May 5th, 2008
HarperCollins2008
ISBN: 978006073375
Format: Fiction
Rating: good
Grade: 6 - 8
As a child, Elizabeth was all too aware that her life hinged on the mood of her father, and following his death, the mood of those in power. The daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn grew up believing that one day she would be Queen, despite the fact that she was third in her father’s line of succession. Rinaldi examines young Elizabeth’s life from the age of nine through her coronation as Queen. Elizabeth is an astute and intelligent young woman, wise beyond her years. Even as a young girl, she surrounds herself with valuable tutors, advisors, and friends who are extremely loyal to her. She keeps her wits about her as she is arrested as a traitor, which literally keeps her head attached to her neck. As always, Rinaldi has created a beautifully crafted historical fiction tale that really puts readers into the sixteenth century. She clearly portrays the power struggles, religious conflicts, romantic tensions, and emotional turmoil that Elizabeth faced. Rinaldi includes a short bibliography and an author’s note that explains her interest in Elizabeth’s life. The author’s note, however, does not explain how much of Rinaldi’s story is taken from historical record and how much is simply story. Editing should have caught the instances where Anne Boleyn and Katharine Parr’s names are spelt incorrectly (Ann and Catherine respectively).
Reviewer: Alissa Lauzon
LibraryCity: Haverhill
Reviewdate: May 3, 2008
May 5th, 2008
SimonSchuster2007
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2492-9
Format: Fiction
Rating: average
Grade: 8 - 10
Ryan began to get fat in fifth grade after her brother was diagnosed with leukemia and has been a fat girl ever since. Seven years later, 5′1″ Ryan weighs in at 206 pounds and is completely obsessed with her weight. She measures everything- every relationship, every goal- by how much her fat interferes. Ryan’s life is far from where she wants it to be, her BFFF (best fat friends forever) is in California at her father’s house leaving her to face senior year without her, her brother, while in remission, has become a pot-head bum, and she’s currently single, while Noah, her ex-boyfriend has become a huge pop star that is currently gracing the cover of Rolling Stone, and writing songs about Ryan that make her look like a suicidal, food obsessed freak. Things start to look up when she is accepted into an exclusive photography summer program taught by a world renowned photographer and discovers that her old best friend and next door neighbor Josh is in the class and they begin to reconnect.
Ryan is a strong-minded and very likeable character and teenage girls will connect with her and her insecurities. Her obsession with all things related to her weight is taken to a bit of an extreme, but this reader is certain that most teen girls will understand where Ryan is coming from, even if at times they want to shake her silly. Ryan is very aware of the psychological aspects behind her weight and though at first reluctant, finally begins to address them with the help of her psychiatrist. The story is standard chick lit fair but has enough of a problem to drawn in those looking for more than just a predictable, light-hearted quick read. Everything is resolved and wrapped up neatly by the end and Ryan is on her way to becoming confident and happy the way she is. The story is crammed with pop culture references- many of which are already out-dated- that limits its shelf life. I’d recommend Mackler’s The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things instead but Go Figure is a good purchase for libraries with a little extra money.
Reviewer: Alissa Lauzon
LibraryCity: Haverhill
Reviewdate: May 3, 2008
May 5th, 2008
Penguin2007
ISBN: 978-1-59514-1712
Format: Fiction
Rating: excellent
Grade: 9 - 12
Two weeks after Hannah Baker killed herself, Clay comes home to find a package addressed to him containing seven numbered cassette tapes. When Clay plays the tapes the voice of Hannah Baker informs him that he is one of the reasons that she died. Seven tapes with thirteen sides to the story and to figure out his part in it, he’ll have to listen to it all.
Asher has written a novel that packs an emotional punch. The story is told through the alternatingly voices of Hannah and her narrative on the cassette tapes and Clay as he reacts to what he hears. Like Clay, readers will be immediately drawn into Hannah’s story, not wanting to stop until they have heard every twisted detail that could explain her life-ending decision. Readers will feel each and every betrayal and emotionally react to all of Hannah’s secrets. This is one of those books that keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished reading. It presents a clear message on how actions can impact others, but does so without being preachy. It does not gloss over the harsh parts of high school life and includes sex, partying, and rape but not graphically. Jay Asher’s debut novel is a must read and is one that will appeal to adults as well as teens.
An aside- I was disappointed that there was no post-information on the identifying the signs of a suicidal person, or any suicide hotline phone numbers as it was mentioned repeatedly in the story that people missed the signs prior to Hannah’s suicide.
Reviewer: Alissa Lauzon
LibraryCity: Haverhill
Reviewdate: May 3, 2008
May 5th, 2008
Greenwillow2008
ISBN: 9780060787660
Format: PictureBook Fiction
Rating: excellent
Grade: Toddlers and up
A lovely book with a full picture on one side and large, bold type on the opposite page. The story opens with a good morning. Each page tells you what the animal says and at the end of the book it says that each animal is saying “Hello, day!” The next page shows the sun setting and the owl speaking. “What she meant was…..”Good night!” A charming book to read at bedtime!
Reviewer: Jane Johnson
LibraryCity: Topsfield Town Library
Reviewdate: 5/2/08
May 5th, 2008
SimonSchuster2008
ISBN: 9781416928348
Format: PictureBook Fiction
Rating: excellent
Grade: Toddlers and up
Down on the barnyard there lived several farm animals. Farmer Gray goes away and the animals decide to liven up the place by painting. They paint everything and barely finish the red tractor before Farmer Gray comes home.
A very clever twist on a picture book as the first several pages resemble a coloring book. The hen paints things red, the chicken paints yellow and the blue goose uses blue paint. Well done!
Reviewer: Jane Johnson
LibraryCity: Topsfield Town Library
Reviewdate: 5/2/08
May 5th, 2008
Illus: Goode, Diane
SimonSchuster2008
ISBN: 9781416949091
Format: NonFiction
Rating: excellent
Grade: Toddlers and up
A delightful book that will have even the grumpiest baby/toddler smiling by the end of the book. There are six read-aloud verses to share with your little one. Very simple pencil, watercolor and gouache illustrations compliment the book! This book is considered non-fiction but I would recommend you consider cataloging it as a picture book as it will circ much more there.
Reviewer: Jane Johnson
LibraryCity: Topsfield Town Library
Reviewdate: 5/2/08
May 5th, 2008
Illus: Cole, Henry
SimonSchuster2008
ISBN: 9781416933373
Format: PictureBook Fiction
Rating: good
Grade: Toddlers and up
Katy Duck wants to be a famous dancer. Her aunt sends her a feather boa and Katy is just thrilled. She believes the boa will make her look like a special dancer when, in fact, it is a hindrance. Finally, at dance class, after everyone gets tangled in the boa, the teacher tells her she doesn’t need it to be a good dancer.
Reviewer: Jane Johnson
LibraryCity: Topsfield Town Library
Reviewdate: 5/2/08
May 5th, 2008
RandomHouse2008
ISBN: 9780375842771
Format: PictureBook Fiction
Rating: good
Grade: Babies and up
A cute board book that toddlers will enjoy. The text is very simple and there is a page that folds out with the baby. The rhyming words will keep little ones engaged.
Reviewer: Jane Johnson
LibraryCity: Topsfield Town Library
Reviewdate: 5/2/08
May 5th, 2008
Boyds Mills: 2008
ISBN: 9781590785492
Format: Fiction
Grade: Middle school
Reading Niner is like having your foot caught in railroad tracks and hearing with a dark inevitability the sound of an increasingly loud roar. Twelve-year old adopted, multiracial Macey has enough trouble for nine lives-and only nine fingers, a missing mother, and an increasingly disturbing web of mystery, bullying, and adult secrets surrounding the discovery of a locket and a menacing stranger.
Golding has created an unusual, dark atmosphere that feels more like an adult thriller. The neighborhood children are curiously sheltered in that way that kids simply accept life-drug deals, bullying and all-as normal around them. It keeps some of the horror of what is happening at a bearable distance from the reader. Still, young readers would probably find all of the issues (disability, racism, adoption, homelessness) too overwhelming for their taste. This reviewer enjoyed its urban Gothic flavor, but would be unsure of how its intended tween audience would respond to it.
Claustrophobic menace best appreciated by a grown-up palate.
Reviewer: Elizabeth Berlik
LibraryCity: Tewksbury
Reviewdate: 4/30/08
April 25th, 2008
Illus: Michael Foreman
Candlewick2008
ISBN: 9780763635527
Format: PictureBook Fiction
Rating: excellent
Grade: 4th/5th Up
Through another’s misfortune a young reporter gets the chance of a lifetime: The opportunity to interview world famous violinist, Paolo Levi. Before she arrives on his doorstep in Venice, the reporter is warned not to ask him “the Mozart question”; she is completely ignorant of its origins, and therefore it is the only question on her mind when she finally meets Levi. Over a cup of mint tea she is granted the answer to one question; the reporter could never have imagined the depth of his answer, or the heart of the Mozart question.
In the author’s note, Morpurgo, regarding the Nazi concentration camps, states: “In order to calm the new arrivals at the camp, the musicians were made to serenade them as they were lined up and marched off, many to the gas chambers. Often they played Mozart.” By focusing on this one aspect of the Holocaust, Morpurgo has created a thought-provoking and thoroughly touching story for younger readers. While simply told, it would be best if the reader had an understanding of what happened during this time in history, but it is not absolutely necessary; the slim book in itself is rewarding, and may prompt readers to learn more.
Michael Foreman’s accompanying illustrations are lovely. Using a soft color palette of blues, greens, and just a hint of warmer tones like yellow and orange, Foreman echoes the quietude of the story. In the book, Paolo Levi reveals the story unhurriedly, and likewise the illustrations spread over the pages; the lavish reproductions of Venice are just beautiful. And when Levi reaches the point at which the Holocaust touches his tale, the colors are more subdued, reflecting the tone of despair.
All in all, a wonderful little book that I would absolutely recommend.
Reviewer: Michelle Deschene-Warren
LibraryCity: PIL/Danvers
Reviewdate: 4-23-08
