Archive for Romance

Book Review: Brooklyn, Burning

December 13, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Realistic, Reviews, Romance · Tagged , ,

Brooklyn, BurningBrooklyn, Burning by Steve Brezenoff.  Sept. 2011. 9780761375265. Gr. 9-12.

We are very excited to showcase this book on our blog, (it was recently a finalist in NPR’s “Best-Ever Teen Book” feature, and was also recently named to YALSA’s 2012 “Best Fiction for Young Adults” list) but we are even more excited to feature an interview with Steve Brezenoff, which will be posted here tomorrow. Please enjoy my review below, and check back tomorrow for my interview with the author!

Unique and important.  These two words jumped into my mind after reading Brooklyn, Burning by Steve Brezenoff.

Upon first glance, this appears to be a well-written, music-infused love story, set in a Brooklyn neighborhood.  It is all of those things, but as you get into the story, additional layers reveal themselves.

Brooklyn, Burning’s uniqueness begins with the first-person narrator, Kid.  Brezenoff deftly and purposely leaves Kid’s gender ambiguous. Since you don’t find the pronouns “he” or “she” to guide you in the storyline, you may find it disconcerting or challenging to read.  But, in my experience, it really adds to the story, as I found myself trying to guess Kid’s gender. The more I got into the story, the more I discovered it didn’t really matter, which is possibly the intention of the ambiguity in the first place! Kid is a homeless teen who has been kicked out of his/her home by a father who won’t accept Kid for who he/she is (see how hard it is…I already used pronouns!).  Kid meets fellow musician and street kid Scout.  They hit it off, and both literally and figuratively, make sweet music together.  The romance blossoms, and Brezenoff gives readers a look into the experience of living on the street, not knowing where you are going to sleep, or how you will get your next meal.   The story of Kid and Scout’s romance is moved along by a subplot that involves the arson-related destruction of a warehouse in the neighborhood.  Kid is a suspect, and questioning by the police leads to even more uncertainty in Kid’s life.  Will Kid be forced back home to a dysfunctional family?  Will Kid be placed in a group home?

Brooklyn, Burning is an important YA novel.  While romance is at its heart, the issues it tackles supply the substance of the book.   It may be all too easy for society to forget about homeless teens, but Brezenoff shines the bright lights of Brooklyn on the topic.  Readers are reminded that there are kids out there who are struggling to survive on the streets.  Also, we see the damage that is caused when a parent fails to show their child unconditional love, in this case, due to gender ambiguity.  Kid needs acceptance and support from his family, and does not get it.  Kid’s father is a very unsympathetic character, and his rigidity and old-fashioned thinking causes great damage to their relationship.

Despite all of these extremely heavy issues, Brooklyn, Burning is not a bleak, hopeless book.  There is a hopeful tone to Kid’s narration, and I found myself really rooting for Kid to find the life he/she desires.  It may sound idealistic, but we should all hope that, just like in Brooklyn, Burning, love transcends gender, circumstance, culture, living situation, and all else.

Ryan

Blogger: Ryan H.

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Beach Reads for Winter

October 25, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Humor, Middle School (6-8), Novels, Realistic, Romance, Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Just because the temperature has dropped, and you wouldn’t be caught dead outside in a swimsuit doesn’t mean you can’t still  enjoy some nice, fluffy, chick-litty reads!  So if you’ve just finished re-reading some Austen or Dickens by the fireplace, take a break and try one of these titles.

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan.  June, 2012.  9780547668529.  Gr. 7-12.

Seventeen-year-old Farrah is a math genius, a trait that earned her the humiliating nickname Digit in middle school and a fact that she hides now that she’s in high school. When Farrah uncovers a terrorist plot encoded in a popular TV show, she can no longer hide who she really is. On the run from terrorists trying to kill her, Digit embraces her gift in order to help the FBI uncover the truth. And the fact that her FBI handler John is young and attractive? That’s just a bonus. Girls will love this thin, fast-paced novel, and will root for Digit throughout.

Surviving High School by M. Doty.  September, 2012.  9780316220156.  Gr. 7-12.

Freshman Emily Kessler has one goal; to live up to her sister’s legacy.  After a tragic accident takes the life of her sister, Emily feels the pressure to be everything Sara was:  perfect.  Perfect grades, and an Olympic-bound record-breaking swimmer.  There’s just one problem in the form of Ben Kale, Branches High’s heart throb and bad boy.  The closer Emily gets to Ben, the more she realizes that she wants more than perfect grades and a swim record.  But can she convince her father/coach to back down?  And what is the real story behind Sara’s accident?  Readers will root for Emily as she comes to understand what she truly wants.

The List by Siobhan Vivian.  April, 2012.  9780545169172.  Gr. 9-12.

Every year at Mount Washington High School, The List is posted a week before Homecoming, naming the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade.  Vivian shows how it affects each of the eight girls named on the list.  For sophomore Sarah, being named the ugliest sends her into a protest, refusing to shower or change her clothes to prove just how ugly she can get.  Another girl struggles to balance her new-found popularity with homework, and being named the prettiest junior sends another girl back to her anorexic habits.  While bullying, mean girls and popularity aren’t new topics, Vivian manages to take a fresh look at them through her very realistically portrayed characters.

This will also be my last post for awhile as I am on maternity leave!  I’m taking care of my beautiful little Annabelle, but you may see me on here from time to time!

Lindsey L.

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Book Review: The Raven Boys

September 13, 2012 · Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, High School, Mackin Picks, Magic, Novels, Paranormal, Reviews, Romance · Tagged , , ,

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. Coming out Sept. 18, 2012. 9780545424929. Grades 9-12. (ARC Copy).

Blue comes from a family of psychics, but she has no powers of her own, just the ability to boost the psychic abilities of others. So when she sees a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve, she’s told that he’s either her true love or she’ll kill him within the next year. The mystery deepens when Blue meets Gansey and his friends from the local prep school school. They are known as the Raven Boys, and Blue wants nothing to do with them until she realizes that Gansey is the spirit from the cemetery. Gansey is on his own quest to discover the ley lines and awaken a sleeping king. The five of them work together to uncover the mysteries of the ley lines, but they are unaware of the dark forces working against them.

This is one of those books that is so hard to describe, and you want to tell people to just pick it up and read it! In my opinion, this is Maggie’s best book yet. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, romance, and supernatural. I’ll have to admit, I wanted a little more romance in Scorpio Races, and that’s what Maggie delivers with this novel, but she manages to do so without making it the main focus of the plot.

Oh and the characters! Don’t get me started on the characters! Maggie shows sheer genius with her character development in The Raven Boys. Each character is drawn out, complex, and unique. She uncovers layer after layer of character development while still hinting at more being revealed in later books. Adam was my favorite character because of his struggles throughout the book. He is a scholarship student at the prep school so while he is surrounded by privilege, he himself has to work hard for every little thing. There are also domestic issues to deal he has to deal with, but I don’t want to go into too much detail. His vulnerability, yet determination won him a spot on my top ten best male characters list.

I also loved Blue. She’s feisty and sassy, but loyal and kind. Her first encounter with Gansey had me laughing out loud. She grows a lot throughout the book and comes into her own. She defies her mother for the first time in her life, and allows herself the possibility of love even when she knows it may end in tragedy. I’m glad Maggie decided to write from multiple character’s points of view. I enjoyed the shifting views because it really let you get inside the character’s heads to get to know them better.

Pick up this book and read it! You won’t be disappointed.

Also check out this amazing book trailer done by Maggie herself.  To see the making of it, check out her blog.

Lindsey L.

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Can’t get enough of fairytale re-tellings?

August 16, 2012 · Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, High School, Magic, Middle School (6-8), Novels, Romance · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Me neither!  As I mentioned in a previous post, I love fairytale re-tellings.  They always contain a sweet romance where love conquerors all and evil doesn’t stand a chance against the pure in heart.  I know, I know…it’s sappy and cheesy, but sometimes you need a little sap and cheese in your life!  Another aspect I love about these books is that they are almost always clean.  I work with the teen girls in my church, and at times I struggle to find titles for them that meet the standards our church has set.  Most YA fairytale re-tellings (the two featured titles included) offer a sweet, clean romance that I can wholeheartedly recommend to my girls.  While there are many fairytale re-tellings, today I’m going to focus on my two favorites that have come out so far this year.

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis.  May 2012.  9780547645704.  Gr. 7-12. (ARC Copy)

Sunday often feels overlooked as the youngest in a very large family, so when she meets an enchanted frog in the woods who enjoys listening to her stories, she returns time and time again until their friendship turns deeper.  One night, as per custom, she kisses him goodbye, but this time she is unaware that her changing feelings have turned him back into the man he was, Prince Rumbold.  Prince Rumbold is determined to find Sunday and marry her, but there’s just one problem;  Sunday’s family blames him for the death of her oldest brother, and the Prince knows Sunday would never betray her family.  He decides to hold three balls in order to woo Sunday and her family, but magic and mischief  threaten to separate them forever.

Delightful is the word that sums up this title.  It was absolutely delightful.  I loved Sunday and Prince Rumbold’s romantic storyline, but Kontis incorporates so much more.  She interweaves fairytale after fairytale including Cinderella, The Frog Prince, Jack and the Beanstalk, Red Riding Hood, and so many more.  I would recommend this title to any fairytale lover out there, and they are sure to be a happy reader!

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors.  Coming out August 21st 2012.  Gr. 7-12.  (ARC Copy)

Emmeline Thistle has always had a special relationship with cows.  They saved her the night she was born after she was cast aside by her father because of her crippled foot, and they save her again when her entire village washes away in a flood.  Owen Oak, the dairyman’s son, discovers her half drowned and takes her home to recover.  It’s there that Emmeline learns why her people are so hated by the kingdom, and where she learns a secret about herself.  Whenever she churns butter, she turns it into chocolate, the most precious substance in all the kingdom.  Immediately, she is kidnapped and used by greedy, power-hungry people that wish to exploit her gift.  Emmeline must stay true to herself no matter the cost if she is to free her people and gain her “happily ever after.”

I wasn’t sure about this title at first.  I’m from Wisconsin and love cows as much as the next person, but magical cows?  I wasn’t sold on that story line, but Selfors wove the story so naturally that I didn’t question it once I started reading.  I loved Emmeline’s character and how she grew from a timid girl accepting that she would never be worth anything, to a strong heroine who stands up against the kingdom for her people.  (Although it bugged me a little at the end when she still didn’t think she was good enough for Owen).  Finally, Selfors narrates the book from both Emmeline’s and Owen’s point of view, and I greatly enjoyed reading their story from both sides.

And since I can’t help myself, here are a few more of my favorite fairytale re-tellings:

Dixon, Heather – Entwined (See my full review here)

George, Jessica Day – Princess of the Midnight Ball, Princess of Glass & Princess of the Silver Woods

Hale, Shannon – The Books of Bayern series (Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets & Forest Born)

McKinley, Robin – Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty & The Beast

Lindsey L.

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So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight – Kristin’s “Au Revoir” Post

May 28, 2012 · Filed under Author Interview, Dystopia, Fantasy, Fiction, High School, Humor, Intermediate (3-5), Magic, Middle School (6-8), Nonfiction, Novels, Paranormal, Picture Books, Poetry, Primary (K-2), Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction

There’s a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall

And the bells in the steeple too

And up in the nursery an absurd little bird

Is popping out to say, “Cuckoo”

Regretfully they tell us but firmly they compel us

To say goodbye to you

I thought that the beautiful music from one of my favorite musicals, The Sound of Music, would convey my message pretty well. Yes it’s true, I will no longer be a regular blogger on Mackin Books in Bloom. I have found another position that is closer to home.

I have really enjoyed my time here at Mackin, and I hope that my posts have helped to expand your collections! I have really enjoyed writing about angels, dystopian fiction, picture books, and so much more. Thanks to my fellow bloggers for giving me the unique opportunity to blog about what I already love to read! *And who knows..you might still see me every once and awhile on here!*

In closing I would just like to highlight my top 6 (you didn’t think I could do just 5, did you?) favorite posts that I did over the past year. Feel free to check them out again if you would like:

Shatter Me

-This was probably my all-time favorite novel of the year. Tahereh Mafi is uber-talented, and I cannot believe we have to wait a whole year to read her 2nd installment. This one is a ‘do not miss’!

Angels in Teen Fiction

-When I started working at Mackin, I had no idea that ‘angels’ would be so popular! Titles are still coming out such as Rapture, the final book in the Hush, Hush trilogy, Heaven, and many more. Who knew that angels would have such staying power?

Animal Poetry

-Who knew that one could get so much joy by reading a line such as this: “Nice to Meetcha! You smell delish!/Wanna share my water dish?” Being the goofy animal-lover that I am, is probably why I enjoy these much more than the average person. But, you have to admit that kids will love them too!

The Pledge

-This book is another one of my favorites from this year. It had all of the elements that I love in a novel, paranormal, fantasy, royalty, suspense..I could go on! Kimberly Derting is so gifted, and I loved my author interview with her as well. Don’t forget to check out The Essence, which comes out in January 2013. Check out the cover (below)..can you say gorgeous? I am dying to read this one, since she left us with such a cliffhanger in The Pledge.

Unlikely Animal Friendships

-I know..here we go with the animal stuff again. It fascinates me how much the animal kingdom is able to accept other species as their own. It’s heartwarming, and a little heartbreaking because I wish people would be more that way.

Last but not least: The Space Between

-Amazing doesn’t even totally compliment Brenna Yovanoff’s new novel. When she writes, she is able to completely engulf you into a world that is so unknown to you, yet familiar. Daphne is now one of my best-loved heroines, even though she is half-angel/half-demon. On a side note, Brenna’s interview was a pleasure to do. She was easy to work with and so willing to answer all of the questions I had. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us with Paper Valentine.

Signing off…

Kristin J.

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“Very Superstitious, Writings on the Wall” – Supernatural Teen Fiction

April 30, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Horror, Paranormal, Romance · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Stevie Wonder’s famous song “Superstitious” always makes me think of supernatural novels. I guess I am just one of those people that has to relate song titles to books. (Have you noticed the last couple of my posts?) Even though vampire books have become a little lackluster for the moment, novels with supernatural elements are still very popular. Angels, Speakers, ghosts, and the Underworld are just a few of the things you will be introduced to in these fictional novels for teens. Enjoy!

Everneath by Brodi Ashton. 2012. 9780062071132. (Gr 10-12.

What would you do if you only had six months to say goodbye to loved ones, as well as find redemption? Meet Nikki Beckett, who has just returned from six months in the Everneath (otherwise known as the Underworld). Her one wish is to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person who was most devastated by her disappearance. There’s only one person standing in her way: Cole, the irresistible immortal who lured her into the Everneath in the first place. As Nikki’s time on the surface is limited, she is forced to make the most painful decision of her life:  find a way to stay with Jack, or return to the Underworld and become Cole’s queen.

Dead of Winter by Chris Priestly. 2012.  9781599907451. Gr 7-12.

If you are looking for a creepy read that sends shivers down your spine, Dead of Winter is the book for you! After his mother’s death, Michael is invited to spend Christmas with a wealthy guardian in a large and abandoned country house. His immediate feeling upon arrival is that something is not quite  right—especially when he sees a ghostly woman in the frozen mists. Michael soon realizes that the house has many secrets, dead and alive, but there are more dark secrets to come.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand. 2012. 9780061996184. Gr 8-12.

Clara feels like destiny is playing a mean trick on her. When we left her in Unearthly, she was training for months to face the fire she had seen in her visions. In the end, she couldn’t possibly prepare for the choice she was forced to make. In Hallowed, she is torn between her love for Tucker and what she and Christian are destined for. In this compelling follow-up novel, Clara struggles with a new revelation: Someone she cares about will die unexpectedly. With an uncertain future, how will Clara change a loved one’s fate for good?

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey. 2011. 9780399256226. Gr 10-12.

Lenzi begins to hear voices and has visions of gravestones and of a boy with steel gray eyes. Just as these things start to get louder and more intense, she meets Alden, a boy from her dreams. He explains that she’s a reincarnated Speaker—a communicator of the dead, and that he has been her Protector for centuries. Now Lenzi is forced to choose between her present life and her destiny with Alden, before time runs out.

Fallen in Love: A Fallen Novel in Stories by Lauren Kate. 2012. 9780385742610. Gr 9-12.

Fans of  Kate’s Fallen series will love these four never-revealed stories of their favorite characters. Fallen in Love is a collection of short stories, set in the Middle Ages, featuring central characters from the main books. Each story provides valuable insight into each character and how their lives intertwine with the epic love story of Daniel and Luce. A must-read for fans who are eagerly anticipating Rapture!

Kristin J.

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Do You Believe in Magic? – Magical Stories for Teens

April 5, 2012 · Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, High School, Magic, Novels, Paranormal, Romance · Tagged , ,

Have you always wanted to be like Samantha from Bewitched? I definitely have, and I am not giving up on that dream either! Cate and Kendra are definitely not the nose-twitching type of witches, but they are exciting all on their own. Welcome to two different worlds, one in the fairy-tale realm and the other in 1896 New England. Once you visit each world, you just might not want to come back to reality!

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood. 2012. 9780399257452. Gr 9-12.

Cate has always known that her future would consist of two choices:  a life-long commitment to the Sisterhood OR marriage. In her world, the brutal Brotherhood hunts down witches—which in turn are either sent to an asylum or a prison ship, or are executed. Cate and her two sisters have been hiding their secret for years—that they are witches. Not only does she bear the responsibility to protect her sisters, but Cate also uncovers an unexpected prophecy that will challenge the very framework of the Brotherhood.

Bewitching by Alex Flinn. 2012. 9780062024145. Gr 7-12.

Kendra has had quite the life of an immortal. She changed an arrogant boy into a misshapen beast. She was hanged when she tried to rescue some children from a gingerbread house. And that little mermaid she found in the Titanic lifeboat? Don’t even go there! Now a girl named Emma needs help, which might just involve an enchanted pumpkin or two. As fans from Flinn’s Beastly know, when it comes to Kendra, all bets are off when she starts bewitching.

Kristin J.

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New Teen Romances

February 14, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Novels, Realistic, Romance · Tagged , , , , , ,

One of my first posts on this blog last year was Stand-out Teen Romances, and I thought I’d reprise the post with a few new titles for those who want to spend Valentine’s Day curled up with a good book.

I can’t not mention Stephanie Perkins’ latest, Lola and the Boy Next Door.  This follow-up to Anna and the French Kiss, which I included in last year’s post, is every bit as good as the first book.  Anna and St. Clair take secondary roles in this story, which features Lola—a girl who never wears the same costume twice.  Yes, I said costume.  He wardrobe goes way beyond outfits.  But underneath the wigs and fabric, Lola is just a girl with a crush on the boy next door.  It’s complicated, of course.  Lola has a boyfriend, for one.  There’s a history between them, for another.  Not to mention, there’s a bit of family drama to bring Lola down just when she’s getting things figured out.  Strongly recommended to fans of Anna, but even if you haven’t read that one, don’t miss Lola.

In the tradition of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Jennifer E. Smith offers a fast-paced romance that goes from first meeting to love in about twenty-four hours in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.  Hadley and Oliver meet by chance in an airport.  It turns out that they are on the same flight to London and they’ll be sitting near each other on the plane.  A few quirks of fate later and Hadley is running around London in search of Oliver to make sure they don’t lose the connection they found oh-so-randomly in the airport.  This is a book that will make you believe that true love could be around any corner.

Finally, The Future of Us is the highly anticipated sophomore effort from Jay Asher after the phenomenally successful Thirteen Reasons Why.  He teams up with Carolyn Mackler for a trip back to 1996 with two friends who get a unique glimpse into their future via Facebook.  Maybe I’m a bit biased since I was a teenager in the ’90s, but I loved the opportunity to chuckle over all the references to now outdated technology and pop culture.  Teens looking for a romantic comedy should not miss this great collaboration.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Bibliography:

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. November 2011.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. September 2011.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. January 2012.

Blogger:  Mindy R.

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Book Review: Shatter Me

January 26, 2012 · Filed under Dystopia, Fiction, High School, Mackin Picks, Novels, Paranormal, Reviews, Romance · Tagged , , , , , ,

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. 2011.

“You can’t touch me,” I whisper.
I’m lying, is what I don’t tell him.
He can touch me, is what I’ll never tell him.
But things happen when people touch me.
Strange things.
Bad things.”

What would it be like not to touch anyone for exactly 264 days? Juliette knows all too well. The last time she touched someone, The Reestablishment locked her up in a mental institution for murder. As she sits locked in a cell, her world is falling apart. Birds no longer fly, food is hard to find, and diseases are in abundance. Juliette might just be the solution to this chaotic world. The question is, will she choose to be a warrior or a weapon?

Shatter Me was one of the most hyped Teen debuts of 2011. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, and I promise you will not be disappointed. With hints of Hunger Games and X-Men, I was not able to pry myself away from this fast-paced post-apocalyptic/dystopian America. Shatter Me takes a different approach in this dystopia because of its electrifying villainy, jeopardizing choices, and paranormal twists. Mafi’s writing is not quite like anything I have read before. Her style includes lyrically written text along with breathtaking plot twists. The use of imagery and metaphors, are almost chilling in the way they are written. I also enjoyed the prose that is written as a stream of consciousness from Juliette’s point of view. Every thought is documented, which makes it feel as if you are reading her every thought. Many of her thoughts are strike outs, which is a very interesting technique:

“I always wonder about raindrops.
I always wonder about how they’re always falling down, tripping over their own feet, breaking their legs and forgetting their parachutes as they tumble right out of the sky toward an uncertain end. It’s like someone is emptying their pockets over the earth and doesn’t seem to care where the contents fall, doesn’t seem to care that the raindrops burst when they hit the ground, that they shatter when they fall to the floor, that people curse the days the drops dare to tap on their doors.
I am a raindrop.
My parents emptied their pockets of me and left me to evaporate on a concrete slab.”

The strike outs provide a cue to the reader of her inner struggle with who she really is. This technique was refreshing and unique and it made me really in-tune with Juliette.

For those of you who enjoy pulse-pounding romance, there is plenty of that as well. Adam is by far one of the most well-spoken male leads that I have read about in a long time. (Take that Edward!) You might even find yourself smitten by a handsome psychotic villain named Warner. Don’t get me wrong, Warner does horrible things, but he does them in order to survive. I will leave it up to you on whom you would deem worthy of Juliette.

Shatter Me also gives readers a taste of what is to come in future novels as well as many unanswered questions: How did Juliette develop her abilities? Who are the other people trapped in the Reestablishment prison with her? Check out Shatter Me for a whole new dystopian experience!

(Official Shatter Me Book Trailer courtesy of Harper Collins)

Kristin J.

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ALA Mock Youth Media Awards – Kristin’s Picks

January 12, 2012 · Filed under Biography, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, High School, Historical, History, Horror, Humor, Intermediate (3-5), Language Arts, Magic, Middle School (6-8), Multicultural, Nonfiction, Novel in Verse, Novels, Paranormal, Picture Books, Primary (K-2), Realistic, Romance, Social Studies, Sports · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you are anything like us, you are eagerly anticipating the ALA Youth Media Awards on January 23rd. It’s like the Oscars for librarians, and the Collection Development department at Mackin has definitely been buzzing about their favorite books of the year! I chose to highlight the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, Coretta Scott King Book Awards, and—my favorite—the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. Be sure to tune in next week when Mindy and Lindsey highlight their predictions for the Caldecott, Newbery, and many more! Also, feel free to share with us what you think of our choices as well as what your favorites are!

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Beauty Queens written and narrated by Libba Bray. 2011.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a plane full of Beauty Queens crashed onto an (almost) deserted island? You’re in luck! Prepare yourself for a clever tale of girl power and sarcastic spoofs on pop culture. As I said in a previous post, I really enjoyed how Libba Bray used theatricality by changing accents and pitch with such ease between characters. Listeners will definitely forget there is only one narrator. My favorite character of all (because of how she was portrayed) was Taylor Rene Krystal Hawkins (yes, that’s all one name). Bray gives this gun-carrying homecoming queen a fantastic drawl that will leave you in stitches! Don’t miss this one, you won’t regret it!

Liesl & Po written by Lauren Oliver, narrated by Jim Dale. 2011.
Children and adults will love this fairy-tale-esque story that centers around three characters. First we have Liesl, a lonely girl who is mourning the death of her father while she is trapped in an attic. Her loneliness is eased when a ghost named Po shows up with his pet, Bundle. Then there is Will, a boy that runs errands for his boss, the Alchemist. How will these three character’s lives collide? You will have to read (or listen) to find out. Once again, Jim Dale does an amazing job of narrating, and he pulls it off as if he is reading a dark bedtime story to the listener. Watch for Dale’s terrific old-lady sneezes and adorable animal noises! They are quite the treat! Lovers of Roald Dahl will especially enjoy this savvy cracked fairy-tale.

Goliath written by Scott Westerfeld, narrated by Alan Cumming. 2011.
Fans of the Leviathan series will enjoy this third and epic final chapter. Alex and Deryn are still aboard Leviathan struggling with their problems. Alex’s parents are dead, he’s the heir to Austria’s throne, and he’s struggling to make sense of things. Deryn has a huge crush on Alex, and she’s a girl disguised as a boy (if found out, she would be guilty of treason and kicked off Leviathan). If Alex and Deryn don’t have enough troubles already, they reach a new level when a new passenger comes aboard—Mr. Nikola Tesla.  Alan Cumming is a remarkable talent and has done a wonderful job narrating the whole Leviathan series. He is quite proficient at alternating between Alek’s German accent and Deryn’s Scottish brogue. Listeners will especially enjoy the Transylvanian sing-song voice for Mr. Nikola Tesla. Cumming provides a witty reminder that the adventures in the Leviathan series are extraordinary, and that the listener should just hang on for the ride!

*Honorable Mentions*:
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos. 2011.
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. 2011.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards

Underground by Shane W. Evans
Shane Evans presents a powerful look at the Underground Railroad – The road to freedom. With its few words, “The darkness. / The escape. / We are quiet. / The fear . . . / We run. / We crawl”, this picture book relies more on commanding images to acquaint young readers with the risks that families took to escape slavery. It also captures the pride they experienced upon first reaching freedom. You will be entranced by the author’s night-time collages as they highlight the fearful eyes of the fugitives and the bright stars above on every page. A brief author’s note provides more information about the Underground Railroad, which parents and teachers can use to teach about the history of slavery.

A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2011.
This impressive retelling of the 1938 boxing rematch between America’s Joe Louis and Germany’s Max Schmeling will leave readers wanting more picture books from the talented team of de la Peña and Nelson. Kids will appreciate the directness of de la Peña’s free-verse as well as the insistence of Nelson’s paintings. A Nation’s Hope is the sort of book that will have readers wanting more information about historical events and figures. This interest can lead to discussions about racism, tolerance, and good sportsmanship. An amazing story you do not want to miss!

These Hands by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2011.
You will not want to miss this moving picture book that combines the poignant story of a grandfather’s relationship with his grandson, and an unknown piece of the civil rights movement. Mason explains in an author’s note that during the 1950′s and 1960′s, African American workers at bakery factories were allowed to do all sorts of maintenance type work—but they were not allowed to work as bread dough mixers or handlers. This was “because the bosses said/white people would not want to eat bread/touched by these hands.” It is so sad to think that these events actually happened, but they did. This inspirational story will be enjoyed by readers, along with the touching photo-quality illustrations.

*Honorable Mentions*:
Bird in a Box by Andrea Pinkney, illustrated by Sean Qualls. 2011.
Heart and Soul : The Story of America and African Americans, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2011.

Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol. 2011.
I have mentioned this title in a previous post, but I just had to include it in this category. I really enjoyed this tale of an angst-ridden, curvy teenage girl who desperately tries to abandon her Russian heritage in order to become accepted at school. Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, she falls down a well. This is where she meets a ghost named Emily. Will Emily be the answer to all of her problems? Don’t miss this amazing graphic novel, which has hints of Coraline, Persepolis, and American Born Chinese.

Chime by Franny Billingsley. 2011.
This is one title that has been buzzed about ever since it was published (so of course I had to include it). After the death of her stepmother, Briony develops a repulsion for herself, a strong need to protect her mentally disabled sister, and a fear of the secret she knows she can never reveal. What is Briony’s secret? She’s a witch in a Victorian-era society that believes witches are guilty of all wrongs, and therefore should be hanged. When she meets a boy named Eldric, she learns that she’s not the only one keeping secrets. The haunting and unforgettable tone that Billingsley weaves into lyrical prose is amazing. Paranormal fans will love this wonderfully written tale of growth, loss, and romance.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. 2011.
Tracey already mentioned this one in a previous post, but I had to include it!

*Honorable Mentions*:
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. 2011.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. 2011.
A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay. 2011.

Blogger:  Kristin J.

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