Children and YA Book Reviews: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and YA

Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and YA Book Review #1
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Na, An. 2001. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. New York: (SPEAK) Penguin Group Press. ISBN 0142500275 (print version)
Na, An. 2001. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. CD-ROM.

2. PLOT SUMMARY: A Step from Heaven is written as a contemporary realistic fiction novel made up of vignettes or chronicles of a young Korean girl named Young Ju. The story follows her life from when she was 4 years old living with her family in Korea, her experiences and through moving to America (Mi Gook), her school life and friendships in America, and her daily struggles with her family life and assimilating into American culture through when she plans for college. Her personality goes through changes as she matures into a young adult. Her quest to do the right thing for her family adds to the challenge and separatism of the two cultures in which she lives. There is hope and despair throughout the story that will keep young readers engaged.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS: A Step from Heaven is a serious captivating tale using suspense, emotions, and experiences to keep the reader listening/reading intently. This story incorporates popular themes for YA, for example, self awareness (Young Ju, Umma), dominance (Apa) and powerlessness (Young Ju, Umma, Joon), and rebellion (Joon). The characters display a powerful mix of emotions throughout the story. There is a connection to religion and the ‘power of prayer’ in helping Young Ju’s family get through challenging family situations and feeling connected to their new home. Perseverance on the part of Young Ju and her family is strong and at times a very difficult path to follow in life. This story crosses cultures in terms of social issues; despite a discouraging social situation the story goes changes mood and portrays optimism in the main character and her situation as she matures. Located in the back of the book is a section entitled, SPEAKing with An Na. Ten questions to the author about background information on the book, her connection to the main character, and writing in general. There are sensitive topics including alcohol and physical abuse that are an integral part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of this book. The narrator’s (Jina Oh) voice, her articulation, and fluency made the story even more realistic. The music playing in between complemented the serenity of the mood. The audio version contains four CD-Rom discs for a total running time of 4 hours and 14 minutes. Appropriate for Grades 8 and up.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Michael L. Printz Award (2002), National Book Award Finalist (2001), Children’s Book Award in Y A Fiction – International Reading Association (2002), Asian American Booklist, Grades 9 and up (2005), Asian Pacific American Award for Literature (2001-2003), Notable Books for a Global Society (2002), Best Books for Young Adults and Notable Children’s Book (2002-ALA), Fanfare Book (2002) - The Horn Book Honor List, Notable Books for the Language Arts – NCTE (2002), Best Books – School Library Journal (2001), Best Book (2001 – teenreads.com
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Oh’s appropriately girlish voice and measured reading bring to life Young Ju, quiet heroine of debut novelists Na’s dark tale of a family of Korean immigrants … Oh’s characterization, which realistically captures this powerful contemporary story and fives authentic crispness of Korean words and phrases, will keep listeners in its grip.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young Ju’s narrative voice matures as she does … the language is rich, studded with Korean words made intelligible both by context and the reader’s easy pronunciation. Tunes are sung gently and well, and there is dramatic differentiation made among the cast of characters, making this audio version an enrichment of an already superb text.”

5. CONNECTIONS
· Connect to Social Studies and Culture: study immigrants coming to America in the past and/or present; explore if their issues and challenges are the same; do they assimilate or aggregate together, why do you think this is so.
· Connect to Language: Introduce a class to the Korean language
· Connect to Community or Family: Invite a guest speaker to the class to talk about their personal experience coming to America or interview a family member or neighbor that may have immigrated to America; interview a classmate that may also want to share their experience. How did they overcome their challenges?
· Connect to Social Issues: Explain the importance of getting assistance when you are feeling that a situation is not in control and where to go for help
·
Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and YA Book Review #2
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Colfer, Eoin. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786817070

2. PLOT SUMMARY: Artemis Fowl is first in a series of 6 books written by Eoin Colfer an Irish author. Artemis Fowl II, is a young twelve-year old boy considered a “millionaire, a genius … [and] a criminal mastermind” whose main role is scheming to acquire back the family fortune, that was lost by his father, from the fairies using high technology and magic which mixes present with an imaginary time period. Butler, Artemis’s bodyguard assists Artemis with his knowledge of weaponry in this quest. The Book that Artemis acquires is used for its fairy ‘law and lore’ to pursue his quest and challenge his opponent.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS: Artemis Fowl (the first in a series by this author) is an action-based modern high fantasy novel as shown in its creative use of characters (mud people (humans), pixies, fairies, LEPrecons, dwarfs) and objects as it mixes fantasy (time-fields) with realistic devices and places. Young Artemis Fowl II is the main character that initiates the plan to restore his family fortune. The writing style of Colfer mixes kid humor and gruff-like characters. Other family members include his bedridden mother (Angeline Fowl), and his sister Juliet. The use of imaginary characters includes mainly fairies (Foaly, Commander Julius Root), and dwarfs (Mulch Diggums). Captain Holly Short is a skilled LEPrecon (fairy) that is captured and used for ransom by Artemis. The story follows along a journey of obstacles (fighting and capturing) from around the world (from Asia to Europe) between Artemis’s group and the fairies. The language of each character is consistent throughout the story. A combination of narrative and dialog takes place throughout the story. The book contains nine chapters including a prologue and epilogue. At the back of the book there is a brief description of the sequel, Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident. On the bottom of each page throughout the chapters is a code created by the author, “readers can crack the code to reveal the secret message.” This suspenseful adventure and the graphic code will keep young readers turning pages and entice them into reading the rest of the series. Appropriate for grades 5-8.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Tell readers to suspend disbelief and read this wild and wacky story for the fun of it … characterizations and dialogue enhance a rollicking tale that will have readers rolling on the floor and eagerly anticipating the planned sequel … ”
BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS: “Fairy folk notwithstanding, Colfer’s novel is more suspense than fantasy, and the rising action supports the pace. … the paramilitary humor leans a tad toward the adult, but the characters’ motivation is easily recognizable, and readers will appreciate Artemis’ growing conscience …”
THE HORN BOOK: “… long stretches devoted to the fairy world’s maneuverings, which only readers fond of technical detail will find appealing … there’s a lot of invention here, but it’s not used enough in service to the story, and may well be deployed to better effect in the feature film slated for next year.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The fairy characters are mouthy and eccentric, but Artemis is too stiff and enigmatic to be interesting; the story bogs down when the focus is on him. The combination of choppy sentences and ornate language will appeal to some readers … the emphasis here is more on action (some of it gory), technology, and deadpan humor than on magic … “

5. CONNECTIONS
· Read other books in the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer
· Connect to language: have students make up their own code language

Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and YA Book Review #3

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Perkins, Lynne Rae. 2005. CRISS CROSS. New York: Harper Trophy. ISBN 00600927240

2. PLOT SUMMARY: Criss Cross is a contemporary fiction story that takes place sometime in the 1960’s-1970’s. A group of genuinely nice teenagers, with Debbie a fourteen year old and Hector a friends brother as the predominate narrators interacting and talking with friends about everyday life’s little moments or big moments as viewed through a teenagers eyes. Building relationships, making acquaintances allows the kids to become aware of how they fit in to the big picture of life when some day they are on their own. The conversations and thoughts are typical of kids at this age as they are self-engaged, wondering about their circle of friends, the meaning of love, the uncertainty of what life will be like in the future, and how others view them. It is a light-hearted uncomplicated coming of age story that is fun and reminiscent of years gone by as a small group of connected friends sort out their relationship to each other and the paths they may follow.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Criss Cross is a contemporary realistic fiction novel that offers a theme of ‘exploration and possibilities’ as a group of young teens talk and think about what is going on in their life. Looking within themselves and others to see how they fit in. There is also reference to some ‘generational conflicts’ as Debbie is picking out a pair of jeans with her mom. The little stories told connect the reader to reality. As a person that grew up during that time period I found comfort in the tales; although the story can be viewed as timeless teens now will also relate to the issues. There is a subtle connection to nature and growth throughout the story, one example is in reference to cocoons, “Rowanne had slipped away from her roly-poly childhood like a sylph from a cocoon, but Hector’s was still wrapped around him in a soft, wool layer.” The language is varied in the story and consists of “poems, prose, haiku, and question and answer formats” with a generous amount of narrative and dialogue intermixed.” A table of contents of 38 chapters is included. A mix of over 50 black and white clever illustrations, ranging from simple line drawings to detailed cartoon-like sketches and photographs (some altered with added drawings) are spread throughout the book to complement the text. In the back of the book is a brief note from the author. A four page “Discussion Guide to the Novels of Lynne Rae Perkins is also located in the back of the book. The guide contains discussion question and activities for the classroom for both Criss Cross and All Alone in the Universe. A five page chapter excerpt from All Alone in the Universe ends the book. Appropriate for grades 5-9.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal 2006
BOOKLIST: Starred Review. “Perkins writes with subtle, wry humor about perceptive moments that will speak directly to readers: universe-expanding crushes, which fill the world with signs and wonder”; scornful reappraisals of childhood things … urgent concerns about outfits, snappy retorts, and self-mage.” “Best of all are the understated moments, often private and piercing in their authenticity, that capture intelligent, likable teens searching for signs of whom they are, and who they’ll become.”
BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS: “Novels with a specific plot may be the easiest to describe, but they’re not necessarily the best books … if you’re Lynne Rae Perkins, you can remain comfortingly, invitingly accessible even as you explore abstract notions such as the possibilities within us, the possibilities between us, and our openness to both “
HORNBOOK: ”Perkin’s wonderfully contemplative and relaxed yet captivating second novel, again illustrated with her own perfectly idiosyncratic spot art, is a collection of fleeting images and sensations – some pleasurable, some painful, some a mix of both – from her ensemble cast’s lives.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The descriptive, measured writing includes poems, prose, haiku, and question-and-answer formats. There is a great deal of humor in this gentle story about a group of childhood friends facing the crossroads of life and how they wish to live it. Young teens will certainly relate to the self-consciousnesses and uncertainty of all of the characters …”

5. CONNECTIONS
· Connect to language arts; write a brief story about what you do with your friends, describe the personalities, the little quirks, and what you like best about each friend.
· Connect to nature; there are many connections to the environment (fauna and flora, the universe) in the story, after reading the story try and remember as many as you can. Do you notice your environment on a day to day basis? If so, describe or draw some of the things that are special about it.