SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd
18-year-old Fergus is practicing for his driving license and studying for A Levels in 1981 Northern Ireland. He wants nothing more than to leave and become a doctor. The Troubles, which include bombings, killings, and hate, are getting worse. His brother Joe was arrested and has joined a group of others in prison on a hunger strike in which two boys have already died. To top it off, Fergus is blackmailed into carrying packages, which we assume contain bomb making materials, over the border on his daily runs up the mountain. Meanwhile, Fergus and his Uncle Tally discover a young girl's body, which turns out to be from the Iron Age, in the bog on that same mountain while stealing peat to burn. Interwoven is this girl's story, who Fergus names 'Mel'. Over time he falls in love with the daughter of the archeologist brought in to study the bog body. Complex, but beautifully written, this story deals with typical teenage issues to which today's teens can identify. As well, a fascinating history is unraveled about the bog child. This would be appropriate for readers in grades 9 and up, including adults. It is very Irish in dialogue and description, and may be confusing without background information about the time period, but it might intice readers to learn more.
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Hannah's Winter by Kierin Meehan
Twelve-year-old Australian Hannah has been dumped by her mom in the home of a Japanese family she has never met before. She’s going to be staying with them in snowy Kanazawa for a few weeks while catching up on her Japanese. When a package of random Japanese paper artifacts is delivered to the house, they discover among the items a poem that reads like a series of instructions to help “the ocean boy.” It’s not long before Hannah and her friends, Miki and Hiro, find themselves snared in the mystery and fantasy of the poem. The boy ghost plays tricks on Hannah by throwing donuts at her, and when they visit a festival at the Ninja Temple, a stranger gives Hannah an unexpected gift. Eerily, the poem is unfolding before them. “Hannah’s Winter” is a wonderful introduction to both modern and historical Japan, and is ideal for readers who love all things Japanese. Ages 10 and up.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2009
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Upon the death of her owner, Isabel and her 5-year-old sister are to be freed. Instead, they are sold by a coniving family member to a Loyist couple in Manhatten just as George Washington's army is fighting the British for America's freedom in 1776. Determined to get the freedom she and her sister were promised, Isabel decides to spy for the Rebels, hoping they will repay her for this dangerous work. Disappointed by their betrayal she decides to do whatever it takes, for whichever side, to free herself and reunite with her sister who has been sold away. The strength of this story is the way the author gets the reader to care about Isabel. We are introduced to the daily mundane chores she must complete and experience the humiliation and unjust punishment she endures. Daily life in New York City during this period is detailed effortlessly throughout the story. This book was named a 2008 National Book of the Year for Young People. I listened to this one on CD and was on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering if Isabel would make her escape and worrying about her welfare. Recommended for readers (or listeners!) in grades 5-12.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2009
If the Witness Lied by Caroline B. Cooney
Have you ever wanted to be on a reality show? What if the reason you’re going to be on a reality show is because your mom and dad have died and your three-year-old brother is accused of killing them? The three Fountain teens—Madison, Jack, and Smithy—don’t want to be on the reality show at all. In fact, since their father’s death, Madison has moved in with a friend, Smithy has gone off to boarding school, and Jack has stayed home to care for their little brother. But their Aunt Cheryl, who has stepped in as their present but disinterested caretaker, is forcing them to do it. This fast-paced story, which takes place over the course of a single day, follows the siblings as they come together to save their family. Through cell phones and computers, the siblings attempt to stop the reality show from happening, and work to uncover a terrible truth about Aunt Cheryl. This book is about the power of family love, with a Christian and pro-life slant. While this is a gripping page-turner, many of the plot twists are implausible. Ages 12 and up.
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