The Day Before
By Lisa Schroeder
Simon Pulse, 2011. 307 pgs. Teen fiction
Needing to escape, Amber decides to take her final day before her life changes completely by going to the beach. While she initially plans to spend the day in solitude, her plans quickly change when she meets Cade, a boy who appears to have the same haunting pressure on him. The two of them agree not ask any questions, but they set out together to have one happy day before returning to real life.
This novel in verse will appeal to many readers. The plot is carefully unfolded, giving tiny hints that will have readers holding their breath as they're waiting to find out just what Amber and Cade are facing. Both characters are realistic and likable, and their desire to have one terrific day will pull readers along as they long for a terrific day of their own.
4 stars. A little bit of language, but not enough to bother most readers as they enjoy this perfectly delightful book.
Showing posts with label Novel in Verse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Novel in Verse. Show all posts
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Watch That Ends the Night
The Watch That Ends the Night
By Allan Wolf
Candlewick Press, 2011. 466 pgs. Teen fiction
As the Titanic prepares to make her maiden voyage, the owners, architects, crew, and passengers think they're embarking on a dream. With luxury surrounding them, and even third class passengers having better conditions than they're used to, and a mild spring, the trip is sure to be splendid. Except, little do the passengers know, but an iceberg is heading for them, ready to claim the lives of all it can, and they soon find that their dream trip has become a nightmare.
This verse novel gives voice to a range of characters, from the famous Molly Brown and John Jacob Astor; to the captain and crew members including the postmen and one of the telegraph men; to second and third class passengers, and even the ice itself. Even though readers undoubtedly know how things will turn out, they will be drawn into the story, waiting to see which people survive and which don't, and until the fateful moments arrive, they'll be delighted by the little details that make this voyage seem so real.
4 stars.
By Allan Wolf
Candlewick Press, 2011. 466 pgs. Teen fiction
As the Titanic prepares to make her maiden voyage, the owners, architects, crew, and passengers think they're embarking on a dream. With luxury surrounding them, and even third class passengers having better conditions than they're used to, and a mild spring, the trip is sure to be splendid. Except, little do the passengers know, but an iceberg is heading for them, ready to claim the lives of all it can, and they soon find that their dream trip has become a nightmare.
This verse novel gives voice to a range of characters, from the famous Molly Brown and John Jacob Astor; to the captain and crew members including the postmen and one of the telegraph men; to second and third class passengers, and even the ice itself. Even though readers undoubtedly know how things will turn out, they will be drawn into the story, waiting to see which people survive and which don't, and until the fateful moments arrive, they'll be delighted by the little details that make this voyage seem so real.
4 stars.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Under the Mesquite
Under the Mesquite
By Guadalupe Garcia McCall.
Lee & Low Books, 2011. 224 pgs. Teen fiction
Lupita has always enjoyed (and been slightly frustrated by) her large family; they're close and loving and life is good, as they've moved to the U.S. but still frequently visit relatives in Mexico. However, her mother's cancer diagnosis changes everything and Lupita tries to deal with school as well as taking care of her seven younger siblings.
This book is sad and pretty and lovely. (I don't know if I've ever called a book pretty before, but something about this one really is.) Lupita's struggle--and her mother's as well--are portrayed so realistically. This is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a good sad but hopeful book, a good novel in verse, or a just a plain good book.
4 stars. Clean read.
By Guadalupe Garcia McCall.
Lee & Low Books, 2011. 224 pgs. Teen fiction
Lupita has always enjoyed (and been slightly frustrated by) her large family; they're close and loving and life is good, as they've moved to the U.S. but still frequently visit relatives in Mexico. However, her mother's cancer diagnosis changes everything and Lupita tries to deal with school as well as taking care of her seven younger siblings.
This book is sad and pretty and lovely. (I don't know if I've ever called a book pretty before, but something about this one really is.) Lupita's struggle--and her mother's as well--are portrayed so realistically. This is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a good sad but hopeful book, a good novel in verse, or a just a plain good book.
4 stars. Clean read.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Inside Out and Back Again
Inside Out and Back Again
By Thanhha Lai
Harper, 2011. 263 pgs. Middle Grade fiction
In 1975, Ha has lived in Vietnam for her entire life, living with three bothersome older brothers, her sad mother, and the shadow of her father, who has been missing in action for nine years. When the opportunity comes for their family to flee the country, they decide to go, only to find that real-life America isn't quite like what they've seen in movies. As a stranger and outsider, Ha faces teasing at school and misses her homeland.
This novel-in-verse is beautifully written and gives readers a wonderful look at the process of leaving a beloved homeland for a strange country is like. I loved Ha--she's spunky and funny and I think Lai captured the emotions of such a turbulent situation perfectly. Just pick the book up; it'll convince you itself.
Clean read.
By Thanhha Lai
Harper, 2011. 263 pgs. Middle Grade fiction
In 1975, Ha has lived in Vietnam for her entire life, living with three bothersome older brothers, her sad mother, and the shadow of her father, who has been missing in action for nine years. When the opportunity comes for their family to flee the country, they decide to go, only to find that real-life America isn't quite like what they've seen in movies. As a stranger and outsider, Ha faces teasing at school and misses her homeland.
This novel-in-verse is beautifully written and gives readers a wonderful look at the process of leaving a beloved homeland for a strange country is like. I loved Ha--she's spunky and funny and I think Lai captured the emotions of such a turbulent situation perfectly. Just pick the book up; it'll convince you itself.
Clean read.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wicked Girls
Wicked Girls
By Stephanie Hemphill
Balzer + Bray, 2010. 408 pgs. Teen fiction
This fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials alternates between the points of view of three of the girls who claimed to "see" witches--Mercy, who is an orphan and a servant who has been abused by a past master and wants to find her place in the world; Ann, who wants to get her parents' attention and is the ringleader of the group; and Margaret, who is jealous of Mercy and worried about her relationship with Isaac Farrars. Each of the girls has her own motivations and joins in the accusations wholeheartedly, but as time passes, they wonder what would happen if they were to tell the truth.
This novel-in-verse is an interesting account of the Salem witch trials and the different reasons why the girls would make accusations against members of their community, as well as who they chose to accuse. At the same time, it's hard to actually really like any of the girls (despite the pain in their own lives) because they did wrongly accuse and cause the deaths of many people. So, the characters are intriguing if not likable. All in all, a fine work of historical fiction.
3 stars.
By Stephanie Hemphill
Balzer + Bray, 2010. 408 pgs. Teen fiction
This fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials alternates between the points of view of three of the girls who claimed to "see" witches--Mercy, who is an orphan and a servant who has been abused by a past master and wants to find her place in the world; Ann, who wants to get her parents' attention and is the ringleader of the group; and Margaret, who is jealous of Mercy and worried about her relationship with Isaac Farrars. Each of the girls has her own motivations and joins in the accusations wholeheartedly, but as time passes, they wonder what would happen if they were to tell the truth.
This novel-in-verse is an interesting account of the Salem witch trials and the different reasons why the girls would make accusations against members of their community, as well as who they chose to accuse. At the same time, it's hard to actually really like any of the girls (despite the pain in their own lives) because they did wrongly accuse and cause the deaths of many people. So, the characters are intriguing if not likable. All in all, a fine work of historical fiction.
3 stars.
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