The "S" Reviews--See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Safekeeping, by Karen Hesse
Core themes: self-discovery and personal growth; learning to stop taking things for granted and instead appreciating life's true blessings; learning how to survive when destitute and alone; the dangers of an undereducated population and the powers it gives the government; the tenuousness of life and relationships; how illusory the idea of security really is
Drugs/alcohol: supporting character remembers the drinking problems within her family
Religion/occult: characters very briefly discuss reincarnation
Romance/sexuality: none Note: Teens--boy and girl--fall for each other and set up house in an abandoned schoolhouse in order to survive. They live there together as the girl prepares to have her baby (conceived by rape before ever meeting the boy). Whether their relationship is immediately sexual or not, however, is left to the reader's imagination, for none is implied within the realm of the story. Also, the boy willingly chooses to accept the baby as his own when it is born. This is worth noting, as it is one of the few positive portrayals I've seen of a teen male in the role of father.
Violence/abuse: protagonist hears someone getting beat up; several references to violence within the U.S. (such as looting and gang violence); supporting character indicates that she was raped just recently
Vulgarities: 1,3 (infrequent)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I have long admired Karen Hesse as one of the best children's authors of our time, and I have no doubt that some of her work will be known as classics someday. Safekeeping, in my opinion, is not her best work, but like all of her books, it is still worthwhile reading. She doesn't shy away from difficult and frightening themes but still offers hope and a satisfying conclusion. Also, her vision of a future America is deeply chilling, not only because it suggests an imminent disaster of epic proportions in our own country, but also because such a scenario no longer feels like the science fiction we'd prefer it to be. Radley's struggles to survive and find her parents are engaging enough for audiences of all ages to stick with her right to the end, and the lessons she learns are universal in importance. Even so, I couldn't help but feel that the second half of the book wasn't quite as believable as the first half. At times the unfolding events seemed a bit contrived, and at other times they stretched the limits of my credulity. These flaws, however, do not negate the powerful way this story explores its primary themes of survival, loss, and renewal.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://karenhesseblog.wordpress.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Core themes: self-discovery and personal growth; learning to stop taking things for granted and instead appreciating life's true blessings; learning how to survive when destitute and alone; the dangers of an undereducated population and the powers it gives the government; the tenuousness of life and relationships; how illusory the idea of security really is
Drugs/alcohol: supporting character remembers the drinking problems within her family
Religion/occult: characters very briefly discuss reincarnation
Romance/sexuality: none Note: Teens--boy and girl--fall for each other and set up house in an abandoned schoolhouse in order to survive. They live there together as the girl prepares to have her baby (conceived by rape before ever meeting the boy). Whether their relationship is immediately sexual or not, however, is left to the reader's imagination, for none is implied within the realm of the story. Also, the boy willingly chooses to accept the baby as his own when it is born. This is worth noting, as it is one of the few positive portrayals I've seen of a teen male in the role of father.
Violence/abuse: protagonist hears someone getting beat up; several references to violence within the U.S. (such as looting and gang violence); supporting character indicates that she was raped just recently
Vulgarities: 1,3 (infrequent)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I have long admired Karen Hesse as one of the best children's authors of our time, and I have no doubt that some of her work will be known as classics someday. Safekeeping, in my opinion, is not her best work, but like all of her books, it is still worthwhile reading. She doesn't shy away from difficult and frightening themes but still offers hope and a satisfying conclusion. Also, her vision of a future America is deeply chilling, not only because it suggests an imminent disaster of epic proportions in our own country, but also because such a scenario no longer feels like the science fiction we'd prefer it to be. Radley's struggles to survive and find her parents are engaging enough for audiences of all ages to stick with her right to the end, and the lessons she learns are universal in importance. Even so, I couldn't help but feel that the second half of the book wasn't quite as believable as the first half. At times the unfolding events seemed a bit contrived, and at other times they stretched the limits of my credulity. These flaws, however, do not negate the powerful way this story explores its primary themes of survival, loss, and renewal.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://karenhesseblog.wordpress.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Sapphire Blue, by Kerstin Gier (The Ruby Red Trilogy series, book 2)
Please see the review for The Ruby Red Trilogy.
Please see the review for The Ruby Red Trilogy.
Saving Hamlet, by Molly Booth
*A Best Book of the Year, Bank Street College of Education & Children's Book Committee, 2017 Edition*
Why this book is worth considering:
For me, there is not much to recommend this novel, except that it is lighthearted, entertaining, and fun. It's what I call "mind candy," and I don't think that's always a bad thing. Sometimes a book can just be fun. The characters are hip and contemporary, despite the occasional self-flagellation about being a nerd or dork. I can understand why many teens will enjoy this book, and parents with a strong aversion to the darker side of life--violence, swearing, drinking, and drugs--can breathe easy knowing there isn't much of any of that. The novel is unusually and refreshingly light on swearing (the occasional "d---"), and the only truly dark moment--indeed, one of the few very real moments for me--is when the protagonist sees heads on a spike at one entrance of London Bridge during her time travels. There are two scenes of drinking--one in a flashback, where the protagonist accidentally drinks spiked punch as victim of a nasty prank; and the other in a 16th-century London pub, where the protagonist is forced to drink ale because there is no water. Parents may also be relieved to know that the novel contains no sex, although there is a little crude talk about butts and bras, and the character is accidentally caught in her bra by a male actor (nothing sexual happens).
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
This is the first YA novel I've read in many months, and I have to admit that it was a disappointment. As I read it, I couldn't shake the feeling that the novel was a beginning writer's project (albeit a very polished one) that somehow won the submissions lottery by sheer luck. It is heavily flawed in my opinion--for example, when Emma drops into Elizabethan England, she doesn't seem very confused or frightened, except for thinking it was probably a dream. Even after she concludes it wasn't a dream, she doesn't seem to question it or even feel cautious about going back--even though she has no idea if she can return to her own time. This is only one of many things about the novel that struck me as odd but which teen readers may not notice at all. For that reason, I had the odd sensation of feeling very old as I read the novel--and not in the way that had me admiring the young (because I often do; today's youth are amazing in so many ways) but in the way that reminded me that I am wiser and more aware of things that most youth simply aren't. I didn't enjoy feeling this way while trying to be immersed in a story.
Despite the very mild controversial content in most ways (as described above), there is one way in which the novel will be of serious concern to many conservative parents, This is in its strong LGBTQ content; in fact, it was so strong that I couldn't help but wonder if this was the angle that persuaded the publisher to accept it. LGBTQ issues are hot in the YA market right now, and I am doubtful that the novel would have been published without it. Booth is clearly a strong advocate for these issues, because they are strong in her second book as well. In fact, although I have read many YA books with non-straight characters by now, this is the first one I've read where the lesbian/gay/bi-sexual characters are as prominent as the straight ones. In addition, Booth plays a lot with gender-bending--understandable in Elizabethan England, where all parts were played by males, but much more obviously a purposeful theme when events turn around in contemporary times to be similarly gender-bending in a strangely contrived way. Finally, parents should know that the novel does contain several homosexual kisses/almost-kisses; however, these are kept light and non-graphic.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.mollybooth.com/saving-hamlet.html
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*A Best Book of the Year, Bank Street College of Education & Children's Book Committee, 2017 Edition*
Why this book is worth considering:
For me, there is not much to recommend this novel, except that it is lighthearted, entertaining, and fun. It's what I call "mind candy," and I don't think that's always a bad thing. Sometimes a book can just be fun. The characters are hip and contemporary, despite the occasional self-flagellation about being a nerd or dork. I can understand why many teens will enjoy this book, and parents with a strong aversion to the darker side of life--violence, swearing, drinking, and drugs--can breathe easy knowing there isn't much of any of that. The novel is unusually and refreshingly light on swearing (the occasional "d---"), and the only truly dark moment--indeed, one of the few very real moments for me--is when the protagonist sees heads on a spike at one entrance of London Bridge during her time travels. There are two scenes of drinking--one in a flashback, where the protagonist accidentally drinks spiked punch as victim of a nasty prank; and the other in a 16th-century London pub, where the protagonist is forced to drink ale because there is no water. Parents may also be relieved to know that the novel contains no sex, although there is a little crude talk about butts and bras, and the character is accidentally caught in her bra by a male actor (nothing sexual happens).
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
This is the first YA novel I've read in many months, and I have to admit that it was a disappointment. As I read it, I couldn't shake the feeling that the novel was a beginning writer's project (albeit a very polished one) that somehow won the submissions lottery by sheer luck. It is heavily flawed in my opinion--for example, when Emma drops into Elizabethan England, she doesn't seem very confused or frightened, except for thinking it was probably a dream. Even after she concludes it wasn't a dream, she doesn't seem to question it or even feel cautious about going back--even though she has no idea if she can return to her own time. This is only one of many things about the novel that struck me as odd but which teen readers may not notice at all. For that reason, I had the odd sensation of feeling very old as I read the novel--and not in the way that had me admiring the young (because I often do; today's youth are amazing in so many ways) but in the way that reminded me that I am wiser and more aware of things that most youth simply aren't. I didn't enjoy feeling this way while trying to be immersed in a story.
Despite the very mild controversial content in most ways (as described above), there is one way in which the novel will be of serious concern to many conservative parents, This is in its strong LGBTQ content; in fact, it was so strong that I couldn't help but wonder if this was the angle that persuaded the publisher to accept it. LGBTQ issues are hot in the YA market right now, and I am doubtful that the novel would have been published without it. Booth is clearly a strong advocate for these issues, because they are strong in her second book as well. In fact, although I have read many YA books with non-straight characters by now, this is the first one I've read where the lesbian/gay/bi-sexual characters are as prominent as the straight ones. In addition, Booth plays a lot with gender-bending--understandable in Elizabethan England, where all parts were played by males, but much more obviously a purposeful theme when events turn around in contemporary times to be similarly gender-bending in a strangely contrived way. Finally, parents should know that the novel does contain several homosexual kisses/almost-kisses; however, these are kept light and non-graphic.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.mollybooth.com/saving-hamlet.html
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Schooled, Gordon Korman
*2008 Texas Lone Star Reading List, 2009-2010 Maryland Black-eyed Susan Award; 2010 Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Award Nominee; 2010 Sequoyah Award Nominee; 2010 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
Having been a homeschool parent, I couldn't resist the premise of this middle-grade novel. I actually picked it up without any intention of reviewing it, only to discover that the protagonist is about 14, just right for What's In It. Schooled is a quick and easy read, perfect for younger teens who may struggle with reading entire novels. The story is also both fun and sobering, centering on Capricorn Anderson, a boy who was raised on a former commune by his hippie grandmother, Rain. Though he was homeschooled to be academically on par with his peers, Capricorn has never had friends and has had such limited contact with modern society that he is completely bewildered when he is forced to temporarily attend a public school after his grandmother injures her hip. The story of his eight weeks in school is told by multiple characters but is particularly thought-provoking through Capricorn's 1960s perspective. Korman raises a number of points that would be good discussion points in a literature study or book club.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
While I loved the premise of Schooled, the story itself was somewhat disappointing. Yes, I was entertained, but I kept thinking to myself how much more could have been done with the premise to create a meaningful, powerful story. The characters seemed exaggerated and cliched to me--the nasty, beautiful girl; the popular jock boy; the clueless principal, etc. Even Cap, who is a fresh and memorable character, seemed one-dimensional and larger-than-life. He is a little too baffled, too helpless, too kind and peaceful. The storyline seemed contrived to me in places, as well. Really, all the kids in a huge public school scorned Cap? Really, the principal signed a whole book of checkbooks for the 8th-grade president to use on the school dance--without supervision? I won't give any more spoilers, but you see what I mean.
As far as concerning content, this is a clean and positive novel. There is a kiss or two, but it is not heavy. In fact, the mood of the novel, even in its darkest moments, is light and hopeful, as Korman seems to be trying to remind his readers of the power of peace and kindness and cooperation. Some parents, however, may feel a little uncertain about the fact that Cap was raised as a 1960s hippie, complete with a deep immersion into New Age philosophy and American hippie ideals (like, "When we lock things away, we are really imprisoning ourselves."). Of course, it is important to remember that Korman is only staying true to Cap's character by including this thematic content, and I did not personally feel like he was attempting to indoctrinate the reader. Overall, I consider Schooled a safe and generally positive choice, but it is best reserved for leisure reading.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://gordonkorman.com
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*2008 Texas Lone Star Reading List, 2009-2010 Maryland Black-eyed Susan Award; 2010 Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Award Nominee; 2010 Sequoyah Award Nominee; 2010 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
Having been a homeschool parent, I couldn't resist the premise of this middle-grade novel. I actually picked it up without any intention of reviewing it, only to discover that the protagonist is about 14, just right for What's In It. Schooled is a quick and easy read, perfect for younger teens who may struggle with reading entire novels. The story is also both fun and sobering, centering on Capricorn Anderson, a boy who was raised on a former commune by his hippie grandmother, Rain. Though he was homeschooled to be academically on par with his peers, Capricorn has never had friends and has had such limited contact with modern society that he is completely bewildered when he is forced to temporarily attend a public school after his grandmother injures her hip. The story of his eight weeks in school is told by multiple characters but is particularly thought-provoking through Capricorn's 1960s perspective. Korman raises a number of points that would be good discussion points in a literature study or book club.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
While I loved the premise of Schooled, the story itself was somewhat disappointing. Yes, I was entertained, but I kept thinking to myself how much more could have been done with the premise to create a meaningful, powerful story. The characters seemed exaggerated and cliched to me--the nasty, beautiful girl; the popular jock boy; the clueless principal, etc. Even Cap, who is a fresh and memorable character, seemed one-dimensional and larger-than-life. He is a little too baffled, too helpless, too kind and peaceful. The storyline seemed contrived to me in places, as well. Really, all the kids in a huge public school scorned Cap? Really, the principal signed a whole book of checkbooks for the 8th-grade president to use on the school dance--without supervision? I won't give any more spoilers, but you see what I mean.
As far as concerning content, this is a clean and positive novel. There is a kiss or two, but it is not heavy. In fact, the mood of the novel, even in its darkest moments, is light and hopeful, as Korman seems to be trying to remind his readers of the power of peace and kindness and cooperation. Some parents, however, may feel a little uncertain about the fact that Cap was raised as a 1960s hippie, complete with a deep immersion into New Age philosophy and American hippie ideals (like, "When we lock things away, we are really imprisoning ourselves."). Of course, it is important to remember that Korman is only staying true to Cap's character by including this thematic content, and I did not personally feel like he was attempting to indoctrinate the reader. Overall, I consider Schooled a safe and generally positive choice, but it is best reserved for leisure reading.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://gordonkorman.com
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
The Second Siege, by Henry H. Neff (The Tapestry series, book 2)
Why this book is worth considering:
The action and intensity has really scaled up for Max, now 13 (or so...). This story doesn’t slow down any. No long months of school for him like his proverbial British counterpart. The fate of the entire world is in the hands of this budding teenager, and it’s a ton of fun. Again, this is another book that was hard for me to put down. The story progresses at a tremendous pace and has me reaching for #3. Family, friends, and the power of good are still the main themes running through the story, however, there remains some question as to the level of victory to be had in the end.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Demons, particularly one we met in the previous book, are in the world. In one instance someone is possessed, but mostly the demons are physically present in human form. Part of the book takes place in another dimension where other-worldly parentage is revealed. The violence escalates and in somewhat more graphic detail than the previous book. The story in general has become darker.
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
Why this book is worth considering:
The action and intensity has really scaled up for Max, now 13 (or so...). This story doesn’t slow down any. No long months of school for him like his proverbial British counterpart. The fate of the entire world is in the hands of this budding teenager, and it’s a ton of fun. Again, this is another book that was hard for me to put down. The story progresses at a tremendous pace and has me reaching for #3. Family, friends, and the power of good are still the main themes running through the story, however, there remains some question as to the level of victory to be had in the end.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Demons, particularly one we met in the previous book, are in the world. In one instance someone is possessed, but mostly the demons are physically present in human form. Part of the book takes place in another dimension where other-worldly parentage is revealed. The violence escalates and in somewhat more graphic detail than the previous book. The story in general has become darker.
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 Secret Ingredient, by Laura Schaefer (The Teashop Girls series, book 2)
Core themes: navigating a first relationship, being a supportive friend, learning to manage different responsibilities, coping with cyber-bullying
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: The Secret Ingredient is a fun book about a girl named Annie, who enters into a scone baking contest. She loves to work in her Grandmother’s teashop baking yummy scones, but when someone posts her secret ingredient online, she’s not sure who to trust. I like how detailed the story is, from the delicious recipes to the real brand names and descriptions. I feel that if I visited Madison I could run into Annie on her way to the farmer’s market, or riding her bike to the park. It’s a very fun summer story that is enjoyable from the minute you open it to when you turn the last page.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://teashopgirls.webnode.com/
Reviewer: Emily Holland
Core themes: navigating a first relationship, being a supportive friend, learning to manage different responsibilities, coping with cyber-bullying
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: The Secret Ingredient is a fun book about a girl named Annie, who enters into a scone baking contest. She loves to work in her Grandmother’s teashop baking yummy scones, but when someone posts her secret ingredient online, she’s not sure who to trust. I like how detailed the story is, from the delicious recipes to the real brand names and descriptions. I feel that if I visited Madison I could run into Annie on her way to the farmer’s market, or riding her bike to the park. It’s a very fun summer story that is enjoyable from the minute you open it to when you turn the last page.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://teashopgirls.webnode.com/
Reviewer: Emily Holland
The Secret of Nightingale Wood, by Lucy Strange
*Waterstones Book of the Month, 2016, The Daily Telegraph Top 50 Books of 2016, Amazon.com's Best Children's Book of the Year list, 2017*
Why this book is worth considering:
This book nearly didn't get reviewed, because the protagonist is only 12, and I don't typically review books unless at least one protagonist is a teenager. When she turned 13 later in the novel, though, I was delighted, because I knew then that I could include it in this collection of reviews. I'm always delighted to find a book that I can review with pleasure, because so many are dark or trashy. This one, though, is mysterious, quirky, and reminiscent of timeless, old-fashioned English classics like Tom's Midnight Garden. At times it seems to touch on the realm of magic and enchantment, which is why I think it is dubbed magical realism on the author's website. For young teens who enjoy dramatic novels that walk the line between fairy tale and realism, this may be just right. Parents will be pleased to know that it is clean and well-written.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Despite the aura of enchantment and its age-appropriate content, this novel does touch on serious themes, such as abandonment, grief, and mental illness. The ending is happy and satisfying, but these and other themes are woven throughout the novel. There is no sexual content, drinking, violence, or other mature content outside of the serious themes, but I believe there is at least one mild swear word.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: https://www.lucystrange.org/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Waterstones Book of the Month, 2016, The Daily Telegraph Top 50 Books of 2016, Amazon.com's Best Children's Book of the Year list, 2017*
Why this book is worth considering:
This book nearly didn't get reviewed, because the protagonist is only 12, and I don't typically review books unless at least one protagonist is a teenager. When she turned 13 later in the novel, though, I was delighted, because I knew then that I could include it in this collection of reviews. I'm always delighted to find a book that I can review with pleasure, because so many are dark or trashy. This one, though, is mysterious, quirky, and reminiscent of timeless, old-fashioned English classics like Tom's Midnight Garden. At times it seems to touch on the realm of magic and enchantment, which is why I think it is dubbed magical realism on the author's website. For young teens who enjoy dramatic novels that walk the line between fairy tale and realism, this may be just right. Parents will be pleased to know that it is clean and well-written.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Despite the aura of enchantment and its age-appropriate content, this novel does touch on serious themes, such as abandonment, grief, and mental illness. The ending is happy and satisfying, but these and other themes are woven throughout the novel. There is no sexual content, drinking, violence, or other mature content outside of the serious themes, but I believe there is at least one mild swear word.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: https://www.lucystrange.org/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Secret School, by Avi
*IRA Teachers’ choice; IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Award 2002; Children's Literature Choice, 2002;
Smithsonian Magazine, Notable Book Of the Year, 2001; Parent’s Guide Media Awards, 2001; Children's Choice nominee, Kansas; Children's Choice nominee, South Carolina; Children's Choice nominee, California; Children's Choice nominee, Iowa*
Core themes: self-reliance, courage, the pursuit of dreams and goals, the importance of education, Colorado history
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1--only hints of mutual, possible romantic interest
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I don't usually review books by Colorado authors, since I also live in Colorado and move in their professional circles. However, for Avi I will make an exception, because he is such a well-known and celebrated author and because The Secret School is a wonderful choice for teens who still enjoy the innocence and lighthearted nature of middle-grade fiction but who also want to read about teen characters. This is not to say that this story of a mountain girl who longs for a high-school education more than anything else is a meaningless romp, of course. On the contrary, The Secret School is not only an entertaining tale of a 14-year-old girl who wouldn't take "no" for an answer from the local bureaucrats, it also offers a fascinating slice of Colorado history and important discussion points on Big Questions, such as "How far would you go to reach your dreams?" and "How important should education be to modern teens...and why?" An easy and fast read, this a great choice for teens who enjoy historical fiction.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.avi-writer.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*IRA Teachers’ choice; IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Award 2002; Children's Literature Choice, 2002;
Smithsonian Magazine, Notable Book Of the Year, 2001; Parent’s Guide Media Awards, 2001; Children's Choice nominee, Kansas; Children's Choice nominee, South Carolina; Children's Choice nominee, California; Children's Choice nominee, Iowa*
Core themes: self-reliance, courage, the pursuit of dreams and goals, the importance of education, Colorado history
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1--only hints of mutual, possible romantic interest
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I don't usually review books by Colorado authors, since I also live in Colorado and move in their professional circles. However, for Avi I will make an exception, because he is such a well-known and celebrated author and because The Secret School is a wonderful choice for teens who still enjoy the innocence and lighthearted nature of middle-grade fiction but who also want to read about teen characters. This is not to say that this story of a mountain girl who longs for a high-school education more than anything else is a meaningless romp, of course. On the contrary, The Secret School is not only an entertaining tale of a 14-year-old girl who wouldn't take "no" for an answer from the local bureaucrats, it also offers a fascinating slice of Colorado history and important discussion points on Big Questions, such as "How far would you go to reach your dreams?" and "How important should education be to modern teens...and why?" An easy and fast read, this a great choice for teens who enjoy historical fiction.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.avi-writer.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
The Selection, by Kiera Cass (The Selection series, book 1)
*NYT #1 Bestseller; 2014 Volunteer State Book Award--middle school award and high school award; 2015 Colorado Blue Spruce Award nominee; 2015 Iowa High School Book Award young adult nominee; 2015 Louisiana Teen Readers' Choice, gr. 9-12 honor book; 2015 Young Readers' Choice Award, gr. 10-12 nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
The night I finished this book, I was curled up on the couch in my fuzzy socks, cuddled in my afghan and munching popcorn. It was after midnight, and I realized I didn't care. I was having too much fun! I also realized this is one of perhaps two YA books I chose to read in the evening instead of opting for an hour of TV. I felt like I was 16 again as I read this delicious, chocolate bonbon of a tale! It was like a fantasy I might have in the middle of a boring history class, complete with romance, danger, beautiful gowns, and a lovely but relatable heroine. Honestly, after so many dark and depressing YA novels, I can't remember more than a very few that were this much fun to read. This may not be one to choose for a literature class, but it is perfect for a cozy winter or beachy escape. Even better, there is little in it for concerned parents to worry about!
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Honestly, there just aren't many reasons a concerned parent might disapprove of this book, other than the fluff factor. It really is not great literature or great writing, but it is clean enough that I might allow my 13-year-old daughter to read it. Wary parents might reasonably be concerned about the romance, because though there is no sex (premarital sex is actually illegal in this post-WW IV society), it is implied that the protagonist would choose to have sex with her boyfriend if she could. There are also some heavy kissing and subtle references to sex. The story also contains some violence, which is serious in the story but not frightening in the way it is depicted. Alcoholic drinking is social only, and there are no drugs or smoking. Swearing is unusually mild, but there is a "d--" or two. Religious references are pretty much limited only to an explanation about why Christmas and no other traditional holidays are celebrated in this society (because Christmas is about a deity). There is also a reference to a character praying because she is afraid. Overall, this is one of the "safer" YA novels. Be aware, however, that this may not be the case in the sequels, so wary parents should check them out, too. I am hoping to review the entire series.
Literary artistry: * * * * * (Note: If I could, I would actually give this 3 1/2 stars for originality and plotting.)
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.kieracass.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*NYT #1 Bestseller; 2014 Volunteer State Book Award--middle school award and high school award; 2015 Colorado Blue Spruce Award nominee; 2015 Iowa High School Book Award young adult nominee; 2015 Louisiana Teen Readers' Choice, gr. 9-12 honor book; 2015 Young Readers' Choice Award, gr. 10-12 nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
The night I finished this book, I was curled up on the couch in my fuzzy socks, cuddled in my afghan and munching popcorn. It was after midnight, and I realized I didn't care. I was having too much fun! I also realized this is one of perhaps two YA books I chose to read in the evening instead of opting for an hour of TV. I felt like I was 16 again as I read this delicious, chocolate bonbon of a tale! It was like a fantasy I might have in the middle of a boring history class, complete with romance, danger, beautiful gowns, and a lovely but relatable heroine. Honestly, after so many dark and depressing YA novels, I can't remember more than a very few that were this much fun to read. This may not be one to choose for a literature class, but it is perfect for a cozy winter or beachy escape. Even better, there is little in it for concerned parents to worry about!
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Honestly, there just aren't many reasons a concerned parent might disapprove of this book, other than the fluff factor. It really is not great literature or great writing, but it is clean enough that I might allow my 13-year-old daughter to read it. Wary parents might reasonably be concerned about the romance, because though there is no sex (premarital sex is actually illegal in this post-WW IV society), it is implied that the protagonist would choose to have sex with her boyfriend if she could. There are also some heavy kissing and subtle references to sex. The story also contains some violence, which is serious in the story but not frightening in the way it is depicted. Alcoholic drinking is social only, and there are no drugs or smoking. Swearing is unusually mild, but there is a "d--" or two. Religious references are pretty much limited only to an explanation about why Christmas and no other traditional holidays are celebrated in this society (because Christmas is about a deity). There is also a reference to a character praying because she is afraid. Overall, this is one of the "safer" YA novels. Be aware, however, that this may not be the case in the sequels, so wary parents should check them out, too. I am hoping to review the entire series.
Literary artistry: * * * * * (Note: If I could, I would actually give this 3 1/2 stars for originality and plotting.)
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.kieracass.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Seven Rays, by Jessica Bendinger
Core themes: discovering oneself, adoption, high school relationships, the teenage rite of passage in establishing confidence in one's own sexuality; making first-time sexual connections with the opposite sex; fate and whether we can change it; the supernatural
Drugs/alcohol: mentions of alcohol and drugs, very minor
Religion/occult: mentions of religions--Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhism…but very minor
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 5
Violence/abuse: mentions of hitting
Vulgarities: 1, 3
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I enjoyed this book very much! I found it very creative and interesting. At the end of each chapter I was eager to read more and I was sad to see it end. Truth be told, there are some slightly graphic parts of the book talking about sexual desires, but it did not bother me very much because the first part of it revolves around teens, who are usually experiencing their sexual awakening. The plot is exciting, relatable at times, and thought provoking. If you can handle slight swearing and some sexual references, I highly recommend this book.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jessicabendinger.com/
Reviewer: Annika Blomquist
Core themes: discovering oneself, adoption, high school relationships, the teenage rite of passage in establishing confidence in one's own sexuality; making first-time sexual connections with the opposite sex; fate and whether we can change it; the supernatural
Drugs/alcohol: mentions of alcohol and drugs, very minor
Religion/occult: mentions of religions--Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhism…but very minor
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 5
Violence/abuse: mentions of hitting
Vulgarities: 1, 3
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I enjoyed this book very much! I found it very creative and interesting. At the end of each chapter I was eager to read more and I was sad to see it end. Truth be told, there are some slightly graphic parts of the book talking about sexual desires, but it did not bother me very much because the first part of it revolves around teens, who are usually experiencing their sexual awakening. The plot is exciting, relatable at times, and thought provoking. If you can handle slight swearing and some sexual references, I highly recommend this book.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jessicabendinger.com/
Reviewer: Annika Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Shadow of the Bear, by Regina Doman (The Fairy Tale Novels series)
Core themes: charity towards strangers, coping with bullying, trust, faith in God, greed
Drugs/alcohol: teen smoking cigarettes about four times. Drinking beer and smoking on prom night. References to a drug (cocaine) bust at the school in the past.
Religion/occult: Catholic beliefs, Catholic high school, atheism
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: two minor fist fights; torture by beating and asphyxiation; one person shooting a gun several times; being hit on the head with a gun; attempted date rape
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is the first book in a series of fairy tales set in modern day New York City. With the Brothers Grimm "Snow White and Rose Red" fairytale as inspiration, the author weaves a tale of two book-loving sisters who become involved in a dangerous, real adventure of their own when they help a young man in trouble. Clear lines between good and evil with an emphasis on self-sacrifice for the greater good.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.reginadoman.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
Core themes: charity towards strangers, coping with bullying, trust, faith in God, greed
Drugs/alcohol: teen smoking cigarettes about four times. Drinking beer and smoking on prom night. References to a drug (cocaine) bust at the school in the past.
Religion/occult: Catholic beliefs, Catholic high school, atheism
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: two minor fist fights; torture by beating and asphyxiation; one person shooting a gun several times; being hit on the head with a gun; attempted date rape
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is the first book in a series of fairy tales set in modern day New York City. With the Brothers Grimm "Snow White and Rose Red" fairytale as inspiration, the author weaves a tale of two book-loving sisters who become involved in a dangerous, real adventure of their own when they help a young man in trouble. Clear lines between good and evil with an emphasis on self-sacrifice for the greater good.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.reginadoman.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Shift, by Jennifer Bradbury
*2009 ALA Best Book for Young Adults; 2009 ALA Quick Picks Nominee; Booklist Best Sports Books 2008; Booklist Best Crime Fiction 2008; YALSA Wrestlemania Reading Challenge Finals Book; Florida Teens Read Award Nominees 2009-2010; Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee 2010 (9-12); Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Nominee 2009-2010 High School; Missouri Gateway Nominee 2010-2011; Rhode Island Teen Nominee 2010; Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee 2010-2011 – Young Adult; Texas Tayshas High School Reading List 2009-2010; Utah Beehive Young Adult Nominee 2009-2010; Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Nominee 2009-2010; Washington, D.C. Capitol Choices Final List; South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee, 2010-2011; Virginia Readers Choice, 2010-2011; Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Nominee, 2011; Georgia Peach Book Award Nominee 2011-2012; Iowa High School Book Award Nominee 2011-2012*
Core themes: friendship and self-discovery
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: boys camp at an Assemblies of God church and attend a revival meeting
Romance/sexuality: two vague references to a “self-gratifying” act
Violence/abuse: Win’s father bullies people through threats and manipulation
Vulgarities: 1, 3--a few minor swear words
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: A quick page turner that centers around the disappearance of Chris’s best friend Win after they take a two-month bike journey across the United States. The chapters alternate between the present Chris dealing with college and questions from the FBI and the past bike journey that Win didn’t come home from. The tension builds as Win’s father puts pressure on Chris to tell him exactly what happened to his son and why he didn’t come home.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jennifer-bradbury.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
*2009 ALA Best Book for Young Adults; 2009 ALA Quick Picks Nominee; Booklist Best Sports Books 2008; Booklist Best Crime Fiction 2008; YALSA Wrestlemania Reading Challenge Finals Book; Florida Teens Read Award Nominees 2009-2010; Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee 2010 (9-12); Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Nominee 2009-2010 High School; Missouri Gateway Nominee 2010-2011; Rhode Island Teen Nominee 2010; Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee 2010-2011 – Young Adult; Texas Tayshas High School Reading List 2009-2010; Utah Beehive Young Adult Nominee 2009-2010; Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Nominee 2009-2010; Washington, D.C. Capitol Choices Final List; South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee, 2010-2011; Virginia Readers Choice, 2010-2011; Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Nominee, 2011; Georgia Peach Book Award Nominee 2011-2012; Iowa High School Book Award Nominee 2011-2012*
Core themes: friendship and self-discovery
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: boys camp at an Assemblies of God church and attend a revival meeting
Romance/sexuality: two vague references to a “self-gratifying” act
Violence/abuse: Win’s father bullies people through threats and manipulation
Vulgarities: 1, 3--a few minor swear words
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: A quick page turner that centers around the disappearance of Chris’s best friend Win after they take a two-month bike journey across the United States. The chapters alternate between the present Chris dealing with college and questions from the FBI and the past bike journey that Win didn’t come home from. The tension builds as Win’s father puts pressure on Chris to tell him exactly what happened to his son and why he didn’t come home.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jennifer-bradbury.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater (Wolves of Mercy Falls series, book 1)
*Indies Choice Book Award Finalist; ALA Best Books for Young Adults; ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers; 2011 ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults; Amazon Top Ten Books for Teens; Border’s Original Voices Pick & Finalist; Barnes & Noble 2009 Top Twenty Books for Teens; CBC Children’s Choice Awards Finalist; SIBA 2010 Book Award Finalist; Glamour’s Best Book to Curl Up With; Winner, 2010 Midwest Booksellers’ Choice Award for Children’s Literature; 2011 Georgia Peach Award winner; VOYA: The Perfect Tens; YALSA Teens’ Top Ten; Silver Inky Award Winner (Australia); Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2011; Florida Teens Read Award Nominees 2010-2011; Maryland Black-Eyed Susan (High School) Book Award Nominees 2010-2011; North Carolina YA Book Award Booklist (High School) 2010-2011; New Hampshire Flume Teen Reader’s Choice Award Nominees (9-12) 2011; Oregon Young Adult Network Book Rave Reading List 2010; Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Nominees (Young Adult) 2010-2011; Tennessee Volunteer State Award Nominees Young Adult (7-12) 2011-2012; 2011 NCSLMA Young Adult Book Award Nominee (North Carolina); 2010-2011 Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Nominee; 2010 TAYSHAS Reading List (Texas)*
Why this book is worth considering:
I think it's important to make note of the fact that this is a love story. It's sappy at some parts and cheesy. But it is also very deep. When I was reading it, it didn't seem very deep or philosophical. It is very light writing. But as I read it and read it again, things began to stand out to me. Little things the characters said or thoughts they had. One-liners that seem insignificant until it connects to this big plot later and you do a double-take and almost scream. But the best reason to read this book is because it made me cry. I read the last sentence, dropped the book, and burst into tears. I was bawling. The book had a happy ending with this huge buildup til the very last sentence and I almost died because I was so happy and so relieved. This is the kind of book where you don't even notice how deeply you've been pulled in until the climax and you're suddenly on the edge of your seat and there's no chance you're putting it down until it's finished.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
The biggest thing is that the main male character is a werewolf. Along with his "family". Not the creepy social idea of a werewolf. It's different. The circumstances are different and they're only called "werewolves" because there really is no other thing to call them. The only thing I can say without totally ruining the book is that they can't switch by choice; they are fully a wolf and fully a human (thought processes and behaviors) when in each respective form, and it isn't the kind of werewolf book where you pull back from it in disgust and think, "This came out of someone's brain?" It is actually done very, very well and very seriously. The other thing to consider is that this is a love story. There is kissing, there is romance. There is an implied sex scene, but it is not written out. There is a before and a "morning-after" sort of scene where they mention it and talk for a few sentences before moving on. It didn't bother me and I am an extremely awkward, "uncomfortable-with-romance" girl. There was some swearing because the characters are teenagers, but it wasn't over the top. The book didn't talk about religion or the occult at all, except for the fact that it is about werewolves. There are no references to alcohol or drugs that I can recall. The violence is fairly mild. One of the wolves is killed (non-graphic), and there are some vivid descriptions of the transformations from man to wolf. I wouldn't categorize them as gory or violent, but they are vivid.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: http://maggiestiefvater.com/
Reviewer: Merry Blomquist
*Indies Choice Book Award Finalist; ALA Best Books for Young Adults; ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers; 2011 ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults; Amazon Top Ten Books for Teens; Border’s Original Voices Pick & Finalist; Barnes & Noble 2009 Top Twenty Books for Teens; CBC Children’s Choice Awards Finalist; SIBA 2010 Book Award Finalist; Glamour’s Best Book to Curl Up With; Winner, 2010 Midwest Booksellers’ Choice Award for Children’s Literature; 2011 Georgia Peach Award winner; VOYA: The Perfect Tens; YALSA Teens’ Top Ten; Silver Inky Award Winner (Australia); Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2011; Florida Teens Read Award Nominees 2010-2011; Maryland Black-Eyed Susan (High School) Book Award Nominees 2010-2011; North Carolina YA Book Award Booklist (High School) 2010-2011; New Hampshire Flume Teen Reader’s Choice Award Nominees (9-12) 2011; Oregon Young Adult Network Book Rave Reading List 2010; Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Nominees (Young Adult) 2010-2011; Tennessee Volunteer State Award Nominees Young Adult (7-12) 2011-2012; 2011 NCSLMA Young Adult Book Award Nominee (North Carolina); 2010-2011 Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Nominee; 2010 TAYSHAS Reading List (Texas)*
Why this book is worth considering:
I think it's important to make note of the fact that this is a love story. It's sappy at some parts and cheesy. But it is also very deep. When I was reading it, it didn't seem very deep or philosophical. It is very light writing. But as I read it and read it again, things began to stand out to me. Little things the characters said or thoughts they had. One-liners that seem insignificant until it connects to this big plot later and you do a double-take and almost scream. But the best reason to read this book is because it made me cry. I read the last sentence, dropped the book, and burst into tears. I was bawling. The book had a happy ending with this huge buildup til the very last sentence and I almost died because I was so happy and so relieved. This is the kind of book where you don't even notice how deeply you've been pulled in until the climax and you're suddenly on the edge of your seat and there's no chance you're putting it down until it's finished.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
The biggest thing is that the main male character is a werewolf. Along with his "family". Not the creepy social idea of a werewolf. It's different. The circumstances are different and they're only called "werewolves" because there really is no other thing to call them. The only thing I can say without totally ruining the book is that they can't switch by choice; they are fully a wolf and fully a human (thought processes and behaviors) when in each respective form, and it isn't the kind of werewolf book where you pull back from it in disgust and think, "This came out of someone's brain?" It is actually done very, very well and very seriously. The other thing to consider is that this is a love story. There is kissing, there is romance. There is an implied sex scene, but it is not written out. There is a before and a "morning-after" sort of scene where they mention it and talk for a few sentences before moving on. It didn't bother me and I am an extremely awkward, "uncomfortable-with-romance" girl. There was some swearing because the characters are teenagers, but it wasn't over the top. The book didn't talk about religion or the occult at all, except for the fact that it is about werewolves. There are no references to alcohol or drugs that I can recall. The violence is fairly mild. One of the wolves is killed (non-graphic), and there are some vivid descriptions of the transformations from man to wolf. I wouldn't categorize them as gory or violent, but they are vivid.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: http://maggiestiefvater.com/
Reviewer: Merry Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Silhouette of a Sparrow, by Molly Beth Griffin
*Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature, 2013 Paterson Prize for Young Readers, ALA Rainbow List Recommended Book, Amelia Bloomer Project List Recommended Book, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, Minnesota Book Award Finalist, Foreward Reviews Book of the Year Honorable Mention*
Core themes: coming-of-age and lesbian sexual awakening; using animals for fashion and sport is immoral; the happiest people are those who set themselves free to "fly" by living life on their own terms; remaining with your family is not worth it if they repress you--it's better to reject them, even if it means dishonoring or hurting them; parents (especially those who embrace traditional values) always mean well, but they don't always know best; the adolescent struggle for self-identity and independence; marriage for money or convenience is no way to have a happy life; those who reject cultural standards and traditional values are no different from anyone else and are worthy of respect, if you get to know them
Drugs/alcohol: Isabella drinks gin and gives some to Garnet
Religion/occult: occasional references to God and Christian upbringing, as this is the characters' life context. Religion is not discussed a lot, but at one point Isabella explains to Garnet how her upbringing was stifling and controlling and that this was why she left her family. She says that her mother was "very Lutheran," "very unhappy," and "very controlling." Because these descriptors are presented very close together, Christianity seems to take on a subtly villainous role in the novel.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 6 Note: The sexual relations are presented positively with little moral struggle. Also, the novel seems to tacitly say that homosexuality is a genetic tendency in Garnet's family (maybe to counter any assumption on the part of the reader that Garnet is merely experimenting with out-of-control sexual feelings?). Garnet's Aunt Rachel was also a lesbian and lived with her lover in what Garnet's parents preferred to regard a "Victorian friendship." Novel also seems to imply that homosexuality was once considered normal and then was repressed by society.
Violence/abuse: Garnet's boyfriend back home becomes forceful as they are kissing--basically non-consensual (and non-graphic) groping
Vulgarities: 1 (occasional)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is potentially the most polarizing novel reviewed on this website, something I did not realize until I was well into it. My goal here, however, is not to polarize my readers but to bring them together in a common concern for the literary entertainment marketed to teens today. With that in mind, I will present my comments in as detached a manner as I can. Whether you are in support of this kind of novel or are opposed to it, there are certain things you need to know.
First, if you are looking for books of artistic merit for your teen, books that may live permanently on American bookshelves and perhaps be taught in English classes, you have found one in Silhouette of a Sparrow. Griffin's writing is lovely, elegant, rich, and multi-layered. There is a great deal in this novel to discuss and analyze, even for those who oppose its themes. Griffin handles all of them fairly well; however, it is hard to ignore her hard-sell for some of them. For example, her theme about the evils of killing birds for fashion is strong enough that it almost feels like a sermon, especially when one of her characters makes a sudden conversion to a conservation mindset. It is such an easy, untroubled conversion, in fact, that it feels contrived and unnatural, as if it was put there just to make sure that readers didn't miss the ecological message.
Second, the plot is well-constructed and interesting, as far as coming-of-age novels go. Part of the reason, I think, is the unusual setting; in another setting, I'm not sure the basic plot would have had the fresh feel that it does in this novel. Even so, some of it feels too modern, as if Griffin put a 2013 cultural mindset into her early-1900s main characters. It didn't feel real to me. The bird conceit is also a powerful way to present her major theme of growing up to be free and unafraid to claim one's true identity.
The real core of this novel, though, is the themes that support this overarching theme. It is not just about finding oneself. The message that traditional sexual and family values are wrong is also hard to miss, which makes it a perfect read for one side of American society and deeply problematic for the other side. One line wraps up Griffin's point of view neatly. When the flapper-runaway Isabella receives a letter from home explaining that her brother Mitch is very ill, she agonizes over the possibility that she should return home to help. She also expresses her fear that if she doesn't, her parents will squelch her little sister's love of singing. She then states, "I can't trust them to raise her right." I hope I do not misunderstand Griffin here, but the message I picked up seems to be, "Traditional values and morality, especially when religion is added in, are dangerous and bad; modern, liberated values and morality, especially in the absence of religious structures, are truly loving and good."
And with that, I will have to wrap up these comments. I'm not sure I have done the book or Griffin justice, but there is just too much to discuss here and to think through. One final caution, though: this novel is unusually charged with sexuality for a YA novel, particularly homosexual sexuality. It isn't trashy in the same way that Gossip Girl is trashy, but parents need to be aware of this!
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens. Note: Because of its subject matter, my recommendation is given with reserve. For those uncomfortable with positive homosexual themes and teen sexual activity, this is a novel that should be either avoided altogether or else discussed between parent and teen. For those who are not uncomfortable with this content, I still recommend reading the novel with parent-teen discussion, because of its other controversial themes/topics. This novel is multi-layered and presents a number of moral and worldview messages/ideas both subtly and obviously.
Author website: http://mollybethgriffin.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature, 2013 Paterson Prize for Young Readers, ALA Rainbow List Recommended Book, Amelia Bloomer Project List Recommended Book, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, Minnesota Book Award Finalist, Foreward Reviews Book of the Year Honorable Mention*
Core themes: coming-of-age and lesbian sexual awakening; using animals for fashion and sport is immoral; the happiest people are those who set themselves free to "fly" by living life on their own terms; remaining with your family is not worth it if they repress you--it's better to reject them, even if it means dishonoring or hurting them; parents (especially those who embrace traditional values) always mean well, but they don't always know best; the adolescent struggle for self-identity and independence; marriage for money or convenience is no way to have a happy life; those who reject cultural standards and traditional values are no different from anyone else and are worthy of respect, if you get to know them
Drugs/alcohol: Isabella drinks gin and gives some to Garnet
Religion/occult: occasional references to God and Christian upbringing, as this is the characters' life context. Religion is not discussed a lot, but at one point Isabella explains to Garnet how her upbringing was stifling and controlling and that this was why she left her family. She says that her mother was "very Lutheran," "very unhappy," and "very controlling." Because these descriptors are presented very close together, Christianity seems to take on a subtly villainous role in the novel.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 6 Note: The sexual relations are presented positively with little moral struggle. Also, the novel seems to tacitly say that homosexuality is a genetic tendency in Garnet's family (maybe to counter any assumption on the part of the reader that Garnet is merely experimenting with out-of-control sexual feelings?). Garnet's Aunt Rachel was also a lesbian and lived with her lover in what Garnet's parents preferred to regard a "Victorian friendship." Novel also seems to imply that homosexuality was once considered normal and then was repressed by society.
Violence/abuse: Garnet's boyfriend back home becomes forceful as they are kissing--basically non-consensual (and non-graphic) groping
Vulgarities: 1 (occasional)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is potentially the most polarizing novel reviewed on this website, something I did not realize until I was well into it. My goal here, however, is not to polarize my readers but to bring them together in a common concern for the literary entertainment marketed to teens today. With that in mind, I will present my comments in as detached a manner as I can. Whether you are in support of this kind of novel or are opposed to it, there are certain things you need to know.
First, if you are looking for books of artistic merit for your teen, books that may live permanently on American bookshelves and perhaps be taught in English classes, you have found one in Silhouette of a Sparrow. Griffin's writing is lovely, elegant, rich, and multi-layered. There is a great deal in this novel to discuss and analyze, even for those who oppose its themes. Griffin handles all of them fairly well; however, it is hard to ignore her hard-sell for some of them. For example, her theme about the evils of killing birds for fashion is strong enough that it almost feels like a sermon, especially when one of her characters makes a sudden conversion to a conservation mindset. It is such an easy, untroubled conversion, in fact, that it feels contrived and unnatural, as if it was put there just to make sure that readers didn't miss the ecological message.
Second, the plot is well-constructed and interesting, as far as coming-of-age novels go. Part of the reason, I think, is the unusual setting; in another setting, I'm not sure the basic plot would have had the fresh feel that it does in this novel. Even so, some of it feels too modern, as if Griffin put a 2013 cultural mindset into her early-1900s main characters. It didn't feel real to me. The bird conceit is also a powerful way to present her major theme of growing up to be free and unafraid to claim one's true identity.
The real core of this novel, though, is the themes that support this overarching theme. It is not just about finding oneself. The message that traditional sexual and family values are wrong is also hard to miss, which makes it a perfect read for one side of American society and deeply problematic for the other side. One line wraps up Griffin's point of view neatly. When the flapper-runaway Isabella receives a letter from home explaining that her brother Mitch is very ill, she agonizes over the possibility that she should return home to help. She also expresses her fear that if she doesn't, her parents will squelch her little sister's love of singing. She then states, "I can't trust them to raise her right." I hope I do not misunderstand Griffin here, but the message I picked up seems to be, "Traditional values and morality, especially when religion is added in, are dangerous and bad; modern, liberated values and morality, especially in the absence of religious structures, are truly loving and good."
And with that, I will have to wrap up these comments. I'm not sure I have done the book or Griffin justice, but there is just too much to discuss here and to think through. One final caution, though: this novel is unusually charged with sexuality for a YA novel, particularly homosexual sexuality. It isn't trashy in the same way that Gossip Girl is trashy, but parents need to be aware of this!
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens. Note: Because of its subject matter, my recommendation is given with reserve. For those uncomfortable with positive homosexual themes and teen sexual activity, this is a novel that should be either avoided altogether or else discussed between parent and teen. For those who are not uncomfortable with this content, I still recommend reading the novel with parent-teen discussion, because of its other controversial themes/topics. This novel is multi-layered and presents a number of moral and worldview messages/ideas both subtly and obviously.
Author website: http://mollybethgriffin.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashares (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, book 1)
*made into movie 2005; 2002 Black-Eyed Susan Award -- High School winner; 2002 Book Sense Book of the Year Award -- Children's Lit winner; 2002 Bookseller's Choice -- YA winner; 2002 Rhode Island Teen Book Award -- Ages 12 & Up winner; 2002 Tayshas Reading -- YA (Commended); 2003 Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award -- Gr. 9-12 winner; 2003 Heartland Award -- YA winner; 2003 Nevada Young Readers' Award -- YA nominee; 2003 Sequoyah Book Award -- YA winner; 2003 South Carolina Childrens, Junior and YA Book Award -- YA nominee; 2003 Volunteer State Book Award -- YA winner; 2004 Charlotte Award -- YA nominee; 2004 Colorado Blue Spruce Award -- YA nominee; 2004 Evergreen Young Adult Book Award -- YA winner; 2004 Garden State Teen Book Award -- Fiction Gr. 9-12 winner; 2004 Iowa Teen Award -- YA winner; 2004 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award -- Gr. 6-8 nominee; 2004 Young Hoosier Book Award -- Middle Grades winner; 2004 Young Reader's Choice Award -- Senior/Gr. 10-12 winner*
Core themes: the adolescent search for self-understanding; facing new beginnings and major life changes; the difficulty we face in breaking out of our comfort zones; sex is not a game or an "itch" to scratch; the nature of true happiness; learning how to find courage to do the right thing and to take chances; the importance of really seeing people before judging them; seeing life for the gift it is; facing death for the first time
Drugs/alcohol: teen party with drinking; underage characters go to a bar where their camp counselors see them and look the other way; teen character has social drink of wine at all-ages party in her grandparents' small-town home in Greece
Religion/occult: nominally Catholic character observes that her father previously wouldn't convert to Catholicism to please in-laws, but now he's saying grace with fiance; one non-religious scene in Greece is set on the Greek Orthodox Feast of the Assumption
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 4 Note: Several situations fit no part of the key: character's father has live-in fiance and teen children; another character accidentally sees future love interest naked while she's skinny-dipping in private; and later she accidentally sees him naked in a reverse situation;)
Violence/abuse: grandfathers get into a fist fight
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4 (innuendo), 5, 7--infrequent
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I have to admit that my prejudices against YA literature with blasphemy and sexual content make it difficult for me to give this novel five stars; yet, my sense of justice reminds me that the stars are meant to be given for writing artistry, not personal preference, and I do feel this novel is masterfully written. Sisterhood isn't beautiful in the aesthetic sense of some other YA novels reviewed on this site, such as Speak, but it does a beautiful job of exploring the world of teen girlhood. Not only are the individual stories of each of the four friends compelling and meaningful, they are authentic. I felt like these girls were real, and I envied the depth of their life-long friendship. At times the Pants--here capitalized because the author uses them as a kind of character--seem portrayed as "magical" to the point of silliness, but these moments are few and far between. Sisterhood contains some mature content at times--such as when Bee learns too late that sex is not a game but instead a complete giving of oneself that can never be reversed--but I don't mention that as a negative thing, only as a word of caution. For me it is easy to see why the novel has had such a wide following for so long, and I think that--personal prejudices aside--its popularity is well-deserved. The movie is also good, although as movie adaptations tend to be, it is regrettably different from the book in some important ways.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://annbrashares.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*made into movie 2005; 2002 Black-Eyed Susan Award -- High School winner; 2002 Book Sense Book of the Year Award -- Children's Lit winner; 2002 Bookseller's Choice -- YA winner; 2002 Rhode Island Teen Book Award -- Ages 12 & Up winner; 2002 Tayshas Reading -- YA (Commended); 2003 Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award -- Gr. 9-12 winner; 2003 Heartland Award -- YA winner; 2003 Nevada Young Readers' Award -- YA nominee; 2003 Sequoyah Book Award -- YA winner; 2003 South Carolina Childrens, Junior and YA Book Award -- YA nominee; 2003 Volunteer State Book Award -- YA winner; 2004 Charlotte Award -- YA nominee; 2004 Colorado Blue Spruce Award -- YA nominee; 2004 Evergreen Young Adult Book Award -- YA winner; 2004 Garden State Teen Book Award -- Fiction Gr. 9-12 winner; 2004 Iowa Teen Award -- YA winner; 2004 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award -- Gr. 6-8 nominee; 2004 Young Hoosier Book Award -- Middle Grades winner; 2004 Young Reader's Choice Award -- Senior/Gr. 10-12 winner*
Core themes: the adolescent search for self-understanding; facing new beginnings and major life changes; the difficulty we face in breaking out of our comfort zones; sex is not a game or an "itch" to scratch; the nature of true happiness; learning how to find courage to do the right thing and to take chances; the importance of really seeing people before judging them; seeing life for the gift it is; facing death for the first time
Drugs/alcohol: teen party with drinking; underage characters go to a bar where their camp counselors see them and look the other way; teen character has social drink of wine at all-ages party in her grandparents' small-town home in Greece
Religion/occult: nominally Catholic character observes that her father previously wouldn't convert to Catholicism to please in-laws, but now he's saying grace with fiance; one non-religious scene in Greece is set on the Greek Orthodox Feast of the Assumption
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 4 Note: Several situations fit no part of the key: character's father has live-in fiance and teen children; another character accidentally sees future love interest naked while she's skinny-dipping in private; and later she accidentally sees him naked in a reverse situation;)
Violence/abuse: grandfathers get into a fist fight
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4 (innuendo), 5, 7--infrequent
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: I have to admit that my prejudices against YA literature with blasphemy and sexual content make it difficult for me to give this novel five stars; yet, my sense of justice reminds me that the stars are meant to be given for writing artistry, not personal preference, and I do feel this novel is masterfully written. Sisterhood isn't beautiful in the aesthetic sense of some other YA novels reviewed on this site, such as Speak, but it does a beautiful job of exploring the world of teen girlhood. Not only are the individual stories of each of the four friends compelling and meaningful, they are authentic. I felt like these girls were real, and I envied the depth of their life-long friendship. At times the Pants--here capitalized because the author uses them as a kind of character--seem portrayed as "magical" to the point of silliness, but these moments are few and far between. Sisterhood contains some mature content at times--such as when Bee learns too late that sex is not a game but instead a complete giving of oneself that can never be reversed--but I don't mention that as a negative thing, only as a word of caution. For me it is easy to see why the novel has had such a wide following for so long, and I think that--personal prejudices aside--its popularity is well-deserved. The movie is also good, although as movie adaptations tend to be, it is regrettably different from the book in some important ways.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://annbrashares.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Skin, by Donna Jo Napoli
Core themes: the struggle to cope with the fear of a developing disease, as well as the physical changes it may cause; learning to trust others with the truth about painful changes in our lives; first love and its heady emotional and mental effects; learning to find peace within life's storms
Drugs/alcohol: none (I may have missed a slight reference or two, but don't think so.)
Religion/occult: a few references to Catholicism, as several characters are nominally Catholic; one character throws out an indirect slam about religion, saying, "Sometimes religious people do make sense"; protagonist draws a lot of comfort and support from dance coach's yoga exercises and the references she makes to Hinduism and its mythology
Romance/ sexuality: 1, 2, 3, 5 (Warning--unusually graphic!)
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 -- increasing frequency Note: I felt #2 was reasonable in the scene's context.
Literary artistry: * * * * * Note: This was difficult to judge. Some aspects of the novel were excellent, such as the story arc and realistic emotional responses of the protagonist. Others really fell flat for me or were disturbing in the extreme.
Comments: This was one of those novels that I was eager to read because of the premise (and I heard the author speak at a conference once), yet gradually came to wish I'd never picked it up at all. To me, this novel was a lost opportunity for both the author and the readers who may be steered away from this novel after reading this review. The plot in itself is wonderful and addresses an issue I haven't yet seen in juvenile literature: the devastating effects of a developing disease on a teenage girl. And the author does a wonderful job of taking the protagonist through this awful time in her life, from the first sign of the disease to the day she makes peace with it. I didn't like the protagonist much as a person, but she was realistic and probably relatable for many teens; in fact, most of the characters seemed very real to me. For these reasons I want to give the novel big kudos. Sometimes the dialogue felt off, and a minor relationship that the protagonist developed with a cosmetics saleswoman did not ring true. These are just structural things, though, and they may be all you're interested in. If after reading the rest of this review you feel that the novel sounds right for your teen, you can count on more literary quality than you'll find in many YA novels.
But...parents need to know that this novel not only has a fair amount of crude/vulgar language and a lot of sexual references (a little of it homosexual), it has the most graphic sexual content of any YA book I've read, yet. That includes Gossip Girl and Looking for Alaska, which is saying a lot. Sep, the protagonist, spends much of the novel trying to grab her opportunity for love and romance before her disease overtakes her, and this includes a lot of sex. Some of it is shockingly detailed and some of it is merely referenced, but all of it is premarital and presented in a positive light. At times it felt like the author was actually encouraging teen sexual activity, because of the glowing things Sep had to say about it. Even Sep's mother encourages her to seek "protection" if she is heading towards sexual activity. Sep responds that it's none of her mother's business, and her mother responds only to say that it's her business to keep her safe (yes, that's it, and yes, Sep is a minor). Even worse, boys are presented by one character as little more than lust-crazy, walking hormones, who want nothing more than to "score"--an unjust and stereotypical label I felt was unfortunate, even if it was stated by a character and not the author herself. In the end, I regretfully have to put this one back on the shelf. As good as the novel is as a literary whole, I could not in good conscience give this to a teen, except perhaps for one who is nearly an adult. Sometimes content overtakes quality for me.
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens. Note: I must add that this recommendation is made with serious reservations. Parents really need to read this book before giving to their teens.
Author website: http://www.donnajonapoli.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Core themes: the struggle to cope with the fear of a developing disease, as well as the physical changes it may cause; learning to trust others with the truth about painful changes in our lives; first love and its heady emotional and mental effects; learning to find peace within life's storms
Drugs/alcohol: none (I may have missed a slight reference or two, but don't think so.)
Religion/occult: a few references to Catholicism, as several characters are nominally Catholic; one character throws out an indirect slam about religion, saying, "Sometimes religious people do make sense"; protagonist draws a lot of comfort and support from dance coach's yoga exercises and the references she makes to Hinduism and its mythology
Romance/ sexuality: 1, 2, 3, 5 (Warning--unusually graphic!)
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 -- increasing frequency Note: I felt #2 was reasonable in the scene's context.
Literary artistry: * * * * * Note: This was difficult to judge. Some aspects of the novel were excellent, such as the story arc and realistic emotional responses of the protagonist. Others really fell flat for me or were disturbing in the extreme.
Comments: This was one of those novels that I was eager to read because of the premise (and I heard the author speak at a conference once), yet gradually came to wish I'd never picked it up at all. To me, this novel was a lost opportunity for both the author and the readers who may be steered away from this novel after reading this review. The plot in itself is wonderful and addresses an issue I haven't yet seen in juvenile literature: the devastating effects of a developing disease on a teenage girl. And the author does a wonderful job of taking the protagonist through this awful time in her life, from the first sign of the disease to the day she makes peace with it. I didn't like the protagonist much as a person, but she was realistic and probably relatable for many teens; in fact, most of the characters seemed very real to me. For these reasons I want to give the novel big kudos. Sometimes the dialogue felt off, and a minor relationship that the protagonist developed with a cosmetics saleswoman did not ring true. These are just structural things, though, and they may be all you're interested in. If after reading the rest of this review you feel that the novel sounds right for your teen, you can count on more literary quality than you'll find in many YA novels.
But...parents need to know that this novel not only has a fair amount of crude/vulgar language and a lot of sexual references (a little of it homosexual), it has the most graphic sexual content of any YA book I've read, yet. That includes Gossip Girl and Looking for Alaska, which is saying a lot. Sep, the protagonist, spends much of the novel trying to grab her opportunity for love and romance before her disease overtakes her, and this includes a lot of sex. Some of it is shockingly detailed and some of it is merely referenced, but all of it is premarital and presented in a positive light. At times it felt like the author was actually encouraging teen sexual activity, because of the glowing things Sep had to say about it. Even Sep's mother encourages her to seek "protection" if she is heading towards sexual activity. Sep responds that it's none of her mother's business, and her mother responds only to say that it's her business to keep her safe (yes, that's it, and yes, Sep is a minor). Even worse, boys are presented by one character as little more than lust-crazy, walking hormones, who want nothing more than to "score"--an unjust and stereotypical label I felt was unfortunate, even if it was stated by a character and not the author herself. In the end, I regretfully have to put this one back on the shelf. As good as the novel is as a literary whole, I could not in good conscience give this to a teen, except perhaps for one who is nearly an adult. Sometimes content overtakes quality for me.
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens. Note: I must add that this recommendation is made with serious reservations. Parents really need to read this book before giving to their teens.
Author website: http://www.donnajonapoli.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Slathbog's Gold, by M.L. Forman (Adventurer's Wanted series, book 1)
*Truman Reader's Award nominee, 2011-12; Our History Project Literary Excellence Award winner, 2010 (best YA category, gold award)*
Why this book is worth considering:
This book had me immediately. I love books where kids get to travel to other worlds and discover powers and have adventures I could never have… and this is all of that. Fifteen year old Alex doesn’t have a bad life, but one day while dealing with normal teenage angst, he sees a mysterious sign in a bookstore window, and nothing is ever the same again. The writing is engaging and the characters are believable, and yet I was taken aback by how positive they are. I was thrown by how honorable and true the Alex’s companions are, I suppose because so many books provide nothing but deception and bad, bad, bad. This book provides a wonderfully clear set of obviously good and truly evil characters with only a mix of questionable ones for flavor. I found that so refreshing. Good is good, bad is bad. And the book is so clean, it feels more like Lewis or Tolkien, instead of most of the modern fantasy genre.
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. 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 the after-effects of killing and what that might mean. It’s on par with 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
*Truman Reader's Award nominee, 2011-12; Our History Project Literary Excellence Award winner, 2010 (best YA category, gold award)*
Why this book is worth considering:
This book had me immediately. I love books where kids get to travel to other worlds and discover powers and have adventures I could never have… and this is all of that. Fifteen year old Alex doesn’t have a bad life, but one day while dealing with normal teenage angst, he sees a mysterious sign in a bookstore window, and nothing is ever the same again. The writing is engaging and the characters are believable, and yet I was taken aback by how positive they are. I was thrown by how honorable and true the Alex’s companions are, I suppose because so many books provide nothing but deception and bad, bad, bad. This book provides a wonderfully clear set of obviously good and truly evil characters with only a mix of questionable ones for flavor. I found that so refreshing. Good is good, bad is bad. And the book is so clean, it feels more like Lewis or Tolkien, instead of most of the modern fantasy genre.
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. 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 the after-effects of killing and what that might mean. It’s on par with 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
Slay, by Brittany Morris
*Most Anticipated Debut YA Novel (Barnes & Noble / Publisher's Weekly), 2019; Book Riot Top 50 Must-read Books by Debut Author, 2019; American Bookseller's Association Top 10 Kids Indie Next List, 2019; People magazine "Best Books of Fall 2019" winner*
Why this book is worth considering:
The first thing that comes to mind for me as a reason to read this book is that it is original and unusual--about a high-school girl who creates a world-famous video game that caters only to black players. The second reason is that it opens a window for non-black readers into black culture and offers a black-positive story to black readers. Teen readers of all races may find the themes of racism, black culture and ideals, black safe spaces, and various black worldviews to be meaningful and worth discussion. In addition, the story is engaging and intriguing, good for entertainment with some intellectual value.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Morris's novel is unapologetically written for a black audience, even as it opens the door to non-black readers. Because of that, non-black readers and especially white ones may be somewhat uncomfortable and even annoyed at times, as if they are peeking into a world in which they don't belong and are treading on eggshells if they choose to respond in any way. This discomfort can be useful and constructive, but non-black readers will need to read intentionally with their minds and hearts open to see this. Otherwise and even with this effort, the novel feels unwelcoming and even preachy and critical at times--especially to white readers. It is a "woke" novel, which will be a turnoff to some readers, but this isn't necessarily a drawback for those seeking understanding and bridge-building.
More disturbing to me, quite honestly, is that the protagonist seems too old for her age. She is sexually active and is given a freedom in the novel that wasn't very credible. For example, her parents don't mind her sleeping with her boyfriend in their house. Oddly, too, a hospital treats her for a broken clavicle without any parental involvement at all. There is some serious swearing in the novel, but it was only occasional, not a major element of the dialogue. Also, the protagonist and her family are clearly unreligious; however, the few references to religion (Christianity) are not disrespectful. The novel does contain some violence, but it is mostly confined to the video game the protagonist creates. There is a murder, but we hear about it second-hand. Romance and physical relations are present but non-graphic.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: https://www.authorbrittneymorris.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Most Anticipated Debut YA Novel (Barnes & Noble / Publisher's Weekly), 2019; Book Riot Top 50 Must-read Books by Debut Author, 2019; American Bookseller's Association Top 10 Kids Indie Next List, 2019; People magazine "Best Books of Fall 2019" winner*
Why this book is worth considering:
The first thing that comes to mind for me as a reason to read this book is that it is original and unusual--about a high-school girl who creates a world-famous video game that caters only to black players. The second reason is that it opens a window for non-black readers into black culture and offers a black-positive story to black readers. Teen readers of all races may find the themes of racism, black culture and ideals, black safe spaces, and various black worldviews to be meaningful and worth discussion. In addition, the story is engaging and intriguing, good for entertainment with some intellectual value.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
Morris's novel is unapologetically written for a black audience, even as it opens the door to non-black readers. Because of that, non-black readers and especially white ones may be somewhat uncomfortable and even annoyed at times, as if they are peeking into a world in which they don't belong and are treading on eggshells if they choose to respond in any way. This discomfort can be useful and constructive, but non-black readers will need to read intentionally with their minds and hearts open to see this. Otherwise and even with this effort, the novel feels unwelcoming and even preachy and critical at times--especially to white readers. It is a "woke" novel, which will be a turnoff to some readers, but this isn't necessarily a drawback for those seeking understanding and bridge-building.
More disturbing to me, quite honestly, is that the protagonist seems too old for her age. She is sexually active and is given a freedom in the novel that wasn't very credible. For example, her parents don't mind her sleeping with her boyfriend in their house. Oddly, too, a hospital treats her for a broken clavicle without any parental involvement at all. There is some serious swearing in the novel, but it was only occasional, not a major element of the dialogue. Also, the protagonist and her family are clearly unreligious; however, the few references to religion (Christianity) are not disrespectful. The novel does contain some violence, but it is mostly confined to the video game the protagonist creates. There is a murder, but we hear about it second-hand. Romance and physical relations are present but non-graphic.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: https://www.authorbrittneymorris.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Smile, by Raina Telgemeier
*2011 Will Eisner Award winner--Best Publication for Teens; 2012 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award winner; 2012 Maine Student Book Award winner; 2011 Children’s Choice Book Award finalist; ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2011; 2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Honor Book; Kirkus Best Book of 2010
2010 New York Times Editors’ Choice*
Why this book is worth considering:
Once in awhile I just grab interesting-looking books from the library without giving them more than a glance. Such was the case this time, so I was more than a little surprised to discover upon returning home that it was a graphic novel. Not being interested in graphic novels, I nearly shoved it back in my library tote but then thought...why not? The jacket said that the story followed the protagonist through high school, and I didn't yet have a graphic novel on my list. Might as well give one a chance. I am glad I did, too. While I can't say it whetted my appetite for more graphic novels, it was fun to see what they're like. The story is meaningful, too, recounting the protagonist's years-long struggle to fix her front teeth after an accident ruined them. For those who have struggled with a health issue that has made them feel different from their peers and has caused real pain and suffering, Smile reminds us that we are not alone and that there is hope. For those who enjoy good health but know of others who don't, Smile reminds us to treat those who suffer from health problems with compassion, patience, and kindness.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
Honestly, I can't think of any reasons why a teen might be harmed by this novel. True, it is not a novel of high literary quality, like we generally want our teens to choose, but it is also a story of substance and valuable themes. I confess that I did read this novel quickly, but I don't recall any swear words or religious content or other content of concern. The protagonist does have crushes on a couple of boys, and she does go to a party where they play a kissing game (in which she doesn't participate); however, nothing happens that might cause parental concern.
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://goraina.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*2011 Will Eisner Award winner--Best Publication for Teens; 2012 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award winner; 2012 Maine Student Book Award winner; 2011 Children’s Choice Book Award finalist; ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2011; 2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Honor Book; Kirkus Best Book of 2010
2010 New York Times Editors’ Choice*
Why this book is worth considering:
Once in awhile I just grab interesting-looking books from the library without giving them more than a glance. Such was the case this time, so I was more than a little surprised to discover upon returning home that it was a graphic novel. Not being interested in graphic novels, I nearly shoved it back in my library tote but then thought...why not? The jacket said that the story followed the protagonist through high school, and I didn't yet have a graphic novel on my list. Might as well give one a chance. I am glad I did, too. While I can't say it whetted my appetite for more graphic novels, it was fun to see what they're like. The story is meaningful, too, recounting the protagonist's years-long struggle to fix her front teeth after an accident ruined them. For those who have struggled with a health issue that has made them feel different from their peers and has caused real pain and suffering, Smile reminds us that we are not alone and that there is hope. For those who enjoy good health but know of others who don't, Smile reminds us to treat those who suffer from health problems with compassion, patience, and kindness.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
Honestly, I can't think of any reasons why a teen might be harmed by this novel. True, it is not a novel of high literary quality, like we generally want our teens to choose, but it is also a story of substance and valuable themes. I confess that I did read this novel quickly, but I don't recall any swear words or religious content or other content of concern. The protagonist does have crushes on a couple of boys, and she does go to a party where they play a kissing game (in which she doesn't participate); however, nothing happens that might cause parental concern.
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://goraina.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
So B. It, by Sarah Weeks
*Winner of the 2004 Parents Gold Choice Award; LA Times bestseller; Winner of the Rebecca Caudill Award; Winner of the William Allen White Award; BBYA 2004/Booksense Best Books List 2004*
Core themes: role of luck in life, search for truth, accepting that sometimes we can't know things, coping with family member's mental disability, living with agoraphobia, journey to discover the self, our need for self-identity/love/acceptance
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1 Note: indirect reference to how main character's mentally-ill mother conceived her out of wedlock
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is a sensitively written, moving drama about the mentally ill and those who love them. Serious-minded girls will particularly enjoy it, as well as those who are part of families with a history of mental illness. So B. It is also unusually clean with almost no controversial content, making it not only a story worth reading but also a one almost every parent could hand their teen without reservations.
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.sarahweeks.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Winner of the 2004 Parents Gold Choice Award; LA Times bestseller; Winner of the Rebecca Caudill Award; Winner of the William Allen White Award; BBYA 2004/Booksense Best Books List 2004*
Core themes: role of luck in life, search for truth, accepting that sometimes we can't know things, coping with family member's mental disability, living with agoraphobia, journey to discover the self, our need for self-identity/love/acceptance
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1 Note: indirect reference to how main character's mentally-ill mother conceived her out of wedlock
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is a sensitively written, moving drama about the mentally ill and those who love them. Serious-minded girls will particularly enjoy it, as well as those who are part of families with a history of mental illness. So B. It is also unusually clean with almost no controversial content, making it not only a story worth reading but also a one almost every parent could hand their teen without reservations.
I would suggest this book to younger teens/ older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.sarahweeks.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Song of the Quarkbeast, by Jasper Fforde (Chronicles of Kazam series, book 2)
Core themes: fighting against evil corporations and unmitigated greed; Who decides what is right and good?
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: Magic is a force in this alternate universe like gravity and electricity. It can be used for good or selfish intentions, though there is the insinuation that it has a bit of a mind of its own that inclines it toward those who are on the side of “good.”
Romance/sexuality: 1 (very mild)
Violence/abuse: There are references to it in the past (kidnapping, people eaten by trolls, casualties of the Troll Wars) in addition to a few instances of it within the current plot (Jennifer is kidnapped and later attacked by trolls, a punch). There is a bit of a battle at the climax of the book between a witch cruelly treated and a wizard attempting to turn magic to his own ends but there’s not much violence in it.
Vulgarities: 1
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Some parents object immediately to any book including magic or dragons (unless they be obviously condemned as evil in the book). This series is one of humor and fantasy. Though the magic can be used for evil, the main character is one of integrity who is fighting for those who are weak. It is a book of puns and jokes that will be most appealing to older teens simply because those who are younger will not understand all the jokes.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jasperfforde.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
Core themes: fighting against evil corporations and unmitigated greed; Who decides what is right and good?
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: Magic is a force in this alternate universe like gravity and electricity. It can be used for good or selfish intentions, though there is the insinuation that it has a bit of a mind of its own that inclines it toward those who are on the side of “good.”
Romance/sexuality: 1 (very mild)
Violence/abuse: There are references to it in the past (kidnapping, people eaten by trolls, casualties of the Troll Wars) in addition to a few instances of it within the current plot (Jennifer is kidnapped and later attacked by trolls, a punch). There is a bit of a battle at the climax of the book between a witch cruelly treated and a wizard attempting to turn magic to his own ends but there’s not much violence in it.
Vulgarities: 1
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Some parents object immediately to any book including magic or dragons (unless they be obviously condemned as evil in the book). This series is one of humor and fantasy. Though the magic can be used for evil, the main character is one of integrity who is fighting for those who are weak. It is a book of puns and jokes that will be most appealing to older teens simply because those who are younger will not understand all the jokes.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jasperfforde.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Son of Neptune, by Rick Riordan (The Heroes of Olympus series,
book 2)
*#1 NYT bestseller; #1 USA Today bestseller; #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller*
Core themes: friendship, family, self-pervasion, saving the world and trust
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: This is a modern twist on Greek/Roman mythology
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: Exciting fantasy battles, more frequent than The Lost Hero, though nothing gory
Vulgarities: 1
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: The Son of Neptune follows three different demigods, Percy, Hazel and Frank, on another quest to save the world. This book takes place in the Roman version of Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter. The Son of Neptune is a lot like The Lost Hero but still just as enjoyable. I like this book a little more than The Lost Hero, because Percy is finally back! Don’t be put off by the size of this book, I finished it in a week.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx
Reviewer: Ashley Holland
book 2)
*#1 NYT bestseller; #1 USA Today bestseller; #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller*
Core themes: friendship, family, self-pervasion, saving the world and trust
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: This is a modern twist on Greek/Roman mythology
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: Exciting fantasy battles, more frequent than The Lost Hero, though nothing gory
Vulgarities: 1
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: The Son of Neptune follows three different demigods, Percy, Hazel and Frank, on another quest to save the world. This book takes place in the Roman version of Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter. The Son of Neptune is a lot like The Lost Hero but still just as enjoyable. I like this book a little more than The Lost Hero, because Percy is finally back! Don’t be put off by the size of this book, I finished it in a week.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx
Reviewer: Ashley Holland
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
*made into movie 2004; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults; Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist; IRA Young Adult Choice; Junior Library Guild Selection; Michael L. Printz Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist; New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age; NYT Bestseller; SCBWI Golden Kite Award; YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults; Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award runner-up; California Young Reader Medal nominee; Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee (Maryland); Garden State Teen Book Award (New Jersey); Iowa Teen Book Award nominee; Heartland Award (Kansas); Kentucky Bluegrass Award; Maud Hart Lovelace Youth Reading Award nominee (Minnesota); Teen Three Apples Award nominee (New York); 2005 New York Reads Together Book; Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania); Pennsyvania Young Readers Choice Young Adult List; Rhode Island Teen Book Award nominee; South Carolina Young Adult Book Award; Volunteer State Young Adult Book Award (Tennessee); Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas); Evergreen Young Adult Book Award (Washington); Sequoya Book Award (Oklahoma); Young Reader’s Award Nominee (Nevada); Bookseller and Media Recognition; Booklist Editors’ Choice; School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book; Fanfare, The Horn Book’s Honor List; Los Angeles Times Award finalist; Publishers Weekly Bestseller; Booklist Top 10 First Novels (1999); Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year (1999)*
Core themes: isolation, depression, social acceptability in high school, struggling with a traumatic experience
Drugs/alcohol: several references to teen drinking at a party and at prom.
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2
Violence/abuse: semi-graphic depiction of a rape, self-mutilation, one attempted rape/fighting between a high school boy and girl
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Melinda Sordino begins freshman year in high school as an outcast and has lost all of her friends because of something that happened over the summer. We journey with Melinda as she chooses to no longer speak and to wrap herself in art in order to cope with a secret she is keeping from everyone. Melinda’s no-holds-barred honest assessment of life in high school and humor in the face of darkness will keep the reader engaged until the last page–-always hoping Melinda will find her voice again.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens. Note: This would be a good book for a parent and teen to read and discuss together.
Author website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
*made into movie 2004; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults; Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist; IRA Young Adult Choice; Junior Library Guild Selection; Michael L. Printz Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist; New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age; NYT Bestseller; SCBWI Golden Kite Award; YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults; Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award runner-up; California Young Reader Medal nominee; Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee (Maryland); Garden State Teen Book Award (New Jersey); Iowa Teen Book Award nominee; Heartland Award (Kansas); Kentucky Bluegrass Award; Maud Hart Lovelace Youth Reading Award nominee (Minnesota); Teen Three Apples Award nominee (New York); 2005 New York Reads Together Book; Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania); Pennsyvania Young Readers Choice Young Adult List; Rhode Island Teen Book Award nominee; South Carolina Young Adult Book Award; Volunteer State Young Adult Book Award (Tennessee); Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas); Evergreen Young Adult Book Award (Washington); Sequoya Book Award (Oklahoma); Young Reader’s Award Nominee (Nevada); Bookseller and Media Recognition; Booklist Editors’ Choice; School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book; Fanfare, The Horn Book’s Honor List; Los Angeles Times Award finalist; Publishers Weekly Bestseller; Booklist Top 10 First Novels (1999); Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year (1999)*
Core themes: isolation, depression, social acceptability in high school, struggling with a traumatic experience
Drugs/alcohol: several references to teen drinking at a party and at prom.
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2
Violence/abuse: semi-graphic depiction of a rape, self-mutilation, one attempted rape/fighting between a high school boy and girl
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Melinda Sordino begins freshman year in high school as an outcast and has lost all of her friends because of something that happened over the summer. We journey with Melinda as she chooses to no longer speak and to wrap herself in art in order to cope with a secret she is keeping from everyone. Melinda’s no-holds-barred honest assessment of life in high school and humor in the face of darkness will keep the reader engaged until the last page–-always hoping Melinda will find her voice again.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens. Note: This would be a good book for a parent and teen to read and discuss together.
Author website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee (The Agency series, book 1)
*Winner, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre John Spray Mystery Award; finalist, Agatha Award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Book; finalist, Ontario Library Association Red Maple Award; An American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults; A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year; An Arthur Ellis Award Best Juvenile Crime Book Nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
Fans of historical fiction and mysteries will enjoy this spunky novel about a young girl who is doomed to be hanged at the tender age of 12 before suddenly being rescued and transformed into a spy. Fast-paced and full of mystery, A Spy in the House is a fun leisure read. Even better, it is squeaky clean compared to most YA novels. If you allow your teen to watch PG movies, you will probably be at ease with this novel. There is no sex, no disrespect of religion, and only social drinking and smoking in accordance with Victorian customs.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
Although unusually clean for YA, very conservative parents may be uncomfortable with a few things. The novel does contain occasional mild swearing, such as "G--" and "d--". I do not recall anything worse than that, but if there is, it is very infrequent. Also, while the novel does not contain sex, it does have a romantic thread, including a passionate kiss and a clandestine marriage. There are also several references to prostitution because of the protagonist's low social status and adventures into poor neighborhoods. In addition, this was an age of widespread opium abuse, so opium does play a subdued role in the mystery, though the protagonist does not partake. Violence includes two non-graphic murders, an attempted murder, and references to several other deaths.
Parents seeking high-quality writing for their teens may be a little disappointed with this novel. Although it is enjoyable, smooth writing for the most part, I found myself confused by some of the narration, and I also felt that the author resorted to several literary cliches. For example, Mary's romantic interest is a dashing, young gentleman who she "dislikes" and who "dislikes" her. They bicker and banter and fly into rages at each other, but in the end this turns out to transform (of course) into mutual attraction.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: http://yslee.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Winner, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre John Spray Mystery Award; finalist, Agatha Award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Book; finalist, Ontario Library Association Red Maple Award; An American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults; A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year; An Arthur Ellis Award Best Juvenile Crime Book Nominee*
Why this book is worth considering:
Fans of historical fiction and mysteries will enjoy this spunky novel about a young girl who is doomed to be hanged at the tender age of 12 before suddenly being rescued and transformed into a spy. Fast-paced and full of mystery, A Spy in the House is a fun leisure read. Even better, it is squeaky clean compared to most YA novels. If you allow your teen to watch PG movies, you will probably be at ease with this novel. There is no sex, no disrespect of religion, and only social drinking and smoking in accordance with Victorian customs.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
Although unusually clean for YA, very conservative parents may be uncomfortable with a few things. The novel does contain occasional mild swearing, such as "G--" and "d--". I do not recall anything worse than that, but if there is, it is very infrequent. Also, while the novel does not contain sex, it does have a romantic thread, including a passionate kiss and a clandestine marriage. There are also several references to prostitution because of the protagonist's low social status and adventures into poor neighborhoods. In addition, this was an age of widespread opium abuse, so opium does play a subdued role in the mystery, though the protagonist does not partake. Violence includes two non-graphic murders, an attempted murder, and references to several other deaths.
Parents seeking high-quality writing for their teens may be a little disappointed with this novel. Although it is enjoyable, smooth writing for the most part, I found myself confused by some of the narration, and I also felt that the author resorted to several literary cliches. For example, Mary's romantic interest is a dashing, young gentleman who she "dislikes" and who "dislikes" her. They bicker and banter and fly into rages at each other, but in the end this turns out to transform (of course) into mutual attraction.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens/ no teens.
Author Website: http://yslee.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, by Jennifer E. Smith
* 2014 Florida Teens Read -- Grades 9-12 (Finalist); 2015 Beehive Award -- Young Adult (Nominee); 2015 Isinglass Teen Read Award -- Grades 6-8 (Nominee); 2015 Louisiana Teen Readers' Choice -- Grades 9-12 (Nominee); Barnes and Noble Best Teen Books of 2012*
Core themes: coping with divorce; finding someone who understands you
Drugs/alcohol: one instance of drinking whiskey by teens and a teen drinking champagne at a wedding
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1, 4
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Relatively benign romantic story about two teens who meet and bond while on a long plane ride. The story takes place over a period of 24 hours and focuses on their blossoming relationship, as well as the angst Hadley feels about her parent's divorce. I was expecting this to be just another teen romance, but the author does a good job of examining how divorce and adultery can wreak havoc on an entire family. While I found the denouement somewhat unrealistic, overall it was a good teen romance read.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jenniferesmith.com
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
* 2014 Florida Teens Read -- Grades 9-12 (Finalist); 2015 Beehive Award -- Young Adult (Nominee); 2015 Isinglass Teen Read Award -- Grades 6-8 (Nominee); 2015 Louisiana Teen Readers' Choice -- Grades 9-12 (Nominee); Barnes and Noble Best Teen Books of 2012*
Core themes: coping with divorce; finding someone who understands you
Drugs/alcohol: one instance of drinking whiskey by teens and a teen drinking champagne at a wedding
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality: 1, 4
Violence/abuse: none
Vulgarities: none
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Relatively benign romantic story about two teens who meet and bond while on a long plane ride. The story takes place over a period of 24 hours and focuses on their blossoming relationship, as well as the angst Hadley feels about her parent's divorce. I was expecting this to be just another teen romance, but the author does a good job of examining how divorce and adultery can wreak havoc on an entire family. While I found the denouement somewhat unrealistic, overall it was a good teen romance read.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jenniferesmith.com
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Story of Us, by Deb Caletti
Core themes: loss and starting over again in romance, the struggle to trust again, divorce and remarriage (and their effects on families), what dogs can teach humans about life and love, life viewed as interconnecting stories and how they change and develop
Drugs/alcohol: adult character smokes pot, though she burns it all in a bonfire near the end;
Religion/occult: Characters are clearly not religious, but there are some references to God as some of them struggle with belief. For example, a prayer is sent up but not specifically to God--just to "whomever was in charge."
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2 Note: Though the novel does not stray out of these categories, except for a few unimportant references to homosexuality, readers should be aware that the novel contains a lot of sexual and romantic content of varying types--too many to describe here. The protagonist's mother also has taken a live-in boyfriend at one point in her past. On a positive note, the author passes on a subtle encouragement to girls about wearing modest clothing through the protagonist's disdain for immodest clothing.
Violence/abuse: Protagonist's father was a violent and abusive man, and though the reader never meets him, he is discussed a few times and is an important shadow over the storyline.
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4, 5 (vulgar language all of types is frequent)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: It is hard to know whether to give this novel three stars or four. To be honest I did not enjoy this book. Not only did it contain a lot of disturbing content, such as "Jesus" being frequently used as a swear word, the story was slow and often confusing. All authors are taught to "show, not tell," but this author got so caught up in making the story seem real that she seemed to forget that her readers sometimes needed some "telling" in order to understand who or what was being discussed. Part of the problem was her tendency to write in fragments. This may be realistic in dialogue and in narration told from a first-person point of view, but she used so many fragments that I frequently had to stop and re-read paragraphs to make sense of what the narrator/characters were saying. Also, readers were expected to infer a great deal of information from context, and while this is often a good thing, it often left me lost.
This is not to say that all readers would experience the same confusion I did. Perhaps if the story was more engrossing for me, I would have picked up on the many subtle clues that were meant to provide the information I needed. But because it was slow and confusing, I wanted to give the novel only three stars.
However...in stepping back to consider the quality of the writing as a whole--the storyline, the characters, the dialogue, the themes woven throughout, and even the writing itself--there was a luminosity and beauty to the novel as well. Whatever faults I may see with the content and her overly subtle style, Caletti does know how to write beautifully. Her dialogue is very realistic, and through her protagonist she takes the reader through deep, contemplative musings about life and love, struggle and growth. For those reasons I decided to give the novel four stars for literary quality.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens. Note: I recommend this novel only for those who are not sensitive about mature/adult content.
Author website: http://debcaletti.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Core themes: loss and starting over again in romance, the struggle to trust again, divorce and remarriage (and their effects on families), what dogs can teach humans about life and love, life viewed as interconnecting stories and how they change and develop
Drugs/alcohol: adult character smokes pot, though she burns it all in a bonfire near the end;
Religion/occult: Characters are clearly not religious, but there are some references to God as some of them struggle with belief. For example, a prayer is sent up but not specifically to God--just to "whomever was in charge."
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2 Note: Though the novel does not stray out of these categories, except for a few unimportant references to homosexuality, readers should be aware that the novel contains a lot of sexual and romantic content of varying types--too many to describe here. The protagonist's mother also has taken a live-in boyfriend at one point in her past. On a positive note, the author passes on a subtle encouragement to girls about wearing modest clothing through the protagonist's disdain for immodest clothing.
Violence/abuse: Protagonist's father was a violent and abusive man, and though the reader never meets him, he is discussed a few times and is an important shadow over the storyline.
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4, 5 (vulgar language all of types is frequent)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: It is hard to know whether to give this novel three stars or four. To be honest I did not enjoy this book. Not only did it contain a lot of disturbing content, such as "Jesus" being frequently used as a swear word, the story was slow and often confusing. All authors are taught to "show, not tell," but this author got so caught up in making the story seem real that she seemed to forget that her readers sometimes needed some "telling" in order to understand who or what was being discussed. Part of the problem was her tendency to write in fragments. This may be realistic in dialogue and in narration told from a first-person point of view, but she used so many fragments that I frequently had to stop and re-read paragraphs to make sense of what the narrator/characters were saying. Also, readers were expected to infer a great deal of information from context, and while this is often a good thing, it often left me lost.
This is not to say that all readers would experience the same confusion I did. Perhaps if the story was more engrossing for me, I would have picked up on the many subtle clues that were meant to provide the information I needed. But because it was slow and confusing, I wanted to give the novel only three stars.
However...in stepping back to consider the quality of the writing as a whole--the storyline, the characters, the dialogue, the themes woven throughout, and even the writing itself--there was a luminosity and beauty to the novel as well. Whatever faults I may see with the content and her overly subtle style, Caletti does know how to write beautifully. Her dialogue is very realistic, and through her protagonist she takes the reader through deep, contemplative musings about life and love, struggle and growth. For those reasons I decided to give the novel four stars for literary quality.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens. Note: I recommend this novel only for those who are not sensitive about mature/adult content.
Author website: http://debcaletti.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
A Study in Charlotte, by Brittany Cavallaro (Charlotte Holmes Trilogy, #1)
*Junior Library Guild Selection, Spring 2016 Indie Next Pick, 2017 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, 2016 ABC Best Books for Young Readers Selection, 2017 TAYSHAS List Selection*
Why this book is worth considering:
For teen Sherlock Holmes fans, what could be better than a mystery about the descendants of Holmes and his sidekick, Watson? Modern teens Charlotte Holmes and James Watson meet at a Connecticut boarding school and are soon drawn into a complex murder mystery that endangers both of their lives. Both boys and girls will enjoy the fast-paced, twisting plot as Holmes and Watson race to catch the murderer before it's too late. The novel does not feature great writing, but it does offer an intellectual challenge that keeps it from becoming trite.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
I don't know if it was just me or if it was the writing itself, but I often found myself confused during this ambitious novel; however, I enjoyed it enough not to dread reading it. The plot was complex enough to hold my interest, although the ending was somewhat cliched, and the characters were generally interesting. That said, I can't say I liked any of the characters much, and I also did not like the dark edginess the author chose to give both her characters and the story. Charlotte is as brilliant as her great ancestor but is also brooding and snappish; plus, she is a frequent drug user. James has a sullen, violent, and angry streak. The book contains a very little romance, but there are occasional references to sex. Parents do not need to be concerned about religion or occult content, but the book does contain a fair amount of swearing that includes blasphemy. There is also some violence, since it is a murder mystery, but it is not particularly graphic or disturbing. I will say that despite the drugs and the swearing, I would allow my teens to read this book before some of the others reviewed for this website. Although I wish the author had made some different choices in creating the characters and plot, the novel still retains a subtle element of fun that keeps it from becoming depressing in the way that many YA novels do.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.brittanycavallaro.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Junior Library Guild Selection, Spring 2016 Indie Next Pick, 2017 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, 2016 ABC Best Books for Young Readers Selection, 2017 TAYSHAS List Selection*
Why this book is worth considering:
For teen Sherlock Holmes fans, what could be better than a mystery about the descendants of Holmes and his sidekick, Watson? Modern teens Charlotte Holmes and James Watson meet at a Connecticut boarding school and are soon drawn into a complex murder mystery that endangers both of their lives. Both boys and girls will enjoy the fast-paced, twisting plot as Holmes and Watson race to catch the murderer before it's too late. The novel does not feature great writing, but it does offer an intellectual challenge that keeps it from becoming trite.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
I don't know if it was just me or if it was the writing itself, but I often found myself confused during this ambitious novel; however, I enjoyed it enough not to dread reading it. The plot was complex enough to hold my interest, although the ending was somewhat cliched, and the characters were generally interesting. That said, I can't say I liked any of the characters much, and I also did not like the dark edginess the author chose to give both her characters and the story. Charlotte is as brilliant as her great ancestor but is also brooding and snappish; plus, she is a frequent drug user. James has a sullen, violent, and angry streak. The book contains a very little romance, but there are occasional references to sex. Parents do not need to be concerned about religion or occult content, but the book does contain a fair amount of swearing that includes blasphemy. There is also some violence, since it is a murder mystery, but it is not particularly graphic or disturbing. I will say that despite the drugs and the swearing, I would allow my teens to read this book before some of the others reviewed for this website. Although I wish the author had made some different choices in creating the characters and plot, the novel still retains a subtle element of fun that keeps it from becoming depressing in the way that many YA novels do.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.brittanycavallaro.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Subject Seven, by James A. Moore
This is another one of those corrupt science/government agency type stories. The government is trying to create human killing machines, and the protagonist is a boy who has spent his first 10 years being experimented on in a brutal fashion. The first few chapters are a violent description of the then 10-year-old escaping the facility. Five to six years and many dead bodies later, the protagonist is now a teen and trying to find the other kids who were experimented on like him. There is an internal struggle between the aggressive side of the protagonist and his more human good side, which was treated well. This is where I stopped reading, because I just couldn’t root for this guy. Perhaps down the road there is redemption and the good will win out, but there was too much meaningless violence and negativity for me to keep reading.
Author website: http://www.jamesamoorebooks.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
This is another one of those corrupt science/government agency type stories. The government is trying to create human killing machines, and the protagonist is a boy who has spent his first 10 years being experimented on in a brutal fashion. The first few chapters are a violent description of the then 10-year-old escaping the facility. Five to six years and many dead bodies later, the protagonist is now a teen and trying to find the other kids who were experimented on like him. There is an internal struggle between the aggressive side of the protagonist and his more human good side, which was treated well. This is where I stopped reading, because I just couldn’t root for this guy. Perhaps down the road there is redemption and the good will win out, but there was too much meaningless violence and negativity for me to keep reading.
Author website: http://www.jamesamoorebooks.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
The Summer I Turned Pretty, by Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy, book 1)
*New York Times Bestseller; 2010 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens -- 14 and Up (Recommended)*
Core themes: first love, self-awareness, friendship
Drugs/alcohol: several instances of beer drinking and cigarette smoking. The protagonist considers drinking beer but turns it down. She also chides a friend for smoking and tells him to quit. One instance of medicinal marijuana being smoked by a cancer patient and her friend and some references to other people smoking pot, but it is cursory to the plot and no details are given.
Religion/occult: None
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2 (2 is mild) Note: Also a suggestion of skinny dipping that doesn’t happen. Mainly references to physical development.
Violence/abuse: one mild fist fight
Vulgarities: 1, 3 (a few minor expletives)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: At first I thought this book would be one of those breezy, vapid reads that gets pushed to the front of the bookstore shelves when summer rolls around. I was pleasantly surprised that although it had all the ingredients for a cheesy, Disney teen romance it was neither of those things. The author deals in a very real sense with the insecurities that a girl goes through as she develops, has her first crush, reevaluates friendships, and copes with divorce. Although leniency must be granted for the plausibility of some of the plot points, overall it was an enjoyable and at times, touching read.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.dearjennyhan.com/
Reviewer: Annika Holland
*New York Times Bestseller; 2010 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens -- 14 and Up (Recommended)*
Core themes: first love, self-awareness, friendship
Drugs/alcohol: several instances of beer drinking and cigarette smoking. The protagonist considers drinking beer but turns it down. She also chides a friend for smoking and tells him to quit. One instance of medicinal marijuana being smoked by a cancer patient and her friend and some references to other people smoking pot, but it is cursory to the plot and no details are given.
Religion/occult: None
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2 (2 is mild) Note: Also a suggestion of skinny dipping that doesn’t happen. Mainly references to physical development.
Violence/abuse: one mild fist fight
Vulgarities: 1, 3 (a few minor expletives)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: At first I thought this book would be one of those breezy, vapid reads that gets pushed to the front of the bookstore shelves when summer rolls around. I was pleasantly surprised that although it had all the ingredients for a cheesy, Disney teen romance it was neither of those things. The author deals in a very real sense with the insecurities that a girl goes through as she develops, has her first crush, reevaluates friendships, and copes with divorce. Although leniency must be granted for the plausibility of some of the plot points, overall it was an enjoyable and at times, touching read.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.dearjennyhan.com/
Reviewer: Annika Holland
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Surviving the Applewhites, by Stephanie Tolan
*2003 Newbery Honor Book; School Library Journal Best Book; Kansas William Allen White Award, grades 6-8; Kentucky Blue Grass Award, grades 6-8; ; Book Links Lasting Connection; Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children; ALA Notable Children’s Book; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice; New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age; New York Public Library's “One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing”; 2005-2006 Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee; Missouri Mark Twain Award nominee; Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award nominee; Nebraska The Golden Sower Award nominee; Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award nominee; Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award nominee; South Carolina Children’s Book Award nominee; Texas Lone Star Book Award nominee*
Core themes: good comes from misfortune; there is a decent person deep down in even the worst kids; second chances; learn who you are; there are many kinds of natural gifts and all are valuable; cooperation can accomplish amazing things
Drugs/alcohol: reference to lead male character’s parents being jailed for growing marijuana in basement
Religious/occult: reference to supporting character practicing Zen meditation; a swami visits the family for spiritual reasons about halfway through story and has a continuing—but minor--presence through the rest of it as their temporary resident cook (the spiritual aspects of his visit are kept light and subtle); brief description of girl meditating as taught by the visiting swami; table grace is offered vaguely in thanks to "the powers that be”
Romance/sexuality: none
Violence/abuse: lead male character comes to live with the Applewhites because he set fire to his last school
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4 Note: The #4 is because the "f-word” (printed like that in the book) was taught to a young child by a rebel teen. Overall, the language was very mild.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Although I don’t quite see why this novel deserves a Newbery Honor, as the story felt highly contrived, I did enjoy it. It was clean, zany, richly thematic without being preachy, and peopled with fun characters. The story was told through the points of view of two characters, E.D. and Jake. Though I don’t normally mind multiple points of view and can see why the author chose to use this technique, I didn’t like it in this novel. Because the events and setting were often chaotic, the double point of view was a little too much. Some adolescent readers may wonder whose story it really is and feel a little adrift at times. Other than that, this book is a fun romp that is at once both lighthearted and meaningful.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.stephanietolan.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*2003 Newbery Honor Book; School Library Journal Best Book; Kansas William Allen White Award, grades 6-8; Kentucky Blue Grass Award, grades 6-8; ; Book Links Lasting Connection; Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children; ALA Notable Children’s Book; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice; New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age; New York Public Library's “One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing”; 2005-2006 Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee; Missouri Mark Twain Award nominee; Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award nominee; Nebraska The Golden Sower Award nominee; Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award nominee; Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award nominee; South Carolina Children’s Book Award nominee; Texas Lone Star Book Award nominee*
Core themes: good comes from misfortune; there is a decent person deep down in even the worst kids; second chances; learn who you are; there are many kinds of natural gifts and all are valuable; cooperation can accomplish amazing things
Drugs/alcohol: reference to lead male character’s parents being jailed for growing marijuana in basement
Religious/occult: reference to supporting character practicing Zen meditation; a swami visits the family for spiritual reasons about halfway through story and has a continuing—but minor--presence through the rest of it as their temporary resident cook (the spiritual aspects of his visit are kept light and subtle); brief description of girl meditating as taught by the visiting swami; table grace is offered vaguely in thanks to "the powers that be”
Romance/sexuality: none
Violence/abuse: lead male character comes to live with the Applewhites because he set fire to his last school
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4 Note: The #4 is because the "f-word” (printed like that in the book) was taught to a young child by a rebel teen. Overall, the language was very mild.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Although I don’t quite see why this novel deserves a Newbery Honor, as the story felt highly contrived, I did enjoy it. It was clean, zany, richly thematic without being preachy, and peopled with fun characters. The story was told through the points of view of two characters, E.D. and Jake. Though I don’t normally mind multiple points of view and can see why the author chose to use this technique, I didn’t like it in this novel. Because the events and setting were often chaotic, the double point of view was a little too much. Some adolescent readers may wonder whose story it really is and feel a little adrift at times. Other than that, this book is a fun romp that is at once both lighthearted and meaningful.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.stephanietolan.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
The Sweetest Dark, by Shana Abe
Why this book is worth considering:
I accidentally read the sequel before this one (see review for The Deepest Night), but most of what I said in that review holds true for this book. This is one of those fun reads that might be considered a "guilty pleasure" for teens. It's romantic, exciting, fantastical (and historical, too), lyrical, and fun, while still not quite making it to the status of "Great Literature." It's just a delightful novel for older girls (boys might like it but not so much, probably). Unlike many guilty pleasures, though, Abe's writing is lovely and worth reading. Perfect for vacations, curling up by the fire, and beaches. My only complaint is that Abe sometimes has the characters speak dialogue that feels too modern.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
This novel is a historical-fantasy, squarely set in Britain during World War I but filled with magical elements, such as dragons and stars in human form. Parents will need to be okay with a Harry Potter-like fantasy, meaning that the novel deals with humans who naturally have magical abilities, rather than creatures from other lands with natural magical abilities (such as Narnian or Middle Earth creatures). It is important to understand that this kind of fantasy leaves no room for God, because of the implications of how the humans' magical abilities relate to the soul and godly things. However, there is no dabbling in witchcraft or the like, because, again, their abilities are natural and only discovered as they grow older.
The novel also contains some violence--a couple of deaths and injuries--and implications of sex, though nothing graphic. In fact, these implications may even be missed by some teens. Swearing is only occasional but does include some "hardcore" words, such as "f--" (one time). Drinking and drugs are present but only what was considered normal and proper in Victorian society. Religion is only present in the background, such as when the protagonist mentions going to chapel on Sundays.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.shanaabe.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
Why this book is worth considering:
I accidentally read the sequel before this one (see review for The Deepest Night), but most of what I said in that review holds true for this book. This is one of those fun reads that might be considered a "guilty pleasure" for teens. It's romantic, exciting, fantastical (and historical, too), lyrical, and fun, while still not quite making it to the status of "Great Literature." It's just a delightful novel for older girls (boys might like it but not so much, probably). Unlike many guilty pleasures, though, Abe's writing is lovely and worth reading. Perfect for vacations, curling up by the fire, and beaches. My only complaint is that Abe sometimes has the characters speak dialogue that feels too modern.
Why this book might not be right for your teen:
This novel is a historical-fantasy, squarely set in Britain during World War I but filled with magical elements, such as dragons and stars in human form. Parents will need to be okay with a Harry Potter-like fantasy, meaning that the novel deals with humans who naturally have magical abilities, rather than creatures from other lands with natural magical abilities (such as Narnian or Middle Earth creatures). It is important to understand that this kind of fantasy leaves no room for God, because of the implications of how the humans' magical abilities relate to the soul and godly things. However, there is no dabbling in witchcraft or the like, because, again, their abilities are natural and only discovered as they grow older.
The novel also contains some violence--a couple of deaths and injuries--and implications of sex, though nothing graphic. In fact, these implications may even be missed by some teens. Swearing is only occasional but does include some "hardcore" words, such as "f--" (one time). Drinking and drugs are present but only what was considered normal and proper in Victorian society. Religion is only present in the background, such as when the protagonist mentions going to chapel on Sundays.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author Website: http://www.shanaabe.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Switched, by Amanda Hocking (Trylle Trilogy, book 1)
*optioned for film in 2011; self-publishing phenomenon*
Core themes: boy/girl relationship, sacrifice, dealing with being different from most people, mother/daughter relationships, socio-economic class structures within a community
Drugs/alcohol: two instances of wine drinking (both adults and teens). This is done as part of elaborate meals where everyone politely sips their wine. One instance of an adult drinking hard liquor and offering one to the protagonist (she refuses).
Religion/occult: no religious or occult reference. However, there is reference to the Trylle (a non-human breed that looks like humans) being at one with nature and being able to control aspects of nature through magical abilities they are born with.
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: one instance of mother-daughter violence in the prologue. Mother stabs daughter with knife. This sets the stage for the rest of the story. This incident is rehashed a few times in the story. Three to four instances of fist fighting to protect the protagonist. A few instances of protagonist being slapped across the face. Emotional abuse from the protagonist’s non-birth mother.
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4, 6
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This paranormal novel explores a new world of mystical beings who live and look like humans, but they are trolls. The world of Trylle is pretty one-dimensional, and the characters are fairly cookie-cutter. At times it is hard to root for the flawed protagonist while she muddles her way through attempts on her life, warring troll tribes, boy crushes and learning she is royalty in the Trylle world. Overall, there is enough intrigue to keep turning the pages, if you are able to accept beautiful "trolls.” If you like theTwilight series, you will probably like this.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.hockingbooks.com
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
*optioned for film in 2011; self-publishing phenomenon*
Core themes: boy/girl relationship, sacrifice, dealing with being different from most people, mother/daughter relationships, socio-economic class structures within a community
Drugs/alcohol: two instances of wine drinking (both adults and teens). This is done as part of elaborate meals where everyone politely sips their wine. One instance of an adult drinking hard liquor and offering one to the protagonist (she refuses).
Religion/occult: no religious or occult reference. However, there is reference to the Trylle (a non-human breed that looks like humans) being at one with nature and being able to control aspects of nature through magical abilities they are born with.
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: one instance of mother-daughter violence in the prologue. Mother stabs daughter with knife. This sets the stage for the rest of the story. This incident is rehashed a few times in the story. Three to four instances of fist fighting to protect the protagonist. A few instances of protagonist being slapped across the face. Emotional abuse from the protagonist’s non-birth mother.
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4, 6
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This paranormal novel explores a new world of mystical beings who live and look like humans, but they are trolls. The world of Trylle is pretty one-dimensional, and the characters are fairly cookie-cutter. At times it is hard to root for the flawed protagonist while she muddles her way through attempts on her life, warring troll tribes, boy crushes and learning she is royalty in the Trylle world. Overall, there is enough intrigue to keep turning the pages, if you are able to accept beautiful "trolls.” If you like theTwilight series, you will probably like this.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens /all teens/ no teens.
Author website: http://www.hockingbooks.com
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
