I recently finished Criss Cross for a youth book club. When we sat down to discuss this book not a single person in the group liked this book. I found this interesting because Criss Cross has won awards and came highly recommended to me. However we all agreed the story was hard to follow and we did not like the conclusion. Criss Cross is the story of how several people's lives "criss cross" through the novel and how one decision can set off a chain of events that no one could predict. Interesting right? Well sort of, but the author not only switches between points of view but also writing methods including both illustrations and text in her novel. She also relies on haiku, and side by side 1st person accounts to tell the story. I found this confusing and disjointed. It made it hard to follow the plot. The book is suppose to take place during the 1970's but this is only very vaguely touched upon, thus leading to further confusion when fashions such as bell bottoms and platform shoes are brought up and listening to a radio show is the a Saturday night's entertainment. I must admit if a student came into the library looking for a work of historical fiction, I would not suggest this book.
Frederick is the new kid in school, who meets Xio and soon become's part of Xio's group of friends. This novel, told from the perspective of both Xio and Frederick, portrays the emotional conflict of each teen's life realistically. Xio quickly falls for Frederick and can not understand why he doesn't return her affections, first assuming he is just shy and quickly coming to the conclusion that something must be wrong with her, as girls often do when in this situation. Frederick, is flattered by Xio's attention but can not get past his unsettling feelings for Victor, the star soccer player at his new school. Then Frederick meets Iggy, the target of a lot of bullying, because of his alleged homosexuality and Frederick begins to understand what his feelings about Victor might mean. Alex Sanchez does a terrific job at keeping the voices authentic and telling a story about situations that many students face. Great book for bringing up the topics of homosexuality, friendship, bullying, and acceptance.
Make Lemonade is a novel written in verse. It is a story of two young girls, one looking to save money so she can attend college and get out of the poverty she lives in, the other is a teenage mother with few prospects for improving her life. LaVaughn applies for the role of babysitter of Jolly's children. At first LaVaughn regrets her decision to take the job, but soon she is wrapped up in Jolly's life and falls in love with her children. Not willing to accept Jolly's station in life, LaVaughn encourages Jolly to attend school and accept the aid of others for her children's sake. This story touches the heart and warms the soul.
Miracle on 49th Street is a tale about a girl, Molly Parker, who has recently lost her mother and goes to connect with her father, who incidentally has no idea she exists. To throw another wrench into the situation, Molly's father is the national basketball hero, Josh Cameron. At first Josh is very skeptical of Molly's claim, but she convinces him to get to know her, and soon Josh's heart begins to warm to Molly. Molly has some help along the way namely from her sidekick and best friend Sam, and Josh's housekeeper Mattie. These two help Molly through some rough times, including Josh's selfishness, and skepticism. Miracle on 49th Street is a heartwarming tale of friendship, trust, and realizing in order to reap big rewards, one must take huge risks.
13 Little Blue Envelopes is a fantastic book about first love, self discovery, courage, family bonds, and forgiveness. Ginny is a seventeen year old young woman who has just lost her Aunt Peg to a brain tumor. One day after her death Ginny receives a mysterious envelope with a thousand dollars and a letter from her Aunt, telling her to go to NYC to their favorite restaurant to receive further instructions. Soon Ginny is off on an adventure, not knowing what the next day will hold. Each time she completes a task, no matter how strange, she can open the next envelope which will contain a letter from her Aunt with instructions on completing yet another unique task. Ginny is faithful to her Aunt and ends up completing a quest of self discovery and personal growth.
This novel would be a fantastic read for anyone who loves traveling, adventures, and unpredictable stories. It is a great novel for those who are perhaps feeling a little bit stuck in a rut, and looking for a book about self discovery and personal growth. One will find through this book, that you do not have to travel around the world to learn new things about yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and found myself both laughing and crying along with the characters in the book.
I recently read Anya's Ghost by Vera Brogol. This graphic novel is about a young girl from Russia, trying to fit into American society at a private school. She is first portrayed as a nasty girl who smokes, and is disrespectful to both her family and friends, but as the story continues the reader sees that Anya is a troubled girl who has poor self-esteem and is very lonely. While taking a walk in the park, Anya falls into an abandoned well, and when she looks around a ghost appears! Anya just wants to escape the well and when she is soon rescued, she thinks she has left the well and its ghostly inhabitant behind. The next day she finds out otherwise and as the story continues the readers finds that both Anya and her new ghost friend Emily Reilly are not who they first appear to be!
This is a graphic novel about growing up, being proud of who you are and where you come from, and being comfortable in your own skin. It is also a thrilling story with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. There is some strong language in this book, and I would recommend for more mature readers who can handle this. Otherwise an enjoyable tale and a quick read.
Divergent is a fantastic, action packed, and thought provoking novel written in the near future. The inhabitants of the city once known as Chicago, have been split into factions. Each faction cultivates a specific virtue in its members. Selflessness (Abnegation), Intelligence (Erudite), Bravery (Dauntless), Love (Amenity), Truthfulness (Candor). Each inhabitant takes a special test when they are 16 and are placed in a faction that best fits their personal attributes. Then there are the odd balls, the ones that walk their own path, and fit into many places, they are the Divergent. It is dangerous to be a Divergent. Tris, the main character, is divergent.
Divergent follows our main character through her chosen faction's, Dauntless, initiation training, through perils, heart ache, new friends, and new romance. The novel builds to a cliff hanger of an ending, making you biting at the bit for the next book in the series, Insurgent!
What I liked about this book is that it is great for all readers, it has action and suspense for the adventure lovers and it has romance for the whimsical, and for those that like thought provoking pieces of work, there is a whole lot of soul searching going on in this novel. Divergent is sure to interest many readers of all ages. And for those Book to Movie lovers, the premier of Divergent the Movie is March 2014!!
