Library Goddesses Teen Fiction

Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block

2008-01-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

This is a short haunting book full of sensual imagery and exquisite diction. The first book I have ever read by Francesca Lia Block, Psyche in a Dress is perfect for mature teens who may also be dreamers, poets, artists, mystics, etc. This book is not for those in search of plot; although, the plots of several classic myths lie buried beneath Block’s prose. As I read, shifting perspectives caused confusion; but, then I’d get caught by a distinctive image or phrase. Some chapters are enticing, others should have been edited. I would have liked more specific details about the modern lives of Psyche, Echo, Persephone – just a few of the goddesses/gods described in the book. Overall, Psyche in a Dress is a quick and dreamlike read – perfect for those who enjoy fantasy, magic, love, and poetry.

"Life on the Refrigerator Door" by Alice Kuipers

2007-12-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

I was predisposed to like this book...cute cover, cute idea, etc. I expected it to be a glimpse inside the pell-mell schedules of a modern American teen and her mom and the way seemingly innuocous words can tell volumes. Imagine my surprise to find myself reading the chronicles of a woman dealing with cancer entirely via notes with her daughter--who is quite possibly the most self-involved character in modern literary history! Though to be fair, the mother is no prize either...an ob-gyn(an attempt at irony perhaps?) who has little to no physical contact with her daughter.
The writing is shallow and immature and the characters are painfully one dimensional. The book, in fact, reads like a high school literary magazine submission gone horribly public.
Is this really what we're inflicting on YA readers(and their parents?!).
Bad writing aside, the book does leave us with this question: Are our children really raising themselves? Because, if families are operating like the one in this book, our future is bleak indeed.
I definitely do not recommend this one--in fact I'd rather see kids reading "Gossip Girl". At least those parents are involved!!

How to Teach Filthy Rich Teen by Zoey Dean

2007-11-02T13:25:00.000-04:00

Well known for her "A-List" series( which I have not--will not-- read) Dean has written a cute novel about a struggling Yale graduate hoping for a career in journalism(yes, you see shades of "The Devil Wears Prada") but sadly can't find a job she feels worthy of her talents and winds up an SAT tutor (yes, you see shades of "The Nanny Diaries") to a pair of debutantes. However, with appealing characters who learn not to judge a book by it's cover, How to Teach Filthy Rich Teens manages to hit some very genuine notes. I hope to see this author continue to develop her talents for realistic (and just fluffy enough for school vacation!) stories.

Chuck Dugan is AWOL

2007-10-24T15:28:00.001-04:00

You may recognize the "look" of this book (not quite a graphic novel--"a novel with pictures" according to the author) if you are a fan of Wes "The Royal Tenebaums" Andersen's movies. Yes, they are brothers and Eric has served as Art Director for his brother on his film work. Chuck Dugan is what you would expect: offbeat, oddly charming, and full of clever dialogue. It's not a new book but since I just re-read it while waiting to see "The Darjeeling Limited", I thought I'd send the recommendation out to the blogosphere.
Not quite like seeing an Andersen movie but close...

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

2007-10-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

I just love all of Sonya Sones' books and this one is awesome. Robin and Sophie finally hook up but Robin has no idea why Sophie likes him! In free verse, popular Sophie choses weirdo Robin "You're a real Murphy" as the love of her life. Only problem is, not one of Sophie's friends and all the other students at High School seem to understand what Sophie sees in the Murphster. But Robin is young, sweet, amorous and totally ga-ga about Sophie, her eyes and her heart. Robin is also an artist with real talent and I loved the classes he audits at Harvard and the great art students he becomes friendly with. You will laugh, you will cry--this is the guy's take on first love and it is amazing.

Stephenie Meyer books

2007-08-28T09:02:00.000-04:00

I am the kind of person who reads and loves almost everything I read, but I was never a reader of horror fiction- vampires in particular. But students kept asking for the books after Twilight in the spring and since Twilight was on the Reading Olympic list for '08 I decided to take it home for the summer, read it and make up questions. Well, I am hooked! I read Twilight in July and I couldn't put it down, Meyer has a unique way of writing seductively and from the teen perspective. There is so much angst with Bella and Edward Cullen, you just have to keep reading to learn more about their very different, yet alluring love. My students never minded that the books were 400-500 pages long- they were clamoring for the next one and the next one! I am now halfway through New Moon and once again, the suspense, fear and unrequited love keep me reading! Now I am learning more about Bella and Jacob's friendship/realtionship and boy is this different. When I went to Borders last week to purchase New Moon, my neice told me I just had to buy the 3rd one because it was 30% off and I would be saving money so I purchased Eclipse as well. I don't really booktalk these books (because reluctant readers would see the size and not touch them), the students who are readers come and ask for them in groups so I am more than happy to get these vampire books for our library because they are very read-worthy! So to become an ardent fan of Stephenie Meyer, pick up Twilight and I guarantee you will be seduced!

Behind the Mountains by Edwidge Danticat

2007-08-14T09:44:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful, poignant story about a Haitian family whose father, Papa, now lives in New York, toiling for years to bring his family to live with him. Told in first person by Celiane in entries to her notebook, we meet her family who has remained in Haiti, Celiane's mother, Manman, her older, artistic brother, Moy and the many relatives who provide support as they wait for approval to make the move. There is government turmoil and Celiane and her mother are injured in a pipe bomb attack in Haiti. It is a wonderful Christmas present to move to New York to finally be with their father. Once there, Moy and Celiane go to school, which is difficult because of the language barrier, strange surroundings and no friends. We see through Celiane's eyes the joy, sorrow and harshness of being in a new land. We see the beauty of Celiane's house on a mountain and New York through a child's eyes. This is a great multicultural story of how families remain close during separation and make a new life in a new land.

Eclipse

2007-08-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

Eclipse - Finally! I couldn't put it down, but I never wanted it to end. This is Book 3 of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. Fast-moving, engaging story romance in which Bella has to make some difficult choices.

-- Sesheta

Enter Three Witches

2007-07-18T15:52:00.000-04:00

Enter Three Witches by Caroline B. Cooney is a novelized version of Shakespeare’s MacBeth. It is narrated from the point of view of Lady Mary whose future is changed when her father is hanged for treachery and she becomes a maid in the household of the ruthless Lord and Lady Macbeth.
--Sesheta

.:: thirsty ::.

2007-07-07T16:32:00.001-04:00

"Thirsty" by M T Anderson

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Chris is turning into a vampire; each day his blood-lust growing stronger and harder to deny. With the promise of a cure, Chris agrees to help a strange creature named Chet, who claims to work for the Forces of Light. But as Chris is drawn further and further into his mysterious quest, he begins to doubt just which side he is working for. While struggling to do the right thing (and trying to ignore his increasing appetite), Chris is dealing with so much more: his dysfunctional family, his feelings for a young lady, trying to keep his best friends from drifting apart, and avoiding the violent mobs patrolling the streets looking to destroy any and all vampires in their midst.

This book acts as an often funny, often distressing metaphor for teenage life: puberty, sexual awakening, friendship, cliques, parents, siblings, temptation, and the awkward learning curve of learning how to fit into society. Teens will enjoy the vampire theme and the will most likely relate to the frustrations that Chris experiences with his 'problem-filled life.' The story seems a little disjointed at times and I didn’t find the ending to be overly satisfying, but it definitely had me turning the pages and biting my fingernails.

.:: perfect ::.

2007-07-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

"Perfect" by Natasha Friend

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Isabelle's life is falling apart. Her father is dead, her mother is an emotional wreck, and her kid sister April is a brat. When Isabelle is feeling particularly helpless or depressed, she retreats to her bedroom closet and binges on chocolate, chips and pop and then purges it all into the bathroom toilet. After her mother finds out about her little secret, Isabelle is forced to go to "Eating Disorder and Body Image Therapy Group." Isabelle is mortified to enter Group on her first day to discover that she is surrounded by other girls she has nothing in common except the annoying shrink that makes them talk about their 'feelings.' Until Ashley Barnum walks in. Ashley is the most popular girl in school, desired by boys everywhere, and has perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect grades and a perfect family. She is everything that Isabelle wished she could be. But Isabelle soon learns that no one is ever truly perfect, and that trying to be something she isn't could cost more than she ever imagined.

The author tackles some pretty emotional topics in this book, in a way that is suitable and appealing to teens. The book provides a sympathetic portrayal of eating disorders (without being preachy or condescending), while giving insight into the raw frustration and confusion that follows in the wake of a family member’s death, and how these issues can effect surrounding people. A well developed story and believable characters had me completely absorbed into Isabelle’s life and concerned for how the story would end. Highly recommended.

The Secret Twin

2007-07-03T11:30:00.001-04:00

The Secret Twin by Denise Gosliner Orenstein and Dan McCarthy (illustrator) is a beautifully-written, spell-binding story narrated from the perspectives of 13-year-old Noah, and Grace, the health-care worker who is taking care of him. Noah, the sole survivor of the surgery separating him and his conjoined-at-the-heart twin brother, lives with his self-absorbed grandmother and the secret guilt of surviving his brother. Grace comes to take care of him when his grandmother goes into the hospital for more plastic surgery. Their stories unfold as they reveal their secret losses to each other. Intense characterizations and extraordinary writing make this book memorable with great potential for discussion.

-- Sesheta

Scrambled Eggs at Midnight

2007-06-24T13:34:00.000-04:00

Scrambled Eggs at Midnight by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler
Cal (short for Calliope) has been traveling with her mother for several years now. Her mother is a professional wench, traveling to Renaissance fairs across the country. Eliott’s father is a born-again Christian whose latest venture is running a “Jesus Wants You to Be Thin” camp. This smart and tender romance features two teens who aren’t buying their parents’ answers to life or love, as they move away from letting their parents define who they are.

-Idun

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

2007-04-25T09:13:00.000-04:00

Great book! Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson is an insightful and powerful novel from the perspective of an American male suburban teenager. After a summer of laboring outdoors to pay for graffiti he sprayed on the school, Tyler Miller is transformed from a "socially invisible nerd" to a senior with a muscular physique. What happens when he attracts his secret crush who also is his father's boss's daughter and his biggest enemy's sister? Lots! -- Sesheta

Revenge of the Witch

2007-04-21T08:39:00.000-04:00

This is one creepy, scary book. Wow, readers who ask for this type of book will enjoy being thoroughly creeped out. Thomas Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son, and his mother says she gave birth to him one special purpose. Thomas is to become a Spook. The current Spook comes to take Thomas as an apprentice, and Thomas's world will never be the same. There is so much to learn, and he can never write fast enough to get all the Spook's lesson notes down in his journal. The end of the previous apprentice is mysterious and scary. Then, there is Alice. The Spook has warned Thomas about girls and women, and Alice does wear pointy shoes. However, when Alice helps Thomas with local bullies and only asks for the promise of help in the future Thomas cannot tell her no. This promise sets things into motion that will prove to everyone just how well suited Thomas is to Spook work. At the climactic moment when Thomas learns about his own power the biggest surprise is that he is not scared, instead he feels empowered to do the right thing. He knows that he understands what must be done, and that he can successfully do it thereby saving those he loves and becoming a true apprentice. This book is not for the faint of heart. Boggarts, witches and ghouls show their terrible practices killing, eating and being defeated. This is a good vs evil story that works out satisfactorily.

Skinny by Ibi Kaslik

2007-04-17T16:04:00.000-04:00

While I thought that this book was very well written, a part of me wishes I never read it. Every time I begin to worry the least little bit about gaining or losing weight, I think of Giselle -- the 22-year-old, 1st year med student whose annorexia is taking over/ruining her life. In Giselle's warped mind, even a single bite of food is too much. Because she felt so out of control of her life, Giselle turned to annorexia to achieve feelings of power and discipline. This story is told from the alternating perspectives of Giselle and her eighth-grade sister, Holly. Medical terms and definitions are included, in Giselle's chapters, to make readers more aware of the symptoms and problems associated with this eating disorder. A must-read for teen girls or anyone who works with teens. -- Hestia

Acceptance by Susan Coll

2007-04-09T13:57:00.000-04:00

This is not a novel about social acceptance but rather one about college acceptance. The story follows a group of high school juniors, their parents and one frazzled admissions officer as they slog their way through the admissions season--SATs, college tours, fights with parents, interviews--all aspects are touched upon in this wise and funny novel of being accepted and accepting ourselves. -Rhiannon

It Started with Incantation

2007-03-27T16:39:00.000-04:00

It Started Wiith Incantation

It started with Incantation, a book by Alice Hoffman that has been receiving stellar reviews. After that I was hooked.

“I thought I knew the world.I thought I knew myself.I thought I knew my dearest friend.But I knew nothing at all.”

Incantation is a beautifully written, moving story that takes place during the Spanish Inquisition. It’s about love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, and a 16-year-old girl who has been brought up to believe she is Catholic and her discovery that her family is hiding their true Jewish identity.I had to read more of Alice Hoffman’s books!

Next, I read The Foretelling, an intense, complicated fantasy coming-of-age story about a teen is destined to become queen of the Amazons. While she becomes an expert horsewoman and warrior, she is drawn to mercy and peace.

Aquamarine was next, but read more like a short story than a novel. It’s a sweet coming-of-age novelette for younger readers.

Then I read Green Angel, which I thought was more along the style of Incantation and The Foretelling. When 15-year-old Green’s parents and sister fail to return from the city after an apocalyptic catastrophe, she renames herself Ash as she fends for herself.

Incantation, The Foretelling, and Green Angel are totally different and unrelated stories, but they illustrate Alice Hoffman’s style of lovely, poetic writing encompassing beautiful prose, print and pages.

Alice Hoffman’s Official Page

- Sesheta

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Tayaka

2007-03-14T23:38:00.001-04:00

The story is gripping, inventive, and very entertaining. The book itself was difficult, frustrating, and at times completely confusing. And the reason for this is that this manga was published in the original form (but with English lettering instead of Japanese characters), with the story beginning at the back of the book, and being read right to left. This proved very difficult, as the panels were not always horizontal, and the story jumped back and forth, in and out of flashbacks. The story follows Tohru Honda, an orphan who stumbles upon a mysterious family. The Sohma family, made up of three young men who are cousins, agree to let her live with them. She repays their kindness by cooking and cleaning for them. She soon finds out that the young men, Yuki, Shigure, and Kyo, had an ancient curse put on their family. The spirits of the zodiac follow them around, and whenever a member of the family is hugged by someone of the opposite gender, they turn into an animal from the zodiac calendar. Tohru is soon accepted into this family, and agrees to keep their secret. This story is very character-driven, as no real enemy was introduced. The characters are realistic, even in their animal form, and are drawn very well. I enjoyed the story and the new (to me) graphic design. I did not enjoy the book format, but perhaps I will acclimate myself to it, if I continue the series. This is the first book in a series that is at least 15 books long, most likely more. They are first published in Japan, and seem to sporadically find their way to America. This edition included information on the Fruits Basket history and following in Japan, and a brief lesson on the Chinese Zodiac, since much of the plot depends on the reader’s understanding of it. If I had to recommend a manga to a first-time reader, I might not choose this one because of the format and the time-jumping plot. One must be patient in order to read this book. If you enjoyed this book, please consider :
Fiction Recommendation #1 : Fruits Basket, vol. 2 by Natsuki Tayaka. Tohru attempts to lead a normal High-school girl life, but problems ensue when she invites friends for a sleepover, while attempting not to disclose the secret of the Sohma family’s curse of the Chinese Zodiacs.Nonfiction Recommendation #1 : Watching Anime, Reading Manga: 25 Years of Essays and Reviews by Fred Patten and Carl Macek. Patten, an anime scholar for decades, has put together this collection discussing the influence anime has had on American popular culture.

Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain

2007-03-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

What do you read when you are an intelligent and savvy high-schooler who has outgrown "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"? Try this great first novel by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain. The novel chronicles the divergent paths that four diehard friends take following their high-school graduation. The characters are believable and likable and the dialogue is dead-on.

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson

2007-02-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

Please don't miss this book!! An award-winner in Great Britain, it's made it's way to the States and our bookshelves are richer for it. Part family drama, part fantasy and part Irish History, The New Policeman is a wonderfully engaging and charming story. As an extra treat, each chapter ends with the sheet music to an Irish tune!! -Rhiannon

Award Winners Announced!

2007-01-23T20:16:00.001-05:00

Big congratulations to the following authors and illustrators!

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Caldecott Medal winner:
Flotsam by David Wiesner

Caldecott Honor books:
Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McLimans
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom illustrated by Kadir
Nelson written by Carole Boston Weatherford

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Newbery Medal winner:
The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Newbery Honor books:
Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Rules by Cynthia Lord

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Michael L. Printz Award:
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Michael L. Printz Honor Books:
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Surrender by Sonya Hartnett
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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For a complete listing of the awards, go to www.ala.org/mw07winners.

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The Adbooks JHunt Award:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Adbooks JHunt Award Finalists:
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson
This Is All by Aidan Chambers
Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Learn more about the JHunt Award here!

-Hestia

Does My Head Look Big In This?

2007-01-09T19:36:00.000-05:00

I received an ARC of this book, and I am not sure what to think of it. I am thrilled to see a YA novel delving into religion. I am especially happy to see a book that shows how a Muslim teen deals with other people's misguided perceptions of her religion. What I am not sold on, nevertheless, is the dialogue. So much of it seems forced. I showed this book to a (Muslim) YA patron the other day, and she agreed. She said that she has had multiple conversations with friends about the possibility of wearing the hijab -- "None of my conversations with friends sounded anything like that!" It could just be the fact that the book takes place in Australia and we live in the US. Maybe teens really do talk significantly differently in Australia than they do here; I can't say for sure. Since I am reading an uncorrected proof, I am not even sure that the editors don't plan on "fixing" some of it. What I can say with certainty, though, is that this book is a great starting point for teens who want to learn more about Muslim culture. -Hestia

Harry Potter Title Revealed

2006-12-21T12:55:00.000-05:00

More Information can be found at MuggleNet

The Golden compass

2006-12-13T18:18:00.000-05:00

by Philip Pullman

The Golden compass is not a new book, but it is one that I have only just read. Since there is a big-budget movie being filmed now, I suspect that the His Dark Materials series will be of interest again very soon.

I found the Golden compass to be very difficult to begin. I started it several times and ended up putting it down before I was finished with the first chapter. This time I determined to stick with it, and I'm very glad I did. Once I was truly invested in the story I found I was hooked!

Lyra is an orphan girl living at Jordan College in Oxford England. She has been allowed to roam free, picking up an eclectic variety of book learning and an extensive street education. Her life begins to change one night when she hides in a closet and witnesses a meeting that is not intended for her eyes and ears. The things she learns that evening catapult her into an incredible adventure, crossing Arctic regions and meeting talking bears, gypsies, witches, and evil humans. Ultimately it is her fate to save the world as she knows it.

Thus begins the His Dark Materials Trilogy. Pullman introduces us to a world very much like our own, yet different enough to feel new and strange. His prose is powerful and beautiful, and worth a chance.

Although Lyra is not a teen, I think that this trilogy would most appeal to older teens and adults. It tackles complex issues and requires thoughtful reading.

MAEVE