Jane Unlimited

Jane Unlimited
Kristen Cashore
Penguin, 2017 453 pages
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Mystery
Grades 9-Up

Jane, reeling from the death of her guardian aunt and at loose ends since dropping out of college, accepts an invitation from her former tutor, rich girl Kiran, to a spring gala at Kiran's Family's mansion on an island off the coast of Long Island. Here Jane encounters many interesting people from eccentric family members, mysterious servants, and suspicious guests, to the family dog, who immediately becomes a friend. After breakfast on Jane's first morning a bell chimes and she must make a decision: to follow the housekeeper, a mysterious little girl, Kiran, Kiran’s attractive brother Ravi, or Jasper the dog. At this point the book gets interesting, as it is broken into five parts, each one tracing what happens if Jane makes a different choice of whom to follow. Each part feels like a distinct book written in a distinctly different style and genre. The first choice lands Jane in a classic art heist mystery, which she must solve and save the day. The second choice leads to a spy ring in which Jane and Kiran find themselves getting involved. Choice three explores what happened to the missing stepmother, a tale involving the supernatural, creepy happenings and a tragic end for Janey. Following Ravi leads to an exploration of different parallel worlds where Jane travels to a different reality and meets another Janey. Finally, the fifth choice has Jasper the dog leading Jane through a painting to an alien world in which her greatest dream can be a reality. Five books wrapped into one with a common exposition show readers that our choices matter and one seemingly innocent decision can change the course of our reality.

This was a very unusual book, and I don't say that often. Cashore, author of the traditional fantasy “Graceling” series puts convention on its head by exploring the consequences of decision making and conjuring up five very unique and distinct scenarios. In an author's note Cashore admits to originally being inspired to pen a "chose your own adventure" type book, but it grew into something quite different and new to teen literature. The book starts out as a traditional Gothic-inspired mystery. References to Rebecca are obvious from the creepy housekeeper's name, Mrs Vanvers (Danvers), to the dog named Jasper. Jane's name is taken straight from Jane Eyre. Then Cashore throws a curveball by going from a traditional mystery to four alternative stories, each one more outrageous written with entirely unique moods and within different genres. I'm not sure which one I liked the best, they were all enjoyable and so different it is like comparing apples to oranges. The many characters are distinct and keep their personalities as they interact within different scenarios. Some constants remain in each tale, such as Jane's umbrella making, discovering something strange about the artwork, and certain characters repeating the same behaviors, tying the stories together into one cohesive whole. I knew nothing about this book going in, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise as different choices unfolded. Previous reviews are mixed. Readers who expect more along the lines of the Gracling series will be disappointed because this book is so different. Those with more of an open mind and a big imagination will be pleasantly surprised as I was. My favorite twist is that Cashore drop hints, such as the skies literally raining frogs, that show readers that the overall story takes place in a slightly alternative universe. A fun and inspired book that will fire up the imaginations of ambitious readers.

American Street

American Street
Ibi Zoboi
Balzer + Bray, 2017 336 pages
Grades 9-Up
Realistic Fiction

Fabiola arrives with her mother from Haiti to America, only Mom is not allowed in the country. She continues alone to the home of her aunt and three cousins in a sketchy neighborhood in Detroit on the corner of Joy and American Streets. Fabiola is beside herself between missing her mother, the distant behavior of her aunt, and adjusting to life in America. High School is much rougher and confusing than she thought it would be. Luckily, she has her three street-smart cousins Chantal, Donna, and Princess, known collectively as the "Three B's", to protect her from the realities of inner-city Detroit. Fabiola is convinced that a homeless man who hangs out on the corner is really a Haitian deity and listens to his songs to find direction. Direction is needed as she is helpless to free her mother from the detention center where she is being kept, witnesses the constant abuse of Donna by her drug-dealing boyfriend, and falls in love for the first time. When approached by a police office to get information about Donna's bad boyfriend in exchange for the release of her mother, Fabiola is tempted. Is this the answer sent from the Gods? Life in America is far from the idolized dream that Fabiola visioned for herself and her mother. Can she make sense of this new land and find peace and happiness for her family?

First time author, Zoboi, offers a timely novel inspired by her own Haitian immigration experience. Beautifully written and character driven, Zoboi tells Fabiola's story lyrically and richly, allowing the reader to experience firsthand what life must be like for her and seeing the immigration experience through her eyes. Filled with confusion and uncertainty about this new land and her place within it, Fabioloa eventually finds the courage and confidence to do what she feels that she has to in order to free her mother and protect those she loves. Some themes in the book are similar to The Hate U Give, specifically the Black Lives Matter movement and the harsh reality of urban life, yet American Street is a bit grittier and is told through the point of view of an immigrant, giving the book an extra layer. A well-deserving National Book Award finalist, this story has a lot to say, while still retaining its readability and appeal to young people. The plot is great and will keep readers turning pages. By the conclusion of the story, things really heat up. The ending was surprising and satisfying, offering a bit of a twist. Not everything ends happily and there are deaths of key players, but the book does end hopefully with all of the remaining characters embarking on a fresh beginning. Adding a touch of magical realism, Haitian style, American Street is a rich and meaty novel and one of the best I have read this year.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Louis Sachar
Follett, 1978 139 pages
Grades 3-6
Humor
Wayside School series #1

Absurdity abounds at Wayside School, which was accidentally built up instead of out. After Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher in the school, turns herself into an apple that is eaten by the playground monitor, the class on the thirtieth floor needs a new teacher. Enter Mrs. Jewls, who is terribly nice, yet sometimes gets it hilariously wrong. Each chapter is headed by a different student in the class and a ridiculous tale about them is told. Silly situations involving dashing up and down the thirty stories for one reason or another, misunderstandings concerning student's names, friendships and intentions, wacky troubles and solutions with spelling and reading, showing up to an empty school on Saturday, and, my favorite, a stinky new kid who turns out to be a dead rat. The sainest soul among the inhabitants of Wayside School is Louis, the playground monitor, who is based on Sachar himself, who drew from his own experiences as a "yard teacher" while in college.

Before there was Holes, Sachar made a name for himself writing humorous school stories for kids that continue to be classics. Followed by two sequels, the Wayside School books remain one of the most popular series for younger chapter book readers who enjoy a good laugh. The best part about this series is that they really are written purely for the enjoyment of children, who will be pleased to get the jokes. There are some cheap laughs, but also some truly clever bits that even make this grizzled old librarian laugh out loud. I recently re-read this book for the first time in many years to get ready for my lower elementary book group. It has stood the test of time and continues to be absurdly funny. I have already received feedback from the kids, who have not particularly liked my first few "serious" selections. They claimed to have read this book quickly and loved it. Over the top? Maybe, but the Sideways School series continues to turn children into readers. Despite the crazy situations, Sachar manages to slip in some thematic content and character building. My favorite line from the story is delivered by always smiling D.J.who when asked why he was so happy replied, "You need a reason to be sad. You don't need a reason to be happy." We need more happiness in the world and Wayside School is a positive step in this direction.

Landscape with Invisible Hand

Landscape with Invisible Hand
M. T. Anderson
Candlewick, 2017 149 pages
Grades 8-Up
Science Fiction

Set in the near future, Aliens, called the Vuvv, have taken over the earth. American teenager and budding artist, Adam, must try to help his family survive. His father left the family, his mother is jobless, and there are very little prospects in this bleak new society, where humans are second -class citizens. When the family takes in another family to help pay the mortgage, Adam begins a relationship with the teenage daughter. In order to raise some much needed funds, the new lovers decided to record their romance in order to sell the footage to the Vuvv, who are obsessed with human relationships. Because they first discovered Earth in the 1950's, the Vuvv particularly enjoy that time period, so Adam and Chloe play-up the relationship, adding as many corny bits as possible. Eventually the strain of taping, seeing each other constantly, and Adam's seemingly incurable Vuvv-caused digestive condition zaps the romance out of the relationship and Chloe finds love elsewhere. The Vuvv drop the show and Adam's family no longer has an income. Adam enters an art contest to try to acquire some cash. Will he win? How will the family survive? Will Adam's illness be life threatening? All of these questions are answered by book's end in a satisfying, yet unpredictable, conclusion.

This short novel is designed as a series of vignettes, each chapter serving as a painting of Adam's. The chapter headings are painting titles and Adam describes his life within the context of the painting he is working on and that of which the chapter is named. Anderson's science fiction novel Feed continues to haunt me, even after reading it fifteen years ago, especially since it was foreshadowing to the society in which we now live; with teenagers constantly hooked into electronic images and advertising. This new offering also is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of our society as shown through eyes of a boy living in a future mess. The writing is tight and beautiful. Every word counts and the volume reads like poetry, yet there remains a plot and an interesting concept. Bright and creative teenagers will love this book, though I fear it is not for everyone. The cover makes sense, since it is meant to be one of Adam's paintings, but may not draw in readers. Anderson's ending feels a bit rushed. The book builds up to a very cool climax, where the author shoots the read's an interesting and unexpected twist, which proves to be disappointing to the main character. The last chapter shows the family's situation all "fixed" despite everything previously going wrong pages ago. This feels a bit unrealistic, but is age appropriate for the target audience, who prefer a happy ending.

The Witch Boy

The Witch Boy
Molly Ostertag
Graphix/Scholastic, 2017 213 pages
Grades 4-8
Graphic Novel

In an alternate universe, that exists in a hidden wood connected to our society, lies a world of magic. The men of this world are the shapeshifters, who transform into animals in order to protect the village. The women are witches, who use magic also for protection, as well as healing and other various purposes. Ashter is a boy whose body refuses to shift into another creature. Instead, he feels a pull towards witchcraft and secretly hides during the girl's lessons to learn their magic. When Ashter's family discovers what he is up to, they are very upset. The powers that be feel that boys dabbling in witchcraft only leads to trouble. He must concentrate only on shapeshifting, except, try as he might, he's just not feeling it. Ashter wanders out of his village and into a contemporary town where he meets a non-traditional girl who is benched from basketball with a broken leg. The two become friends, as they accepts each other for their unique personalities and abilities, and he becomes determined to use witchcraft to heal her. Meanwhile, a mysterious beast is stealing the boys from the village. Who is this beast and why is he luring the boys away? Both the shape shifters and the witches are powerless to stop him. When the beast tries to coax Ashter to the dark side, he discovers the secret to possibly stopping this evil. Is he brave enough to stand up to tradition and use his witchcraft in order to save the village?

Newcomer Ostertag offers a fresh and original story sure to appeal to both boys and girls, as well as both graphic novel readers and those new to the genre. I have had this book in my possession since June and have not read it because, judging from the cover art, I thought it looked like a caveman story. After reading many positive reviews I finally picked it up and was so glad I did. Far from prehistoric, Witch Boy is seeped in magic and can be placed firmly within the genre of magical realism. More instinctive than Harry Potter's magic, the fantastic elements will make reader’s imaginations soar and are written to feel believable. The main theme of the story is breaking gender barriers and being true to yourself, even if that goes against society's norms. The contrast between Ashter's strict gender division and his new friend's contemporary world, where girls can dress like boys, play basketball and have two fathers, is obvious. Ashter finds courage through this new world to bring acceptance to his present, even if it means disappointing those he loves. This full color volume is well drawn, scans easily, and reads quickly. It will be enjoyed by everyone who picks it up and is a much welcomed addition to round-out a graphic novel collection. I am looking forward to Ostertag's next contribution, whether it's a new adventure for Ashter or a completely different story.

Refugee

Refugee
Alan Gratz
Scholastic, 2017 341 pages
Grades 5-8
Realistic Fiction/Adventure/Historical Fiction

Three compelling narrators tell separate accounts during different time periods of having to flee for their lives, being forced into becoming a refugee. The first narrator is Josef, who is a Jew escaping Nazi Germany. Josef's Dad was arrested during Kristallnacht and sent to Dachau. Now released, the family boards a ship full of Jews heading to the only country who agrees to accept them: Cuba. Father is mentally damaged from his time in the concentration camp and recently Bar Mitzvahed, Josef must become the man of the family. Once arriving in Cuba, the passengers are not allowed to depart and are forced to had back to Europe and certain death. In a separate account Isabel must sell her beloved trumpet in order to buy much needed gasoline for a cobbled-together boat in which both her family and a neighbors plan to escape Castro's Cuba in the early 1990's. Isabel's mother is very pregnant and the boat is not only far from seaworthy, but overcrowded. The two families must battle shark-infested waters in a rapidly sinking boat with no navigational equipment in order to reach Miami and freedom. Present day Mahmoud's family flees from their bombed out apartment in the capital city of Syria. They must find passage through unwelcoming countries in order to gain entrance to Germany, where they are hoping for asylum. The roads are filled with Syrian refugees, who are also seeking safety and refuge. Mahmoud's journey is riddled with danger, corruption, and disappointment. Will our three families reach safety? All is revealed by book's end.

Veteran author for young people, Gratz, pens novels for middle grade readers with more substance than the average fair. Refugee is no exception. Gritty, realistic, and timely, it demonstrates a global problem that although not new, is still with us and alerts young people to the true condition of those seeking asylum in the United States and other safe nations. Gratz offers historical facts, further explained in an author's note at the end of the book, and places them in a highly-readable fictionalized story. Each chapter is clearly labeled with the narrator's name and date to alleviate confusion and ends with a cliffhanger, encouraging readers to keep turning pages. Although members of each family eventually find safety, each story contains losses and deaths, including one of the main characters. There is hope, but not a complete happy ending, which makes the book both realistic and age appropriate. Each story is tied together in a small, yet interesting way. adding a cohesive element to the volume. Beyond an author's note at the end, separating the fact from fiction, Gratz also includes detailed maps of our hero's journeys and sources of where young people can go if they want to get involved with helping refugees. Timely, historic, and entertaining, this book is socially important and an exciting read.

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Steve Sheinkin
Roaring Book Press, 2017 280 pages
Grades 6-Up
Nonfiction/Biography

Award-winning author of several works of nonfiction for young people, Sheinkin presents a highly readable account of the life of Jim Thorpe, as well as an overview of the Indian boarding schools from a century ago and the early history of football. Thorpe is not the only star of this biography, as Sheinkin also highlights the life of his ground-breaking coach, Pop Warner. The reader experiences the world of the early previous century, when every Native American was nicknamed "chief", racism ran rampant, and football was an untamed, helmet-optional sport. Thorpe escaped from a world of limited opportunities and discrimination to attend an Indian "reconditioning" boarding school of questionable motives and practices. The school had one thing going for it: an excellent coach who was set to make his name in this new sport called football at a school where he was offered free autonomy to coach as experimentally as he pleased. Thorpe proved himself to be an amazing multi-versatile athlete, finally rising to a big Olympic decathlon win, where he was considered to be the top athlete in the entire world. Unfortunately, Thorpe's life took a turn for the worse, yet he managed to always keep his winning smile and can-do spirit and remained involved with athletics his entire life.

Sheinkin paints a sympathetic picture of Thorpe and shows his shortcomings to be a result of atrocious discrimination against Native Americans at the time and misuse and corruption at the hands of the famous coach, Pop Warner. Certainly it was no easy task to be Native American one-hundred years ago. Readers will be exposed to the practice of reconditioning Native Americans and see what life was like for them after the Indian wars. The Carlisle football team brought much needed pride and hope to an entire generation of native peoples and Jim Thorpe was not only an Indian hero, but an American hero. Readers will also learn about the early days of football, which in itself would make a great book. The book is written so well that even non-football fans, such as myself, will be riveted. An easy sell to reluctant readers, especially boys, this book certainly deserves a place in most libraries and is a perfect choice for the dreaded biography book reports. Sheinkin did meticulous research and extensive source notes, works cited, and index is offered at the end of the volume. Fascinating photos from the time period put the account in historical perspective. Of particular interest are the before and after photos of the Carlisle students. An enjoyable and educational account of Thorpe and early football that almost reads like fiction and will be enjoyed by both fans of the sport and the casual reader.

Ada Lace on the Case/Sees Red

Ada Lace on the Case
Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston
Renee Kurilla, Illustrator
Simon & Schuster, 2017 123 pages
Grades 3-5
Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Ada has recently moved to a suburban San Francisco apartment in a cul-de-sac. Making new friends would be hard enough, but she is stuck all summer in her room, thanks to a broken leg. Luckily, Ada has her scientific journal to keep her busy and, eventually, the visits from a lively new neighbor, Nina, who encourages Ada to keep tabs on the neighborhood with binoculars Rear Window style. While observing the neighborhood, Ada and Nina make enemies of an obnoxious neighbor-boy and discover the disappearance of a different neighbor's beloved dog, Marguerite. What happened to the little Yorkie? His owner seems bereft without him. Is foul play involved? If so, which neighbor is responsible? Ada and Nina use science, observation, and instinct to track down the missing pooch. The answer is much less ominous than the girl were led to believe and new friendships are formed as a result of the investigation.

Ada Lace Sees Red

Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston

Renee Kurilla, Illustrator

Simon & Schuster, 2017 126 pages

Grades 3-5

Realistic Fiction

The new school year has begun and Ada and Nina have a new art teacher: Ada's Dad! Having your father as your art teacher is not as much fun as it sounds, especially if art is your worst subject. Science and math make so much sense to Ada, but colors escape her. With the help of creative and artistic Nina Ada learns why art is so difficult for her and finds away to compensate for her lack of abilities. But what will her artist parents say when they discover the truth about their non-artistic daughter? Will they send her away? Meanwhile, Ada's attention and energy is going into a robot designing competition for kids where her nemesis-neighbor is also competing. Ada works really hard to design the best robot, but does it have what it takes to bring home the medal?

Scientist Calandrelli is passionate about encouraging girls to delve into science and is all about STEM. To this end she has developed this new series with a strong and scientifically smart young female protagonist to expose kids to STEM concepts as well as keep them entertained. In On the Case Ada uses technology, science, and careful observation to track down the clues to locate the missing pooch. Sees Red is more STEAM than STEM and demonstrates how different kids can see the world completely differently and can still be friends, even through their brains may process in completely opposite ways. In fact it's their differences that bring Ada and Nina together. They compliment each other and work together to create a robot that is both functional and fashionable, winning the big competition. Perfect for kids graduating from early chapter books, this series provides a linear plot with interesting characters, real-life situations, and gentle humor. The print is large, chapters are short, and the cartoon-like illustrations are plentiful, inviting in reluctant readers. Even though the two main characters are girls, boys will enjoy this series as well. It has great potential for classroom use, but will be picked up simply for pleasure reading. The series is agenda-driven, but kids won't notice or care. Science-minded young people will find a friend in Ada and non-scientific kids will enjoy the story and be comforted that maybe they are better at something, such as art, than the "smart kids". Back matter includes scientific information about the principles covered in the story, that were actually interesting, even to a non-science geek such as myself. The third installment in the series, Take me to Your Leader, deals with ham radios and outer space and is set to be released in May, 2018.

Elizabeth and Zenobia

Elizabeth and Zenobia
Jessica Miller
Amulet/Abrams, 2017 198 pages
Grades 4-6
Horror

Elizabeth, a young girl whose mother has recently deserted the family with an opera singer, travels with her distant father to his childhood home in the dreary British countryside of the early previous century. Aptly named, Witheringe House, is decidedly creepy and desolate, but Elizabeth is not alone. She has her imaginary companion, Zenobia, to keep her company. Zenobia is Elizabeth's "evil twin". She at times behaves badly and likes dark things. Presently, Zenobia is interested in summoning spirits of which there seem to be a lot of in their new home. The only other inhabitant of the house is the housekeeper Mrs. Purswell, whose strange and cold personality seem to match the dwelling in which she serves. After many days of exploring on her own with Zenobia, Elizabeth encounters a gardener, who appears to be conducting some less than savory experiments with his plants. After discovering that the gardener does not really exist, Father becomes even more concerned with Elizabeth's sanity and hires a governess. Miss Clemency. Miss Clemency brings with her a breath of fresh air and some much needed sunshine to Elizabeth's life, making Zenobia jealous and resulting in some evil pranks that prove dangerous. Meanwhile, Elizabeth discovers that Father had a sister whom he was very close to who died when she was a little girl. After uncovering this previously unknown relation, Elizabeth starts reading stories about a mysterious Plant Kingdom that begin to appear on the nursery wallpaper. Could her deceased aunt be trapped in the Plant Kingdom?

This was a great story to read the week before Halloween. It is deliciously creepy and atmospheric. The striking cover that looks like old-fashioned dolls, which I personally find creepy, will draw in readers looking for chills. Full page illustrations, contributed by Yelena Bryksenkova, do not necessarily add to the plot, but help to place the story within its Gothic setting. Zenobia serves as Elizabeth's evil subconscious and acts out the impulses that she cannot express herself. It is not always clear that Zenobia is imaginary, except for the fact that only Elizabeth can see her, and readers might wonder if she is actually a spirit presence herself. At the end of the story Zenobia is still firmly entrenched in Elizabeth's life, not offering closure on that score. We do get closure on the fate of the deceased aunt, who gets a happy ending. This may seem a little unrealistic to the reader, yet this is a work of fantasy. Or is it? It is never really clear if the spooky mysterious happenings are really going on or just a figment of a lonely little girl's imagination. Father also gets a happy ending and it looks like Elizabeth's life will be a bit more cheerful. She finally receives the reassurance that Father loves her and her family increases three fold, yet Zenobia remains. Possibly the author is considering more adventures for the two friends. At any rate, kids who appreciate sinister happenings and bumps in the night will love this book and be glad that the interesting character of Zenobia remains and is possibly real. Too scary for sensitive readers, this title is just right for middle grade readers who want a shivery tale in the Gothic tradition.

We are Okay

We Are Okay
Nina LaCour
Dutton/Penguin, 2017  234 pages
Grades 9-Up
Realistic Fiction

College freshman, Marin, will be the only student left on campus at her east coast college during winter break. She will be spending Christmas in the dorms, alone with only a groundskeeper driving by to check on her. Marin is visibly nervous about an impending visit from her friend Mabel and after a busy day of preparations Mabel arrives. Mabel is Marin's previous best friend from her coastal northern California home. Slowly, through a series of flashback we see the history of this friendship, which turned to romance the previous summer.  We also slowly discover that Marin's sole relative, a beloved grandfather, died at the end of the summer, leaving her bereft and shattered. After the death of Gramps Marin escaped California and the life she knew there to begin again on the opposite coast. Now Mabel's visit is stirring up memories and emotions that Marin thought she buried. Mabel is in a new relationship with a boy, which forces Marin to acknowledge her feelings and return Mabel to friendship/sister status. Mabel's family wants Marin to return to California for the holidays and join their family. She is sorely tempted, but isn't ready to open her heart again. Confusion about the secrets that Gramps was hiding and bereaving the mother she never knew, Marin is not sure if she is ready to enter into a new family situation. Meanwhile, her artistic heart sours as she enters a pottery shop and makes a connection with the owner. Will she find her way to inner-peace through creating pottery? Mabel leaves and Marin is again alone, but is this what she really wants?

I have been hearing a lot about this book and it's been on my radar to read. I incorrectly thought it was a science fiction book. I think I got this impression from the cover, where the girl looks like she is standing on the moon. It is very far from science fiction. Instead, this is a heartfelt realistic/coming of age tale that will appeal to fans of John Green. Not much happens in this story. Readers will keep turning pages in order to discover what has left Marin so broken and then to find out if she finds some healing and allows herself to love again. Since the past is unraveled slowly, LaCour holds the reader's interest and the story feels almost like a mystery. The contrast between the sunny California party summer and snowy New York desolate winter is striking and mirrors Marin's emotions. Not much on plot, instead We Are Okay is a character driven novel. The reader really gets to know Marin and walk in her shoes during this critical time in her life. Mable is also fully realized, as is Gramps, a character that you wish you knew in real life. Based on the amazing reviews it received, fifty-six libraries in my county purchased this book, yet only eight are currently checked out, which is a very low number for a relatively new book in my overpopulated library consortium. This goes to show that although the book is excellently written, it will appeal to a limited readership comprised of mostly thoughtful and patient readers who will appreciate a quietly beautiful coming of age tale.