The Selection

Cass, Kiera. The Selection. New York: HarperTeen, 2012. Print.

Genre: Dystopia

Intended Audience: Ages 12 and older

Personal Reaction: The Selection is a chance for young women in Illea to win the heart of a the prince and the crown.  America Singer is the star of our novel and despite not wanting to originally enter into the selection she enters and is selected as one of the thirty five girls so seek the hand of prince Maxon.  America is a snarky girl who falls for Maxon and while it seems as though he wants to marry her, she gets jealous of him spending time with the other women as well.  Add in an ex boyfriend, Aspen and America's life is turned upside down.

I was practically forced to read this book by a friend.  While I love chick lit novels, I don't usually gravitate toward books with pictures of girls in dresses on them, but I'm so happy I tried this one.  Cass wrote a beautiful book written with heartache and anticipation and of course, love.  Once I started it I could not put it down and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Author Facts: When growing up Kiera Cass wanted to be a performer, she taught theater at a camp and majored in musical theater.  She followed a boy to Radford University where she changed her major many times before settling on History and working on staff at a campus church.  Eventually Mr. Cass wooed her and married her and realized she loved writing and is now a well known author.

Author Website: http://www.kieracass.com/

My True Love Gave To Me

Perkins, Stephanie, ed. My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories. New York, New York: St Martin's Griffin, 2014. Print.

Genre: Short Stories (realistic fiction and some fantasy)

Intended Audience: Ages 12 and older

Personal Reaction: I read this book alongside several others over the last week, taking in bits and pieces at a time to help prepare myself for the holiday season, finishing it on Thanksgiving.  There were stories taking place everywhere possible.  My favorite was in the North Pole with Natty, adopted by Santa, who has a crush on Flynn one of the elves written by Jenny Han.  Another featured Hanukkah, and a misfit student in college finding home over the Simpsons and latkes on the last day of Hanukkah.  Still others took place on New Years, giving hope and new starts to live.  

Each of these stories has a perfect fit in the collection as they all seem to have that feeling of hope-filled anticipation the holidays often bring.  Amid the longer novels I have been reading for this class and other homework that has been gracing itself with my time it was nice to have a reason for short breaks that I would not get hooked into reading for hours on end.  

Author (Editor) Facts: Stephanie Perkins is an author of teen fiction novels who lives in Ashville, North Carolina.  She counts as both editor and author for this book, as one of the short stories was by her, but she did the editing as well.  She and her husband live in a house that is nearly a hundred years old with many different colored rooms.  They have a cat named Mr. Tumnus. She used to be a librarian before becoming an author and believes stories should always have more kissing.  

Author (Editor) Website: http://www.stephanieperkins.com/books.html

A Wrinkle in Time

Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1962. Print.

Genre: Science Fantasy

Intended Audience: Ages 8 and older

Personal Reaction: My boyfriend and my boss both found this to be one of the books that changed their lives.  I think, primarily because it was likely one of the first science fiction/fantasy books they read, helping them get into reading.  It was a well written science fantasy novel (genre categorization found somewhere, but it fits) that reminds me of the BFG in some ways; likely because it seems like a story I would have appreciated more if I had read it when I was many years younger.  

This story follows the journey of Meg, Calvin and Charles Wallace to find and rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father.  They find themselves on the dark planet of Camazotz where a large brain controls all inhabitants of the planet.  Charles Wallace decides to give in to the brain washing and Meg and Calvin have to rescue her father and eventually Charles Wallace as well.  This is a great first science fantasy novel for any child.  

Author Facts: Madeleine L'Engle was born in 1918 and died in 2007.  She loved writing stories as a child and often found herself writing instead of doing her classwork, resulting in poor grades.  L'Engle was a librarian at the St. John the Divine church for thirty years. 

Author Website: http://www.madeleinelengle.com/

The Chocolate War

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war: A novel. New York: Pantheon Books.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Intended Audience: Ages 12 and older

Personal Reaction: Jerry is seen as a trouble maker by many of the teachers in his school as well as the mob, the Vigils.  He finds himself beaten up, threatened, picked on by many students because he refuses to sell chocolate bars for the school's fundraiser.  As the story unfolds it is easy to feel strongly for Jerry, hoping he will not give in to social pressure.  

This was a difficult book to get into.  I found it hard to devour, though once I was over halfway through I wanted to know what happened.  The corruption in the school system was hard to believe in some ways, though in others-I know it does happen.  I am happy to have finally read The Chocolate War though don't see myself running out to purchase all of Cormier's books.  

Author Facts: Robert Cormier was born in 1925 in Leominster, Massaschutes.  He had seven siblings and while his family moved often they never left their hometown. In seventh grade he realized his desire to be a writer while attending St Cecilia's Parochial School. 

Author Website: Robert Cormier does not have a website, but there is a wikipedia page for him here.

Forever

Blume, Judy. Forever ...: A Novel. Scarsdale, N.Y.: Bradbury, 1975. 

Intended Audience: Ages 14 and older

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Personal Reaction: Forever is the story of Katherine and Michael and of first love.  They meet, fall in love and become obsessed with one another in the way only star-crossed teenagers can.  The controversial part many parents seem to be concerned with is have sex, the first time for Katherine, the second for Michael.  

The story was good, but lacked the depth some other teen fiction stories seem to have-although this may be because while reading it I was searching for reasons I would censor this novel for my class.  I would definitely recommend it to teenagers, though would probably be sure they would not be in trouble if they read it, prior to being the one to give it to them.  All in all, this was a good novel. 

Author Facts: Judy Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey creating stories in her head, now writing them and having them published.  Blume founded and The Kids Fund, an educational foundation.  She now lives on islands up and down the east coast.  

Author Website: http://www.judyblume.com/

Just Listen

Dessen, Sarah. Just Listen: A Novel. New York: Viking Children's, 2006.

Intended Audience: Ages 14 and older

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Personal Reaction: Since my first Sarah Dessen book, she has become one of my favorite authors.  In turn, Just Listen has become one of my favorite novels, one I will be sure to give to every teenager possible. This is the story of Anabel, how she began to find herself after losing her friends and learned the importance of music, honesty and friendship.  

Anabel starts the school year without any friends.  She had a falling out with Sophie over the summer and now everyone hates her, in part because she doesn't want to tell the truth about what happened.  Anabel becomes friends with Owen and together they become the weird kids who spend so much time listening to music, telling the truth and eating at a diner that smells like bacon.  She learns the importance of telling the truth and being honest, even when she doesn't know how.  

Author Facts: Sarah Dessen grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and has been writing for as long as she can remember.  She wrote her first book after college while working at the Flying Burrito, instead of getting a "real job," probably for the best since it means she is now a best-selling author.  Dessen makes a mean bean salad and loves to play in her garden, though she doesn't always manage to keep her plants alive.  

Author Website: http://sarahdessen.com/

The Sea of Tranquility

Millay, Katja. The Sea of Tranquility: A Novel. New York, New York: Atria Paperback, 2013. 

Intended Audience: Ages 14 and older

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Personal Reaction: The Sea of Tranquility was one of those books you have a hard time letting go of after reading it.  The first time I read it I had a book hangover for two weeks and had to reread it before I could go on.  The book is beautifully written, the language is full of such beautiful descriptions and dialogue I couldn't put it down.

This is the story of Nastya, formerly known as the Brighton Piano Girl, a teenager who will not speak and whose hand will no longer allow her to play piano.  It is also the story of Josh Bennett, a young man whose family is gone, one who loves building furniture in his garage and excels at woodworking.  These two, and others, learn to love, to trust and the importance of family.  They find who they are, but also how they fit in society and fit in the world, despite their brokenness

Author Facts: When Katja Millay began writing The Sea of Tranquility, she didn't plan on it necessarily becoming a book, she simply had a story in her head she needed to write down on scraps of paper.  This is Millay's first book and was originally self published.  In 2013 her novel was published in paperback by Simon/Schuster/Atria Paperback.  

Author Website:  Katja Millay does not have a specific website but her twitter can be found here, her goodreads blog can be seen here, and her facebook is available here.  

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Hosseini, Khaled. A Thousand Splendid Suns. New York: Riverhead, 2007. 

Intended Audience: Ages 15 and older

Genre: Historical Fiction

Personal Reaction: I was recommended this novel by a teenager at the library I work at.  To start, I was hesitant, A Thousand Splendid Suns does not fit in the books I would normally read.  Thankfully, I have much respect for my patrons' recommendations and devoured this book.  

A Thousand Splendid Suns follows the lives of Mariam and Laila to women growing up in Afghanistan.  The story tells of their childhoods, the war taking place, the Taliban and the Soviets taking over their homes and the lives they led, marrying the same man and sharing children.  This is a novel filled with hope but only after times of brokenness.  I have heard and read how closely this book follows the lives of many women who have lived in Afghanistan and surrounding countries, making it even more memorable. 


Author facts: Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1965 but moved to the USA in 1980.  In 1993 Hosseini received a degree in medicine years later began to write Kite Runner.  After a visit to Afghanistan he began The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, providing humanitarian assistance to those in Afghanistan. 

Author Website: http://khaledhosseini.com/

Something Like Fate

Colasanti, Susane. Something Like Fate. New York: Viking, 2010. Print.

Intended Audience: Ages 12 and older

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Personal Reaction: I truly enjoyed Something Like Fate.  I have a feeling a part of my heart will always be a teenage girl, because it seems as though no matter what I find myself drawn to these chick lit stories.  In this one Erin finds herself interested in Jason and they begin dating, but Jason thinks Lani is dating Blake who doesn't like girls.  Once Jason realizes Lani is single, and they hang out often because Erin and Lani are best friends, the drama and heartache begins. 

This is a typical tale of betrayed friendship, broken hearts, and romance.  The story ends happily, but it takes awhile for the characters to reach a resolution.  Obviously, few boys would likely be interested in this novel as it is a romance, but the story was filled with normal angst and emotion many teenagers go through. 

Author Facts: Susane Colasanti grew up in New Jersey in a small town in the mountains.  She appreciates the rural life when she visits now, but growing up in it was difficult as she always wanted to live in the city.  In middle and high school Colasanti was an outsider, picked on for being a geek, she often uses these experiences when writing her novels for young adults. 

Author Website: http://www.susanecolasanti.com/

Goose Girl

Hale, Shannon. The Goose Girl. New York: Bloomsbury, 2003. Print.

Intended Audience: Ages 12 and older

Genre: Fantasy

Personal Reaction: Goose Girl is the story of Ani, the princess of Kildenree a young girl who finds she is able to speak with and understand birds.  She has been betrothed to the prince of Bayern to form an alliance between the countries and leaves her home to marry.  She was accompanied by Talone and a company of soldiers, men and her lady in waiting for the several month journey to her betrothed. On the way Selia, her lady in waiting, and much of the company kill those who supported Ani.  Selia took the place as princess when Ani went missing and when arriving in Bayern Ani finds she is without a throne, or home.  

This story tells of how Ani became a goose girl, making a living taking care of the geese and making friends with those who lived in the Forest prior to working for the King.  She meets a man named Geric who she falls in love with and eventually loses to the palace. This is a wonderful story, filled with unexpected plot twists, one many should enjoy.  I found myself unable to put down this book, as I could not wait to see what Ani would do next and how she would stay safe with Selia wanting her dead. 

Author Facts: At age ten Shannon Hale began writing books and now holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.  This novel, Goose Girl was her first to be published.  She is a mean dance instructor for her son. 

Author Website: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html 

Tiger Lily

Anderson, J. (2012). Tiger Lily. New York, NY: HarperTeen.

Intended Audience: Ages 10 and older

Genre: Fantasy

Personal Reaction: Tiger Lily is the story of Neverland as told by Tinker Bell, Tink for short.  Tink is a faerie and finds herself attached to Tiger Lily, following her wherever she goes, attempting to communicate with and helping her.  Tiger Lily meets Peter Pan and falls for him, but loses track of time when her father becomes sick and loses Peter forever when he moves to London to grow old.

For those who have a love of the Disney version of Peter Pan this is what takes place before Disney's story.  In this we understand how Tiger Lily fits into the storyline.  The greatest moment of the book was when Peter stopped fearing adulthood and Tiger Lily became comfortable with who she was and a member of her tribe.  This was a wonderful story, one I will recommend to others.

Author Facts: Jodi Lynn Anderson loves Russian books (the longer the better).  She plays the banjo and enjoys knitting and riding her bike. 

Author Website: Anderson doesn't seem to have a website she does have a Twitter account, a page at Harper Collins, and a facebook (click on the links to go to these pages)!

Wintergirls

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. New York: Viking, 2009.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Intended Audience: Ages 13 and older

Personal Reaction: Wintergirls was a book I both loved and hated.  In it, we learn the story of Lia, a teenager whose friend Cassie just died from bulimia. Lia deals with her own eating disorder and is haunted by Cassie throughout the story.  Her family life is difficult, partly because of her problems and partly because her parents are divorced and don't always pay the best attention to her.

This book was depressing and had very little hope or happiness until the last chapter.  In that sense, it was a difficult read and I am not sure I would have finished it, had it not been required for class.  However, the writing style was wonderful, Anderson showed the number of calories Lia was consuming by putting the numbers in parentheses.  She had words crossed out when Lia thought one thing but attempted to not and at one point had two entire blank pages to emphasize what was happening in the story.  While I would not necessarily hand this book to someone to read, I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about mental and eating disorders.

Author Facts: Laurie Halse Anderson hates it when people pronounce her last name incorrectly (Halse rhymes with waltz).  She married her childhood sweetheart and they live in Northern New York with their four children and dog.  Anderson leaves a charmed life, running, gardening and writing in a cottage her husband built for her to write in.

Author Website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/

Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack

Kerr, M.E. (1972). Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack. New York: HarperTempest.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Intended Audience: Ages 13 and older

Personal Reaction of the Book: Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack begins with a cat in need of adoption and the friendship that blossoms because of Nader, the cat.  Tucker puts up a sign for Nader to be adopted and Dinky answers, the two become friends as Tucker goes to the Hocker residence for visitation.  While there are several references younger readers may not catch (such as politicians and other public figures) I found this to be an enjoyable coming of age story. 

The tone of the novel was light, though many serious issues were discussed.  The friends encounter problems of drug use, obesity, mental heath, job loss and politics, realizing the importance of each.  It is easy to see why this book won the many awards. 

Author Facts: M.E. Kerr is the pen name for Marijane Meaker during her writing of novels for young adults.  While she has written many young adult novels, Dinky Hocker was her first.  During her school years, Meaker begged her mother to allow her to attend Stuart Hall School, a boarding school in Staunton, VA.

Author’s Website: http://balkinbuddies.com/kerr/index.html

Say What You Will

McGovern, C. (2014). Say what you will. New York: HarperTeen.

Genre: Realistic fiction

Intended Audience: ages 14 and older

Personal reaction of the book: This is the first of Cammie McGovern’s books I have read and I found it to be quite an emotional ride.  Amy and Matthew become friends when Amy’s mother decides to pay students to help her with her senior year of high school instead of the adult aides she had for years prior.  Amy wants to learn how to make friends and as the book opens we find her trying to convince Matthew to be one of her peer helpers. 

I found myself surprised at the twists the story took, and in many ways I found it reminiscent of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.  The book covered many serious issues while remaining hopeful and serious.  

Author Facts: Cammie McGovern is married with three children, her oldest son has autism.  She helped start Whole Children, a grassroots organization offering opportunities for special needs kids and teens to have enrichment programs and fill other gaps the school system often fails to do.  In her spare time she began working elections. 

Website: http://www.cammiemcgovern.com/