Gwen- Carolyn Pogue

Gwen is another home child story, so I was expecting something somewhat similar to others I have read. But Gwen is unique in particular because of the character. Although she loses her father early on and becomes an orphan sent to one of Barnardo’s homes, she never loses her indomitable spirit. Her sojourn there gains her many friendships, which are sundered when they are sent to Canada. Unfortunately, Gwen’s first experience is horrific, and when she has to rebuff advances from the man of the house, she takes matters into her own hands and treks back to Peterborough to ask the Matron for a new place. A unique writing style and a courageous character combine to make this an excellent read, and a great addition to your Canadian history collection. This is likely most suitable for readers from grade 5-8.

Broken- Alyxandra Harvey-Fitzhenry

Broken was a fascinating read with a quirky character, Ash, who is trying desperately to find where she really belongs. She tries to stand out as different with her purple hair and endless cargo pants, but several things make her start to wonder if she should just conform. Her dad is going to be re-married, and both her dad and his fiancee seem oblivious to the effect this may be having on her, as it comes with the bonus of 2 step-sisters. If that weren’t enough, her dad seems to take the other girl’s parts in any altercation, and Ash becomes more and more doubtful of her father’s real love for her. That and a love interest from Seth, popular guy in school, guides her to change and become more like everyone else. This doesn’t come without fallout- her best friend Mouse, feels betrayed. Everyone but Ash seems to be aware of the fact that Seth is just using her until he gets back with his old girlfriend. This is an excellent example of a novel with edgy characters, all the qualities needed for a good YA novel, and with good language and only mild sexual content. I would definitely recommend this for our libraries.

The Truth About Truman School- dori hillestad butler

This is another look at bullying- this time online. Truman School, told from a variety of very distinctive perspectives, centres around Amr and Zebby who decide to start an on-line newspaper where kids can say what they really think about Truman School. Soon it becomes a format to bring down a certain popular girl, Lilly, and Amr and Zebby are not sure they have the right to delete something when they have opened it up to entries from everyone. A fast-paced, easy read, this nonetheless has lots of food for thought and I think would be very appealing for both gals and guys. I highly recommend it.

Sister Wife- Shelley Hrdlitschka

A story that will haunt you for some time, Sister Wife is the story of a community which advocates plural marriages. Naturally, it is the young girls who are assigned to marry the older men. Celeste is struggling to conform to the rigid expectations and begins to rebel in small ways; even more so after she meets Jon, and they discover feelings for each other. Jon attempts to persuade her to leave the group and find a new life. Tempted as she is, she also knows it means leaving her family and way of life behind forever.

Multiple voices tell the story which allows us a deeper insight into the belief system and allow us a glimpse of a lifestyle that may seem inconceivable to this. Although this has some mature content, it is not graphic and would be suitable for grade 7 right through high school. Another excellent novel from the author of Gotcha, one of my favourite reads last year.

Res Judicata- Vicki Grant

Prepare for lots of laughs as you read this good humoured sequel to Quid Pro Quo. Although I have not read the first, it certainly didn’t distract me as this story stands on its own very nicely. Cyril’s mom is a young, slightly wacky lawyer who involves him from time to time in her legal education. Thus the title, Res Judicata, and his not surprising penchant for sticking his nose in where it maybe doesn’t belong. First, the big shocker- mom has a boyfriend! And about the time Cyril reluctantly comes to like him, he’s out of the picture. And it all has to do with his mom’s client; the very unprepossessing Chuck. Arrested for murder after presumably accidentally killing a wealthy professor, mom manages to free him. But Chuck comes up with the idea that he should take the police force to court for false arrest. And why is Biff, the old boyfriend, still skulking around? Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between friend and foe. Lots of action and lots of laughs with quirky and interesting characters makes this a sure-fire favourite for your young adult group. I highly recommend it.

The Schooner’s Revenge- Robert Sutherland

The Schooner’s Revenge is a story for your adventure loving readers. Based on the war of 1812, it centres on fourteen-year old Ben who becomes a cabin boy on the ship Nancy. When it is destroyed by the enemy, the crew must find a way to bring provisions to the beleaguered fort. After successfully accomplishing this feat, they next decide to board and take command of the other two American ships. With great attention to historical detail, this is not only educational, but a fast and riveting read. I would recommend this for study of that particular war, as well as for those who simply enjoy a good adventure. I am reminded of Victory by Susan Cooper and of The Pole by Eric Walters.

Egghead- Caroline Pignat

Another nomination for the Snow Willow award for 2009, Egghead is another serious look at bullying and many of its resulting injustices. What makes Egghead unique is the story being told from the viewpoint of three different characters; Will, the bullied, Devan, the reluctant side-kick to the school’s worst bully and Katie, one-time friend of Will whose position becomes somewhat untenable as they reach high school. Chapters are short and with the variety in speaker, keep one’s interest well. Immediately the reader is drawn into the fierce emotions at play in this novel. This would be a fabulous read-aloud for middle years students with the potential for great discussion. For those students who enjoyed Schooled by Gordon Korman, winner of last year’s Snow Willow award, this is a must.

Half World- Hiromi Goto

Half World is a most unique blend of fantasy and horror. I wonder what dreams may come of reading such a novel. It deals with the three realms of Flesh, Spirit and Half World. Normally, these worlds are in balance but something has gone amiss, and Half World is keeping people captive, to relive over and over again their greatest pain. It is ruled by a ghastly creature, Mr. Glueskin. Melanie is the daughter of a couple who miraculously conceived in Half World. Melanie’s mother is able to cross the chasm into the Realm of Flesh with her unborn child. The cost of that crossing is huge.

In the Realm of Flesh, Melanie’s mother is barely able to exist. Melanie herself is an outcast and lonely. One day, she comes home to find her mother has left for Half World at the call of Mr. Glueskin. Here is where it really becomes bizarre. Melanie is helped by an elderly woman to find the tunnel to follow her mother. She is given an amulet which changes to Jade Rat who is there to help Melanie. Melanie’s task is to rescue her mother, defeat Mr. Glueskin and bring the realms back into harmony again. Quite a task for an unskilled fourteen year old girl. The creatures she meets in this other world are beyond my description- you have to read the book to truly be able to appreciate them. This is not a book for the faint-hearted; I would expect that your readers would need to be quite mature and capable.

Posing as Ashley- Kimberley Joy Peters

Posing as Ashley is the second novel by the author of Painting Caitlyn. Although fairly edgy, they are definitely novels that will appeal strongly to our female readers and deal with subject matters of interest to them. Posing as Ashley is a companion novel with the focus on Ashley as the protagonist. Ashley has been the sidekick and best friend to Caitlyn during her struggles. Ashely is in a serious relationship with a great guy and is totally shocked when he suggests taking a break for the summer while he is away. She is devastated and finds herself vulnerable to a suggestion of her dad’s girlfriend to consider becoming a model. Her very protective mom and caring dad are very supportive of this; a little bit of a jarring note as I would expect them to show more concern over the possible pitfalls of that type of lifestyle. Nevertheless, Ashley finds that it help to take her mind off of ex-boyfriend Brandon, and, indeed, she meets Justin who awakens her to possibilities she might have been missing out on. Ashley has to come to understand the jealousy and downright spitefulness that is a part of the modelling world. She has to decide how much pressure she will take from Gabriella, her dad’s girlfriend, to achieve. And she comes to realize that her mom, who is also battling cancer, has more worries than just the well-being of Ashley. The back of the book states that Ashely must decide if she will stand up for what she believes in. I was pretty sure that she would come to decide that modeling was not for her, and be willing to disappoint her family. I was wrong- that wasn’t her big choice at all. Read it for yourself and tell me what you think of the ending. I believe of the two novels, Painting Caitlyn is the most powerful but both of these novels have a place on your YA and high school library shelves. These are not for younger readers.

War Brothers- Sharon McKay

childsoldiers-photostory

This photostory was created by a grade 8 student as part of a culture study unit. Each student read a novel from a different culture, identified the basic need of the character. They then did some research on that country and blended fact and fiction to create a documentary style drama. I thought they were quite successful.

This novel is nominated for the 2009 Snow Willow Awards. I believe it is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read. I would recommend it for a YA audience right through to adults. War Brothers deals with the issue of child soldiers in Uganda. Adults will remember the movie, Blood Diamond, which this novel brought to mind. Here is a link to the author’s site and an excerpt from the book.