Rules

Lord, Cynthia.  2006.  Rules.  New York: Scholastic Press.  ISBN 9780439443821

Summer vacation for Catherine isn’t free and uncomplicated. Her responsibilities as a sister to her autistic brother, David, are paramount, and she tries to teach him what is right and wrong through a list of rules:

“No toys in the fish tank.”
“If the bathroom door is locked, knock (especially if Catherine has a friend over)!”
“Sometimes people laugh when they like you, but sometimes they laugh to hurt you…”

With the arrival of a new neighbor, Kristi, who is just Catherine’s age, she hopes that she will find a friend to escape with over the coming months…if David doesn’t embarrass her and mess it all up.

At twelve years old, Catherine feels the urge to protect her brother from insult and derision, while also feeling embarrassed the abnormality of her home-life compared to her school-life.

When she makes an unexpected friend in Jason, wheelchair-bound and mute, at her brother’s occupational therapy office, she is forced to realize that she is just as capable of doing harm as others, and is forced to think about what friendship really means.

Catherine narrates as we follow her through her summer toward her better understanding of the balance between her actions and the feelings of others.

This is an intriguing look into the lives of the family members of handicapped children. Lord has created a humorous and sometimes painful story which allows the reader to experience vicariously the constancy and complexity of autism within a family.

These characters are both strong and frail in their daily struggles, making them more believable and relatable for it. Rules will serve as a humbling introduction for young adult readers to a better understanding of the similarities between themselves and others who may seem different.

Rules has won the Schneider Family Book Award (2007), Skipping Stones Honor Award (2007) for Multicultural and International Awareness, Mitten Award (2006), and was named as a John Newbery Medal Honor Book (2007).

“A heartwarming first novel.” (Booklist/February 2006)

"…it may encourage readers to consider the benefits and challenges of their own families and friends." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books/May 2006)

"The emotions in this fast-paced novel ring true." (Horn Book Guide/Fall 2006)

The First Part Last

Johnson, Angela.  2003.  The First Part Last.  New York: Simon and Schuster.  ISBN 9780689849220

A story of love and responsibility, The First Part Last poignantly acquaints the reader with the course Bobby’s life has and is taking from learning he will be a father to fulfilling that role.

Set in New York, the pace of the story juxtaposes the fast nature of the city and the lives of the inhabitants. Parts of the story are hidden from the reader by dual narratives, alternating between past and present, which progressively guide the reader toward the moment of comprehension when the stories converge.

Johnson has written a quick, yet heartfelt, book that is both relevant and educational for today’s youth; additionally, with all of its un-romanticized truth, it is not overly allegorical.

The diverse characters are believable in their actions, reactions and personalities, and, though part of definable social classes, none are stereotyped and all maintain individuality.

Bobby’s narration is distinctive as he moves from young and virtually carefree to young and more responsible, as we see him at the close of the book. The development of the themes and characters are well-developed and show a range of outlooks and emotions as the story is told.

The First Part Last has been included in many best books lists and is the winner of several awards including: 2004 Coretta Scot King Book Award, 2004 Michael L. Printz Award, 2003 Teens’ Top Ten List, and 2006 Green Mountain Book Award (Vermont).

“Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.” (Booklist/September 2003)

"Johnson has a way of getting to her readers' emotions with few words, creating characters we really care about." (KLIATT/May 2003)

"Realistic characters, an honest look at teen pregnancy, and Bobby's thoughts and dreams combine in a wonderful novel sure to appeal to most young adult readers." (VOYA/June 2003)

Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale.  2008.  Rapunzel's Revenge.  Ill. Nathan Hale.  New York: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books.  ISBN 9781599900704

When Rapunzel finds that she was kidnapped as a small child the woman she thought was her mother locks her away.

Rapunzel frees herself and learns that the evil ways of her adopted mother, Gothel, were not reserved only for her, but the heartache and depression across the land have been caused by Gothel’s reign.

Rapunzel’s cohort, Jack, helps her find courage and strength throughout their adventures, all the while toting a goose that just won’t lay a seemingly innocuous egg. Jack, in turn, is given a purpose to abandon his vigilante life, as he helps Rapunzel seek revenge and justice.

This graphic novel tells a story of growth, revenge, love and friendship that is both entertaining and absorbing. The colorful illustrations and witticisms complement each other in the telling, and the reader is allowed to experience the actions and emotions of the main characters as a result.

The illustrations, including a detailed map of “Gothel’s Reach,” are convincing in their portrayal of Rapunzel’s world. The plight made real by the presence of the barren lands and affected characters.

This story re-introduces us to classic fairytale characters in a new way, and the heroine’s determination to pursue justice by honorable means is a particularly relevant theme to offer young readers at any time.

Rapunzel's Revenge is the recipient of the 2008 Cybils (Winner Graphic Novels) for elementary/middle grades in the United States.

“Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.” (Booklist/September 2008)

"The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive." (School Library Journal/Septermber 2008)

"...Nathan Hale’s full-color panel illustrations fulfill the possibilities of this witty tale full of long-haired heroism." (CCBC/2009)

Hard Gold: the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859

Avi.  2008.  Hard Gold: the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859.  New York: Hyperion Books for Children..  ISBN 9781423105190

Early Wittcomb, at the age of fourteen, embarks on a seven-hundred mile journey to find his uncle, gold to save the family farm. Early runs away and finds much more than what he sought. Early quickly discovers that the world is not always what it seems and that love, pride, danger and disappointment can be found in unexpected places.

Avi develops the characters in Hard Gold fully. Each voice, small or large, is believable in its fallibility. This, accompanied by the creative, yet convincing, events that occur along the wagon train, forms an authentic telling of a journey out west with the elements of a good plot, which will capture the attention of readers until the lat page.

Most of the book takes a loose diary form, in which Early tells of daily events of the journey. Because of this, his knowledge of historical events and places is imperative to the reader’s understanding of the itinerant setting. On only a couple of occasions, was I brought out of the story to wonder where a farm boy from Iowa would have picked up a specific piece of information.

This book ties in themes of morality, friendship and responsibility, while emphasizing the requirements for survival in dyer economic times. This relevancy to the current economic downturn cannot be ignored; even the importance of small-business is touched upon.

Hard Gold will be an asset to any history, economics or English class, and will undoubtedly ignite a spark of interest in young minds. Avi includes an array of authentic photographs, maps and illustrations throughout, as well as a bibliography, glossary, and author notes, at the end of the book.

“Avi brings to life the Colorado Gold Rush, the wagon train experience, and the lust for easy riches.” (Voice of Youth Advocates/October 2008)

"A rewarding addition." (School Library Journal/Septermber 2008)

"...[its authentic touches of history and adventure are a good combination for readers who might resist straight nonfiction." (Booklist/September 2008)

Elijah of Buxton [sound recording]

Curtis, Christopher Paul.  2008.  Elijah of Buxton.  Read by Mirron Willis. New York: Random House, Inc..  ISBN 9780739364154

Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in the free settlement of Buxton, Canada, takes the journey through childhood in this artistic representation of life in the 19th century. The story follows Elijah through his daily life until he is caught up in the fight for Mr. Leroy’s family.

Elijah’s journey is the final lesson he needs to understand that people cannot always be trusted to do what is right.

In this unabridged audiobook, Mirron Willis adds flare to the characters voices, as Christopher Paul Curtis weaves a plausible tale of the daily lives and personal journeys the people of Buxton could have had. The characters were well-developed, showing a range of emotion and imperfection.

Elijah, and, so, the reader, is presented with lesson after lesson in morality, trust, love and frailty. These themes make an easy connection for young readers today to this time in history, as all children must go through the pangs of growing up.

Willis’ interpretation of the vocal nuances adds much to develop the naiveté of Elijah, as well as to the emotions of other characters.

While the story does engage the reader, the plot is slow to pick up. The seemingly pointless antics of Elijah and his friends in the beginning of the story are made clear before the end, but some readers may be lost before the story truly begins.

This story may be good supplemental reading for young readers wishing for a better understanding of what happened after slaves completed their journey to freedom, and the notes read by the author at the end of the book will help the reader fill in gaps on the history of Buxton that are omitted from, or only alluded to, in the book.

In addition to other honors, Elijah of Buxton is the winner of the 2008 Coretta Scott King Book Award, the 2008 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and a 2008 John Newbery Honor Book recipient.

“This engrossing tale is read by Mirron Willis who effortlessly varies his rich, textured voice to make each character unique.” (School Library Journal/July 2008)

"A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller." (Booklist/September 2007)

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Speare, Elizabeth George.  1958.  The Witch of Blackbird Pond.  New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc..  ISBN 0440495962

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is the story of Kit Tyler’s first year in America. Moved from Barbados after the death of her grandfather, the idealistic and pampered girl is shocked to find her family’s way of life in Connecticut so rustic.

Kit quickly learns that the simple way of life is not the only barrier which she must scale. The puritanical views of the townsfolk toward other beliefs, the unknown and the King of England will separate her from many of her new neighbors, and eventually lay suspicion upon her.

Learning to fit in while keeping her own identity and staying true to those who she considers friends, even in the face of adversity, are things with which Kit must cope.

This classic novel tells a somewhat predictable story, but it is no less engaging for it. The authentic setting, believable characters and vivid descriptions make this an enjoyable and relatable story.

The inconsistent tense was distracting in places, but the accurate representation of the learning methods, daily work and ideals of the townsfolk made the novel more than worthwhile.

This story certainly reflects the moral standards of the time, but it also goes a long way to enforce what is considered right today: truth, honor, respect for all. While the dealings with prejudice and bigotry are integral to the story, the themes point the reader to the conclusion that such beliefs are flawed.

An important time in U.S. history and a classic work of historical fiction, The Witch of Blackbird Pond would be an acceptable choice for engaging a child’s interest in 17th century New England.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is the winner of the John Newbery Medal (1958) and the is listed as an international winner for the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor List (1960).

“This book has a lively plot and excellent characterizations. The background has every dimension of reality.” (The New York Times)