Goddess of YA | The goddess speaks

Gothic and loving it...

THE LOVE CURSE OF THE RUMBAUGHS is an eerie and weird look at a family and its complex relationships. Ivy lives with her mother in the Kelly Hotel directly across the street from the pharmacy owned and operated by twins Abner and Adolf Rumbaugh. The story jumps between Ivy's story as a child and the story as she reaches her late teens. Ivy adores hanging out with the Rumbaugh twins despite their proclivities for strange hobbies and strange behavior until one fateful Easter she discovers that the twins have used their skills at taxidermy to stuff and preserve their own mother. Somehow, Ivy manages to move past her horror at the accidental discovery and begins to try her own hand at taxidermy creating scenes of Cinderella weeping for her lost mother (stuffed squirrel) and Bambi (rabbit) and other representations of missing mothers. When Ivy learns on her 16th birthday that one of the twins is her own father, she is not quite as shocked as she might have been once. Has the curse of the Rumbaughs been passed along to Ivy? One will, as the old saw goes in booktalking, have to read the book to find out the answer to that question and many others. Gantos has created a riveting read that comes close to repulsing readers (at least this one) with its almost clinical examination of the strange nature of the Rumbaughs and particularly the twins. You feel at once compelled and repelled by the Ab and Doplh. They are clever and perhaps diabolical. Yet, you are fascinated by their deeds. And of course, you have to see what will happen to Ivy. This book will be one we will have to bring to readers who might walk past the cover and the odd title. However, there are some dandy read alouds that might just lure readers into the strangely compelling world Gantos has created.

THE BOOK THIEF has stolen the hearts and minds of many readers already. A few months ago, Marcus Zusack was interviewed by Charlie Gibson on GMA about this incredible book. Of course, no one at GMA thought it important to note that Zusack writes for YA readers, nor that he won a Printz Honor Medal this year for I AM THE MESSENGER. Rather, Charlie Gibson spent the interview time talking about how much he liked the book that was not yet published and how he longed to talk about it with someone who had. (Gee, that is important now that I think about it--he did not want to write a book report; he wanted to talk to another reader. Hmmmmmmmmmmm)

I will join this admiration of THE BOOK THIEF by saying I was totally absorbed by this piece of historical fiction set in Germany during WW II. The narrator is Death, and he speaks of how busy he is being kept by the world right now, especially in Germany by the Nazis. Through Death's narrative, we meet the true protagonist of the story: Leisel, the Book Thief. We watch as Liesel loses her brother and her mother. Eventually, Leisel will be stripped of all the people who mean the most to her in the frenzy of Munich and the Holocaust. But books will save Leisel. Learning to read, reading in the basements while bombs are falling, and eventually writing her own book will be the one saving grace for Leisel.

The unusual choice of narrator, the unique style of unfolding the story (and not necessarily in a linear way), and the twists and turns of Leisel's life all make for a book that sets new standards in the field, that breaks previous boundaries and perhaps even taboos. There is much to mine in this book. We will need to bring readers to the book as the size (over 500 pp) and the cover (a set of dominoes) will do little to draw readers in on their own unless they already know Zusack's work. Reading aloud sections will also help attract readers.

I hope the PR stirred by Charlie Gibson will bring this book to a legion of adult readers so that they can see the value and significance of YA literature for themselves. I recommend giving this book to some of your pals outside the field without letting them know it is marketed YA and gauge the response.

I completed the new Tobin Anderson, THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING, VOLUME 1: THE POX PARTY. I had read a sneak chapter back in late April and was looking so forward to seeing the finished product (well, at least the ARC). Octavian is a young man being reared by his mother, Cassiopeia, and a horde of "scientists" at the College of Lucidity. His every movement is scrutinized, and Octavian himself is being taught to be observant at all times.

Anderson parcels out the essential details of this novel sparingly, letting the story evolve at a pace that, quite frankly, made me read faster so that I could see the next twist, the new piece of the puzzle that would tell me more about the unusual life of Octavian. Octavian, readers learn, is an African. His mother has been purchased and brought to the College as almost an item of curiosity. She and her son provide entertainment for the members of the college and their guests. However, when times get tough, the fortunes of Cassiopeia and her son change drastically. Ultimately, Octavian is sent forth into a world of turmoil where his skills of observation might prevent him from serious bodily harm.

This is not an easy work on so many levels. The language and the parsing of the story hearken back to a more archaic time. The unexpected turns and twists of the story require complete attention from the reader as well. However, for readers willing to come along, this is a fruitful journey as we follow Octavian from child to teen. The cruelties of the time period are brought home in a chillingly realistic manner; history has seldom been so riveting and so threatening.

Enter if you dare...

Take one part THE LOVELY BONES, add a dash of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, and finish off with a sprinkling of INKSPELL and you still will not have a mixture as rich as the latest offering from Neal Shusterman. EVERLOST gives us the story of Nick and Allie whose lives are joined when they are killed in an accident that involves each of their family's cars. Instead of making it to the light, they are somehow bumped off course and end up in a forest greeted by a young boy dressed in strange clothes. Nicknamed Leif by Nick and Allie, the three set off on a trek headed toward Allie's home. However, in Everlost, there are many dangers including some monstrous creatures and the fact that Afterlights like Nick and Allie and Leif cannot walk upon the ground without sinking.

Shusterman's novel hooks readers from the outset as we race toward the collision with as little preparation as its victims. Then, almost as soon as you think you know where the book is heading, something happens to literally take your breath away. I do not want to give too much away here, but the scene as Nick and Allie cross the river into Manhattan is one burned in my brain as the site of the 9-11 terrorist attacks remains a part of our collective conscience and unconscious. Shusterman has planned this realm of Everlost meticulously and this attention to detail makes the story come alive in so many exciting ways for readers.

truth hurts

Yesterday in my YA lit class, a student pulled a copy of A CHILD CALLED IT from the bookcase and remarked how much it circulated among the kids in her school. Today, I sat and read Nancy Werlin's newest book, THE RULES OF SURVIVAL, from cover to cover in a matter of an hour or two. I was reminded why books like A CHILD CALLED IT resonate. And I know THE RULES OF SURVIVAL will resonate with these same kids as well. One reason the book works is that, for some kids, it cuts through and tells the truth about what it is like to come from a house where abuse is the normal course of things in a day. A book can describe the hellish existence of a family like Matt, Callie. and Emmy, a house where a mother does unspeakable things to her children. For some kids, caught in the frightening arms of an abusive parent, this book tells the truth: it is tough to get help sometimes, but there is hope. For the kids who do not live in a home like Matt, Callie, and Emmy, this book provides a safe place to experience the horrors of abuse, a place to confront the bully parents, a place to develop a sense of outrage, but most importantly, books like these provide the necessary distance to permit the experience to be SAFE. Werlin pulls no punches in this frank book that examines, from Matt's perspective, what it is like to live with someone who can be abusive and neglectful, what it is like to long for normalcy or at least to long for someone to swoop in and save you. THE RULES OF SURVIVAL will find both groups of kids with our help. Readers are fortunate that an author with the considerable skills of award winner Nancy Werlin reveal the truth through fiction.

How does an author tackle a subject so disturbing with language so lyrical that the rhythm lulls the reader further and further into the darkness of the story it tells? Patricia McCormick has managed to do this in her first two books, CUT and MY BROTHER'S KEEPER. In SOLD, she proves once more that she is able to take on the most sinister aspects of humanity and breathe into it something rare and valuable: HOPE. Sold is the tale of Lakshmi, a 12 year old girl of Nepal who is sold into sexual slavery by her stepfather. Lakshmi is plunged into the depravity of sexual servitude, almost losing her identity in the process. The simple kindnesses of a fellow brothel dweller, a tea seller, and a handful of others whose lives intersect hers keep Lakshmi's dreams of returning home alive. McCormick is a wordsmith whose novel in verse is spare and rich in turns. The story rings so true that readers will find themselves moved to the same set of emotions Lakshmi experiences across the landscape of her journey from Nepal to Calcutta.

Lowry weaves a wonderful world

Snagged a copy of the forthcoming Lois Lowry novel, GOSSAMER, at midwinter ALA. Had a few hours today before Super Bowl XL kick-off so I thought I would give myself a treat and dive into this slim book. Gossamer is an apt metaphor for the touch Lowry brings to each of her creations. GOSSAMER is the tale of LITTLEST, a young being who is being trained in the work of dream giver. Her task is not an easy one even with the careful tutelage of Fastidious her first teacher and Thin Eldest who takes over her training. Littlest must bring dreams to a very troubled boy. But her touch is sure and soon she is able to bring comfort to John and prevent the Horde from creating nightmares. This summary sounds so pedestrian, and that is unfortunate because this novel is not simple or pedestrian in any way at all. Lowry's sure touch is deft and she evokes such warm images that any reader is certain to fall into this story and dram along with John. GOSSAMER is Lowry once again demonstrating that she is a true wordsmith.

Challenging readers once more

K. L. Going certainly knows how to hold a reader's interest. However, her novels are more than riveting reads; they also explore the moral terrain of adolescence many times from the perspective of characters who are not mainstream. As a matter of fact, Going's characters are often those on the fringe, marginalized because of race, socio-economic status, physical appearance, and much more. In ST. IGGY, Going introduces us to Iggy Corso at the moment he is to be suspended from school for perhaps the last time. His mother is a meth addict and often gone from the apartment in the housing project where they live. Iggy's father is not there for him, either, as he is often drunk or stoned as well. Iggy escapes from his home situation to the apartment of his friend, Mo. However, now Mo is beginning to branch out from smoking pot to using other drugs. Mo makes the mistake of taking drugs from Freddie the dealer on credit. Now Mo must find a way to scrape together some money or Freddie will do him harm. Iggy accompanies Mo to his mother's swank apartment and convinces Mo to get money from by asking her to send Iggy to some kind of technical school.

Iggy is torn by his feelings of loyalty to too many players in his life. He hopes that his mother will kick the meth addiction and come back home all better even though he knows better. Conning Mo's mother is problematic as well for Iggy's growing sense of what is right and wrong. How can Iggy redeem himself, save Mo from falling into a drugged abyss, and make Mo's mother and others in his life PROUD? His decision will shock many readers.

Going never offers easy answers to these complex human situations. Instead, her stories leave readers with questions they must tackle after the reading is over. She has demonstrated this in her Printz honor book FAT KID RULES THE WORLD and in her overlooked (IMHO) middle grade novel THE LIBERATION OF GABRIEL KING. She is an author whose work will continue to challenge readers many of whom have a "been there, done that" attitude. No one has been where Iggy finds himself and no one but Iggy could do what needs to be done.

Strength of Character

So I was on my own for lunch today and it gave me just the right amount of time to finish reading LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer. I am already a huge fan of her books, and this one grabbed hold of me and would not let go. Miranda's life (and the life of all on this fragile planet) is endangered when an asteroid hits the moon and knocks it off course. Tsunamis wipe out towns; volcanoes spread ash and block the sun. In journal entries, readers learn of how one teen's life goes from carefree to careworn in a short period of time. The book focuses on Miranda and her family as the food supplies dwindle and a flu begins to kill thousands of townspeople. Just when things look the most bleak, though, hope pushes through the dimness.

There has been talk of awards for this book, and I certainly agree that it is a riveting read. It is also one that will appeal to teens who will wonder what they would do if faced with the uncertainties Miranda must encounter. Tie this on to FIRESTORM, too, I think.

A fable for the ages

Yalsa-bk has been abuzz with talk of books that could make the Printz list and books others hated. Nothing like some contentious talk to help me decide what to read next. THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS is one of those books hat seems to have no middle ground. Folks either hate it or love it. I fell into this fable a few hours ago and just now tumbled back to reality. John Boyne has constructed the story of Bruno, a 9 year old boy who moves with his family from Berlin to a place he calls Out-With. There his solider father, a newly commissioned commandant will run Out-With. At first, Bruno hates the new house; he has no friends for one thing. When he meets Schmuel on the other side of the barbed wire fence that separates his house from the camp, Bruno does not quite comprehend what is happening. He is just content to have someone his own age to talk to each day. The story moves closer and closer to a precipitous edge. Older readers will certainly know what is happening, what the true nature of Out-With is, and how this story must end. However, even this jaded older reader hopes for a happier ending, hopes that history will not mete out the cruel punishment it must. Here is a book that, in some ways, is reminiscent of WRINGER and THE MOVES MAKE THE MAN. You know as a reader what will happen but still hope that right will prevail, that folks will find a way to protect the innocent. It is not the happy ending we seek; it is justice.

Case solved!

I read Christopher Paul Curtis' forthcoming book, MR. CHICKEE'S MESSY MISSION, another installment in the Flint Future Detectives series (this is book #2). I laughed so hard in places that other passengers were looking at me to see if perhaps I was getting something they were not. (for the record, pretzels and Diet Coke was the fare offered this faternoon). Curtis has written an uproariously funny and action-packed adventure. Russell, Steven, and newly elected President of the FFD, Richelle, go on the case tracking the disappearance of Russell's pocket pooch, Rodney Rodent. According to Russell, Rodney has disappeared into a scary mural outside of the local hamburger stand. Richelle, Russell, and Steven find themselves on the other side of the mural in their pursuit of Rodney in a place called Ourside (as opposed to Yourside where the adventure begins). Mr. Chickee is there and he is accompanied by more than a few familiar faces. Well, the faces will be familiar to the well-read. There is an ill-disguised Mum of Hairy Plodder and an adventurous author who rides a sled pulled by dogs (gee, who could that be?).

Russell, Richelle, and Steven must survive a surly guide, behemoth monsters, and other dangers in order to rescue Rodney and save Ourside from total annihilation. There are some subtle jokes (for us older adolescents) and some flat out silly slapstick along with an elaborate and absorbing story. Already I am salivating for the next installment!

Stand aside Johnny Depp!

Vampires and pirates: how much better can a book get? VAMPIRATES is a wonderful adventure story that combines the lore of pirates and vampires and is deliciously open-ended for those who cannot get enough of Grace and Connor and their exploits. Grace and Connor are twins whose idyllic life with their father at the lighthouse comes to an abrupt end at his death. Connor and Grace escape from the clutches of the bank and the orphanage and steal away to sea on their boat. However, it is not long before a storm destroys their boat and sends them plunging into the icy sea. Connor is rescued by a pirate ship and Grace ends up on the deck of the vampirate ship. How can they become reunited?

Justin Somper has created memorable characters in Connor, Grace, Lorcan, Cheng Li, Captain Wrathe, and the others who populate the two ships, especially the insidious and dangerous Sidorio. As the narration flips between the two ships, readers, too, will easily be caught up in the tales there are to tell here and in volumes to come. Plenty of booty, blood, and betrayal will make this an instant classic for readers who enjoy loads of action and suspense.

WIDE AWAKE is deliciously funny and warm and thoughtful, all things we have come to expect from Levithan. The first gay Jewish candidate has been elected President (the story is set in a nonspecific future) and Duncan and his pals are celebrating the victory. However, there is a recount looming in Kansas, and the vitriolic rantings of the defeated party (which includes a group called THE DECENTS) is escalating and the governor of Kansas demands votes be excluded (sound familiar?). Duncan has other, more pressing concerns: his relationship with Jimmy, a friend who is being betrayed by her partner, his parents, and a vicious history teacher at school just to name a few.

Levithan does here what he did so beautifully in BOY MEETS BOY and THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY: he creates wonderfully complex characters, people for the reader to admire or hate but mostly just to watch as they move through this sassy blend of politics and romance. They say that politics makes for strange bedfellows. Never has that been so true as in this novel that will leave readers laughing, bewildered, angry, and elated at turns. I, for one, would love to see a government/civics class tackle this one as a class read. Talk about discussion points!

Even dead on my feet, WIDE AWAKE is a winner!

FAIREST by Gail Carson Levine provided a wonderful companion for the packed flight from Houston to Palm Beach where we will vacation this week. It had arrived at the office a few days ago in a cool box with a mirror attached (could it be magical?). I saved it for the plane and am so happy I did as it was the ONLY nice thing about the flight that had the guy in front of me practically in my lap and Natalie beside me handing me things to hold so she could get in and out of her purse.

Aza works with her parents in their inn. By the standards of her community she is, well, not pretty is the kindest way to explain it. A visiting duchess takes her to the palace as her maid. Aza gets the chance to attend the wedding of the King and his new wife Ivi. Ivi takes a shine to Aza and asks her to become her maid in waiting. Aza is happy to oblige as it means land, some money, and a chance to stay in this marvelous castle. However, there is a down side. Ivi has a sharp and unpredictable temper. She discovers that Aza has a hidden talent (she is able to illuse--throw her marvelous singing voice anywhere) and Ivi is pleased to put it to use.

Twists and turns, romances and betrayals, happiness and tragedy: it is all here in this incredible retelling of the Snow White story complete with gnomes, caverns, music, poison, and much more. Levine is a genius in this genre. I adore her PRINCESS TALES and I loved QUEST FOR THE EGG. Her ability to take a well known and loved story and make it unique draws in readers. Her skill with words keeps readers involved in the story.

Meet 12 year old Catherine whose younger brother David is autistic. Catherine tries her best to cope with David's condition, but she sometimes thinks she is being ignored by her parents. Dad is always late coming home from work and Mom asks Catherine to babysit while she tries to work from home. Taking care of David is not always easy as he does not follow the rules. Catherine keeps list of rules for David: knock before coming into the bedroom, do not take off your pants in public, chew with your mouth closed. The way she sees it, David needs to know the rules and her parents do not seem to share them with him.

Once a week, Catherine goes along with David and her mother to the clinic where David has OT. There she meets Jason, a paraplegic. Catherine, a budding artist whose art helps her cope with her feelings, begins to draw Jason without permission, something he takes exception to. Interestingly enough, this incident marks the beginning of what will develop into a friendship of sorts. Catherine begins to make word cards for Jason so he can communicate more clearly with her (and with others). She draws colorful pictures to go along with words like: SECRET and STINKS A BIG ONE!

Catherine has a new neighbor, one her own age. Will Kristi be able to understand David's condition let alone Catherine's friendship with Jason? The life of a young girl dealing with an autistic brother and a paraplegic friend is handled with warm humor and serious concern. Lord strikes just the perfect balance here between Catherine's self pity (which is sometimes richly appropriately) and her growing awareness that she needs to be more grateful for David and Jason and who they truly are rather than worry about what others think.

a dab can shorten fake ennui

OK, this makes sense if you have read AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES by Printz winner John Green. When your first book wins the Printz, it must be rather daunting to send out its successor. Nothing apparently daunts John Green who offers readers a novel that is complex and straightforward at the same time. Beware, there are anagrams, mathematical formulae, and loads of trivia that accompany the story of Colin, he of the 19 girlfriends all named Katherine. After being sumped by Katherine XIX (who was also Katherine I), Colin and his friend Hassan embark on a road trip. For Colin, perhaps this journey will fill the very physical void left by Katherine XIX's dumping him. For Hassan, the trip might just take the focus of his parents from the fact that his year off before beginning college is looking more like a longer stretch of time. Colin and Hassan end up in a small town in Tennessee, lured by a sign indicating that Archduke Franz Ferdinand is buried there. For Colin and Hassan pig hunts, oral histories, and some never-to-be-forgotten characters will make an indelible impression on them both.

Green proves that LOOKING FOR ALASKA was just a first glimpse of the talent this young man brings to YA literature. AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES demonstrates that he can tell a story that keeps readers turning the pages longing to see what will happen next (and, yes, even cheating by turning to the afterword and the appendix). Smart, funny, bittersweet, and poignant at turns, this book is a worthy second chapter in the works of the talented Mr. Green.

Weaving stories

If you have not had the chance to read the work of this talented author, pick up SPINNING THROUGH THE UNIVERSE, KEESHA'S HOUSE and THE BRAID for your winter reading. In these stories you will meet people who are connected to the lives we live everyday in their very ordinariness. However, while the characters are everypeople, the stories are not at all common. Frost is a master storyteller who uses poetic forms in much the same way I use sentences. She is able to construct compelling stories about families in lyrical language that seems to somehow connect readers to the lives of the characters she creates.

THE BRAID tells of Sarah and Jeannie, two sisters who are separated by miles and circumstances. However, their bond is one that cannot be easily broken. The two carry with them a braid of hair shorn from the other before their voyage in different directions. This braid is echoed in the poetic structure of the novel in intricate yet subtle ways. This is one of the hallmarks of Frost's work: her ability to utilize poetic structures that effortlessly tell story without intrusion. Frost makes her work seamless and invisible to the reader, but it is there connecting us all to story.

A life in books

Four generations of a family are defined within this slim novel that follows Rose as her mother moves the family from Texas back to her native Louisiana. Rose lies about her age and gets a job driving the town bookmobile. Rose is already a lover of books and stories. and her stint as a bookmobile driver leads her to find her husband. The story then shifts to Rose's son Merle Henry who, unlike his mother, is more fond of trapping than reading. As the novel progresses, vignettes let readers explore the family through the next generation as Merle's daughter, Annabeth, and her son, Kyle, also find some comfort within stories. The novel comes full circle with a lovely, satisfying ending that is actually more of a new beginning for some of the family.

Gotta love Haters

When Paski's (short for Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta) father moves them to sunny California from New Mexico, she is in for some rude awakenings. School is no longer a place where she feels accepted and part of a group of friends. Instead, she is faced with all the "haters", those students who believe that they can decide who is cool and who is not. Paski commits the ultimate mistake when she falls for Chris Cabrera, the love interest of Jessica Nguyen, the most powerful girl at Aliso Niguel High. Jessica will do anything to wreak revenge, and Paski certainly needs to fear for her life. Jessica plays to win. .

Things E Lockhart is good at...

1. creating Ruby Oliver, a complex teen girl who makes me laugh and wince alternately (could it be because I recognize the Ruby in me?) 2. writing novels about said Ruby that make me laugh even though sometimes the laugh is a rueful one 3. making me care about Ruby and whether she will ever hook up with a guy worthy of her (I so wanted her to get together with Noel) 4. writing footnotes readers actually look forward to and just enough of them to matter but not too many to annoy readers 5. giving good advice about relationships through her characters 6. writing warm and witty books for girls 7. keeping up a cool web site 8. writing a nifty book called TOYS GO OUT under a pen name 9. always leaving me wanting more of Ruby’s story (please let there be some more books coming) 10. writing……

Voices Loud and Clear

Meet Harlan Q Stank, estranged from his daddy, Harlan P Stank and now face to face with the mortal remains of his granddaddy Harlan O Stank. Helen Hemphill's debut novel tells a rollicking good story that tackles coming of age, family relationships, and much more. Just picturing Harlan P and Harlan Q travelling with the coffin containing Harlan O's body from Texas to Las Vegas is enough to make me grin!

Quiet and Powerful

SUMMER OF THE KINGS by Han Nolan is a poweful piece of historical fiction.There are two men named King that are having an effect on Esther in this summer of 1963. Esther is the oldest child in her family and often feels as if she is not as important as her younger sibs who are cute and talented. She is shunted off to the side, fetching road kill with her Aunt Pie (Pie cares for injured wildlife) or running with her neighbor Pip. Suddenly, this summer everyone seems to be growing apart from her, even her own family. Enter King Roy Johnson, the son of her mother's childhood friend. King Roy has been sent to live with Esther's family for his own safety: he is suspected of murdering a fireman who turned a hose on him and his younger brother and sister during a protest march in Alabama. King Roy is wary of Esther and her family. He has been told by some that white people are evil and not to be trusted. However, as the summer passes, King Roy and Esther come to a shaky but life-changing friendship. The other king to enter Esther's life is Martin Luther King, and she is determined to be a part of the march on Washington. Esther's summer is one where she comes to understand more of what she is to be and become. Not everything is settled for her, but there is hope for Esther after this summer of kings. Nolan has crafted an incredible novel that examines the complex issues of relationships, race relations and family relations and friend relations. Kids who are not normally drawn to historical fiction might just find themselves caught up in Esther's story and her summer.

Get Nailed!

Had to stick around the house to wait for the DTV guy to install service today. Good excuse to read the new book from Patrick Jones, NAILED. WOW! Blew me away. Meet Bret. His life is miserable thanks to bullies at school, a father who seems to hate everything about his own son, and his lack of a girl in his life. Things change (which was the title for Jones' first novel) for Bret when he and Kylee begin dating. Soon, they are involved intimately and Bret thinks perhaps his junior year might be OK after all. However, the resident bully and a school that tolerates bullying make life close to intolerable. The ultimate betrayal is when Kylee cheats on Bret with one of his friends. Thankfully, Bret finds sources of strength in several unusual places, the most unlikely supporter being his own father. The relationships in this novel are complex and unpredictable and very real. Jones imbues Bret with life by making him totally 3 dimensional. It is no fluke that Jones can create this real version of one teen's world; his work with YAs informs his professional writing and makes his novels ring true for teen readers.

Baseball been very very good to me

Lyrical only gets at a piece of this luscious novel by the inimitable writer of all things sports, John H. Ritter. His first book, CHOOSING UP SIDES, and the follow up OVER THE WALL, added to THE BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL were three fairly good indications that this man can write the heck out of a novel and blend in some fine baseball moves to boot. His latest offering literally sings with a clarion voice. Meet Andy Ramos, a skateboarding trumpet player whose band plays a fusion of music. Ansy takes his inspiration where he finds it. Sometimes the melodies are from the rush of skating or watching others on the board. Sometimes inspiration comes in the form of girl practicing her swing on the softball fields bear his Ocean Beach home. When Andy plays, Glory’s game goes from average to incredible. His music is her rhythm. His notes are her moves. And playing with Glory in the audience takes Andy to the next level as well. Surely, these two are meant to be together so they can feed off the other and master their art? Ritter has more than a little fun with language in this poetic and musical novel about finding one’s talent, funneling one’s passion, and determining one’s priorities in life. Lots of puns about Ocean Beach and its inhabitants deliver the humor. Mix in some rhythms and beats from street culture, the music biz, plus a dash of magical realism and you have the perfect score for this novel whose voice cries out.

The Queen of Chill

Gail Giles knows how to tell a grand story, how to keep you in suspense until the bitter end, and then how to make you exit the story with more questions that when you began. So is the case for her latest novel, What Happend to Cass McBride. Cass is kidnapped by the distraught brother of a young man who committed suicide after Cass refused to go out on a date with him and made fun of the young man behind his back. During her kidnapping, Cass has to relive her guilt about what has happened. Her kidnapper has to come to terms with some incredible losses in his own life on top of the loss of his brother. Who is to blame? Who deserves to die? Can anything make things right again?

NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER by Jordan Sonnenblick. I guess when one of your high school English teachers is Frank McCourt, you come out of that experience changed. Sonnenblick must have paid lots of attention as his writing is spot on. Loved DRUMS, GIRLS AND DANGEROUS PIE and am thrilled that percussionist Steven from that debut novel makes a guest appearance or two in this one.

Alex decides one evening to drink a whole lot, steal his mother's car keys, and head over to tell his no-good father off for leaving the family to live with Alex's former third grade teacher. Alex does not get too far down the road. Mainly, he ends up in front yard of a neighbor. Fortunately, the only casualty of the accident is a lawn gnome and Alex's life. He is sentenced to work in the nursing home with Sol Lewis, a crotchety old man who loves getting the best of young Alex.

Alex is certain that his punishment does not fit the crime, but he is stuck with Sol for 100 hours. Of course, over that time both Sol and Alex learn about each other, about life, about family and about music. This could easily be a sloppily sentimental novel. Sonnenblick resists the easy, though, and makes Alex and Sol three dimensional characters with real problems and real reactions and real consequences. Once again music plays a pivotal role in the story. Sonnenblick is sure-footed as he places his characters on the long journey toward understanding and empathy. AND, the cover is to die for...

Two Sides to Every Story?

Alex Flinn's latest YA is a bit of a change of pace. DIVA tells the story of Caitlin, the young woman who was the target of the abuse of Nick, the main character of BREATHING UNDERWATER. However, this is not Caitlin tells all from her perspective about Nick and his abusive behavior. Rather, this is Caitlin post break up. She is moving on with her life, auditioning for a performing arts school where her love of and talent for opera will not be mocked. It is tough for Caitlin to separate her past from the present, but her desire to become a true diva, an opera singer, drives her to move beyond her comfort zone. Caitlin keeps an online journal which provides readers with some insight into her inner thoughts and feelings. Life is not easy simply because Nick is out of the picture. There is much more to her healing process, and much more she needs to settle in her life. Kids need not have read BREATHING UNDERWATER to enter Caitlin's world though those who have read the first novel will, IMHO, see more of the layers of this novel.

Long live the librarian!

I managed to read the new Richard Peck galley, HERE LIES THE LIBRARIAN, in the short flight from Houston here. What a laugh riot. Librarians will adore this novel as will my sister the NASCAR freak. So, you can see there is quite a range of readership available. This historical novel is set in Indiana and opens as 4 library students apply for the position of the town librarian. They are all women from wealthy backgrounds and real feminists for their time. They offer to split the salary 4 ways and their families all pony up some nice donations as well. However, the focus of the story is PeeWee, whose older brother runs a garage on the outskirts of town. I do not want to give too much away as there are several surprises in store for readers. Needless to say, Peck is at the top of his game here.

Psyche redux

Here is another author whose works just knock my socks off, Kathe Koja. Her latest, GOING UNDER, uses the myths of Persephone and Narcissus whose fictional tales mirror the lives of the two main characters of the novel, Hilly and her brother Ivan. Hilly and Ivan have been home schooled. Each is gifted: Hilly's writing sings and Ivan has a talent for leadership. After all, he is the pilot to his sister's copilot role in their relationship. However, when Hilly breaks away from Ivan to work on the literary magazine at the local high school, their relationship takes a precarious turn. The story opens after Hilly has lost a colleague on the literary magazine staff to suicide. Hilly begins to write in secret, not wanting anyone, even her beloved brother, to see what she is writing. Concerned about her behavior, Hilly's parents seek counseling from a psychiatrist. Hilly and Ivan each have a totally different take on Dr. Roland. Now, when they need one another and need to trust one another more than ever, the manipulative Dr. Roland causes the chasm between the two to grow with disastrous results. Are the two condemned to live out their myths?

This Simon Pulse novel graces the cover of the spring catalog for Simon and Schuster, so I figured I would start with it (also, Corrie is already begging me for it). I loved this quick romp through a sorority from hell. Cindy Bixby pledges Alpha Beta Delta because her mother was once President of the sorority. At first, she is in heaven because current prez, Meri Sugarman, takes her under wing, creating a silk purse from a sow's ear. Then, Cindy learns that Meri keep control of everyone and everything in her life through not so subtle blackmailing. Pledges become Meri's flunkies and are made to do more than embarrassing stunts. The last straw is when Keith, Meri's boyfriend, falls for Cindy. Now, Meri is out for blood, literally. Okay, this was way too much fun to read as it poked fun at every single stereotype known to college kids. There is hint of a sequel on the inside back cover which will no doubt please the girls who plow through this funny novel.

Meet Claudia. In her former life, she was known as movie starlet Morgan Carter. Now she is just another new kid in school in Fort Wayne Indiana. Hopefully, away from the harsh lights and the even harsher papparazzi, she can recover from her addictions and find some normalcy in her life. Morgan Carter must somehow lay low as Claudia, new student in Fort Wayne Indiana. Claudia stays with one of her mother's friends, Trudy, and tries hard to pass for a normal teen. However, all of the events of her young life are conspiring to keep her from succeeding in this phase of her rehab. She misses the glamour, the money, the parties. She is royally angry with her mother, impatient with most of her teachers, and still anxious to find a way to fit in more comfortably.

School Stories that Break Down Boundaries

FIREGIRL tells an unusual story. Tom is in 7th grade. He has a crush on the cute girl in class, finds his best friend sometimes irritating, and wants to keep a low profile. Pretty typical 7th grader until Jessica comes to his school while she is receiving treatment for severe burns at a local hospital. It is hard not to stare and even to be a bit upset about the severity of Jessica's burns. Tom tries hard to be circumspect, something his best friend makes no attempt to do. Eventually, Tom and Jessica develop a friendship of sorts, and Tom learns to stand up for himself and his convictions. I think what I liked most about this book was how slowly and tentatively Tom develops feelings for Jessica. His hesitancy, his reactions to the burns, his reluctance to stand up in front of his peers rings so true and makes this novel rise above a simple lesson learned kind of story.

Meet Thyme, a high school student who takes Ritalin once to help her focus and study for a test. Eventually, Thyme becomes a statistic: another high school kid who abuses prescription drugs. Others in the school use Paxil or Xanax or Ritalin as well. The drug culture is alive and well and Thyme is now not just taking drugs, she is dealing them as well. What makes this story rise above a GO ASK ALICE sort of cautionary tale is the realistic approach the author takes. Thyme and her friends and her family could be living in my neighborhood. Corrie verifies my feelings about the book with stories from school of kids caught with pills or kids suspended for having aspirin or stories about what kids consider OK in terms of drugs. It is a scary world out there and some people face it by medicating themselves.