The "U" Reviews-- See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Uglies/Pretties, by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies series, books 1 and 2)
*2006 ALA Best Book for Young Adults*
Core themes: issues concerning physical appearance; the consequences of big government for the individual; the tension between biological signals and true human feelings, the question of whether safety and environmental concerns should trump freedom; friendship and loyalty; the importance of embracing life fully awake; the impact of humanity upon the earth and the question of whether humans are an evil blight; the continued evolution of humanity,
Drugs/alcohol: teen drinking is common; drugs and cigarettes are strictly forbidden
Religion/occult: a couple of references to deity as "superheroes in the sky” and a subtle implication that all phenomena that seem supernatural in nature are actually easily explained by science
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2
Violence/abuse: group uses axes and clubs in self-defense (no murders); non-graphic description of wolf catching a rabbit; an elderly character is found killed; character hits villain on side of head to knock her out; attack of government authorities upon a camp.
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 5
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: These books are rich in themes and Big Questions on moral and ethical topics and thus may confuse or derail teens brought up with a particular worldview. This may be one time when parents should consider reading the books alongside their teens and discussing them, perhaps with a study guide, if one is available. In my opinion it would be worthwhile time spent, because there is a lot to think about here. I gave the books four stars for ingenious plotting and thematic depth; the writing itself is average.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens (with discussion, if possible) / no teens.
Author website: http://scottwesterfeld.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*2006 ALA Best Book for Young Adults*
Core themes: issues concerning physical appearance; the consequences of big government for the individual; the tension between biological signals and true human feelings, the question of whether safety and environmental concerns should trump freedom; friendship and loyalty; the importance of embracing life fully awake; the impact of humanity upon the earth and the question of whether humans are an evil blight; the continued evolution of humanity,
Drugs/alcohol: teen drinking is common; drugs and cigarettes are strictly forbidden
Religion/occult: a couple of references to deity as "superheroes in the sky” and a subtle implication that all phenomena that seem supernatural in nature are actually easily explained by science
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2
Violence/abuse: group uses axes and clubs in self-defense (no murders); non-graphic description of wolf catching a rabbit; an elderly character is found killed; character hits villain on side of head to knock her out; attack of government authorities upon a camp.
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 5
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: These books are rich in themes and Big Questions on moral and ethical topics and thus may confuse or derail teens brought up with a particular worldview. This may be one time when parents should consider reading the books alongside their teens and discussing them, perhaps with a study guide, if one is available. In my opinion it would be worthwhile time spent, because there is a lot to think about here. I gave the books four stars for ingenious plotting and thematic depth; the writing itself is average.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens (with discussion, if possible) / no teens.
Author website: http://scottwesterfeld.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.

An Unlikely Friendship, by Ann Rinaldi
Core themes: childhood of Mary Todd (Lincoln), childhood of black slave Elizabeth Keckley, pre-Civil War slavery, life of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley up through Lincoln's assassination.
Drugs/alcohol: drunkenness
Religion/occult: superstition, conjure
Romance/sexuality: 2, 4
Violence/abuse: significant mistreatment of slaves; cruel punishment of slaves; whipping, hanging, rape; suggestion of abortion
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 6
Literary artisty: * * * * *
Comments: This story is presented partly in autobiographical form and partly as a biography. It gives the reader a picture of the childhood and early adulthood of Mary Todd (Lincoln), and the childhood as a slave and early adulthood of Elizabeth Keckley. When Elizabeth Keckley became the seamstress for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, the two became good friends. Reading this story gave me a much better idea of the early years of Mary Todd, and the possible reasons for some of her peculiar habits in later years. At the same time, through learning about Elizabeth Keckley's early life, this book added to my understanding of the suffering of the slaves in the pre-Civil War, southern United States. The fact that these two women, so different in many ways, later found great comfort and support from each other is an unlikely, but nevertheless very satisfying, development.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens/older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: none
Reviewer: Joy Pardue
Core themes: childhood of Mary Todd (Lincoln), childhood of black slave Elizabeth Keckley, pre-Civil War slavery, life of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley up through Lincoln's assassination.
Drugs/alcohol: drunkenness
Religion/occult: superstition, conjure
Romance/sexuality: 2, 4
Violence/abuse: significant mistreatment of slaves; cruel punishment of slaves; whipping, hanging, rape; suggestion of abortion
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 6
Literary artisty: * * * * *
Comments: This story is presented partly in autobiographical form and partly as a biography. It gives the reader a picture of the childhood and early adulthood of Mary Todd (Lincoln), and the childhood as a slave and early adulthood of Elizabeth Keckley. When Elizabeth Keckley became the seamstress for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, the two became good friends. Reading this story gave me a much better idea of the early years of Mary Todd, and the possible reasons for some of her peculiar habits in later years. At the same time, through learning about Elizabeth Keckley's early life, this book added to my understanding of the suffering of the slaves in the pre-Civil War, southern United States. The fact that these two women, so different in many ways, later found great comfort and support from each other is an unlikely, but nevertheless very satisfying, development.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens/older teens/ all teens/ no teens.
Author website: none
Reviewer: Joy Pardue
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Undivided, by Neal Shusterman (Unwind Dystology series, book 4)
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: the value of a person, especially comparative value of people (and whether such a comparison is valid); medical technology; advertising; political lobbying; forgiveness. Big Questions: What does it mean to be human? Can society change, sacrificing health and comfort to do what is right? How do violent actions affect a person’s soul? Can evil be fought with evil?
Drugs/alcohol: Tranq guns are used to subdue without killing; referenced to being stoned; alcohol consumption in bars by a few characters
Religion/occult: a joke (in poor taste) by a teen that “Spam is my God” and the “stuff of Holy Communion;” Camus is a “golden calf for humanity to worship.” Lev continues to believe in God, but Connor isn’t sure yet.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2
Violence/abuse: Unwinding is a medical procedure in which a teenager is taken apart (starting with the feet) and the bits and pieces used to cure or alleviate diseases or injuries in other (apparently more valuable) people. There is plenty of graphic violence in attacks against the camps where unwinding occurs (including lynchings, executions, and bets taken on how many teenagers in the Stork Army will be killed in the attack) and in clapper attacks in which a person’s blood is made explosive creating a human bomb. People are attacked, kidnapped, injured, and killed pretty regularly. Parts pirates snag any teens they can to sell on the black market for parts. There is also at least one suicide and another attempted one. Starkey asks Connor to kill him before he is harvested, and Connor does. One particularly horrible character has a musical organ made of human body parts (heads at the top of each pipe).
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is one of the best dystopian series for young adults I have read recently. It incorporates a large number of relevant issues concerning medical technology, advertising, political lobbying, and the value of human life. I was particularly struck by the parallels between unwinding and abortion, like the idea that corporations “spin murder into social consciousness.” Though unwinding as it is described in the book is unlikely to be developed (or possible), the author intermittently includes actual articles on medical technology and the questionable use thereof that lead to the same sort of discussions or fears as unwinding.
One of the most important themes in the book is hope for the future, hope that people and society can make the decision to do what is right, even if it means making drastic changes in the things we have come to take for granted (like unwinding) and making sacrifices to do so. There is mention of “the awakening of a nation from its darkest nightmare.” There is also a great hope for forgiveness in the last part of the book.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: the value of a person, especially comparative value of people (and whether such a comparison is valid); medical technology; advertising; political lobbying; forgiveness. Big Questions: What does it mean to be human? Can society change, sacrificing health and comfort to do what is right? How do violent actions affect a person’s soul? Can evil be fought with evil?
Drugs/alcohol: Tranq guns are used to subdue without killing; referenced to being stoned; alcohol consumption in bars by a few characters
Religion/occult: a joke (in poor taste) by a teen that “Spam is my God” and the “stuff of Holy Communion;” Camus is a “golden calf for humanity to worship.” Lev continues to believe in God, but Connor isn’t sure yet.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2
Violence/abuse: Unwinding is a medical procedure in which a teenager is taken apart (starting with the feet) and the bits and pieces used to cure or alleviate diseases or injuries in other (apparently more valuable) people. There is plenty of graphic violence in attacks against the camps where unwinding occurs (including lynchings, executions, and bets taken on how many teenagers in the Stork Army will be killed in the attack) and in clapper attacks in which a person’s blood is made explosive creating a human bomb. People are attacked, kidnapped, injured, and killed pretty regularly. Parts pirates snag any teens they can to sell on the black market for parts. There is also at least one suicide and another attempted one. Starkey asks Connor to kill him before he is harvested, and Connor does. One particularly horrible character has a musical organ made of human body parts (heads at the top of each pipe).
Vulgarities: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is one of the best dystopian series for young adults I have read recently. It incorporates a large number of relevant issues concerning medical technology, advertising, political lobbying, and the value of human life. I was particularly struck by the parallels between unwinding and abortion, like the idea that corporations “spin murder into social consciousness.” Though unwinding as it is described in the book is unlikely to be developed (or possible), the author intermittently includes actual articles on medical technology and the questionable use thereof that lead to the same sort of discussions or fears as unwinding.
One of the most important themes in the book is hope for the future, hope that people and society can make the decision to do what is right, even if it means making drastic changes in the things we have come to take for granted (like unwinding) and making sacrifices to do so. There is mention of “the awakening of a nation from its darkest nightmare.” There is also a great hope for forgiveness in the last part of the book.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.

Upon the Head of the Goat: A Childhood in Hungary (1939-1944),
by Aranka Siegal
*Newbery Honor book, 1982; Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction, 1982; Janusz Korczak Literary Award, 1982; ALA Notable Children's Book, IRA Teachers' Choices, Booklist Best Books of the '80s, Booklist Editor's Choice, Library Journal Best Book of the Year*
Core themes: Jewish oppression of WWII; Judaism; family and friendship bonds; retaining dignity in the face of great oppression; prejudice
Drugs/alcohol: small amounts of rum and pear brandy drunk in a social situations
Religion/occult: discussion of the relationship between Jews and Christians in Piri's society; very brief reference to Jesus when Piri remembers carolers; Piri talks to mother briefly about testing God; Piri contrasts her struggles with faith in God w/ her grandma's strong faith; a character explains the ongoing of a word, which is in the Bible; brief discussion
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: Piri finds dead soldiers in river; detailed account of supporting character's suicide in order to save family; a doctor shoots himself after his wife and daughter were raped; Piri and sister are intimately groped by German soldiers
Vulgarities: 1, 3
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Although I generally try to limit reviews for this website to books published within 25 years, this was suggested to me as a worthy choice for a review. And it is, not only because it is a well-written and moving account of how a Jewish family and community were gradually devastated by Hitler's regime, but because it is an award-winning memoir that deserves to be introduced to a new generation of YA readers. I was too young to read it when it was published, and then it seems to have been all but forgotten since then, as I've never heard of it or the author. Here, I hope, it can be discovered once again.
This memoir would a perfect supplement to a study of the Holocaust, especially because it focuses on the experience of this family and community before being sent to the concentration camps--how Hitler's noose slowly wrapped around them, squeezing tighter and tighter, until the trains finally came to take them away to the concentration camps. Even as we see the destruction of their lives coming, though, due to our knowledge of what they ultimately faced, the memoir is also a testimony of survival and great strength. From the family's remarkably strong and resourceful mother to Piri's courageous Zionist sister to Piri's ultimate survival of the Bergen-Belsen death camp, this is a study of not only the Jewish experience of WWII but is also an inspirational study of the human spirit.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: none
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
by Aranka Siegal
*Newbery Honor book, 1982; Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction, 1982; Janusz Korczak Literary Award, 1982; ALA Notable Children's Book, IRA Teachers' Choices, Booklist Best Books of the '80s, Booklist Editor's Choice, Library Journal Best Book of the Year*
Core themes: Jewish oppression of WWII; Judaism; family and friendship bonds; retaining dignity in the face of great oppression; prejudice
Drugs/alcohol: small amounts of rum and pear brandy drunk in a social situations
Religion/occult: discussion of the relationship between Jews and Christians in Piri's society; very brief reference to Jesus when Piri remembers carolers; Piri talks to mother briefly about testing God; Piri contrasts her struggles with faith in God w/ her grandma's strong faith; a character explains the ongoing of a word, which is in the Bible; brief discussion
Romance/sexuality: 1
Violence/abuse: Piri finds dead soldiers in river; detailed account of supporting character's suicide in order to save family; a doctor shoots himself after his wife and daughter were raped; Piri and sister are intimately groped by German soldiers
Vulgarities: 1, 3
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Although I generally try to limit reviews for this website to books published within 25 years, this was suggested to me as a worthy choice for a review. And it is, not only because it is a well-written and moving account of how a Jewish family and community were gradually devastated by Hitler's regime, but because it is an award-winning memoir that deserves to be introduced to a new generation of YA readers. I was too young to read it when it was published, and then it seems to have been all but forgotten since then, as I've never heard of it or the author. Here, I hope, it can be discovered once again.
This memoir would a perfect supplement to a study of the Holocaust, especially because it focuses on the experience of this family and community before being sent to the concentration camps--how Hitler's noose slowly wrapped around them, squeezing tighter and tighter, until the trains finally came to take them away to the concentration camps. Even as we see the destruction of their lives coming, though, due to our knowledge of what they ultimately faced, the memoir is also a testimony of survival and great strength. From the family's remarkably strong and resourceful mother to Piri's courageous Zionist sister to Piri's ultimate survival of the Bergen-Belsen death camp, this is a study of not only the Jewish experience of WWII but is also an inspirational study of the human spirit.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: none
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
UnSouled, by Neal Shusterman (Unwind series, book 3)
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: redemption; misuse of technology for profit or art; treatment of criminals; coercion through financial incentives; continued themes of what makes a person and what makes a soul; healing a society; interconnectedness of all people; sacrifice of unwanted children; how medicine should treat disease; how those in power can shape the laws; advertising; hope. Some big questions to ponder: Is a thing wrong if no one is “hurt?” by it? What is a hero? Is Cam property or a person?
Drugs/alcohol: The scientist who makes unwinding possible drinks excessively (after seeing how his discoveries are used); an adult party guest intoxicated; medical license is necessary for tobacco; smoking mixture of tranq and cannabis with an antique glass pipe (one character willingly, another forced); suspicious medications in a glove box; reference to a drunk driving record; someone high on tranqs; a parts pirate drinks and takes drugs; lots of people drinking on streets of New Orleans; Hayden slips Connor medicinal chocolate laced with genetically engineered cannabis; Austin is unwound by his druggie father for money
Religion/occult: “O my God” and “O Jesus” repeated by a clapper; position of clapper electrodes are like stigmata; Cam remembers the faith of many people (all unwound to create him) and questions a Catholic priest whether he has a soul, to which the priest answers “no one on earth can answer that question”; Cam prays in nine languages to a dozen deities and the “great godless void” for a single reason he shouldn’t kill himself (and imagines he receives and answer); the camp director prays as he is executed; “Bam the Baptist, preparing the way for the Savior of Storks;” an advertisement claims the death penalty for a rebellious child (unwinding) is supported by the Bible (Deut 21:18-21); Starkey sets himself up as the “Stork Lord”
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 5
Violence/abuse: A bloody car accident with an ostrich and another when Connor runs into Lev who is seriously wounded; lots of physical fights; character choked to unconciousness; Cam threatened with violence by a girl’s father; clapper carnage described in news accounts; attacks on convenience stores; guns – threatening and shooting; knives – threatening and stabbing/slashing; attacks with other objects like a guitar and rocks; Risa impales a parts pirate with a pitchfork (graphic) and then watches as coyotes feed on him; Cam’s nightmares of unwinding worse than physical pain; blackmail and threatening of family members; making art from unwind parts; threat of rape; one character verbally and physically abuses his low-cortical sister; violent attacks on harvest camps with casualties in guards and attackers, including five unarmed people hung; Starkey forcses a young boy to execute a camp director (who is shot as he prays); Cam held against his will, threatened, and tortured; Austin is unwound by his druggie father for money
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 5
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Things progress from bad to worse in this book, which was supposed to be the final book in the trilogy but was divided when it got too long, but the ending is still hopeful. As with the previous two books, this is an excellent book to read along with mature teens, probably one of the best dystopian series for teenagers I’ve read in recent years, including The Hunger Games and Divergent.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: redemption; misuse of technology for profit or art; treatment of criminals; coercion through financial incentives; continued themes of what makes a person and what makes a soul; healing a society; interconnectedness of all people; sacrifice of unwanted children; how medicine should treat disease; how those in power can shape the laws; advertising; hope. Some big questions to ponder: Is a thing wrong if no one is “hurt?” by it? What is a hero? Is Cam property or a person?
Drugs/alcohol: The scientist who makes unwinding possible drinks excessively (after seeing how his discoveries are used); an adult party guest intoxicated; medical license is necessary for tobacco; smoking mixture of tranq and cannabis with an antique glass pipe (one character willingly, another forced); suspicious medications in a glove box; reference to a drunk driving record; someone high on tranqs; a parts pirate drinks and takes drugs; lots of people drinking on streets of New Orleans; Hayden slips Connor medicinal chocolate laced with genetically engineered cannabis; Austin is unwound by his druggie father for money
Religion/occult: “O my God” and “O Jesus” repeated by a clapper; position of clapper electrodes are like stigmata; Cam remembers the faith of many people (all unwound to create him) and questions a Catholic priest whether he has a soul, to which the priest answers “no one on earth can answer that question”; Cam prays in nine languages to a dozen deities and the “great godless void” for a single reason he shouldn’t kill himself (and imagines he receives and answer); the camp director prays as he is executed; “Bam the Baptist, preparing the way for the Savior of Storks;” an advertisement claims the death penalty for a rebellious child (unwinding) is supported by the Bible (Deut 21:18-21); Starkey sets himself up as the “Stork Lord”
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 5
Violence/abuse: A bloody car accident with an ostrich and another when Connor runs into Lev who is seriously wounded; lots of physical fights; character choked to unconciousness; Cam threatened with violence by a girl’s father; clapper carnage described in news accounts; attacks on convenience stores; guns – threatening and shooting; knives – threatening and stabbing/slashing; attacks with other objects like a guitar and rocks; Risa impales a parts pirate with a pitchfork (graphic) and then watches as coyotes feed on him; Cam’s nightmares of unwinding worse than physical pain; blackmail and threatening of family members; making art from unwind parts; threat of rape; one character verbally and physically abuses his low-cortical sister; violent attacks on harvest camps with casualties in guards and attackers, including five unarmed people hung; Starkey forcses a young boy to execute a camp director (who is shot as he prays); Cam held against his will, threatened, and tortured; Austin is unwound by his druggie father for money
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 5
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: Things progress from bad to worse in this book, which was supposed to be the final book in the trilogy but was divided when it got too long, but the ending is still hopeful. As with the previous two books, this is an excellent book to read along with mature teens, probably one of the best dystopian series for teenagers I’ve read in recent years, including The Hunger Games and Divergent.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Unspoken, by Sarah Rees Brennan (The Lynburn Legacy, Book 1)
*2013 Texas Tayshas Reading List; *
Core themes: secrets in a small town, lies and secrets within a family,
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: Plot involves some humans with supernatural abilities. No origin or source given for where these abilities come from, except that they are passed on to family members. Some abilities are gained from nature and humans. Two animal sacrifices are mentioned.
Romance/sexuality: 1,4,5 Note: The romance is pretty benign in terms of actual contact–-much more angst than action. One instance of a girl attempting to kiss another girl and being rebuffed for it. A reference to a premarital pregnancy in the past.
Violence/abuse: one murder and research into murders/sacrifices in the past, some fighting with chains and knives in self-defense
Vulgarities: 3, 4 (infrequent)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is a very unique story. It is a modern, gothic, supernatural mystery set in a quaint looking village in England. Appearances can be deceiving however, as the protagonist Kami Glass finds out when she begins investigating some strange occurrences in the woods. In addition, she has a voice in her head that she has been speaking to since she was a baby. None of this deters her though, as she relentlessly pursues the truth with a Nancy Drew-like attitude. Even though there are some supernatural elements, I feel that it is vague enough to not be problematic.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens
Author website: http://sarahreesbrennan.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland
*2013 Texas Tayshas Reading List; *
Core themes: secrets in a small town, lies and secrets within a family,
Drugs/alcohol: none
Religion/occult: Plot involves some humans with supernatural abilities. No origin or source given for where these abilities come from, except that they are passed on to family members. Some abilities are gained from nature and humans. Two animal sacrifices are mentioned.
Romance/sexuality: 1,4,5 Note: The romance is pretty benign in terms of actual contact–-much more angst than action. One instance of a girl attempting to kiss another girl and being rebuffed for it. A reference to a premarital pregnancy in the past.
Violence/abuse: one murder and research into murders/sacrifices in the past, some fighting with chains and knives in self-defense
Vulgarities: 3, 4 (infrequent)
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is a very unique story. It is a modern, gothic, supernatural mystery set in a quaint looking village in England. Appearances can be deceiving however, as the protagonist Kami Glass finds out when she begins investigating some strange occurrences in the woods. In addition, she has a voice in her head that she has been speaking to since she was a baby. None of this deters her though, as she relentlessly pursues the truth with a Nancy Drew-like attitude. Even though there are some supernatural elements, I feel that it is vague enough to not be problematic.
I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens
Author website: http://sarahreesbrennan.com/
Reviewer: Sabrina Holland

The Unteachables, by Gordon Korman
*Barnes & Noble Book-of-the-Month for Young People selection, January 2020*
Why this book is worth considering:
Because so many books marketed to teens are full of content concerning to wary parents, I'm always on the lookout for books that are appropriate for preteens and young teens of 13-14. This is why I keep my eye on not only YA books but also middle-grade novels with older protagonists. I often hit gold this way, and Korman's novel is a good example. His contemporary school story has multiple protagonists, each of whom help tell the story of a group of middle-school students deemed hopeless by the school district. They are "unteachable," so they are lumped together in the same classroom where they are essentially out of the way and get little instruction. The central premise of the novel, though, isn't just about these abandoned students but about a tenured teacher whose love for inspiring and educating young people disappeared long ago in the wake of a terrible scandal and is just trying to make it to retirement. He, too, has his own tale to tell about trauma, resentment, despair, and crushed dreams.
All of these voices combine to tell a story of one unforgettable year of renewed hope and second chances in a neglected middle school classroom. Not only is Korman's tale compelling and at times funny, he also reminds the reader to look below the surface of those pushed to the margins of society, to be brave enough to forgive and try again, and to remember that no one is hopeless.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
Because this novel is marketed to middle-grade students, it is generally free of mature and controversial content. There is no sex, swearing, drinking, or anti-religious content. Concerned parents will find little to object to; however, some may wish that the teacher, Mr. Kermit, was a better example of forgiveness and may want to discuss the power of anger and resentment vs. the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. In terms of literary quality, I felt that at times the tale was a little simplistic and unbelievable, which is why I gave it three stars instead of four; however, because of its character-building, storyline, and overall themes, it was well worth reading.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: https://gordonkorman.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*Barnes & Noble Book-of-the-Month for Young People selection, January 2020*
Why this book is worth considering:
Because so many books marketed to teens are full of content concerning to wary parents, I'm always on the lookout for books that are appropriate for preteens and young teens of 13-14. This is why I keep my eye on not only YA books but also middle-grade novels with older protagonists. I often hit gold this way, and Korman's novel is a good example. His contemporary school story has multiple protagonists, each of whom help tell the story of a group of middle-school students deemed hopeless by the school district. They are "unteachable," so they are lumped together in the same classroom where they are essentially out of the way and get little instruction. The central premise of the novel, though, isn't just about these abandoned students but about a tenured teacher whose love for inspiring and educating young people disappeared long ago in the wake of a terrible scandal and is just trying to make it to retirement. He, too, has his own tale to tell about trauma, resentment, despair, and crushed dreams.
All of these voices combine to tell a story of one unforgettable year of renewed hope and second chances in a neglected middle school classroom. Not only is Korman's tale compelling and at times funny, he also reminds the reader to look below the surface of those pushed to the margins of society, to be brave enough to forgive and try again, and to remember that no one is hopeless.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
Because this novel is marketed to middle-grade students, it is generally free of mature and controversial content. There is no sex, swearing, drinking, or anti-religious content. Concerned parents will find little to object to; however, some may wish that the teacher, Mr. Kermit, was a better example of forgiveness and may want to discuss the power of anger and resentment vs. the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. In terms of literary quality, I felt that at times the tale was a little simplistic and unbelievable, which is why I gave it three stars instead of four; however, because of its character-building, storyline, and overall themes, it was well worth reading.
Literary artistry: * * * * *
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: https://gordonkorman.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Unwind series, by Neal Shusterman
*Movie release of Unwind is scheduled for 2016; NYT bestseller (just released November 2014); 2008 ALA Top Ten Picks for Reluctant Readers 2008 ALA Best Young Adult Book list 2010 Japanese Sakura Medal 2008 Bank Street Best Books of the Year Nevada Young Reader Award WINNER 2010 Washington Evergreen YA Book award List WINNER WINNER OF 2010 Oklahoma Intermediate Sequoyah Award List Nominee for 2010 Oklahoma High School Sequoyah Award List 2009/2010 Texas Lonestar Award List 2009 Texas Tayshas Award List 2009/2010 Virginia Readers Choice Award WINNER 2009/2010 Indiana Rosewater High School Book Award WINNER 2010 Utah Beehive Award Nominee 2009/2010 Missouri Gateway Readers Award WINNER 2010 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award List 2009/2010 Vermont Green Mountain Book Award 2010 Rhode Island Teen Book Award List 2010 Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award List 2009/2010 Georgia Peach Award List 2009/2010 Florida Teens Read Award List 2009/2010 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award List WINNER 2010-2011 One Book for Nebraska Teens WINNER 2010-2011 California Young Reader Medal Nomination The United Kingdom Coventry Inspiration “Simply the Book” Award WINNER 2009/2010 Kentucky Bluegrass Award List 2010 South Dakota YARP Award List 2011 Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award WINNER 2010-2011 New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Reads Award List NY Public Library “Books for the Teen Age” 2010 New Jersey Garden State Children’s Book Award Nominee 2010 Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award List 2011 Nutmeg Book Award Nominee WINNER Vermont’s Green Mountain Book Award 2011 YALSA’s Popular Paperback Award List 2011 Iowa Teen Award List Germany’s 2013 “Buxtehuder Bulle” Award — nomination*
See individual reviews for the following books in this series:
Undivided
Unwind
UnSouled
UnWholly
*Movie release of Unwind is scheduled for 2016; NYT bestseller (just released November 2014); 2008 ALA Top Ten Picks for Reluctant Readers 2008 ALA Best Young Adult Book list 2010 Japanese Sakura Medal 2008 Bank Street Best Books of the Year Nevada Young Reader Award WINNER 2010 Washington Evergreen YA Book award List WINNER WINNER OF 2010 Oklahoma Intermediate Sequoyah Award List Nominee for 2010 Oklahoma High School Sequoyah Award List 2009/2010 Texas Lonestar Award List 2009 Texas Tayshas Award List 2009/2010 Virginia Readers Choice Award WINNER 2009/2010 Indiana Rosewater High School Book Award WINNER 2010 Utah Beehive Award Nominee 2009/2010 Missouri Gateway Readers Award WINNER 2010 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award List 2009/2010 Vermont Green Mountain Book Award 2010 Rhode Island Teen Book Award List 2010 Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award List 2009/2010 Georgia Peach Award List 2009/2010 Florida Teens Read Award List 2009/2010 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award List WINNER 2010-2011 One Book for Nebraska Teens WINNER 2010-2011 California Young Reader Medal Nomination The United Kingdom Coventry Inspiration “Simply the Book” Award WINNER 2009/2010 Kentucky Bluegrass Award List 2010 South Dakota YARP Award List 2011 Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award WINNER 2010-2011 New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Reads Award List NY Public Library “Books for the Teen Age” 2010 New Jersey Garden State Children’s Book Award Nominee 2010 Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award List 2011 Nutmeg Book Award Nominee WINNER Vermont’s Green Mountain Book Award 2011 YALSA’s Popular Paperback Award List 2011 Iowa Teen Award List Germany’s 2013 “Buxtehuder Bulle” Award — nomination*
See individual reviews for the following books in this series:
Undivided
Unwind
UnSouled
UnWholly
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
UnWholly, by Neal Shusterman (Unwind series, book 2)
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: advertising; use of medical technology for cosmetic or enhancement purposes; morality of unwinding (which is accepted or tolerated by nearly all religions in the book); unintended consequences of laws; child abandonment (both of infants called storking and of older teens to unwinding); rehabilitation of the soul tied to rehabilitation of the body; questioning everything previously believed (specifically regarding faith); forgiveness; sacrifice; ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Some big questions to ponder: What does is mean to be a person or alive? Can a society be “sick” and, if so, how is it cured?
Drugs/alcohol: References to drug use but rare for the main characters (some nicotine, references to “steroid bulk”); references to drunkenness but not among the main characters; reference to drunk driving in advertisement; a character tells of a conversation he has in a bar where strong alcohol (Russian vodka and tequila) is served
Religion/occult: references to those saving the Unwinds as “personal saviors”; a priest states the Vatican has not issued an opinion on unwinding, but he is personally uncertain; Miracolina’s family made a pact with God to tithe her for unwinding if her brother could be saved by her birth (her parents beg her to forgive them for this promise and, in the end, do not sign the unwind order); tithes are all members of splinter sects of their religions; inner circle of advisors at a camp hiding Unwinds are called “Holy of Whollys”; juvenile criminal refers to Lev as a “baby Jesus”; Lev and Pastor Dan (a nondenominational cleric) “share their own brand of spirituality”; Lev and his brother are disowned because of their parents’ belief in tithing; mild jokes about fake denomination names for what they are; Lev is “cruci-fluffed” when wrapped in soft material with his arms stretched out; one group trying to convince tithes to avoid unwinding treats Lev as a martyr (descriptions of his time there include many comparisons to a religion: a pope, icon, patron saint; altar; Satan – all in a way to highlight the inappropriateness of it all); discussions of questioning lifelong faith (specifically for the tithes); an authority figure compares voluntary unwinding to assisted suicide, a mortal sin, therefore leading to eternal damnation of the soul; Miracolina tests God asking him to strike her down with lightning if He doesn’t want her to escape; when saving a boy named Jesus, “We’re saving Jesus instead of him saving us” (pronounced differently); Cam is “programmed” with the Bible in three languages; reference to “playing God” when he was created; Hayden says the Lord’s Prayer when preparing to die while other teens say prayers from other faiths (“death…makes all religions one”)
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 4, 5
Violence/abuse: fist fights; knife fights; some gunshot wounds and plenty of situations in which people are threatened with guns; petty crimes; parents who choose to “unwind” their children (ending their lives); a black market for unwinding and “parts pirates” who kidnap or capture teens for that market, including parents who sell their children for unwinding; lots of kidnapping to either unwind or prevent unwinding; frequent use of tranq (tranquilizer) guns by all kinds of people; accidents (vehicular and a particular gory one involving a turbine engine); Risa threatens to kill herself with a subcutaneous cyanide pill (non-existent); using people as bait to catch Unwinds; a gory and graphic clapper attack on Lev kills Pastor Dan and mortally wounds his brother (who accepts Unwind parts to survive); capturing and tagging Unwinds (like animals); mobs of kids protesting violently (burning cars, etc.); President was assassinated (in the past); attacks with objects like bats and plates, some fatal; kicking a father repeatedly; mob of Unwinds starts setting houses on fire; Starkey demolishes his own hand and wrist to escape handcuffs; an extremely violent attack on the Unwind camp involving many deaths, some described graphically; Cam destroys a dressing room in a violent rage; a horrible plane crash with more graphic deaths and a man purposely left to drown
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: In the book, Miracolina is a Catholic tithe which is depicted as unusual but not opposed by the Church. I can’t speak for other religions, but as a Catholic married to a theologian, I am certain the Vatican would immediately condemn a practice like unwinding. (Miracolina is also an IVF baby, a practice already deemed illicit by the Catholic church though it is not addressed in the book.)
As in the first book, this one raises many issues related to faith and society, most prominently through the creation of Cam, a character built with the “best of the best” unwind parts of other people. His creation is portrayed as immoral, but he and other characters wrestle with questions regarding his soul. Though it may even be more violent than the first book, this book manages to give an overall impression of hope.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: advertising; use of medical technology for cosmetic or enhancement purposes; morality of unwinding (which is accepted or tolerated by nearly all religions in the book); unintended consequences of laws; child abandonment (both of infants called storking and of older teens to unwinding); rehabilitation of the soul tied to rehabilitation of the body; questioning everything previously believed (specifically regarding faith); forgiveness; sacrifice; ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Some big questions to ponder: What does is mean to be a person or alive? Can a society be “sick” and, if so, how is it cured?
Drugs/alcohol: References to drug use but rare for the main characters (some nicotine, references to “steroid bulk”); references to drunkenness but not among the main characters; reference to drunk driving in advertisement; a character tells of a conversation he has in a bar where strong alcohol (Russian vodka and tequila) is served
Religion/occult: references to those saving the Unwinds as “personal saviors”; a priest states the Vatican has not issued an opinion on unwinding, but he is personally uncertain; Miracolina’s family made a pact with God to tithe her for unwinding if her brother could be saved by her birth (her parents beg her to forgive them for this promise and, in the end, do not sign the unwind order); tithes are all members of splinter sects of their religions; inner circle of advisors at a camp hiding Unwinds are called “Holy of Whollys”; juvenile criminal refers to Lev as a “baby Jesus”; Lev and Pastor Dan (a nondenominational cleric) “share their own brand of spirituality”; Lev and his brother are disowned because of their parents’ belief in tithing; mild jokes about fake denomination names for what they are; Lev is “cruci-fluffed” when wrapped in soft material with his arms stretched out; one group trying to convince tithes to avoid unwinding treats Lev as a martyr (descriptions of his time there include many comparisons to a religion: a pope, icon, patron saint; altar; Satan – all in a way to highlight the inappropriateness of it all); discussions of questioning lifelong faith (specifically for the tithes); an authority figure compares voluntary unwinding to assisted suicide, a mortal sin, therefore leading to eternal damnation of the soul; Miracolina tests God asking him to strike her down with lightning if He doesn’t want her to escape; when saving a boy named Jesus, “We’re saving Jesus instead of him saving us” (pronounced differently); Cam is “programmed” with the Bible in three languages; reference to “playing God” when he was created; Hayden says the Lord’s Prayer when preparing to die while other teens say prayers from other faiths (“death…makes all religions one”)
Romance/sexuality: 1, 2, 4, 5
Violence/abuse: fist fights; knife fights; some gunshot wounds and plenty of situations in which people are threatened with guns; petty crimes; parents who choose to “unwind” their children (ending their lives); a black market for unwinding and “parts pirates” who kidnap or capture teens for that market, including parents who sell their children for unwinding; lots of kidnapping to either unwind or prevent unwinding; frequent use of tranq (tranquilizer) guns by all kinds of people; accidents (vehicular and a particular gory one involving a turbine engine); Risa threatens to kill herself with a subcutaneous cyanide pill (non-existent); using people as bait to catch Unwinds; a gory and graphic clapper attack on Lev kills Pastor Dan and mortally wounds his brother (who accepts Unwind parts to survive); capturing and tagging Unwinds (like animals); mobs of kids protesting violently (burning cars, etc.); President was assassinated (in the past); attacks with objects like bats and plates, some fatal; kicking a father repeatedly; mob of Unwinds starts setting houses on fire; Starkey demolishes his own hand and wrist to escape handcuffs; an extremely violent attack on the Unwind camp involving many deaths, some described graphically; Cam destroys a dressing room in a violent rage; a horrible plane crash with more graphic deaths and a man purposely left to drown
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: In the book, Miracolina is a Catholic tithe which is depicted as unusual but not opposed by the Church. I can’t speak for other religions, but as a Catholic married to a theologian, I am certain the Vatican would immediately condemn a practice like unwinding. (Miracolina is also an IVF baby, a practice already deemed illicit by the Catholic church though it is not addressed in the book.)
As in the first book, this one raises many issues related to faith and society, most prominently through the creation of Cam, a character built with the “best of the best” unwind parts of other people. His creation is portrayed as immoral, but he and other characters wrestle with questions regarding his soul. Though it may even be more violent than the first book, this book manages to give an overall impression of hope.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.
Unwind, by Neal Shusterman (Unwind series, book 1)
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: abortion; abandonment by parents; purpose and meaning of life; friendship; vocation (as from God); religious indoctrination; suicide bombing; love of and for parents; learning to control temper/actions; What is moral behavior?; moral responsibility to break immoral laws; What does it mean to be courageous?; What does it mean to be a man?; the purpose or uselessness of seeking revenge; morality of transplants; loyalty; commercialization of the human body (in this case, harvesting and transplanting all the teen body parts creating businesses and, presumably, fortunes); Are people only valuable for what they can do or provide?
Drugs/alcohol: a few references to illegal substances and alcohol, but mostly mentioned in passing; one girl goes through nicotine withdrawal; the admiral adds whiskey to his coffee repeatedly during one conversation (he also reports that he was drunk for several years after his own son was unwound); four teens are drugged before they are locked in a crate to suffocate
Religion/occult: “tithing” in which a child is unwound as a gift to God (condoned by clerics of all faiths, though none are mentioned specifically); complimentary references to praying; discussion of Heaven, souls, whether the unwound ever had souls, and when life begins; the harvest camp is “Hell masquerading as Heaven”; reference to Mayan game in which losers were sacrificed to Mayan gods; the idea that chaos can become a religion (when discussing the clapper suicide bombers); reference to the stigmata; asking God “what have I done?”. Also, Lev, one of the main characters, was raised as a tenth child, always destined to be a tithe, and he struggles with his faith when he is set adrift, instead of being unwound, and begins to recognize the inherent evil in an act revered by his parents and the religious indoctrination he received his entire life. Lev hates his parents because they loved God more than him. Tithes continue Bible study while awaiting their date to be unwound, in which “Bible passages become shredded to justify unwinding, and kids start to see the face of God in the fragments” and the teens say things like “We are Holy Communion,” “We are manna from heaven,” and “We are the piece of God in everyone.” A pastor maintains his faith, but in a God that does not condone tithing through unwinding.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 4, 5
Violence/abuse: Every unwind has a horrible story, the least violent of which are the wards of the state being unwound to save money. Some examples include a fourth daughter, as parents kept having children to have a son; a nephew with a small inheritance his aunt intends to use for her own children; a teenager who attacked his stepfather who was beating his mother (who took her attacker’s side); boys who got in trouble with the law. Other violent situations include suicide bombers called “clappers,” who have explosive blood, the worst of which is instrumental in the end of the story and kills and injures many; a bus accident in which a man goes through a windshield and dies; a kidnapping; lots of fights, some of which are described graphically, including one in which a protagonist is nearly choked to death; officers who use tranq (tranquilizer) guns; a “storked” baby (one of which is abandoned at a house) dies due to neglect perpetuated by an entire neighborhood; bullying; threatened rape; many teens punch or hit adults, as well as other teens; two groups of teens suffocate in a crate (the second group purposely murdered); wishing certain people would die or had died; references to a slave market; discussion of time before Second Civil War in which abortion doctors were murdered and women got pregnant to sell the fetal tissue; a mob attacks a girl on a plane and destroys a lot of property; a man is kicked and beaten to death; reference to Mayan game in which losers were sacrificed to Mayan gods; reference to a baby being shaken.
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is the kind of series best read alongside parents. Besides the obvious discussions in the book on the subject of abortion, in which the author manages to show some good and bad on both sides of the issue, the relationships between parents and their children, religious indoctrination, and moral behavior in almost any situation, give rise to question after question. The plot of the story will pull teens along so quickly, they may miss the opportunities for discussion, which beg for deep reflection.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf
*See series entry for awards and honors list*
Core themes: abortion; abandonment by parents; purpose and meaning of life; friendship; vocation (as from God); religious indoctrination; suicide bombing; love of and for parents; learning to control temper/actions; What is moral behavior?; moral responsibility to break immoral laws; What does it mean to be courageous?; What does it mean to be a man?; the purpose or uselessness of seeking revenge; morality of transplants; loyalty; commercialization of the human body (in this case, harvesting and transplanting all the teen body parts creating businesses and, presumably, fortunes); Are people only valuable for what they can do or provide?
Drugs/alcohol: a few references to illegal substances and alcohol, but mostly mentioned in passing; one girl goes through nicotine withdrawal; the admiral adds whiskey to his coffee repeatedly during one conversation (he also reports that he was drunk for several years after his own son was unwound); four teens are drugged before they are locked in a crate to suffocate
Religion/occult: “tithing” in which a child is unwound as a gift to God (condoned by clerics of all faiths, though none are mentioned specifically); complimentary references to praying; discussion of Heaven, souls, whether the unwound ever had souls, and when life begins; the harvest camp is “Hell masquerading as Heaven”; reference to Mayan game in which losers were sacrificed to Mayan gods; the idea that chaos can become a religion (when discussing the clapper suicide bombers); reference to the stigmata; asking God “what have I done?”. Also, Lev, one of the main characters, was raised as a tenth child, always destined to be a tithe, and he struggles with his faith when he is set adrift, instead of being unwound, and begins to recognize the inherent evil in an act revered by his parents and the religious indoctrination he received his entire life. Lev hates his parents because they loved God more than him. Tithes continue Bible study while awaiting their date to be unwound, in which “Bible passages become shredded to justify unwinding, and kids start to see the face of God in the fragments” and the teens say things like “We are Holy Communion,” “We are manna from heaven,” and “We are the piece of God in everyone.” A pastor maintains his faith, but in a God that does not condone tithing through unwinding.
Romance/sexuality: 1, 4, 5
Violence/abuse: Every unwind has a horrible story, the least violent of which are the wards of the state being unwound to save money. Some examples include a fourth daughter, as parents kept having children to have a son; a nephew with a small inheritance his aunt intends to use for her own children; a teenager who attacked his stepfather who was beating his mother (who took her attacker’s side); boys who got in trouble with the law. Other violent situations include suicide bombers called “clappers,” who have explosive blood, the worst of which is instrumental in the end of the story and kills and injures many; a bus accident in which a man goes through a windshield and dies; a kidnapping; lots of fights, some of which are described graphically, including one in which a protagonist is nearly choked to death; officers who use tranq (tranquilizer) guns; a “storked” baby (one of which is abandoned at a house) dies due to neglect perpetuated by an entire neighborhood; bullying; threatened rape; many teens punch or hit adults, as well as other teens; two groups of teens suffocate in a crate (the second group purposely murdered); wishing certain people would die or had died; references to a slave market; discussion of time before Second Civil War in which abortion doctors were murdered and women got pregnant to sell the fetal tissue; a mob attacks a girl on a plane and destroys a lot of property; a man is kicked and beaten to death; reference to Mayan game in which losers were sacrificed to Mayan gods; reference to a baby being shaken.
Vulgarities: 1, 2, 3, 4
Literary artistry: * * * * *
Comments: This is the kind of series best read alongside parents. Besides the obvious discussions in the book on the subject of abortion, in which the author manages to show some good and bad on both sides of the issue, the relationships between parents and their children, religious indoctrination, and moral behavior in almost any situation, give rise to question after question. The plot of the story will pull teens along so quickly, they may miss the opportunities for discussion, which beg for deep reflection.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewer: Jill Papsdorf

Up to This Pointe, by Jennifer Longo
*A Winter 2015/16 Indies Next List title; Amazon Best-of-the-Month Award, 2016*
Why this book is worth considering:
I nearly didn't read this book because of the opening lines: "The thing about Antarctica that surprises me most? The condoms. They're absolutely everywhere." After that, I skimmed through the first chapter and then put it in my "return to library" pile. I am just so tired of sex-saturated teen novels! But after a couple of days, curiosity wore on me. I was bored with typical YA offerings and knew that the plot of this novel offered something different: a ballerina wanna-be who somehow ended up in Antarctica. Kudos to the author--I had to return for a second look. And, despite the gimmicky opening, I was all in by the second chapter. Honestly, it was a good read. The novel not only had an interesting premise, but it was presented well. Even more importantly, it is a safe way for teens to explore the theme of grief and disappointment. In this case, though, it isn't grief from losing someone or a pet or a beloved home; it is instead about the grief we face when a dream dies. Protagonist Harper Scott has worked and sacrificed her whole life for one goal: to become a ballerina. When she is forced to face the fact that it will never come true, we walk with her through a valley of great darkness (both figuratively and almost literally) as she works through this crushing blow. Longo leads us on this journey with great sensitivity, managing to tell a story that is both moving (I even cried a little in several places) and entertaining. She also opens the window onto two worlds that most readers will not know much about: ballet and Antarctica. Although I didn't appreciate her intentionally titillating opening, I am glad I gave this refreshing and meaningful book a second chance. I strongly recommend it especially for those struggling with disappointment.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
The first thing parents need to know is that the opening is just a gimmick. This novel is not saturated with teenage promiscuity and debauchery. That said, I am assuming the author has done her homework on the research settlement in Antarctica and is conveying something of what living there is really like: lots of adult debauchery, including plenty of casual sex. This behavior is a part of the plot, though not annoying focus, and it becomes especially important near the end when a scientist--the protagonist's caretaker, no less--becomes pregnant from a one-night stand. This encounter is described in some detail, except for the sex act itself. The protagonist herself drinks only once at a party and agrees to sleeping with a boy she likes; however, this ends up not happening, and she regrets the whole episode the next day. The novel includes swearing, including blasphemy (don't recall if the "f--" word is used but I think so), but it isn't frequent. Harper herself is fairly innocent, since her entire life has been completely dedicated to ballet. During the novel, however, she falls for a boy, and they do engage in some heavy kissing. As young adult novels go, the troubling material in this novel is relatively mild.
I will say, however, that I found myself disappointed that God is left so completely out of the picture. There is mention of several characters' religious connections (Christian, mainly, but nominal), but I felt sad that Harper doesn't once question God's will or His calling for her life. Her grief process and her searching for answers is completely dependent on her own powers and the help of those who care for her. Non-religious readers may not find this troubling, but religious readers may want to discuss with their parents how they might walk through a dark journey of grief like Harper's with God as their light and guide.
Literary artistry: * * * * * Honestly, I would give it 3 1/2 stars if my computer allowed me to do that.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jenlongo.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist
*A Winter 2015/16 Indies Next List title; Amazon Best-of-the-Month Award, 2016*
Why this book is worth considering:
I nearly didn't read this book because of the opening lines: "The thing about Antarctica that surprises me most? The condoms. They're absolutely everywhere." After that, I skimmed through the first chapter and then put it in my "return to library" pile. I am just so tired of sex-saturated teen novels! But after a couple of days, curiosity wore on me. I was bored with typical YA offerings and knew that the plot of this novel offered something different: a ballerina wanna-be who somehow ended up in Antarctica. Kudos to the author--I had to return for a second look. And, despite the gimmicky opening, I was all in by the second chapter. Honestly, it was a good read. The novel not only had an interesting premise, but it was presented well. Even more importantly, it is a safe way for teens to explore the theme of grief and disappointment. In this case, though, it isn't grief from losing someone or a pet or a beloved home; it is instead about the grief we face when a dream dies. Protagonist Harper Scott has worked and sacrificed her whole life for one goal: to become a ballerina. When she is forced to face the fact that it will never come true, we walk with her through a valley of great darkness (both figuratively and almost literally) as she works through this crushing blow. Longo leads us on this journey with great sensitivity, managing to tell a story that is both moving (I even cried a little in several places) and entertaining. She also opens the window onto two worlds that most readers will not know much about: ballet and Antarctica. Although I didn't appreciate her intentionally titillating opening, I am glad I gave this refreshing and meaningful book a second chance. I strongly recommend it especially for those struggling with disappointment.
Why this book may not be right for your teen:
The first thing parents need to know is that the opening is just a gimmick. This novel is not saturated with teenage promiscuity and debauchery. That said, I am assuming the author has done her homework on the research settlement in Antarctica and is conveying something of what living there is really like: lots of adult debauchery, including plenty of casual sex. This behavior is a part of the plot, though not annoying focus, and it becomes especially important near the end when a scientist--the protagonist's caretaker, no less--becomes pregnant from a one-night stand. This encounter is described in some detail, except for the sex act itself. The protagonist herself drinks only once at a party and agrees to sleeping with a boy she likes; however, this ends up not happening, and she regrets the whole episode the next day. The novel includes swearing, including blasphemy (don't recall if the "f--" word is used but I think so), but it isn't frequent. Harper herself is fairly innocent, since her entire life has been completely dedicated to ballet. During the novel, however, she falls for a boy, and they do engage in some heavy kissing. As young adult novels go, the troubling material in this novel is relatively mild.
I will say, however, that I found myself disappointed that God is left so completely out of the picture. There is mention of several characters' religious connections (Christian, mainly, but nominal), but I felt sad that Harper doesn't once question God's will or His calling for her life. Her grief process and her searching for answers is completely dependent on her own powers and the help of those who care for her. Non-religious readers may not find this troubling, but religious readers may want to discuss with their parents how they might walk through a dark journey of grief like Harper's with God as their light and guide.
Literary artistry: * * * * * Honestly, I would give it 3 1/2 stars if my computer allowed me to do that.
I would suggest this book to: younger teens / older teens / all teens / no teens.
Author website: http://www.jenlongo.com/
Reviewer: Cheri Blomquist