Deep Blue…Waterfire Saga, Book 1

Posted on April 20, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

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.

The Library of Medieval Times

Posted on April 13, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

The Library of Medieval Times. San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2015. 80p. $193.00 series. $38.60 individual title. Gr. 6-12.

Allman, Toney. Medieval Medicine and Disease. 978-1-60152-656-4.

Currie, Stephen. Medieval Punishment and Torture. 978-1-60152-658-8.

Kallen, Stuart A. Medieval Food and Customs. 978-1-60152-718-9.

Nardo, Don. Medieval Knights and Chivalry. 978-1-60152-636-6.

Nardo, Don. Medieval Warfare. 978-1-60152-682-3.

The Library of Medieval Times is a great addition to any nonfiction collection. This 5-title series highlights various aspects of medieval history and living from torture to medicine to warfare and food, while providing various primary source documentation to support explanations and understanding of this period in history. The focus of each text is of great interest to students, especially the title about punishment and torture, and provides information not only to increase understanding of the medieval ages but also for further research. Each individual text includes a timeline, chapters to further focus on specific aspects of the main topic, “Source Notes”, and “For Further Research”, a section providing books and websites for students to explore. This series is a great source for world history research or comparative research in world cultures classes.

Medieval History Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

Each year our world cultures classes complete a required research paper. One teacher requires a specific topic for research, while the other teacher tells students their paper has to deal with something pertaining to the world. In other words…anything (as long as it didn’t happen in the United States). This makes gathering sources for students, and collection development, much more challenging because topics change from class to class and year to year. The Library of Medieval Times was a great addition to our collection for this year’s assignment. Many students enjoy the idea of knights and medieval history, but we lacked appropriate sources. This series breaks apart medieval times into easy, accessible topics which helps students better focus their research and writing. This is a great series to add for world history research. It is available both in print and eBook format.

Just One Night…Finally

Posted on April 10, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Forman, Gayle. Just One Night. New York: Viking, 2014. eBook only. $0.99. Gr. 9 and up.

After meeting and getting separated in Just One Day and learning about Willem’s year before Allyson shows up on his doorstep in Just One Year, Just One Night is the story of Willem and Allyson’s reunion…finally! This novella, available only in eBook format, is the conclusion to the whirlwind romance between Allyson Heally and Willem de Ruiter, two young people who meet on a train and end up falling in love in Paris before they even know each other’s last names (or even Allyson’s real name). Just One Night is a purely romantic story of young love once it is found. Although, Forman could have easily added this story into Just One Year, the separation of their final reunion in Just One Night adds to the fantasy of finding true love, not only for Allyson and Willem, but for anyone.

As I’ve often stated I think Gayle Forman is the best YA novelist out there today. Her writing resonates with readers because of the purity in her storytelling. Many readers have experienced or will experience love, loss, sacrifice, and the maturity that comes through life-experience, so they connect with Forman’s characters easily. It helps too that Forman doesn’t seem to take herself too seriously, so even though she deals with serious subjects in her novels, a level of understanding and truth remains that is often lost in YA novels with serious subjects.

Realistic Fiction Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

Crabtree Chrome

Posted on March 31, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Crabtree Chrome Series. New York: Crabtree, 2015. 48p. $23.00 ea. Gr. 5-8.

Hyde, Natalie. Ninjas. 978-0-7787-1365-4.

Superheroes of the medieval period, ninjas were legendary for their skills, spying, and missions. They were accomplished combatants and masters of disguises which allowed them to blend in during precarious missions to discover crucial secrets.

Johnson, Robin. Pearl Harbor. 978-0-7787-1376-8.

Details the shocking surprise attack on Pearl Harbor two years into World War II. As a result of this catastrophic event, America joined the war in support of Great Britain and its allies.

Johnson, Robin. The Salem Witch Trials. 978-0-7787-1395-1.

Investigates one of the biggest and deadliest witch hunts in the history of the United States.

Peppas, Lynn. Robotics. 978-0-7787-1369-2.

Delves into the history of automata and robots and explores the potential practical implications of artificial life in the future. One day robots could perform tedious household chores including vacuuming or execute imperative medical surgeries in space.

Each title provides cursory coverage of a momentous event or component of life and discusses the impact on the time period and possible future significances. Vocabulary is typed in bold and defined at the bottom of each page in a call-out box. Bold subheadings and fact boxes keep each title organized while adding additional explanations and highlighting influential quotes. Photos and authentic copies of primary sources add to the artistic value. Back matter includes an additional resource list, glossary, and index.

Various Nonfiction (series) Christine Massey, JWP Middle School

Fairest: Levana’s Story

Posted on March 31, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Meyer, Marissa. Fairest: The Lunar Chronicles Levana’s Story. New York: Rampion, 2015. 978-1-250-06055-6. p. 222 $17.99 Gr 9+.

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles get a rare glimpse into the life of the tyrannical and power-hungry Queen Levana of Luna before she became queen. Why does this Queen hate mirrors so much? Who held the key to her heart before she set her sights on Emperor Kai? Exactly what happened to her to make her so afraid to show anyone her true appearance? Answers to all of these questions are found in Fairest as well as insight into what actually happened to Princess Selena all those years ago and Queen Levana’s stepdaughter, Winter. This is definitely a good book to tide readers over until the final book in the series, Winter, debuts later this year (there’s even a bonus excerpt of Winter!).

Fantasy (fairytale) Laura Ward, Fox Chapel Area High School

March Book Two

Posted on March 19, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Lewis, John, and Andrew Aydin. March Book Two. Art by Nate Powell. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions, 2015. 978-1603094009. 192 p. $19.95. Gr. 9+.

Last year, I had the opportunity to read and review March: Book One, and ever since then I have eagerly anticipated the second installment in this engaging memoir about the life of Congressman John Lewis. The second book does not at all disappoint, and furthers the story of an important figure in the Civil Rights movement. The first book in this trilogy highlighted the lunch counter sit-ins, and the second moves on to the Freedom Rights and ends with the March on Washington. As in the first book, scenes from the first inauguration of President Obama are interspersed throughout, and illustrate Congressman Lewis finally witnessing some success for his years spent fighting for equality. The second book seems to move more quickly, since the first spent time laying the groundwork and describing Lewis’ life prior to his activism. Book Two details event after event in which Lewis participated, and is a bit darker since the movement encouraged more violent responses from racist groups in the south. The artwork continues to be a powerful force throughout the book. Nate Powell’s depictions of the KKK standing outside a bus station evokes chills in the reader, much more so than simply reading about it. I highly recommend this title to librarians looking for ways to incorporate new texts and readings into American History classes. This should be required reading by all high school students as they learn about the Civil Rights movement.

92 Biography Lindsey Myers, Peters Township High School

This is an excellent and intriguing way to write a memoir, and I am so glad that I accidently picked up the first book last year. The fact that Lewis chose to write this memoir in graphic novel format shows that he wants to reach a different audience and appeal to Young Adults and others who appreciate this powerful genre. I am not one to normally read graphic novels, but I absolutely loved this one. The artwork and text come together beautifully and hauntingly to share an important story in our history, and one that is often overlooked in favor of Martin Luther King, Jr. While King does make an appearance in the novel, the story belongs entirely to Congressman Lewis. Recently, I took advantage of the fact that our Honors American History classes are currently studying Civil Rights, and invited myself to their classes for a brief book talk on the first two books in this series. Students were extremely receptive and showed interest in reading the book, and the teacher even included information from my book talk on her upcoming test. I am excited about the possibility of sharing this with the rest of our social studies department and discussing with them how this text could fit into their curriculum. I cannot wait until the final installment is released next year!

Southern Reach Trilogy…Annihilation

Posted on February 24, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

VanderMeer, Jeff. Annihilation. New York: FGS Originals, 2014. 978-0-37410-409-2. $13.00. Gr 9+.

Area X is a unknown and mysterious plot of land where 11 prior expeditions have failed; members have either disappeared, committed suicide, turned on one another during the mission, or returned as shadows of their former selves only to be consumed by cancer within months of their return. The most recent, 12th expedition follows 4 women into the unknown in this first book in The Southern Reach Trilogy. Known only by their titles, a surveyor, an anthropologist, a psychologist, and a biologist, who also happens to narrate, descend into Area X to record their observations in the field and report back to a part of the government know as the Southern Reach. Immediately upon arriving in Area X, distrust runs between the group, and tensions flare when a tower is discovered that is not on any map from the previous expeditions. Mysterious writing on the wall of the tower turns out to be a life form, and the tower, a tunnel, and things get even stranger when the anthropologist disappears. Through tense, and possibly unreliable narration, the biologist discovers that Area X is not at all what it seems. VanderMeer is a master of suspense. Give this to fans of almost any genre. It is a superb combination of sci-fi, mystery, dystopia, action, and thrills. This trilogy will be flying off the shelves!

Science Fiction, Mystery Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It is short and suspenseful, and you have this sense of dread the entire read; it’s amazing that an author can do that in 200 pages! I love that it’s a blend of so many genres, while never fully settling on one. The story is creepy but not gory, or illicit, or chock full of violence and sex. While categorized as an “adult” book, its totally suitable for older teens. I can’t recommend this one, as well as the entire trilogy, enough!

Sinner…The Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 4

Posted on February 3, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Stiefvater, Maggie. Sinner. New York: Scholastic Press, 2014. 978-0-545-65457-9. 357 p. $18.99. Gr 9 and up.

Maggie Stiefvater returns to her beloved Wolves of Mercy Falls series with this companion novel that spotlights two of the previous books’ supporting characters, Cole St. Clair and Isabel Culpeper. Cole, last heard from over a year ago when he passed out onstage with Narkotika (his band), has cleaned up and resurfaced in Los Angeles to sign on with a web reality series and record a new album. His real reason for being in L.A., though, is to reconnect with Isabel, whose family has relocated to California. Isabel loves the attention but is never sure if she can trust Cole to stay faithful, sober, and … human. Cole and Isabel are always circling each other warily (like wolves, maybe?), not exactly trusting but not wanting to back away, either. Stiefvater has brilliantly brought this series out of the high school years, allowing the characters to mature along with her readers. She works the reality TV angle and L.A. culture to great effect. While the wolf element is still very important to Sinner, overall it has a more realistic tone than the previous installments. It’s a must-purchase for libraries with readers who enjoyed Shiver, Linger, and Forever.

Fantasy Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

Jumping in with Sinner might leave readers confused about the past events that are referenced throughout, so reading the entire series is recommended. And truly, no one should be deprived of the great joy of getting to know Sam, Grace, and the wolves of Mercy Falls!

Holly Black and Cassandra Clare UNITE…Book One of Magisterium

Posted on February 2, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Black, Holly and Cassandra Clare. The Iron Trial: Book One of Magisterium. New York: Scholastic Press, 2014. 304p. 978-0545-52225-0. $17.99. Gr. 5+.

Most people do not know that magic exists, but Callum Hunt does, and he knows that it is evil. He swears to his father that he will intentionally fail the Iron Trial, also known as the entrance exam to The Magisterium, or school for mages. Despite his best attempts to fail, Callum is dragged to The Magisterium and forced into an apprenticeship, along with two other students, with an accomplished mage. Though his mind is set to escape as soon as possible, Callum cannot help but be entranced by the world his father hid. He learns of the great evil that the mage’s are trying to defeat and secrets of his family’s involvement with the war. A crippling discovery encourages Callum to devote his allegiance to his two fellow apprentices and the unavoidable battle that will ensue.

This is the first book in what will be a five part series, and I enjoyed it a lot more than I had anticipated. Clare and Black are an excellent writing team. There are many, many similarities with The Iron Trial and the Harry Potter series, but it is unique in its own right. The main character is not the hero but an unlikely sidekick. The book is full of twists, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for the next one in the series.

Fantasy Melissa Daugherty, Sharon City Schools

Frozen…a Taken novel

Posted on January 13, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Bowman, Erin. Frozen: A Taken Novel. New York: HarperTeen, 2014. 978-0-06-211729-8. 359 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 & up.

This novel picks up where Taken left off, with Gray Weathersby on a mission with his father Owen and eight other Rebels, to attempt to find Allies to help fight the Franconian Order. Gray emerges as a leader from the beginning, and circumstances have the others looking to him for direction. On the mission is Emma, the girl Gray was in love with back in Claysoot, and Bree, his most recent love interest, a tough as nails rebel. They run into Gray’s brother Blaine, who has apparently intercepted an Order member trying to infiltrate their team, and they take both Blaine and his prisoner with them on their journey. They travel for weeks and finally reach their destination, one of the other communities that were part of The Laicos Project. Can they get the other resistors to ally with them and fight against the Franconian Order? Can they escape with the group intact? Is any ally or enemy truly what they seem?

This book was good, but it obviously is going to lead into a third book in the series, so many things are left open. I really can’t think of anything I could use this for in the classroom, but it could be very high interest to reluctant boys. There is a lot of fighting that takes place in this book.

Fantasy Kathryn Gilbride, North Pocono High and Middle Schools

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