If You Love Santa, You'll Love This

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold

by Maureen Fergus (Author), Cale Atkinson (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tundra Books (October 11, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1770498249

ISBN-13: 978-1770498242

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn't think he's real. He WANTS to believe in Harold--after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas. Getting Harold's letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer... what would Christmas be without that? But Santa's just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold's not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists... with hilarious consequences.

 

My Thoughts:

I loved this one! All those excuses kids use for not believing in Santa, Santa uses for not believing in Harold. When the two finally meet, it’s adorable.

 

The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, and Santa is very, very round!

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

If you don’t want your kids to think about Santa, Jack Frost, or the Abominable Snowman, don’t go here. Dad drinks coffee. Harold sneaks out of his room at night.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone who loves Santa, regardless of age.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Getting a Charge out of History

Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge (Great Idea Series)

by Monica Kulling (Author), Bill Slavin (Illustrator)

Age Range: 5 - 8 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3

Series: Great Idea Series

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tundra Books (August 2, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1770495223

ISBN-13: 978-1770495227

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank into the New York Harbor with four cents in his pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison, the "electrical wizard" of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory.
Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity; Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York.

 

My Thoughts:

Tesla seems to be quickly going from overlooked inventor to THE MAN. His contributions to electrical inventions are being recognized, and there’s even a car company that bears his name.

 

This simple book gives a basic background into who Tesla was and what his contributions were.

 

There’s not a lot to say about the book, it’s fairly brief and is definitely an introduction for young children. It does paint Thomas Edison in rather a bad light, but is historically accurate.

 

The illustrations add to the storytelling without taking focus away from the narrative.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Thomas Edison isn’t very nice.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Children interested in electricity and inventions.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 

 

Jane Austen in the 21st Century

Who Needs Mr. Willoughby?

By Katie Oliver

File Size: 2006 KB

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Carina; ePub ed edition (March 24, 2016)

Publication Date: March 24, 2016

Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers

ASIN: B018QIKVRO

Approximate Lexile:

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

The third novel in the highly awaited new series - The Jane Austen Factor - from bestselling author Katie Oliver!

 

What should rule - your head, or your heart?

 

When sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood are forced to leave their family home to live in a rural Northumberland cottage, Marianne is convinced her social life is over. Somehow, she can’t see kitten heels coping well in the countryside – and being stuck in the middle of nowhere, miles from London, sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. Not to mention her arrogant new boss, Dr Brandon, who doesn’t seem to think much of her city ways.

 

When she meets the gallant, charming and handsome Mr Willoughby, Marianne begins to think that country life might not be so bad after all…especially when he suggests that marriage might be on the cards. But the countryside still has a few tricks up its sleeve for Marianne…after all, love rarely turns blossoms in the most convenient places!

 

My Thoughts:

As anyone who’s been reading my reviews for a while knows, I love it when familiar and favorite stories are updated. In general, this was a good adaptation. This update of Sense and Sensibility focuses on Marianne. While the Elinor story is there, it takes a definite back seat.

 

Some liberties, of course, are taken, such as getting rid of the youngest Dashwood sister and killing off their stepbrother before the action starts. The former is just fine, the latter…meh. Doesn’t really add anything, and may even detract from the horror that is sister-in-law Harriet.

 

Other things in this update, however, really bothered me.

 

First, the author can’t quite seem to decide what age this takes place in. On the one hand, you have the formality of addressing new acquaintances as Mr. and Miss, but rarely do I see that in modern British life. First-name basis seems much more modern. While the formality exists in the social context, it doesn’t in the professional sphere. Marianne calls Dr. Brandon “Matthew” almost from the beginning. It’s as if the author couldn’t make up her mind.

 

She also seems to be uncertain about backstory. The first chapter says the brother leased the house to the Dashwoods for 18 years and it was their home for all of Marianne’s life. Later, though, Marianne reveals that her father died when she was sixteen. The author doesn’t really give an age for either sister, but Marianne plans to start veterinary school some time, so she can’t be more than, what 22? You do the math.

 

I was also bothered by the fact that the family so readily relies on Lady Valentine’s charity—a house, use of her car, buying them clothes, etc. I know there are generous people out there, but they seem content to just let Marianne have her temporary job—claiming that Elinor can’t get a job because Marianne has the car every day. Mom doesn’t even seem to consider employment.

 

And now for the kicker—THERE BE SPOILERS HERE!

 

 

 

 

 

::deep breath:: Giving some plot away here, but you need it in order to understand why I’m bothered. At one point, Brandon’s much younger sister participates in a car theft. She claims that, when she goes to ask the car’s owner not to press charges, he does so on condition that she have sex with him—then she spreads the story that it happened. This leads to some serious social consequences for the man.

 

Two things here really, really bother me:

 

First, many people say that Lacey is at least partially responsible for what happened. She shouldn’t have gone to talk to him, she shouldn’t have stolen the car in the first place. Blaming her for being forced into sex is NOT OKAY. Period. Even if she did stupid things, for an older man to blackmail a teen into sex is NOT OKAY.

 

Second, we later find out that Lacey lied about the sexual encounter. Way to add fuel to the argument that women will fake rape just to get a guy in trouble. Not cool.

 

Don’t think that I hated the book—I read it in a day and, mostly, enjoyed it. But I believe that there were things that could have been done more carefully.

 

It follows the source material closely enough that I knew how things would end up. Although it’s fun to know the source material, it’s not necessary for enjoyment of the story. It also follows the “hate on first sight, oh, well, now I love him” formula of many modern romances.

 

Willoughby was too good to be true, but he’s supposed to be. I’d have loved for Elinor and Edward to have a little more development. Really, the only well-developed characters were Marianne and Brandon.

 

There are also cute animals.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Mild curing, both British and American curse words. One F word about ¾ in. Heavy making out; reference to the man’s arousal. Offer of sex that is not acted on. When sex does happen, it’s offscreen and barely mentioned, but does happen between unmarried people. Lying. A bar fight. Drinking. (If Marianne is under 21, as I suspect, it’s legal in the UK anyway.) Secrets and lies.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Jane Austen fans and romance fans.  Probably more for women than men. I probably wouldn’t recommend to teens.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A Summer of Changes

Summerlost

By Ally Condie

Age Range: 10 and up

Grade Level: 5 and up

Lexile Measure: 0600

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers (March 29, 2016)

ISBN-10: 0399187197

ISBN-13: 978-0399187193

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

A tender and compelling contemporary novel for young readers about facing loss and finding friendship, from Ally Condie, international bestselling author of the Matched series.

“Kids are awesome. And they are diverse. There are children with different abilities and backgrounds and experiences, and every one of them deserves to find themselves in children's literature and to know that they matter.” –Ally Condie, on Summerlost



Sometimes it takes a new friend to bring you home. It's the first real summer since the accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.



Infused with emotion and rich with understanding, Summerlost is the touching new novel from Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched series that highlights the strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy.

 

My Thoughts:

A lovely story of a lonely girl coping with the loss of her father and brother, and her own feelings of guilt. Cedar and Leo become friends quickly through working for the local Shakespeare Festival. Cedar, in her loss, believes Leo must have the perfect family, and is relieved when she finds that, although he has a good family, it isn’t perfect.

 

The two bond over Leo’s scheme to earn money by doing an unofficial tour of the town’s most famous star’s life and death. There is a hint of a mystery, but they never really find out everything about her, or about her death, and it’s okay.

 

When I see Condie’s name, regardless of the age for whom she writes or the universe in which she is writing, I can count on a strong plot, realistic characters who aren’t perfect, and lovely prose.

 

This book has just the right balance of coming of age for the target audience. The kids get into trouble for some of their escapades—as they should—and the climactic moment serves to bring people together rather than tear them apart.


Don't let the page count deter you--the chapters are short and the narrative keeps you engaged.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Death (before the story starts) of family members, and the ensuing struggle to move on. Some bullying. Sneaking out and disobeying parents. Allusion to the star’s divorce.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like coming-of-age stories and self-discovery. The suggested age range is appropriate. Boys and girls can equally relate to this story.

WWII Comes to Life

The  Blitz Next Door

By Cathy Forde

Age Range: 8 - 11 years

Grade Level: 3 - 6

Series: Kelpies

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: Floris Books; 2nd Revised ed. edition (August 15, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1782502033

ISBN-13: 978-1782502036

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Pete has never even heard of Clydebank in Scotland, but when his dad finally finds a new job, Pete finds himself leaving his home in London overnight. There are advantages to his new life, including a massive new bedroom and his first-ever garden, complete with a real-life bomb shelter. He’d even be okay with the sound of the girl next door crying all the time, except that there is no house next door... Pete makes two new friends: Dunny, who knows all about World War II, and Beth, the girl next door who somehow seems to come from that time. He slowly realizes that Beth has returned from the 1940s for a reason. However, does Pete have the courage to step into the past to solve a mystery more than seventy years old? Critically acclaimed children’s author Cathy Forde presents a vivid adventure story based on the events of the Clydebank Blitz of 1941.

 

My Thoughts:

My mother lived through the Blitz in London, so stories about the Blitz appeal to me. This story is based on real events, and its historical rooting is realistic.

 

Pete’s fears about moving ring true, and I love how the friendship between him and Dunny develops. Pete’s baby sister does nothing but cry, and their mother is worn out. (Having had a colicky baby, I can relate.) The resolution to that problem is interesting and, within the parameters of the story, believable.

 

Descriptions are good, as is the supporting cast. There is an element of time travel to this that is intriguing, although left unexplained.

 

The most difficult part of this story is the Scottish slang that is used. I’m reasonably well-versed in British slang, but some of the Scottish terms were beyond me. That being said, I could understand the gist through the context of the sentences. (Gee, I sound like an English teacher, don’t I?)

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

If you like your stories firmly rooted in reality, the time travel aspect of this book is not for you. There are some scary events as the night of the Clydebank Blitz is both described to and experienced by Pete. Injuries occur to a couple of characters, and they are described fairly vividly.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

History fans, especially those who like WWII. People who like time travel stories and stories of friendship. Definitely suitable for the recommended age range, although they may need help with the slang, as mentioned above.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the ARC.

Buy This One for a Child You Love

Who Broke the Teapot?!

By Bill Slavin

ISBN: 9781770498334

Binding: Hardcover

Publication date: 04/26/2016

Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)

Pages: 32

Age Range: 3 to 7

Grade Range: P to 2

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Mom is very angry. Her very favorite teapot is broken, and no one is 'fessing up. Was it Dad, sitting in his underwear reading the paper? Was it Cat, who was all tangled up in a ball of yarn? Was it Baby perched in his highchair? Or is there a surprising twist to this mystery that teaches Mom a little lesson in anger management? Bill Slavin takes a sly poke at parents in their less-than-finer moments in this funny and energetic story.

 

My Thoughts:

Okay, I’m just going to gush: I LOVED THIS BOOK!

 

The illustrations are humorous and whimsical, with much to see upon careful examination. The rhymes are clever, and the message is fun for both adults and children.

 

It’s a rhyming picture book, so there’s not a whole lot more that I can say about it, other than that I would totally buy this book as a baby gift. It’s one that is bound to be asked for over and over again.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Childish hijinks. Dad reads the paper at the table in his (not at all revealing) underwear. Mom loses her temper (mildly).

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like a fun read-aloud that’s perfect for snuggling together and examining the pictures.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 

For Fans of Elephant and Piggie

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea

by Ben Clanton

ISBN: 9781101918265

Binding: Hardcover

Publication date: 10/04/2016

Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)

Pages: 64

Age Range: 6 to 9

Grade Range: 1 to 4 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.

A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever -- even though it doesn't have any words...or pictures!

Ben Clanton showcases the joys of friendship, the benefits of working together and the power of imagination in the delightful Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea.

 

My Thoughts:

This book reminds me very much of one of my daughter’s favorite series—Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie. Two creatures meet up and become friends. The illustrations are whimsical, as is the action. The dialogue has the same “taste” to it. Plus, we get some interesting narwhal trivia as well! (Will we get jellyfish trivia in another volume?)

One reason I requested this ARC is that we were at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium last week, where my wants-to-be-a-marine-biologist daughter and I spent lots of time looking at the jellyfish. She even has a jellyfish necklace as a souvenir.

Needless to say, although she’s on the older end for this book (and has, in fact, put her Elephant and Piggie books away in the garage), she likes it.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Anachronisms, like waffles in the ocean. One sea creature holds a boom box—bad idea for a real person to do in the water.

Who Might Like This Book:

Elephant and Piggie fans. Lovers of sea creatures. I think kids on down to around age 4 should be fine with it.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A Mysterious Stranger Comes to Town

The Legend of Lightning Larry

By Aaron Shephard

Age Range: 4 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Paperback: 48 pages

Publisher: Skyhook Press; Illustrated edition (April 21, 2008)

ISBN-10: 0938497286

ISBN-13: 978-0938497288

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

No outlaw could draw as fast as Lightning Larry. But what really terrified those bad men was that peculiar gun of his. It didn't shoot bullets. It shot light. And Larry always aimed for the heart. 

 

Can Larry save the town of Brimstone from Evil-Eye McNeevil's outlaw gang? Find out in this rip-roaring original tale of a gunfighter with a huge smile and a hankering for lemonade.

 

My Thoughts:

This one really left me lukewarm. While the idea of a “gunslinger” whose gun shoots lightning rather than bullets was cute, there was no real setup. I realize that the spaghetti Western trope of mysterious man who arrives and changes the town, then leaves without a word, is the basis for this book, my child wants to know why Larry has this special gun. What happens to the town?

 

I’m also bothered by the fact that Larry not only uses his special gun on the bad guys, but on the entire town. Forcing everyone to be happy and good makes me very, very nervous.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Guns (real and special), bank robberies, a bar, general mayhem.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like Westerns and mysterious strangers. The lower end of the target age range.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ebook.

Spinoff from a Beloved Series

Royal Day Out: From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess

By Meg Cabot

Print Length: 33 pages

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (May 10, 2016)

Sold by: Macmillan

ASIN: B01EFJQBQS

Approximate Lexile: 850

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison never thought that being a real life PRINCESS OF GENOVIA could ever be boring, but with all of the new vans and paparazzi staked out in front of the palace, the whole family has been on lockdown for weeks. So when Grandmere suggests a shopping trip to buy a small present for Princess Mia, Olivia jumps at the chance—especially since the shopping trip comes with the promise of lunch at the Royal Genovian Yacht Club (makers of the best ice cream sundae in the world)! Surely nothing could go wrong with such a simple day out, could it?

A quick shopping trip with her royal Grandmere turns into a much bigger deal than Olivia Grace, the newest Princess of Genovia expected in this e-short edition to Meg Cabot's illustrated chapter book series From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess.

My Thoughts:

I’ve read the first couple of Princess Diaries books; my 20-something daughter has them all, but I wasn’t aware of this spinoff series. I did a quick Wikipedia check to catch up on the goings-on in Genovia to see where this much-younger half-sister came from. I don’t want to give too much away, but there you have it.

 

This is a cute spinoff, and it’s nice to see that Grandmere is her old salty self. This is an “e-short”, so don’t expect a lot of plot development; there’s just not time. That said, it’s a fun interlude as preparations for Mia’s wedding hit high gear.

 

I feel like Olivia’s voice in this first-person account comes off as a little too young. She is supposed to be 12, but she sounds younger in her wide-eyed wonder.

 

This book would come before Royal Wedding if you are trying to read the books in chronological order.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Grandmere does enjoy a good cocktail. Mia’s pregnant (with twins) before the wedding. Guess I need to read the rest of the books and find out just what goes on!

 

Who Might Like This Book:

It is aimed at middle grades, but I think my third-grader could understand the goings-on just fine. Like all its sister books, it’s definitely targeted at girls, but there’s nothing to say a boy couldn’t enjoy it.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Kids' RPG Comes to the Bookshelf

Poptropica Book 2: The Lost Expedition

by Mitch Krpata (Author), Kory Merritt (Illustrator), Jeff Kinney (Draft Writer)

Age Range: 6 - 9 years

Grade Level: 1 - 4

Series: Poptropica

Hardcover: 112 pages

Publisher: Amulet Books (August 16, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1419721291

ISBN-13: 978-1419721298

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Based on a concept by New York Times bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney comes Poptropica, a brand-new graphic-novel series by Mitch Krpata and Kory Merritt that takes readers on an adventure beyond the incredibly popular online role-playing world. In book two, The Lost Expedition, Oliver, Mya, and Jorge continue their search for home, with a few hilarious stops along the way. As the friends set sail for new sights, they find the evil Octavian is still hot on their trail, and he’s determined to get his hands on their magical map. To make matters worse, a mysterious organization is keen on expelling the three friends from Poptropica. As the pals travel, they find that each island is filled with its own unique brand of peril, and the mystery surrounding the map and Poptropica itself begins to unfold. Will our trio be able to once again outfox Octavian and discover the identity of this secret society?

Presented in vivid full-color comic book illustrations, The Lost Expedition is perfect for kids who love a sense of adventure while learning about history in a fun way. Book one in the series, The Mystery of the Map, received incredible praise. KirkusReviews said, “Bright, animated colors and zippy cartoonlike action make for an easily accessible first offering that provides just enough exposition to hook young readers and keep them seeking out subsequent adventures. A peppily paced adventure yarn sure to delight fans of the franchise, both old and new.” And Booklist raved, “Based on the online role-playing game developed by the ever-popular Jeff Kinney, this new adventure comic series gets off to a flying start . . . The lively art mirrors that on the website, featuring bold, colorful panels and characters with giant heads and expressive eyes. Fans of the online game will delight in reading a story about one of Poptropica’s many islands, and newcomers will have no trouble falling into this adventure.”

 

My Thoughts:

My third-grader has been playing Poptropica’s online role-playing game, a combination of adventure and puzzle-solving, for a couple of years now.  We were excited to see that these graphic novels based in that world are available. The story is adventurous and engaging, although it does play a bit fast and loose with its history references at times. There are sometimes sly allusions thrown in for the grownups. Overall, any child who enjoys the game will most likely enjoy the book.

 Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 This review also online at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2016/04/kids-rpg-comes-to-bookshelf.html

Perfect Bedtime Book

The Bear Who Couldn’t Sleep

By Caroline Nastro

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: NorthSouth (October 1, 2016)

ISBN-10: 073584268X

ISBN-13: 978-0735842687

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

There’s no place like home when it’s time for bed.

When Bear can’t sleep, he goes on an adventure and discovers the wonders of New York City―a parade, Central Park, hot dogs, and more! But when he finally gets tired and looks for a place to rest . . . he learns why it’s called the city that never sleeps. What’s a bear to do?

Caroline Nastro’s gentle adventure and Vanya Nastanlieva’s engaging illustrations are sure to comfort and delight!

 

My Thoughts:

This sweet, beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for snuggling and getting ready for bed. Although New York City is a place that many of us may never see, its sights are iconic in American culture, and the little bear’s adventures there are a nice introduction to the city.

 

 

Fathers, Sons, and Grandsons

The Most Important Thing

By Avi

Age Range: 10 - 13 years

Grade Level: 5 and up

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Candlewick (April 26, 2016)

ISBN-10: 0763681113

ISBN-13: 978-0763681111

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

One of the most beloved writers of our time presents seven short stories exploring the vital ties between fathers and sons.

Luke sees the ghost of his father but can’t figure out what Dad wants him to do. Paul takes a camping trip with the grandfather he’s just met and discovers what lies behind the man’s erratic behavior. Ryan has some surprising questions when he interviews his prospective stepfather for the job. In a compellingly honest collection of stories, multiple-award-winning author Avi introduces seven boys — boys with fathers at home and boys whose fathers have left, boys who spend most of their time with their grandfathers and boys who would rather spend time with anyone but the men in their lives. By turns heartbreaking, hopeful, and funny, the stories show us boys seeking acceptance, guidance, or just someone to look up to. Each one shines a different light on the question "What is the most important thing a father can do for his son?"

 

My Thoughts:

Avi has been a beloved storyteller for…a long time now. This collection of short stories revolves around the complicated relationships between fathers and sons. I enjoyed how he presents a range of relationships of varying degrees of closeness and understanding.

 

Being fairly short stories—I read the whole book in about 90 minutes, they don’t have long or complex plot development. Some of them even have an open-ended finish, leaving it up to the reader to interpret what might happen to the characters.

 

None of the stories is particularly gripping or exciting, so this might not be the book for reluctant readers, but it is a definite option for those who like interesting, complex characters.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Broken families, theft, fighting, PTSD.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Although it reads as being primarily for boys, there’s no real reason that girls wouldn’t enjoy it, too. There are elements of parental relationships that are universal, regardless of gender, and there are strong mothers in several of the stories. The suggested age range seems appropriate.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

When YA Romance and Science Fiction Collide

The Love That Split the World

By Emily Henry

Age Range: 12 - 17 years

Grade Level: 7 - 12

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: Razorbill (January 26, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1595148507

ISBN-13: 978-1595148506

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start…until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a pre-school where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.

That’s when she gets a visit from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her: “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.

 

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Natalie is a teenager on the cusp of growing up in this romantic/sci-fi story of love in a small town. Her adoptive parents believe that preparing to leave for college may be to blame for the recurrence of "visitations" they thought therapy had put an end to. However, when Natalie meets Beau, an attractive boy she's never seen before, she must rush to uncover the truth behind the visitations and her new ability to slide between two realities in order to save him. While the romance and sci-fi aspects will feel reminiscent of many other teen novels, an original plot and likable characters will win over readers. The author weaves in elements of Native American folktales that give the novel impressive depth for a debut effort. Complicated family relationships and complex coming-of-age emotions will offer young adults much to relate to.

My Thoughts:

First, I just want to say that the publisher’s blurb bugs me. The events do not happen in that order. Sheesh.

 

Now for my real thoughts: I am so conflicted about this book. There are things I love and things that I really dislike.

Love: Strong characters, beautiful prose, complex ideas on philosophy, religion, the nature of time. (Also, the description of INFJs is so me. I live in that universe and I can really identify with Natalie in many ways.) When Alice finally goes off on Natalie near the end about her martyr complex, it is justified and epically awesome. I read two-thirds of this book in a day, because, while I had some hunches as to how things worked, I needed to know what would happen. Normally, I don't like books written in present-tense, but, because of the nature of the story, this time it works.

Dislike: Another teenage romance where there’s no real justification for the intense love between the characters, and yet one of them makes an incredible sacrifice. Why? Just because there’s physical chemistry? Natalie, while very relatable, is also suffering from some serious martyr issues (see above). That kind of takes away from her big moment at the climax.

Near the end, as “Grandmother” is explaining to Natalie all that has been going on, it’s a big infodump, and it kind of left me behind. Like the great Kathryn Janeway, time travel gives me a headache. The falling action was abrupt and left me unsatisfied. I needed a little more tying up of loose ends.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Teenage making out, near sex, and sex (not onscreen). Teen partying and drinking—some to excess. Sneaking out of the house at night. One character is lesbian, another is revealed to be gay. Lots of mild cursing and one f-word near the end. And, if you’re me, you find the concept of insta-love to be objectionable.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

I’d say the older end of the target audience; I’m not sure any of my 12-13-year-old friends are ready for it. It definitely reads as a romance. It’s got some complex ideas, so people who like to think about the meaning of our presence on earth.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the ARC.