school, she decided what she really wanted to do was write and achieved her goal with the publication of Oh.My.Gods. Since then she has written several novels for young adults and continues to roam in search of a permanent home.

Information retreived from teralynnchilds.com

Genre: Fantasy, Chick Lit

Curriculum Ties: History (loose tie)

Booktalking Ideas: Retell your own Greek myth.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: Representative of the Greek myth trend

Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner

Thief Eyes, by Janni Lee Simner, Random House Children's Books, 2010, ISBN 978-0-375-96670-5

Plot Summary: 16 year old Haley's having a hard time adjusting to her mother's disappearance so she finally convinces her father to take her to Iceland, where her mother was last seen. Once there, Haley learns that there's more to the disappearance than she was led to believe. Her father had been having an affair and her mother ran away from him when she found out, and got more than she bargained for. Then Haley finds a strange coin and events are set in to motion that she can't stop and it seems that the Norse myths are real and Haley and her new friend Ari, son of the woman her father had an affair with, are trapped in an otherworldly realm that it's going to take all of their wits to get out of. Slowly, working together, they start to see what they're dealing with, but is it too late?

Critical Evaluation: A lovely tale that combines classic teeange angst with a backdrop of Iceland and Nordic myths. At times the back and forth between real life and the myth can be confusing and the timeline muddled, but at it's heart this is an adventure of two heros up against the odds. This genre is exploding as we speak and soon we'll have enough in the genre to separate the good from the bad. I'm confident that when the dust settles Simner's effort will rise to the top.

Reader's Annotation: Haley knows that there's more to her mother's disappearance than her father is letting on and the only way to learn more is to go to Iceland, so that's where she's headed.

About the Author: Janni Lee Simner grew up in New York and attended Washington University in St. Louis. She has written several fantasy stories for young adults and children.

These days Simner is married and lives in Tuscon, AZ. She maintains an active personal blog.

Information retreived from http://www.simner.com/

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Geography/history of Iceland as important to the plot. Myths of Iceland.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: Good version of the myth retelling genre outside of the commonly used greek myths.

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Fairy Tale, by Cyn Balog, Delacorte Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-385-90644-9

Plot Summary: Cam and Morgan have been together forever, literally. They grew up next door to each other and they've never even thought about breaking up. Now their 16th birthday (that's right, they're so together they even share a birthday) is coming up and they're planning a joint party. Then, out of nowhere, Cam's freaky cousin Pip shows up, and things start getting weird, and since Morgan can see the future that's saying something. Turns out, Cam is a fairy and Pip is a human, they were switched at birth and now the fairies want Cam back - but Morgan's not going to let him go without a fight. Because if Morgan knows one thing, it's that she and Cam are meant to be together forever. But there is something there with Pip too, but that can't be right, it's Morgan+Cam=forever, right?

Critical Evaluation: While Cyn Balog's debut novel isn't the most ambitious literary work, it's good old plain fun and offers a new spin on the, at this point, commonly seen urban fairy fantasy story. The reader will be on the edge of their seats to see what will happen with Cam, Morgan and the mysterious Pip. The story is fast paced and their are some surprises. At the end of the novel, I wanted to know more about Pip, Morgan and Cam and the cohices they had made, a good sign in any book. Balog has a way with words and she creates a delightful story. Teens will be a fan of Balog and her subsequent novels seem ready to take advantage of her new readers.

Reader's Annotation: Cam + Morgan = love forever, I should know, I'm Morgan and I can see the future.

About the Author: Cyn Balog was born in Edison, NJ and went to Douglass College, Rutgers where she met her husband. Fairy Tale was her first novel, and since then she's published four other books.

Recently, she's returned to the job force while continuing to write. She lives with her husband and children in Pennsylvania.

Information retreived from cynbalog.com

Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fairy

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Rethink other fairy tales with Cam, Pip and Morgan. Imagine an alternate ending with Cam staying.

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: A fun take on the fairy fantasy genre.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin

A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula Le Guin, Bantam Dell, 1968, ISBN 0-553-26250-5

Plot Summary: Sparrowhawk has grown up on the small outlying island of Gont, far from anything. All of his siblings are grown and he's not quite sure where he fits in. When is village is threatened by attacking warriors, Sparrowhawk summons all of his will to hide the village and its residents, and he does. From that day on his aunt, the local mage, attempts to hone his obvious magical talent, but he's soon outpaced her instruction. One day, a mage comes to town because of what he's heard about Sparrowhawk's abilities. Sparrowhawk joins him and he begins to teach Sparrowhawk more about his talents, and receives his true name that holds power over him, Ged. Ged isn't satisfied with the slow teachings of his master mage, and when taunted by a local lady he attempts a spell beyond his talents and a shadowy creature is unleashed that follows him. Eventually, Ged makes his way to the wizard school on the island of Roke to complete his training, but it's harder than that to shake the shadow creature he's unleashed.

Critical Evaluation: Ursula Le Guin is a master in the fantasy genre and in her most famous work it's easy to see why. Le Guin creates an amazing world that rivals Middle Earth for complexity and she's able to continue to introduce new pieces of history and reveal at every turn. Although this is just the first installment in a four part series, this book stands on its own two legs and would be a classic if it was the first and last of these books. Le Guin continually amazes and readers will be drawn in today just as they were when this was first published, decades ago.

Reader's Annotation: Ged starts out a misfit on a lonely island, but before long he's bound for much more than he ever thought possible.

About the Author: Born in 1929 in Berkeley, CA to a writer and anthropologist. She attended Radcliffe College, receiving her BA there in 1951. Earned her MA from Columbia University in 1952.

She is a lifetime achievement award winnner in science fiction and has written 21 novels to date, including her seminal series, the Earthsea Chronicles.

Information retreived from http://www.ursulakleguin.com/

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: How much can you control your own destiny? Can you ever undo anything completely?

Reading Level: 13+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Magic
Challenge Response: I would work with teachers that have taught this title and Le Guin's responses to any challenges.

Why is This Included: A true classic in the fantasy genre that's still fresh today.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, 2008, ISBN-13:978-0-7653-1985-2

Plot Summary: Marcus is used to evading the prying eyes of big brother - at school and at home. He's active on the Xnet and built a laptop from the mother board up to avoid the school tracking that comes with the free laptop that the school issues. He and his friends love playing the game Harajuku Fun Madness together. One day, they skip school to track down the latest clue in their favorite game and are in the wrong place at the wrong time when the Bay Bridge is destroyed by terrorists. When Marcus and his friends attempt to find help they're picked up by agents for the Department of homeland security and taken into custody. No matter what they say they can't convince these agents that they're innocent and when they're eventually released their every moves are tracked. Marcus can't believe what he's seen, and the fact that his own government would sanction it. Spurred into action because of these events, and the continued disappearance of his best friend, Marcus decides it's time to take action.

Critical Evaluation: Cory Doctorow has created a modern masterpiece in this amazing novel. Readers will start to look over their shoulder for the prying eyes of big brother and they'll never look at formerly innocuous tracking devices like FasTrak and Subway fast passes again. The scary part of this novel is all of the things that are already happening from Doctorow's list of doomsday events and combined with the escalating state of affairs with terrorism and government tracking a la the USA PATRIOT Act, even the most pro-government among us will start to wonder just who's watching. Doctorow makes a name for himself that he won't soon live down, and all eyes will be on his new works. No matter how scary it is to make it through this novel, it's even harder to put down and the ideas outlined here will stay with you long after you stop reading your freely downloaded version of the book.

Reader's Annotation: Marcus is used to evading the prying eyes of big brother. But when his hometown is attacked by terrorists everything changes, and Marcus has to decide what's really important .

About the Author: Cory Doctorow is a science fiction author, an activist, journalist and a blogger. He's the co-author of the http://www.boingboing.net/, a popular weblog. He's a pioneer in the field of copyright and intellectual freedom and he releases all of his fiction titles simultaneously for free download on his personal website.

He's the co-founder of the open source software program OpenCola and he and his wife live in London with their young daughter. He's originally from Toronto.

Information retreived from craphound.com

Genre: Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Civics

Booktalking Ideas: What surveillance do you see that's effective, what's not working?

Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Challenges to government surveillance,
Challenge Response: Using Doctorow's own blogs and resources provided would be a good first step to talking about the book with a challenger

Why is This Included: A game changer in science fiction, this book will have teens talking and thinking.

Skunk Girl by Sheba Karim

Skunk Girl by Sheba Karim, Farrar Straus Giroux, 2009, ISBN-10:0-374-37011-4

Plot Summary: Nina Khan lives in the tiny town of Deer Hook with her Pakistani Muslim family. Her older sister has set the bar pretty high, what with being valedictorian and going to Harvard and all, and Nina's parents won't let her forget it. She's got two best friends that keep her sane and fill her in on all of the details of the parties she can't go to and she can't even wear shorts on the hottest day of the year. But Nina's got her eye on Asher, a kid who used to live in Italy and could have anyone he wants. Of course, Nina wouldn't be allowed to date him, even if he did like her back, but a girls got to have something to day dream about, right?

Critical Evaluation: Sheba Karim shows off the intelligence that made her a Fulbright scholar in this debut novel. She creates a beautiful protaganist in Nina Khan, not so perfect to be annoying and not so lame to be depressing, Nina's just trying to make her way through life as a Muslim in a tiny town, and Karim's novel offers teen readers a perspective that's not usually seen in this type of novel. Well written, funny, poignet with plenty of food for thought, I for one will be anxious to read Karim's future works.

Reader's Annotation: As if it's not hard enough to be a muslim teen in Deer Hook, now she's got a patch of hair that runs down the length of her back. Nina Khan - world's luckiest teen.

About the Author: Sheba Karim grew up in Catskill, NY and is a graduate of NYU School of Law and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She has written one novel, Skunk Girl, and contributed fiction to many many magazines.

She's was a 2009-2010 recipient of Fullbright-Nehru and is currently based in New Dehli. She also blogs about cheap eats in New York, NY and is working on her next book, a historical fiction novel based in 13th century India.

Information retreived from http://www.shebakarim.com/

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: First generation american literature

Booktalking Ideas: Can you imagine not being able to show your legs? Can you think of other cultures that have restrictions on their teens actions/wardrobes?

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: N/A

Why is This Included: A muslim perspective not often seen

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause, Bantam Doubleday Dell Books, 1997, ISBN 0-440-22668-6

Plot Summary: After her father is killed in a fire that started because her supposed buddies, the five, couldn't keep their muderous instincts to themselves, Vivian's fed up with the werewolf pack she belongs to and just wants to be normal for awhile. Despite all of the five pursuing her, she decides to take up with Aiden, a sweet and sensitive "meat boy". Things seem to be going great and for the first time in a long time she's able to laugh and enjoy herself. She's not haunted by the death of her father, the provocative behavior of her mother or the growing tensions of a pack with no leader when she's with Aiden. But, there's one part of herself she can't share with Aiden, it's forbidden to show her dual nature to someone outside of the pack. But the more time she spends with Aiden, the more she's sure he would understand. He's definitely different, she's sure of it.

Critical Evaluation: Annette Curtis Klause does the unbelievable and she makes the concerns of a teenage werewolf seem just like the concerns of a regular teen who's worried about who will ask her to prom. Vivian is a strong and vulnerable lead who readers will root for form the minute they are introduced to her. As she follows her path to try to find where she fits in the world, readers will grow along with her and start to question their own urges and feelings. Curtis Klause is a master in this genre and her titles are always hotly anticipated and immediately devoured by fans everywhere. Wonderful storytelling combined with unique, well developed characters is always a recipe for success, and that's the case here.

Reader's Annotation: After her father is killed in a fire that she thinks she could have prevented, Vivian's not so sure she wants to be a werewolf anymore. But, what choice does she have?

About the Author: Annette Curtis Klause is a children's librarian in Maryland and her full time job has slowed her novel production. Writes in the paranormal genre.

Born in England in 1953, emigrated to America as a teenager. Received her BA and MLS from the University of Maryland in 1976 and 1978 respectively.

Information retreived from Something About the Author Database

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Can you think of a modern promotion that's like the werewolves policy of pack fighting to find a new leader?

Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues: Sexually Explicit, Paranormal
Challenge Response: Tie to other classic titles that have paranormal elements and showcase literary quality.

Why is This Title Included: From the well regarded author this is a great take on werewolves, with the not often seen female werewolves taking center stage.