And the Hits Just Keep Coming

I'm definitely on a roll; three more excellent books in a row!



Blindsided

I was mesmerized by this book. Priscilla Cummings observed students at a school for the blind in preparation for this book, and it shows. Natalie has coped very well with her gradually fading eyesight, but at the age of fourteen, her eyesight has declined dramatically. With her doctor's recommendation, and against her desires, Natalie enrolls in a residential school for the blind, where she learns Braille and how to use assistance devices.

This is an insightful and eye-opening read, marred slightly by two adrenaline-pumping scenes. Including one (particularly the first, which illustrated the vulnerability of blind people) is fine; adding a second (involving a bear) soon after the first stretched my suspension of disbelief (not the fact that it could happen, but the fact that it occurred not long after the first incredible incident). However, this look into blind culture is a worthwhile read.




The Other Half of My Heart

I adore this book, and I guarantee that if you read it, you will love it up. Keira and Minni are twins, but while Keira has dark skin like their African-American mother, Minni has inherited a very light complexion and red hair similar to that of their Irish-American father. Although their family is known in their small artsy Washington State community, they inevitably draw looks and assumptions (that they are friends rather than sisters) when they venture beyond their community.

At their grandmother's insistence, the girls go down south to North Carolina to compete in the Miss Black Pearl Pre-teen program (not *pageant*, as the officials constantly remind everyone). Outgoing and academically-minded Minni is excited, while shy Keira, who struggles with schoolwork, is dreading the program. Not to mention the fact that their grandmother is not exactly "child friendly."

During preparations for the program, Minni realizes what life is like for Keira back in Washington. Minni is not immediately accepted by most of the girls due to her light skin; her shyness is misinterpreted as snobbery over her light skin. Keira can't understand why she won't mingle with the other girls, which eventually turns into a dreadful misunderstanding between the sisters.

The outcome of the pageant (sorry, program!) may be a *little* predictable, but it's ultimately hopeful and satisfying, and I wouldn't have had it otherwise. It's a lovely sister story. It addresses issues about skin color and hair within the African American community without moralizing or preaching. In one short but significant episode at an upscale clothing store, it shows subtle racism to heartbreaking effect. It's a sensitive look at biracial children. It's a terrific multigenerational story. It's a positive and proud portrayal of African-American southern life. There are moments of great humor and mischief, but also moments of sadness and joy. I love it.




The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation

Now, reading the Constitution may not be the most engrossing read. All right, I'll say it. It isn't a terribly engrossing read. It's a necessary read for Americans, though, either encountered in a Civics class or for one's own personal education. Thankfully, we have this neat book to give us a broader perspective on this important document, as well as historical insights into the making of the Constitution, the fight between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, and the addition (and in the case of the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol, the eventual repeal) of the amendments. This would be an excellent tool for civics class. If you've ever wanted to read through the Constitution, but were inhibited by the language of the document, try this book.

Recent Reads

Four new good books in a row!



My Life as a Book

I've only read a few of her books, but every Janet Tashjian book I've read has been funny, touching, and authentically voiced. My Life as a Book is no exception. Derek is dreading summer reading assignments; it's not that he absolutely hates reading, but that he'd rather spend his time reading Calvin & Hobbes. Packed off to a "Learning" day camp, Derek expects the summer to be deadly dull. Derek's sudden discovery of a family secret involving a drowned babysitter changes his expectations.

Not only is this a warm and funny story about a quirky boy, it's also an understated plea for independent reading, the value of comic books in engaging a visual learner, and encouraging a child in his/her talents. It's a story about facing the past, moving on, and discovering new truths about assumed facts. Give this to your Wimpy Kid fans.

Fun fact: One of Derek's quirks is illustrating his vocabulary words; his "drawings" are scattered throughout the story, stick-figure style. Derek's habit is inspired by Tashjian's own teenage son, Jake, who provided the illustrations for the story.




Queen of Secrets

Another modern retelling of a classic/ancient story involving cheerleaders and football. Queen of Secrets is a modern retelling (of sorts) of the Book of Esther. Essie knows that she's Jewish, but that's basically her only connection to Judaism; her grandparents, who have raised her since her parents' deaths, are nonobservant. Cheerleading and befriending the popular cheerleaders and football players at her Michigan school are her top priorities, which are thrown into chaos by the arrival of her very religious cousin, Micah, to school.

Essie doesn't let anyone know that they are related, until a shocking anti-Semitic incident against her cousin rocks her family and the community.

Not only is this an engagingly written story that will appeal to a broad range of teen readers, but it's awesome to have Jewish characters that 1) live outside of New York or the tristate area and 2) are in a book that isn't historical fiction. Oh, and 3) show the variety of Jewish life. Kudos to Jenny Meyerhoff on all accounts. Young readers need to meet Jewish/African American/Latino/Asian/Native American characters in books that aren't historical fiction, that take place in cities/geographical areas other than New York or other major cities, and most importantly, that they can relate to/empathize with these characters.



How to Survive Middle School also features a Jewish character, although David doesn't struggle with his Jewish identity. Judaism is more or less matter-of-fact in the story (David's bubbe, or grandmother, sprinkles Yiddish throughout her conversation; there's a glossary at the end of the book). David is not starting off middle school on the right foot; he's alienated from his best friend, who has joined one of the class bullies in verbally mockery of David. He's not allowed to join the media team because he's a 6th grader, although he's a pro at making videos for his Youtube account.

David's Youtube videos, which are a takeoff/homage to The Daily Show (and David Letterman's Top Ten lists) become viral thanks to a new girl friend (not a girlfriend, just a girl friend). This brings a lot of attention; some good, and some not so good, thanks to David's new enemies. He's also having weird feelings toward his (girl) science partner. Oh, the joys of middle school!

This is a *funny*, sweet, and sensitive story. Gephart really understands the ins and outs of middle school and Youtube/online culture; she's not just name-dropping current trends in hopes of winning over teen readers. The fallout with the best friend who quickly turns into the enemy is believable and true (this doesn't just happen with girls!).

One important subplot of the story is David's attempt to deal with his mother abandoning the family to live with a beet farmer; David seems to come to terms with it a bit more neatly than what I think is usually realistic. This is my *only* quibble with the story, and it's a very minor one.



Sellout

I am very fond of Sellout and look forward to reading more from Ebony Joy Wilkins. NaTasha is the only African-American girl in her school. Increasingly worried about her granddaughter's lack of connection to an African-American community, Tilly demands that NaTasha spend some of her summer vacation with her in Harlem and at Amber's Place, the Bronx girls' shelter where Tilly spends much of her time.

As you can imagine, NaTasha and the girls are polar opposites. Save for a few girls, she immediately clashes with them. And as you can imagine, there are life lessons that NaTasha learns from her summer in Harlem. Fortunately, Wilkins isn't preachy in the least; this is a well-crafted story that will appeal to a wide variety of girls. This is an excellent debut novel. NaTasha is an honestly written character. Teens need stories like this; stories that reflect a broad perspective of African-American teenage life. Cannot wait to see what Wilkins has in store for us next.

I'm currently reading Blindsided; I just started it, and I'm already hooked. In preparation for writing her novel, Priscilla Cummings spent a year observing students at a school for the blind. Her experience informs the details of the story and makes it a much richer read. This is a fabulous read. And set in Maryland, for those that like books set in specific areas. Am I alone in this?

Heavy Medal is back!

And it just felt like yesterday.....

Heavy Medal

September Selections

The fall 2010 publishing season is in full gear! Look what's coming our way.

September is the month for sequels and continuations of series. We have a new 'ology book (Alienology), a new Keena Ford book (Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mixup), and a new Ivy and Bean (What's the Big Idea)? I've met several Ivy and Bean fans in the past few months; I'm happy that this darling easy chapter book series is popular among our patrons. As is Piper Reed, who has a new adventure in Piper Reed: Campfire Girl (with a Halloween theme!).



If you like the Alvin Ho series, you'll want to read Alvin Ho: Allergic to Science Projects, Birthday Parties, And Other Man-Made Catastrophes.



Babymouse fans will clamor for Babymouse 13: Cupcake Tycoon.

The picture book crowd can look forward to new books in two beloved series: Olivia Goes to Venice and Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion, which brings Mo Willems's Knuffle Bunny trilogy to its (by all acounts, tearjerking) conclusion. And just in time for Halloween comes Jon Muth's Zen Ghosts, his second sequel to his Caldecott Honor book, Zen Shorts.



Fans of Heather Brewer's high school vampire series are anxiously awaiting the final entry in the Vladimir Tod series, Twelfth Grade Kills.

They won't be available in September, but I went ahead and ordered two monster sequels just so fans could get on the holds lists ASAP: Halt's Peril, the ninth novel in the Ranger's Apprentice series (available in October), and the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth, available in November.

Two superstar authors are starting new series: Kate DiCamillo's Bink and Gollie will be an easy chapter book series, while Rick Riordan fans will devour The Heroes of Olympus: Lost Hero.

We're not just getting sequels, though! More below.

And the hits just keep coming...

I heard about The Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters in an online fall books preview, and I can't wait to read it. It's Christmas-time, and someone has offended the matriarch of the Sullivan family. Indignant, the elderly Mrs. Sullivan disinherits her entire family. If someone brings forth a confession by New Year's Day, she will put the family back in her will.

Or maybe not.

It's already received excellent reviews from the major review journals. And for those of you who love books with a strong geographical setting (me!me!), you'll be pleased to know that Baltimore figures prominently in the story.




Jane Yolen's latest picture book, Elsie's Bird, sounds scrumptious. After her mother's death, Elsie and her father leave the sophisticated streets of Boston for the desolate prairies of Nebraska. Her only friend is her canary, Timmy Tune. When Timmy flies from the home, Elsie must finally confront the prairie.

*eyes shifting from right to left*

She does find him, right?!



Oh, hello. Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin looks pretty cool. I don't have much information on it, other than that it involves a young Rothschild who befriends a faerie (although she doesn't know that her new friend is of the faerie folk)/boarding school student, who must fulfill a promise made to the Queen of the Faeries. Admittedly, I'm not big on faerie/fairy stories, but I think I'll have to check this one out.




I tried to get an advance reader copy of A Family of Readers at the recent ALA convention, but no such luck. I've been anticipating this book ever since Roger Sutton blogged about it some time last year. As editor-in-chief and executive editor of The Horn Book Magazine, Roger Sutton and Martha V. Parravano have vast knowledge of current trends, top choices in a wide variety of fields, and contacts with the best names in children's and young adult literature. If you're looking for cream-of-the-crop suggestions and insights into children's literature, don't miss this book.




When a children's or YA novels strikes it big, we quickly see similar books hoping to get in on the trend. We saw this with Harry Potter, which started an enormous trend for children's fantasy series (not to mention thick novels). Twilight made vampires and paranormal romances cool, to the consternation of those who prefer their vampires sparkle-free. And with the gigantic success of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, we're seeing similar books that incorporate middle-school humor with stick drawings.

Fortunately, Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze is not a poor knock-off of Wimpy Kid. This one goes a little deeper; Milo is struggling with the death of his mother. "Silberberg takes on a tough topic and always stays true to the age of the character through dialogue and artwork while maintaining that wisecracking, 12-year-old humor. Added to this, he manages to convey Milo's pain and fears without ever becoming maudlin or depressing," says School Library Journal. And just in case you think this is just the opinion of one reviewer, Kirkus Reviews also gives it a great review, noting that the story is "accessible" and that "[M}iddle school readers will find his school life familiar and painfully funny, but they may be surprised by the poignancy of the story." Wow, wow, wow. I ordered this because I'm on the lookout for Wimpy-Kid read alikes, but this is so much more. Definitely going to the top of my to-be-read list.




Time-travel children's novels can either be rollicking reads or entirely unforgettable. If the author doesn't go beyond describing the character's awkward ways of dealing with his/her new life, the story gets old pretty quickly. Fortunately, On the Blue Comet does not seem to be the case. Rosemary Wells has, from all the reviews I've read, written a rip-roaring time travel adventure set during the Great Depression. There's a lot of plot that I won't be able to describe until I read it, and although Kirkus Reviews says that the story occasionally "teeters on didactism's edge" (I thought the same thing about Wells's Red Moon at Sharpsburg, even though I think the story is remarkable), what's important is that the time travel is believable. If it's not, then you've lost me. Thankfully, because I admire Wells's stories very much, the authenticity of the story has been noted in reviews. Sounds fantastic.



War Horse was originally published in 1982 and has just been reprinted. Might be something to do with the fact that a Mr. Steven Spielberg is directing a movie version of the story. We are prepared.

(Speaking of movies made from children's books, Fall 2010 brings us a movie based on the Guardians of Ga'hoole and, of course, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part I. Both movies are in 3-D. I'm assuming that War Horse is not.)

Can you handle all that? ;-)

And Now, Deep Thoughts

"...by Jack Handey."

Did you watch Saturday Night Live in the 90s? I did! 90s nostalgia weirds me out, but I have a fondness for early 90s SNL and late night MTV shows (I loooooved MTV when I was in high school...let's say it all together...."when MTV still showed music videos"). Anyway, this post will be a little bit like Jack Handy's Deep Thoughts, but not nearly as bizarrely hilarious. It will be quite random.



Sir Charlie: The Funniest Man in the World

When I heard that the late Sid Fleischman had written a biography of Charlie Chaplin, I wondered how much of Chaplin's controversial personal life would be included. Well, I'm here to tell you that, as far as I can tell, Fleischman addresses pretty much everything about Chaplin. Mental illness (his mother), alcoholism (his father), paternity disputes, his affection for young women, his political views....it's all there. Nothing is titillating, but everything is addressed. It's a engrossing and magnificent end to an amazing career in children's literature. I've read Chaplin's autobiography and watched Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of The Little Tramp (I think I'll have to Netflix Chaplin again), but there were still fascinating aspects of Chaplin's life that I did not know about until I read this book, particularly the fact that, in his decline, he only allowed his children (with Oona O'Neill) to watch Chaplin films.



Peter Pan

Sure, I've heard that Peter Pan is a little odd. I've inwardly scoffed at that; it's Victorian children's literature. It isn't surprising for children's literature from another era to strike us as being weird, because we don't live in the same era and society as did the author and his/her intended audience. Oh, yes, I've heard about the gossip about J.M. Barrie, thank you very much. Sure, sure. How weird can it be and OH MY GOODNESS....

Peter Pan is weird.

Ohhhhh, is it weird. And I admit, I am reading Peter's and Wendy's (and Tinkerbell's! And the Lost Boys!)) relationship through a 21st century perspective. And Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations are creepily delicious and weird. And, as they used to say of literature, a ripping good yarn. Pirate adventures and flying about to a new world; there's tons of fun in that. I won't deny that. I won't go into the psychological underpinnings of the story, because that's beyond the scope of this blog. I may have to read it again and find some criticism of the book.

I poured over the illustrations. As someone who grew up knowing the Peter Pan story because of the Broadway show and not the book (I saw Sandy Duncan on tour when I was five or six, and saw Mary Martin's filmed production when it was still shown on television from time to time), my image of Peter Pan is still a bit feminine, even though I think Sandy Duncan, in this clip, brought very distinct genderless or little boy attitude to the show (I know many consider Martin the quintessential Peter, but Duncan is my favorite).

Sandy Duncan:



Mary Martin:



It's been a while since I've watched the entire filmed version of the stage production; from what I remember, the relationship between Peter and Wendy is not incredibly deep or significant. They do play at being father and mother to the Lost Boys, but it's more playacting. Peter is more of a wacky friend that leads them on adventures. It's quite different in the original book; the relationship is much more complex and odd, with Wendy being much more obviously on the dividing line between childhood and womanhood. Wendy is awakening to more mature feelings and through her relationship with the Lost Boys, working out what is expected of family life, however subconscious they may be. She understands Tinkerbell is a rival, but she's probably not quite sure why (Tinkerbell is very aware why). Of course, Peter is unaware of any such feelings.

Now I understand why this story attracted attention in the psychological field; there's quite a bit to delve into.

(I started to type more, but I realized that I was rambling more than I usually do!)

I'll have a post of forthcoming books in the near future; the fall publishing season is well underway. I also recently ordered new Halloween books, but it's a bit too soon to tell you about them.

(Speaking of Saturday Night Live....if you are/were a fan, you should definitely read Live From New York: An Uncensored Story of Saturday Night Live As Told By Its Stars, Writers, and Guests. It's an oral history of the show; hilarious at times, heartbreaking at times, especially the reminiscences about Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, and eye-opening at times. A great read, and written by Tom Shales, the long-standing television critic for The Washington Post.)