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 fresh look at  the latest in YA Lit.

Titles reviewed this month:

The Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee
The Books of Umber: Happenstance Found by P. W. Catanese
Burn My Heart by Beverley Naidoo
Canterwood Crest: Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart
The Dragon Princess by E. D. Baker
The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane
Far From You by Lisa Schroeder
In Mike We Trust by P. E. Ryan
Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French
The Seems: The Split Second by John Hulme and Michael Wexler
The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor
Something Happened by Greg Logsted
Sophomore Undercover by Ben Esch
The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner

The Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee
Knopf/Random House, 2009, 360 pp., $16.99
Teen/Suicide/Sisters
ISBN: 978-0-375-85643-3
Beth is beautiful—so beautiful, in fact, that she was destined for tragedy. Through the narrative voice of her sister Jennifer, readers tread the path of sadness that Beth follows right up until her untimely end. In the wake of catastrophe, Jennifer must reassemble Beth’s life with a few scant mementos in an attempt to honor her sister and move on. The Anatomy of Wings is a coming-of-age story set in a small mining town in Australia, but it is a story that could have taken place in a multiplicity of locales. In order to tell Beth’s story, Karen Foxlee engages readers in an interesting blend of flashbacks and flash-forwards that structurally illustrate her point about the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and loss. The characters in the story engage in some detailed sexual activity, which may be a problematic topic for some readers. Even so, through Jennifer, Foxlee questions, in an appealing way most readers will enjoy, whether the unfinished business of the loss of young life can ever be resolved.

Reviewed by Mary Rice, Springville, UT 

The Books of Umber: Happenstance Found by P. W. Catanese
Aladdin, 2009, 342 pp., $16.99
Fantasy
ISBN: 1-4169-7519-5
Happenstance, a boy with startling green eyes, awakens in a strange, magical world. Besides carrying a note in his pocket that he is not allowed to read, Hap does not have any information about who is he or where he came from. In fact, he has no memory beyond the present. With no other alternative, Hap accompanies Lord Umber, who found him, and his crew back to their hometown. Along the way, they face many adventures as they try to outwit the sinister creature named Occo, who eagerly pursues the capture of Hap.

As P.W. Catanese weaves a world of fantasy with references to the modern world, curiosity in readers will be spiked as they begin to wonder what happened to our world and how Lord Umber got to the world he currently lives in. The suspenseful fantasy will quickly draw readers in and make them want to continue the series to learn more about the adventures of Hap, Lord Umber, and their friends.

Reviewed by Amy Lavin, West Jordan, UT

Burn My Heart by Beverley Naidoo
HarperCollins, 2009, 209 pp., $15.99
Prejudice/Peer Pressure/Race Relations
ISBN: 978-0-06-143297-2
Mathew and Mugo are good friends. Mathew spends his days rambling around his family’s vast spread of land in Kenya, while Mugo spends a large portion of his day at work as a kitchen toto (child). Mugo is a native Kikuyu, which is the name given to the people of south central Kenya. His family has lived on this land for generations, which Mathew’s grandfather took control during the First World War. This occupation by the wazungu or “white people” has led to the creation of a rebellion by the Mau Mau, a group of Kikuyu who are attempting to take their land back by any means necessary. Stuck in the middle is Mathew’s family, Mugo’s family, and the community of English and native peoples. Each has differing views, which leads to ever-changing roles in friendship, family and society.

Naidoo’s novel is a work of fiction set during the events leading to Kenya’s independence from Great Britain in the mid-20^th century. She weaves a complex story of the power of friendship and the detachment between different cultures by giving the reader glimpses from Mugo’s and Mathew’s individual perspectives of the world around them. As the racial divide grows wider, Mugo and Mathew begin to change their views. Although they are similar in age, gender, and interests, the shade of their skin and their value to society become paramount to their existence. Like Sharon Draper’s Copper Sun, Naidoo has sparked a flame and given light to the cultural conflicts that still rage in the present day. Burn My Heart is a fantastic exploration into a little known piece of world history that resonates with humanity—no matter what skin pigmentation.

Reviewed by Ray Engle, Dayton, OH

Canterwood Crest: Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart
Aladdin, 2009, 256 pp., $5.99
Equestrian/Boarding School
ISBN: 1-416-958401
Sasha Silver is used to straight getting straight A’s and being the star rider at Briar Creek. But Sasha is not at Briar Creek anymore. She knows she is lucky to be at Canterwood Crest Academy, where she and her beloved horse, Charm, will have access to top-of-the-line everything: academics, stables, and riding instruction. But the pressure that goes along with trying to maintain her grades, while straining to make the exclusive Canterwood Crest Advanced Riding Team, might just be too much for Sasha. Especially with the ultra-competitive Heather Fox constantly riding her tail.

A debut novel, Take the Reins does just that—takes the reins—with its strong introduction to a setting most kids can only hope for: one without parents. One where they can pursue their dreams. Despite the fact that the setting seems perfect, it is easy to see that no one can escape from reality. Determination and hard work play a key role in the success that Sasha strives for, and even then, she must make sacrifices. Nothing comes easily to this heroine—not grades, friendships, or even a little time with the boy on whom she has a crush.

With three more Canterwood Crest books due out this year (so far), it’s clear to see that Jessica Burkhart has carved out a niche for herself; and in the process, she’s given life to new characters that are here to stay. A fun, fast read that left me checking release dates on the other books in the series.

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince, Tucson, AZ 

The Dragon Princess by E. D. Baker
Bloomsbury, 2008, 218 pp., $16.99
Fantasy
ISBN: 1-59990-194-3
The sixth book in the Tales of a Frog Princess series has no trouble standing on its own. Readers who are new to the books will still find a light, fun story about a princess who cannot control her anger—when she gets mad, she turns into a dragon with the power to burn humans and other creatures alike to a crisp. When her dragon side is revealed to family she doesn’t care to be around, she embarks on a journey to find the Blue Witch whom she hopes will teach her to control her alternate identity. Traveling along with her is a cast of characters: a sweet, small bat named Zoe; her cousin, a wizard named Francis; and a double-headed troll named Simon-Leo, who has to take turns controlling the rest of its body. They run into a plethora of creatures and obstacles, including a group of villagers who offer the girls as food to a dragon and beings who deliberately try to lead them off course. This book will appeal to imaginative young adults and those still young at heart who love to be immersed in fantastical worlds with sweet characters.

Reviewed by Cynthia Mitchell, Satellite Beach, FL

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane
Knopf/Random House, 2009, 177 pp., $15.99
Baseball/Grief/Relationships
ISBN: 978-0-375-85682-2
Eighth-grade Molly learned to love baseball from her father—her father who has died in a car accident. Never particularly close to her mother, Molly decides to try out for the baseball team and undergo the gender role harassment that can come when a girl opts out of the “girls’” sport of softball to play with the boys. Coping with her father’s death and learning to live alone with her mother challenge Molly, but an atypical coach, teammate, and best friend—along with a little Zen—help her through the tough moments. Lonnie, an artist and baseball player whose parents are divorced, makes a nice parallel to Molly’s character as they both learn to live with the absence of their fathers in different ways. Molly’s best friend, Celia, gets some of the best dialogue in the book—a teen wise and witty beyond her years. The book would make a good choice for readers looking for a quick and clear-cut story.

Reviewed by Angie Beumer Johnson, Columbus, OH

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder
Simon and Schuster, 2009, 355 pp., $15.99
Verse Novels /Stepfamilies/Survival
ISBN: 1-4169-7506-3
Life was bad enough for Alice Andreeson when her mother died from cancer. Now, throw in a new pregnant stepmother, an unsupportive best friend, and a sexually eager boyfriend. The result is what Alice has come to know as her own personal “Through the Looking-Glass” Wonderland—a place she does not belong and cannot figure out. Each day that passes, Alice finds herself thinking more about her deceased mother and less about the flocking people desperate to keep Alice from shattering into a pile of shards on the floor. Lost in her own depression, Alice begins writing music in an attempt to survive one day at a time. When Alice’s lyrical escapes interfere and compromise her already gossamer relationship with her “new” step-family, Alice’s father insists on the family taking a vacation. What starts out as an obnoxious, inconvenient visit with grandparents turns into a climatic, spiritual revolution for Alice’s entire family. On the long ride home, Alice, her stepmother Victoria, and newborn sister Ivy, are all barricaded inside an SUV during a blizzard. Through this event, Alice battles starvation and dehydration as well as spiritual maturation. After seeing a glimpse of her guardian angel and struggling to keep her newborn sister alive, Alice finally begins to understand that there is more to life than death, more people to think about than just herself. 

Schroeder writes a powerful story while exercising incredible precision of words. The entire novel is written in prose, as if the narrative is written how Alice would write one of her many songs or poems. There is not a single unnecessary word to be found. Immediately, readers are engaged and enthralled in the simplistic yet profound presentation of the adventure of Alice in her own absurd yet true-to-life wonderland. From a mad hatter to a Cheshire cat, Alice’s character takes on more roles than any reader could anticipate. The true surprise is learning that Alice can actually play the part of herself.

Reviewed by Malorie Barrett, Dallas, GA 

In Mike We Trust by P. E. Ryan
HarperCollins, 2009, 321 pp., $16.99
Coming Out/Family Relationships
ISBN: 978-0-06-085813-1
The surprise arrival of the prodigal Uncle Mike at Garth Rudd’s doorstep is indeed a mixed blessing for the fifteen year old. Having lost his father in a tragic boating accident, under orders from his mother not to disclose his sexual orientation to anyone outside the family, and stuck in a summer job he despises in order to make ends meet, Garth’s life is clouded by secrets and lies. At first, Mike seems to offer Garth a refreshing outlet to be true to himself, embracing his nephew’s identity and encouraging him to meet other gay teens. However, Garth begins to suspect that Mike’s sudden interest in his deceased brother’s family may have a darker purpose, and he finds himself participating in an uncomfortable new web of deceptions that threatens to undo his new found freedom.

Like the raucous relationship between Prince Hal and Falstaff in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the complicated bond that develops between Garth and Mike gives In Mike We Trust a rich and often witty core. Readers looking for a tender coming out and coming-of-age story should find much to enjoy as they witness Garth learn what it means to be honest—with oneself as much as with friends, family and kind-hearted strangers.

Reviewed by Sean Kottke, Battle Creek, MI

Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French
Amulet, 2009, 368 pp., $16.95
Environmental/Friends
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8354-0
Julian Carter-Li needs to go home sick from school but his uncle, Sibley Carter, cannot be bothered to pick him up. He sends a taxi to pick up Julian, who is forced to wait in his uncle’s office until Sibley has time for him. While there, Julian stumbles across an email that he is not supposed to see. It details his aunt and uncle’s true feelings of extreme dislike for him. While he is reeling from this revelation, a second email pops up with the subject, “SIBLEY CARTER IS A MORON AND A WORLD CLASS JERK!!”

Through this email, Julian meets Robin Elder, who lives next to a forest of ancient redwood trees. Julian learns that his uncle plans to cut down the entire forest for profit. Julian teams up with Robin and his best friend Danny to stop his uncle from destroying the forest. Stopping rich and powerful Sibley Carter is not easy. Julian and his friends run into more than one road block along the way. The book is written in an easy to read style that captures the reader’s attention and at the same time educates readers about old growth forests and the plight of the redwoods without sounding “preachy.”

Operation Redwood is a book that makes the reader believe that anyone can make a difference if he or she is willing to take on a challenge and overcome the hardships that will be encountered along the way. The reader is reminded that we are not alone—there are others who share our passions and help may come from unexpected places—even a pesky younger sister or from a mysterious unknown relative.

Reviewed by Jeff Terrell, Marietta, GA

The Seems: The Split Second by John Hulme and Michael Wexler
Bloomsbury, 2008, 303 pp., $16.99
Science Fiction/Time and Space Travel/Mystery/Terrorism
ISBN: 978-1-59990-130-7
Becker Drane is a thirteen-year-old fixer in The Seems, a parallel world to reality. When a time bomb explodes, he is called in to fix the problem but finds that The Tide, a secret terrorist organization, is behind the plot to change The World plan. The novel is filled with wonderful puns and double meanings for a variety of words and ideas. The reader will have to pay attention to enjoy the wealth of detail the authors provide; for example there are appendixes A, B, and C that are a glossary, an explanation of time essence and some of the “tools of the trade.” This is the second book in The Seems series but readers don’t need to read the first book to be pulled into this mystery. There is enough background information to keep one connected to the story, and readers may want to go back and catch up on the beginning of the series.

The authors have done a great job of taking the reader back and forth between The World and The Seems. The characters in The Seems are kooky in their own way; and it is interesting that they all have jobs in The World. Becker is an eighth grade student living in Highland Park, New Jersey, but he has to use his ME-2 to be able to leave his family and work in The Seems. Once you pick up this book, you can’t wait to find out if Becker and his team will save The World. Have fun with this ride.

Reviewed by Ann A. Wolf, Boca Raton, FL

See No Evil by Jamila Gavin
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009, 208 pp., $16.95
Coming-of-Age
ISNB:  978-0-374-36333-8
Nettie is desperately trying to find answers to why her beloved tutor, Miss Kovochev, left without a trace, or did she?  Nettie perseveres through her life at home and situations at school in her attempt to be a “normal child,” all the while longing for Miss Kovochev. Her curiosity and detective skills lead her to Miss Kovochev’s hidden journal and an unlikely friend. This piece of evidence and new companion are just what Nettie needs to find the truth; however, the truth she finds sickens this young heroine to the core. The journal reveals Nettie’s father’s involvement in human trafficking. Faced with a tough choice, Nettie decides to confront her father. It is this confrontation that moves Nettie from childhood innocence to a cruel reality of the world.

Gavin’s characters are linked through a journal. The journal link creates a space where all characters can grow and learn more about their place in society. Gavin nests a serious global concern within a naïve main character. It is Nettie’s naivety that allows readers to connect with this character, as many have a defining moment when they realize that their parents may not be perfect. This contemporary realistic fiction piece is not to be overlooked as the reader is sure to be moved by Nettie’s quest for the truth, thus leading to control over her own destiny.

Reviewed by Aimee L. Morewood, Morgantown, WV 

The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor
HarperCollins, 2009, 361 pp., $16.99
Family Issues/Sibling Rivalry/Divorce/Abandonment
ISBN: 978-0-06-168648-1
What if “I hate you, too” were the last words you spoke to someone? Abigail and Becky, sisters whose September birthdays are only a year and a day apart, fight so frequently that readers may feel secretly relieved when Becky disappears. But the absence is disquieting. Like Abby, the readers feel Becky’s sudden absence, and, like her parents, hold out against hope that she might be found alive.
At school, the subject of her sister’s disappearance makes Abby a social outcast, and she subsequently loses her best friend to the popular crowd for good. Her father and mother slip into denial and catatonic depression, respectively.

Abby seeks solace in Mrs. Ramirez, a neighbor, and her grandson Tommy, whose own parents are going through a divorce. Tommy and Abby negotiate their own investigation into the disappearance and discover a complicated friendship.
With echoes of The Lovely Bones and even To Kill A Mockingbird, Cantor unflinchingly explores loss through its many incarnations.

Reviewed by Wendy Cope, Kennesaw, GA 

Something Happened by Greg Logsted
Simon and Schuster, 2008, 202 pp., $8.99
Coming-of-Age/Loss/Relationships
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-5078-3
Billy Romero is blind-sided by the unexpected death of his father. He doesn’t relate well to his therapist and his mom has little time for him. When even his best friend provides no solace, Billy finds comfort from an unlikely source, his beautiful, young English teacher, Ms. Gate. Finding out that Billy’s father recently died, Ms. Gate takes a vested interest in Billy. She takes time to help him with his poetry after school and even lets him drive her Mustang convertible; all the while, she lends Billy a friendly ear about his problems. But is she being too friendly? Even though Billy likes all the attention, he begins to wonder about her motives when Ms. Gates takes advantage of his youth and kisses him. Their relationship gets even more uncomfortable when Billy learns Miss Gates might not be exactly who she has portrayed herself to be.

A novel that examines the fragile line between teacher and student, Logsted highlights the pitfalls that can arise when a teacher gets too close to one of her students. This riveting book shows the damage that is caused when a teacher crosses the line and manipulates a young boy’s crush. Due to the mature topic, this book is more appropriate for high school readers and beyond.

Reviewed by Joellen Maples, Rochester, NY 

Sophomore Undercover by Ben Esch
Disney Hyperion, 2009, 242 pp., $15.99
High School Athletics/Drugs/Bullying/School Newspaper
ISBN: 978-142311303-4
High school students will relish this torn from the headlines story of how a beleaguered and picked upon teenager witnesses some overbearing and obnoxious school jocks shooting up what appears to be drugs in the locker room. Taken aback, Dixie Nguyen, the fifteen-year-old adopted Vietnamese orphan, seizes the opportunity to expose his unsuspecting high school football teammates—because the ‘druggies’ are also his ‘tormentors.’

Bullied for being awkward and different, Dixie (or ‘Pixie Dick’ as he is called by the sadistic football players) lashes out at his ungodly high school fate of humiliation and torture by writing a school newspaper piece that dares to expose his enemies, but naturally, it is stopped by the school editor who wants him to cover homecoming events, instead. Undeterred, Dixie sets out on his own unconventional investigation, only to uncover the biggest drug scandal in the history of high school athletics.

Told in first person, our beleaguered and determined teenage protagonist uses realistic, graphic dialogue to vocalize his feelings and frustrations. As the object of so much torment, he relishes the chance to ‘get even,’ but his revenge takes a wild and wacky road that lands him in juvenile hall, the hospital and eventually, therapy. Esch’s spot on details of high-school life and his realistic passages of what it means to be bullied by unrelenting hedonists are worth noting. Exasperating sarcastic, self-deprecating and raw, this book is not for the faint of heart and for those looking for happy-ever-after endings.

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kaplan, Orlando, FL   

The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner
Random House, 349 pp., $16.99
Science Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-375-84364-8
Tane and Rebecca are ordinary New Zealand teenagers who receive cryptic messages from their future selves. With the help of Tane’s older brother, Tane and Rebecca win the lottery but are soon caught up in a biological science disaster that threatens humanity.

The Tomorrow Code’s New Zealand setting may pose some cultural difficulties for a young American reader. However, the novel provides a thrilling adventure involving time paradoxes, a submarine, and a mysterious fog. Any young reader on a science fiction kick will likely finish this novel quickly.

Reviewed by Sonny Harding, Marietta, GA