Another stellar WWII book

Salt to the Sea

By Ruta Sepetys

Age Range: 12 - 17 years

Grade Level: 7 and up

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: Philomel Books (February 2, 2016)

ISBN-10: 0399160302

ISBN-13: 978-0399160301

Approximate Lexile: 650

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

Told in alternating points of view and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

 

My Thoughts:

Oh…where to start? First, all the praise for this book is deserved. It should go on your shelf, next to All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingales, and Those Who Save Us. I have read all three of those in the past year or so and, like them, this book presents human stories of perseverance among some of the very worst things humans can do to one another. None of these is an easy book to read; everyone should read them for a stark reminder of what war does to people and why we should avoid it.

 

Raise your hand if you’ve heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff tragedy.

 

Yeah, neither had I.

 

Sepetys brings her four point-of-view characters together around this incident and uses them to tell of various aspects of the horrors of World War II. For some readers, four POVs might be a bit much, but I appreciated the interweaving of their lives and their narratives. Each is unique, each is special, each adds to the overarching story.

 

Minor players, too, are well-rounded characters—Ingrid, Eva, the Shoe Poet, all contribute to the story.

 

Although one of our POV characters could be an antagonist to the others, I would say that the real antagonist is actually war and its inhuman effects. The negative character is, in his way, no less tragic than the others, perhaps even more so.

 

The writing is beautiful, the story is moving. Stop reading this and go get on the wait list at your library.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

It’s war, people. There is death and suffering all around. That includes rape, though it is not describe, we know well that it happened. One character is a bit of a voyeur. Injuries are vividly described.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

If you enjoyed any of the above mentioned books, definitely read this one. If you like stories of triumph over suffering, give this a try. I’d say the publisher’s recommended age range is appropriate. The narrative style is very accessible, even for a struggling reader. POV characters are both male and female, and I’d say either gender would enjoy this book.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 

 

Nowhere is Everywhere

The Nowhere Emporium

By Ross MacKenzie

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Series: Kelpies

Paperback: 280 pages

Publisher: Floris Books (May 15, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1782501258

ISBN-13: 978-1782501251

Approximate Lexile: 810

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

When the mysterious Nowhere Emporium arrives in Glasgow, orphan Daniel Holmes stumbles upon it quite by accident. Before long, the "shop from nowhere," and its owner, Mr Silver―draw Daniel into a breathtaking world of magic and enchantment. Recruited as Mr. Silver's apprentice, Daniel learns the secrets of the Emporium's vast labyrinth of passageways and rooms―rooms that contain wonders beyond anything Daniel had ever imagined. However, when Mr Silver disappears, and a shadow from the past threatens everything, the Emporium and all its wonders begin to crumble. Can Daniel save his home, and his new friends, before the Nowhere Emporium is destroyed forever? Scottish Children's Book Award winner Ross MacKenzie unleashes a riot of imagination, color, and fantasy in this astonishing adventure, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Corneila Funke, and Neil Gaiman.

 

My Thoughts:

While not the biggest, splashiest book to feature orphans and magic, this is a pleasant read. The characters are well-developed, with understandable motivations. Of course, naming a character “Vindictus Sharpe” is a bit of a giveaway that he’ll be the antagonist.

 

Some of the most interesting characters are ones that can’t leave the Emporium. The Emporium itself almost becomes a character, with its almost un-ending array of mysterious and magical rooms. Indeed, if you can imagine it, it becomes real in the Emporium. The descriptions of these rooms are vivid. And the idea of it being fueled by imaginations leeched away from the customers is interesting, because imagination is something that has no finite limits.

 

For me, the resolution was a bit hurried, a bit too neat and tidy, though the defeat of the antagonist (this should not count as a spoiler; you know how these stories have to go) is satisfying.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

If you don’t like the idea of magic, this isn’t for you. Some violent or scary scenes. A girl whom no one from outside can see—is she a ghost? Someone gets shot and killed. Bullying.

 

Who Would Like This Book:

Those who like magic and coming of age. It should read equally well for boys or girls.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

It ain't so awful--it's pretty darned good!

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel

By Firoozeh Dumas

Age Range: 10 - 12 years

Grade Level: 5 - 7

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Clarion Books (May 3, 2016)

ISBN-10: 0544612310

ISBN-13: 978-0544612310

Lexile Measure: 730

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block . . . for the fourth time. California’s Newport Beach is her family’s latest perch, and she’s determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name—Cindy. It’s the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even mood rings and puka shell necklaces can't distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home. A poignant yet lighthearted middle grade debut from the author of the best-selling Funny in Farsi.

 My Thoughts:

This book was so much fun! First of all, I’m only three years older than “Cindy,” so the historical setting was very clear to me, from gauchos to Captain & Tenille to puka shell necklaces. (Just gonna plead the 5^th on which of those I was a fan of.)

Historical context aside, I was also a bookish, nerdy girl with a parent who wasn’t “from America”, just looking for a place to fit in. I identified with Cindy’s journey as she found a core group of friends who appreciated her for who she was. Their honest curiosity about her heritage and their desire to understand the turbulent events in Iran are heartwarming.

Not all of the adults in the story are so sympathetic—and it wouldn’t be a good story if they were.

Cindy’s despair as events go from bad to worse rings true, including her self-isolation from her friends. The conclusion, however, is a good one. Some might find it to be too good to be true, but I believe in the goodness in people. Besides, the book leans strongly on the author’s own life.

This is a great entry into bringing other cultures and ideas into a predominantly white middle-grades market. It has “award-winner” written all over it.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

There’s no cursing, and only the mildest of crushes. Some racism and sexism exist. The world events of the time could be troubling to the highly sensitive. Discussion of religion—including that Jews, Christians, and Muslims all worship the same God. Cindy doesn’t tell her parents the entire truth sometimes.

Who Would Like This Book:

Those who enjoy learning about other cultures and not-too-distant history. While most of the characters are female, it doesn’t read as “girly”. Short chapters (kind of reminds me of The House on Mango Street in this way) make it a quick read, not too overwhelming for reluctant readers.

Thank you, NetGalley, for a great read!

Fantasy coming of age

Grayling’s Song

By Karen Cushman

Age Range: 10 - 12 years

Grade Level: 5 - 7

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Clarion Books (June 7, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0544301803

ISBN-13: 978-0544301801

Lexile Measure: 800

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

It’s time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a “wise woman”—a sort of witch—has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called “Feeble Wits” by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook! A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist. 

 

My Thoughts:

I didn’t completely get into this one. It was…fine. I enjoyed Grayling’s progression as she learned of her own strengths and abilities. I did not like the portrayal of her mother—you can see why Grayling might have had a little self-esteem problem. I liked the hints of a possible future for Grayling.

 

The book is well-written, and the plot progresses well, with twists that are not outlandish. The falling action, however, seems a bit rushed. I understand what happens, it just seems like it happens in a big hurry.

 

Pook is adorable, whatever state he’s in, and I was sad when his shape-shifting days ended.

 

The world is believable, although the antagonist—such as she is—is such a flat and static character that it is difficult to really believe in the conflict in the first place.

 

I have not read other books by this author. The fact that she is a Newbery medalist would indicate that she’s pretty good. For me, though, this book was a little bit of a miss.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Magic. An enchantress that is irresistible to men. A child being sent off on a quest. Perilous/scary situations.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Fantasy fans. Those who like coming of age. The publisher’s suggested age range is appropriate. Most characters are female, but there’s nothing particularly girly about the book.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 

When Fairy Tale Universes Collide

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood

By Liesl Shurtliff

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 12, 2016)

ISBN-10: 038575583X

ISBN-13: 978-0385755832

Lexile Measure: 0620

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Red is not afraid of the big bad wolf. She’s not afraid of anything . . . except magic.
But when Red’s granny falls ill, it seems that only magic can save her, and fearless Red is forced to confront her one weakness.

 

With the help of a blond, porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red goes on a quest to cure Granny. Her journey takes her through dwarves’ caverns to a haunted well and a beast’s castle. All the while, Red and Goldie are followed by a wolf and a huntsman—two mortal enemies who seek the girls’ help to defeat each other. And one of them just might have the magical solution Red is looking for. . . .

 

My Thoughts:

It’s been pretty well established that I really like re-told fairy tales. I love taking the basic story and adding embroidery and elaboration. This one definitely falls into that category, with some fundamental changes that make it even more fun. (Granny isn’t eaten by a wolf—that’s a costume she puts on when she has unwanted visitors.) When fairy tale universes collide and Goldilocks becomes a character in Red Riding Hood’s tale—even better.

 

This is Shurtliff’s third effort in the fairy tale universe and, while she refers to events from Rump, the effect was to make me curious about that book, not to make me feel like I was missing vital information.

 

Red shows progress in this tale as she tries to find magical means to keep Granny from dying. She learns how to help others and to make wise choices—as well as to embrace her own magic.

 

Shurtliff’s writing is clear and engaging, and her descriptions are vivid. Characters are well-drawn and realistic. (I enjoyed Goldy and Borlen in particular.) The conclusion of the tale is satisfying.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Perilous situations. Children out and about without parental guidance. Some spookiness. Magic.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who enjoy re-told fairytales. The main characters are female, so it could be difficult to get boys interested. Goldy is especially girly and, while I liked her, she is a bit on the silly side. This book definitely fits into the suggested age range.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

If you like Roald Dahl, check this out

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones

By Will Mabbitt

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Series: Mabel Jones

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (June 2, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0451471962

ISBN-13: 978-0451471963

Lexile Measure: 0750

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Have you ever picked your nose? Have you ever picked your nose and EATEN IT? Have you ever picked your nose, eaten it, and, by doing so, opened a portal to a world run by PIRATES?

Mabel Jones has.

Kidnapped, Mabel is forced to serve aboard The Feroshus Maggot with the strangest crew you’ll ever meet. And the captain—an odious wolf named Idryss Ebenezer Split—won’t let her go until she helps the pirates uncover the treasure they seek.

Mabel’s voyage takes her across the Greasy Pole of Certain Death, into the belly of a whale, and underground to a decrepit crypt. And she does it all…in pajamas!

Read on if you dare. You are promised a most unlikely adventure. When Mabel Jones unknowingly commits 'The Deed' she finds herself swiftly bundled into a sack and carried off to the pirate ship the Feroshus Maggot.

 

Crewed by the strangest bunch of pirates you would ever want to meet and captained by the dreaded Idryss Ebeneezer Split (a wolf with a false leg carved from a human thighbone, a rusty cutlass sheathed in his belt and a loaded pistol tucked in his pants with no fear of the consequences), the Feroshus Maggot whisks Mabel Jones off on the adventure of a lifetime.

 

My Thoughts:

If you (or a loved one) likes Lemony Snicket, Roald Dahl, or Captain Underpants, this one’s for you! There’s very little serious about this book, but it’s a lot of fun in the way that kids of the target age group like it best. Silly situations, caricatures of characters, adventure, peril, perilous adventure, a treasure to find—it’s all here.

 Mabel Jones is plucky and resourceful as she helps the crew of the Feroshus Maggot find their treasure—which, incidentally, will open a portal for her to return home. (That’s probably the most serious element of this story, that Mabel really would like to go home.)

 Along the way, Mabel makes friends and continues to think her way out of danger.

 The ARC I received still had art to come, but the illustrations it did contain were fun line drawings. Likewise, there are some fun typographic tricks to keep young readers engaged.

 I loved the names for the various characters—Omynus Hush being my favorite. The captain is just a stereotypical meanie, but other characters have more endearing qualities.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Nose picking. Cartoonish violence. Lack of parental presence. If you are offended by Dahl or Pilkey, don’t go here.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Kids from six to 106. You need a sense of humor and fun. If you think Captain Underpants should be removed from libraries, this is NOT a book for you.

 Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Young people, big choices

The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse

By Brian Farrey

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers (April 19, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1616205059

ISBN-13: 978-1616205058

Approximate Lexile: 660

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

A princess and a peasant girl must embark on a dangerous quest to outwit a centuries-old warning foretelling the fall of the Monarchy in this thrilling modern fairytale.

 In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that the happy people of the land do their best to ignore. Little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity.

 Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse--something that sings a haunting tune only Aon can hear--holds the cure for her sadness. Yet no matter how many times she tries to enter, the terror-inducing dreadwillow trees keep her away.

 After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend--even if it means risking the entire Monarchy.

 

The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse weaves together classic fairy-tale elements--a princess, a forbidden land, and a dangerous quest--in a clever, fast-paced adventure that explores the importance of asking questions and the power of friendship.

 

My Thoughts:

 I have just come through a period where several of the books I was reading and reviewing had similar themes of magic, secrets, and discovery.

 The protagonist of this book is only 12, and I kept thinking she was 14. She acted much older than most 12-year-old girls I know, but then, most girls that age aren’t about to inherit a throne. Still, I appreciated Jeniah’s deep need to figure out what was truly going on, and she used the resources around her, not just relying on others to answer her questions. It is also nice to see a main character of color—the author mentions the deep color of her skin and her mother’s a couple of times. It isn’t integral to the plot in any way; they just happen to have dark skin.

 Even more than Jeniah, I appreciated Aon, who, of all the people she is surrounded with, feels sorrow and despair, and considers herself to be broken because of it. I think this speaks deeply to the way any of us may feel when we don’t live up to social “norms.”

 But, at its deepest (and at the risk of giving a little bit away), I think the fact that the people’s ability to feel sad is taken away from them is the biggest message of all. It goes to an important truth that, without pain, how can we appreciate joy? It also causes Jeniah to make a huge decision, one that generations of kings and queens before her were forced to make.

 This is a work of fantasy, filled with realistic characters with real problems and motivations. Secondary characters, particularly Laius, were well-drawn. The writing was descriptive without overdoing it, particularly when dealing with the carse. And—yay!—the book is well-edited, too.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Minor disobedience. Frightening and spooky situations. No romance at all. A character’s father is taken away from her. Another parent is dying. Very mild violence.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Fantasy fans. The publisher’s age range is appropriate. Male characters in the book are minor and secondary, so getting boys interested could be rather a challenge, though there’s nothing really “girly” about the book.

 Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.