The "H" Reviews--See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
*Newberry Honor Book 2011; Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature; ALSC Notable Children’s Book; Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year List, 2011; 2011 Kiddo Award - Editor’s Pick, Notable Book for a Global Society in 2011; Listed as one of the Best Children’s Books of 2010 by Publishers Weekly; Young Hoosier Award nominee; 2013 Global Reading Challenge Book- Seattle Public Library*
Core themes: Japanese culture; dealing with difference; racism
Drugs/alcohol: Some of the sailors drink, but never Manjiro or his friends.
Religion/occult: Manjiro speaks occasionally of his Buddhist faith, but it is not an important part of the story. While in the United States, he attends a number of churches with his adoptive parents before they find one that will accept him, but he doesn’t seem to be baptized or to believe the Christian faith at all. (He basically never mentions it.) When he returns to Japan, he stomps on an image of the Madonna and child (Fumi-e) without a second thought. Though disturbing to a Christian (especially a Catholic), this was a standard practice in that time in Japan, so parents might use this incident as an opportunity to discuss the church in Japan. Manjiro says in the story that the Western missionaries were one of the reasons Japan closed its borders: “Seeing how the native islanders here [in Hawai’i] were expected to change almost everything about their lives for the missionaries, Manjiro could understand why Japan had expelled them.”
Romance/sexuality: 1 (no physical romance)
Violence/abuse: There is a graphic description of the violent death of a whale while Manjiro serves on the whaling boat that rescues them. This is presented in a way that manages to honor the strength and bravery of the men, as well as the beauty and magnificence of the whale. It is appropriate for the era and informative for those who are interested in historical fiction. Also, there is a time when Manjiro and his friend are attacked by a group of drunken sailors. There is a fight, and Manjiro sets a man’s beard (soaked with rum) on fire.
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is historical fiction based on the real life of a 14-year-old Japanese boy shipwrecked and rescued by a US ship. He was probably the first Japanese person ever to come to the United States. Told from his point of view, American culture in the 1840s is presented by an outsider and reveals much about the time. Manjiro faces racism and struggles with his own fears of the Barbarians (white men). Despite his years in America and his love of his adopted family, he realizes he will never be accepted into American society. He tries to return to Japan and must endure prison before being allowed to return to his home. This is a marvelous story of perseverance, understanding different cultures, acting as a liaison between peoples, and the value of education and hard work. In addition, the historical information seems to be well researched and accurate, bringing the time period to life. The illustrations in the book include work done by the real Manjiro, as well as some historical illustrations, all of which add greatly to the text.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.margipreus.com/margipreus.com/Margi_Preus_-_Books.html
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
*Newberry Honor Book 2011; Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature; ALSC Notable Children’s Book; Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year List, 2011; 2011 Kiddo Award - Editor’s Pick, Notable Book for a Global Society in 2011; Listed as one of the Best Children’s Books of 2010 by Publishers Weekly; Young Hoosier Award nominee; 2013 Global Reading Challenge Book- Seattle Public Library*
Core themes: Japanese culture; dealing with difference; racism
Drugs/alcohol: Some of the sailors drink, but never Manjiro or his friends.
Religion/occult: Manjiro speaks occasionally of his Buddhist faith, but it is not an important part of the story. While in the United States, he attends a number of churches with his adoptive parents before they find one that will accept him, but he doesn’t seem to be baptized or to believe the Christian faith at all. (He basically never mentions it.) When he returns to Japan, he stomps on an image of the Madonna and child (Fumi-e) without a second thought. Though disturbing to a Christian (especially a Catholic), this was a standard practice in that time in Japan, so parents might use this incident as an opportunity to discuss the church in Japan. Manjiro says in the story that the Western missionaries were one of the reasons Japan closed its borders: “Seeing how the native islanders here [in Hawai’i] were expected to change almost everything about their lives for the missionaries, Manjiro could understand why Japan had expelled them.”
Romance/sexuality: 1 (no physical romance)
Violence/abuse: There is a graphic description of the violent death of a whale while Manjiro serves on the whaling boat that rescues them. This is presented in a way that manages to honor the strength and bravery of the men, as well as the beauty and magnificence of the whale. It is appropriate for the era and informative for those who are interested in historical fiction. Also, there is a time when Manjiro and his friend are attacked by a group of drunken sailors. There is a fight, and Manjiro sets a man’s beard (soaked with rum) on fire.
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is historical fiction based on the real life of a 14-year-old Japanese boy shipwrecked and rescued by a US ship. He was probably the first Japanese person ever to come to the United States. Told from his point of view, American culture in the 1840s is presented by an outsider and reveals much about the time. Manjiro faces racism and struggles with his own fears of the Barbarians (white men). Despite his years in America and his love of his adopted family, he realizes he will never be accepted into American society. He tries to return to Japan and must endure prison before being allowed to return to his home. This is a marvelous story of perseverance, understanding different cultures, acting as a liaison between peoples, and the value of education and hard work. In addition, the historical information seems to be well researched and accurate, bringing the time period to life. The illustrations in the book include work done by the real Manjiro, as well as some historical illustrations, all of which add greatly to the text.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.margipreus.com/margipreus.com/Margi_Preus_-_Books.html
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Heroes of Olympus series, by Rick Riordan (books 1-5)
Reviews for this series are listed by individual title. At this time only book 1 has been reviewed.
Reviews for this series are listed by individual title. At this time only book 1 has been reviewed.
Hidden Like Anne Frank: 14 True Stories of Survival, by Marcel Prins & Peter Henk Steenhuis
Why this book is worth considering:
Most people know the story of teenage Anne Frank through her remarkable diary, which she kept throughout her years in hiding during World War II. It is easy to forget, though, that she was only one of many Jewish young people to hide from the Nazis. In this book we are privileged to hear some of the other stories of juveniles who survived this long and horrible ordeal, speaking now as elderly adults looking back. Their stories of courage and fortitude are both inspiring and sobering, reminding us to hold in our hearts the memory of the six million Jews and other "undesirables" who did not survive the Nazi genocide. These stories are appropriate for any teen who already has a basic understanding of the Holocaust.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
As long as a teen understands the general events of the Holocaust and Hitler's Nazi regime, I would not hesitate to suggest this book. Though it does contain references to the concentration camps and the sufferings the Jews endured during World War II, I would compare most of it to a PG movie. That said, there were a very few descriptions of violence and suffering that were more graphic than the rest. These were brief and understated, but if a teen is particularly sensitive, it might be a good idea to wait a while before reading the book.
Literary artistry: * * * * * (Note: It is important to understand that this rating does not reflect the book's design, which was well-done, but the writing itself. The reader should recognize, however, that these stories are a translation from the original Dutch and are based on the direct interviews with those who lived through these events.)
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://hiddenlikeannefrank.com/about.php
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Why this book is worth considering:
Most people know the story of teenage Anne Frank through her remarkable diary, which she kept throughout her years in hiding during World War II. It is easy to forget, though, that she was only one of many Jewish young people to hide from the Nazis. In this book we are privileged to hear some of the other stories of juveniles who survived this long and horrible ordeal, speaking now as elderly adults looking back. Their stories of courage and fortitude are both inspiring and sobering, reminding us to hold in our hearts the memory of the six million Jews and other "undesirables" who did not survive the Nazi genocide. These stories are appropriate for any teen who already has a basic understanding of the Holocaust.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
As long as a teen understands the general events of the Holocaust and Hitler's Nazi regime, I would not hesitate to suggest this book. Though it does contain references to the concentration camps and the sufferings the Jews endured during World War II, I would compare most of it to a PG movie. That said, there were a very few descriptions of violence and suffering that were more graphic than the rest. These were brief and understated, but if a teen is particularly sensitive, it might be a good idea to wait a while before reading the book.
Literary artistry: * * * * * (Note: It is important to understand that this rating does not reflect the book's design, which was well-done, but the writing itself. The reader should recognize, however, that these stories are a translation from the original Dutch and are based on the direct interviews with those who lived through these events.)
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://hiddenlikeannefrank.com/about.php
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Home for the Holidays, by Heather Vogel Frederick (The Mother-Daughter Book Club series, #4)
Core themes: relationships between mothers and daughters, family friendships and relationships, friendship troubles, and boy problems.
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: They attend church for Christmas.
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Home for the Holidays is the fourth book in the Mother-Daughter Book Club series. The series spans from middle school to being a sophomore in high school. The book club reads a variety of excellent classics throughout the series. In Home for the Holidays they read the Betsy-Tacy series. Before reading this book I had never heard of Betsy-Tacy, but after thoroughly enjoying Home for the Holidays, I decided to give it a try. It has become one of my favorite series, next to the Mother- Daughter Book Club books. Home for the Holidays finds everyone on a Christmas vacation, but close quarters also brings friendship troubles for the girls. A silly prank almost breaks up the bond that holds them together. It’s a very good book to curl up on the couch with when the snow is falling. It will hook you from start to finish!
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.heathervogelfrederick.com/
Reviewer: Emily Holland
Core themes: relationships between mothers and daughters, family friendships and relationships, friendship troubles, and boy problems.
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: They attend church for Christmas.
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Home for the Holidays is the fourth book in the Mother-Daughter Book Club series. The series spans from middle school to being a sophomore in high school. The book club reads a variety of excellent classics throughout the series. In Home for the Holidays they read the Betsy-Tacy series. Before reading this book I had never heard of Betsy-Tacy, but after thoroughly enjoying Home for the Holidays, I decided to give it a try. It has become one of my favorite series, next to the Mother- Daughter Book Club books. Home for the Holidays finds everyone on a Christmas vacation, but close quarters also brings friendship troubles for the girls. A silly prank almost breaks up the bond that holds them together. It’s a very good book to curl up on the couch with when the snow is falling. It will hook you from start to finish!
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.heathervogelfrederick.com/
Reviewer: Emily Holland
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Hope Was Here, by Joan Bauer
*2011 Newbery Honor Award; Winner of the Newbery Honor Award; Christopher Award winner; Michigan’s Thumbs Up Award winner; M. Jerry Weiss Reading Award winner; An ALA Notable Book; An ALA BBYA; nominated for 25 State awards*
Core themes: the power and importance of hope, especially during our darkest times; finding one's place in the world after abandonment; learning how to deal with grief and anger constructively; what it means to be a true parent; the beauty of a strong character; making a difference in the world through politics, whether young or old; working through the process of a terminal illness and the aftermath for those left behind upon death; how the simple act of providing good food and service can be a powerful way to touch people's lives
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: a local pastor enters the story on occasion to lend his support and prayers to the primary characters
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: Hope, the lead character, was abandoned by her father (doesn't even know his name) and given by her mother to her mother's sister in infancy. She comes on occasion to visit Hope, but the relationship is awkward and loveless, which hurts Hope deeply.
Vulgarities: 1 Comment: I have to qualify this a little bit, as I am uncertain whether to give this category a 1 or 5. The word "Lord" is used at times in the way that "God" often is, and once a character breathes a "Sweet Jesus" in a half-serious/half-vulgar way.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: An absolute gem and worthy of its Newbery Honor status, Hope Was Here is the kind of book I wish was the norm in YA literature. It is beautifully written, meaningful, rich in thought-provoking themes (both light and serious), and fully wrapped around life.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.joanbauer.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*2011 Newbery Honor Award; Winner of the Newbery Honor Award; Christopher Award winner; Michigan’s Thumbs Up Award winner; M. Jerry Weiss Reading Award winner; An ALA Notable Book; An ALA BBYA; nominated for 25 State awards*
Core themes: the power and importance of hope, especially during our darkest times; finding one's place in the world after abandonment; learning how to deal with grief and anger constructively; what it means to be a true parent; the beauty of a strong character; making a difference in the world through politics, whether young or old; working through the process of a terminal illness and the aftermath for those left behind upon death; how the simple act of providing good food and service can be a powerful way to touch people's lives
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: a local pastor enters the story on occasion to lend his support and prayers to the primary characters
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: Hope, the lead character, was abandoned by her father (doesn't even know his name) and given by her mother to her mother's sister in infancy. She comes on occasion to visit Hope, but the relationship is awkward and loveless, which hurts Hope deeply.
Vulgarities: 1 Comment: I have to qualify this a little bit, as I am uncertain whether to give this category a 1 or 5. The word "Lord" is used at times in the way that "God" often is, and once a character breathes a "Sweet Jesus" in a half-serious/half-vulgar way.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: An absolute gem and worthy of its Newbery Honor status, Hope Was Here is the kind of book I wish was the norm in YA literature. It is beautifully written, meaningful, rich in thought-provoking themes (both light and serious), and fully wrapped around life.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.joanbauer.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
The Horn of Moran, by M.L. Forman (Adventurers Wanted, book 2)
Why this book is worth considering:
The adventures continue! Alex gets back into it with his friends in the “known” lands, hoping to finally meet his mentor, wizard Whalen. The pressure doesn’t back off of this budding wizard/warrior with griffins, goblins, and a ton more treasure. Usually we meet wizards when they’re old, but now we get to see all the beginnings. This book adds weddings and politics and hints of possible romance for our hero. It’s lots of fun. I continue to enjoy this author’s style. Themes of honor and friendship are still in the forefront which only adds to the charm.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
If you’re not thrilled with magic or tons of treasure, then it might not be right. The magic is inborn in certain characters and invoked through speaking, thought, or hand gestures. There is a fair amount of violence with mystical creatures (trolls, dragons, etc.) and bandits, but none of it bloody in description. Alex deals with death and the after affects of killing and what that might mean. Overall, the violence is on par with the Lord of the Rings.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: http://www.adventurerswanted.com/
Reviewer: Ethan Blomquist
Why this book is worth considering:
The adventures continue! Alex gets back into it with his friends in the “known” lands, hoping to finally meet his mentor, wizard Whalen. The pressure doesn’t back off of this budding wizard/warrior with griffins, goblins, and a ton more treasure. Usually we meet wizards when they’re old, but now we get to see all the beginnings. This book adds weddings and politics and hints of possible romance for our hero. It’s lots of fun. I continue to enjoy this author’s style. Themes of honor and friendship are still in the forefront which only adds to the charm.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
If you’re not thrilled with magic or tons of treasure, then it might not be right. The magic is inborn in certain characters and invoked through speaking, thought, or hand gestures. There is a fair amount of violence with mystical creatures (trolls, dragons, etc.) and bandits, but none of it bloody in description. Alex deals with death and the after affects of killing and what that might mean. Overall, the violence is on par with the Lord of the Rings.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: http://www.adventurerswanted.com/
Reviewer: Ethan Blomquist
The Hound of Rowan, by Henry H. Neff (The Tapestry series, book 1)
*2009 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
This is the American Harry Potter… with quite a few twists, which make it fun. This is a non-wand, ancient sort of magic, based in mythology as fact. The boy discovers he has magic, he’s accepted at the school, and goes to school…. and evil threatens around every corner. Good vs. evil, redemption, deception, fighting, soccer, grief, family, and some teen romance. The romance is maybe a little much for the 12-year-old protagonist, but it will probably make more sense as the series continues.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Again, this is the American Harry Potter, which might concern anti-Potter parents. Also, there is a fair amount of fighting in the story. Some teen boys tease and fight. There are some battles with evil enemies with knives and a makeshift spear. The romance, as I said, may seem a little much for the ages of the characters. There is mention of teens kissing and a couple kisses on the cheek. At one point, a magical creature causes several teens to give in to their feelings to chase and kiss each other, which is supposed to be comical.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.henryhneff.com/
Reviewer: Ethan Blomquist
*2009 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
This is the American Harry Potter… with quite a few twists, which make it fun. This is a non-wand, ancient sort of magic, based in mythology as fact. The boy discovers he has magic, he’s accepted at the school, and goes to school…. and evil threatens around every corner. Good vs. evil, redemption, deception, fighting, soccer, grief, family, and some teen romance. The romance is maybe a little much for the 12-year-old protagonist, but it will probably make more sense as the series continues.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Again, this is the American Harry Potter, which might concern anti-Potter parents. Also, there is a fair amount of fighting in the story. Some teen boys tease and fight. There are some battles with evil enemies with knives and a makeshift spear. The romance, as I said, may seem a little much for the ages of the characters. There is mention of teens kissing and a couple kisses on the cheek. At one point, a magical creature causes several teens to give in to their feelings to chase and kiss each other, which is supposed to be comical.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.henryhneff.com/
Reviewer: Ethan Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer
*National Book Award, 2012; Newbery Honor 2003; Michael L. Printz Award Honor 2003; Bextehuder Bulle 2003 (Germany); ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults; IRA Young Adults' Choices; Sequoyah Young Adult Award; Volunteer State Award, 2006; Arizona Young Readers Teen Award 2005; South Carolina Junior Readers Award 2005-06; Rhode Island Teen Book AAward nominee 2004; Young Hoosier Book Award 2006; Nevada Young Readers' Award 2005; Senior Young Readers' Choice Award; Pacific NW Library Association 2005; Bay Area Book Reviewers' Association Award for Children's Literature*
Core themes: This book is unusual in the way that it doesn't so much present big ideas but instead raises questions to ponder. Yes, there are general themes: the struggle to survive and find a place in the world; power and greed vs. humility and nobility; finding the courage to stand up for what is right in the presence of great evil. However, throughout the book the reader is faced with Big Questions. What does it mean to be human? What is our essence: a soul or a bunch of body parts? Where does morality come from? Can people be property? Is cloning ethical? Would cloned humans be individuals in their own right, or would they be just an extension (and therefore property) of the original human? How far can and should humans go to be like God? Is freedom something we receive from others, or is it something for which each person must fight and take responsibility? These questions make this story a rich mine of meaningful topics for group or parent/teen discussions.
Drugs/alcohol: Drugs are an essential part of the story, because the United States and Mexico (now called Aztlan) have allowed the creation of an in-between country called Opium. Opium is a narrow strip of land that is dedicated to the growing of opium for sale throughout the world, except for the U.S per mutual agreement. This political "fact" is essential to the development of the plot. Also in the story a supporting adult character and a minor adult character take laudanum, an opium derivative. Other drug/alcohol intake includes Matt drinking diluted champagne at a party, his bodyguard drinking alcohol, and his caretaker-mother confessing to dosing Matt for a long time with bits of arsenic. This is done to protect him from being killed and used for replacement body parts.
Religion/occult: Because the setting of the novel is in what we know today as Mexico, Catholicism is the dominant religion. Because of this, the novel makes occasional references to Catholic customs, such as a Catholic funeral with a priest, devotional objects (such as statues), and superstition mixed with orthodox theology. There is also a brief discussion of baptism and what it means for a clone like Matt.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2 -- very mild and infrequent
Violence/abuse: Matt, the protagonist, suffers a lot of emotional, verbal, and physical abuse from both adults and children--including the priest, who does not consider him to be human (almost no one does). Because he is a clone, he is not accepted by society and is considered even lower than an animal by most people. Also, in the novel other children are physically abused, as well as cats and a frog, and El Patron considers all human beings in his care to be his property. At the end (SPOILER ALERT) he kills them all through secretly poisoned wine (requesting in his will that they drink it in a toast to him). Other violent situations include references to several deaths, a dog is poisoned (non-graphic), a group of boys beat up their prison guards to protect a small boy, and Matt's bodyguard drinks the poisoned wine at the end, knowing it will kill himself and all the other people at the funeral who drink it.
Vulgarities: 1
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is one of those rare novels that had me in a state of awe as I read it. I do not normally care for dark novels, but this was different. It is a brilliant piece of work, certainly one of the most original stories I've ever read. It isn't an easy story to read, though, as the character spends most of the novel in a state of fear, abuse, or painful self-discovery. Although the novel is somewhat dark, however, it is not without hope. In fact, as the novel unfolded I began to sense that underneath the horrible situations, the author was seeking to celebrate life and the innate, God-given goodness in human beings. Rich in discussion points and theological themes (see "Core themes" above), this is a novel I recommend reading with teens in order to help them sort through the moral dilemmas and the challenging questions about life that Farmer raises.
Author website: http://www.nancyfarmerwebsite.com
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*National Book Award, 2012; Newbery Honor 2003; Michael L. Printz Award Honor 2003; Bextehuder Bulle 2003 (Germany); ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults; IRA Young Adults' Choices; Sequoyah Young Adult Award; Volunteer State Award, 2006; Arizona Young Readers Teen Award 2005; South Carolina Junior Readers Award 2005-06; Rhode Island Teen Book AAward nominee 2004; Young Hoosier Book Award 2006; Nevada Young Readers' Award 2005; Senior Young Readers' Choice Award; Pacific NW Library Association 2005; Bay Area Book Reviewers' Association Award for Children's Literature*
Core themes: This book is unusual in the way that it doesn't so much present big ideas but instead raises questions to ponder. Yes, there are general themes: the struggle to survive and find a place in the world; power and greed vs. humility and nobility; finding the courage to stand up for what is right in the presence of great evil. However, throughout the book the reader is faced with Big Questions. What does it mean to be human? What is our essence: a soul or a bunch of body parts? Where does morality come from? Can people be property? Is cloning ethical? Would cloned humans be individuals in their own right, or would they be just an extension (and therefore property) of the original human? How far can and should humans go to be like God? Is freedom something we receive from others, or is it something for which each person must fight and take responsibility? These questions make this story a rich mine of meaningful topics for group or parent/teen discussions.
Drugs/alcohol: Drugs are an essential part of the story, because the United States and Mexico (now called Aztlan) have allowed the creation of an in-between country called Opium. Opium is a narrow strip of land that is dedicated to the growing of opium for sale throughout the world, except for the U.S per mutual agreement. This political "fact" is essential to the development of the plot. Also in the story a supporting adult character and a minor adult character take laudanum, an opium derivative. Other drug/alcohol intake includes Matt drinking diluted champagne at a party, his bodyguard drinking alcohol, and his caretaker-mother confessing to dosing Matt for a long time with bits of arsenic. This is done to protect him from being killed and used for replacement body parts.
Religion/occult: Because the setting of the novel is in what we know today as Mexico, Catholicism is the dominant religion. Because of this, the novel makes occasional references to Catholic customs, such as a Catholic funeral with a priest, devotional objects (such as statues), and superstition mixed with orthodox theology. There is also a brief discussion of baptism and what it means for a clone like Matt.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2 -- very mild and infrequent
Violence/abuse: Matt, the protagonist, suffers a lot of emotional, verbal, and physical abuse from both adults and children--including the priest, who does not consider him to be human (almost no one does). Because he is a clone, he is not accepted by society and is considered even lower than an animal by most people. Also, in the novel other children are physically abused, as well as cats and a frog, and El Patron considers all human beings in his care to be his property. At the end (SPOILER ALERT) he kills them all through secretly poisoned wine (requesting in his will that they drink it in a toast to him). Other violent situations include references to several deaths, a dog is poisoned (non-graphic), a group of boys beat up their prison guards to protect a small boy, and Matt's bodyguard drinks the poisoned wine at the end, knowing it will kill himself and all the other people at the funeral who drink it.
Vulgarities: 1
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is one of those rare novels that had me in a state of awe as I read it. I do not normally care for dark novels, but this was different. It is a brilliant piece of work, certainly one of the most original stories I've ever read. It isn't an easy story to read, though, as the character spends most of the novel in a state of fear, abuse, or painful self-discovery. Although the novel is somewhat dark, however, it is not without hope. In fact, as the novel unfolded I began to sense that underneath the horrible situations, the author was seeking to celebrate life and the innate, God-given goodness in human beings. Rich in discussion points and theological themes (see "Core themes" above), this is a novel I recommend reading with teens in order to help them sort through the moral dilemmas and the challenging questions about life that Farmer raises.
Author website: http://www.nancyfarmerwebsite.com
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games Trilogy, book 1)
*made into movie 2012; sequel, Catching Fire, made into movie 2013; #1 NYT Bestseller; #1 USA Today Bestseller; Wall Street Journal Bestseller; Publisher's Weekly Bestseller; Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 2008, Children's Fiction; NYT Notable Children's Book of 2008; An ALA Top Ten Best Books for Youn Adults Selection; An ALA Notable Children's Book; 2009 ALA Amelia Bloomer Project List; #1 on Winter '08/'09 Children's Indie Next List; Indies Choice--Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book Honor; 2008 Cybil Award--Fantasy and Sci-fi; 2009 Children's Choice Book Award; Teen Choice Book of the Year Finalist; YALSA's Teens' Top Ten, 2009; NYPL "Stuff for the Teen Age" List, 2009; CCBC Choices 2009; A NYT Editor's Choice; A Kirkus Best Book of 2008; A Horn Book Fanfare; School Library Journal Best Books of 2008; A Booklist Editors' Choice, 2008; LA Times Favorite Children's Books, 2008; Barnes & Noble Best Books of 2008 for Teens and Kids; Borders Best Books of 2008: Teens; Amazon Best Books of 2008: Top 100 Editors' Picks and Top 10 Books: Teens*
Core themes: sacrifice, survival, friendship, violence as a means of self-preservation, trust
Drugs/alcohol: One former tribute becomes an alcoholic after winning the games. Some scenes showing him intoxicated. One instance of adults and teens having wine with dinner.
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: The premise of this book is that two tributes from each district are forced to compete to the death in The Hunger Games for the entertainment of the country. It is only over when there is one tribute left alive. There are killings with knives, spears, poisoning, choking, bow and arrows and mutant animals. The violence is incorporated as part of the story, not as a way to be gratuitous or glorify killing.
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is a futuristic story set in North America after natural disasters and wars have changed the landscape. The violent premise of this book might be a turn-off to some readers. However, if you can get beyond some of the brutality, it is an engaging and thought-provoking story that will have you wondering how far you would go to protect your loved ones and yourself. Told through the eyes of the protagonist, we get to understand her motives and her will to survive and do the right thing–-despite being forced into an impossible situation. The plotting and writing are top-notch for teen fiction.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
*made into movie 2012; sequel, Catching Fire, made into movie 2013; #1 NYT Bestseller; #1 USA Today Bestseller; Wall Street Journal Bestseller; Publisher's Weekly Bestseller; Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 2008, Children's Fiction; NYT Notable Children's Book of 2008; An ALA Top Ten Best Books for Youn Adults Selection; An ALA Notable Children's Book; 2009 ALA Amelia Bloomer Project List; #1 on Winter '08/'09 Children's Indie Next List; Indies Choice--Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book Honor; 2008 Cybil Award--Fantasy and Sci-fi; 2009 Children's Choice Book Award; Teen Choice Book of the Year Finalist; YALSA's Teens' Top Ten, 2009; NYPL "Stuff for the Teen Age" List, 2009; CCBC Choices 2009; A NYT Editor's Choice; A Kirkus Best Book of 2008; A Horn Book Fanfare; School Library Journal Best Books of 2008; A Booklist Editors' Choice, 2008; LA Times Favorite Children's Books, 2008; Barnes & Noble Best Books of 2008 for Teens and Kids; Borders Best Books of 2008: Teens; Amazon Best Books of 2008: Top 100 Editors' Picks and Top 10 Books: Teens*
Core themes: sacrifice, survival, friendship, violence as a means of self-preservation, trust
Drugs/alcohol: One former tribute becomes an alcoholic after winning the games. Some scenes showing him intoxicated. One instance of adults and teens having wine with dinner.
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: The premise of this book is that two tributes from each district are forced to compete to the death in The Hunger Games for the entertainment of the country. It is only over when there is one tribute left alive. There are killings with knives, spears, poisoning, choking, bow and arrows and mutant animals. The violence is incorporated as part of the story, not as a way to be gratuitous or glorify killing.
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is a futuristic story set in North America after natural disasters and wars have changed the landscape. The violent premise of this book might be a turn-off to some readers. However, if you can get beyond some of the brutality, it is an engaging and thought-provoking story that will have you wondering how far you would go to protect your loved ones and yourself. Told through the eyes of the protagonist, we get to understand her motives and her will to survive and do the right thing–-despite being forced into an impossible situation. The plotting and writing are top-notch for teen fiction.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
