Best, Cari. In the Country of Queens.

Best, Cari. In the Country of Queens. Macmillan/Farrar Strauss     2017 211p $16.99   ISBN 978-0-374-37052-7  elem/ms  Realistic Fiction  VG      

Eleven-year-old Shirley has never been able to speak up for herself. Not to her mother, described as being such a force that Shirley calls her Hurricane Anna, nor to her teacher, who has falsely accused her of plagiarism. One day, Shirley finds out that her father is not really “in absentia” but dead. Since she has always been shy and sensitive, and Anna has always been so controlling, she understands why she hasn’t been told the truth, and she vows to change. With the help of her friends, grandmother, cousin Phillie, and her storybook heroine Pippi Longstocking, she finds the courage to use her voice.

This is a well-written coming-of-age novel that will appeal to adolescents, especially those who experience shyness. It is the story of Shirley’s self-discovery and determination to make changes. The plot is fun and engaging, and readers will root for Shirley on her quest to change herself. The story is set in the 1960’s, and it accurately references the items, culture, and events of that time period.  This book is recommended for any elementary or middle-school library and will appeal to adolescents.  

Summary: Eleven-year-old Shirley has never spoken up for herself -- to her mother Hurricane Anna, to her teacher, or to anyone -- about her dreams, and she decides over the summer before junior high to find her voice.       

Coming of Age-Fiction                         --Virginia McGarvey

Divided We Fall.

Reedy, Trent.  Divided We Fall.  Scholastic/Arthur Levine  2014  374p   $17.99  ISBN 978-0-545-54367-5  hs  Realistic fiction  VG

What would happen if the United States found itself facing a second Civil War?  How could it happen?  How little would it really take for this to happen?  Read this novel and find out how one National Guardsman and two politicians take the United States to the brink of war.  

I want to start by saying that I was REALLY looking forward to reading this book.  The circumstances seemed to mirror so much of what is happening in our country at the moment, with the diametrically opposing political and military factions.  The story line definitely lived up to my expectations, but the execution was less impressive.  The characters sometimes seem more like caricatures, and the pace was uneven--so much so, that I kept putting the book down, a sure sign that it was lacking something. The story fills a niche, however, in that I am hard pressed to think of many other novels written for the YA readership that address politics and the military.                  

Summary: What would happen if the United States found itself facing a second Civil War?  How little would it take for this to happen?  Read this novel and find out how one National Guardsman and two politicians take the United States to the brink of war.    

War-Fiction                                           --Lynn Fisher    

Skilton,Sarah. Bruised.

Sarah Skilton.  Bruised.  Amulet Books    2013  274  $16.95   ISBN 9781419703874  hs      Realistic Fiction   E-BN     

A young black belt hides under a table during a hold-up and must thereafter contend with the guilt and trauma stemming from this incident, while dealing with high school, friends, family, and boys, in this powerful, beautifully written book.  Sixteen-year-old Imogen freezes during a hold-up at a local diner and finds herself overwhelmed with guilt because she's a black belt in tae kwon do, and is therefore convinced that she ought to have been able to stop the robbery from ending as it did -- with the robber being shot.  Filled with doubts and self-loathing, Imogen must work through her trauma alongside a young man who was also present and was similarly affected by the experience.  Imogen is a complex, relatable heroine who must navigate the difficulties of PTSD, first love, and changing dynamics within her circle of friends.  Skilton's story will undoubtedly appeal to teenage readers, be they martial artists or not, for her characters and settings are very realistic, and their voices will resonate. There is nothing that needs to be changed about this book -- it is exactly right.           

Martial arts-Fiction, Trauma-Fiction, Friendship-Fiction    --Bethany Geleskie

Newman, Barbara Johansen. Glamorous Glasses.

Newman, Barbara Johansen.  Glamorous Glasses.  Boyd's Mills Press  2012   $16.95  978-1-59078-873-3   elem  Realistic Fiction     VG-Bne

     

As soon as the reader sets eyes on the cover art for Glamorous Glasses it is clear that this story is going to be a celebration of eyeglasses.  A glimpse at the endpapers, crammed with pictures of many styles of eyewear, confirms it, and then the reader is engaged in a humorous tale of two cousins, Bobbie and Joanie.  Bobbie is as eager to wear glasses as Joanie is not. 

Glamorous Glasses will resonate with Fancy Nancy fans.  Young fashionistas will identify with Bobby, who loves the fabulous range of frames displayed at the eyeglass store and wants a pair of her own.  Other readers may identify with Joanie, who has a different reaction.  Glasses make her feel different and look different from the other kids. 

When Bobby offers to wear Joanie’s prescription glasses, both girls discover challenges in a trip to the candy store.  All ends well, and readers will enjoy the humorous story and upbeat message that wearing glasses can be desirable, even “cool.”

The colorful illustrations and humorous text make this a good storytime choice.  Even boys will see the funny side of Bobby’s quest for glasses (even though she has 20/20 vision).  Children apprehensive about getting glasses will find this story reassuring. 

Observant readers will enjoy the author photo (five pairs of glasses, including a pair on her pet dog!), dedication (which lets them know the book was prompted by a childhood experience), and the delight of locating the many, many pairs of glasses scattered throughout the colorful illustrations.

Eyeglasses-Fiction, Vision-Fiction, Cousins-Fiction             --Hilary Welliver

Moore, Stephanie P., and Derrick Moore. Always Upbeat/All That.

Moore, Stephanie P., and Derrick Moore.   Always Upbeat/All That. (2 points of view)      Saddleback  304p  $14.95      978-1-61651-884-4           hs    Good Realistic Fiction 

Stephanie Perry Moore and her husband Derrick Moore teamed up to create this Saddleback novel that presents two stories in one.  Interestingly, the events correspond, as Blake tells his story in the first half of the book, entitled All That, and then the reader turns the book around to find Charli’s story, entitled Always Upbeat.  In this combination novel, the reader finds a good plot, focusing on the challenges and pressures faced by high-school students everywhere: how to lead, how to handle sexual advances, and how to handle family drama.  Charli must learn to balance her cheerleading position as captain of the squad with her personal life, and she does an abysmal job of it.  Blake faces his mother’s cancer and the pressure to shine as quarterback as his relationship with Charli falls apart.  There are many messages to be found in these stories, and the themes will resound with high-school readers who want action, real-life drama, and guidance in issues of morality and other current topics. 

Unfortunately, the use of more advanced vocabulary in the characters' speech does not always "ring true".  It appears that the authors leave their local dialect to attempt to show that Charli and Blake are not ignoring their education.   Some examples of words that do not sound natural in their speech are "dissipating" (on page 32)and "awry" (on page 116).  Authenticity must be preserved in this type of novel so that the story flows naturally.  In addition to this weakness, there is another:  Charli’s reaction to her father’s indiscretion is rather weak.  She is horrified that her boyfriend is cheating on her, but when her father cheats, she says it is just "wrong".  She under-reacts, and readers will be put off by this type of deviation from the voice of the story.  All in all, both stories are good, and readers will enjoy the contrasting points of view.  Saddleback’s reputation as a publisher of books that are guaranteed to keep young adults reading is noteworthy, and this book will not disappoint high-school readers.

Please note errors the following errors: on page 110 of Always Upbeat, "cutting him of" should be "cutting him off" and on page 92 of the same novel, the word “to” is missing in "supposed laugh".  

Friendship-Fiction, Point of View                     --Martha Squaresky

James, Brian. Life Is But A Dream.

James, Brian.     Life Is But A Dream.    Macmillan/ Feiwel & Friends   235p $17.99 978-0-312-61004-3       hs          E-BN      Realistic Fiction

In an in-patient mental health facility, Sabrina, a schizophrenic teen, and her new friend Alec make the decision to live life as they are, without medications to keep their illnesses under control.  What are the consequences of the choice that Sabrina and Alex make?  How do the people surrounding them cope? These are just two of the questions that are answered in this very well-written novel about the difficult topic of mental health, and specifically schizophrenia.  The characters are all well developed.  Readers can empathize readily with their illness, treatment and consequences.         

Mental illness-Fiction                                      --Lynn Fisher

Feifer, Kate. Signed by: Zelda.

Feifer, Kate.  Signed by: Zelda.    Simon & Schuster 240p   $16.99      978-1-4424-3331-1 elm/ms            VG-BN Realistic Fiction      

Since his mother left for India two years ago, Nicky spends most of his time in “time out”.  He always seems to be in trouble with his father.  Grandma Zelda, who lives one floor up in his New York apartment building, is Nicky’s respite, filling him with love and slices of Zeldaberry pie.  One day Grandma goes missing.  Nicky enlists the help of Lucy, a recent arrival from Savannah and an amateur handwriting expert.  Simulated writing samples and actual signatures of such notable individuals from history as Eleanor Roosevelt, Al Capone and, of course, John Hancock, fuel Lucy's forensic forays.  When Nicky’s father becomes the prime suspect, Nicky is not sure what to do.  With the help of Lucy and a talking pigeon who visits the windowsills of the various apartments, the mystery is successfully solved.

This is a very satisfying mystery with action, intrigue and enough content to keep the reader interested.  It is appropriate for grades 4-7.        

Mystery                                                     --Joan Theal

Plunked

Northrop, Michael       Plunked     

 Scholastic/Grolier/Childrens Press/Watts 2012 246p    16.99 978-0-545-29714-1       ms            Realistic fiction, Conflict  

Jack has lived and breathed baseball since he was a young child.  His father and he share an enthusiasm for collecting baseball cards.  Even Jack’s mother shares the family’s passion for baseball.  Jack’s baseball skills are good enough to land him a permanent Little League starter position in left field with a team in contention for a title. There is plenty of play action with the personality quirks of the team members and coaches deftly intertwined in the sports action.  Practice drills, competition for starting positions, favoritism toward a coach’s son and past friendships and rivalries are all present.  When Jack is plunked in the head by a wicked, out of control, inside fastball pitch, his world turns upside down.  Although he is physically okay, Jack now has an aversion, even fear, when up at the plate and when he is fielding a ball hit to him in left field.  The lies he tells to his parents, coaches and teammates to avoid talking about his fears make him feel even worse.  The resolution is believable and may even help readers who face a sudden drop-off in sporting ability or know of someone going through a slump.  Northrop has written a high-quality sports story that deals with a topic not often covered in upper elementary and middle-school fiction. The graphics of pin stripes and "diamond" shapes used at the start of each chapter extend the sports motif.     This is a good one for grades 5-10.

VG-BN       Lois McNicol(3)   Baseball, Sports, Anxiety