Day 14: 45 Days of Summer

 Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone & Jump Into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall

Today's summer reading suggestion is a Non-Fiction/Fiction pairing about the 555th paratrooper division, the Triple Nickles.

Best for: Middle school readers.

Day 5: 45 Days of Summer

Invasion by Walter Dean Myers

My heart is sad with news of the passing of this great man and author. 

If you have never read a book by Walter Dean Myers, please do so this summer!

Invasion is his latest book and is the "prequel" to Fallen Angels and Sunrise Over Fallujah. Takes place during WWII at the Invasion of Normandy.

Best For: 7th-12th grades.

RIP Mr. Myers, and prayers to your family.

We Remember

In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday, I was given the idea to make a list of my favorite "Fallen Heroes" titles. While compiling the list, I realized that I have many favorite "Soldier Stories" for teens (& tweens).

In fact, I have written on the topic a few times on this blog, including this Favorite 15 post from a few years ago.

But my "favorite" titles are ever-changing as new books are constantly crossing my desk. And I have many favorite soldier/war stories but thought that I would narrow it down to American War Heroes this time.

So, in no particular order, here are some of my favorite American Soldier/War Hero books for teens & tweens:





Non-Fiction

1) Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the death of NFL star turned Army Ranger hero Pat Tillman. This book will always be included on my list of favorite books, regardless of the topic.

2) Flags of our Fathers by John Bradley. There is an adapted version for younger teens/tweens if you need something slightly shorter, but either version is a look at the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima and became a part of the iconic photograph.

3) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. The WWII survival story of Louis Zamperini. The audiobook is phenomenal and would make a perfect listen for summer family road trips! Also, coming to a theater near you in December, 2014.  

4) Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone. A look at the men who made up the Triple Nickles...the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion.

5) Navajo Code Talkers by Nathan Aaseng. There are many books (and movies) about these brave men, but this is the standard that I always come back to. (If you're looking for a fiction story to pair with this, Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac is perfect).

6) Pure Grit by Mary Cronk Farrell. I reviewed this book recently on the blog here.



Fiction

7) Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith. I am a fan of this author and this is an important story about a little recognized group of women who were part of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots).

8) Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein. Yeah, this book had an American main character so it qualifies for the list! This title (and the author's Code Name Verity) are two books that I require all my friends to read. Amazing books: writing, characters, stories that drawn you in and don't let go. This book is about an American pilot captured and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp.

9) Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt. Always I come back to this book. And recommend it widely to teens and adults alike. I just love this story of two brothers, one a returning soldier, and how they are trying to heal.

10) Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson. A new title this year. Nothing less than remarkable.

11) Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie. Another powerful brother story. And one that I never discovered until it made several "best" lists last year. Not sure how it slipped by my radar, but I am glad that I found it.

12 & 13) If you are looking for "series" titles, I have two great recommendations.

Walter Dean Myers writes several companion titles: Fallen Angels (Vietnam); Sunrise over Fallujah (Iraq/Afghanistan); Invasion (WWII).

Chris Lynch has a Vietnam series of four titles, each following one of a group of friends as they enter one branch of the military. You can read them in any order. He just started a WWII series (two titles so far) along the same lines.

Happy Reading!

And when you are celebrating having the day off work or school on Monday, don't forget to thank a soldier!

 

Non-Fiction Friday

Title: Pure Grit 
Author: Farrell
Genre: Non-Fiction; Survival; War
Pages: 160
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Grades: 6th and up

From the publisher:
In the early 1940s, young women enlisted for peacetime duty as U.S. Army nurses. But when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 blasted the United States into World War II, 101 American Army and Navy nurses serving in the Philippines were suddenly treating wounded and dying soldiers while bombs exploded all around them. The women served in jerry-rigged jungle hospitals on the Bataan Peninsula and in underground tunnels on Corregidor Island. Later, when most of them were captured by the Japanese as prisoners of war, they suffered disease and near-starvation for three years. The women cared for one another, maintained discipline, and honored their vocation to nurse anyone in need.

I am always on the lookout for the next great non-fiction book that I can recommend to my students. This new title (which I read an advance copy of over Christmas break) has it all: action, adventure, survival. In addition, this is a thoroughly researched narrative with first-person interviews and accounts throughout. This attention to detail and staying true to the telling of these nurses' personal stories brings the reader right into the action and immediacy of what happened. 

Much has been written about the Bataan Death March and the battles in the Philippines and on Corregidor Island during WWII. However, the story of these women and how they survived the three year ordeal is a perspective that is often missing from the history books. Credit to the author for her diligent research and well-written account. The numerous archival photographs add much to the entire reading experience.

I will be recommending this to students and teachers alike, especially our 8th graders who study WWII. An excellent example of narrative non-fiction.

Movie News Monday

Today's Book-a-Day suggestion coincides with news about the movie adaptation of the title.

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak is, quite honestly, a book that everyone (older middle school, high school, adults) should read at some point in their lifetime. It is a truly amazing, powerful, and unique book that stays with you long after you read it. The writing will grab you, and you will feel immediately like you have been placed inside the book. 

As always, I am happy to promote good audiobooks, and this one is one of the best. The narrator of this title does a truly remarkable job. In addition, it is quite nice to hear someone else pronounce all the German words if you are not someone who learned the language in school.

From the Publisher: 
A "New York Times" bestseller for seven years running that's soon to be a major motion picture, this Printz Honor book is an unforgettable tale about the ability of books to feed the soul. Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist-books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

The movie adaptation of this book, (which I pray will do the book justice because I fear that this one can go all kinds of wrong if done carelessly), was originally set to come out in 2014. Just last week it was announced that they have pushed UP the release date to November 15th, 2013. WOW! That's almost unheard of. You can read the article on Entertainment Weekly here. 

I'm looking forward to this!

Review: Code Name Verity (Wein)

Title: Code Name Verity
Author: Wein
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, War, Friendship, Spies
Pages: 343
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars...can I give it more?
Ages: High school, Adults of all ages, and maybe a sophisticated middle school reader (I have it in our library)

It's likely that I do not even need to mention this book to you because it was on more "Top 10" and award lists in 2012 than I can count. I had it at the top of last summer's high school reading list. It's even in paperback already (albeit, with what I think is a horrible cover compared to the hardback. Seriously, truly horrible...see below...did the publisher not really read the book? That cover does not set the right tone AT ALL). 

So why the heck am I mentioning it today? Well, a couple of reasons, not the least of which, it's just so good that you must read it!

The main reason I decided to make today's post about an "old" book is that I recently went back and listened to it on audio and I fell in love with it all over again. FELL. IN. LOVE. AGAIN. The audio production on this book is BRILLIANT! The narrators give a tremendous reading. A must to listen to! Perfect for long road trips, plane rides, or just sitting by the pool and relaxing. 

Grownups, PLEASE do not care that this book was published for "young adults." This is one of the best books that you'll read in a long time, and I recommend it to my teachers, friends, and neighbors all the time. Also, did you love "Fault in our Stars" and in desperate need of a book to make you feel like that? This is the one for you.



From the Publisher:
Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before its barely begun. When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, shes living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?


This is an incredible story of war, friendship, fighting for what you believe in, love, hope, and truth. It will stay with you long after you read it. It is crushingly sad, incredibly hopeful, and yet, not sappy or sentimental in any way. And the historical detail in it makes you rush to the author's notes at the end to find out if Maddie and Verity were real people.

Review: Planet Thieves (Krokos)

Title: Planet Thieves
Author: Krokos
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Travels, Aliens, War
Pages: 253
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 5th-8th grades

I am the first person to say that the outer space/alien science fiction genre is NOT my thing. So, when I find a book in what I call the Star Wars/Star Trek genre that I really enjoy, I know that most of my students will like it also, especially those that already are fans of the genre.

From the publisher:
Two weeks ago, thirteen-year-old Mason Stark and seventeen of his fellow cadets from the Academy for Earth Space Command boarded the SS Egypt . The trip was supposed to be a short routine voyage to log their required spacetime for summer quarter.But routine goes out the airlock when they're attacked by the Tremist, an alien race who have been at war with humanity for the last sixty years.With the captain and crew dead, injured, or taken prisoner, Mason and the cadets are all that's left to warn the ESC. And soon they find out exactly why the Tremist chose this ship to attack: the Egypt is carrying a weapon that could change the war forever.Now Mason will have to lead the cadets in a daring assault to take back the ship, rescue the survivors, and recover the weapon. Before there isn't a war left to fight.

I discovered this author through another of his series starters, "False Memory" (which I loved and am anxiously awaiting the sequel to next month). This book is fast-paced with a sense of adventure that will keep the pages turning. I'm not sure that there was anything surprising in this book, but it was a good ride and time well spent. I can see that there will likely be a sequel, and rumor has it that the movie rights have already been snapped up! 

Holiday Gift Ideas: Assault (Falkner)

Title: The Assault
Author: Falkner
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Aliens, War, Spies, Action
Pages: 288
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Now, you must understand that I do not typically read straight up science fiction, the kinds with aliens, weapons, and intergalactic wars. But a middle school librarian friend recommended it, so I figured I should read it. And I am so glad that I did.

This is a terrific book for sci-fi fans of both genders, and the start of the author's new Recon Team Angel series. The fast-paced, page-turning action is non-stop. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the story is movie-worthy. There is nothing missing from this one.

I found this fan-made book trailer that does a pretty good job explaining the book for you, so I'm going to let it do the talking. I'll just say that I am anxiously awaiting the second installment of this series!

Friday 15: Soldier Stories

Veterans Day is right around the corner, so I thought I would honor all those who have served our country by posting my Top 15 favorite books about soldiers. In no particular order:

 (1) Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer. Okay, I lied about no particular order. This biography of Pat Tillman is one of my all-time favs for several reasons. One, it's Jon Krakauer, so it's well-written and completely engaging. Two, it tells not only Tillman's story, but the history of Afghanistan and the region which I think is important for everyone to understand. Is there bias in Krakauer's narrative? Sure, but the story is still one that should be read. And three, it's about a true American hero...someone I admire and hope my children will grow up to be like.

(2) The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt. Another complete favorite of mine! I spent the year this book came out recommending it to EVERYONE, adults and teens alike. Although they have never gotten along well, seventeen-year-old Levi follows his older brother Boaz, an ex-Marine, on a walking trip from Boston to Washington, D.C. in hopes of learning why Boaz is completely withdrawn. A must-read!


(3) Blood Red Horse by K.M. Grant. True, not about American soldiers, but I enjoyed this book about the Crusades. A special horse named Hosanna changes the lives of two English brothers and those around them as they fight with King Richard I against Saladin's armies during the Third Crusades. Fans of "War Horse" will want to read this series starter.





(4) Five 4th of July by Pat Hughes and Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson are two terrific novels about two young men from completely different circumstances fighting during the Revolutionary War.


(5) Kipling's Choice by Geert Spillebeen. A moving, fictionalized biography of eighteen-year-old John Kipling, son of writer Rudyard Kipling, who remembers his boyhood and the events leading up to World War I, as he lies dying on a battlefield in France.


(6) Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo. When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.


The next 5 are all stories set during WWII:

(7) A Boy at War by Harry Mazer
(8) Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac (pair this with the non-fiction title Navajo Code Talkers by Nathan Aaseng)
(9) Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley (this title for adults also has a young reader's edition).
(10) Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
(11) Jump into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall

(12) is shared by two similar stories, both equally intriguing. Cracker!: the best dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata is the story of a young soldier in Vietnam and how he bonds with his bomb-sniffing German shepherd. Letters from Wolfie by Patti Sherlock tells thirteen-year-old Mark's story after he donates his dog, Wolfie, to the Army's scout program in Vietnam, and then learns that the Army refuses to say when and if Wolfie will ever return.

(13) A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. This autobiography about a boy soldier plucked from his village in Sierra Leone at the age of 13 is not for the faint of heart. But it is a powerful memoir that is the unfortunate story of many around the world.


(14) Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins. Two Burmese boys, one a Karenni refugee and the other the son of an imprisoned Burmese doctor, meet in the jungle and in order to survive they must learn to trust each other.

(15) Somebody Please Tell Me Who I Am...another title by Harry Mazer (himself a Veteran). Ben leaves everything behind after graduation to enlist in the army. His convoy gets caught in an explosion, and Ben ends up in a coma for two months. When he wakes up, he doesn't know where he is or remember anything about his old life. His family and friends mourn what they see as a loss, but Ben perseveres.

To all our Veterans out there...THANK YOU! If you have not served, please remember to thank a Veteran on Sunday, and every day.

Review: Daughter of Xanadu (Yang)

Title: Daughter of Xanadu
Author: Yang
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Ancient China, Mongolia
Pages: 352
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Princess Emmajin, grandaughter of the Great Khubalai Khan, wants nothing more than to be a warrior in her grandfather's army. But the Khan wants her to act as a court liason to three travelers from the West...Marco Polo, his father, and his uncle.

Emmajin is a strong, female character, wanting to go against tradition. Her first-person narrative provides an excellent account of the action and adventure of the Mongol army, but also what is was like in China at the time Marco Polo arrived.


The setting and sense of time, place, and culture in the story are fully realized. There is action, drama, history, and a little romance. But at its core, it is a universal story about a teenager who must decide whether to follow her family's expectations, or go against tradition and dare to follow her dreams.

An excellent example of historical fiction, as well as a novel that appeals to girls and boys equally. Because we had the author visit in the spring (a visit I highly recommend by the way...see my earlier post about it), many of my students have read this book and it is popular with both genders.

Author Visit--Dori Jones Yang

In honor of Read Across America, our local bookstore (Parkplace Books) is bringing author Dori Jones Yang to visit our school. I am very excited to host Ms. Yang, especially since she willingly agreed to speak with our 9th graders.

I just finished Ms. Yang's new book "Daughter of Xanadu" over the weekend and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will post a separate review this week, but I would definitely give it 4 stars!

If you would like to order an autographed copy of the book, please fill out and return the order form to the EJH Library ASAP. You can find the form on the Library home page.

It is always a wonderful experience for readers to meet an author and listen to them speak. I am so grateful to provide my students with this opportunity. I am hoping that Ms. Yang will agree to let me post an author interview on the blog...stay tuned this week for more details!

This Day in History...

On this day in 1945, the famous photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima was taken on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This famous photograph, one of the most iconic photographs in American history, and used as the basis for the Iwo Jima Memorial, immortalized the six soldiers captured on film that day.

Three of the men, Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, and Michael Strank, were later killed later during the battle. Three of the men survived the battle and went on to become heroes once their identities were discovered: Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, and John Bradley were those men.

Upon discovering that his father was one of the flag raisers, Frank Bradley decided to find out more about all six men. His book, Flags of our Fathers, is an excellent example of narrative non-fiction as well as a powerful tribute to these reluctant heroes. A must-read, whether or not you have seen the movie based on the book.

Review: The War to End all Wars (Freedman)

Title: The War to End All Wars
Author: Freedman
Genre: Non-fiction, War, History
Pages: 192
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Even though the majority of the reviews posted on this blog are fiction titles, it is no secret that non-fiction is my passion.  There is great joy in finding well-written and interesting non-fiction titles, especially for teens.

So it should not be a shock that non-fiction master Russell Freedman has done it again with his recent book on World War I.  This "War to end all wars" is very important in the history of the world, but is often not covered as extensively in class as WWII. 

In this book, Freedman untangles the relationships and alliances of the many nations involved and succinctly explains the causes leading up to WWI.  Discussion is also given to the introduction of modern weaponry and the effects of these destructive weapons, top-level military decisions that resulted in casualties on an unprecendented scale, and why the resolution to the conflict only fanned the flames that led to WWII. 

There are archival photographs included throughout which really lend to the tone of the book.  On Amazon.com, the author posted a letter to readers about why he wrote the book, and I think this letter describes the book best:

Dear Amazon Readers,

...In 1916, my father ran away from home, changed his name, lied about his age, and joined the United States army. He was 14 years old. Back then, before social security numbers and computerized record keeping, it wasn't difficult to take on a new identity, and that's exactly what my father did. To begin with, he was sent to the Mexican border to fight Pancho Villa under General John J. Pershing. And when the United States entered World War I, he sailed to France with the 7th Infantry Division. In the fall of 1918, he was shot and gassed, and he spent several months recovering at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C.

My father was proud of his service to America, and I grew up hearing nostalgic stories of his adventures as a teenage soldier. But as I eventually learned, the war's reality presented quite a different tale. This was the first global conflict to employ modern weapons--long-range artillery, rapid-fire machine guns, poison gas, flamethrowers, tanks, and airplanes that bombed and strafed--the first war in which modern weapons inflicted mass slaughter, introducing new kinds of terror and record levels of suffering and death. It was now possible to kill your enemy at distance, without seeing him.


Called the Great War at first, because of its massive and unprecedented scale, the conflict later was known as the War to End All Wars, because it was unthinkable, unimaginable, that humanity would allow such carnage to be repeated ever again.


...It was said at the time that if the war could just once be described in honest and accurate language, people everywhere would demand that the fighting be stopped. That challenge was taken up by many ordinary soldiers of World War I, the men in the trenches, who recorded their experiences under fire in letters, diaries, journals, and memoirs that provide us today with eyewitness accounts of what it was like to fight in the War to End All Wars.


Sincerely,
Russell Freedman I put our library copy on display for Veterans Day and it was checked out quickly...before our history teacher had a chance to look at it and use it in class.  Might have to order another copy!

Review: Where Men Win Glory (Krakauer)

Title: Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman
Author: Krakauer
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography, Football, War
Pages: 344
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!  Honestly, I would give it more if I could!

Perhaps my review should simply be WOW!  Yep, that pretty much sums up what I feel about this book.  Enough said...

Kidding!  I have previously mentioned my love of this book, and my love of non-fiction in general, in a blog post you can find here. However, since I have recently completed the book, and I'm trying to boost the number of non-fiction blog tags I have, I thought that I would expand on my review.

Arizona State football star, turned NFL football star Pat Tillman walked away from his NFL contract in 2002 to join the US Army and make $1,200/month.  Deeply troubled by the events of 9/11, this is something that Tillman decided he had to do, and something he never would have wanted recognition for.  It is an amazing act to many of us, and especially many of my teenage students.  How could someone who "had it all" give that up to join the army?  During wartime?  The answer is really the heart of this entire book.

Quite simply, this book moved me.  It is a powerful life story that should be told.  Pat Tillman was someone I want my kids to know about, someone I would be honored if my kids were like.  He loved his country and his family and his fellow soldiers, and exemplified what the words "Honor" and "Character" truly mean.

Taking advantage of Tillman's own journals, as well as interviews with family, friends, and soldiers in the unit, Krakauer chronicles Pat's story.  It is a riveting, engrossing, and yet ultimately tragic story told in detail.  Which is exactly what you would expect from a book by this amazing author.
This is a definite MUST READ recommendation from me!  By the way, Pat's family has set up a foundation to honor him and to provide scholarships.  You can find out more about the Pat Tillman Foundation by visiting their Facebook page. 

Review: Things a Brother Knows (Reinhardt)

Title: The Things a Brother Knows
Author: Reinhardt
Genre: Fiction, War, Brothers, Soldiers
Pages: 256
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Levi's brother Boaz has finally returned home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan.  Bo was a high school star, destined for greatness in college and beyond, and he gave it all up to join the Marines and serve his country.  Levi has spent the last several years trying to be the little brother to a hero, a distinction that he doesn't really want, because he doesn't really agree with his brother's decision.

Now that Bo has returned, Levi is hoping that his life and family will return to normal.  No such luck.  Bo is back and has been given a clean bill of health by the Marine Corp, but he is clearly suffering from post-tramatic stress disorder.  Levi just wants to help his brother be the person he used to be.  But how best to do that?  And what if Bo can never be the person that he was? 

Bo is planning a trip, a walk/march from their home in Pennsylvania to Washington, DC.  When Levi discovers what his brother is planning, he wants to go with him.  To make sure he is safe, to make sure that he is not really crazy, to make sure that he is planning to come back. 

It is this trip that is the heart of the story, and the relationship between the brothers.  This is the perfect story to talk about on the anniversary of 9/11...or any holiday where we remember those that serve our country.  I read an advance copy of this book over the 4th of July weekend, while contemplating my upcoming trip to Arlington National Cemetary.  So perhaps I was already in the mood for a book that attempts to talk about what many in this country don't want to talk about...what happens to soldiers after they come home...

Levi has two great friends that help him (and by default Bo) through this struggle.  This is a moving story about friendship, family, duty, and honor.  Although I have not had family in the military, I can imagine this is a very realistic portrayal of what homecoming is really like, after the welcome home fanfare we all see on television.  I have always been a fan of Dana Reinhardt's books, and I would recommend them all.  However, this has definitely moved to the top of the list!  An absolute MUST READ!

Review: Raven Summer (Almond)

Title: Raven Summer
Author: Almond
Genre: Fiction, War, Fate, Friendship
Pages: 198
Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars

Okay, I'll be honest with you, this is a tough book for me to review.  Mainly because I'm not quite sure who the intended audience is.  Set in England, in the recent past (very recent--it is during the war in Iraq, which is still going on), Liam is playing in the neighborhood when the call of a bird leads him into a field where he discovers a baby. Liam brings the baby home to his parents, who involve the police in locating the infant's parents.  When none are found, the baby is put into a foster home.  Liam and his parents travel to visit the baby (named Allison), and there Liam meets the family's other foster children: Crystal, a bit of a wild girl; and Oliver, a refugee from Liberia. 

It is Liam's interactions with Oliver and Crystal that drive the plot of this short story.  Why is Oliver so afraid to return to Liberia?  What horrible tragedies of war has he experienced?  What are children capable of? 

I was actually intrigued by this book, which received several starred reviews.  Almond is a popular and award-winning author, and I have enjoyed his other books, especially "Kit's Wilderness" which won the Printz Award (the Newbery Award equivalent for teen literature).  However, I was also perplexed by this book.  Who is the audience supposed to be?  The message is clearly about the effects of war.  I think it is a good read for adults...lots to think about.  But are teens going to be interested in this, regardless of how short it is?  Is there teen appeal?  I don't think that the cover actually does it any justice in this department.  The above rating reflects my opinion on the perceived popularity with teens.  What do you think? Have you read it?

Review: Bamboo People (Perkins)

Title: Bamboo People
Author: Perkins
Genre: Fiction, Burma, War
Pages: 172
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What would you do if your father was in prison simply for being a doctor and your mother was starving?  What if joining the army, by force, is your only option to feed her?  What if you saw soldiers burning your home and killing your friends?  Life in Burma is filled with civil war and unrest as the government tries to eliminate the Karenni (an ethnic minority).

Chiko is forced to join the army and held prisoner to fight for a cause he doesn't believe in.  Tu Reh fights with his father for the freedom of his people.  This is the story of what happens when two boys forced to be on opposite sides of a military conflict meet...when one boy saves the life of the other.  An excellent read, and insight into the conflict currently in Burma.  To find out more, check out the author's website.  FYI, the book is not published until 7/1/10...I read an advanced copy.

Review: A Small Free Kiss in the Dark (Millard)

Title: A Small Free Kiss in the Dark
Author: Millard
Genre: Fiction, Survival Stories, War
Pages: 180
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Skip finds Max (a young boy separated from his family), Billy (an old homeless man), and Tia (a beautiful teenage dancer with a baby) after a sudden attack on their city leaves them all alone.  They form a ragtag "family" of survivors, hiding out in the ruins of an amusement park. As they scavenge for good, diapers, and baby formula, they must stay out of sight of vicious gangs and lawless soldiers.

Review: Woods Runner (Paulsen)

Title: Woods Runner
Author: Paulsen
Genre: War, Survival, Historical Fiction
Pages: 176
Rating: 5 out of 5


This is Gary Paulsen at his best. Do I really even need to say more? Adventure, war, and survival all wrapped up in one short historical fiction novel.  If you want to read about how the Revolutionary War really affected families in Colonial America, this is one you must read.
Samuel, 13, spends his days in the forest, hunting for food for his family. He has grown up on the frontier of a British colony, America. But the war comes to them. British soldiers and Iroquois attack. Samuel’s parents are taken away as prisoners. Samuel follows, hiding, moving silently, determined to find a way to rescue them. Each day he confronts the enemy, and the tragedy and horror of this war. But he also discovers allies, men and women working secretly for the patriot cause. And he learns that he must go deep into enemy territory to find his parents.