ALAN’s Picks is a monthly book review column that is compiled and edited by Dr. Pam B. Cole of Kennesaw State University.
Reviewed this month:
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship That Changed the World by Penny Colman
First Day on Earth by Cecil Castellucci
Hidden by Helen Frost
In Trouble by Ellen Levine
My Not-So-Still Life by Liz Gallagher
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace
What Comes After by Steve Watkins
Where Do You Stay? by Andrea Cheng
The White Horse Trick by Kate Thompson
Wild Life by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Egmont, 2011, 480 pp., $17.99
Dystopian/Zombies/Survival
ISBN: 978-1-60684-175-4
In a world where an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) has wiped out almost everything, including people and electronics, Alex, who was camping in the woods contemplating life vs. death after living with a deadly brain tumor, falls into the middle of a cataclysmic event. Alex, along with her makeshift family of Ellie, an orphaned eight year old; and Tom, a young army veteran, decide to make their way to the ranger station to find help. They must survive in the woods, while not only scavenging for food and avoiding hungry wild life, but also eluding cannibalistic zombies that were somehow transformed by the EMP.
This book stands out because Bick’s descriptions of very simple things like pain and smells are so dead on that readers can feel or smell what she is describing. When the EMP first hits, Alex describes the pain and other side effects of the EMP so well that readers have no problem understanding her experiences.
Bick has done her research regarding EMPs because the events are detailed and understandable. Her detail makes the possibility of the type of destruction that happens in Ashes seem reasonable, which is a terrifying prospect. This book will make readers question their definition of family and what one will do to survive.
Reviewed by Kellee Moye, Orlando, FL
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship That Changed the World by Penny Colman
Henry Holt, 2011, 223 pp., $18.99
Friendship/Women’s Rights/Social Reform/Laws/History
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8293-7
During a time when bold actions were unthinkable from a woman, not one, but two, incredible women join forces to fight for women’s suffrage. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony worked together for over fifty years to give women the same rights as men: to be recognized as citizens, to have the right to vote, to be able to divorce, to have the opportunity to go to college, to own property after marriage, and to have equal salaries. Throughout that time they were dedicated to their cause, but they forged an unbreakable friendship regardless of their disagreements.
Colman has written an exceptional story that brings to life a significant piece of history. This book, used in social studies classes or as independent reading, will teach children that the world they know today is not the world that has always existed. It will show that strong, powerful, intelligent, and important women in today’s world could not have been in these positions without Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony forging the way in the 1800s.
Reviewed by Priscilla A. Boerger, Boca Raton, FL
First Day on Earth by Cecil Castellucci
Scholastic, 2011, 150 pp., $17.99
Aliens/Family/Abandonment
ISBN: 978-0-545-06082-0
Alienated and abandoned: these are the themes at the heart of First Day on Earth. Mal, a high school student, struggles with abandonment after his father abruptly walks away from his family one morning when Mal is young. Mal’s mother disintegrates into alcoholism, leaving Mal to cope with the virtual loss of both parents on his own. Mal’s response is to turn inward, shunning others, and becoming an outcast in the teen social world. Mal’s greatest desire is to go back with the aliens, whom Mal remembers abducting and then abandoning him back on earth. When Mal meets Hooper—who claims to be from another planet, Mal is forced to examine his doubts, fears, and beliefs and make some difficult decisions. Confused and questioning, Mal sets out with Posey and Darwyn—two students who are starting to feel alienated from their friends—to help Hooper return to his home planet.
This slim volume is packed full of questions and uncertainty: what is real; what is imagined, and how can you tell for sure? Castellucci draws readers into the story by slowly revealing the character of Mal through his interaction with others and his thoughts about life. Each of the characters adds to our understanding of Mal, and each also presents a deeper view into the human spirit. First Day on Earth is a quick but deep read that should appeal to a wide range of readers. There are a few bawdy scenes at the beginning to establish specific personalities, but these do not detract from the insightfulness of the tale. Highly recommended for adolescent and adult readers.
Reviewed by Susan M. Landt, Green Bay, WI
Hidden by Helen Frost
Foster/Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011, 147 pp., $16.99
Suspense/Relationships/Friendship
ISBN: 978-0-374-38221-6
During summer camp, Darra and Wren, two fourteen-year old girls who have never met are intertwined by a secret past. The horrific occurrence that plagues both girls has left them scarred. At camp, Darra and Wren are thrown into the same living quarters—Cabin Eight—where they recognize one another and proceed to coexist as best as possible. The girls do not acknowledge each other, but through swimming lessons and camp fires, they slowly find themselves in similar surroundings unable to discount one another. Finally, Darra and Wren come to terms with their fear of confrontation and discuss the incidents six years prior that forever changed their lives.
This story of an accidental kidnapping, murder, dysfunctional family, and an unlikely friendship in lyrical and poetic form is a definite page turner. As an added plus, Frost offers a story in a well-organized and flowing narrative poem that makes for better readability. Hidden is a story that inspires hope and forgiveness.
Reviewed by Mirta R. Espinola, Austin, TX
In Trouble by Ellen Levine
Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2011, 193 pp., $17.95
Teen Pregnancy/Relationships/McCarthyism
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6558-7
It is 1956 and Jamie’s best friend Elaine is “in trouble.” Naïve, inexperienced Jamie is the last of her friends to have a boyfriend, but she listens intently to the stories flying around the school. Jamie discovers that her beloved Aunt Sheila had a pregnancy she kept from the family with a man she did not love. But Elaine is in love with her baby’s father and plans for an idyllic future for them all. However, her parents are embarrassed by Elaine’s “condition”; thus, she stays upstairs when there is company and lies down in the backseat of the car when they are traveling. During the early months of Elaine’s pregnancy, Jamie feels an undercurrent of impending doom, and a voice keeps telling her to run. Is this feeling a result of her fear for Elaine? Does it, perhaps, reflect fear for her father who is in jail as a political prisoner for Contempt of Congress? Or is Jamie afraid for herself?
Setting the novel in 1956 allows young readers to see how differently society views unwed teenagers today. For instance, Elaine is forced to live at the Catholic Home and give her baby up for adoption. Levine’s novel also, unfortunately, shows us how much has stayed the same. The novel is a realistic account of girls “in trouble” and how, with friends and family and fortitude, they make it through.
Reviewed by Lottie Waggoner, Bloomington, IN
My Not-So-Still Life by Liz Gallagher
Lamb/Random House, 2011, 192 pp., $15.99
Relationships
ISBN: 978-0-375-85154-5
Vanessa Almond is fifteen, a sophomore at a Seattle area high school, and trying to create a memorable, quirky persona. She lives for her art and relishes good times with her two best friends. Nick is gay and struggling to discover the way to handle his sexuality and remain true to himself. Holly is a cello prodigy, shy, and committed to her music. Vanessa’s brash behavior with both her friends threatens to destroy the comfortable relationship they have built over the years. Her new job at a local art store contributes to impending disaster as she rushes headlong into adulthood without considering the consequences. Will she discover who she is and what she really wants before it is too late?
This is a fast-paced read, perfect for the reader who often feels left out and who appreciates a story about teen drama, a focus on art, and the power of art to motivate. As the author acknowledges, Vanessa is difficult to get to know with her tough exterior as she finds herself enmeshed in potentially treacherous waters where she is not ready to swim; however, she somehow manages to charm with her gritty determination to break free in both life and art.
Reviewed by Judith A. Hayn, Little Rock, AR
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Hyperion, 2011, 288 pp., $16.99
Fantasy/Witches/Superstition/Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4231-3787-0
Lexi grew up in the town of Near hearing stories from her father about witches, the life of the moor and other tales. Since the death of her father, she has tried to pass these fairy tale stories on to her sister; however, things are happening in Near that indicate that these stories may be true. A boy who fades in and out of view like smoke—a stranger—appears near the village, and the next night children begin disappearing from their beds. The village is convinced that the stranger is responsible and the men set out to find him, recover the children, and dispose of the stranger. Lexi, on the other hand, is drawn to the stranger, and she believes that he is innocent; in fact, he helps her hunt for the children. Can Lexi find the children before it is too late while protecting her sister, working with witches, and falling for the mysterious stranger?
In this debut novel, Schwab does an excellent job of interweaving many popular themes such as the supernatural, forbidden romance, and mystery with her own unique twists that result in a familiar, yet delightfully refreshing story. Schwab’s language is lyrical but does not detract from the plot. She also addresses important themes, including valuing differences and displaying strong female characters. The mysteries that unravel in the novel are compelling and difficult to predict. In addition, Schwab sprinkles romance throughout the plot but not in the sickly sweet way that has become so common throughout much of this genre. Schwab is a new author to keep one’s eyes on because if The Near Witch is any indication, she has a promising career ahead of her.
Reviewed by Aimee Rogers, Minneapolis, MN
Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace
Holiday House, 2011, 282 pp., $17.95
Relationships/Coming of Age/War/Racism/Violence
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2342-2
“…We will go back, one way or another. I promise.” Robert wishes his mother’s words were true, but he knows he can never go back. His reality is a prestigious boys’ boarding school in Zimbabwe, recently torn by war and struggling to survive under a new government that fosters the same hatred it fought hard to dispel. Robert is under constant scrutiny of his classmates: some hope he brings with him the positive changes his homeland of England strove to foster, while others hope he will join their side in fighting for what they feel is rightfully theirs. Robert must choose one side or the other; to vacillate between the lines would be just as dangerous as hesitating in the middle of an open war zone.
Wallace paints a vividly real picture of the impact war can have on young people. Because Robert’s character is dropped into the middle of things, he has the ability to see both sides. In his mind, neither side is justified; they have both been wronged. The narrative style and difficult subject matter bear a strong resemblance to Cormier’s The Chocolate War. Out of Shadows is not for the faint of heart, and it is not recommended for all students. But for those with the thoughtfulness and strength to handle the subject matter, Out of Shadows will plant questions into the soul that will take a lifetime to answer.
Reviewed by Kristie Jolley, Pleasant Grove, UT
What Comes After by Steve Watkins
Candlewick, 2011, 334 pp., $16.99
Relationships/Emotional and Physical Survival
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4250-1
If you love the tale of Cinderella, this is a must read. Iris finds herself in quite a precarious situation when her dad passes away, and her best friend’s family (who promised her father to take care of Iris) experiences their own issues and is no longer willing to provide care. Iris, a high school student with nowhere else to go, is sent to live with her aunt. Aunt Sue is the epitome of the well-known wicked stepmother in a classic Cinderella tale. Book, Aunt Sue’s son, is a classic mirror image of the evil stepsisters in this story. Iris must learn to navigate and survive the ridiculous responsibilities that Aunt Sue straps to her while living in a new state, going to a new school, losing her father, and feeling left behind by her best friend and family. This story is an uphill battle from the beginning for Iris. It leads the reader to wonder how Iris is actually able to pull herself out of bed each day. As Iris begins to trust people again, after a horrible, physical altercation with Aunt Sue and Book, she starts to realize that she may be happy once again.
Watkins writes a story that captivates the reader by creating a main character who invokes pity and also inspires. While Watkins provides a story that is raw and truthful, the story opens up thoughts of just how tragic some people’s lives can become.
Reviewed by Aimee L. Morewood, Morgantown, WV
Where Do You Stay? by Andrea Cheng
Boyds Mills, 2011, 134 pp., $17.95
Death/Family Relationships/Racial Identity
ISBN: 978-1-59078-707-6
After his mother’s death from cancer, Jerome, who will be starting sixth grade, comes to stay with his Aunt Geneva and Uncle James and their two sons: Damon, fifteen; and Monte, ten. Jerome faces loss on many levels—he no longer has a home and does not want to be adopted; in the estate sale held after his mother’s death, the piano he and his mother loved to play is sold, and his cousin Damon, in particular, resents Jerome’s joining their family. Jerome finds a comforting companionship with Mr. Willie, who lives in the carriage house, next to an abandoned mansion. Mr. Willie also plays piano, provides a listening presence for Jerome, and offers a male role model for Jerome, whose father deserted the family. When new owners begin renovating the mansion and plan to demolish the carriage house, Jerome worries about Mr. Willie and where he will live.
With an eleven-year-old narrator, Where Do You Stay? will hold more appeal for tweens than for older teens and is definitely a book that adults should recommend to tweens who might be experiencing the death of a parent or a move to a new home. Andrea Cheng’s novel offers a realistic and poignant portrayal of Jerome’s experience of grief and loneliness. The vignette style of the chapters also makes it a very accessible read, though Jerome’s inner monologues address large and essential themes of belonging, family relationships, terminal illness, and the enduring love between a mother and son that cannot be negated by death. Readers might hear echoes of Cisneros’ House on Mango Street, though Cheng explores the African-American culture.
Reviewed by Mary Warner, San Jose, CA
The White Horse Trick by Kate Thompson
Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2010, 405 pp., $17.99
Irish Folklore/Fantasy/Climate Change/Fairies
ISBN: 978-0-06-200416-1
“The End.” That’s the title for Part One of The White Horse Trick, as readers are thrust into the couldn’t-be-more-different worlds of an earth filled with humans destroying themselves through climate change and greed, and T’ír na n’Óg—the fairies’ home where the sun never sets and no one is ever hungry. The worlds overlap with the Liddy family and their colorful characters: Jenny, a clever and strong fairy teen raised by the Liddys; her brother Aidan, a spoiled brat turned tyrannical warlord; and her brother Donal, a reluctant general in Aidan’s army.
Painting a horrifying image of what our earth could be, Thompson describes a world devastated by the era of consumerism, when material avarice and comfort took the first place in the lives of a people who left an inheritance of village-wrecking storms and famine. Alternately set in Ireland and T’ír na n’Óg, the omniscient narrator and parallel plots require much of and give much to readers. While Part One, “The End,” satisfies, the plot rockets with a twist from the last forty pages to the end of the novel. It is too good a surprise to spoil here. Rich with allusion, imagery, and fantastic characters, The White Horse Trick, conclusion to The New Policeman trilogy, will give readers an amazing story with much to think about regarding current world issues.
Reviewed by Angie Beumer Johnson, Columbus, OH
Wild Life by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011, 177 pp., $16.99
Coming of Age/War/Survival/Family Issues/Friendship
ISBN: 978-0-374-38001-4
Wild Life is the story of a twelve-year-old boy named Erik who is a hunter at heart. He has spent his life waiting for the moment when he, and his friend Patrick, can go out into nature and do what men have been doing for hundreds of years—kill animals for food. Upon passing his test to get his hunting license, Erik shares the exciting information with his parents, who congratulate him with heavy hearts. Erik’s parent are in the National Guard and while Erik was taking his test, they found out they were heading to Iraq to join the fight against Terrorism. From there, Erik’s life is flipped upside down as he is forced to leave his friends and school to go to North Dakota and live with his grandparents, whom he has not seen in nine years. Erik has no relationship with his grandparents other than having received birthday cards and holiday phone calls from them. In addition to being in a strange place with strange people, he must battle with family events from thirty years ago, while finding his place in the new landscape of North Dakota.
DeFelice has written a great coming-of-age story, which combines the issues of war, and the divide it presents in the modern family when both parents have career responsibilities. The story is centered around a boy who is entering adolescence and beginning to deal with adult issues such as death, companionship, and survival. It is a realistic portrayal of a traditional Midwest family dealing with the modern burdens of life.
Reviewed by Ray Engle, Indianapolis, IN
