American Born Chinese

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. 2006. New York, NY: Square Fish, 2010. Print. ISBN: 9780312384487 Pages: 240 Paperback US $8.99

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Awards!

Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award

National Book Award Finalist

Booklist Top Ten Graphic Novel for Youth

NPR Holiday Pick

Publishers Weekly Comics Week Best Comic of the Year

The Reuben Award for Best Comic Book

The Chinese American Librarians Association 2006/2007 Best Book Award

Eisner Awards 2007- Best Graphic Album- New

Time Magazine Top Ten Comic of the Year

Amazon.com Best Graphic Novel /Comic of the Year

Annotation: Beautiful, captivating illustrations, folklore, and humor bring to life three very different stories that merge to tell one complete tale about the Chinese-American experience.

The Graphic Format:

Three different stories are told in American Born Chinese. First, the story of the Monkey King; pulled from happiness by greed and brought to ruin by his own, unwise decisions. Next is the story of Jin Wang, the son of Chinese immigrants who is trying his best to fit in with his classmates. The final story is that of Danny, a teenager who is mortified and embarrassed when his out-of-control, Chinese cousin comes to visit every year. 

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All three stories are told through bright, entertaining illustrations. When the stories converge at the very end you’ll be shocked at how they tell the single story of one Chinese-American kid’s experience.

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Praise for American Born Chinese!

“Gene Luen Yang has created that rare article: a youthful tale with something new to say about American youth.”—New York Times Book Review

“. . . brilliantly written and designed, sophisticated and wise.”—The Miami Herald

“. . . one of the most powerful and entertaining works of literature to be published this year . . .”—The San Francisco Chronicle

“Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you'll already have reached out to others.”—Publishers Weekly

“Kids fighting an uphill battle to convince parents and teachers of the literary merit of graphic novels will do well to share this title.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Arielle's Recommendation: Recommend this excellent graphic novel to the struggling reader, comic book fan, or adventurous type that enjoys a good plot twist. Best for grades 8 and up.

Riding Invisible

Alonzo, Sandra. Riding Invisible. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2010. Print. ISBN: 9781423118985 Pages: 234 Hardbound US $15.99

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Awards!

None yet!

Riding Invisible
by Sandra Alonzo
illustrator: Nathan Huang

Annotation: In an effort to escape his violent, mentally-ill brother Yancy prepares to survive with only his horse and a few supplies in the desert surrounding Los Angeles.

The Graphic Format:

For his birthday Yancy’s parents gave him a journal

Image scanned from Riding Invisible

Eight months later, he’s finally putting it to use.

Image scanned from Riding Invisible

Yancy needs the journal to chronicle his journey into the deserts surrounding Los Angeles. Yancy’s escaping toward a better future, but, more importantly, he’s escaping away from him crazy, scary brother, Will.

Image scanned from Riding Invisible 

He and Shy, his beloved horse, ride off into the sunset but don't live happily ever after.

Through emotional, action-filled journal entries and sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-beautiful illustrations, Yancy’s story is powerful and memorable. It is the story of a normal kid’s journey from invisible to healing.

Image from Riding Invisible

Check out the trailer!

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Praise for Riding Invisible!

Alonzo’s first novel features the sort of likable, embattled narrator that brings to mind Arnold Spirit from Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007), but instead of being tormented by negative stereotypes and poverty, 15-year-old Yancy’s primary source of misery comes from his nearly sociopathic older brother, Will. The story is told entirely in diary form, complete with a handwriting-styled font and plenty of cartoony drawings (again reminiscent of Alexie’s book). After Will, who suffers from conduct disorder, violently threatens Yancy’s horse, teen and horse take off into the California desert. There, they encounter a kind Mexican worker, who helps Yancy begin to size up the challenges of living with his brother and the toll that it is taking upon the entire family. Alonzo skillfully handles teetering family dynamics, equestrian details, and the undertones of immigration and class, which add realistic depth. The resolution leaves a bevy of challenges and plenty of food for thought about family dysfunction. Grades 7-10. 

--Ian Chipman

I highly recommend Riding Invisible for all male and female readers 13 or older, and a must-read for teen (and adult) horse-lovers. ” --Mountain Write

Arielle's Recommendation: This is a fast-paced, involved story. Hand this book to struggling readers or someone looking for something different. Recommended for 6th-10th graders that enjoy adventure and horses.

Where Things Come Back

Whaley, John Corey. Where Things Come Back. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. Print. ISBN: 9781442413337 Pages: 228 Hardbound US $16.99

Awards!

YALSA Michael L. Printz Award 2011

ALA William C. Morris Debut Award 2011

Indigo Books and Music Best Teen Books of 2011

ABC Children’s Group at ABA New Voices for Teens Selection 2011

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2012 Nominee

Publishers Weekly Flying Start Author 2011

Annotation: Cullen Witter is an average teenage boy. He wants to focus on doing the things an average teenage boy needs to do; hang out with his best friend and convince a beautiful girl to reciprocate his adoration. Instead of achieving these goals, Cullen must spend his summer distracted. His brother Gabriel’s gone missing, his best friend is slowly going catatonic, his aunt won’t stop crying, and the whole town is going nuts over a woodpecker. 

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Snap n' read:

Where Things Come Backby John Corey Whaley

Lily, Arkansas is a sleepy town where everyone knows everyone else. Everyone knows, for instance, that 17-year-old, Cullen’s cousin, Oslo, died. Cullen’s Aunt Julia, who is staying with them, can’t seem to keep dry eyes over her son’s death. But the constant tears and sharing a bed with his brother is the least of Cullen’s worries. For instance, Cullen can’t figure out why the resurrection of an extinct species of woodpecker is bigger news than the disappearance of his little brother.  

Benton Sage doesn’t know Cullen. Benton is on a different track in life, he wants to reach people for the Lord and is going to the distance to do just that.

“When Benton Sage woke up that next day…he found himself soaked in a cold sweat, his clothes stuck firmly to his skin and his hair flat and dripping. Rameel stood before him as dark as a shadow and taller than the tent itself. He smiled, but with an expression of remorse or shame. He sent one hand down to Benton and, as he pulled him up from his cot, said, ‘God has given us a gift this day.’

The gift, Benton soon discovered, was a small village called Kwalessa filled with the sick, the dying, and the hungry. “

Where Cullen’s life intersects Benton’s will shock and surprise. In Lily, Arkansas, where things sometimes go missing but where things often come back, something amazing is about to happen.

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Praise for Where Things Come Back!

“This is one damn fine debut novel, and a darkly funny, enjoyable read.” 

Denver Zombie Examiner

A “multilayered debut for sophisticated readers. Unexpected, thought-provoking storytelling.” Kirkus Reviews

“In this darkly humorous debut, Whaley weaves two stories into a taut and well-constructed thriller.” Publishers Weekly

“It doesn’t really matter what this book is about. It’s a good book about a good kid and it’s a good story told remarkably well.” 

Maggie Stiefvater, author of the bestselling Shiver Trilogy

Arielle's Recommendation: A deeply enjoyable, hard-to-put-down book, Where Things Come Back is the perfect title for a mature reader with a quirky sense of humor. Whaley's way with words is whimsical and fun...I especially appreciated Cullen's frequent use of the term "ass-hat" when referring to jerks and idiots. I totally thought I invented that term. In that vein, this book is for a reader with mature tastes. This book should have a home on public library shelves and its celebrated victories will likely give it a home in school libraries as well. Recommend this book to high school students and adults that appreciate  adork-able characters and eccentric, surprising stories. 

The Kill Order

Dashner, James. The Kill Order. New York, NY: Delecorte Press, 2012. Print. ISBN: 9780385742887 Pages: 329 Hardbound US $17.99

Awards: None yet!

Annotation: Thomas and his friends from the Maze Runner Trilogy have completed their adventure. The Kill Order goes back thirteen years to explore what led to the “exposure, infection, pandemic, and extinction.” Meet Mark, Trina, Alec and their comrades as they struggle to survive in the post-apocalyptic United States where the elements have become the least of their worries.

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Open end and wrap back to the title:
The Kill Order
by James Dashner

   The Kill Order was given but very few heard it over the cries from the victims and survivors of the devastating solar flares. Mark and Trina barely escaped the vicious heat before the water levels began to rise and they were forced to race against the waves for their lives. As if the scorched earth weren’t enough, a violent virus is attaching the survivors and rage, lunacy, and death is spreading wildly. Convinced that there is something bigger in play Mark and his friends set off to find answers. What was The Kill Order? Who gave it and most importantly, why?

Check out this awesome book trailer!

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Arielle's Recommendation: It isn't really necessary to have read the first three books to enjoy The Kill Order. It really does work as a stand-alone novel. For fans of The Maze Runner: I didn't think that the prequel really answered all of my burning questions. I'm hoping for an additional prequel novel, but I'm not going to hold my breath because it sounds like James Dashner is moving on to new story lines. The Kill Order definitely belongs in school and public libraries where The Maze Runner was popular. Recommend this book to teens in 7th grade and older that like adventure, science fiction and thrillers! 

Don't miss the Maze Runner Trilogy...awesome!

visit the official Maze Runner Series website for games, 

book info, videos, and news! 

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The Maze Runner Movie is in production! 
Look for it some time in 2013!
Check out The Maze Runner's IMDb page! 
So excitied!

What My Mother Doesn't Know

Sones, Sonya. What My Mother Doesn’t Know. 2001. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2003. Print. ISBN: 0780689855535 Pages: 259 

Paperback US $7.99

Awards

A Booklist Editors’ Choice 2001

An ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2002

An ALA Top 100 Most Banned Books of the Decade 2000–2010

An ALA Top Ten Most Challenged Books 2004 and 2005

Iowa Teen Book Award 2005–2006

Michigan Thumbs Up Award Honor Book 2002

International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice 2003

VOYA Top Shelf for Middle School Readers 2003

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award: YA Recommended Title 2003–2004

New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age 2002, 2003, and 2004

Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice 2003–2004

Junior Library Guild selection

Volunteer State Book Award (TN) Nominee2004–2005

Utah Children's Choice Beehive Award Nominee 2003–2004

Garden State Teen Book Award (NJ) Nominee 2003–2004

Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee 2004

Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee 2004

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee 2003–2004

Missouri Gateway Reader's Choice Award for Teens Nominee 2003–2004

Wyoming Library Association Soaring Eagle Book Award Nominee 2003–2004

Sophie falls in love, then out of it, then back in again in this fast-paced, novel-in-verse. She tries to juggle her boy problems, with her friend problems, and her home problems without falling apart and, in the end, succeeds.

A celebrated Banned Book...you'll have to read it to find out why!

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Snap and Read:

What My Mother Doesn't Know

by Sonya Sones

       Sophie loves, loves, loves Lou until he breaks up with her. Then she loves, loves, loves Dylan. Dylan calls her Sapphire, has smoldery dark eyes, and everything else seems to fade away when they’re together. But if things with Dylan are so perfect, why does she always find herself thinking about kissing Murphy, the super geek? And why is she so excited for her evening IM chats with Chaz? And who is the romantic masked man that swept her off her feet at the Halloween dance?!?

If I could marry a font

I’d marry his.

I just love it,

the way all of the letters lean

at those quirky little angles.

They remind me of the letters

in those thought balloons

in the Sunday funnies

like words that Snoopy

or Garfield

might be thinking

And those questions marks are-

well, they’re adorable.

They just are somehow.

If I could marry a font,

I would definitely marry his. 

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Praise for What My Mother Doesn't Know

"Winning." Entertainment Weekly

"Fast, funny, touching." Booklist

"A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction." Kirkus Reviews

"Honest...destined to captivate." Publishers Weekly

"Brilliant." KLIATT

Arielle's Recommendation: What My Mother Doesn’t Know rings true to the female, teenage experience. I should know, I've been there and made it out alive. Humor, quick chapters, and intriguing characters make this a necessary addition to school and public library teen collections. Plus the verse style is currently very popular and a great way to encourage reluctant readers. Recommend this book to readers of Louise Rennison and Meg Cabot in 7th grade and older. There is a wonderful poem involving nipples that, while fantastically humorous and insightful, may not be appropriate for younger readers.

Image from sonyasones.com

Don't miss the surprise at the bottom of the pages! Click here to read about Sones' inspiration!

Hear the story from a different perspective

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know

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Sones, Sonya. What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2007. Print. ISBN: 9780689876028 Pages: 291 

Hardbound US $16.99

Announcement! The Army of Ten

The Army of Ten

by Gretchen McNeil

Coming Soon!

Look for it at Ericson Public Library!

Bird Lake Moon

Henkes, Kevin. Bird Lake Moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books, 2008. Print. ISBN: 0780061470769 Pages: 179 Hardbound US $15.99

Awards/Honors

Booklist Editors’ Choice

Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best

New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice

Book Sense Summer Children’s Pick

Washington Post Book World Best Kids’ Books of the Year

Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award Nominee

Georgia Children’s Book Award Master List

Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award Nominee

Wisconsin Library Association’s Children’s Book Award

Annotation: Bird Lake Moon chronicles the new, summer friendship of Mitch and Spencer. Shared sorrow and secrets threaten to pull them apart but instead bind them together. They share the revelation of what it means to be a friend. 

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Wrap back to the title:
Bird Lake Moon

By Kevin Henkes

     Mitch and Spencer are visiting Bird Lake for very different reasons. Mitch should be enjoying a summer at his grandparents’ lake house. Instead he is nagged by the fact that he and his mother are only escaping the fact that his father has left them. Divorce is a terrifying word and Mitch is busy thinking of ways to fix or escape the situation. Spencer’s family is returning to their vacation home in an effort to heal after his brother’s tragic death at the lake years earlier. Neither boy shares their sorrows and instead try to enjoy their time at Bird Lake. An investigation into a haunted lake house and some major lies threatens to destroy their fragile friendship. Instead the boys grow stronger together and cherish the one another; the friend they made under the Bird Lake Moon.

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Praise for Bird Lake Moon!

“Henkes knows children and their secrets, and readers will lean close to hear the whispers.” Booklist starred review

“Superbly crafted. . . . A ‘must have’ for every library.” 

School Library Journal starred review

“In a novel as tender as his acclaimed Olive’s Ocean, Henkes probes the psyches of two boys facing family conflicts.” Publishers Weekly starred review

“[A] quiet, beautifully told story.” KLIATT starred review

Arielle's Recommendation: 3rd-5th graders that enjoy realistic fiction.