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This biography is much more than the recounting of Charles Darwins' travels and research that led to his publications, including The Origin of Species. It is a love story between he and his first cousin Emma, his struggle with his religious beliefs, his role as a father, son, husband, and scientist, and about his life of poor health that consumed so much of his energy. Beginning with a pro/con list of the reasons to marry or not marry, the reader instantly learns how Darwin makes all the decisions in his life. His organization and scientific methods of his personality are clearly revealed, in contrast to the messiness and disorganization of the woman who would become his wife. Also in contrast are the religious differences between the two - Emma is deeply religious and believes in an afterlife where she clings to the belief that she will see her beloved sister again, who died at a young age. Charles, on the other hand, eventually decides that he is probably agnostic - he, not surprisingly, needs proof that God exists. This difference was not taken lightly by either Charles or Emma, but they respected each other so much that in the end, Charles entrusted his Origin of Species manuscript to Emma to publish should he die early of sickness. This manuscript explained his theory about evolution of species, a heretical thought in his time, since the implication is that God did not create all the species in their present form all at one time. Clearly written and the personalities of all the characters come-to-life in this fascinating look at the Darwins. 2010 Prinz Honor Award winner, YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Winner; National Book Awards - Nominee; Booklist Top 10 Romances for Youth and many other honors. Highly recommended for grades 8 through adult. Excellent to listen to on CD as well. 
The basic plot of the “The Hunger Games” is gripping—a group of teens, randomly selected, in a televised fight to the death, staged for both entertainment and as a way for the government to suppress the people of this futuristic North American country. Katniss, who has helped her poor family survive by escaping their fenced community to hunt and gather, wakes on the morning of “The Reaping,” worried that her name will be drawn for the Hunger Games. She’s even more worried that her younger sister, Prim, who she loves dearly, will be selected. The story proceeds from the luxurious preparation of the “tributes,” as the selected teens are called, through the time they spend in the arena, (which is actually a huge swath of land which is both natural and controlled by the Gamemakers). But if “The Hunger Games” was only a blood-thirsty and violent reality show, I would never have been compelled to continue reading it. What makes it both a page-turner and a meaningful novel, is that it takes us into the hearts of real teens, and comments on the value of human life, love, and a society out of control. This book is a subtle but dire warning about our future if we do not control our love of violence, narrow the economic gap, and see the humanity in each person. A 2009 American Library Association Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults selection. Due to violence, grades 8 and up.
If you’re a “Japanophile,” or have always dreamed of traveling to Japan, this graphic novel is for you. Aimee Major Steinberger, a professional animator and illustrator, takes us with her on her trip to Japan. We watch as she is dressed as a maiko, stays in a traditional inn, sees the Takarazuka Revue (a Japanese musical theater company), and visits VOLKS (a famous doll store). We also see her misadventures, such as when she takes the bullet train in the wrong direction and eats some very strange (to an American) food. Steinberger fills in with small details that are unique to Japan: doilies on taxi seats, elaborate drink machines on every corner, and high-tech photo booths. And she isn’t kidding about being a “tall girl.” Steinberger, who is six feet tall, finds her height a source of humor and difficulty in a country where she towers over almost everyone. The book contains a glossary and an appendix with more information useful to travelers in Japan. This book is a delightful and humorous non-fiction read, with illuminating manga-type illustrations. Ages 12 through adult.
Set in a small, drought-stricken farming town in Oklahoma, this novel recounts events during the coming-of-age summer of animal lover Franny Parker. A single mother and her teen-aged son have moved into the house next door. When Lucas and Franny meet, it's almost as though he can read her mind, because he presses a copy of Marjorie Rawling's book, The Yearling (about a boy who nurtures an orphaned fawn) into her hands - the perfect story for a girl who has established a thriving animal hospital in the family barn. As they become friends, it becomes apparent that secrets, both innocent and troubling, lie just below the surface. Obviously Lindy and Lucas Dunn are constantly moving to new locations because there is something or someone that they cannot face. How can Franny help? Should she try to help? Must a person break well-intentioned rules at times to help another? Teens reading Franny's story who face similar challenges will identify with her confusion and hopefully with her final resolutions. It will be of interest to those in grade six and higher. 
This novel in verse features the alternating voices of Daniel, a Jewish boy who escaped Germany in the late 1930's; Paloma, a Cuban teen dedicated to assisting Quaker missionaries in helping refugees and David, an elderly ice cream vender - a long ago refugee from Russia. In gentle words and rhythmic phrasing the author allows the three main characters to express their thoughts and deepest emotions - sentiments which they are unable to share verbally with one another. At first, Daniel is totally preoccupied with hope, as he dreams of being reunited with his parents in New York City. Gradually he realizes that they will never escape to meet him there, and he becomes involved with Paloma in her work to serve refugees who are already in Cuba hoping to stay there. Later he joins her endeavor to help those persons remaining on ships in Havana harbor to be allowed to land rather than being sent back to Germany and certain death. Based on fact, this is a Holocaust novel of a different sort - yet one where once again all of us are helped to understand the depth and result of man's inhumanity to man. Young teens will find this quickly read novel in verse both informative and enlightening, a worthy addition to excellent Holocaust literature. 
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