ALAN Online

ALAN’s picks is a monthly book review column compiled and edited by Dr. Pam B. Cole of Kennesaw State University.  Be sure to check ALAN Online each month for a glimpse of the best YA Literature has to offer.

Reviewed this month:

All We Know of Love by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos
Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
Neptune’s Children by Bonnie Dobkin
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Revealers by Amanda Marrone
Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash by Wendelin Van Draanen
Swiss Mist by Randy Powell
Time’s Chariot by Ben Jeapes
Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Wings: A Fairy Tale by E. D. Baker

All We Know of Love by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Candlewick Press, 2008, 201 pp., $16.99
Coming-of-Age/Relationships/Family
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3623-4

Natalie Gordon sets off on a literal and figurative journey to find her mother four years, four months, and fifteen days after she abandoned her.  She hops a bus to Florida in search of her, and on the trip, she encounters a cast of characters who all share their unique quests for love.  Flashbacks, the strangers’ vignettes, and descriptions of different forms of love guide the reader through the story. From friendship, romantic love, obsession, and motherly love, the author depicts how the many types of love define who we are and who we become. Natalie describes her struggle with young love while reflecting on her tumultuous relationship with her unsteady boyfriend, Adam.

Baskin’s debut young adult novel is a tender and relatable coming-of-age story in which Baskin reminds us that love can be a haunting, painful, unconditional, exhilarating, and even innocent experience. While searching for love and her mother, Natalie ends up finding, not what she wanted but what she needed. Herself. An easy read, All We Know of Love is an exciting treasure.

Reviewed by Joellen Maples, Rochester, NY

Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos
Antheneum/Simon & Schuster, 2008, 439 pp., $16.99
Adolescent Identity/ Latin Identity/Drug and Alcoholism
ISBN: 978-1-4169-4804-9

How does anyone cope with being told over and over you are not who you are? Rico is a young Cuban adolescent growing up on the streets of Harlem. He cannot really define who he is.  His lineage tells him he is Cuban, but his fair skin, blonde hair, hazel eyes, and freckles mark him as an outsider in his own community.  Marginalized based on his physical appearance, Rico is constantly a victim of physical violence and verbal harassment. Life at home has its own challenges; poverty and alcoholism plague Rico’s unstable life. So when the pressure boils up uncontrollably, Rico and his friend Jimmy run away to what seems to be the land of milk and honey: Wisconsin.  Rico reunites with his surrogate brother, Gilberto, and for a time finds peace.  Even though life on a rustic farm provides its own challenges, Rico initially appears to blend in. Conflicted over the ease of his new identity, Rico feels his Latin self slipping away and family connections calling him home. The apparent peace of Wisconsin affords him the opportunity to finally set about his own self-discovery and self-determination.

Hijuelos imbibes this character-driven narrative with an authentic voice of a young teenage boy reminiscent of Sherman Alexie’s Diary of a Part-Time Indian.  Though Dark Dude is set in the late 60s, Hijuelos still tackles many mature issues faced by contemporary teens in an honest and gritty fashion.

Reviewed by Sandra Fisher, Hiram, GA

Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
Walker & Company, 2003 , 290 pp., $16.99
China/Memoir/Overcoming Hardships
ISBN:  978-0-4252-0133-6

Meals of dried yams for years, with the exception of feasts for the Chinese New Year, make young Li Cunxin believe he will be forever trapped in a well of poverty his entire life.  Because Chairman Mao has declared that all the arts must include representatives from the peasants, young Li Cunxin finds his world changing dramatically as he is selected for the Chinese ballet program.  Li describes his life story of joyful memories and excruciating pains—both physical and emotional—as he leaves his family behind to serve his country in hopes that he can ensure that he and his family will always have enough food. 

A “young readers’ edition,” initially the narrative skimps on detail; however, the story later soars and touches hearts as readers learn of the immense trials Li faces as a peasant in the world of the arts in Beijing.  Fables play an important role in Li’s motivation and are offset from the rest of the storyline, and a few photographs grace the pages as a link to the author.  Readers with little knowledge of Chinese politics will learn much through this captivating and ultimately nail-biting tale of one of the world’s best ballet dancers. 

Reviewed by Angie Beumer Johnson, Dayton, OH

Neptune’s Children by Bonnie Dobkin
Walker & Company, 2008, 262 pp., $16.99
Science Fiction/Survival
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9734-6

Josh is a thirteen-year-old boy being dragged to a theme park for his younger sister’s birthday when a plague hits the planet.  Instantly, his parents collapse and die as well as all the other adults in the world.  Now he is stuck on a theme park island with no way off.  Half the people around him lay dead on the floor and the only people left, the children, have to find a way to live.  How will these children react?  How will they find a way to survive?

In their confusion and anxiety, a voice echoes from King Neptune, spoken by Milo, a boy whose father ran the sound system at the park.  He asks everyone to meet and decide what to do next.  From this first meeting, the children develop a Core.  They develop jobs and rations.  But, as the power of the Core grows, as well as Josh’s relationship with a friend, Zoe, he breaks away from the Core.

As with any science fiction survival story, things aren’t always as they appear, and the world created by the children cannot stay good forever.  Power and control are difficult to wield, especially for children new to that role.  Neptune’s Children may sound like a warning tale we’ve heard in many books before.  But, Boonie Dobkin tells her tale with a myriad of real and compelling characters.  The setting of the theme park is unique and interesting.  It’s almost impossible to put the book down as every chapter ends with the reader dying to know more.

 Reviewed by Cynthia Mitchell, Satellite Beach, FL

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Houghton Mifflin, 2008, 344 pp., $16.00
Historical Fiction/Royalty/Girls & Women
ISBN: 0-618-959718

An unexpected attack on the royal family of Montagne leaves not only the king dead, but also Benevolence’s mother. In addition, Ben’s father hasn’t been seen since the ambush. Alone now, Ben is pulled from her purposely low-key and comfortable family existence to live in the palace. Her stiff and high-minded aunt (the queen) is struggling to hold the kingdom together, while taking on the daunting task of training Benevolence to become proper royalty and the future ruler she is meant to be. But Ben has no desire to become like her aunt. Ben rebels in every way she can, including eating until her fancy dresses no longer fit.

She expects her aunt to be angry, but does not foresee being locked in a tower room. However, this cruel act on the part of the queen turns out to be a saving grace, as it is in the tower room that Ben discovers a secret portal that just might be her key to freedom forever.

This book is more fairy tale than fantasy in its structure and with its multiple, fun-find fairy tale references. Watch for Jack and the Beanstalk, Princess and the Pea, and Sleeping Beauty references among others throughout the book. Spotting the fairy tales in disguise is an unexpected treat.

Another fun aspect of this book is Ben’s timely discovery of her magical powers. This coincides with her personal search to find a place in her new, parentless world. Her wild ride into a foreign lifestyle keeps the pages turning, as does her unwanted and disastrous “romance” with the prince from a neighboring enemy kingdom.

The allure of a strong female character combined with the ever-popular element of magic, and the charming writing style of Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Dairy Queen) make this book a sure hit.

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince, Tucson, AZ

Revealers by Amanda Marrone
Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, 2008, 288 pp., $8.99
Paranormal/Magic/Witches/Coming-of-Age
ISBN: 978-1416958741

As they have for centuries, witches in Julia’s coven are welcomed into the Inner Circle on their eighteenth birthday. Of her friends—the hunter group granted with the power to reveal the true form of nightmarish creatures that prey on humans—Jules is the youngest, and the least looking forward to joining the group. Maybe she doesn’t want to spend her life killing evil things for the good of humanity, or having every inane detail—such as wearing cloaks and riding broomsticks to and from the hunt—dictated by arcane rules. Luckily, the son of the coven leader, Connor, sees things her way; and, even though their mothers have made it clear that Jules and Connor are not to be with each other, Connor swears he will change their minds.

When Margo, the oldest and prissiest of the five hunters, finally gains her Inner Circle status, she completely clams up on the other girls as to what she learned in the secret ceremony, and the others suspect that there may be more going on than her usual brown-nosing attitude. A few days later, Sascha has her initiation, and what she learns drives her to near incoherency. Jules, Dani, and Zahara wonder what the coven has in store for them. Dani’s birthday is fast approaching, and Jules begins to realize that her own mother may have more to do with this than she ever suspected. Could this be just a coming-of-age ceremony of passage, or something much more horrifying?

Told with a smooth, light tone that presents unassuming great action and teen drama, this is one for the vampire, werewolf, ghost, demon and witch lover all in one. A little bit of everything, I found this book to be a delicious mix that I would love to read again.

Reviewed by Allison Franclose, Marietta, GA

Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash by Wendelin Van Draanen
Random House, 2008, 293 pp., $15.99
Wealth/Counterfeiting/Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-375-83526-1

In the most recent installment of Wendelin Van Draanen’s long-running series, thirteen-year-old Sammy Keyes finds out exactly what it means to be scared to death.  Returning home one evening via the fire escape to an apartment she secretly shares with her grandmother, Sammy is taken by surprise when a door unexpectedly swings open and a mysterious figure steps out onto the landing.  The encounter proves more unsettling for the stranger, who, upon spotting Sammy, succumbs to a heart attack.  Searching his pockets for heart medication, Sammy stumbles across three bundles of money.  When the man begs her to dispose of them, she reluctantly agrees to do so, and runs for help.  Unfortunately for him, it is too late.  Seduced by the promise of newfound wealth, Sammy opts to return for the money later that evening, a decision that causes her to embark on a journey of intrigue and adventure, and threatens to transform her—and her relationships with friends and family—in ways that she could never have imagined.  

Blending crisp dialogue and cliffhanger chapter endings, Van Draanen manages to construct a narrative that is both fast-paced and engaging.  A super-sleuth fashioned in the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Sammy is a strong female character whose daring and resourcefulness surpass her status as a thirteen-year-old.  Nevertheless, her sense of humor and vitality are contagious, and serve to endear her to readers.  A central theme in the novel pertains to the corrupting influence of money; and Van Draanen’s treatment of it, though understated throughout much of the novel, is somewhat didactic in the end.  Regardless, Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash proves to be an entertaining novel, as well as a mystery whose outcome manages to confound readers right up until the moment of its resolution. 

Reviewed by Sean Connors, Columbus, OH

Swiss Mist by Randy Powell
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2008, 210 pp., $16.95
Family Separation/Coming-of-Age/Philosophy
ISBN: 0-374-37356-6

Reflection is a key to professionalism in whatever career path one chooses.  Being able to look back at past events and think about the choices made and circumstances that have interfered or furthered our development is vital to stability in life.  In Randy Powell’s latest novel, he uses this concept to portray the growth of a teenage boy from child to approaching manhood.

The novel begins in Seattle, where young Milo is a fifth grader living with a hippie/philosopher father and a pragmatic/coach’s daughter of a mother who have decided that their marriage has fallen by the wayside and they will separate.  The reader follows Milo as he begins a voyage to find his own reality in many different environments, including low-income apartments and the upper-class suburbs of Seattle.

Powell does a phenomenal job of creating a child’s impression of the serious circumstances surrounding a divorce, while shedding light of an ever-changing world in the mind and physical environment of Milo.  This novel takes place over a five-year period in Milo’s life, where reality and make-believe are pitted head-to-head in the mind of a level-headed boy.

Reviewed by Ray Engle, Dayton, OH

Time’s Chariot by Ben Jeapes
David Fickling/Random House, 2008, 375 pp., $15.99
Time Travel/Suspense
ISBN: 978-0-385-7516704

In Time’s Chariot, Ben Jeapes has penned more than just another science fiction novel.  He has created a masterpiece, intertwining science fiction with suspense, mystery, historical fiction, sarcasm and wit, and even a little bit of romance.  The characters, while futuristic in nature, may be on a secret and extremely dangerous mission but still exhibit everyday qualities that any reader can relate to. 

Time’s Chariot follows the actions of nine characters, which are all in some way linked to a suspicious and mysterious murder of the Commissioner.  It is Operative Rico Garron, though, who puts the pieces together and realizes that there is more to this murder than the police are saying.  Operative Garron is chosen by the Acting Commissioner to go back in time and discover the truth behind the death and if the body found is actually the man it is supposed to be.  Traveling back in time unravels information that weaves a far more intricate web of lies and deceit than Garron ever bargained for.  As this information is discovered, Garron realizes that this knowledge, if placed in the wrong hands, could alter the course of history and end millions of lives. 

Ben Jeapes weaves his own web of thrill and suspense.  He captures the reader on page one, and the twists and turns of the story keep those pages turning and readers on the edge of their seats until the very last sentence.  With Time’s Chariot, Ben Jeapes has broken the mold of science fiction writing, and has taken this genre to the next level.

Reviewed by Holly Weber, Dallas, GA

Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Houghton Mifflin, 2008, 256 pp., $16.00
Self-Image/Mind-Reading
ISBN: 0-618-995307

Kristi has her own style. Sometimes it includes wearing her skirt made of recycled tires or the shirt she created from salvaged umbrellas. Kristi’s fashion statements can be a bit strong, even for the alternative high school she attends. If people find out the one other thing that makes her truly unique—that she can read minds—she’d be more of an outcast than she already is. 

So, Kristi keeps to herself. With a secret cat at home (not like her workaholic mom will ever notice one little cat, even if she is allergic to it), occasional conversations with semi-friends, and one major crush, she has all the company she needs to keep herself occupied.

The main character’s original personality and outlook are intriguing. Her flaws are believable and relatable, two essential qualities in young adult literature. Happily, the book also contains a new spin on the common problem of divorce with its companion feelings of abandonment and neglect.

Ryan found her voice early in the book and brought her character into sharp definition, with all of the consistent emotions and actions the reader expects from Kristi as the story progresses. The relationships between the main character and her peers and parents are complicated by the mind-reading element, creating a welcome suspense throughout the novel.

A unique, entertaining read.

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince, Tucson, AZ

Wings: A Fairy Tale by E. D. Baker
Bloomsbury, 2008, 307 pp., $16.99
Fantasy/Heroine/Belonging
ISBN: 159-990-1935

With hair the color of sunlight and brilliant turquoise eyes, fifteen-year-old Tamisin is a strong, graceful dancer who is just beginning to appreciate her unique gifts. “For the first time in her life, Tamisin was convinced that being different could be a truly wonderful thing, and she didn’t want anything to spoil it.”  However, creatures from the fey, a magical realm of fairies and goblins, enter Tamisin’s ordinary life, changing it.

Transported to the fey against her will, Tamisin must embark on a journey to find Titania, the fairy queen (a la A Midsummer Night’s Dream) who can help her get home.  Tamisin begins to learn why the magical creatures chose her and how she fits into this realm as she travels with Jak, her half-human and half-goblin friend.  Tamisin and Jak make their way past goblin-assassins at the Green Beetle Inn, Herbert the Unicorn in the enchanted forest, Lamia Lou the snake-woman from the Sograssy Sea, and other assorted magical creatures.

When Tamisin finally meets Titania and learns of the revolt planned by Jak’s goblin family against Tamisin’s new-found fairy family, Tamisin is challenged to rethink her beliefs about family, friendship, and belonging.

Reviewed by Kelly Byrne Bull, Baltimore, MD