Teen Book Reviews
LAIKA by Nick Abadzis
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From Booklist
Classic dog-story themes such as loyalty serve as a backdrop for this fictionalized account of Laika, the first living creature launched into outer space. A charming and scruffy little dog, Laika survives an uncaring master and life as a stray before becoming part of the Russian space program circa 1956, just as the Soviet Union had achieved a huge victory over American competition. With a stilted romanticism that doesn't fit the story's tone, Laika is established as "a very special dog," but soon the focus of the complex tale turns away from the dog to Yelena Dubrovsky, the trainer responsible for preparing Laika and the other dogs for the rigors of testing. Through Dubrovsky, the progress of the program and the incredible pressure on the scientists are given effective form. The rough-hewn art, similar to the Joann Sfar's work on the Dungeon books, makes the characters appear constantly nervous and uncertain, lending immediacy to the all-pervasive atmosphere of strict formality and enforced patriotism. An extensive bibliography of sources is appended. Karp, Jesse
Dark Wraith of Shannara by Terry Brooks ; illustrated by Edwin David ; adapted by Robert Place Napton
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THE FIRST-EVER GRAPHIC NOVEL SET IN THE WORLD OF SHANNARA!
Possessing an awesome power he is only beginning to understand, young Jair Ohmsford must summon the devastating yet darkly seductive magic of the wishsong on a fateful mission to save his friends . . . and protect the future from the forces of evil.
If you’ve never ventured into the wondrous world of Shannara, consider this an ideal opportunity. Prepare to enter the breathtaking realm of the Four Lands, where beings both noble and sinister have quested and clashed, crossed swords in the names of darkness and light, and engaged in adventures rich with mystery and majesty.
“Terry’s place is at the head of the fantasy world.”
–Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass
Cherry Heaven by L.J. Adlington
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Gr 7-10 --Cherries have not been harvested at Cherry Heaven since the shooting deaths of the last owners a decade earlier. Despite their regret at having to relocate from the war-torn five cities to the New Frontier, sisters Kat and Tanka feel somewhat relieved to be living at the outstanding house at Cherry Heaven. Once settled in their new home, they discover that Meander town isn't as peaceful and comfortable as it seems on the surface. Intelligent and inquisitive Kat sees through the facade and questions the events of the past, and ultimately forces the townspeople to face up to the truths of life in Meander. Alternating chapters from the point of view of Kat and a slave girl who desperately wants to escape so she can expose the truth about murders long forgotten make this novel a multidimensional exploration of race, class, adventure, and ethics while remaining a nonstop page-turner. This accessible story, a companion to The Diary of Pelly D (HarperCollins, 2005), provides many opportunities for deeper discussions and thought. With many subtle references to the current worldwide exploitation and discrimination toward certain groups of people, it would be a good cross-curriculum classroom study.
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
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Gr 9 Up --This urban fairy tale, a sequel to Wicked Lovely (HarperTeen, 2007), is impossible to put down. Leslie lives with a father who has given up on life, a drug-abusing brother who allowed his dealer to rape Leslie in lieu of payment, and a burning desire to banish pain and fear from her life. Unable to confide in her best friend, Aislinn, she devotes herself to working to pay the family bills and to get the tattoo she believes will help her reclaim her body. What she doesn't know is that the art she has selected will bind her to Irial, the king of the Dark Court of Fairy. He removes her emotions like fear, panic, or anger, and uses them to nourish the fairies of his court. What Irial doesn't expect is his growing love for Leslie and her desire to make her own choices. In Leslie, Marr has created a damaged, wounded character who still comes across as being incredibly strong. Irial needs to care for his court, knowing them too weak to win a war, but his feelings for Leslie make him unwilling to do what needs to be done. The lesser characters are also well drawn: Rabbit the tattoo artist, his father, Gabriel, and also Aislinn, Keenan, and Seth from Wicked Lovely. While reading that book first would give more shades to some of the characters, it isn't necessary to appreciate the intricate world that Marr creates.
Marley Z and the Bloodstained Violin by Jim Fusilli
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Gr 5-9-- Fusilli combines his knowledge of music, love of New York City, and respect and ear for precocious teenagers into a fast-paced mystery. Marley Zimmerman, 14, is jolted from a daydream in her boring math class when she and her friend Marisol are summoned to the vice principal's office. Marisol is accused of stealing a rare violin from a Juilliard display. Even though the theft is caught on videotape, Marisol denies all knowledge of it, and Marley is convinced that her friend, a talented violinist, would never take such a rare instrument. Soon Marley and her friends, members of a new and mostly unrehearsed band called the Kingston Cowboys, are on the case. The teens move across a New York City backdrop that incorporates locales such as the Zimmermans' brownstone, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park, hunting clues and gathering suspects. Unshakable in her conviction of Marisol's innocence, intrepid Marley employs all of her abilities and resources to save her friend. Marley is a fully drawn character, and the supporting cast members are developed well enough to make them compelling and interesting. This mystery keeps pages turning to its surprise ending.
The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman
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The giver is a book about a young boy who lives in a very strict environment; there are no such things as trees, hills, rain, snow, sunshine, flowers, or even colors. These people do no even know that they exist. At each age (until the age of twelve,) one is given a ceremoney. at the age of 8 you must give up your comfort object, at the age of nine you get a bike... But at the age of twelve you get something that each boy and girl dreams of, a job. when Jonas(the boy) turns twelve he expects to get something boring like engineer or nurturer but he gets something much more interesting.
Pirates! by Celia Rees
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Rees writes a wonderful adventure about two women escaping to freedom. Nancy, an hieress, joins the pirates to escape an arranged marriage while Minerva joins to escape slavery. Together they work, fight and carve out a life for themselves on the high seas.
I really enjoyed the novel. Pirates! depicted a believable picture of what life might be like for two women pirates. Nancy and Minerva learn about freedom, survival, friendship, love, courage and so much more. A satisfying story!
Alias by Mary Elizabeth Ryan
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Alias is about a sixteen year old boy and his mother. They lived in L.A. but always move around a lot. Annie, the mother, changes her name and look with each move. Why?
The reasons I like this book are because it keeps you guessing. Where will they move next? What alias and look will Annie chose next? What new clues will Toby, the son, find that will help him solve the mystery? I also enjoyed how the author took a minor character and a main character and related them through their parent's history.
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
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This exciting historical fictio novel takes place around 20 A.D. The main character, an 18-year-old blacksmith boy named Daniel, believes that Israel's main dilemma, Roman tyranny, can be solved by organizing an army to drive out all roman authority. However, nothing known to this Zealot can solve his biggest problems with his own family. It develops greater understanding for any bible reader, featuring seveal appearnces from Jesus Christ. suggested levels 7th grade and up.