McClintock, Norah. Back.

McClintock, Norah. Back.
Orca 2009 93p 9.95 978-1-551143-989-1 ms/hs

The family of a boy, beaten into a coma, must decide how to respond when the perpetrator returns from his jail term. Sides are chosen by neighbors. In a gripping read, teens must decide whether to seek revenge or support the reformed perpetrator. Another Orca Soundings hit by Norah McClintock. A boy, Eden, is beaten savagely with a crowbar for coming to the aid of a pregnant teenage girl who is being taunted and hit by the baby’s teenage father, Jojo. Eden’s brother, Ardell, spends two years brooding about the disintegration of his family, his comatose brother, and what he will do when Jojo returns from his two year prison sentence. Jojo is released from prison and quietly returns to the old neighborhood. The neighborhood is a study in contrasts. A neighboring teen narrates the tension-filled story relating the hostility of Ardell’s family toward Jojo, the reappearance of the girl along with her son and her desire to renew the relationship with Jojo against her father’s wishes. What not many people see is the loving manner in which Jojo takes care of his mother who has cancer. Revenge is at the heart of this social problem novel. The neighborhood is forced to take sides on the issue of whether Jojo has paid his debt to society or whether he should be harassed and shunned by the neighbors. Issues presented here are a vivid reminder of how families affected by violence. whether the perpetrator of violence or the recipient of violence, are left to deal with the fallout long after the event occurred. McClintock writes in simple prose alternating passion with tenderness. This book is a surefire hi/lo reader that will appeal to all middle and high school students whether from the inner-city or the suburbs. Highly recommended. LMN

Acacia by David Durham

Durham, David. Acacia.
Anchor (Random), 2008, 755p, $7.99, 978-0-385-72252-0

Four children are scattered to the corners of the earth in an attempt to keep them from harm after their father, the King, is killed by rival clans. The chancellor, a treacherous man who undercut his king, does follow the one wish of his king - to keep his children safe. Each child has a different existence, one becomes a female warrior, one lives on the water, the youngest is sheltered by a friend of the family and one lives as a captive of her father’s killer. Legend says the Giver will provide sacred information to whoever can read his book, a book kept secret by the children’s father. After nine years, the chancellor has a hand in reuniting the four siblings. A major battle ensues with ferocious beasts, magic spells and the older brother is killed. The remaining two siblings go to their older sister who is now Queen of Acacia having brought about the death of her lover and King. An uneasy trust exists between the sisters as the Queen reveals her true intent for the future of Acacia. Undoubtedly, the rivalry of the sisters will become the focus of the second in the planned trilogy. Outstanding descriptions of trees, flowers, and landscape as well as buildings and character’s personalities pull the reader into this lengthy yet taut struggle for power and superiority.
For fantasy lovers, this book will entrance and for epic war lovers, this book contains all the excitement and passion needed to keep the reader’s attention through the 700+ pages. Excellent descriptions of landscape and personalities. Grades 8 through adult. LMN