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Book Reviews
Introducing our new booktalks delivered via podcast. Check here for the latest, greatest books.
(What My Girlfriedn Doesn't Know, Oh My Goth, Thirteen Reasons) The following reviews are meant to assist readers in selecting books for pleasure reading. You will find these categories by genre. I have included adventure, autobiography, classics, drama, fantasy, historical fiction, inspirational, multicultural, mystery, non-fiction, poetry, realistic fiction, and teen pop culture books. I invite you to review books for the website. If you are interested, please see Mrs. Millam for a form. Thanks.
This novel chronicles the life and experience of Caitlyn from the day she turns 16 and her older sister runs away, to the day she completes a treatment program after suffering abuse at the hands of her boyfriend. In between she struggles to find herself and where she fits into this life of hers. Along the way she befriends Corinna and Dave through her boyfriend Rogerson Biscoe. Her mother and father try to support her through their fog of confusion over their older daughter, Cassandra's defection. Her friend Rina tries to support her as does her photography instructor. But shame silences Caitlyn. This book is a good read. I highly recommend it.
This novel chronicles the experience of an "asphalt tribe" – homeless kids on the streets of New York City. The main character is a girl named "Maybe," she shares time with OG, Country Club, Tears, Rainbow, Maggot, Jewel and 2Moro. Their reasons for being on the street differ, but a commonality is shared- each thinks they are not loved. "Maybe" suffered from terrible abuse (including a hot iron burned onto her back) and feels like she has no choice but to remain homeless. In the course of a month's time, three have died, one is hospitalized and things are looking bad overall. A kind librarian helps Maybe and Tears and in the end, there is a sense of hope. This book is very good. I highly recommend it. It certainly brings another perspective to the homeless situation in America.
This is an incredible book. The main character, Judith, is a young girl with great responsibilities and secrets to bear. Judith takes care of her younger brother, their home, shopping, and her schoolwork all at a tender age. Her mother seemingly cherishes her son, but despises Judith despite her every effort to do everything the right way to please her mother. Nothing is ever enough and the abuse rains down on Judith. She endures more than one thinks she can and continues to try to do the impossible- please her mother. A bright spot in her life is her friendship with Michael, a boy in her class. He invites her over frequently for lunch and she sees what a loving home looks like. As is common in cases of parental abuse, Judith keeps her secret. But in keeping the secret she has to miss school to hide the ever-present bruises. This attracts the attention of her caring teacher who attempts to meet with her mother to no avail. When Judith moves away unexpectedly, all appears lost. A nosy neighbor tells Michael the shocking truth and he is on a quest to find Judith- to save her.
This is Megan McCafferty's debut novel that captures one teen's life clearly. The story details fifteen-year-old Jessica Darling's life after her best friend, Hope, moved from their New Jersey town to Tennessee. Hope's family moved away after their eldest son, Heath, overdosed and died. Jessica sunk into a depression, despised her remaining friends, endured her sister's overdone wedding preparations, struggled to understand her parents and her place in the family. Add a mysterious "dreg," Marcus Flutie, who keeps turning up making cryptic remarks about her and how he really knows her. This novel will lead you right to McCafferty's followup, Second Helpings.
This is the follow up to the hit debut novel, Sloppy Firsts, and is as captivating as the first episode of Jessica Darling's life. This novel focuses on Jessica's senior year, her continuing struggle with her friend Hope moving out of state, her pseudo-friendships with the "Clueless Crew," and trying to recover from total heartbreak. Her family life is churned up with her sister's reemergence and pregnancy. Her old crush returns, her plans to attend Columbia University is threatened after 9/11. And, of course Marcus Flutie is still buzzing around her. Check out this sequel - it is equal to the first novel.
This is a terrific novel that is written in short bursts of verse. It is told from the point of view of Sophie, a 14 year-old girl. She shares her inner self- her loves, disappointments and true emotions. Anyone who has been in like, love or lust can relate to Sophie. It took me back to my teen years as if it were yesterday. I knew I had to read this when my teenaged daughter told me I couldn't. It brought back such a rush of emotions my adolescent self felt (does he like me? will he kiss me? why is he talking to her?) As a librarian, I have recommended this to many students; they always bring it back raving about what a great book it is and how they finished it in just a few hours. Check it out!
This is a collection of poems from the multi-talented musician, Jewel. She writes of many things- of being ogled by a man and his son, relishing the newfound sensuality of her taut teen body, of the strength of humanity, hardness of life on the street, of love and its freedom. She expresses her hope that her poetry will inspire others to release the poetic voice within. In "Lost" she writes that Grace is the refinement of a soul through time. She captured the essence of grace, hope and desperation in that poem. Beautifully written.
This is Lance Armstrong's second book. The first detailed his struggle to defeat cancer and is entitled It's Not About the Bike. This one details his trials in winning the Tour de France four times and fighting to clear his name in regard to doping/steroid allegations. For the record, he's never had a positive test for any illegal substance and he has been tested over 200 times. If you are a cycling fan this is a must read. For the rest of us, it may seem long on cycling detail. I recommend it because of the background it gives about the Tour de France, which is arguably the most demanding physical challenge in the world.
This is the long awaited sequel to A Child Called "It" which told the story of Dave Pelzer's abusive childhood. This book tells Dave's adolescent story. His search for love stemmed from the abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother. He was rejected and hurt by her, so much so that he didn't feel worthy of love. After five foster homes, he found love in a neighborhood. The people there showed him love and helped him find his way. The story ends with his enlistment in the Air Force. To find out more, read A Man Called Dave that tells the rest of his story to present day. This will give you another perspective- inspiration in the form of survival.
This novel is a true classic! It is the tale of Lennie and George, two "bindle-stiffs" in turn of the century California. Lennie and George are good friends who travel together and dream of putting together some money and buying their own place. George takes care of Lennie who is a huge, strong man but only has the mental ability of a 5 year-old. They begin working on yet another farm in Central California where they encounter Crooks, Candy, Carlson, Curley and Curley's wife. Crooks, the black stable hand is a study in grace. Candy and his old dog have each other and are just making it through this life. Curley, the boss' son, is a little man with a big chip on his shoulder and a wife that he doesn't trust. Curley's wife is just plain trouble. She has dreams of being an actress and has a habit of hanging around the hired hands. Lennie makes life tough for George with his penchant for getting into trouble. He doesn't mean to, but misunderstandings and soft things cause trouble and he gets run out of town frequently. Together these people have dreams of more, but fate gets in the way.
Reading Level: 7th gradeThis is an amazing story! The story is about a young boy named Pip, actually his Christian name is Phillip, but as a small child he couldn't pronounce it and the nickname stuck. Anyway, Pip is an orphan who lives with his much older sister, Mrs. Joe and her husband Joe. Joe is a kind man who genuinely loves Pip and tries to protect him as much as possible. She is a nasty shrew, which is fitting as nearly all dominant females in Dickens' stories are horrible. The story widens beyond their circle to include some interesting characters Uncle Pumblechook, Mr. Wopsle, Miss Havisham, Estella, Biddy and Herbert. After Pip meets the beautiful heiress Estella, life is never the same again. He no longer wants to be a blacksmith like Joe nor does he wish to learn any further as he becomes discouraged. His secret dream is to become a gentleman, but only to win Estella. When this miraculously happens we take a journey along with Pip as he wins his dream only to lose sight of the truly important things in life. The many plotlines come together and are interwoven into the most incredible tapestry. I highly recommend this book.
This play is the Tony-award winning play by Mark Medoff that tells the story of a young deaf woman and her mentor/teacher. More importantly the play is about a hearing-impaired woman's struggle for acceptance in a hearing world. The notes from the playwright offer additional enlightenment around why he wrote this play and how it made it to the bright lights of the Broadway stage. This is a play worth reading, it give readers a glimpse into the world of the deaf and also is thought provoking in that one must question how we treat others with physical challenges.
This play is a great piece of work by Lorraine Hansberry. The story is set in Chicago after World War II and chronicles the life of the Younger family and their struggle to overcome poverty and achieve their dreams. This play gives us a look at this African-American family and teaches us lessons- the bonds of love are stronger than any other, and that every action has consequences. Come check out the Younger family and see this remarkable group come together in love and pride to overcome barriers that would stop many.
This novel is the latest in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. We find Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione back at Hogwarts School for their 5th year. The book introduces us to a different Harry- he's angry, irritated, and frustrated. He's at the awkward stage in adolescence where teens pull at the constraints placed on them by adults. He perceives that adults are holding him back and treating him as though he were a child. The evil Voldemort is hard at work. His minions continue to serve him, yet he has powerful enemies who face him to protect the good that he seeks to destroy. Along the way, the politics in the wizarding world complicate matters and at times there seems to be no hope. But as with the previous books in the series, Rowling reels us back in with incredible drama, mystery, romance (just a little), and an amazing climax. This novel is definitely heavier and darker than previous books in the series, but it is a good read. I am ready for my next midnight run to Barnes and Noble bookstore to get book six.
This novel tells the story of Alanna and her twin, Thom, who are to be sent away for schooling- Alanna to a convent and Thom to the palace. The twins have problems with these traditional assignments. Alanna wants to study to be a knight and Thom wants to be a sorcerer. Some artful forgeries set them on their desired paths. They are helped by Coram and Maude; Alanna (who is now Alan) excels in both her studies and fighting arts coursework. She is rewarded with a visit to the Marketplace where she meets the King of Thieves. Later after fighting continually with the bully Ralon, Alanna seeks the King of Thieves' help in learning hand-to-hand combat that the palace doesn't teach. This leads to her first success as a warrior and the respect of her fellow students. Additionally, Alanna has "The Gift" of healing and uses it to help the Prince, her friend. This book is intriguing and just leads you right to the next book and more of Alanna's adventures.
This is one book of a series that brings history to life. The story of Eleanor is told via her diary. She chronicles her daily life of feasts, worries, loves and interests. She is Lady Eleanor, daughter of the Duke of Aquitaine (France). She writes of her love for a young knight, Clotaire the Strong, and laments that they can never be together as he is just an orphan from a village. She is to marry a nobleman to strengthen her family holdings. Eleanor is a headstrong, intelligent young woman. This story is fun to read because it gives a glimpse of what life was like in 1136. Following the diary there is a section that gives more factual information about Eleanor who later became the Queen of England. This is a fun, easy read that makes history interesting to modern readers.
This installment details the life of Elisabeth Amelie Eugenie of Austria, Queen of Hungary. She details her interest in horseback riding, the outdoors, her love for her father and castle life. Her sister Helene is betrothed to Franz Joseph the Emperor and they are going to be married soon. Her mother hopes that his brother, Karl Ludwig, will fancy Elisabeth and she can marry off two daughters. Her plans are dashed when Franz chooses Elisabeth over Helene. The preparations for Helene are intense and she confides that she is nervous. Things do not go as planned and Elisabeth is chosen by Franz Joseph to her great surprise (and everyone else). Again, this is a quick read that makes history interesting.
This collection is based on the book that started this series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. The series has inspired and comforted many readers over the years like a good chicken soup helps when you don't feel well. There are poems and stories that address topics such as relationships, friendship, the power of love, family, lessons, tough stuff, overcoming obstacles, self-discovery and growing up. The entries are heartwarming and comforting. A very good read!
This collection covers issues such as: self acceptance, family matters, tragedy, eating disorders/depression, drugs and alcohol, suicide, abuse, difficult life lessons and death & dying. As with previous volumes, the entries are written from the teen perspective by young people. The entries are heartfelt, uplifting, yet, heartbreaking at times. The short inspirational stories are brave and comforting. You are sure to find something to relate to in your life.
This book by Sandra Cisneros is considered a classic. It is told from the perspective of Esperanza a young girl. The story, told in vignettes, tells the story of her family and life in their Latino neighborhood on Mango Street. The chapters cover a wide variety of things and mirror a teenager's mind in that they bounce from one topic to another yet are connected. The chapters have funny titles like Louie, His Cousin & His Other Cousin; Cathy Queen of Cats; Hips, and The Family of Little Feet. But together these little pictures come together and give a clear picture of Esperanza and life on Mango Street. The chapters show the struggles the people go through to love, dream, and ultimately survive the disappointments of life and still have hope.
This novel brings the Civil Rights movement alive. The story is based on the true story of Emmitt Till's murder in Mississippi in 1955. The story told from the perspective of Hiram Hillburn, a young, white boy richly describes the Mississippi that existed prior to the Civil Rights movement. As a young boy he lived in Greenwood in the Mississippi Delta with his grandparents while his father finished graduate school. His father, Harlan, wanted nothing more that to escape the oppression and hatred of the old South. His plan was to get his Master's degree and teach at a university in the west taking his family away from the backward ways of the south. Hiram, however, loved the south and his grandpa, but moved away. He returns 8 years later to find that his understanding of the south and his grandfather are not correct. The story chronicles his struggle to understand how people could be so filled with hate for others and his responsibility to stop them. Great book!
This novel by Lois Duncan (author of I Know What You Did Last Summer) chronicles a group of teens as they plan to get revenge on a tough English teacher. The group includes ultra-cool Betsy, athletic Jeff, earnest David, innocent Susan and the mastermind Mark. They plan to kidnap Mr. Griffin and take him to the mountains and make him beg for his life to scare him into easing up on the students. The kidnapping was violent and Mr. Griffin didn't cooperate- he refused to beg. Things take a turn and things do not go as planned. As complications arise the group splinters with only Mark's persuasive power pulling them together. If you liked the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer, then you will like this book!
This novel is suspenseful. It begins with 15 year-old Jane Johnson noticing a little girl on a milk carton. The girl, Jennie Spring, had been abducted twelve years earlier. Here red polka dot dress brought a flash of memories to Jane. Could she be Jennie? Who were her parents, really? Along with the help of her boyfriend she sorts things out. She finally confronts her parents. Read this if you want to know more about Jane. You'll enjoy it!
This book by Jay McGraw aims to help teens and parents reconnect. One of the first suggestions he makes is that communication needs to happen between teens and parents. Real communication, not single syllable answers. Which ultimately ends the conversation. Great sections in the book include teen myths and parent myths. Other chapters include parent poisons, teenage landmines, parents/teens dos and don'ts, anger management, formula for reconnecting parents and teens, discovering your needs, tuning in to the needs of others, just say "why not?" and ten ways to bridge the gap and reconnect. This is a great book and can really help you make a difference in your life.
This is a great book! It takes the storied history of the Anaheim Angels and breaks it down culminating in their World Series Championship season of 2002. It all started with a cowboy named Gene Autry, his manager, Bill Rigney and his first group of boys Albie Pearson, Bo Belinsky and Dean Chance back in 1962. Along the way there were terrible disappointments 1982, 1986, 1995- some of these led to terrible tragedies (suicide) and a loss of hope for some. You will get some insight into the incredible man, Autry, who owned the team with great hopes for a championship. You will relive the winning season and get a good look at past and present players who made the 2002 season the thrill it was for Angels fans everywhere. You will also get a peek into the future with a look at some shining stars who toil in the Angels' minor league system. Great book about an awesome team! Notice: The opinions I express are my own and do not reflect the viewpoints or perspective of the administration of Valencia High School or Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District. |
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