Masquerade

De La Cruz, Melissa. Masquerade. Hyperion: 2007. ISBN: 9780786838936.

Summary:
The social and financial elite of New York City are not who we think they are. They are Blue Bloods, immortal vampires that have been around since the fall of Lucifer. This second installment of the Blue Blood series fills in the blanks about Schuyler and her fellow students at the Duchesne School. Masquerade opens with Schuyler and her human conduit, Oliver, searching for her long lost grandfather. As Cordelia, her grandmother lay dying, she insisted that Schuyler find him because he would know what to do about the Silver Bloods. The Silver Bloods are evil vampires who have aligned with Lucifer and kill Blue Bloods. Schuyler and Oliver find Lawrence, her grandfather, but he initially refuses to help. After changing his mind, Lawrence moves back to New York City and begins the search for the Silver Bloods.

Evaluation:
Intelligent and suspenseful, Melissa De La Cruz captures the reader and takes us on a journey that is paranormal, but not ridiculous. Good and evil exist in the human world and the paranormal world and its effects are the same; death and destruction. One of the interesting things about this book is the historical snippets that the author includes. Each Blue Blood cycles through different human lifetimes and usually plays a significant role in a historical context. This second installation of the saga has more sex, but it is all implied. The author does not give us details which is refreshing. As a reader our imagination has an active role.

Reader's Annotation:
Even among vampires there is good and evil.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Sometimes our lives can be so awful and stressful that it is helpful to escape. When physical escape is not an option, a good book can take us away, and give us a break.

Genre:
Paranormal/Vampires

Why I Included This Book:
I really don't like paranormal fiction. Surprisingly I like the first book, so I decided to read the second in the series.

Eternal

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Eternal. Candlewick Press: 2009. ISBN: 9780763635732.

Summary:
Miranda is a shy, quiet girl in high school with a guardian angel named Zachary who is with her every moment of every day. Miranda's best friend Lucy makes arrangements to meet some boys in the cemetery late at night. Against her better judgment, Miranda goes. At the cemetery the girls get separated and Miranda is saved from death by Zachary. Unfortunately, heaven's plan was for Miranda to die and Zachary was wrong to save her. Now Miranda is undead and has been taken by the Dracula. Life with the Dracula is complicated. Once the undead process is complete Miranda assumes the role of royalty in the vampire hierarchy. Zachary has been demoted and is left to roam the earth without any powers or assistance. Determined to find Miranda, Zachary roams aimlessly for a time until an angel friend brings a message from heaven.

Evaluation:
Told in alternating voices, each chapter is a first person account. This ability to be in each character's head connects the reader to the story. At its core this story is about good versus evil with the line blurred on occasion. Between the lines is the budding romance between Zachary and Miranda, which when you realize she is a teen still in high school and he watched her grow up, is creepy. Teens who are fans of the vampire, paranormal genre may enjoy this book.

Reader's Annotation:
The line between heaven and hell is not always clear.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Most teens are searching for their own voice. Standing up and facing situations take courage and confidence. Miranda makes the transition from afraid and lack of confidence to a leader with confidence.

Genre:
Paranormal

Why I Included This Book:
My database needed another paranormal book and this author was recommended.

Witch and Wizard

Patterson, James. Witch and Wizard. Little, Brown and Company: 2009. ISBN: 978-0316036245.

Summary: Whit and Wisty Allgood are normal everyday teens. Whit is a football star and Mr. popularity. Wisty is trying to get through classes each day. Everything changes one night when the police storm into their house and arrest them. Accused of being a witch and a wizard, the two are carted off to prison. A new government has taken over with a leader who is called, "The One Who is the One." This new regime is outlawing normal teenage vices like music and artists and books. Whit and Wisty deny having any special abilities until Wisty accidentally makes fire. With only each other to rely on, the brother and sister manage to escape from prison and realize that a new world order has taken over and life will never be the same.

Evaluation:
This book was interesting and exciting, but not original. Fans of dystopian and science fiction will enjoy this book on a lazy summer day or during a snow storm. It seems to be a way for an adult author to cross over and cash in on the hot young adult paranormal market. As main characters, it is hard to relate to Whit and Wisty. Whit is Mr. popularity, an experience that most teens do not have. Wisty and her attitude are more believable. The brother-sister magic connection reminds me of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. Which, incidentally is a much better read. So, unless you love James Patterson, skip this one.

Reader's Annotation:
People are not always what they seem.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Teens can feel misunderstood and that everyone is against them. The teens in this book have that experience. Although, everyone is against them, they are confused and unprepared. Whit and Wisty lose their parents and have to take care of one another. They have their faults, but never stop trying.

Genre:
Dystopian, Science Fiction

Why I Included This Book:
Paranormal is so popular and becoming quite diverse. I wanted to sample some of the titles in this genre.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Green, John and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Dutton: New York, 2010. ISBN: 9780525421580.

Summary:
Both Will Graysons are high school juniors in the suburbs of Chicago. Due to a series of interesting events that involve the teen heart, love and some hormones, the Will Graysons meet at a porn shop in Chicago. Neither of their lives are the same by the end of the story. Being gay in high school can be difficult, but so can being friends with gay students. One Will Grayson is gay and the other straight and both perspectives are explored. Most teenagers' lives revolve around their friends and the Wills are no exception. Enter Tiny, who is anything but. Tiny is important to both Wills in completely different ways, yet the change in each character is similar.

Evaluation:
Told in alternating first person, this is a great read. Laugh out loud funny and touching at the same time. Many parents will object to the language used, but as the parent of teenagers, I can tell you it is authentic. One of the best aspects of this story is the realistic portrayal of family life. These kids are the products of normal homes. Parents who are divorced and hurting and parents who want to connect, but are unsure how. The book has two authors, but the plot is seamless. Each Will's voice is original and believable. Fans of realistic fiction and coming of age stories will love this book.

Reader's Annotation:
Life is not a spectator sport.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Teens who put on a tough exterior will relate to Will's rules of shut up and don't get involved. It may be the safe way to play it, but it will leave you lonely and bored! Also gay and lesbian students will enjoy seeing other homosexual students accepted and successful in school.

Genre:
Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction

Why I Included This Book:
This book was required for class. It also came across my desk to catalog a few months back. The title intrigued me and the fact that two authors collaborated.

Unwind

Shusterman, Neal. Unwind. Simon & Schuster BFYR: New York, 2007. ISBN: 9781416912057.

Plot Summary:
The setting is sometime in the future after the Second Civil War. To end the war, a compromise was reached and the government outlawed abortion, but parents can choose to 'unwind' their child between the ages of 15 to 18. Unwinding is not killing; according to the law every part of the body is reused so the person lives on. Connor Lassitar accidentally learns that he is to be unwound. The day after he is scheduled to be taken to the harvest camp his parents and younger brother have planned a vacation to the Bahamas. Connor decides to go AWOL and try to escape his fate. Along the way Connor's destiny collides with Risa, a girl who was raised in a state home and plays the piano, and Lev a tithe. A tithe is a person who is conceived and raised for the soul purpose of being unwound as a gift to God. The path of these three characters cross and criss cross throughout the story with surprising results.

Evaluation:
This book is written from several different perspectives. There are no chapters, but the divisions are based specific characters. Each character's 'chapter' is written in third person. We don't hear what is going on in their head, but we get the action from their vantage point. This story brings up many philosophical thoughts about abortion, life, death and the soul. Neal Shusterman doesn't take a stand, but presents different sides of each subject. He is successful in promoting thoughtful insights into difficult topics. One question that futuristic novels bring up is, "can this really happen?" This question and many others will keep gnawing at the reader long after the book is finished. Readers who enjoy the Hunger Games Trilogy will be caught up in Connor's fight to live despite the governing laws of the land.

Reader's Annotation:
When does life begin, and when does it end, and who decides?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Teens are searching for meaning and trying to understand the world we live in. This book will promote discussion about religion, medicine, life, death and many other meaningful topics that are important to adolescent development.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Dystopia

Why I Included This Book:
I read this book for a class presentation. This has been one of the best reads so far this year. I can't wait to use it for a teen book club.

Bamboo People

Perkins, Mitali. Bamboo People. Charlesbridge: 2010. ISBN: 9781580893282.

Plot Summary:
Chiko lives in a small home in a Burmese town with his mother. His father has been taken to prison for being a traitor to the government. In actuality, Chiko's father is a doctor and went out late at night to visit a sick patient. As with most of the population, Chiko and his mother live in fear of reprisal from the government. An advertisement appears in the paper asking for teachers. Chiko dreams of being a teacher, his father taught him how to read. Hoping to earn some money for his family, Chiko goes to the government building to be a teacher. Sadly, it is a trap to get more soldiers for the Burmese army. Chiko is upset, disoriented and taken far from home. Becoming a soldier is the hardest thing he has ever done. But, if his father can carry on in prison, then he can become a soldier and try to find his father.

Critical Evaluation:
Bamboo People, a recent Junior Library Guild selection has an honest, vulnerable voice that cuts to the heart. Told in first person, we know what Chiko is thinking and can see trouble coming. The author does a great job helping us understand what this experience is like for Chiko. The second half of the book is narrated by Tu Reh, a 16 year old Karenni, who's village was burned by Burmese soldiers. The path of the two boys cross giving the story more depth as enemies must learn to go beyond mistrust and prejudice. The end of the book gives a brief synopsis of the history of Burma and the on going civil war. This is a great advantage to readers who may not be familiar with the background of this country. Teens benefit from a wider world view and learning what life is like for kids their age in other parts of the world.

Reader's Annotation: Mind your own business and you will stay out of trouble. Beware, the result may be a slow death inside your heart.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Growing up in an area ravaged by war is very difficult. Understanding the enemy seems impossible until you realize they are the same as you; scared, hungry and wanting peace so their families can be safe.

Genre:
Contemporary Life/Coming of Age

Why Book Included:
I read the dust jacket and couldn't put it down.

A Sally Lockhart Mystery: The Ruby in the Smoke

Pullman, Philip. A Sally Lockhart Mystery: The Ruby in the Smoke. Alfred A. Knopf: 1985. ISBN: 9780375845161.

Plot Summary:
Sally Lockhart, a pretty sixteen year old is grieved. Her father has been killed while on a sea voyage and she now completely alone in the world. A cryptic letter arrives telling Sally to beware of the Seven Blessings and to find Marchbanks in Chattum. Seeking answers Sally visits her father's shipping business to try and find out more about his death. While talking with one of her father's partners, Mr. Higgs, Sally mentions the Seven Blessings. Mr. Higgs immediately falls over dead from a heart attack. Not one to shy away from adventure, Sally embarks on an journey that changes her forever. This journey includes opium use, death and greed.

Critical Evaluation:
Sally is a modern girl in a Victorian world. Armed with self confidence and little else, Sally's determination to find the truth about her father's death makes her a great protagonist. Written in third person, we get to see the big picture and try to piece together the mystery. This book is part historical fiction and part Agatha Christie. The setting is bleak and unfamiliar and conjures up a wet, cold, uninviting picture of London in 1872. A Victorian girl should not be without a guardian, thankfully Sally finds refuge with a photographer, Frederick and his sister, Rosa. Frederick is basically a stranger who once offered Sally help escaping from harm. This plot turn is only believable because Sally is so independent and Frederick is so flaky, yet gallant. A compelling story with a satisfying ending; luckily this is only the first book in the series.

Reader's Annotation:
Somethings require hard work, but are they worth dying for? Only you can make that decision.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Losing a loved one is not easy. Many times we want to withdraw from the world after it happens. Sally does the opposite, she engages life and makes a new start for herself.

Genre:
Mystery and Suspense/Historical Mysteries

Why Book Included:
I saw the television version on Masterpiece and thought teens would like the story.

What I Saw and How I Lied

What I Saw and How I Lied

Blundell, Judy. What I Saw and How I Lied. Scholastic Press: 2008. ISBN: 9780439903462.

Plot Summary:
It is 1947, WWII is over and things are getting back to normal. Fifteen-year-old Evie lives in Queens, New York with her mother, step-father and step-grandmother. Her mother married Joe right before the war and they moved in with his mother, Grandma Gladys for the duration. Evie adores Joe, who in turn adores her movie star beautiful mother, Beverly. Out of the blue, Joe takes the family on a Florida vacation. The family stays in an almost deserted resort. It is the off-season and guests are sparse. Enter Peter, a dashing ex-G.I. from Joe's war days. Joe is not happy to see him, but Evie is smitten immediately. She enjoys outings with Peter and her mother. A fellow hotel guest takes her shopping and buys her glamorous adult clothing. Life in Florida is a dream for Evie, but the adults begin weaving webs that don't have a happy ending.

Critical Evaluation:
This is a well written mystery without being a typical whodunit. The author does a great job evoking the 1940's glamor and style. Women dress for dinner in evening gowns and smoke disinterestedly while having drinks at the bar. The negative aspects are starkly presented as well. Prejudice towards Jews to the point of kicking a couple out of the hotel after a 2 month stay because they don't serve Jews. The treatment of African Americans is also briefly alluded to. Evie is bright-eyed and plain compared to her beautiful mother. Forming a crush, she interprets Peter's attention as sexual interest, while Peter's interest is toward her mother, Beverly. The adults in this novel are not to be trusted. The plot twists and turns unexpectedly, yet it is believable. Evie is made of tougher stuff than even she is aware of.

Reader's Annotation:
Coming to terms with the adults in your life can be disappointing. You must always trust yourself.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Unfortunately, every teen does not have a responsible, trustworthy adult in his/her life. Sometimes even when we think there is a trustworthy adult, they can let us down.

Genre:
Mystery/Historical/Suspense

Why Book Included:
The title and the book cover caught my eye and I love mysteries.

Parrotfish

Wittlinger, Ellen. Parrotfish. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9781416916222.

Plot Summary:
Angela is a sophomore in high school and makes the brave decision to be true to herself. Angela has always felt like a boy on the inside and conflicted in situations where girls and boys are grouped separately, not sure which group to align with. Angela cuts her hair, begins dressing like a boy and changes her name to Grady. The change is freeing and wonderful for Grady on the inside. He feels like his true self is emerging. Unfortunately, even the people that love Grady are struggling with his decision and trying to adjust to this new idea. Add in the culture and insecurity of high school and Grady's life is very tumultuous. Making friends and losing friends can be a normal high school experience, but in Grady's case it is more difficult because of the way society views gender.

Critical Evaluation:
Grady is one of the bravest protagonists in teen literature. He teaches us how to be our authentic selves without apology. The reader is privy to Grady's insecurities and reasons for his decision. Having this background build a connection with his character not just in the light of being transgendered, but as a human being. The book also includes a lot of references to popular culture, giving the story a realistic tone. Intertwining the story with Christmas and the family's outgrowing of traditions is a great parallel. Change is an important part of life that we all deal with in different ways. The novel asks a great question, why does gender have to be viewed in only two perspectives? How would society be different if there were other choices. Teens are interested in their world and seeking to understand their place in it. Novels like this are great signposts along the way.

Reader's Annotation:
Are you brave enough to let the world see who you really are? Are you brave enough to know who you really are?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
These days there are novels available for teens who are questioning their sexuality. This novel is useful because it takes on the topic of being transgendered.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Sexual Identity

Why Book Included:
This was recommended reading in another YA class and I really liked it.

Sold

McCormick, Patricia. Sold. Hyperion: 2006. ISBN: 9780786851713.

Plot Summary:
Lakshimi lives a life of terrible poverty in the mountains of Nepal. Her father died and her step-father does not provide for the family. The roof to their small hut desperately needs to be replaced. In the midst of this unhappy situation, Lakshimi finds love and contentment with her mother and baby brother. Her mother combs her hair each day and she has a goat as a pet. Girls are only valued if they can be of use to the family. An opportunity comes along for Lakshimi to work in the city. She is happy to help provide for the family. Lakshimi's step-father sells her to a fancy woman that takes her across the border into India and sells her to a woman named Mumtaz. Mumtaz who runs "Happiness House" which is anything but for Lakshimi.

Critical Evaluation:
Sold is told in free verse vignettes, with each vignette having a title. This tragic story of one girl sold into prostitution at a young age by her step-father is heartbreaking. All the more so because this is a thriving business and Lakshimi's tale is representative of hundreds and hundreds of girls. Patricia McCormick relays Lakshimi's pain and experiences without revealing specific details making the book more haunting as the reader's imagination fills in the omissions. The book is well research with the author traveling to India and Calcutta to interview women and girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking. Patricia McCormick brings attention to a subject that needs to be in the spotlight. This is a great novel to companion with curriculum concerning world history and contemporary issues at the high school level.

Reader's Annotation:
Not everyone places the same value on a human life. Some see dollar signs instead of humanity.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Unfortunately many people are the victim of sexual abuse. This book shows the horror of the situation and the survivability. There is life after abuse, it is difficult, but possible.

Genre:
Multicultural Fiction/Cultures Around the World/Alternative Formats

Why Book Included:
The book is an award winner and tells a story the world needs to hear.

Copper Sun

Draper, Sharon. Copper Sun. Atheneum Books for Young Readers: 2006. ISBN: 9780689821813.

Plot Summary:
Amari lives a happy life with her family in an African village and is looking forward to marrying Besa to whom she is betrothed. White visitors arrive and the village plans a celebration with singing, dancing and storytelling. Abruptly the white visitors begin shooting people and dragging others away. Amari witnesses her parents being shot and killed. Amari and Kwasi, her eight-year-old brother run into the jungle to escape, but Kwasi is also shot and killed. Dragged away and marched to the coast Armari is shackled and housed with many other Africans. Unsure of what is happening and stripped of her clothing, Amari and the other Africans are boarded onto a ship. The men are stacked in rows three high with barely 6 inches of headroom. The women are given similar accommodations, but are not stacked in rows. The sailors help themselves to the women and girls, not caring who they hurt. Amari wishes to die, but her journey is only beginning.

Critical Evaluation:
This is not a happy book. Sharon Draper's unflinching, well researched account of one slave girl's experience from being captured in her African village to a satisfying ending is a book every teen should read and study in school. The depths of human depravity are usually taught with Hitler and the extermination of the Jews. We as Americans have our own inhumanity to account for. The contrast between Amari's life in the African village and life once the slave traders enter the picture is stark. The characters are vivid and well formed. Just when you don't expect it, a character acts kindly proving all of humanity is not lost. But, Amari needs more than random kindness. One of the great lessons of this book is the triumph of the human spirit. No one should ever go through the horror and degradation the slaves went through. Books like Copper Sun, educate new generations so that history does not repeat itself.

Reader's Annotation:
Amari is captured and forced into slavery in a foreign land. Will her spirit survive?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Anyone who has survived horrific circumstances will benefit from reading this book. Amari's experiences are terrible and some would take the attitude that life is not worth living. This book shows the triumph of courage and persistence.

Genre:
Historical Fiction/Slavery

Why Book Included:
It is important for both genders to be represented in history.

Getting the Girl

Zusak, Marcus. Getting the Girl. Scholastic Inc: 2004. ISBN: 043938950x.

Plot Summary:
Cameron Wolfe has a lot going on inside of his head. Nobody who knows him, even his family would guess that. Cameron feels like he lives in the shadow of his older brother, Rube. But, that's okay, Rube and Cameron are best friends. As different as black and white, the brothers share a bond with the neighbor's dog named Miffy. They walk her each night and make fun of her, but deep down, she is their pet and they love her. Rube is a ladies' man. He goes through girlfriends quickly. He hooks up with one, sleeps with them and after a few weeks loses interest and moves on. Cameron is appalled by his brother's behavior, especially when he meets Olivia. Olivia is a street musician and is nice to Cameron, unlike many of Rube's other girls. Predictably Rube and Olivia break up, then the unexpected happens.

Critical Evaluation:
This book does a great job contrasting the two brothers. They are starkly different, but they're family. As the story progress, they each learn important lessons from one another and are better for the experience. Growth can be painful and embarrassing, Marc Zusak handles the dialogue with warmth and care. Cameron, who no body believes has any interests writes stark and honest poetry. Other boys physically act out, like Rube, Cameron writes what he is feeling. Full of family dysfunction, the glimpse of the Wolfes is not unlike many families. They are not bad people, just human. Sometimes hurting each other and sometimes uplifting and standing by each other. Told in first person, we are privy to all of Cameron' thoughts. His voice is full of self doubt, vulnerability and teenage angst. Rube is portrayed as capable, confident and ready for anything. As the story unfolds Cameron learns that both portrayals are incorrect and makes peace with a more realistic version.

Reader's Annotation:
It's hard to live in someone else's shadow. Do yourself a favor and take a step into the light.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Growing up and finding your own way is hard. Cameron made choices that seemingly drew him away from his family, but in the end brought them closer. Teens can read this book and find themselves and learn from Cameron's example.

Genre:
Contemporary Living

Why Book Included:
I really liked The Book Thief and wanted to read something else by Marcus Zusak

The Book Thief

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. Listening Library: 2006. ISBN: 0739337270.

Plot Summary:
This is the story of Liesl Meminger. When the book begins in Germany in 1939, Liesl is nine years old and on a train traveling to her new foster parents house. On the trip her six year old brother dies. Liesel's life with her sickly mother and absent father is difficult, but she is not happy about living with foster parents and assumes her mother will be coming back for her. Liesl steals her first book near her brother's grave. It is a Grave Digging Handbook. Even though Liesl is not a good reader, she can't help taking the book. Life with her foster family, Hans and Rosa Hubermann is not bad. Rosa is all burrs and bristles, but deep down she cares for the little saumensch (pig in German), a term of endearment for Rosa. Hans spends a great deal of time teaching Liesl to read and helping her through the night. Liesl has terrible nightmares about her brother on a regular basis. Rudy Stiener is Liesl's neighbor and eventually best friend. They walk to school together and Rudy is usually vying for a kiss. Max Vandenburg is the son of a Jewish man who saved Han's life during the first World War. To repay the debt the Hubermanns hide Max in their basement to save him from the Jewish internment camps. Max and Liesl develop a strong bond over books and words. The book concludes in 1943 when Lielsl is fourteen years old.

Critical Evaluation:
The audio book is read by Allan Corduner and is riveting. The story is narrated by death which has an unsettling feel. The reader never really trusts that things are going to be okay because only negative is associated with the narrator. Not because Death's tone is negative or oppressive, it isn't, just simply because of who he is. Death is surprising in a couple of ways, first is his humanity. At different instances his heart aches and even he tires of the destruction and devastation of the war. Second is his use of colors which he needs as a distraction from the suffering of humans. The book is divided into eight parts, each part has a small list of what is featured in the following pages. Descriptive language is throughout the novel. Images are easy to conjure with such help from the author. The language also evokes emotion and reflection that I have not experienced in other books. Death's logical narration allows the simplicity and power of the story to come through without wading past unnecessary details. There aren't many books out there that deal with the experience of German citizens during World War II. Knowing the back story about Hitler and the war adds lays of understanding without adding more pages to the 552 page book. Markus Zusak explains that the idea for the book came from listening to his parents stories about their childhood in Germany and Austria. It is easy to see why this book was on so many best book list and a 2007 Michael Printz Honor Book.

Reader's Annotation:
We meet many different people through out our lifetime. In the end, we all meet death.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
We are all touched by tragedy at some point in our lives. Books like this help us navigate those difficult times.

Genre:
Historical Fiction/World War II and the Holocaust


Why I Included This Book:
I was intrigued that the book was narrated by death. This is one of the best books I have ever read.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Tratior to the Nation

Anderson, M. T., Read by Peter Francis James. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation. Listening Library: 2006. ISBN: 9780739338629.

Summary:
Octavian and his mother Cassiopeia live with Mr. Gitney of the Novanglian College of Lucidity in Boston, Massachusetts before the Revolutionary War. Octavian knows no other life and is educated in the classics and music. He is shocked to find out that he and his mother are slaves, the property of Mr. Gitney, not guests. The subject of scientific experiments, Octavian's life is measured and recorded in minute detail down to weighing his daily bowel movements. Cassiopeia is a beauty and also musically gifted, she is sought after by the college's benefactor, Lord Cheldthorpe. The relationship seems enjoyable to all which is good news to Mr. Gitney, he wants Lord Cheldthorpe to continue his generous financial support. When the time comes for Lord Cheldthorpe to return to England he wants to take Cassiopeia as his mistress. She refuses to go unless she is his wife. An English Lord cannot marry an African slave without committing social suicide, something Lord Cheldthorpe is not willing to do. This refusal causes the lord to withdraw his financial support and life changes greatly for everyone at the Novanglian College of Lucidity, especially Octavian and his mother.

Evaluation:
This book is a Printz Award and National Book Award winner. Told from the perspective of Octavian, much of the detail has to be read between the lines in the beginning. As Octavian grows, so does our knowledge of the circumstances. Set in pre-revolutionary Boston, the political turmoil is in the background, but ever present. Much time is spent explaining the purpose and experiments of the Novanglian College of Lucidity. As interesting as the book is, I wonder how many teens will stick with it and connect with the subject matter.

Reader's Annotation:
Freedom doesn't always have to do with being free.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Octavian and his mother are slaves and treated unfairly. They are not at liberty to come and go as they please. Teens may use this book to understand the institution of slavery better and the inter-workings of Colonial America.

Genre:
Historical Fiction

Why I Included This Book:
I wanted to have books from many different genres.

Shattering Glass

Giles, Gail. Shattering Glass. Roaring Book Press: 2002. ISBN: 0761315810.

Plot Summary:
Simon Glass is a nerd. He is at the very bottom of the high school food chain. Every day he is the butt of someone's joke or bullied physically. Enter the most popular boy in school, Rob. Rob likes a challenge and more importantly, likes to be in charge. Rob decides to make Simon popular. With the help of his posse, Rob begins changing Simon from school outcast to ultimately very popular. The posse, Young, Coop and the Bobster are vital in this transformation. Each helps Simon with an issue and Simon reciprocates. As Simon comes out of his shell and gains confidence, a side of his personality emerges that surprises his new friends. The friendship with Simon is tenuous and not authentic. If it weren't for the challenge, these boys would not give him the time of day. Rob orchestrates and calls the shots, but in the end something goes awry and everyone's life is changed.

Evaluation:
This book is masterfully written. Told in first person by Young Stewart, we get his perspective throughout the story. This is in contrast to paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter from the perspective of various characters talking about Young after the tragic event occurs. The reader doesn't know what this event is and must piece together what happened while reading about what lead up to it. Even though the reader knows the ending contains something awful, it is a surprise when the last page is turned. Gail Giles does not wrap the story up neatly, the reader must piece things together themselves. Much of the story is relayed in dialog and quick chapters, this convention makes this a great choice for reluctant readers.

Reader's Annotation:
It's never too late to take a stand, just be prepared for the consequences.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Bullying is a major problem for youth. This is not a new problem, but one that is finally being address. In the past society just accepted that boys will be boys and bullying behavior was ignored. This book sheds light on what it's like to be at the bottom of the high school social ladder and be bullied. The character of Lance is important because it shows the experience of someone who was well liked and/or popular, and fell from grace. Many high school students can gain from reading this book. The author touches on incest, parents in jail, neglectful parents, abuse and the list could continue. When youth can see their situation in a novel, it helps them gain understanding and perspective.

Genre:
Issue Novel

Why I Included This Book:
Initially, I almost put this book down. I just couldn't connect or keep up with the characters. After a while, I couldn't put it down and read way past my bedtime! This book was on the required list of reading. I never would have picked it up otherwise. I am so glad it was included on the list and plan on reading another book by this author.