When I Was a Young Girl...: March 2011

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Module 9: Mystery

The Case of the Missing Marquess is the first book in the Enola Holmes Mystery series written by Nancy Springer. This book introduces the Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock. Enola is odd for a girl in her time; she is taught primarily by her mother, shows dislike for conventional female expectations, and is fiercely independent. When Enola's mother goes missing, Enola seems to be the only one concerned. She decides to solve the mystery on her own and proceeds to run away to London in order to get away from the pressures of her older brothers.

Springer, N. (2006). The case of the missing marquess. New York: Penguin.

Picture Credit: http://bookyurt.com/scouting/book-reviews/the-enola-holmes-mysteries-series-review/

Impressions:
I was a little hesitant about this book at first, although the premise was intriguing--as was the cover--I felt slightly concerned that I wouldn't find the book interesting. I've never read any of the original Sherlock Holmes books and I wasn't sure how closely this series would be tied to the original books. Fortunately, however, this book was enjoyable and made just as much sense on it's own. Enloa is a terrifically strong female character; she is independent but not to the point that her strength is unbelievable. She is worried about life on her own and has moments of self-doubt. This makes her more realistic and provides a character that readers can identify with.

Reviews:

“In what is hopefully the start of an exciting new series, Missing Marquess features the intriguing, much younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Enola was a late-life baby, causing something of a scandal in society. Her rather vague mother is a 64-year-old widow who disappears on Enola's 14th birthday. It takes the girl a short time to realize that her mother left her some ciphers that indicate why she went away and how she is faring. The teen reluctantly enlists the services of her adult brothers, who quickly determine that Lady Holmes has been padding the household accounts for years. When they decide that their sister belongs at a boarding school, Enola escapes and heads for London dressed as a widow. There she is able to solve a mystery involving the disappearance of young Viscount Tewksbury. She decides to stay in the city, adopting a number of disguises, and become a "Perditorian," or finder of lost things or people. Springer focuses a great deal on the restrictions placed on Victorian females by showing how unusual Enola's bravery and common sense are, even as she often struggles with conventional reactions. She wants her brothers' affection, or indeed anyone's, but knows that a socially accepted life will strictly limit her freedom and learning. Enola's loneliness, intelligence, sense of humor, and sheer pluck make her an extremely appealing heroine who hopefully will one day find the affection for which she so desperately longs.”—Gray, A. (2006). No title. [Review for the book The Case of the Missing Marquess by N. Springer]. School Library Journal. Review for Bowker’s Books in Print.

Suggestions:
This book will work as an excellent introduction to more classical literature. If students enjoy the old fashioned mystery of Enola Holmes' case, then they might also enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle's original work. It might also be fun for the library to host a mystery night, perhaps something similar to a mystery dinner theater, where patrons get to work on a mystery set up by the librarians.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Module 8: Fantasy and Science Fiction

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins is a great and wildly imaginative book about a young boy named Gregor who finds himself in a world unlike his own in New York. Gregor follows his younger sister down a New York City grate and ends up in the Underland, a world being torn apart by different factions of creatures: fliers (bats) and their human-esque allies, crawlers (cockroaches), spinners (spiders), and the ferocious gnawers (rats). In order to save his family and make it out of the Underland alive, Gregor must face his destiny and make a choice that will change his life forever.

Collins, S. (2004). Gregor the overlander. New York: Scholastic.

Picture Credit: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/gregor_the_overlander__book_one_in_the_underland_chronicles_48384.htm

Impressions:
This book was fun to read and perfect for elementary to middle school aged students. The plot is easy to follow while still remaining enthralling and interesting. When he ends up in a different world, Gregor reacts the way most people would act: he tries to escape and does not accept everything that is told to him right away. Gregor resists being told that he's the Overland Warrior and remains skeptical until he is forced to make a choice. I really enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy also written by Collins and I wasn't sure how she would do when writing for a younger crowd. Compared to the Hunger Games, this book was not has heavy or dense and I think it made for a much more fun reade for younger students. Overall this book is enjoyable and serves as a great start to the series.

Reviews:

“What if Alice fell down an air vent in a New York City apartment building instead of down a rabbit hole? Collins considers a similar possibility in her exceptional debut novel, a well-written, fast-moving, action-packed fantasy. Eleven-year-old Gregor expects a long, boring summer of baby-sitting his two-year-old sister, Boots, and his senile grandmother. Distracted with thoughts about his father, who disappeared three years ago, Gregor belatedly notices that Boots has crawled into an air vent in the laundry room. He dives in after her, and the two are sucked downward into the Underland, a fantastic subterranean world of translucent-skinned, violet-eyed humans, and giant talking cockroaches, bats, spiders, and rats. Eventually, the terrified Gregor is transformed into a warrior hero who leads a successful battle against an army of invading rats and discovers his father, who has long been held prisoner by the enemy. Collins creates a fascinating, vivid, highly original world and a superb story to go along with it, and Gregor is endearing as a caring, responsible big brother who rises triumphantly to every challenge. This is sure to be a solid hit with young fantasy fans.”—Sullivan, E. (2003). No title. [Review for the book Gregor the Overlander by S. Collins]. Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print.

“In this accessible, almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an amazing underground world. Taken in by people who have lived beneath the earth for centuries, the 11-year-old learns about the giant-sized talking creatures that also reside there, including bats, cockroaches, and vicious rats. Gregor just wants to get home, but a prophecy hints that he may be the "overlander" destined to save the humans from the warlike rodents. He is reluctant until he learns that his father, who disappeared from their New York City home a few years before, is a prisoner of the rats. Gregor is not an eager hero, but with common sense, quick thinking, and determination he grows into the role. His sister, who provides some comic relief, also plays a key part because of her ability to befriend creatures, especially the giant cockroaches. Plot threads unwind smoothly, and the pace of the book is just right. Exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters are balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action. Gregor is not the most compelling figure at first, but as the story progresses he becomes more interesting, maturing through the challenges he faces. Supporting characters are generally engaging, particularly the enigmatic warrior rat that claims to support the protagonist's mission. This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to the genre.”—Engelfried, S. (2003). No title. [Review for the book Gregor the Overlander by S. Collins]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print.

Suggestions:
This book would go perfectly in a display of alternate world sci-fi/fantasy book series. It is a fun book that is perfect for younger students and is an excellent example of fantasy. This would be a perfect jumping off point for middle school aged students to create their own stories about alternate worlds, complete with illustrations.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Module 7: Realistic fiction

This book is the witty and fun adventure of two teenagers, Dash and Lily. Although most of the book is a wild scavenger hunt through New York City--the author's favorite place to write a romp--Dash and Lily remain anonymous to one another for the majority of the book. The story begins when Dash finds a red notebook hidden away in a bookshelf at a large used bookstore. The book contains a challenge which Dash finds himself accepting. Delighted with himself, he leaves a similar challenge in the book which Lily finds. She accepts this challenge and thus begins the playful adventure of Dash and Lily.

Cohn, R., & Levithan, D. (2010). Dash and Lily's book of dares. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Picture Credit: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/rachel-cohn/dash-and-lily-s-book-of-dares.htm

Impressions:
Having read two other books written by Cohn & Levithan, I had high hopes for this book. These two writers are wonderful together, they're witty and they capture the voice of teenagers perfectly. Although this book was engaging and clever, I was also slightly disappointed. I wouldn't go so far as to say the story is predictable but it plays out much in the way one would imagine. Cohn & Levithan have found a formula of witty pop-culture and literary references mixed with introspective and anti-romantic teenagers. This mix is successful and fun but by the third book is a little tiring.

Reviews:

“With Christmas vacation looking dismal, Lily accepts her brother's challenge and leaves a red moleskin notebook cleverly positioned on a shelf in the Strand bookstore. Inside are clues that she hopes will lead to her perfect mate, date, or even first kiss. Word nerd Dash discovers the notebook and relishes the escape from the ersatz cheer of Christmas that the puzzle-like dares propose. As the notebook travels back and forth, the clues encourage Lily and Dash to reveal their inner thoughts. But when they eventually meet, it is far from kismet. On New Year's Eve they accidentally get locked inside the Strand. It is neither the perfect date nor the perfect kiss, but it does give them the perfect opportunity to anticipate a special relationship. Cohn and Levithan (Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist [Knopf/Random House,2006/VOYA April 2006]) obviously had fun creating the alternating voices of Lily and Dash. Both are refreshing and likable in their individuality and quest for self-discovery. Love of the literary does not preclude them from acting like other sixteen year olds. Lily takes sips of alcohol (disastrous results), and Dash spews the odd f-bomb. Full of New York City experiences-Madame Tussaud's Wax Gallery-and humorous slapstick scenes-Dash's encounter with Macy's Santa-the plot also contains a few twists. Although a gay relationship is out in the open, there is no graphic sex. Full of crisp vocabulary and diverse media and literary references, this light-hearted romance should have broad appeal.”—Johnston, B. (2010). No title. [Review for the book Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by R. Cohn & D. Levithan]. Voice of Youth Advocates. Retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print.

“In their third collaboration, Cohn and Levithan present another clever New York romance. Levithan writes the chapters narrated by Dash, a bookish 16-year-old spending Christmas break alone. He finds a red moleskin notebook amid the shelves of the Strand bookstore. Are you going to be playing for the pure thrill of unreluctant desire? asks Cohn's Lily in the first coded message of the notebook, with an invitation to respond. Lily is aglow with the yuletide and devastated that her parents are spending the holidays in Fiji. Armed with anonymity, Dash and Lily exchange the notebook in various locations around the Big Apple, filling it with their greatest hopes and deepest fears, and ultimately find themselves falling in love. Not surprisingly, the young pair's perceptions of each other don't entirely reflect reality; Dash's ex asks if he is in love with the girl writing in the book or the girl he is picturing in his head. The spirit of the season amplifies Dash and Lily's loneliness and heightens the connection between them, in another surefire hit from the creators of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.”—Jones, C. (2010). No title. [Review for the book Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by R. Cohn & D. Levithan]. Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print.

Suggestions:

I think this book is a good for high school students. It could be used an example of two writers of the opposite sex collaborating to create two different voices within one book. Librarians could use this book in a display that has other books that do something similar. It could also be used to to create an activity for the students in the spirit in the red book, and include fun challenges or dares to do in the library.

A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend, by Emily Horner, is a terrific story that both unpredictable and a realistic read. Sixteen year old Cass finds herself dealing with the death of her best friend Julia and all of the self-revelations that come with losing the person who had the biggest impact on her life. The book is split into two parts, one set in the past immediately after Julia's death and the other set in "present" times. Cass deals with a myriad of issues: Julia's friends, old enemies, independence, and her sexuality. At the end of the book Cass is still struggling but she is one step closer to figuring out some serious truths about herself.

Horner, E. (2010). A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend. New York: Dial Books.

Picture Credit: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Story-Starring-Dead-Friend/dp/0803734204

Impressions:

I absolutely loved this book. The title was the first think that caught my eye and from there the story only got more interesting. Cass's character is so unique and interesting but not so unique that she is unrealistic. Horner does a good job of making all of her characters believable and her dialogue has teenager written all over it. The jump between the past and present is flawless and does not confuse the reader but rather gives a greater understanding into Cass and her life.

Reviews:

“Cass, a Midwestern teen just beginning her senior year in high school, has to reconcile herself to last spring's unexpected death of her best friend, Julia, as well as to her unexpressed romantic feelings for her. This novel alternates between the present-day preparations for a tribute production of a musical written by Julia that unites Julia's friends and serves as the mechanism for them to move on with their lives; and the literal and metaphorical journey that Cass makes during the summer vacation after Julia's death, to deliver her ashes to the California coast. Both storylines reveal the backstory of the friendship between Cass and Julia, including the disagreements they faced within their circle of friends. Only when Cass develops new romances, one in each storyline, can she move beyond her unfulfilled attraction for Julia. By intertwining storylines and revealing the complete picture slowly, the author keeps the reader engaged. The banter of the drama crowd will engage readers from that social group-a fringe audience-and teenage girls uncertain of their sexuality will also find this book engaging.” –Ingram, J. (2010). No title. [Review of the book A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by E. Horner]. Voice of Youth Advocates. Retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print.

“After the death of her best friend, Cass finds herself questioning her own identity, sexuality, and place in the high school hierarchy. Before she died, Julia had been working on a top-secret project: a musical called Totally Sweet Ninja Death Squad. Now that she is gone, her boyfriend, Oliver, and her other theater friends are determined to stage the show as a tribute. Cass is committed to helping backstage, building spectacular traps and weapons-until Heather, Cass's middle school nemesis, is cast as the female lead. Heather was the first person to tease Cass about her close friendship with Julia and suggest that Cass wanted it to be something more, and since Julia's death, Oliver has been making barbed remarks, as well. In the face of these complications, Cass sets off on a quest of her own: biking cross-country to take Julia's ashes to California. She tells herself that she is not running away from Oliver's hostility, Julia's friends' cold shoulders, or Heather's disconcerting new niceness. The journey helps her discover things she never knew about herself, and when she finds herself at rock bottom, she learns that Julia's friends are her friends, too. This funny, touching, and sweet coming-of-age story explores serious themes in a fresh way. Cass's tentative questioning of her own sexuality and her hesitant approach toward her first serious romantic relationship will delight readers who struggle with similar issues, as well as those who simply enjoy a well-crafted story.”—Tidman, M. (2010). No title. [Review of the book A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by E. Horner]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print.