September 2016

Starred

SECONDARY

The Last Time We Say Goodbye

Author: Hand, Cynthia

Illustrator: NA

Harper Teen, 2015

ISBN: 9780062318473

Grades 9 - 12: Alexis knows there's no such thing as a ghost, so when her dead brother appears to first her mother and then her, she is sure she is losing her mind. Tyler killed himself, and that is a suicide that has rocked their family to the very core. Her mother is emotionally coming apart, and Lex is barely holding it together herself. The grieving process is compounded by the subsequent suicides of some of Tyler's friends. In "The Last Time We Say Goodbye," Cynthia Hand creates a story that is utterly raw. She captures the relationships between siblings so precisely that I found myself alternately laughing as I recognized some of the emotions and aching along with Lex and her mother. The appearance of Tyler's ghost and his seeming insistence provide Lex with motivation to explore both the supernatural and explainable reasons for his appearance. Hand beautifully examines the differences in how people respond to grief and explores the phenomenon of teen suicide and its aftermath of copycat suicides. Verdict: Purchase multiple copies of this sensitively written story.

Curricular Use: This is a title that invites an examination of the grieving process as well as the issue of teen suicide. There is no author note or resources that might have been a valuable addition, but it is something that would provide opportunity for further inquiry.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Finding Audrey

Author: Kinsella, Sophie

Illustrator: NA

Delacorte Press, 2015

ISBN: 9780553536515

Grades 9 - 12: Eyes are the windows of the soul, and Audrey is NOT going to let anyone look through HER windows! Who knew that a character with an anxiety disorder could be written with such humor and sensitivity? It helps that Audrey is a fully realized character who is supported by an utterly human (and humane) cast of characters. The backdrop is the feud between her mother and her brother over computer use and her brother, Frank's, compulsive playing of the video game "Land of Conquerors." Frank's goal: build a team, enter the "Land of Conquerors" online tournament, and win the outrageously huge prize money. Audrey's mother's goal: keep her son from an addiction to technology in general and this computer game specifically. It is one of Frank's teammates that provides the impetus for Audrey to begin the healing process, and as the feud between Frank and their parents escalates, so do the absurd scenarios. Readers can't help but love Audrey's family, her therapist--Dr. Sarah, and Linus--the boy who sees Audrey as a human rather than a freak. Verdict: This is a not-to-be missed story. Purchase at least a couple of copies--particularly for those readers who enjoy Rallison's stories.

Curricular Use: This story would fit well with health curriculum related to mental illness. It has greater text complexity, since it is set in the UK and employs colloquialisms from the UK.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Scar: A Revolutionary War Tale

Author: Mann, J. Albert

Illustrator: NA

Calkins Creek, 2016

ISBN: 9781629794655

Grades 6 - 8,Grades 9 - 12: Sixteen-year-old Noah is left as the man of the house after his father dies. His mom and sister all work together to keep the farm running and help keep the Minisink settlement together. England soldiers, Tories, have aligned with the native Iroquois tribe to squash the attempts of the pioneers to break from England. Noah's family barely escapes when their house is burned down by the raiders. Many others in the settlement have met the same fate and they seek help from other militias. They, along with Noah, head out to seek revenge on the raiders and get two stolen boys and their livestock back. Told in alternating chapters, Noah describes his pioneer life and how the battle went. He is injured and finds a Mohawk warrior, about his age, that is also injured. Together they find comfort as help arrives to late for both of them. This is a great historical fiction novel. Students will keep reading to find out what happens. Many may be disappointed that it doesn't have a happy ending, but war stories rarely do. The size and subject matter make it great for middle school, but high school students seeking a quick read will also enjoy it. Verdict: A great addition to any middle or high school library.

Curricular Use: This has multiple uses: historical fiction, Revolutionary War, unexpected friendships, etc.

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Of Better Blood

Author: Moger, Susan

Illustrator: NA

Albert Whitman & Company Teen, 2016

ISBN: 9780807547748

Grades 9 - 12,Grade 8: I was blissfully unaware of the seamier side of eugenics until Susan Moger jarred me out of it. "Of Better Blood" is the compelling fictionalized account of Rowan Collier, the second daughter of a wealthy father. She's beautiful and talented, and is unfortunate enough to have been born in the 1920s at a time when the Betterment Society was in full swing. Her mother's death is dismissed as a lack of strength. When Rowen contracts polio, this, too, is considered evidence that she is genetically inferior. At first she is treated by a young physician who is trying new treatments for polio, and she is responding well. Her father's decision to absent himself from her life and world makes her vulnerable to predators who use her to preach the gospel of Fit Families as she is forced to participate in a sideshow with other individuals who are either immigrants or disabled in some way. Moger keeps the plot moving, and in Rowen and her resourceful carny friend, Dorchy, Moger creates ultimately strong and sympathetic characters. The story was compelling and the ties to the movements among whites and blacks to insure the strongest genetic bloodlines was eye opening. Moger avoided vilifying all members of the Betterment Society, creating the shades of gray that are inherent in all ethical dilemmas. Verdict: This is a first purchase for collections that need historical fiction about topics in history that are rarely discussed.

Curricular Use: This title provides multiple opportunities to discuss how Darwin's theories were applied in history. Moger looks at the socioeconomic and cultural inequities and how those were exploited. This has strong curricular ties to history, science, and ethics.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

The Inker’s Shadow

Author: Say, Allen

Illustrator: Say, Allen

Scholastic Press, 2015

ISBN: 9780545437769

Grades 9 - 12,Adult: Allen Say, Portland, Oregon author, reflects on moving to California from Japan only eight years after World War II in this companion book to "Drawing from Memory." A cold father dumped Allen into a youth military camp where he endured persecution, finally being thrown out. His alter ego, a cartoon based on himself by his Sensie, Noro Shinpie, was his only companion. Opportune guardians helped him with kindnesses along the way: Willard who taught him to drive, the train engineer, Mr. Price who called him son, and Mrs. Swope, the art teacher who set him on the path to his eventual career: he gives homage to them while not minimizing the trials. Artfully done! Verdict: I am a fan. Rather "Grandfather's Journey," or "The Boy of the Three-Year Nap" (Caldecott winner), Say has a way of harvesting a human experience from the reader's heart by sharing his own.

Curricular Use: The story splendidly serves as a model for thoughtful journal or memoir writing, giving any reader a significant prompt to record pivotal moments of their life.

Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian & Follett Trainer, Former RALHS Librarian

Recommended

ELEMENTARY

The Fire Dragon Storm

Author: Cameron, Anne

Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson

Greenwillow, 2016

ISBN: 9780062112866

Grades 4 - 5,Grades 6 - 8: The Lightning Catcher book 4. Best friends and lightning cubs Angus, Dougal and Indigo are getting ready to head back to their unusual weather school, the Perilous Emploratorium, from Christmas break, when Angus' Uncle Jeremius tells them shocking news - the rest of the world thinks they are dead! Trying to keep the trio safe from the evils of Scabious Dankhart and his spy at Perilous, Principal Dark-Angel, they've created a story and hidden the kids in the library at school under the pretense that the library is closed due to an infestation of fog mites. Principal Dark-Angel discovers the trio and blackmails them. She will keep their secret if they will solve the puzzles that will reveal the keepers of the four blue dragon scales. Together Angus, Dougal and Indigo must survive Dankhart's attacks on on Perilous while finding the secret scales. When Dankhart brings his most devastating storm to Perilous, Angus drinks the crushed scales and is able to call up the fire dragons to defeat Dankhart. Dankhart Castle is destroyed and Angus' parents are finally freed. This is a great conclusion to the series, although the ending does leave the door open. Fans of the series will certainly love this one too! Verdict: A great fantasy series for upper elementary and middle school students. If you don't already own it, you should!

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Darkmouth, Book 2: Worlds Explode

Author: Hegarty, Shane

Illustrator: James de la Rue

Harper, 2015

ISBN: 9780062311320

Grades 4 - 5,Grades 6 - 8: Darkmouth book 2. Finn is still reeling from his father being trapped on the Infested Side with the Legends (monsters.) Finn is the last remaining Legend Hunter and has been placed under observation by the Council of Twelve. Even though her father is one of the observers, Emmie has become close friends with Finn. Together they find a map that they hope will lead them to Finn's dad. Saddled with Estravon the Assessor at their heels, Finn and Emmie find a portal to the Infested Side and have a harrowing adventure that eventually leads them to Finn's dad. It appears to be a happy ending, until a stranger silently comes to town leading us to wonder what will happen in the next installment. This is a great adventure with a less than perfect hero. Finn is a truly likable character and students will be rooting for him to succeed! Verdict: A great read for upper elementary and middle school students. If you don't already have the first book, you'll need to buy that one too.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading.

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Deadly 7

Author: Jennings, Garth

Illustrator: Garth Jennings

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2015

ISBN: 9781250052759

Grades 4 - 5,Grades 6 - 8: Nelson is shocked and devastated when his half-sister Celeste is missing after a boat she was riding in on a school field trip explodes. He is sent to stay with his eccentric Uncle Pogo while his parents go to the scene. Uncle Pogo takes Nelson to the cathedral where he's fixing leaks when they discover a secret room. Nelson falls backwards onto a table while trying to tighten a pipe, which extracts the essence of Nelson's deadly seven sins. The seven little monsters finally catch up with Nelson and Pogo's house and convince Nelson that they are here to help him find Celeste. This odd, rag-tag group becomes a team and heads off to find Celeste. Each monster is uniquely its own and the fact that only Nelson can see them adds to the humor. After a harrowing adventure that includes being chased by Nelson's zombified Uncle Brian, they succeed in finding Celeste. A great fantasy adventure that makes monsters funny, not scary. Verdict: This is a fun and unique adventure that is sure to please a wide audience. It will make everyone wish they had a monster crew like Nelson's.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading.

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialists, Coweeman Middle School

Attack of the Girlzillas

Author: Meyerhoff, Jenny

Illustrator: Jason Week

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2015

ISBN: 9780374305246

Grades 3 - 6: The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger book 3. Fifth grade comedian, Louie, is saddened to learn his dad is leaving for two weeks to complete an art project for a library. To make matters worse, Louie's grandma will be staying with him and his mom and two sisters while his dad is gone. More drama ensues when boys in his class begin wanting to "Go Out" with girls and Louie thinks that's terrible. Soon he is in a boys vs. girls war and he and his best friend, Thermos, are on opposite sides. Louie finds an unusual place to draw a truce, the fifth grade musical where he saves the day and his friendship with Thermos. This is another funny story in the series. Students will easily relate to Louie and his antics. Verdict: This is a fun series for reluctant boys. The cartoon style illustrations and humorous text will keep them hooked to the last page.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Amelia Bedelia Shapes Up

Author: Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Greenwillow, 2014

ISBN: 9780062333971

Grades 1 - 3,Grades 4 - 5: Herman Parish creates early chapter books based on his Aunt Peggy's literalist Amelia Bedelia character as young modern girl. Amelia is embarrassed when her friends choose a water fountain for a team-mate before they choose her, so her parents try to help her. Her dad takes her golfing and mom shows her yoga poses, but when her teachers propose a Greek pentathlon for the class, Amelia goes all out--as in finding 100 (parking) meters to practice dashing between. Friends help her practice for the other events, and at the pentathlon she impresses everyone by coming in second in all the events, and is given a laurel wreath with the winners for her effort and sportsmanship. The easy text comes in at Fourth grade readability with plenty of white space and b/w illustrations to be inviting to early chapter book readers. Assorted puns and plays on words and phrases add engaging humor. Verdict: A satisfying (and humorous) story of a positive character who is a little bit different from her peers, persevering to success while exemplifying good friendship and sportsmanship.

Curricular Use: Good for early chapter book readers and students who may need encouragement to learn friendship/sportsmanship skills.

Reviewer: Carol Blix, Town Librarian, Cathlamet Public Library

Time for Earth school, Dewey Dew

Author: Staub, Leslie

Illustrator: Jeff Mack

Boyds Mill Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781590789582

Grades 1 - 3: Alien Dewey Dew did not want to go to school. He did not want to go to school in outer space, so he went to Earth. It was supposed to be alright, said his mother, but it was all foreign to him. The clothes did not fit, the sounds were different and everything has an odd name. Nobody was blue like him. Until J.J. Burgdorf Havermeier the Third showed up and asked Dewey to be his friend, then the world was better. Verdict: What a great story and character Dewey Dew to introduce and to relate to the new kids who come to a new school.

Curricular Use: Read to new kids who come to school

Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Library Media Specialist, Wallace Elementary Library, Kelso, WA

SECONDARY

The Mark of Cain

Author: Barraclough, Lindsey

Illustrator: NA

Candlewick Press, 2014

ISBN: 9780763678647

7 - 12: Companion to Long Lankin. This horror story begins in the later 1500s when young Aphra is found as a baby and raised with two witches. Aphra is trained to embrace her powers, but her two mothers don't recognize her full capacities. After their home is burned and her mothers burned along with it, twice, Aphra is forced to live on her own. Eventually she meets and falls in love with an outcasted leper plagued man, Long Lankin and they have a stillborn child together. Lankin doesn't return after taking the baby to bury and Aphra is found by a landowner's servant who bring her back to be the master's wet nurse. She later learns that Lankin was tormented and the baby fed to the master's dogs. Aphra's plan to cure Lankin goes wrong and she is caught and later burned at a stake after killing the master's baby. Her last words are a curse on the last breath on the Guerdon bloodline. Fast forward to 1962 when the last heirs of the bloodline arrive back to the old family home. Sisters Cora and Mimi have had a previous horrible experience there, that is eluded to but never described, and trouble starts when they arrive. The sisters must trust old acquaintances and make new friends as they learn about the curse of their bloodline. Old wards have been broken and Aphra is now free to inhabit the house and seeks to destroy the final heirs. This is definitely a hair-raising horror story that readers will read to the end to see how it all works out. While it certainly works as a stand alone story, I was always curious about the the prior events that were frequently mentioned. I didn't realize that this was a sequel until after I read it. Upper middle school and high school girls will enjoy this. Verdict: Horror fans will enjoy this one - spooky, not gory, and a real story line.

Curricular Use: Mostly pleasure, but could be tied into witchcraft trials.

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Ghostfaces

Author: Flanagan, John

Illustrator: Anna Warren

Philomel, 2016

ISBN: 9780399163579

Grades 6 - 8,Grades 9 - 12: Brotherband Chronicles book 6. Hal and his Brotherband crew are trying to outrun a terrible ocean storm on board their small ship. Battered and near starving, the ship finally washes up on unfamiliar territory. Lydia, a highly skilled hunter and the only girl on the crew, knows that she is being watched while hunting. The locals finally show themselves after Jesper leads the crew in rescuing two local children that have been treed by a bear. The Mawagansett tribe befriends the Brotherband and together must figure out a way to defeat the Ghostfaces, a warring tribe that will return again to destroy the Mawagansetts. This installment is filled with adventure, fighting and a heartbreaking romance. I really appreciated the nautical glossary being included as the first pages of the book. Knowing what the terms meant made it much easier for me to follow the crew's actions while on their ship. Verdict: This is another hit from John Flanagan. If you don't already own this series, you need to!

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Firebug

Author: Enders, Joan

Illustrator: NA

Henry Holt, 2014

ISBN: 9780805098624

Grades 9 - 12: Ava can start fires with her mind, and the magical mafia, Coterie, employs her as their top hit human. Ava and her friends go on the lam when Coterie's godmother, Venus, requires her to kill a family friend. McBride once again introduces the reader to a story, truer than true, in a fantastical setting. Verbal repartee between characters illicits snorts or guffaws. This author introduces a blatently impossible plot and sucks the reader into the reality of the improbability. Verdict: Fantasy readers who enjoy clever wordsmithing will enjoy this along with the sequel, Pyromantic.

Curricular Use: Most English teachers will not appreciate this novel except for personal pleasure reading or for an introduction to the modern YA fantasy genre. But if they wish to schedule a personable, lucid, humourous local author to visit, Lish McBride is a winner, having talked with and inspired RALHS writers previously in 2013.

Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian & Follett Trainer, Robert A. Long High School Library

The Thousandth Floor

Author: McGee, Katharine

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2016

ISBN: 9780062418593

Grades 9 - 12: Readers of this debut novel are about to enter a futuristic novel that is reminiscent of Sara Shepard's "Pretty Little Liars" series. Reminiscent may be misleading. All of the characters are teens, and they all actively engage in sexual encounters, drinking, and behaviors that would typically be the domain of adults. Oh, and one of the characters dies right off. Readers are given a preview of a girl falling from the thousandth floor of a New York tower. The remaining chapters provide the backstory, and the last few chapters identify the victim. What makes the story compelling is the characters and the richly imagined setting in the year 2118. Socioeconomic groups are stratified, quite literally, by the floors on which they live. The 900 level floors are the more wealthy, and the lower floors represent squalor. Characters within the story occupy all levels and their motivations are believable. McGee isn't afraid to break a few taboos as readers discover that Avery Fuller is in love with her brother, Atlas. McGee doesn't go quite as far down the incestuous rabbit hole as V. C. Andrews, since Atlas has been adopted, but physical relationship between Avery and Atlas is pretty scandalous nonetheless. Leda is Avery's best friend and chief rival for Atlas's attention, and Leda is just ruthless enough to compel silence about the murder. Other players include an orphan who has chosen to be emancipated in order to keep her younger sibling out of foster care, a poor Indian (not Native American) boy who is a brilliant hacker and uses his skills to augment the family income, and the daughter of a model whose paternity causes a sudden shift in her economic stability. Drug use, love, sex (implied, and off page), and secrets abound, and readers who can get past the perspective jumps between five characters will find this a guilty pleasure. Verdict: More sophisticated and mature fans of pure science fiction and a good murder mystery will be engrossed in this book.

Curricular Use: This is a book that provides opportunities to look at healthy relationships and compare intimacy with lust. Characters depicted are representative of multiple races, socioeconomic groups, and sexual orientation.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Challenger Deep

Author: Shusterman, Neal

Illustrator: Brendan Shusterman

Harper Teen, 2015

ISBN: 9780061134111

Grades 9 - 12,Grades 7 - 8: I am not nearly as enamored of this highly acclaimed book by Neal Shusterman as the rest of the world. It's good, it's worthwhile, and there's a buzz about it, but as far as the exploration of schizophrenia goes, this one is a little harder to follow--if that's possible. The first chapter is written in second person. . .a fascinating device that works for some books, but serves to make an already confusing plot even more confusing. Caden Bosch THINKS he is on a pirate ship. That is plot line one. He's REALLY had a schizophrenic break and is a hospital. That is plot line two. The captain of the pirate ship is encouraging him to do self-destructive things. The parrot, on the other hand, is attempting to help him process what is happening to him and corresponds to Dr. Poirot, Cade's therapist. The pirate ship becomes a metaphor of Caden's healing--including the introduction of characters like Calliope the ship's figurehead and Caden's love interest outside of the delusions. The plot lines alternate unpredictably, so it will take a little while for readers to acclimate to the shifts. Less sophisticated readers may need a preview to prepare them. The writing itself is engaging and pure Shusterman. This story pegs high on the text complexity, and Shusterman takes a lot of care to explore the mental illness while retaining the dignity of the characters who are coping with it. Verdict: The buzz about the book as well as Shusterman's inherent skill in connecting with young adult emotions make this a book worth including.

Curricular Use: This would align well with the Washington State Health Education Core Ideas of Wellness and Social Emotional Health specifically: H2.Ws.HSa - Analyze prevention, lifestyle factors, and treatment of communicable and noncommunicable diseases; H5.W5.HS - Demonstrate strategies to prevent, manage, or resolve interpersonal conflicts without harming self or others; H8.So6.HS - Advocate for reducing stigma associated with emotional and mental and behavioral health.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School

This Broken Wondrous World

Author: Skovron, Jon

Illustrator: NA

Viking, 2015

ISBN: 9780670014620

Grades 10 - 12: Sequel to Man Made Boy. Boy, the son of Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride, is ready to leave The Show, a safe monster haven posing as a theater group, to live with humans and attend college with his cousin in Switzerland. Boy, created by his parents, hopes that living with descendants of the original Frankenstein family will allow him to open up about the monster world that exists. He becomes good friends with his cousin, Henri, who is fascinated by Boy's world. Things get shaken up with the sudden appearance of Dr. Moreau, who has broken out from his island imprisonment and has created an army of hybrid animal/monsters to go to war with humans. Boy must truly decide what is most important to him as the world hangs in the balance. This is a great new twist on the Frankenstein story line and it can stand on its own if you haven't read the first one. Fans of monsters and sci-fi will enjoy this. Alcohol, language and sexual references make this one for high school and above. Verdict: This is a fast paced adventure that will appeal to a wide audience. High school readers will devour it.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Beware That Girl

Author: Toten, Teresa

Illustrator: NA

Delacorte Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780553507904

Grades 9 - 12: Can you get away with murder? Should you? Such is the dilemma of Kate and Olivia in this suspenseful thriller by Teresa Toten. Toten is no stranger to YA literature, but "Beware That Girl" is a much more mature story. Kate is dirt poor and is attending Waverly Academy on a scholarship. Olivia is obscenely wealthy and has everything Kate would like to have. With a practiced cunning, Kate contrives to be invited to move from her basement apartment below a Chinese business woman's store into the luxury of Olivia's upscale apartment. The girls' friendship doesn't entirely make up for the extended absences of Olivia's father, but makes them more palatable. Life would be perfect if it weren't for the charismatic presence of Mark Redkin, a school administrator who manages to ensnare adult women and female students alike, and not to their betterment. As Kate and Olivia research his past, see the damage he is doing in the present, and can predict the threat of his future behavior they must make an untenable decision that will change one of their lives. Verdict: This is a must-have psychological thriller.

Curricular Use: This is an excellent resource for analyzing perspective. It also provides an opportunity to contrast socioeconomic inequities.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School

The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home

Author: Valente, Catherynne M.

Illustrator: Ana Juan

Feiwel and Friends, 2016

ISBN: 9781250023513

Grades 5 - 8: Fairyland book 5. The final installment in this series finds September becoming the Queen of Fairyland. Many other characters want the crown and September herself isn't sure she wants to be Queen, so a Royal Race is held to determine the winner. Many loose ends are neatly tied up as the race continues. September is killed, but reincarnated, if you will, as the Green Wind. This one dragged a bit as it was loaded with lots of small details. Fans of the series will be sad to see it end. Verdict: If you have the other books in the series you'll need this final installment.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Game Seven

Author: Volponi, Paul

Illustrator: NA

Viking, 2015

ISBN: 9780670785186

Grades 6 - 8,Grades 9 - 12: Julio Jr., 16, lives for playing baseball, but his chances of getting on the Cuban National team are as lean as his family's income, ever since his Papi's defection to the US six years earlier. He chafes knowing of his father's wealth as pitcher for the Miami Marlins vs his family's poverty, while rooting for the team's chances in the World Series when he clandestinely listens to them on the radio. Suddenly his uncle tells Julio that his father has arranged for immanent escape led by a mysterious stranger for Julio, his uncle and his cousin. If Julio goes with them, he may never see his mother and younger sister again. After he decides to go, Julio discover that their escape craft is an ancient Buick welded up to be watertight, and that his Papi has a new young American son. Julio and his companions survive the 90 miles of open water to Florida in time for the seventh game of the Series, but can Julio forgive his Papi for the years without contact and the betrayal of his Cuban wife and children in starting a new family. Verdict: Julio's love/hate relationship with his absent father drives the plot of this dramatic sports/adventure, while the Cuban cultural and political insights are a bonus.

Curricular Use: More drama than sports, this novel shows teens the situation of the Cuban people, that may be of interest since some contact between Cuba and the US was recently renewed.

Reviewer: Carol Blix, Town Librarian, Cathlamet Public Library

And I Darken

Author: White, Kiersten

Illustrator: NA

Delacorte Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780553522310

Grades 9 - 12,Adult: In "And I Darken," Kiersten White has made a dramatic departure from some of her former writing. The Paranormalcy series explores vampire hunting from the strictly paranormal perspective, "And I Darken" explores the roots of the Dracula history--sans the vampirism. Vlad Dracul and Vlad the Impaler are both actual historical figures. In this imagining, White assigns Vlad the feminine gender, transforming him into Lada Dragwlya, an unwanted daughter who is sent with her equally unappreciated younger brother to the Ottoman courts as hostages. In an attempt to win her father's favor, Lada becomes every bit as ruthless as the actual Vlad the Impaler. She longs for her Transylvanian home, while her brother becomes a transplant of the Ottoman Empire. His father's antipathy engenders no desire on his part to return. Enter Mehmed, son of the Ottoman ruler, who ultimately becomes the successor to the throne. The three form an unlikely friendship which eventually blossoms into love. For Radu, who converts to Islam, that love is potentially deadly. White creates a vividly historic setting and develops rich themes incorporating the Islamic faith, gender issues, and sexual identity. This is a story to be relished, and will be best appreciated by strong readers with a stomach for violence and an appetite for little known history. Verdict: This is a story to be relished, and will be best appreciated by strong readers with a stomach for violence and an appetite for more obscure history.

Curricular Use: This title provides excellent opportunities to explore alternate perspectives. Lada is a woman in a male-dominated world. Her status as a political pawn provides additional opportunities for exploration. The perspective of a homosexual young man who struggles to reconcile his affections for the religion to which he is devoted is equally rich. Finally, this provides impetus for students to develop a more rich geopolitical understanding of a part of the world that is not extensively studied.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library