While researching her excellent non-fiction title, “Hitler Youth:  Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow” Susan Campbell Bartoletti couldn’t forget the story of Helmuth Hubener of Hamburg, Germany.  Helmuth was executed in 1942 at the age of 17 for distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets.  Bartoletti’s work of historical fiction on Helmuth definitely fulfills her goals of raising questions about moral courage, nationalism and the responsibility of the individual.

This is a book for mature young adult readers due to its intensity.  The reader knows from the beginning that Helmuth is in prison and waiting for execution.  The story is told in flashbacks; the prison sections are agonizing and the suspense is painful. 

One of the book’s strengths, I think, is in bringing to life how a dictator such as Hitler could rise to power and gain the backing of a nation.  Too often people, young people especially, like to look back and believe that we would have done it differently.  “Hitler would never rise to power here in America.!” But Bartoletti’s book gives the necessary background to provide insight into how and why it did happen…and painfully, what happened to those who dared to take a stand.

A powerful book – not for every reader.  For young adult readers only, or mature readers very well versed in World War II history.

Forest Born - cover

The fourth in Shannon Hale’s “Books of Bayern” series does not stand-alone as well as I would wish for young readers.  I recognize that a lot of books have gone under the reading bridge for me since “Goose Girl”, “Enna Burning” and “River Secrets”, but I found myself wishing Hale has provided more review, explainations and reintroduction of characters.  For a reader just discovering this series this will not be an issue, but a returning reader will struggle.

Razo’s younger sister Rin is the protagonist in this adventure.  A great deal of the conflict in the novel is Rin’s inner lack of self-esteem and confidence which results in great inner turmoil.  This drives her to leave her beloved family and home in the forest to follow Razo to Bayern for a change of scenery.  Adventure quickly follows. 

Rin slowly discovers that she has dual and dubious gifts of people-speaking and tree-speaking.  I found Rin’s unfolding discovery of her gifts somewhat convoluted and thus thought this the weakest book in this series.  Hale is an accomplished weaver of story, but her clarity of writing could have been better in this offering.  But fans of magic and fantasy and Hale’s previous Bayern titles will enjoy the book regardless.

"Chalice" by Robin McKinley

I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of Robin McKinley’s novels.  It is rare that I re-read books, but every so often I get homesick for Damar and I must read “The Blue Sword” and “The Hero and the Crown” (in that order) yet again.  I’ve read them both four or five times.  My co-worker and I often fantasize about who we would cast in the leading roles if ”The Blue Sword” was made into a film.  I was once assured by McKinley herself via e-mail that she would never sell those rights, however, so I guess we can discontinue our fantasies.  No actor measures up to my image of Corlath or Harry Crew anyway!  Sigh! 

And I especially adored “The Outlaws of Sherwood”.  McKinley is the queen of strong female characters, and “Outlaws” was the perfect example.  (I think I need to read that one again, too.)  It was with great anticipation, then, that I began reading Robin McKinley’s most recent novel “Chalice”.

I was pleased and disappointed at the same time.  The wonderful, fully developed characters and plot were there, along with that wonderful, strong female character.  As usual there was a rich and strong cast of supporting characters.  And the whole bee thing was unique and wonderful. 

In some ways ”Chalice” is a beauty and the beast story, with the down to earth Chalice Mirasol as the beauty and the Master as a beastly partially human Priest of Fire.  Just like the beast, Master transforms back into his human self by the end!

BUT… (and I’ve never had a but with a McKinley novel) … I can’t recommend this book to students because the flow of the narrative is totally convoluted!  It isn’t told in flashbacks and the present.  It is told in circles – like a bee buzzing from here to there and here to there and back.  If McKinley deliberately made the narrative follow the flight of a bee, then she made a mistake. 

We have passed this book around the staff, including the orchestra teacher who pounced on it when she saw it on my desk!  “A new McKinley!”  But all of us agreed this was an extremely hard narrative to follow for us as advanced adult readers.  I could not, in good conscious recommend this one to my students.

Ouch!  I got stung with this one!

The Alchemyst cover

When I first noticed the subtitle of this novel I immediately dismissed this book as a Harry Potter spin-off.  Forced to read it for an assignment, recently, I was surprised to see no nod to J.K. Rowling in the credits anywhere.  After all, Nicholas Flamel is in “The Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone”, Book 1.  But in poking around before reading the work, I noticed the author’s note at the end and learned that Nicholas Flamel (and other characters in the book) were real people.  They were somewhat legendary, by nevertheless, several of the main characters actually lived long ago.  And apparently The Philosopher’s Stone was not something Rowling made up, either.  (Hmmm – do I give her more credit or less?)

Also in my preliminary reading I learned that the author Michael Scott is “an authority on mythology and folklore” and is Irish to boot!  So I began reading “The Alchemyst” with interest instead of cynicism. 

I completely enjoyed the many mythological and legendary facets woven into the book.  Like Riordan’s Percy Jackson books which make it almost plausible that the Greek Gods still live above and among us, Scott’s “The Alchemyst” makes the world of myth and legend weave in and around reality.  The way the narrative wove mythological characters into the work also put me in mind of fellow Irishman, Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl books with their nod to mythology and legend.

I loved the explanations for world catastrophes such as the Great London Fire of 1666.  And I loved how Scott set up his twin hero and heroine to be more knowledgeable than the average kids by having their parents as archaeologists. 

Side note:  You DO become at least a bit knowledgeable about your parent’s work…  my husband is a radio announcer for a Greatest Hits station so our girls know more songs from the past than their peers.  AND they know not to blow into or tap a microphone to see if it is on.  (If you must know – just speak into it!)  My girls were lucky… my father was a hog farmer so rather than radio station remotes, when I helped my father I had to handle livestock.  Far less glamorous, I’m afraid.

My initial enthusiasm for the narrative waned a bit by the middle.  I felt the book bogged down a bit, but I kept with it to the end.  I know I’ll have to buy the sequels, of which there are already several, for our school’s collection. 

This novel is for committed readers of fantasy.   It goes without saying that committed readers of fantasy will be the above average readers as there are very few fantasy novels accessible to poor readers!

I recommend you visit Scott’s website for further reading on the series AND on the truth behind the characters.  Wikipedia also provides some interesting reading on Nicholas and his wife Perenelle.

Definitely NOT a Harry Potter spin-off!  I apologize to Michael Scott for my initial uninformed prejudice and, without apology, I recommend you read “The Alchemyst” for yourself.

Just some brief notes on a few middler/young adult novels I’ve finished reading lately:

Near Hit:  Here Today by Ann M. Martin

Realistic Fiction and Historical Fiction (sort of) rolled into one.  It is 1963 and Ellie has a dysfunctional family due to a self-absorbed beautiful mother who splits before the novel is over.  Well told story of the situation where the child has to be the parent.  The Dad does step up before the novel ends.  Also interesting is the neighborhood of Witch Tree Lane – a diverse community which cares about one another, but suffers derision from the wider world.  (Especially the “two elderly ladies…who lived together for years and were not related” as Ellie explains.) Well told story.  Limited audience.

Near Miss:  White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages

Sequel to The Green Glass Sea which I loved, this novel tries to hard.  Dewey is still living with the Gordons.  The big plot line is Dewey’s mother’s appearance on the scene.  The book details the early opposition to nuclear weapons.  Klages obviously did a lot of research for the book and I painfully felt every bit of that research as I read the narrative.  I also found it hard to care about the characters in this sequel.  Not particularly recommended – even for fans of Green Glass Sea.

Hit! : The Hero by Ron Woods

This narrative surprised me – and after all the novels all these years that is not easy to do.  Not as strong as Cummings’ Red Kayak, never less this is a excellent look at a main character exhibiting character under tough circumstances.  Good hearted narrator Jamie, bossy cousin Jerry, and misfit neighbor Dennis make up the threesome of boys building a raft.  There is disaster coming – you can feel it through the entire novel.  But The Hero will surprise you.  He isn’t who or what you think.  Highly recommended!

Miss:  All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall

Great premise to this novel – Dad is an Elvis impersonator.  Unfortunately there is no interesting plot nor any character development in evidence.  Not recommended.

Near Hit:  Sparks fly Upward by Carol Matas

Set in turn of the century Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, this is the story of a Russian immigrant family and their struggles and disasters.  The author’s family history provides the inspiration for the story, and it is rich with details of life in a Kosher household with a huge extended family.  Insight into the cultural challenges and prejudices from within and without the family, this book is interesting reading.  This narrative is unique.  For better readers who enjoy historical fiction.

My undergraduate degree was from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. (It was called Illinois State Normal University when my parents attended there.)  So I guess I notice when the word ‘normal’ is in a book title.  “Deliver Us From Normal” (actually set in Normal, IL) and its sequel “Far From Normal” by Kate Klise … or “Define Normal” by Julie Ann Peters… or “Absolutely Normal Chaos” by Sharon Creech… or “Chasing Normal” by Lisa Papademetriou… et al

Waiting for Normal

But “Waiting for Normal” by Leslie Connor is a standout among the above mentioned ‘normal’ books.  (Although I did love the Creech book!)  Obviously the main character, 12 year old Addie, is not from a ‘normal home”.  Her “all or nothing” mother alternately smothers her or neglects her.   As her ex-stepfather Dwight tells her, Addie is indeed resilient; she makes the best of her less than normal life.  But as the plot develops, so does Addie’s character.  By the end Addie stands up for what she wants and needs… with a little help from her neighbor Soula and a cast of truly supporting characters.  Characters which truly support Addie, that is…

This is a novel I will only recommend to female readers, however, as there are several moments in the narrative that revolve around developing “boobs” and the start of menstruation; my 4th thru 8th grade male readers may find it uncomfortable reading.  But it is wonderful read!  Booklist said it best:  “Connor takes a familiar plot and elevates it with smartly written characters and unexpected moments.”  This book is above average.  Or should I say, “above normal”?

Anything but typical is not only the title, but an apt review.  Nora Raleigh Baskin has managed to write a novel that takes you inside the heart, mind and soul of Jason Blake, a sixth grade young man dealing with autism.  This narrative, told in the first person, manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. 

Years ago when I read “Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key” by Jack Gantos I gained insight into those suffering from ADD/ADHD.  Actually, I didn’t like the book because it made ME jumpy!  But it gave me some empathy for those ADD/ADHD students.  “Anything but Typical” does the same for Autism. 

I hope this finds an audience with my students.  We have practiced “Inclusion” in our school district since 1992, and I see a great deal more tolerance among students.  But I’m not sure there is always understanding.  I plan to push this novel among my 6-8th grade readers because I believe it will add the understanding that is lacking.

This would also make a great classroom novel to read aloud or as a group since Jason is a talented writer and wordsmith.  Baskin manages to weave a great deal of information about the elements of writing and novels into the narrative, adding to its value.

Those students who annually ask me for “A Child Called It” (which I have chosen not to include in our K-8 collection)…. I plan to give them this one.  It is infinitely more valuable!

A friend who lives in Australia just picked up Twilight for the first time and discussion has again ensued (via Facebook).  When in my post I called the four novels “the worst written books I couldn’t put down” one of my Australian friend’s responded:  “A well conceived story intricately plotted…”

I LIKE that. “A well conceived story intricately plotted…”  It hits the nail on the head of what IS good about Twilight.  The story is unique and the plot keeps you in suspense.  Romantic fantasy at its best  worst best worst best worst… oh, what does it matter!?  We’re still talking about them.

I stand by my first review of the Twilight saga:  not for most middle schoolers.  High school and up, please.

Chris Wooding is a British author who, according to his website, specializes in adult and YA science fiction and fantasy.  Scholastic has republished this 2006 work in the US and I’m thinking it was added to the collection at my junior high via the Scholastic bookfair this past fall.  Hooray for summer – I’m catching up on those novels!

Storm Thief is an interesting blend of Sci Fi/fantasy set in the dystopian community of Orokos.  I like the author’s description of his own work so much I’ll quote it here to give you a better idea of the plot:

“Storm Thief is another light romp through daisy-filled pastures with… wait, wait, no it’s not. It’s a grim dystopia where our heroes cling to life by their fingernails. It’s about order versus chaos, about the storms of adolescence, about hope and hopelessness. And it’s also about love and dreams and hope and sacrifice, and how even in the darkest places you can find a light.”

A rather difficult read, this one will appeal only to dedicated Sci Fi/fantasy and gifted readers.  Imaginative and different, neverless the plot is cumbersome and somehow not completely satisfying.  Storm Thief seems open to a sequel but I could find no mention of one on Wooding’s website. 

If you find this one in your summer reading stack, unless you are a HUGE fan of Sci Fi/fantasy, put it on the bottom.  There are sure to be more rewarding reads in the pile.  Sci Fi/fantasy lovers – put it on the top!

Donna Jo Napoli writes intense books.  (Previous favorites:  “Stones in Water” and “Crazy Jack”)  “Alligator Bayou” is certainly an intense piece of historical fiction.  Because of the intensity, Napoli’s books are often only appropriate for (and appreciated most by) more mature readers and this one is no exception.  Set in 1899 in Tallulah, Louisiana this novel follows the life of six Sicilian men (including two YAs) trying to make a life as unwelcome immigrants in a turbulent post-Civil War south. 

Napoli was inspired by a newspaper article about five Sicilian grocers who ended up lynched for serving a black customer before a white.  Often violent and complicated, this narrative confronts the reader with stark prejudice and vigilante “justice”.  This novel portrays an ugly side to American history… but therein lies its value.  Stark, but not condemning, Napoli manages to allow the reader to manage his own reactions to the historical reality.  Excellent author and source notes follow the narrative.

I have vowed to write to Napoli, however, to ask whether the race-tolerant viewpoint of the Sicilian men in her novel is backed up by research, or whether as a writer of fiction she chose to give them their attitudes of racial equality based on the newspaper account alone.  I did wonder if the Sicilian immigrants might have been just as prejudiced in their own ways, in reality, and I question whether the main character, Calogero, would have been romantically interested in a girl of another race.  It is a pattern in historical fiction to give the main characters modern views.  I just wonder if this is the case in this novel, or whether her research showed the Sicilians to be truly broad minded and forward thinking for their time.

Regardless, this is a novel not easily forgotten.  Disturbingly gritty, I recommend it to thoughtful good readers at the junior high and high school level.