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Guardian

Guardian

By: Julius Lester

Lester is not one to shy away from the topic of race.  His gift lies in humanizing the aspects of all people: the good, the bad, the confused, the empty-shell people, and the truly evil.  In this day and age, I love to hope that racial tensions are a thing of the past, but I still hear about things that happen (crimes, bad jokes, etc.) that were racially motivated.  Lester even comments on some of them at the end of the book in his author's note and in the appendix.  I do wonder how many Native Americans were lynched in the time period provided on the table...

This is a story of a small town in the Deep South who still distrust the black people that live there.  Ansel works with his father in the store, and his father seems to be sympathetic to the black people that live there, yet he still doesn't treat them as well as he could because he doesn't want to lose his store, home and everything he has ever known.  You can understand why he feels the way he does, but when it comes time to make a decision between right and wrong, the reader will feel he makes the wrong choice.  Even his son knows his father has made the wrong choice, and that is something that will haunt Ansel for the rest of his life. 

It is still amazing to me how a mob can know the truth, yet still do something so horrible to an innocent human being, no matter what.  Lester shows us the divides of this small town through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old boy.  Ansel will challenge you in the way you think and how you feel about others, plus the value of truly doing the right thing, no matter what.  Ansel will never forget that day - it literally opened his eyes and changed his life forever.  The reader will never forget that day either - you may not physically be there, but in your heart and mind you will know the consequences of a decision that will change everything.

Notes on the Cover:

I love the tree with the sunlight coming through it - the visual that things will work out (not without hurt or anger) is nice.  I do find the eye to be a bit creepy, but I see why this cover was chosen.  Ansel sees more than he says out loud for quite a bit of the book, and his eyes are truly opened to the baseness that human nature can attain. 

Recommended To:

• Historical fiction fans
• Anyone interested in race relations
• Everyone!

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Wintergirls

Wintergirls

By: Laurie Halse Anderson

This is not a book for the faint of heart.  This IS a book to help those who have an eating disorder, self-esteem issues, or who may develop an eating disorder.  It is also a book for those who don't happen to have those personal demons, because it will help you understand the transformation that happens to these people (usually girls) and why they do the things they do.

Lia and Cassie had been best friends for a long time.  They stopped talking, and then one night Cassie calls Lia 33 times and Lia never answers.  The news Lia hears the next day brings her world crashing down, and the pressure to be perfect, thin and not stupid/ugly/fat increases.  Lia can't stand the way she looks.  All she sees is fat.  As the reader, you see Lia's obsession with her weight and the problems in her life come to a head.  Reading this is sometimes like a great big car crash - you can't stop looking.  We know something even worse than Cassie's death has to happen to Lia in order for her to heal, but will it, and if so, what does it take to get her to realize what she's doing to herself and to those she loves?

This is not a book that promotes eating disorders in any way.  In fact, it does just the opposite: I think it could potentially help a troubled person (young or old - eating disorders aren't that discriminating) see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and sometimes no matter what our friends or family may say, we can't see it.  This book sheds light on a serious issue in America today and I think it is done very well.  You feel for Lia because you come to understand her and the demons that drive her to starve herself the way she does.  I mean, she is definitely not stupid, although she makes many regrettable choices throughout the story.  You may not always agree with her or her choices, but that is where your own compassion comes in: you may not understand it, but you can see how it could happen. 

A couple of interesting notes on the text: Anderson really gets you into the mindset of a young girl with an eating disorder.  When Lia talks to us about food, she gives us the calorie count of everything that she eats (and sometimes of the things she wants but denies herself).  We are also allowed into her inner struggle.  The use of strike-through text allows us to see what Lia thinks, but then quickly disregards (like how good that cupcake would taste/ no it won't).  There is also a two-page spread with nothing on it.  Honestly, that says more than words could at that point.

Notes on the Cover:

Creepy - Haunting - Beautiful You won't forget the image, especially after reading the story.

Recommended To:

• Moms
• Moms - give this book to your daughters/nieces/cousins/sisters/in-laws/mothers - anyone who could benefit from this book
• Girls - with or without body image or food issues. This will shed light for you!
• Everyone!

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Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic

Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic

By: Emily Jenkins

Illustrated By: Paul O. Zelinsky

This is an adorable book for young readers.  Kids will get a kick out of the fact that the Little Girl's toys have their own personalities (as do a towel named Tuk Tuk, the washing machine and the dryer - although the dryer's a bit of a grump). 

Stingray, Toughy (the Buffalo) and Plastic are the main characters in this book.  They play while the little girl is away and have some adventures.  Sometimes they even happen with the Little Girl (and yes, it is capitalized in the book) like when Toughy goes on a picnic with her and her father.  It starts to rain, so he is put in the picnic basket but unfortunately the peanut butter lid wasn't on quite tight enough to Toughy got quite sticky.  The Little Girl wipes him off at home and says he should be washed, but Stingray (who thinks she knows a little bit of everything) scares Toughy when she talks about the basement and that there are things that could pop out, rats live there, and spiders with "fifty-eight legs" - not to mention the fact Stingray can't figure out why anyone would go to a dirty basement to get clean.  Toughy is now very nervous and so he decides to hide and is quite successful for a good week.  Unfortunately, he is discovered and to the wash he goes.  This is where we meet the washing machine who soothes Toughy with a song during his bath. 

That's just one chapter out of six.  In each chapter the toys learn lessons (without knowing it, and without the book preaching at the reader) about kindness, individuality, compassion, being hurt and getting better, confronting a fear, and even learning a lesson about themselves. 

I have to say the book isn't what I was expecting.  I was thinking the book would start with an issue or problem and the toys would solve it.  Instead, Jenkins has short chapters that are each a little story unto themselves.  They could probably be read out of order, but that may cause some confusion as there are references to early chapters.  Although, after the first reading you could read them in any old order you please, especially if there's a chapter that would resonate with a little person you know.

Notes on the Cover:

The major characters are all on the cover, as well as the feet of the Little Girl.  I like it because (some of) the toys seem like they're moving at the feet of the Little Girl.  She doesn't seem to notice when they are somewhere other than where she left them, so some children may have to suspend their belief, as it's not like the movie Toy Story where they all race back to their places when they hear Andy coming.  And the illustrations are by Zelinsky, who I absolutely adore for his fairy tale illustrations and retellings (Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin).

Recommended To:

• Parents, if your youngsters are too small to read this on their own, read it to them and discuss what the toys learn

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Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka

Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka

By: Jon Scieszka

Do you know of any young boys who just really aren't into reading?  Is all they want to do is play video games and play war outside?  Let me tell you, they may get a few new tricks up their sleeves after reading this little gem of a story, but the potential benefits are endless.  Maybe they'll even pick up some of Scieszka's other wildly popular books and your young little reader will be born!

As an adult (supposedly) reading this, I had a sense of nostalgia for the time period when my parents were growing up.  The black and white pictures, the talk of all the kids smashed into the car on a long trip that involves sibling fights about whose breathing on whom, who's touching who, and who smells.  Oh yes, when you live in a house with 6 boys there will be smells (and burns, broken bones, and choruses of "I don't know who did that"). 

The chapters are all very short, 2-3 pages at the most.  The genius in it is how Scieszka has obviously not lost his sense of play and fun.  He fondly recalls warning his little brothers that they just may get hurt if they follow Jon and Tom into whatever game they're playing that day.  Of course, when the little guy gets hurt, it's not the boys' fault.  He was also quite good at making money off of his unsuspecting younger siblings. 

I found myself identifying with Scieszka on a couple of levels.  The whole religious school until high school aspect and younger siblings who had it way easier than you did were my main comparisons.  And that is not to say that I didn't enjoy reading about these young boys and their crazy ways!  I had many moments of, ‘I swear I've heard something like this before,' and I'm pretty sure the Scieszka boys had a childhood quite similar to my dads (4 brothers + 1 sister = very interesting childhood \ the stories I could tell you!).

There might be a couple of things that parents have a bit of hesitation about: mainly a couple of the things Scieszka talks about were/are definitely not really safe, but on the other hand, they wouldn't have been young boys if they didn't devise some way to potentially harm themselves!  There are warnings at the end of those chapters, and they're labeled as a "Knucklehead Warning."  At the end you'll know why Knucklehead is used, and how its used in reference to this group of rambunctious boys. 

All in all I loved this book.  It was refreshing and fun to read the real-life growing up stories of our very first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.  No wonder his sense of humor is so great!  He's had years of material to build on! 

Another note: the index is fantastic.  The first word that I saw was ‘fart.'  Now don't get all upset, because right behind it, it says: "We do not say that.  See gas, pass."  There's a whole part where he talks about this particular word and how his mother was a nurse so they had to use the proper terms for body parts and functions.  Oh to be a fly on the wall of their house that day!  When the heading says: "Not Your Usual Index" it truly means it.  I probably spent more time laughing at the index than the rest of the book!

And one more thing:  I love the old family photos and the memorabilia from Jon's childhood.  From a report card to a Boy Scout badge, you'll love it too!

Notes on the Cover:

GENIUS!  The cover is just sheer genius!  It looks like the cover of a comic book, with a photo of a young Jon's head as the army guy popping out of a tank.  The tank is a significant part of the story (actually, it's more than just a tank, but still...) where Jon learns a valuable lesson about quality and making a quick buck.  Boys are going to be drawn to this cover, no questions asked!  A book called Knucklehead with an Army tank?  Sold!

Recommended To:

• Boys! The whole gamut of the male population will love this one! For the younger ones it'll be a source of inspiration on the kinds of games they play and the things they think they can get away with, and for the older ones it'll be a nice bit of nostalgia.
• Girls! Want to know why those boys in your class act the way they do? You'll soon learn that's just how they are at that age, but at least you'll be amused in the process!
• Adults! Read it with your little guys and gals and tell them stories about when you were a kid. A great piece for some quality family bonding!
• Everyone!

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Jinx

Jinx

By: Meg Cabot

MEG CABOT WILL BE AT THE ALLTEL CENTER ON MONDAY, JULY 20^th (2009) AT 11:00 AM!  IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!  SEE YOU THERE!

Confession: I have never read a Meg Cabot book.  I know, I know, she's everywhere, so how could I not?  Need I remind you that my list of books to read continues to grow?  It does not stop and wait for me, no way, no how!  (Does it count if I've seen both Princess Diaries movies?)

Jean Honeychurch is not a big fan of how her life is going.  Her (first) name is plain and boring (she never complains about her last name, and I like it) and her nickname is Jinx.  That's probably enough to tell you that she doesn't necessarily have the best of luck.  When trouble happens at home, Jean is shipped off to New York City to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins.

At first, she's excited because she and her cousin Tory had gotten along so well the last time they'd seen each other.  Let's just say that Tory has changed dramatically, and when she sees one of Jinx's mishaps she thinks she knows what's going on.  Too bad Jinx doesn't really want to have anything to do with what Tory suggests, because it's going to make it really hard on both girls.

Will the friendship between Jinx and Tory survive?  Will Jinx be able to fully accept who she is and make things right?  Pick up this deliciously quick read and find out!

Notes on the Cover:

Red curly hair and the black dress that will change Jinx's life as she knows it.  Lovin' it!

Recommended To:

• Oh the teenage girls will love this one!
• Everyone!

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What I Saw and How I Lied

What I Saw and How I Lied

By: Judy Blundell

Honestly, I don't think this is a book I would have normally picked up.  I'm saying that as I'm looking at the cover and the title.  Just doesn't really do it for me.  After you've read the book, they both make total sense.  The best part of it all?  I liked the book better than I thought I would.  That is not to say I loved it, and that I had no issues with it, but I still enjoyed it and found myself racing to finish it. 

So what were my issues?  I found Evie to be just a little too naïve for me.  I am trying to make exceptions for her, such as:

• The time period in which the novel is set is right after World War II. Evie will not have grown up as fast as today's kids, but there were quite a few times where I just wanted to shake her and say: seriously? Do you really not see this?
• Despite being raised by a single mother before her stepfather Joe comes into the picture, she has no concept of what good and evil are. I suppose that comes with the territory of growing up, but I just can't believe she doesn't realize some of the things that go on with her mom that she just doesn't get. Maybe that's the whole, love is blind thing? Evie sees things as very black and white for the majority of the novel. When she starts to see life with all the shades of gray that can accompany it, the reader, Evie and her family are all in for quite the surprise.

So basically, Evie's stepfather Joe comes home from the war and decides to take the family on a little vacation to Palm Beach, because, why not?  His stores are doing well and a break would be nice.  A man named Peter shows up at the resort they're staying at and this is where the story truly lies, as Peter and Joe knew each other during the war.  Something happened over there that is affecting Joe, and Evie wants to know what it is.  She also wants Peter to see her as a young woman and not the child that her mother continuously insists she be. 

Evie sees more than the adults think she does, and she also understands more than she thinks she does, she just has to try a little harder to figure out what it all means.  The clues and the tension continue to build until it all blows up, and it's up to Evie to save her family.  But will it be the right decision to make?  Maybe it is for her, but would it be for you?

All in all, this is a truly engrossing read on the human psyche and just how far we'll go to protect what's ours, whether rightfully or not.  I think the targeted age group for this book will enjoy Evie a bit more than I did because they'll be able to identify with her more:  her questioning on the how and why of the events and the people that are around her will probably be familiar territory for them as they're probably going through their own stage of trying to figure out what the adults are really saying, not what they want you to hear.

Notes on the Cover:

Like I said, I don't love it, but I don't hate it.  Evie with the lipstick is a part of the book, but I think the talk about clothes is more important and showing Evie in the dress that Mrs. Grayson bought for her, or one of the dresses she borrows from her mother.  Small beef.  Oh, and I liked the title a lot more after I finished the book. 

Recommended To:

• Historical fiction fans
• Teenage girls oh holy cow! The misunderstandings with parents, wanting to be more grown up than the parents are comfortable with, and more!
• Adults - you'll still love it even if you see some of it coming like I did.
• Everyone!

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The Fetch

The Fetch

By: Laura Whitcomb

Calder is a Fetch, or a death escort.  When you are at a point to make the decision as to whether you stay and fight for your life or die a Fetch shows up to escort you to your ever after.  Calder is good at his job: he follows the rules and does as he is supposed to, despite feeling that he is unworthy in his role.  Until the day he sees the woman whom he believes is his to love, he does as he should.  He calls her Glory.

Whitcomb sets up the rules and lifestyle of the Fetches early on in the work.  Because of this, the reader is able to empathize with Calder when he makes decisions that just seem weird or wrong to the reader.  When Calder goes against the rules of his order he sets in motion a chain of events that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat just waiting to see if he will finally figure out the task he is given to restore the balance between the worlds. 

Calder's familiarity with our world is slightly out-of-whack.  He has been dead for 300 years, and his job as a Fetch just brings him in and out again right away.  He doesn't know what is really going on in the world, and this proves to be yet another challenge that is in his path to restoring the balance.  Especially when he decides to get Glory, and then that fantasy doesn't work out in a way that is even remotely close to what Calder is expecting.  This one decision sets off a chain of events that will have the reader wondering just what else can happen to this guy.  Add in a historical mystery that will add additional twists and turns to the story and the mystery will only deepen until the end, when we find out if Calder has destroyed the balance between the worlds forever, or if he accomplishes his task and makes things right again.

Oh, and I have a gripe with this book.  They label the front cover as: A Supernatural Romance.  Frankly, I found that part to be a bit creepy, and not even really all that romancy, but that's just my two cents on that!

Notes on the Cover:

The key with the chain is very appropriate, as the key is a major plotline.  Also, the haunting image of Calder in the top-right hand side is a nice touch, although you may miss him if you're not looking for him.  Which, come to think of it, is also appropriate as you won't see him unless he is there for you, or if you're a particularly observant young child.

Recommended To:

• Historical fiction fans
• Those who like a little mystery
• Everyone!

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Playing with Fire

Playing with Fire

By: Derek Landy

Oh how excited I was to get back to Dublin to see what Skulduggery and Valkyrie were going to be up against in the second book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series!  I have to say, Landy didn't disappoint me: he kept the action coming and placed enough intrigue into the book that you just knew something else was going to happen, but you're just not quite sure what.

Needless to say, when the pair realize that Baron Vengeous is out to bring the Grotesquery back to life to call the Faceless Ones they know they have some serious damage control to take care of.  Why you ask?  Because if the Faceless Ones return that will be the end of the world.  Nothing major, you know!

I am totally loving these books and can't wait for the third one to come out in August.  Landy really keeps you on the edge of your seat with the situations he puts his characters in and the way he paces the story. 

Notes on the Cover:

Skulduggery and Valkyrie running with fire in hand is visually appealing, but I have a problem with Valkyrie smiling.  Not that I begrudge the girl a smile, but when she's running with fire like that, she's generally a little more worried about how to beat her opponent and her own survival to really think about smiling.  Minor detail, but anyone who reads these books will know that she is definitely not smiling during her fights!  (Okay, maybe at the end when she realizes she's still alive for the moment...)

Recommended To:

• Boys!!! Oh I know, the main character is a girl, but the boys will love a walking, talking, fire-throwing skeleton!
• Girls will love this series too. Valkyrie has some typical teenage problems alongside the whole ‘saving the world' thing
• Adults who like their action stories. Oh yes, pick these up! Just a little information to keep in mind: If you read these books in public you will get strange looks when people realize that you're a grown-up reading a book with a dressed, running, skeleton on the cover. I've never really noticed people staring at any other obviously young adult books that I've been reading, but these seem to get their attention!
• Everyone!

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Envy

Envy

A Luxe Novel

By: Anna Godbersen

The problem with reviewing a series in order is that you may not be as far along as I am, and I could potentially give away something that happens in a book you haven't read yet.  That being said, I will try my best to give you the rundown without giving too much away.

• Diana - will find out if her love for Henry is truly justified and true, or if she's just another one of his dalliances
• Elizabeth - is still grieving, but does make an effort in society. Honestly, I though she would be a little more duplicitous in her dealings with Penelope, and for that, I was a little disappointed, but I still loved the book anyways!
• Lina - will either make it or fail in society. This book is the topping on the cake for her (no matter what you really think about her).
• Penelope - oh me oh my is this girl a piece of work. Her scheming seems to pay off, but Henry throws things in her direction that she just doesn't see coming - which I thoroughly enjoyed. (I especially liked it when she wanted to throw things but didn't as she wasn't at home and she didn't want the help to talk!)
• Henry - he still needs to grow up and get over himself, which he kind of does at the end. I realize he isn't left a whole lot of choices, but I still feel like he took the easy way out. (Not that what he's going to do is easy, but he's not fixing the problem, just leaving it)

There are others who I'm sure you'd like to know about, but this is about all I can tell you without giving anything from Rumors away.  Hopefully you've finished The Luxe so you at least have an idea as to what I'm talking about.  Besides, after you've read the prologue to these books you have a good idea as to what happens to whom.

Notes on the Cover:

Right now my brain isn't working and I can't recall who would have been wearing the dress that's on this cover.  I think the girl is Elizabeth, but it could also be Diana.  It's definitely not Lina or Penelope though!  Leave me a line and let me know who you think it is!  And yes, I love this cover also!

Recommended To:

• Fans of the first two
• Historical Fiction fans
• Everyone!

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