The Impossible Knife of Memory

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Anderson, Laurie Halse. The Impossible Knife of Memory. New York: Viking, 2014. 978-0-670-01209-1.  $16.19. 391p. Gr. 9 and up.
Hayley and her dad, Andy, have decided to settle down and attempt to live a normal life.  No more traveling across the country in an 18-wheeler, moving every few months.  Now Hayley is enrolled in high school and living in her grandmother’s house.  While her best friend tries to help her remember their childhood romps and adventures, her memory refuses to recollect any of these occurrences.  School tends to be a little monotonous, but math is unfathomable until her teacher provides a tutor, the handsome and charming Finn.  Underneath snarky banter and coy flirting, Hayley begins to share truths with Finn.  Her tenuous stability is suddenly shaken when her father begins losing his grip with reality as his PTSD racks him with war-time memories.  In an attempt to cope, he indulges in drinking and recreational drugs.  In the guise of help, Hayley is suddenly confronted by an adversary from her childhood.  Even with help, how can she save someone who has relinquished his desire to live?

 

Hayley’s first person narration is harrowing and candid.  Her own demons have caused her to repress childhood memories as she takes on the role of parent and cares for her dad, a veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The horrors of war and what Andy witnessed are interspersed in italics between Hayley’s chapters and provide a ghastly insight to what he witnessed as a soldier.  A compelling story of trust, friendship, and extraordinary love between a daughter and her father.
Realistic Fiction     Christine Massey, JWP Middle School

Series Nonfiction…Compact Research, In Controversy, Understanding World History

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Compact Research: Addictions (series).  San Diego: ReferencePoint Press, 2015.  96 p.  $30.00 ea.  Gr. 7-12.
Dudley, WilliamSynthetic Drug Addiction. 978-1-60152-764-6.
Nakaya, Andrea C. Internet and Social Media Addiction. 978-1-60152-760-8.
Parks, Peggy J. Heroin Addiction. 978-1-60152-756-1.
Wilcox, Christine. Gambling Addiction. 978-1-60152-758-5.
Wilcox, Christine. Sex and Pornography Addictions. 978-1-60152-762-2.
Focusing on a variety of addictive habits, these titles begin with an overview of each addiction and then go on to look at issues such as causes of addiction, health dangers of addiction, and ways to overcome addiction.  Each chapter is supplemented by primary source quotes, color photographs, charts, graphs, and statistics.  At the end of each book there is a list of key people and advocacy groups, a chronological timeline of the addiction, contact information for
related organizations, and a list of additional sources for further research.  These titles provide straightforward, factual information for researchers and allow them to analyze the data and come to their own conclusions about each addiction.
               
600s; Addictions       Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School
​These titles are an excellent addition for student researchers.  Not only is there plenty of background information presented about each addiction, but the primary source quotes, statistics, charts and graphs provide students with plenty of evidence to help them form opinions and make arguments supporting these opinions.  The index, table of contents, and list of illustrations make the books easily accessible, and the list of sources for further research provides researchers with additional quality sources to guide them as they form opinions and arguments.
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In Controversy (series).  San Diego: ReferencePoint Press, 2015. 96 p. $31.32 ea. Gr. 7+.

Abramovitz, Melissa. How Are Digital Devices Impacting Society?  978-1-60152-772-1 
 
This 45-book set features outstanding data and information on topics that are controversial and argumentative in today’s world.  Each book in the collection focuses on a specific question from its title, then divides the book into several chapters revolving around the main components of the issue.  For example, in How Are Digital Devices Impacting Society?, the author takes a look at when controversies surrounding digital devices first appeared, then shares information on how digital devices impact private and social interaction, affect the brain and thought processes, and affect physical and mental health.
 
One of the greatest assets of these books is that the authors try to supply and cite information from both sides of the issue, drawing from experts who both agree or disagree with the situation or feel that things positively or negatively impact society.  Each books contains important facts bulleted at the end of each chapter, along with pull-out quotes throughout the reading.  This book was extremely entertaining to read just for fun but would also provide excellent secondary source information for students conducting research on a controversial topic.
Technology     Nicole Starner, Biglerville HS/Upper Adams MS
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Understanding World History (series). San Diego: ReferencePoint Press, 2015.  96 p.  $31.32 ea.  Gr. 7+.

Allman, Toney. The Rise of Islam.  978-1-60152-744-8.
Marcovitz, Hal. The History of Slavery.  978-1-60152-742-4.
Marcovitz, Hal. The Rise of the Nazis.  978-1-60152-654-0.
This 22-book set covers an incredible range of topics in world history from numerous eras, including time periods and events such as Ancient Chinese Dynasties, Victorian England, the Industrial Revolution, the Holocaust, and the Early Middle Ages.  Along with these selections, the set also includes books focused on other topics of interest that may be confusing and/or interesting to students, such as Islam, slavery, the Nazis, and the history of Rock and Roll.
Each book includes an index, a section describing and defining important people in the time period or event, a timeline, and photographs or illustrations to further understanding.  One of the greatest assets of this collection are the numerous white-boxed sections of the text that describe stories related to the event, give more information on a particular subject, or provide statistical research associated with what is being discussed.  These boxes are especially interesting and easy to read while adding supplementary knowledge on the topic.
World History   Nicole Starner, Biglerville HS/Upper Adams MS

Everything Leads to You

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LaCour, Nina. Everything Leads to You. New York: Dutton, 2014. 978-0-525-42588-5. 307p. $17.99. Gr. 9 and up.
18-year-old Emi is an aspiring production designer living in L.A. and trying to get over her first love.  When she attends the estate sale of a deceased movie star in search of props, she and her best friend, Charlotte, come across a letter written by the famous star.  They decide to track down the intended recipient of the letter.  This is how they meet Ava, and it doesn’t take long for Emi to develop a crush on her.  As Emi and Ava spend more time together, Emi’s heart begins to heal.  She soon learns that life is not a Hollywood fairy tale, but she wouldn’t want it any other way.  People are lovable in spite of their flaws, and heartbreak and hurt simply make the joys and triumphs of life even more beautiful.  This is a beautiful love story with a message that we all need to remember.
Realistic Fiction   Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area HS
 
Because the main protagonist of the story is a lesbian, this would be a great addition to LGBT collections.  In addition, the behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made will appeal to fans of Amy Finnegan’s Not in the Script and Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy series.  This would also be a great title to hand to anyone who is simply looking for a well-written, realistic love story.

Leading Women….from Politicians to Activists to COOs and a Princess

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Leading Women (series).  New York: Cavendish Square, 2015.  112 p.  $28.00 ea.  Gr. 9-12.

Cupp, Tanya. Angela Merkel: First Woman Chancellor of Germany. 978-1-62712-978-7.

Endsley, Kezia. Michelle Obama: 44th First Lady and Health and Education Advocate. 978-1-62712-975-6.

Pettinella, Amy. Queen Latifah: Award Winning Actress and Hip-Hop Activist. 978-1-62712-984-8.

Pettinella, Amy. Sheryl Sandberg: COO of Facebook and Founder of the Lean In Movement. 978-1-62712-987-9.

Shoup, Kate. Kate Middleton: From Commoner to Duchess of Cambridge. 978-1-62712-981-7.

Small, Cathleen. Malala Yousafzai: Teenage Education Activist Who Defied the Taliban. 978-1-62712-972-5.​

This series includes biographies of leading women in various fields, including politics, education, business, and the arts.  In addition to each woman’s life story, each book includes some background information about the social and political climate surrounding their lives.  Quotes and colored photographs are also dispersed throughout each book.  The books end with a timeline, glossary, and list of references for further information.  These titles are slim, easy reads that would be great starting points for researchers who want to learn more about these women.

921; Biography            Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School

I personally read the biography for Malala Yousafzai and skimmed through some of the others.  The book included some excellent background information about life in Afghanistan before the Taliban and explained how the Taliban came to power.  However, if I was looking for a biography of Malala Yousafzai, I would stick with her original 2013 memoir, I am Malala: The Girl who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.

Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling

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Frank, Lucy. Two Girls Staring At The Ceiling. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014. 978-0-307-97974-2. 259 p. $16.99. Gr. 9 and up.

Chess and Shannon are two teenage girls hospitalized for Crohn’s Disease.  This is a new disease for Chess, but one Shannon has dealt with for years.  Life outside of the hospital is different for each girl, but they find themselves in the same hospital room divided by a thin curtain.  Chess is stoic in her new illness internalizing all of her pain, while Shannon is more vocal and outspoken.  The story is told in verse with each page divided by a line symbolizing the thin curtain that divides Chess and Shannon’s hospital room.  The two girls friendship grows as they help each other come to terms with their illness.

Realistic (Verse)         Robin Burns, Salisbury High School

Readers who are fans of of John Green’s Fault in Our Stars will find similarities with the storyline and some content but will enjoy the story for its own unique blend of friendship and realistic fiction.  The style of the novel, in verse, makes for quick read and would appeal to reluctant readers.  The subject matter, Crohn’s Disease, creates curriculum connections for health and anatomy courses as an extension activity.

Tease

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Marciel, Amanda. Tease. New York: Harper Collins, 2014. 978-0-06-230530-5. 336 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 and up.

Emma is dead, and it is all Sara’s fault.  This is what Sara’s town believes to be the true.  Told from the bully’s, Sara’s, point of view, readers learn the events leading up to Emma’s suicide.  The novel goes back and forth between past events, and Emma’s current life as a pariah.  The story unravels how Sara is caught up in the act of bullying using both face-to-face interactions and  cyber-bullying to extend the taunting outside of the school day.  After Emma’s death, Sara becomes the target of bullying as she faces a criminal trial, psychiatric counseling, and must examine how she came to be a bully.  Marciel includes a note about her reasons for writing the book a list of anti-bullying resources.

Realistic          Robin Burns, Salisbury High School

Ripped from the headlines of today’s newspapers, Emma’s story is unfortunately not uncommon.  However, the retelling of events from the bully gives a new view to a serious issues plaguing teenagers.  The different types of bullying, both in person and online, are detailed in the text.  The title is a good fit for realistic fiction fans and would be a good addition for high school collections lacking issue-based novels.

I’ll Give You the Sun

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Nelson, Jandy. I’ll Give You The Sun. New York: Penguin, 2014. 978-0-8037-3496-8. 384p. $17.99. Gr. 11 and up.

Jude and her twin brother Noah are close, but after their mother’s death the once close twins find themselves distant strangers in each other’s lives.  Thirteen-year-old Noah narrates the first half of the book and the years before their mother’s accidental death.  Jude picks up their lives three years following the accident and slowly reveals the secrets the siblings are hiding from each other.  Focused on art school, Jude is haunted by their mother’s death seeking comfort from imaginary conversations with her grandmother’s ghost.  Jude and Noah are also both struggling with their sexuality. Noah is coming out as a gay teen and has fallen in love with his neighbor, Brian.   Jude is still recovering from her first sexual encounter at fourteen and has sworn off boys and relationships.  Working through their issues Jude and Noah must turn to each other to truly heal.

Realistic            Robin Burns, Salisbury High School

The 2015 Michael L. Printz winner is a heartbreaking story of love and loss.  Jude and Noah are both looking for the truth of what has happened in each other’s lives for the last three year’s but also their own truths as young adults.  That truth, learning how to be comfortable with who they are and accepting themselves, is a unique story that is a good addition to libraries looking to increase their LGBTQ fiction.   I would highly recommend this title for both school and public libraries.

Labor Rights … Strike! and Hidden Girl…new nonfiction

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Brimmer, Larry Dane. Strike! The Farm Worker’s Fight For Their Rights. Honesdale: Calkins Creek, 2014. 978-1-59078-997-1. 172p. $16.95. Gr. 5 – 8.

The story begins in 1965 with Filipino farm workers leaving the vineyards of California to strike for better wages and working conditions.  Chronicling the life of Cesar Chavez and his work with the United Workers of America the book is geared towards older readers and goes more in depth than a standard biography.  The book’s larger format and design style makes it an easier text for middle grade students to read and refer for research.  The layout is eye catching using bright colors, green and purple throughout, as well as black and white photos, detailed maps, Spanish translations, pop out quotes, and epigraphs.  The book also contains an author’s note, timeline, bibliography, source notes, and an index to aid readers in extending their research on the topic.

331.892 (Civil Rights; Labor Economics)      Robin Burns, Salisbury High School

Unlike many other texts this title is more visually appealing and is more similar to a coffee table book than a standard non-fiction title.  The ease of the text and setup makes it accessible for middle school students but could also be used in a high school classroom. The book is very useful to classes studying social activists and the labor movement.  This year I worked with the ninth grade American Cultures course, and the book was a good addition to the research project on civil rights leaders.

 

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Hall, Shyima. Hidden Girl: A True Story Of A Modern-Day Child Slave. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2014. 978-1-44248-168-8. 240 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 and up.

Shyima was sold into domestic slavery at eight years old by her parents to work eighteen hours a day seven days a week for a wealthy Egyptian family.  The family moved to Orange County, California, and Shymia was illegally brought into the country to continue serving as a domestic slave.  An anonymous call brought an end to her captivity but not her freedom. Now a thirteen-year-old girl in a strange country, Shyima cannot read, does not speak English, and has psychological issues from her time in captivity.  The real trials and tribulations of Shyima’s life are examined in detail from slavery to foster care, but the story is not overly graphic.

362.7 (Child Labor,Social Welfare Problems)    Robin Burns, Salisbury High School

Memoirs and true-life stories continue to be popular for high school students.  Many students find comfort in reading about other teen’s struggles and challenges.  This title is an excellent addition to non-fiction and biography collections.  Domestic slavery is a growing epidemic in the United States, and Shyima’s story brings to light this hidden world.  Shyima is one of the hidden girls but with the support of those around her and the homeland security department, she was able to rise out of her circumstance to become a confident young woman.

Deep Blue…Waterfire Saga, Book 1

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Donnelly, Jennifer. Waterfire Saga, Book One: Deep Blue. New York: Disney­ Hyperion, 2014. Print. 978­1423133162. 352 p. $17.99. Gr. 9+.

Jennifer Donnelly’s exciting new series draws readers into an enchanting undersea world. In the first book, we are introduced to Seraphina, the heir to the Miromara dynasty, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. She is betrothed to Prince Mahdi of Matali, and though she thought she loved him, recent rumors of his wild ways have her worried his attention has turned elsewhere.  In addition, she is about to undertake her Dokimi, which will judge whether or not she is fit to rule. She has, however, been troubled as of late by dreams and visions of a mysterious river witch, who sings a song to her about 6 mermaids uniting to defeat a strong evil. On the night of her Dokimi, the realm is attacked and her mother is shot with a poisoned arrow. The city in chaos, Seraphina flees with her best friend Neela as a neighboring region sends soldiers to hunt her down. The two princesses face many different foes from hostile regions, encounter both helpful and evil terragoggs (humans), and begin their quest to find the mermaids mentioned in the song and save their world from total destruction. The many new terms used to describe the creatures and actions in the world can be confusing at times, but Donnelly’s text is fast­-paced and exciting and will keep the reader wanting to learn more about this amazing world. Teens who love fantasy sagas will enjoy this new series, so plan on buying the second one and wait eagerly for the third!

Fantasy     Lindsey Myers, Peters Township High School

Think Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson, and you have the Waterfire Saga. I was a bit perplexed by this series at first, since I was confused by the numerous terms and jargon that Donnelly created for her new world. But, like all fantasy lovers, I soon fell into the story and devoured it as fast as I could. The story reminded me of the Percy Jackson series because Donnelly places her characters in modern times­ at one point one of the human characters has a cell phone in his hand. Possibly because of the ornate way in which the merpeople world is described, I had thought that this would be in another era. But, with enough willing suspension of disbelief, I easily became caught up in the world of the mermaids. I am eager to share this title with students who loved the Percy Jackson series. I have one student that has been going through that series recently, so I am going to suggest this as her next fantasy series.

Tsarina

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Patrick, J. Nelle. Tsarina. New York: Razorbill, 2014. 978-1-59514-693-8. 328 p. $17.99. Gr.7-12

Tsarina takes place in Imperial Russia during the fall of the Romanov Family. Natalya Kutepova is the beloved of the Tsarevich, Alexei Romanov. She is not royal, but she is from a noble family; her father is the head of the Russian Military. She and Alexei have been in love for most of their teenage years. Alexei suffers from hemophilia and was always sickly when he was young. Gregori Rasputin created a Faberge Egg that contained protective magic for the Tsar and those he loved; he called it the Constellation Egg. When Alexei shows Natalya the egg, he lets her in on two secrets that no one outside of the family knows: that it exists and where it is kept. The Constellation Egg is the reason that Alexei is not sickly anymore. Turmoil is brewing in Russia. The Reds riot in St. Petersburg, and Natalya flees to free her friend Emilia, a noble. Emilia just wants to go to Paris until things settle down, but getting there turns out to be a problem. Natalya rescues Emilia from her house as the Reds are starting a fire that will end up consuming the house. They run away and end up at the home of their tailor who promises to shelter them for the night and get them to the train station in the morning. The tailor’s nephew, Leo, picks the girls up, but rather than take them to the train station, he kidnaps them. Leo is a Red. This is just the beginning of this enchanting novel. Leo is kind to the girls, but they are still his prisoners. The key is to find the Constellation Egg, but to claim it for which group? The Reds, the Whites, and a surprising third party, the Mystics, all want to lay claim to the egg. St. Petersburg to Moscow to Siberia, they travel across Russia in search of the magical egg, a magic that lives on even though the Romanovs were murdered.

Historical Fiction                                        Kathy Gilbride, North Poconos Middle School and High School