The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009. 288 pages. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-316-01369-7.

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Narrated by Sherman Alexie. Recorded Books, LLC, 2008. CD. 5 hours. $46.75. ISBN 978-1-428-18297-4.

Annotation: A teenage boy wants to develop the courage to leave his Spokane Indian Reservation so he has a chance at pursuing his dreams.

Summary: Arnold Spirit, better known as Junior, is a teenager on a Spokane Indian Reservation. He is intellectually gifted but physically impaired due to being a hydrocephalic. He is a cartoonist who can more easily communicate with art than with words. He knows that in order for him to pursue his dreams he will need to leave the Indian Reservation because of the poverty and hopelessness on the “rez.” With the encouragement of a teacher, Junior decides to attend Reardan, an all-white high school twenty-two miles away. At Reardan, he experiences prejudice for being an Indian and on the reservations, his friends turn their backs on him and view him as a traitor to the tribe, including his best friend, Rowdy. He is seen as an apple, red on the outside and white on the inside. Despite his trials including many family alcohol-related deaths, Junior is able to get on Reardan’s basketball team, get a girlfriend, and become well regarded at school. He makes amends with Rowdy and sees hope for his future.

Evaluation: The cartoon artwork spread throughout the novel complements and re-enforces the text. The pencil illustrations look like they could have been drawn by a high school student. The crude language, mature subject matter, and physical and alcohol abuse paint a realistic portrait of life on an Indian Reservation. Alexie Sherman draws from his own life experience to write this revelatory and often humorous novel exposing the challenges of life on an Indian Reservation. Recommended for ages 14 to 18.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Semi-Autobiographical, Realistic Fiction, American Indians, Racism, Identity, Friendship, Family, Persistence, Abuse, Aspirations, Sports, Hope, Alcoholism

Awards: 2009 Odyssey Award Winner for Excellence in Audiobook Production, 2009 ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Award, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008 American Booksellers Children’s Literature Honor Award, 2007 L.A. Times Award Honor Book, 2007 National Book Award Winner – Young People’s Literature,

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Tan, Shaun. The Arrival. Scholastic, Incorporated, 2007. 128 pages. Tr. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-439-89529-3.

Annotation: In a wordless graphic novel, a man leaves his wife and child to embark on a journey to a foreign country. The lonely experience of the immigrant is portrayed as a new and, hopefully, better life is created.

Summary: In this wordless graphic novel, a man leaves his wife and child and the familiarity of his homeland and embarks on a journey to find a better life in a foreign country. He boards a steamship filled with other refugees and arrives in a weird yet wonderful country. The country has different architecture, alphabet and symbols, technologies, foods, culture, and animals. The novelty of the city and the distance from home creates much sadness and anxiety. Slowly he assimilates as he gains friends, employment, and confidence. The end is happy when he reunites with his family in the new country.

Evaluation: In this sepia-toned graphic novel, the immigrant experience is sensitively portrayed. The pencil illustrations capture the anxiety, confusion, loneliness, and wonder as an immigrant slowly assimilates into a new and strange culture. The complexity of feelings and issues for immigrants is expertly depicted with the detailed artwork. Readers will empathize with the difficulty of starting something new. Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Graphic Novel, Stories Without Words, Immigration, Identity, Loneliness, Persistence,Aspirations

Awards: 2008 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2008 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner, 2008 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008 ALA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2008 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2008 American Booksellers Award – Children’s Literature Honor Book

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Kushman

Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. HarperCollins Publishers, 1995. 224 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-440584-3.

Annotation: In the year 1290, fourteen-year-old Catherine is the only daughter of a country knight growing up in a medieval English manor. Her father is determined to see her married and she will do everything she can to avoid her unwanted suitors.

Summary: This book, written in diary format during the year 1290, records the events of fourteen-year-old Catherine, the only daughter of a minor country knight. Life on the English medieval manor is limiting for a young woman; there is cooking, cleaning, sewing, and treating illnesses. Her father is determined to marry Catherine off to the richest suitor he can find. Catherine, on the other hand, is resolved to thwart any such attempts. She spends her time worrying about her ill mother, tending to her birds, avoiding chores, learning the curse words of the day, and wishing for adventure. There is a happy resolution when she ends up marrying the sensitive son of an ugly shaggy bearded man to whom she was engaged before his untimely death.

Evaluation: This book is a witty historical treat; through Catherine’s journal entries readers are able to get an accurate glance at what life was like for young women during the Middle Ages. The diary describes such information as dress, foods, customs, health, manners, religious beliefs, medical practices, and sanitary habits. Catherine’s character is honest, believable, strong-willed, and completely engaging. Readers will root for her success in avoiding unwelcome suitors. Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Historical, Medieval Life, Middle Ages, England, Diaries, Identity, Family, Friendship, Aspirations

Awards: 1994 Golden Kite Award, 1995 Newbery Medal Award Winner, 1996 American Booksellers Book of the Year Honor Award, 1995 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1995 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 1995 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Just Ella. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2001. 240 pages. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-689-83128-7.

Annotation: The well-known fairy tale of Cinderella is revisited with a 15 year old Cinderella realizing that life in the castle with a handsome but uninteresting Prince Charming is not what she expected. Ella relates what really happened when she almost married the prince and what she learned about life and happiness by using her own intelligence and determination.

Summary: In Just Ella, Haddix revisits the famous fairy tale with a 15 year old Cinderella realizing that life in the castle with Prince Charming is not what she expected. In first person, Ella relates what really happened when she nearly married the good looking, but boring prince. Cleverness and fortitude, not a magic wand, clarify the stories behind Ella's ball gown, coach, and glass slippers. Ella clearly describes the changes with her new found royal status, the stifling and lackluster castle life, and her surprising imprisonment once she broke off the royal engagement. Because this is a fairy tale, she does fall in love with her palace tutor, the kindhearted and loyal Jed.

Evaluation: Ella is a strong female character that young girls will find refreshing. Once Ella realizes the difference between the fantasy and the reality of true love, her evolution into a competent, compassionate, and sensible young woman begins. The creative plot twists and witty prose make this coming of age story a delightful read. Recommended for ages 10 to 15.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Fantasy, Royalty, Romance, Identity, Fairy Tale

Awards: 2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2000 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1999 American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, 2005 Popular Paperback for Young Adults, 2000 New York Public Library Book for the Teenage

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic, Incorporated, 2008. 384 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-439—02348-1.

Annotation: In order to save her younger sister, sixteen-year-old Katniss has volunteered to be a participant in a ruthless kill or be killed competition. This nationally televised lethal sporting event is part of a dystopian society that enjoys survival contests.

Summary: This is the first book of a trilogy that includes Catching Fire and the soon to be released Mockingjay. Sixteen-year-old Katniss lives in the district of Panem, a dystopian society that includes part of what used to be the United States. Her sister was selected in a lottery to be part of a brutal kill or be killed competition called the Hunger Games, but Katniss volunteered to take her place. Peeta, a boy in the district who has a crush on Katniss, is also selected to be in the Games. This is a story of Katniss’s physical, emotional, and mental struggle to survive the Games; only one of twenty-four teens will survive.

Evaluation: This book has something to satisfy every kind of reader- suspense, adventure, action, mystery, and even a little romance. Katniss is an intelligent, honest, brave, and compassionate character who must also fight to the death in order to survive. Her journey in the Hunger Games is complex and engrossing due to the well written first person narrative. Recommended for ages 10 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Survival, Contests, Romance

Awards: 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2010 American Booksellers Association’s Indies Choice Book Award – Young Adult, 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog. HarperCollins Publishers, 2003. 112 pages. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-06-440959-9.

Annotation: A boy learns to find his own voice while writing a poetry journal with the help of his caring teacher, Ms. Stretchberry.

Summary: A little boy named Jack hates writing poetry. With gentle encouragement from his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, Jack slowly opens up and sees the enjoyment in reading, understanding, and then writing his own poems. With a little understanding and some subjects that spark his creativity like his pet dog, Jack starts to find his voice. Jack gets really excited about poetry when a wonderful and famous poet, Walter Dean Myers visits his classroom.

Evaluation: The extremely simple prose and easy free verse style make it an excellent combination for children who do not like to read. When Jack finally starts making personal connections with the poems his teacher has him study, he starts to understand the power of poetry. The theme of love and loss of a pet will resonate with young readers. Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Poetry, Dogs, Teachers

Awards: 2002 Christopher Award- Ages 8-10, 2002 American Booksellers Award – Children’s Literature Honor Book, 2002 ALA Notable Children’s Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Illustrated by Dave McKean. HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. 312 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-0605-3092-1.

Annotation: A young boy marked for murder by an assassin is saved and raised by a variety of ghostly characters in a graveyard.

Summary: A toddler’s family is murdered by the man Jack and the boy is spared due to the kindness of ghostly residents of a nearby graveyard. Spiritual denizens name the boy Nobody Owens (Bod, for short), and raise him to be a teenager. Bod has the freedom of the graveyard and is given special powers of Fading and Haunting. When the man Jack and his wicked organization find Bod and come back to finish him off, the graveyard residents rally together to save Bod.

Evaluation: This is a wonderfully complex story that combines horror, mystery, and suspense with a bit of wit and adventure. There are occasional pages of gray and black artwork that add a bit of a surreal atmosphere to the clever prose. The character of Nobody Owen and the graveyard family that raises him will delight readers despite the slightly macabre theme of the book. The darkness of the man Jack and his ancient league of assassins enhance the captivating tale. This book is all-around great storytelling. Recommended for ages 8 to 16.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Horror, Ghosts, Supernatural, Family, Graveyards,

Awards: 2009 Newbery Medal Winner, 2009 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2009 Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book Award, 2008 Los Angeles Times Book Prize- Young Adult Literature, 2009 ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 American Booksellers Indies Choice Book Award - Best Young Adult Book

Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Running Out of Time. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 1997. 192 pages. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-689-81236-1.

Annotation: Teenager Jessie Keyser lives in a restored historic village during the 1990’s but she and the other children in the village believe they are actually living in the 1840’s. This “scientific experiment” agreed upon by the children’s parents goes horribly wrong when diphtheria is released on the helpless villagers and it is up to Jessie to save them.

Summary: Jessie Keyser, a 13 year old girl, lives with her family in a restored historic village set in Indiana in the 1840’s. The children of the village actually believe that it is the year 1840; their parents have agreed to participate in an elaborate scientific experiment. The ruse is successful because the tourists from the present day (the 1990’s) are hidden from view. But things go horribly wrong when diphtheria is unleashed on the village because the corrupt researchers connected with the village want to see what would happen to patients without modern medical care. Brave, backward, and bewildered Jessie is sent by her mother into the modern world to find help for the “imprisoned” villagers.

Evaluation: Written in captivating manner, this book is an interesting take on “historical” events for those who love time-travel. A strong teen heroine uses her intelligence and courage to overcome her culture fears and physical threats in order to save the village children from dying. Each chapter is so gripping that it is difficult to put down. Recommended for ages 8-14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Suspense, Family, Diseases, Historic Villages, Adventure,Survival

Awards: 1997 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1996 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1995 American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Kitten’s First Full Moon. HarperCollins Publishers, 2004. 40 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-058828-1.

Annotation: A hungry kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky and in a moonlit pond. After several ill-fated attempts to lick up the milk, she returns home sad and tired but soon discovers a bowl of milk waiting for her.

Summary: In the evening, a little kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky. As she closes her eyes and tries to lick the moon, she gets a mouthful of bugs. Repeated attempts at trying to drink the milk from the sky and a nearby moonlit pond, results in a wet and tired kitty. Upon the return from her adventures, the kitten is excited to have a precious bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch. Persistence pays off.

Evaluation: In gouache and colored pencil, the hues of black and white illustrate the poor kitten’s milk misadventures. The rhythmic text coupled with the charming, expressive artwork add to the warm and comical story. The message of determination will be enjoyed by children. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Cats, Moon, Milk, Persistence

Awards: 2005 Caldecott Award Winner, 2005 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2005 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner, 2005 American Booksellers Award - Children's Illustrated Honor Book

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion and the Mouse. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2009. 40 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-01356-7.

Annotation: In this wordless adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable of the lion and the mouse, the king of the beasts and a little mouse learn about the true meaning of friendship.

Summary: In this wordless picture book set in the African Serengeti, the classic fable of the lion and the mouse is beautifully portrayed in watercolor and colored pencil. A tiny mouse escapes from an attacking owl, only to find herself at the mercy of a lion. The lion ponders the situation and decides to free the mouse. Later the lion finds himself caught in a poacher’s snare and it is the little mouse that returns the favor and sets the lion free by gnawing the rope. Because of the acts of kindness, both animals are free to enjoy their respective families once more.

Evaluation: The detailed and expressive artwork conveys the classic fable so well that words are unnecessary. Through the telling expressions of the realistically drawn animals, all relevant emotions are convincingly communicated. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Fables, Folktale, Animals, Lions, Mice

Awards: 2010 Caldecott Medal Winner, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2010 American Booksellers Indies Choice Book Award - Best New Picture Book