Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain

Shan, Darren. Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain. Little, Brown and Company: 2002. ISBN: 0316608068.

Summary:
The world is full of many creatures, not just humans, vampires, half-vampires and vampaneze to name a few. The Cirque Du Freak series is the story of teenager, Darren, a half vampire who is the assistant to Vampire, Larten Crepsley. Book 4, Vampire Mountain is about their journey to Vampire Mountain to present Darren to the Vampire Princes. The journey is long and perilous with Darren making steps toward maturity. The series is about Darren coming of age as a teenager and a vampire. Mr. Crepsley makes a great mentor/parental figure. He realizes that Darren is young, but also sees him as strong and capable.

Evaluation:
Written in first person, we get to know Darren quickly. He is respectful, impatient and open to learning. The plot is pretty simple, a portion of a quest. The author gives enough detail that the story is not boring. The ending is a huge cliffhanger and will have readers starting book 5 as soon as possible. As a girl I enjoyed the book even though there is only one female character. The book has a great appeal to boys and takes place in a male dominated world. Females are not put down or belittled, they just don't choose to be vampires. This book is a paranormal version of the Alex Rider novels by Anthony Horowitz.

Reader's Annotation:
You never know where life's journey will take you.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Teens need adults who believe in them and trust their abilities. Darren shows the readers that even though he is scared, he can overcome and achieve. Darren also trusts the adults in his life. It is important for teens to know that there are trustworthy adults out there.

Genre:
Paranormal

Why I Included This Book:
This books are very popular and wanted to see for myself what they were like.

The Sorceress

Scott, Michael. The Sorceress. Delacorte Press; 2009. ISBN: 9780385735292.

Plot Summary:
The Sorceress, Perenelle Flamel and her husband, Nicholas the Alchemyst are over 600 years old. They owe their long life to the Codex or the Book of Abraham which they have meticulously protected. The English Magician, Dr. John Dee has chased the Flamels for 500 years trying to steal the Codex for his masters, the Dark Elders. Long before humans inhabited the earth, the Dark Elders lived and thrived. With the knowledge contained in the Codex, the Dark Elders could return to the earth and rule once again. Dr. John Dee has managed to steal most of the Codex. He is missing the last two pages, incidentally, the two most important pages.
Fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh lived normal teenage lives up until a week ago. Everything they took for granted and thought was normal has changed. The Flamels claim they are the twins in an ancient prophecy that can either protect or destroy the world. Confused and unsure of who to trust, the twins try to learn to control their magical powers and abilities.

Critical Evaluation:
The Sorceress is book three in the series, The Secrets of the Immortal
Nicholas Flamel.A wonderful blend of mythology, fantasy and adventure, the
books appeal to boys, girls, and adults alike. Author Michael Scott has
given us a new take on the dilemma of good verses evil, sometimes the lines
are not completely clear. Sophie and Josh have had to completely and blindly
trust Nicholas and Perenelle. Seeds of doubt grow for one twin, but not the
other. Relationships can be complicated and unclear, even close family
connections. This friction between Sophie and Josh and the Flamels is an
effective plot device that extends the suspense and makes the characters
more believable. The story is set in modern times, with characters from the
past like the bard himself, William Shakespeare. It is entertaining as a
reader to observe the authors perception of how historical figures would
interact with the modern world.

Reader's Annotation:
What if you had magical powers that could save or destroy the world? Would you use them?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Do we have a purpose? Why are we here? Teens begin to question many abstract ideas and want answers.

Genre:
Fantasy/Mythic Reality

Why I Included This Book:
I like books that show personal power. Many people don't realize they can have an affect on the world.

The Shamer's War

Kaaberbol, Lene. The Shamer's War. Henry Holt and Company; 2004. ISBN: 0805077715.

Plot Summary:
Dina Tonerre and her mother, Melussina are not normal. They are witches, devil's spawn according to some, but the proper term is, Shamers. If you look them in the eye, any wrong you have done will flash between you and make you feel rotten, worthless and ashamed. Dina and her mother do not abuse their gift but try to live unobtrusively. Draken the Dragon Lord is spreading war across the land and burning Shamers at the stake. Davin, Dina's brother and Nico their adopted brother are also swept up in the tumult of war. Nico is Draken's cousin and the rightful ruler of the land. Nico is convinced that if he assassinates Draken then the war will stop and lives will be saved. The problem is Nico hates swords and fighting and his talents lie in books and speeches, not war and fighting. Killing Draken will not be easy, if possible at all.

Critical Evaluation:
This is the last book in The Shamer Chronicles. The series contains four books, each written in Danish and translated by author Lene Kaaberbol. By far the best book in the series, The Shamer's War ties up all the loose ends even up to the last sentence. This book was really hard to put down. Part of the experience was that I cared so much about all of the characters. Written in alternative first person voice between Dina and Davin, we really know how they feel and the cost of certain circumstances. The time frame is never discussed, but by the descriptions of daily life it is reveled to be the middle ages. There are a few subtle references to sex and sex outside of marriage which involve the main characters. Given the harsh realities presented in the book, the topic does not seem out of place. Supernatural abilities and the harsh realities of life shape Dina and Davin's lives. Kids/teens can be powerful and make a difference in the world of fiction and in reality too.

Reader's Annotation:
Sometimes wars are won with battles and sometimes with words.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Difficult situations do not last forever, but while they are happening it seems they will never end. Summoning courage to stand up for yourself can be difficult, but worth it.

Genre:
Fantasy/Epic Fantasy

Why I Included This Book:
I really enjoyed the other books in the series. Books that are popular in other countries add a nice flavor to the collection.

Princess of the Midnight Ball

George, Jessica Day. Princess of the Midnight Ball. Bloomsbury: 2009. ISBN: 9781599903224.

Plot Summary:
Galen Werner is walking home after the long war with Analousia. The war has claimed both his mother, who travel with the army doing laundry and his soldier father. Galen saw his share of action and is returning in one piece physically. As his journey proceeds, Galen stops to help an old woman on the side of the road and shares his dwindling provisions. To show her gratitude, the old woman gives Galen an invisibility cloak that is only to be used in times of real need. The old woman also gives Galen a white ball of yarn and a smaller black ball of yarn with the admonition that,"One can bind the other protect. Black like iron, white like a swan." Galen thanks her and continues on his way unsure of her sanity. The only family Galen has left is his Aunt and Uncle. They welcome him with open arms and he begins working at the castle with his uncle. It is here that Galen meets the princesses and becomes involved in their troubles and vows to help them. Maybe that old woman was not so crazy after all.

Critical Evaluation:
Princess of the Midnight Ball is the author's rendition of a fairy tale, Twelve Dancing Princesses. The author is able to maintain the fairy tale feel to the story with elements of magic and good versus evil. The theme of a commoner being dismissed, overlooked and certainly not worthy of a royal princess is common plot device. By giving us Galen's history first, the reader roots for him and knows he is the man for the job. The romantic elements are not sappy or over-the-top. There is a serious tone around the twelve princesses which gives them a levity not always associated with royal birth. Life has been serious for these girls without a mother and the victims of her folly. The book doesn't really explore in detail why the mother made the pact that causes the curse. We know she was desperate for children and the end of the war, but that is all.

Reader's Annotation:
Dancing is fun in moderation. But remember, you can have too much of a good thing.

Genre:
Fantasy/Classic Fantasy

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Many people say reading a book is like taking a vacation in your head. Relaxing and spending the afternoon in an imaginary place can be just what the doctor ordered.

Why Book Included:
My sixteen year old daughter said this was a must read. She gives really great Readers Advisory!

The Necromancer

Scott, Michael. The Necromancer. Delacorte Press; 2010. ISBN: 9780385735315.

Summary:
The summer solstice, June 21, possibly the last day of earth as we know it. Sophie, Josh, and the Flamels are trying to stop Dr. John Dee in his quest to bring back the Dark Elders and unlock the secrets of the Codex. Sophie and Josh have both been awakened. Sophie's awakening and subsequent acquisition of magic has left the imprint of the Witch of Endor in her consciousness. Josh's awakening by Prometheus has left something much more disturbing than an imprint.
The twins continue to amaze people with their gold and silver auras. Honestly, they still continue to amaze themselves. The line between hero and villain remains unclear as the twins are drawn deeper into the world of the Codex and the Elder Race. Dr. John Dee hooks up with Virginia Dare, an unlikely pairing, but needs must. New characters and twists emerge and old, familiar characters keep the action intense.

Critical Evaluation:
Sometimes sequels can be disappointing. They can lack the originality and freshness of the first book. The Necromancer is the 4th book in The Secrets of Immortal Nicholas Flamel. This book is great; exciting and fast paced and every bit as good as The Alchemyst. Anchored in present day technology the fantasy element is reminiscent of Harry Potter with a community of magic existing along side normal humans who are clueless. Sophie and Josh's character development expands as the rift in their relationship more becomes wider. Teens who are twins will relate to this story as siblings change from intense closeness to strangers. The series has two more books and The Necromancer continues to set the stage for the final showdown between the humans and the Dark Elders.

Reader's Annotation:
June 21, the first day of summer and the last day of the known world.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Sometimes life sweeps us along like a raging river and it is hard to come up for breath. Reading about teens who are overwhelmed and work through it can be therapeutic.

Genre:
Fantasy/Mythic Reality

Why I Included This Book:
I read the first book of the series and was hooked.

Little Brother

Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother. A Tom Doherty Associates Book: 2008. ISBN: 9780765323118.

Summary:
In the blink of an eye the world can change. High school senior, Marcus Yallow, aka Winston, has his world turned upside down after being falsely arrested for supposed involvement in a terrorist plot that blew up the Bay Bridge in Oakland, California. After resisting for weeks Marcus can't take the torture and games any more and gives the Homeland Security agents the password to his cell phone. Finally released, Marcus finds that his city of San Fransisco mirrors a police state. The police are everywhere watching for terrorist around each corner, to the point regular citizens are treated guilty until proven innocent. Marcus is smart and tough. He has had enough and uses his available resources to launch his own counter attack against the unfair treatment of the government. With old and new friends at his side, Marcus shows the difference one person can make.

Critical Evaluation:
Cory Doctorow has written a fabulous book on many levels. The plot line is exciting and suspenseful, we want Marcus to be successful. As a protagonist, Marcus is able and willing, but not without his insecurities. While Marcus is dealing with fighting terrorism in the form of an over exuberant government agency, he is also dealing with teenage hormones and his first sexual experience. Dealing with the government, a girlfriend and lots of geeky computer stuff, there is something for almost everyone. The computer stuff is not so technical and over the top that it is inaccessible. The majority of teens should understand what is being talked about; adults, maybe not. The title is a great play off of the term, 'big brother'. We live in fear of this bigger brother, but in this story, the little brother rules!

Reader's Annotation:
Teen voices are important and needed. When the time is right will you lift your voice?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Teens can be powerful people. This book proves that one person can make a big difference!

Genre:
Issue Novel/Activism

Why I Included This Book:
I like Cory Doctorow's stand on free access to his materials.

Ghostgirl: Rest in Popularity

Hurley, Tonya. Ghostgirl: Rest in Popularity. Little Brown and Company: 2008. ISBN: 9780316113571

Plot Summary:
Charlotte Usher was going to have a better school year this year. She spent all summer working her 'Popular Plan' and now on the first day of school she was ready to 'rock it!' Charlotte was usually not noticed by her class mates, she felt invisible and unimportant. There was one class mate in particular that Charlotte wanted to notice her, Damen Dylan. As luck would have it, Damen was in her Physics class, but so was Petula, Damen's girlfriend. So far her plan was working, at least a bit, and Damen was just assigned as her lab partner. Ecstatic, Charlotte pops a gummy bear into her mouth as the bell rings and the students migrate into the hall to change classes. Suddenly the gummy bear lodges in Charlotte's throat and the course of the school year and much more changes. These new changes are not welcome to Charlotte. Accepting who we are and how to deal with unforeseen situations is what life and possibly in Charlotte's case, death is about.

Critical Evaluation:
The first book in a small series, Ghostgirl: Rest in Peace sets the stage for further paranormal adventures with Charlotte at Hawthorne High School. Her characters including the ghosts journey through self awareness and respect as the plot unfolds. An interesting aspect to this story is the convention that the ghosts go to high school in the same building as the living. They eat lunch in the cafeteria at the same time and follow the same class schedule with the bells. Charlotte's journey from invisibility to self esteem is not diminished in any way because she isn't among the living. The physical book is long and rectangular, not unlike a coffin. Each chapter begins with a silhouette, a poem and a brief didactic paragraph about Charlotte and her issues.

Reader's Annotation:
Charlotte is dying to be popular. Will she get her wish?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Some teens are obsessed with being popular, Charlotte's tale is a cautionary one.

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Why I Included This Book:
I found the black, coffin shaped cover interesting.

Code Orange

Cooney, Caroline B. Code Orange. Delacorte Press; 2005. ISBN: 0385732597.

Summary:
Mitchell Blake, Mitty for short is a junior at St. Raphael's private school in New York City. He lives with his parents in a downtown apartment and they escape to the 'country' in Connecticut each weekend. Up until this year Mitty has been a good student, not stellar, but respectable. Teenage rebellion has set in, Mitty is not difficult or getting into trouble, he is just blowing off school. Advance Biology has a research paper due in a few weeks and Mitty hasn't picked his topic yet. Olivia Clark is in Advanced Biology, she is smart, studious and likes Mitty. If Mitty fails this assignment he will be taken out of the advanced class and put into regular Biology; a regular class without Olivia. At the Blake's country house, Mitty finds an old medical book with two scab samples of smallpox in an envelope dated 1902. Mitty removes them and handles the scabs to satisfy his curiosity. Now he has a topic for his research paper about the history and current status of a disease. After spending time researching smallpox, Mitty realized he may have caught it from handling the scab samples. Unsure what to do Mitty weighs his options and his moral responsibility to himself, his family, and New York City.

Critical Evaluation:
This book was published four years after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The story's setting is in New York City and the reality of the attacks are ever present in the telling of the story. Mitty is a likable protagonist. He is self assured, but not cocky and a great representation of how a teen lives in New York City. As a typical teen in his own way Mitty is impatient with his parents, secretive about his life, and head over heels for Olivia Clark in Advanced Biology. The author treats the story realistically with the ending being believable and exciting at the same time. Mitty's character doesn't go through a dramatic change emotionally, nor does he suddenly find maturity. The story's time frame is only about two weeks. The changes that take place in Mitty are the result of facing death and reevaluating your life. This book will cause teens to think beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings. Yes, there are people in this world who want to harm Americans. This is an everyday fact for today's youth. Learning to have an effect on the circumstances you can control and letting go of the rest is not always an easy lesson for teens or adults.

Reader's Annotation:
What if you had the ability to infect more than half of the population? Would you hide at home or go out in public?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
It is easy to say, "If this situation happens, this is how I would react." But, do we really know how our bodies and minds will respond until the moment of truth? Books that make us think through pretend situations help us deal with real problems when they come along.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Adventure

Why I Include This Book:
I was fascinated by the premise.

48 Shades of Brown

Earls, Nick. 48 Shades of Brown. Houghton Mifflin Company; 1999. ISBN:0618452958.

Plot:
Dan is a senior in high school in Australia. His father has just taken a position in Geneva for a year. Dan has a choice, he can go with his parents to Geneva or stay with his Aunt Jacq and continue his senior year. Initially, Dan goes to Geneva, but after two weeks he is on a plane back home. Except that Dan won't be living in his home, it has been rented out for the year. He will be living with his twenty year old aunt and her roommate Naomi. What Dan hopes will be an awesome experience turns out to be full of landmines and social guffaws. Calculus just might get the better of him and why does Naomi have to be so incredible? Confronted with unexpectedly missing his family, sexual situations and trying to be 'cool', Dan's senior year is full of self revelation and many humorous moments.

Critical Evaluation:
This coming of age story is typical in that Dan grows and changes into a better understanding of himself and those around him. The unusual part of the story is the genre. This reads like chick lit with humor and a light tone, but the protagonist is male. Written in the first person, we get all of Dan's egocentric and insecure thoughts and observations. An interesting convention used by author Nick Earls is there are no quotation marks in the book. When someone other than Dan is speaking, the text is in italics. The remaining text is in a normal font. The line between Dan's thoughts and what he actually speaks out loud to others is blurred. This convention made the book a little confusing, but it does put the reader 'smack dab' in the middle of Dan's thinking process. Knowing his thoughts and insecurities prompts empathy for Dan, and helps adults appreciate the angst of the teen years. There were a couple reference to items that were unfamiliar to an American reader, one example is a Chuppa-Chup. A Google search revealed that this is a lollipop. You learn something new everyday.

Reader's Annotation:
Dan spends his senior year living with two university students. Every senior boy's perfect fantasy, right?!

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
It is a change to be inside of the guys brain and hear the struggles and insecurities that plague a teenager. It is also okay to miss your parents, even as a senior in high school. Our parents irritate and annoy us, but when they are gone, we miss them.

Genre:
Contemporary Life/Romance

Why I Include This Book:
The story is set in Australia, I wanted to get a glimpse of teens from other countries.

Valant: A Modern Tale of Faerie

Black, Holly. Valiant. Simon & Schuster: 2005. ISBN: 0689868227.

Summary:
Val is having a bad day. She was just kicked off the lacrosse team for fighting, again. Her boyfriend is a no-show for their date and she walks in on her mother and boyfriend engaging in some serious foreplay. Unsure of where to go and what to do, Val takes the train to New York City, shaves her head and begins living in an abandoned subway tunnel. Life on the street is uncomfortable and cold, but going home is not an option. Val makes friends with Dave, Lolli and Luis, also street dwellers. These new friends are savvy about living on the streets and share their advice with Val. Even the bit about fairies and monsters.

Evaluation:
This book is part fantasy, realistic fiction, romance and mystery, touching on homosexuality and trans-species sex. Written in third person the reader always has an overall view of the action. The characters are not sympathetic and I didn't make a connection with any of them. The setting, the subway underground and the streets of New York City are the best part of the story. This is not Harry Potteresque fantasy. Think Lord of the Rings mixed with Identical by Ellen Hopkins.

Reader's Annotation:
Sometimes, you should be afraid of the dark.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
This book touches on dysfunctional parenting, drug abuse and runaways. At times teens think that drugs or running away will solve their problems. It doesn't, it just creates more, even if no monsters or fairies are involved.

Genre:
Paranormal/Realistic Fiction

Why I Read This Book:
I only read this book for class. Most of the time when I have to read something that I would normally never pick up, I end up being glad I spent the time reading it. This book is an exception. I wanted to stop after the first few chapters and that feeling didn't change by the last page.

Nightshade

Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade. Philomel Books: 2010. ISBN: 9780399254826.

Summary:
The Mountain School in Vail, Colorado has three types of students: humans, Guardians and Keepers. The humans are mostly unaware of the paranormal aspects surrounding the other students. Almost, because the humans are afraid of them and keep their distance without knowing exactly why. Calla is the young alpha in the Nightshade pack. As a Guardian, her job is to guard and protect the Keepers. Ren is the alpha in the Bane pack and is Calla's future husband. The union of Calla and Ren will mark the beginning of a new pack with a special mission. The lives of the Guardians and Keepers are based on specific, complex rules that have been in existence for centuries. A few months before Ren and Calla'a union a new student arrives at Mountain School, Seamus Doran, Shay for short. Calla and Shay have met before, under unique circumstances that could get them killed. Life is about to change for many of the Mountain School students.

Evaluation:
Another paranormal romance with two very different boys fighting over the same girl. Luckily, Calla is a much stronger protagonist than Bella from Twilight. Calla can take care of herself and protect her pack. Written in first person, the reader is privy to Calla's thoughts and insecurities. This convention makes her a stronger character because we see what she must overcome to get through a situation. The story was hard to follow in the beginning, the author just drops the reader into Calla and Shay's world without a lot of explanation. Compared to other books I have read in this genre, Nightshade is bloodier and discusses weightier topics like, sexual abuse and homosexuality. Fans will be excited for the next book in the series, Wolfsbane due out in July.

Reader's Annotation:
One choice can change your world, are you brave enough to make it?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Nightshades' Calla is a strong female protagonist who follows her inner guide. This is a great example for teen girls. Calla must deal with being treated differently because of her gender, something many women have experienced. Calla is also juggling many important issues at once. She makes mistakes, but continues to do what she feels is the right thing.

Genre:
Paranormal/Romance

Why I Included This Book:
When I started this book I was so done with the paranormal genre. The first third of the book was like going to the dentist. Finally, the book grabbed me and I became interested and didn't want to put it down. I am looking forward to Wolfsbane this summer.

The Boy Who Dared

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. The boy who dared. Scholastic Press: 2008. ISBN: 9780439680134.

Summary:
Told in flashbacks, this story begins with 17 year old Helmuth Hubener on death row in Nazi Germany. Helmuth's memories begin when he is 3 years old and continue until the reader is brought to the circumstance in the first paragraph. Living with his single mother and 2 older half brothers, Helmut's childhood takes place in Germany during Hitler's rise to power and aggression across Europe. Listening to radio addresses by Hitler, witnessing the alienation and degradation of the Jews and joining the Hitler Youth are part of Helmut's normalcy. While a teen, his mother remarries a Nazi soldier and life begins to change as World War II begins. The Gestapo monitor citizens movements and activities including Rudy, a close friend of Helmuth. Helmuth becomes disillusioned by the reports of the war and what he sees happening on the German streets.

Evaluation:
This book should be required reading for all middle school and high school history classes. Schools spend a lot of time focusing on the holocaust, which is proper and important, but history has many faces. Helmuth's story is based on a real person and real events. It is amazing to think that a teen not only defied the government, but also lost his life to save his friends. This type of moral courage is rare and worth teaching our children. The author does a great job showing German citizens as people, flesh and blood with families and feelings. The book ends with real photographs of the people in the story and a timeline. This would be a great book for a teen book club.

Reader's Annotation:
Courage is not the absence of fear, but doing the right thing regardless.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Everyone wonders at one time or another how they would react in a situation. Would they be brave enough to do a particular thing. This book is a great read for those who entertain such thoughts. The Boy Who Dared proves that teens can have a powerful impact on the world.

Genre:
Historical Fiction/World War II and the Holocaust

Why I Included This Book:
I had to get away from vampires for a while. Historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine.

Halo

Adornetto, Alexandra. Halo. Feiwel and Friends: 2010. ISBN: 9780312656263.

Summary:
Bethany, Ivy and Gabriel arrive on earth one night just before dawn. Ivy and Gabriel have done this before, but this is Bethany first time and she is very young for an angel, only 17 earth years old. Gabriel is an archangel who is part of the Holy Seven and has been around forever. Wise Ivy is a seraphim, which is an order who is closest to God. Right away Bethany struggles with her humanity. Initially, it is why she was chosen for this mission. Enter Xavier, when he is around Bethany cannot think straight, she is smitten immediately, not exactly proper behavior for a heavenly angel.

Evaluation:
This is a basic story about good versus evil with bits of Twilight thrown in. The author describes Xavier's physical appearance and Bethany's desire for him in much the same way Stephenie Meyer describes Edward and Bella. Bits of high school drama and explanations about angels round out the story. Written in first person we get an interesting view of what it is like to be an angel in human form. At times Bethany seems to be much more human than heavenly. The ending is a definite set up for a second book, with the title of Hades, it is easy to assume where the next book is headed.

Reader's Annotation:
For Bethany, heaven can wait.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
The high school experience is not always positive for every teen. Reading about characters who face their fears and stand up to evil can be enlightening and instructive.

Genre:
Paranormal

Why I Include This Book:
This book has had a lot of buzz and was on the New York Times Bestseller List.