New Fiction Upper Elementary – Warren the 13th; Some Kind of Courage

Posted on March 11, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Del Rio, Tania. Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye. Philadelphia: Quirk Books, 2015. 9781584748035. 216p. $16.95. Gr. 3–6.

Even though he is only 12 years old, Warren the 13th is the sole heir to his family’s once magnificent hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel has fallen on hard times since Warren’s father died five years ago and since Warren’s Uncle Rupert brought his bride, Aunt Annaconda, to stay. Annaconda is bent on locating the hotel’s legendary hidden treasure, the All-Seeing Eye. When a mysterious bandaged guest checks in to the hotel, Annaconda is convinced the guest will locate the Eye before she does and a breakneck treasure hunt ensues. Warren is swept up in the action, hoping to locate his rightful inheritance before any other guest does. Along the way, he has to outsmart witches and monsters and puzzle out the answers to riddles, secret codes, and mazes. Although the storytelling is strong, this book’s standout feature is its illustrations. Every page includes at least one red and black ink engraving illustration, and many pages also feature distinctive typefaces that emphasize certain story elements. The bright red cover will draw readers in, and they won’t be disappointed by this creepy story. THOUGHTS: Readers will love this fast-paced book and its unique two-column page layout. They will eagerly join Warren on his hunt for the All-Seeing Eye, and they will wait with anticipation for the sequel, due out fall 2016. This title will be popular with readers who enjoy Brian Selznick’s heavily-illustrated tales and with anyone seeking an original adventure.

Fantasy Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County

Gemeinhart, Dan. Some Kind of Courage. New York: Scholastic Books, 2016. 978-0-545-66577-3. 234 p. $16.99. Gr. 3-6.

The best cowboy tales are really quest stories, often motivated by loss or love or family. Some Kind of Courage takes place during the westward expansion in Washington state, and leads readers to quickly feel the danger and heartbreak that comes with frontier living. Joseph, a boy who lost everything, is determined to recover the one thing that remains – his horse, Sarah. So he heads out alone, though he quickly teams up with a Chinese boy who is also lonely and seeking something. The story moves quickly through many dangers and encounters, keeping the reader on edge and wishing for the best, even when that would be impossible. Dan Gemeinhart’s sophomore novel has found success and resonance in the quest, just like The Honest Truth did last year. THOUGHTS: Horse lovers and wild west fans will eat this up, but it would make a great introduction for others less familiar with the genre. As a read aloud and class discussion, this book can touch on topics of race, discrimination, cruelty, family, and of course, courage!

Historical Fiction (Western) Dustin Brackbill, State College Area School District

YA Fiction – Material Girls; Ink and Bone

Posted on January 18, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Dimopoulos, Elaine. Material Girls. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. 978-0-544-38850-5. 324 p. $17.99. Gr. 7-12.

Teens Marla Klein and Ivy Wilde live completely different lives, though both are very successful. Marla is a judge in the high fashion industry and helps approve or deny what trends will hit the streets. Ivy is a pop star, who helps set fashion trends by wearing these trends during her concerts and music videos. When Marla begins to disagree with some of her fellow judges, she finds that the cut throat fashion industry doesn’t need her anymore and is demoted to the lowly career as a drafter. It’s here that she finds a voice, and meets Ivy, who is also beginning to question the materialistic world her career has thrust her into. Together, this unlikely pair begins to unravel the controlling fashion industry. THOUGHTS: While lacking a bit in substance, this is a fun read for anyone with a modest interest in fashion, or in popular shows like Project Runway.

Realistic Fiction Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

Caine, Rachel. Ink and Bone: The Great Library. New York: NAL, 2015. 978-0-451-47239-7. 368 p. $17.99. Gr 8-12.

In an alternate history, the Great Library of Alexandria never burned, and is now the owner of all information, responsible for disseminating that content to the public. Since no one is allowed to own original books, Jess and his family are successful in the black market trade, as people will pay top dollar for originals. While Jess is immensely successful in his role as bookrunner, he is in constant fear of being caught, and so it is with great apprehension that he applies to be a Library scholar under his father’s orders. Once accepted, Jess begins to question the authority of the library as well as the role he plays in the family business, as he realizes no choice he has ever made has been of his own free will. While no timeframe is given to the plot, Ink and Bone feels a bit like Victorian steampunk. THOUGHTS: Ink and Bone is a breath of fresh air in the dystopian and fantasy heavy world of YA. The ending also leaves readers hungry for the next book in the series, due for publication in July.

Steampunk Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

New for Middle School – All-American Boys and Roller Girl

Posted on January 11, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Reynolds, Jason and Brendan Kiely. All-American Boys: A Novel. New York: Athenum Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-14814-63331 316 p. $17.99 Grades 7-12.

Two young men attend the same high school but don’t really know each other or the depth of racism in their community until the Friday night they’re both near the same corner shop as they head to different parties. A white woman trips over African-American Rashad, who is misunderstood by an on-duty police officer as assaulting the woman, stealing a bag of chips, then resisting arrest. White “all-American” Quinn is a reluctant witness who flees the scene, then struggles to believe that police officer Paul Galluzzo, father figure to him since his own father died in Afghanistan, could be responsible, and indeed, wrong in his assessment. Rashad is hospitalized, faces his father’s distrust and his brother’s anger at the event, and deals with physical pain and inner turmoil. Internal bleeding keeps him hospitalized, and someone paints a message on the school steps that goes viral: “Rashad is absent again today.” Few people know the full story, but a video shot on a cellphone shows the attack’s brutality. Now Paul’s brother, and Quinn’s friend, must defend his brother, and the basketball team, cautioned by coach to “keep their emotions at the door, play on the floor,” functions as a reflection of the community around them, increasingly ready to erupt at any time. As the days go on, the tension mounts and both Rashad and Quinn are in a no-win situation. THOUGHTS: Well-written by two authors (Jason Reynolds voices Rashad, Brendan Kiely voices Quinn) and perfectly timed to launch much-needed discussions about racial profiling, police brutality, and racism in America, this works well with Kekla Magoon’s How It Went Down, a similar novel told from multiple points of view, where the “truth” comes down to point of view. Highly recommended for middle and high school.

Realistic Fiction Melissa Scott, Shenango High School

Jamieson, Victoria. Roller Girl. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-1-489-88662-0. $17.01. 239p. Gr. 4-8.

Astrid and Nicole have been best friends for a long time, so imagine the girls’ surprise when their extra-curricular activities diverge to follow new interests. Astrid can’t fathom the idea. Nicole is suddenly more interested in dance camp and friendlier with Rachel, Astrid’s archenemy. Though she’s not willing to be completely honest with her mother, Astrid beings roller derby camp and attempts to make new friends. With inspirational notes from roller derby’s top skater, Rainbow Bite, Astrid strives to follow her roll model and become a jammer. What she doesn’t realize is that this will be the most rigorous summer of her life, both physically and emotionally. When her lies come to a thrilling pinnacle, she’s shocked to discover Nicole would still cover for her. Jamieson’s clever illustrations mirror Astrid’s emotions, from the war face with the red background and bloodshot eyes to her vision of what could happen at the roller derby, everything from doing fine to falling into a black hole. Readers will relate to Astrid’s struggle with honesty and friendship as well as the anxiety that permeates the teen years. THOUGHTS: A compelling story about friendship, honest, and growing up as Astrid realizes you can follow your dreams and still have a best friend if you’re candid and genuine.

Graphic Novel Christine Massey, JWP Middle School

Jamieson, Victoria. Roller Girl. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-1-489-88662-0. 240 p. $17.89. Gr. 4-8.

Astrid’s mom loves to take her daughter and best friend Nicole for “Evenings of Cultural Enlightenment.” Imagine her surprise when Mom takes them to a roller derby match! Astrid immediately falls in love with the fast pace and action of roller derby and decides to go to junior roller derby camp with best friend Nicole. That is until Nicole admits that she’d rather go to ballet camp along with Astrid’s enemy, Rachel. As the summer progresses and Astrid and Nicole pursue separate interests, their friendship also starts to come apart. Astrid quickly realizes that roller derby is much tougher than she expected and so is dealing with a changing friendship. She eventually finds happiness with the outcomes of both, but it’s a bumpy road for derby girl “Asteroid.” THOUGHTS: Jamieson’s authentic voice and quirky sense of humor ring true in dialogue and illustrations in this fantastic middle grade graphic novel. Sure to be a hit.

Jamieson’s debut graphic novel will leave kids begging for more. I had a fifth grade boy thank me for recommending it to him…and it’s largely a story about female characters, which I find is often an unlikely hit with boys. The story is so fresh and classic at the same time, and Jamieson’s artwork is just perfect. Readers really know Astrid and her world by the end of the book. One word of caution: there are a few mild swear words. Read it, relish it, recommend it.

741.5; Graphic Novel Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

The Princess and the Giant; Benny and Penny; Rufus the Writer

Posted on January 6, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Hart, Carol, The Princess and the Giant. Sommerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2015. 978-0-7636-8007-7. 32 p. $16.99. Gr. PK to 2.

Princess Sophie and her family have a problem. A giant is stomping in the beanstalk above their house and keeping them awake. Sophie thinks and thinks, and then sets out with a plan. When Sophie reaches the Giant’s castle, she overcomes her fears and offers him a snack to help him sleep better. And so begins Sophie’s creative and thoughtful problem solving. Rather than judge the Giant based on reputation, she bravely puts herself in the Giant’s shoes and offers her help. This charming fairy tale twist is a wonderfully different story told in charming rhyme about a brave and creative princess. Thoughts: This would be a great addition to a fairy tale unit, and even a great example of creative problem solving. It might also be fun to use this book to do a group rewrite of another fairy tale and use creative thinking to change the ending!

Fairy Tale; Fantasy Donna Fernandez, Calvary Christian Academy

Hayes, Geoffrey. Benny and Penny in The Big No-No! New York: ABDO Spotlight, 2015. 978-0-9799238-9-0. 32 p. $14.75. Gr. 1 and 2.

Benny and Penny are curious about their new neighbor. When Benny’s pail goes missing, he accuses the new kid of taking it. Since taking stuff is a “big no-no”, Benny goes over the fence to get it back. However, going into someone else’s yard without being invited is also a “big no-no”. When they finally meet the new neighbor, things immediately go wrong. Thoughts: This series is appealing since it is a simplified version of a graphic novel. There are simple sight words in word bubbles and fewer frames on a page, helping even the youngest reader navigate the world of graphic novels. Simple plot and story lines also allow the young reader to easily follow. Extra activities online include digital read aloud versions of this and others in the series and a kids cartoon maker, so readers can create their own graphic novel.

Graphic Novel Donna Fernandez, Calvary Christian Academy

Bram, Elizabeth. Rufus the Writer. New York: Random House, 2015. 978-0-385-37853-6. 32 p. $17.99. Gr. K to 3.

It is summer and rather than set up his usual lemonade stand, Rufus decides to set up a story stand instead. One by one his friends offer him things in trade for a story, and Rufus uses his imagination to create a story that will be just right for each customer. The stories he creates and illustrates are then inserted in the text. Each story is unique and different. This book is imaginative, sweet, and shows early writers that ideas can be found everywhere if you just pay attention! Thoughts: Paired with other fun beginner writer books like Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hill and Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk, this could be a fun addition to a creative writing unit.

Realistic Fiction Donna Fernandez, Calvary Christian Academy

New Fiction for Middle Grades…Yard Wars; Magnus Chase Book 1

Posted on December 14, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Kitchings, Taylor. Yard War. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2015. 978-0-553-50754-6. $16.99. 216p. Gr. 4-6.

Even though twelve-year-old Trip Westbrook is growing up in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Era, his passion and interest are focused on the football field. He has decided, under the strong encouragement of his mother, to take a year off and try out for the team next year after he’s had a chance to put on more muscle. That doesn’t stop him from planning regular pickup games in his yard with all his buddies. To his surprise, he discovers his maid’s son, Dee, can play football like a pro. The other boys are a little skeptical at first, but Trip convinces them it’s all for the good of the game. This seems to be enough until the neighbors begin driving by, stopping to watch with a critical eye, and then spreading rumors. Living in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1964 brings Trip’s family under persecution and makes them a target for the bigotry and hatred running rampant among neighbors. When Tom and Tim, local bullies, show up with reinforcements to carry out their threats, the boys could end up in an all-out yard war. THOUGHTS: What first appears to be a straightforward sports story introduces the reader to the harsh realities, fears and prejudices of the civil rights movement and details how one outspoken, candid young boy stands up in the face of adversity.

Historical Fiction Christine Massey, JWP Middle School

Riordan, Rick. The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Book 1). New York: Disney Hyperion, 2015. 978-1423160915. 491p. $19.99. Gr. 5-8.

In a stunning series-opener, protagonist Magnus Chase dies. But he’s meant to, and it affords him a place in Valhalla, Norse paradise for warriors of Odin. Thankfully, the tree of life is the portal to the Nine Worlds, one of them back “home” to human Boston, and Magnus has picked up a few knowledgeable friends in his short-time dead. Two “homeless men” who looked out for Magnus on the streets turn out to be a dwarf and an elf, unswervingly loyal, and the Valkyrie who chooses Magnus for Valhalla not only defends his choice when he’s questioned but works beside him to prevent Ragnarok, the Norse version of the apocalypse. Magnus is just in time to fit into the tales long foretold and to change the course of that tale, that is, if he can locate, use, lose and regain the “sword of summer” that was his father’s. With his beloved (human) mother gone, he learns his father is the Norse god Loki, and his mother died protecting her son. Riordan’s writing is enjoyable and humorous at the expense of both Norse mythology and Boston (where Riordan lives, conveniently the entrance to human world, or, “why do you think Boston is called the Hub of the Universe?” 118). The chapter titles alone reveal a light-hearted side to Magnus and the story, from “Good Morning! You’re going to die!” to “Four Million Channels and There’s Still Nothing On Except Valkyrie Vision.”

Readers unfamiliar with Norse mythology and the Nine Worlds should give attention to the helpful glossary. Book 2: The Hammer of Thor is planned for Fall 2016. THOUGHTS: This is a not-to-be-missed series opener that will naturally lead to questions about the various gods, monsters, etc of Norse mythology, so get those books ready.

Fantasy, Mythology Melissa Scott, Shenango High School

Count this the first Riordan book I’ve read, and count me a new fan. Riordan maintains masterful control of his story and an incredible number of characters, all the while injecting humor and humanity, even believability, to this great world. That it fits in with his previous writing—Magnus is Annabeth’s cousin, and she makes brief, important appearance—is icing on the cake for fans who have been clamoring for this anyway. I found myself not caring so much about the outcome as the journey with these characters, especially Magnus, who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Don’t assign this novel; just let readers read and love it.

Upper Elementary Fiction…The Pirate Pig; Princess Academy Bk. 3;

Posted on October 16, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Funke, Cornelia. The Pirate Pig. New York: Random House, 2015. ISBN 978-0-385-37544-3. 56pp. $9.99. Grades 2–5.

This high seas tale features Stout Sam the sailor and his deckhand, Pip. The duo lives in a small beach hut, and they spend time ferrying cargo to the neighboring islands. Life is peaceful until the day a barrel containing a pig washes up on their beach. Since they can’t very well send the pig back out into the ocean, the kind-hearted sailors make room for her in their hut and name her Julie. Although Julie is afraid of water, Sam and Pip soon discover she has a hidden talent: her sensitive snout can sniff out underwater treasure. A treasure-sniffing pig is a hot commodity on the open seas, and before long, Julie is pig-napped by Barracuda Bill and his pirate crew. Sam and Pip must take on the meanest and greediest pirate of them all if they want to rescue their beloved pig. Although this title reads like an easy chapter book, it is not divided into chapters. However, colorful illustrations accompany every spread, and the pictures complement the dialogue-rich text. This title will appeal to adventure fans, and beginning chapter-book readers will be drawn in by the pirate lingo and diagramed ship illustrations.

Adventure Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County SD

Although not as well-written as the Mercy Watson tales, this pig title will appeal to the same age-group. This book was originally published in German, but the translation is good, and it’s very readable in English. The vibrant watercolor illustrations enhance the story and bring the sailors, pirates, and pig to life.

Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy; The Forgotten Sisters (Princess Academy Book 3). New York: Bloomsbury, 2015. 978-1-61963-485-5. 324p. $17.99. Gr. 4-7.

Miri has finally completed her year at the Princess Academy. Now she is dreaming of returning home to see her father and sister and her beloved Mount Eskel . Peder also plans to ask her father for her hand in marriage, but now the king has a special assignment for Miri. She must become a tutor to three sisters who are living on the far edge of the kingdom. Rumors of war have caused the king to try to make an alliance with the advancing Storan king. He has promised that King Fader may marry a royal princess, and these cousins are the only ones eligible. Miri must educate them in hopes that one of them will be chosen and save the kingdom from war. When she arrives, things are stranger than she imagined. The girls are almost wild, hunting and fishing to survive on their own. Their mother has died, and an evil village council man has been stealing their allowance from the king. Miri begins to get to know the girls and realizes that her letters are not being delivered, so no one knows the desperate conditions they are in. So Miri, showing true strength and determination from her Mount Eskel roots, starts to plan and learn as much as she can in the swampy town of Lower Alva and sets out to outwit the thieves, educate the princesses, and save the kingdom from war.

This is the third book in the series by Shannon Hale that began with the Newbery Honor title, Princess Academy. These books are wonderful books about girls using their own special talents to shine. Miri and the other girls at the academy all learn to use their gifts to benefit each other and their kingdom. This latest episode continues to show that by working with their strengths and supporting each other, girls can do anything. An exciting and empowering journey that resonates for girls of all ages!

Fantasy Donna Fernandez, Calvary Christian Academy

The Devil You Know – New YA Thriller

Posted on August 23, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Doller, Trish. The Devil You Know. New York: Bloomsbury, 2015. 978-1-61963-416-9. 246 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 and up.

In the summer after high school graduation, Cadie Wells wants to ditch backward-looking drama with her ex-boyfriend and find some “forward adventure” instead. She’s also itching for a break from all the responsibility she’s shouldered at home since her mom’s death three years ago. A chance for a few days of freedom arrives at a campfire party in the form of hunky cousins Noah and Matt. Cadie impulsively accepts an invitation to join both guys on a canoe trip around some local Florida waterways. Though caught up in the excitement and her lust for Noah, Cadie has a nagging sense of guilt over ditching her dad and little brother. She also questions whether she can fully trust Noah, who has a violent past, especially when two missing persons seem to overlap with his travels. This is a very fast-paced romantic thriller. I love the way Trish Doller incorporates the steamy, sticky wilds of Florida and some survival elements into the narrative. This will be popular with teenage girls who like their romantic reads with a dangerous twist. It would be perfect to read this one in a tent after a long day of paddling on the river!

Thriller Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

In The Devil You Know, Cadie and Noah share an intimate moment in the Devil’s Chair in the Cassadaga, FL, graveyard. This wonderfully creepy setting is real! The Devil’s Chair was supposedly built for an elderly widower to visit his wife’s grave, but urban legends about the chair abound. As with the mortsafes featured in Dianne Salerni’s The Caged Graves, it would be fun to incorporate pictures of these real places into a booktalk!

The Boys of Fire and Ash

Posted on July 18, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

McIsaac, Meaghan. The Boys of Fire and Ash. New York: Delacorte Press, 2015. 978-0385744454 327 p. $16.99 Gr. 5-12

Urgle lives with his “brothers” in the Ikkuma, a hot volcanic ash pit surrounded by wilderness and deadly creatures. Each boy was abandoned as a baby (they have a hatred of mothers as a result) and is given a “big brother” to teach him, until each one has his own “leaving” from the pit. Urgle is watchful of his annoying little brother Cubby, but due to his own lack of hunting skills he largely believes his nickname “Useless.” No brother has ever returned after leaving, until one day a man crashes into their pit, chased by awful creatures. Just after the brothers save his life and realize “Blaze” was once a brother, too, the creatures attack again and take two little brothers. One of them is Cubby which leads Urgle out of the pit, with two friends and Blaze as a guide.

The Ikkuma have a code of looking out for one another, which not all boys do well. Thus, Urgle’s devotion to his brother is admirable, and the minimal fleshing-out of characters’ motivations and fears is interesting. Much here seems uneven—a decent concept that has not been thoroughly developed to answer nagging questions, characters with potential but no shown growth, and language that seems tacked on. The underlying creation myth that leads the mothers to abandon their sons is both confusing and difficult to believe. For instance, avoiding men, how do these women get pregnant or sustain their society? Isolated for years from society (so that they have never seen a female, or anyone older than sixteen), how do the Ikkuma boys have no translation/dialect issues? Also, Blaze’s reason for returning is never explained. The story tiptoes around but avoids delving deeply into most problematic issues (religion, profanity, abuse, sex), making it an easy recommendation for younger readers. Urgle is a loyal underdog to root for, and younger fans of dystopian literature will enjoy this stand-alone title, previously self-published in Britain as Urgle.

Yes, it’s another dystopian book. This one nicely features mainly male characters and action scenes throughout. Some thought has been given to quirkiness of the created world: “By Rawley!” the boys say when cursing; and Urgle’s first view of older adults is that their skin as “melted” (i.e. wrinkled). But, McIsaac fails to convince on Urgle’s abilities, even when other characters look to him as someone special. Toward the end, Urgle’s “I was sure of this” moments contradict themselves, leaving the reader at the mercy of the author’s whim to make the character fit the moment. For anyone aware of Tolkien’s rich understanding of language, the names of people and places gratingly show no sense of place or culture; they are simply tacked on: Cubby, Lussit, Benedon, Blaze, Krepin, Cheeks, Baublenotts, Farka, on and on. This book can fill a void for readers who have run out of dystopian or adventure fiction and keep begging for more. Otherwise, look to series like: The Maze Runner, Septimus Heap, Ranger’s Apprentice, or titles by Margaret Peterson Haddix or Neal Shusterman.
Dystopian, Fantasy Melissa Scott, Shenango High School

New Mysteries – Where They Found Her and Descent

Posted on June 25, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

McCreight, Kimberly. Where They Found Her. New York: Harper, 2015. 978-0-06-222546-7. 326 p. $26.99. Gr. 10 and up.

When the body of a newborn is discovered in a shallow grave, residents of the posh college town of Ridgedale, New Jersey, quickly turn suspicious eyes on friends, neighbors, and newcomers alike. Reporter Molly Sanderson, who is still grieving the loss of her own stillborn child, tries to tease out facts without stepping on toes. Supermom Barbara, married to the chief of police, is sure it all circles back to one of her son’s classmates and his single-and-proud-of-it mother. And teenager Sandy, whose own mother has just gone missing, may hold at least one of the missing puzzle pieces. This is a fast-paced, juicy whodunit with lots of crossover appeal thanks to the character of Sandy. It’s a great choice for high school students who are ready to try an adult mystery, but may struggle to relate to Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train.

Mystery Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

McCreight’s debut novel, Reconstructing Amelia (Harper, 2013), has been popular with students and teachers alike at my school. Her latest would be a great choice for a mother-daughter book club, an independent read for Journalism or Criminal Justice electives, or a fiction/nonfiction pair with Missoula by Jon Krakauer (Doubleday, 2015).

Johnston, Tim. Descent. Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2015. 978-1-61620-304-7. 384 p. $25.95. Gr. 10 and up.

The Courtland family is on vacation in the Rocky Mountains for some bonding time before daughter Caitlin heads off to college on a track scholarship. But when Caitlin and her younger brother Sean go out for a morning run in the mountains, only Sean comes back. How can the Courtlands return home to Wisconsin without their daughter? How can they stay in Colorado when Sean needs to go back to high school in a matter of weeks? And how can a vibrant young athlete just vanish into the thin air of the Rockies? This spellbinding mystery rotates between the perspectives of the four family members. Jumps in time (indicated by italics) occasionally get confusing, but as the narrative picks up steam the suspense is almost unbearable. Grant Courtland’s love for his lost daughter is exquisitely rendered: “In his dreams she was running – always running. Her heart strong and her feet sure, never stumbling, never tiring, mile upon mile, coming down like water.” This novel would be an excellent choice for fans of Michael Koryta’s Those Who Wish Me Dead (Little, Brown, 2014). Some violent scenes, particularly a rape scene, make this adult mystery appropriate for mature teen readers. I’d recommend it to students in grades 11 and up.

Mystery Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

The disappearance of Caitlin Courtland brings to mind a real-life mystery: Amy Wroe Bechtel, 24 at the time, vanished while jogging in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains in 1997. Though she has never been found, there are some recent developments in her case.

The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence

Posted on June 16, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Lee, Stan and Stuart Moore; Andie Tong, Illustrator. The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence. New York: Disney Press, 2015. 978-1-42318-085-2. 480 p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.

Steven Lee is a Chinese American teenager whose family has sent him on a tour of Hong Kong to learn about his cultural heritage. One day, his group visits a museum and the tour leader disappears. He follows her screams and ends up in a secret room underneath the museum. He finds the woman, Jasmine, and a misguided war contractor named Maxwell. Maxwell has released a mysterious power tied to the Chinese zodiac into the world. This force finds hosts, each one born during a different year of the zodiac, and Steven is suddenly endowed with the powers of the tiger. Both Jasmine and Maxwell are “dragons”, the leaders of the zodiac, and the dragon force is split uncomfortably between the two. The bulk of the novel is about the battle between Jasmine and Maxwell to form teams out of the people who have been taken over by the zodiac force (and have the powers of the different animals in the Chinese zodiac). Of course, Maxwell wants to use the force to increase his personal power and rule the world.

Many parts of the book are predictable, if not unrealistic. Maxwell’s faction is well-funded and organized. Jasmine’s faction doesn’t have a lot of resources, and the new zodiac recruits are poorly trained. Somehow, Jasmine’s group seems to prevail in every encounter with Maxwell’s Vanguard Force. The end of the book involves an epic battle between the two forces that doesn’t end with a clear winner, setting the stage for a sequel. This book is the first volume in a trilogy, and the second book will be published in late October 2015.

Convergence is notable for many reasons. First of all, it is co-written by Stan Lee, the King of the comic book super hero. The writing is fast-paced and exciting, even if it doesn’t get into a lot of character development. Andie Tong’s classic comic-style illustrations lend excitement to the story line; fans of comic book art will love the action packed drawings. Each member of the different factions has a unique personality and students will identify with many of them in a variety of ways. Finally, this book may be an important bridge between graphica and traditional novels. Fans of graphic novels may finally have a book they can get into! This book will be very popular with reluctant teen readers.

Paranormal Fiction; Illustrated Novel Susan Fox, Washington Jr. /Sr. High School

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