Kim, Derek Kirk. Tune: Book 1, Vanishing Point.

Kim, Derek Kirk.  Tune: Book 1, Vanishing Point.  Macmillan/ First Second     2012  153p  $16.99  978-1-59643-516-2  hs/adult (Grade 11-Adult)  Graphic novel  VG   

When Andy Go decides he has had enough of college, he drops out of art school, sure that he will find employment as an illustrator.  When his resumes are rejected, his parents issue an ultimatum that he has to find a job instead of lounging around home.  The jobs he applies for do not fit his vision of himself, but when he realizes he cannot return home without a job, he goes on one last interview and is whisked into a parallel universe where he will be the “human” exhibit at a zoo.  At this point the story stops, “to be continued” in a second volume.  

Andy’s love of his classmate Yumi, his friendship with two fellow art students who have been his best buddies for several years, the high expectations of his Korean parents, and his interest in science-fiction writing all play a part in this wonderfully-envisioned story.  Personalities are well defined.  The art work is excellent and detailed.  The irreverent humor, often aimed at religious icons and body functions, will make young adults laugh but might offend some communities.  Readers will surely clamor for the second volume to see where Andy Go ends up, what his job will entail, and whether he ever returns to earth.

Science Fiction, Parallel universes - Fiction               --Lois McNicol

Rutkoski, Marie. The Shadow Society.

Rutkoski, Marie.  The Shadow Society.     Macmillan/Farrar Strauss      2012  408p  $17.99      978-0-3740349-059       hs      Science Fiction   VG-BN

Yet another paranormal tale of love and trust, this YA novel is notches above a lot of what is out there.  Darcy has no memory of her past and has been bounced around the foster-care system and finally found a home with Marsha in Chicago, when she meets Conn.  He enjoys art and takes several classes with Darcy.  But, as time goes on, Darcy learns who and what Conn really is, and in turn learns who she is and from where she came.  She finds out about the alternate world that she was born in, and why and how she came to be in “our” Chicago. In this suspenseful and gripping tale, Conn teaches Darcy about “Shades” and how she could be the means for resolving the divide between humans and shades in this alternate world.  The rift between humans and shades provides a literary means for the author to explore issues of race relations, as well as trust and love, and she does so in an engaging manner with a well-drawn plot. Pulling together the romance between Darcy and Conn, as well as the sci-fi component of an alternate universe, the author has created a compelling read.        

Parallel universe – Fiction                                       --Lynn Fisher    

Lipsyte, Robert. The Twinning Project.

Lipsyte, Robert.  The Twinning Project.  Houghton Mifflin/Clarion  269p  $16.99  978-0-547-64571-1    2012  ms   VG      Science Fiction  

This book will entertain young readers because of its creative plot,  relatable characters, and unique conflicts.  Aliens threaten two earths which they, themselves, created, and now hope to destroy because earthlings have seriously messed things up.  The story is never developed from the alien point of view.  Instead, it develops the relationship between the twins, Tom and Eddie, who have lived separately on two earths that are fifty years apart on the time continuum.  The twins don’t know each other but have odd communications with each other, which combine to give this book a “Wow!  This is creative!” factor that will engage young readers.  The twin who resides on the contemporary earth, Tom, is a misfit who is always in trouble.  Eddie, the twin who lives on an earth of fifty years ago, EarthTwo, is the goody-goody one who is a jock and an all-around nice guy.  In a Prince-and-the-Pauper-type switch, they must try to combat the enemy from their new vantage points.  Their missing father is almost certainly alive, and the author ends the book in a way that guarantees a sequel will follow.  The most interesting aspect of the book lies in the way that both twins try to fit into their new surroundings and in the friendships that blossom after the change.  There are no alien/earthling battles, a plot deficiency that  may disappoint young readers who like lots of action.  Yet the plot is very interesting, which makes this book entertaining nevertheless.  The supporting characters shine: Alessa, Britzky, psychologist Dr. Traum, Merlyn, and Grandpa.  They are perfect additions, and accomplished author Robert Lipsyte characterizes each one with ease.  Lipsyte combines his natural narrative writing style with a comedic flair that is guaranteed to bring many young readers into his fan club.         

Parallel universes–Fiction                            --Martha Squaresky