The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

I absolutely love this book! I listened to it as an audiobook and it was an amazing experience. Since Sherman Alexie actually reads the story himself, it's a great narrative and absolutely hilarious to listen to. I was also intrigued by the images that are scattered throughout the novel. I think teens would really enjoy reading this book. It's sad; it's funny; and it has a great message.

Junior is faced with a number of challenges: learning disabilities, family challenges, moving to a new school, making (and keeping) friends, and interacting with girls. All of these issues would easily be relatable to other teenagers.

Seeing as this novel is really a memoir and based on Alexie's own experiences as a teenager, I think this novel is incredibly realistic. I'm sure that Alexie takes license with some of the stories, but overall Junior reacts in the same way any teenage boy would be expected to. Certainly, teens would enjoy listening to his experiences and comparing them with their own.

I would promote this book by sharing an excerpt of the sound recording to teens. I think that Alexie's reading would immediately engross teens. I would also project pictures from the book that go along with the recording I selected. The humorous images would definitely help sell the novel!

5Q, 4P, J/H

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

This book was a bit difficult to follow in the begining, with all the different plot lines, but I was impressed with the way it came together at the end. I think that teens would be drawn to this book mainly because of the images. The color illustrations were beautiful and eye-catching. Many reluctant readers would be willing to pick this book up!

This book addresses the issues of loyalty, heritage, life choices, and the interconnectedness of our decisions. It was interesting to see how the choice that one character made effected all the other characters.

Obviously, the story is not entirely realistic. I thought that the emotions of Jin Wang and Danny were entirely believable. Teenagers would most likely feel the way these boys do and react in the same way. I thought that they were well-depicted.

I think that this graphic novel would really sell itself if it was displayed well. Like I mentioned, the color illustrations are so intriguing that I think a teen would easily pick it up and be enticed to read it a bit more. It might also be a good idea to set up the story a bit for the readers so they understand that three different tales are going to be told--this would help allieviate reader frustration that might occur.

5Q, 4P, M/J/H

Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden

This book would appeal to teens that are experiencing conflicts with their sexual identity. If they were questioning their homosexuality, this would be a book they might be interested in. It could also be interesting to someone who wanted to read a (rather unconventional) romance, as well.

The book addresses the following developmental markers: establishing life-long relationships, exploring sexual identity, making life-long decisions (college, relationships, etc), and redefining boundaries with adults.

I thought the characters were somewhat believable. I didn’t fully appreciate the main character Liza. She didn’t seem to struggle with her sexual identity in the way I might have expected for someone who experienced what she did. She seemed to be confronted with the question, “Am I gay?” and immediately decided “yes” because it was easier to do than never see Annie again. I would have expected more emotional turmoil. Instead, the book seemed to focus more on the ramifications of her decision, rather than the actual process of making the decision. I would have like there to be more depth to her deliberations.

I don’t know that I would promote this book to teens. I have to say that it really wasn’t one of my favorites. I’m glad that I’ve read it and would be able to direct library patrons to it if they had a specific need, but I don’t know that I would feel comfortable giving a book talk or generically recommending it. It would be good to pair it with other books on similar topics though, perhaps for a book display on questionable/banned books, or something similar.

4Q, 2P, S

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson

I think that teens would be interested in this little-known aspect of history. I certainly wasn't aware of the types of experiments that were being conducted by the members of this society. The historical fiction is really well researched and I was impressed with the way in which Anderson completely recreates the 18th century syntax and speech style. I have doubts though, about how well this book would appeal to most teens. It is definitely a more advanced text and I really only see advanced students turning to this type of novel. I struggled to become engaged with the book and I think many other teens would as well.

The book addresses independence, overcoming the death of a parent, and deciding what to do with your life and the course you want to take. Octavian is also confronted with the racism of the day's society and he must learn how to handle that as well.

I thought that Octavian was believable. He certainly reacted the way I would have in similar situation, but I wasn't all that attached to him. I found the novel a bit of a struggle to finish, right up until the very end. This makes me a bit anxious to read the sequel. I would like to know what happens to Octavian, but I don't want to have to wade through a whole lot of similarly boring text at the beginning.

I would promote this book to teens in conjunction with some non-fiction titles about the different science experiments that were happening at the same time. I think students would be most intrigued to read this novel for that reason. It might also be nice to play some of the music that Octavian plays on his violin. Students might like to hear the type of music that Octavian was so good at--especially the Devil song.

5Q, 3P, S

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

I really enjoyed reading this book and I think younger/lower-level teenage girls will like reading it too. I found the romance to be appealing and motivating, and the story line was interesting. Since fantasy fiction seems to be so appealing these days, I'm sure many other teens will like this novel.

This book deals with loneliness, managing the death of one's parents, growing independence, making life-altering decisions, loyalty and growing responsiblity for taking care of others.

I thought that Dashti was a admirable character, if a bit difficult to believe. To be so committed to her mistress, that Dashti would be willing to stay shut up in a little cell for seven years is a bit difficult to believe. I guess, it is a fairy tale, but still! I think I would have left Lady Saren a long time before I was shut up in the tower. I was impressed with the way that Dashti cared for her mistress and managed to survive despite the terrible circumstances.

I would probably promote this book in conjunction with a number of other "fairy tale" novels. There seem to be so many out there right now, like A Curse as Dark as Gold. It would also be interesting to read these retellings in conjunction with the original fairy tale. Teens might like to compare the two.

4Q, 4Q, M/J

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I think that the book would appeal to teens because of the situations in which Liesel finds herself. Certainly, teens are always interested in learning more about Nazis and WWII. I also think that teens would be drawn to the book by the way it depicts Death—it certainly is a novel approach. Also, there are a number of drawings and images throughout the novel that might interest a more reluctant reader. Reluctant readers could also relate well with Liesel and her struggle with written language.

This book addresses these developmental aspects: dealing with death, surviving on your own, repentance and forgiveness, human compassion, and the hunger for education.

I think that the characters are believable. The figure of Death certainly requires the suspension of reality, but other than that, I think the book depicts normal people living in less than ideal situations. If anything, I was a bit surprised that the people of Himmel street were so hospitable and welcoming of one another after the atrocities I’ve heard about German citizens enacting against their neighbors.

I would promote the book by briefly telling about the plot line. I think it might also be interesting to select a short passage to share with teens—perhaps one from the perspective of death would entice teen readers. Or maybe showing the teens one of the pictures from the novel would interest them in reading the book.

5Q, 4P, J/S

A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

I think there is definitely a trend moving more towards fantasy and this book fits nicely into that. Based upon the story of Rumpelstiltskin, this book is intriguing. While the story is a bit dark, it doesn't overwhelm the reader. I think that teens would like the mixture of romance and independence that Charlotte experiences as the story progresses. It is a unique and well-told tale.

Charlotte deals with the death of both her parents, gaining independence, responsibility for family and neighbors and making her own way in the world. I was particularly impressed with her sense of responsibility and gumption. She was willing to work hard and overcome the trials that faced her, characteristics that any teens could easily benefit from.

I thought that Charlotte was very believable. Obviously the book is something of a fairy tale, but I think that Charlotte was realistic in the way she reacted to the situations that confronted her. I found her husband to be particularly likeable and I appreciated his and Charlotte's relationship (even if it did happen a bit too quickly for my liking).

I would promote this book along with a number of other "fairy tale" novels. I think it would go along nicely with a book like Book of a Thousand Days, Briar Rose, The True Story of Hansel and Gretel or Graceling. These novels would mostly appeal to young teenage girls who like the sort of mythical fantasy, that doesn't really go overboard, present in the stories.

5Q, 4P, M/J/S