The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees
Chameleon by Charles R. Smith Jr.
The Darkness under the Water by Beth Kanell
The Devouring by Simon Holt
Kendra by Coe Booth
The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French and Ross Collins
Seaborn by Craig Moodie
Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis
Walkaway by Alden R. Carter
The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
Front Street, Boyds Mills Press, 2008, 228 pp., $16.95
Race Relations/African-Americans/Civil War/Cowboys/Cattle Drives
ISBN: 978-1059078-637-6
Historical fiction is a wonderful genre to teach young adults both history and values. In this engaging read, the time is just after the Civil War when tensions were high among all Americans and living conditions for African-Americans were no better. Suffering from war, fatigue, and the unexpected death of his mother, thirteen-year-old African-American Prometheus Jones and his eleven-year-old cousin Omer decide to flee Tennessee and join a cattle drive that will eventually take them to Texas, where Prometheus hopes to find the father that he has never known.
Our author reminds us that for African-Americans, prejudice and discrimination have always been a part of their history. Delegated to menial jobs and harder work, young and healthy African-American men would often try to escape such everyday drudgery by working on cattle drives just because they were truly a multicultural experience. For on these drives, Black, Hispanic and Native American cowboys worked side-by-side with whites as hard work and great skills were highly value—regardless of skin color or race.
With enough cattle roping and gunslinging to satisfy any young cowboy fan, this is a smart fictional narrative of two young boys who learn to overcome great odds and gain a new profound respect for not only themselves, but the lives of the individuals they meet the great western way.
Reviewed by Jeffrey Kaplan, Orlando, FL
The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees
Hyperion Books for Children, 2008, 316 pp., $16.99
Coming-of-Age/Relationships/Adolescent Violence
ISBN-10: 142310304-1
Voorhees’s debut novel introduces the reader to Frankie, a protagonist in the midst of becoming a man in the small town of Borges, New Mexico. There, Frankie’s rite of passage includes struggles with his older brother, Steve, who buys into the idea of male machismo, as evidenced by his desire to become a member of the cholos, a local Hispanic gang. Voorhees paints Steve as a foil for Frankie, an unpopular high schooler who enjoys setting off explosives with his friend, Zach. Both brothers’ definitions of manhood collide in the book’s climax, creating an opportunity for the reader to critique common representations of masculinity.
Frankie grows up throughout the novel by experiencing sibling rivalry, contending with first love, and standing up to a bully, all while watching his parents sell the family business to a local franchise owner. Frankie’s conflict with a bully, Dalton, provides the focal point of the novel. Steve declares retaliation after Dalton and his friends gang up on Frankie. Steve’s desire for retaliation escalates as the novel progresses and, as a result, he engages in risky and dangerous activities to reach his goal. Voorhees’s first novel is an extremely well-written page turner that is appropriate for middle school readers and beyond. The writing is humorous even as it tackles serious issues. Voorhees provides rich descriptions of the Latino culture and its influences, achieving an authentic feel by peppering the text with Spanish words and phrases. He expertly depicts the “tough guise” that promulgates male culture that is defined by the ever-present pressure to gain respect. Easily read in one sitting, this book transcends classification as a young adult novel and promises to satisfy even the most refined of readers.
Reviewed by Joellen Maples, Rochester, NY
Chameleon by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Candlewick Press, 2008, 377 pp., $16.99
Coming-of-Age/Sports/Gangs
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3085-0
Shawn is a fourteen-year-old African-American boy who is finding it hard to find his place in the world. As summer vacation begins, he spends his days in Compton with his friends playing basketball and wasting his days talking about girls and eating at the local Tamale Hut. All the while, Shawn is avoiding his oft-drunk Aunt Gertie, whom he is forced to stay with while his single mother works. From there, Shawn spends his nights in Carson with his mother and every other weekend in Santa Monica with his father. While dealing with these daily transitions, he is also examining his newfound interests in girls, his fears about gang violence and his impending freshman year of high school.
Chameleon weaves a great coming-of-age tale that is often overlooked in media. Charles R. Smith Jr. paints a picture of a young black male who is supported by friends and parents, while preparing to make some of the toughest decisions of his life. Smith doesn’t hold back in describing the thoughts of the male adolescent and the events that a boy approaching manhood must encounter as a part of growing up. Chameleon is a fantastic representation of the power of friendship and parental support during the changing years of adolescence.
Reviewed by Ray Engle, Dayton, OH
The Darkness under the Water by Beth Kanell
Candlewick Press, 2008, 320 pp., $16.99
Historical Fiction/Coming-of-Age/Discrimination
ISBN-13: 978-0-763-63719-4
In this coming of age story, readers spend a year with Molly (Margaret) Ballou as she experiences both hardships and an awareness of self. Set in the 1920s, this first-person narrative describes the life of a 16-year-old during a volatile time in Vermont’s history for its citizens who did not meet the criteria of a “real Yankee.” As eugenics gain popularity with Vermont government officials, Molly’s family fears genocide because although they hide their Abenaki Indian ancestry, they begin to face prejudices because of their French Canadian background.
Throughout the story, Molly is haunted by her sister’s ghost. Still grieving the loss, Molly’s mother remains detached from her and is now pregnant with a third child. Government nurses take a special interest in this pregnancy, are present when the child is stillborn, and are responsible for her mother’s involuntary sterilization.
Despite the hardships, Molly and her best friend Katy have the joyous experience of dating and meeting their true loves. When she befriends Henry LaPorte, another Abenaki, Molly learns more about her Indian ancestry, something that had not been taught by her parents and grandmother who strived to blend in for safety sake.
Kanell’s use of imagery nicely captures the turbulent life of an adolescent during a time in American history that is rarely discussed.
Reviewed by Jane Kelley, Pullman, WA
The Devouring by Simon Holt
Little, Brown, 2008, 231 pp., $16.99
Psychological Thriller/Horror
ISBN: 978-0-316-03573-6
Don’t let your fears get the best of you. The only thing to fear is fear itself. Popular culture and historical quotes give us plenty of advice about fear—the topic of The Devouring. Reggie (Regina), a 15-year-old horror aficionado, becomes entangled in a battle for herself and her young brother, all the while learning to be a mother to both of them.
Borders between reality and the world of the mind blur in Holt’s vivid landscapes. The novel reads like a suspenseful horror film, packed with disturbing images and occurrences. While parts of the novel could be predictable, readers will most likely also be surprised by some of the events that stem from Sorry Night—when evil creatures called the Vours inhabit and overcome human bodies and minds. The ending begs for a sequel, which could wrap up unanswered questions and further satisfy readers. Even without a sequel, readers are left with important questions to ponder regarding the nature of our fears and relationships in families.
Reviewed by Angie Beumer Johnson, Hilliard, OH
Kendra by Coe Booth
Push/Scholastic, 2008, 304 pp., $16.99
Social Situations/Adolescence
ISBN: 0-439-92536-3
Kendra is hungry for her mother’s attention—eager to finally live with the woman people think is her older sister. After all, Kendra was only supposed to have to wait until Renee graduated from college. Then they could be together for real. Nana’s okay and all, but it’s hard to have her strict grandmother raising her, and it seems like lately Nana might just resent this a little bit too.
Coe Booth is true to her character, Kendra, from start to finish. Even through the tough parts, where some authors might use the opportunity to slide in some adult wisdom, Kendra’s character is a true teenage girl growing up in Bronxwood—in the projects. And the voice! The voice never wavers. There is no patronizing…no assumption that teenagers don’t live in the real world.
Booth doesn’t pull any punches. She doesn’t give readers the easy way out. We’re right there with Kendra through the tough, uncomfortable parts of her life. That’s powerful writing. This author knows “real,” but even better, she knows how to write it! For real. Reviewed by Julie M. Prince, Tucson, AZ
The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French and Ross Collins
Candlewick Press, 2007, 200 pp., $14.99
Fairy Tales
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3531-2
The Robe of Skulls is a tangled web woven of three completely separate stories that come together in an unexpectedly clever conclusion. It begins when the evil sorceress Lady Lamorna attempts kidnapping and blackmail in order to pay for the frivolous but beautiful skull-studded dress she has just ordered from the Ancient Crones. But, as her plans for turning all of the surrounding princes and princesses into frogs begin to unfold, Lady Lamorna’s efforts quickly become complicated with the introduction of two other storylines: Marcus’s and Gracie’s.
Marcus, a young almost-prince struggles with his family’s distaste for adventure. His dad wants him to stay put and practice being royal, but Marcus, the ten-minute-younger twin brother to the crown prince, just can’t stand being confined to the borders of their small kingdom. The only one who really understands his desire for knowledge and adventure is his mysterious tutor, Professor Scallio. When Marcus’s brother is kidnapped, Scallio quickly presents Marcus with a map that places him in a position to save his brother, at the risk of being dangerously close to Lady Lamorna.
Meanwhile, Gracie Gillypot is a hopeful, true-hearted little girl, but she doesn’t get out much; her evil stepfather and stepsister keep her locked in the cellar. Just as Gracie is about to lose hope in the darkness, a chatty bat named Marlon comes to her aid and offers a “change of employment. New line. Different boss.” Gracie is grateful for anything the bat can do for her and quietly waits in the cellar for Marlon’s return.
Reviewed by Kristie Jolley, Orem, UT
Seaborn by Craig Moodie
Roaring Brook Press, 2008, 201 pp., $17.95
Adolescent Drama/Adventure/Sailing
ISBN: 1-59643-390-6
Luke is a sixteen-year-old boy who wants nothing more than to spend his summer fishing with his best friend, hanging out with a girl named Ginnie, and drawing like he always does. He dreams of a Big Freedom. He wants to be left alone to do what he wants, but things are going on at home that change his summer plans. For years Luke’s family has gone on sailing trips each summer; however, his mom moves out, his sister heads back to college, and he is forced to go sailing on their faithful boat, Piper, with just his dad. The trip is planned for two weeks. No music, no friends, just him, his dad and their sketch books. After a brief encounter with an older gentleman and discussion about high seas sailing in the Gulf Stream, Luke and his father set out on an adventure. They head out into open water with little problems until a storm moves in quickly. Things go wrong and they are separated, and Luke finally gets his Big Freedom, but is it anything like he wanted? This is a story of family drama, sailing, art, secrets and isolation told through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old boy.
Reviewed by Jennifer Dixon, Woodstock, GA
Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis
Amulet Books, 2008, 448 pp., $18.95
Folklore/India/Mysticism
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9481-2
Even a thief can become a hero. Farhad is a hapless thief pulled into the lives of the Gods and into a tale within a tale. This magically woven story combines all the spice and flavor of a traditional folktale from India. Raka, princess and daughter to the God Krishna, brings to life her own rescue. Her captor, Rajah, believes he has bargained for a unique and valuable treasure that only he will possess. He is wrong and this could mean death for Raka. Rajah’s meek and faithful servant, Lalit, sits as a companion to Raka listening to her magical tale. In Lalit’s attempts to comfort Raka, he finds himself falling in love, thus endangering his own life. As the moon marks the hours of night, Raka relates the tale of a hapless thief who steals a locket from the gods. Farhad finds he has stolen more than he has bargained for. He has been chosen as Krishna’s hero. It all seems a mistake when Farhad is asked to rescue the princess. As Farhad tries to find his own profitable escape, he fails to recognize his own transformation. Nitish is a sacred mystical tiger sent to aid Farhad in his quest. The adventures of these two uncommon heroes covers a continent. Heroes should exemplify courage, and both Farhad and Nitish have moments of dismal cowardice, greed, and stupidity. It is not until the moon wanes that the tales come together and the destiny of each character is revealed.
Michaelis’ talent comes from the ability to interweave two stories. Her characters are both human and fantastical. The setting is both mystical and yet solidly placed in an India under British rule. The life of each character flows in and out of the dueling stories impacting the destiny of all the characters just as contrasting threads of a rug bring to life the rug maker’s overall design. One caution, Michaelis takes some time to bring the stories together and some YA readers may find it difficult to stay with the story. If they persevere, they can easily become enthralled to the very end.
Reviewed by Sandra Fisher, Hiram, GA
Walkaway by Alden R. Carter
Holiday House, 2008, 202 pp., $16.95
Mental Illness/Parent Alcoholism/Self-Determination
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2106-0
For any teenager, parents are hard enough to deal with, but when your father is an ivy-league lawyer with a drinking problem, and the rest of your family conveniently fades into the background, the situation worsens. Compound that with your own depression, anxiety, and delusional tendencies and you have Walkaway by Alden Carter. Fifteen-year-old Andy goes to his parents’ cabin in Wisconsin for the summer with his father and brother, but essentially, he is alone. His brother Rodge has begun to separate from the family with his impending entrance into Yale, and his mother refuses to come up north, citing his younger sister Sylvia as her excuse to stay at home. By default, Andy is left to tend to his father Oz, whose drinking has become progressively worse. The only solace Andy has comes from his treks in the woods and a budding friendship with thirteen-year-old Izzy.
When Oz compromises Andy’s fledgling driving record to cover up his own drunk-driving accident, Andy decides to take on his own version of the Australian walkabout, which he calls the walkaway, leaving his psychiatric meds behind. Carter skillfully crafts a sympathetic protagonist—we root for him as he asserts his independence—then gradually reveals the darker corners of Andy’s mind, making us fear for his safety as his decisions become less and less grounded in reality. Reminiscent of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, this novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey into emotional crisis. We come out of the book gasping for breath.
Reviewed by Wendy Cope, Kennesaw, GA
