Staff Picks: Teens
SRC Reviews: Friday Short Picks - YA Fiction
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
This is a truly amazing book. It is written from the perspective of a boy with autism. The book is about his struggles with school and family. It really gives you a view inside the mind of someone with autism. It was brilliantly written and very eye opening. Loved this book! By Cynthia F.
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
For the most part, I enjoyed the prequel to this story, The Maze Runner. In The Scorch Trials, however, it really seems like the author is stretching for all these bad things to happen to this group of kids, and honestly, none of it makes a lot of sense. Since the reader is missing the overall significance of the tests of the Maze and the Scorch, I found it hard to really care whether the kids lived or died after awhile. Although I am sure the third book of the trilogy will answer all my questions, I am not sure I am even interested enough to continue reading the series. By Kirsten F. (also reviewed on teen blog)
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
5 Stars - Fantastic! Go Read it NOW!
Ender's Game, a genre-altering work from 1977, is about training a child to win a war. Card's masterful blending of psychology with heart tells a story that makes you care about almost every character, even the ones you hate. The story turns everything it has taught you around in the end, making the story even more poignant and deep. If you like speculative fiction and haven't read this work, it's a must read. By Jace R. (also check out review for A War of Gifts)
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
Young lady takes on proving a homestead claim in East Montana. Many trials and tribulations later she meets success, but not in the way one would expect. So, an interesting ending with hope shining brightly from lessons learned on the wide open plains of Eastern Montana. I grew up in this part of the USA. Hatie's efforts and experiences get a broad brush. Details are left to the readers imagination. An interesting book to listen to on a long trip. By Peter J.
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
If you loved The Hunger Games but don't know what to read next, try this Japanese thriller! The Republic of Greater East Asia researches warfare by pitting a class of middle school students against each other in a battle royale, a fight to the finish. Who will keep their humanity, and who will play the game? This book also reminded me of the classic Lord of the Flies, and shows what can happen when civilization breaks down. Highly recommended. This book is more graphic than The Hunger Games, so its definitely for mature readers of Young Adult fiction. By Diane O.
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SRC Reviews: Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
I initially struggled with the plot of this young adult novel [ed. note: The Library Ninja reviewed this book back in January]. Nailer works as a scavenger, removing copper from old oil tankers, in a very futuristic Louisiana. The world as we know it has come to an end, and Nailer's entire life is based on the day-to-day survival of dangerous work and a more dangerous father.
Although the story starts off rather slow, it picks up when Nailer saves a swank, a rich girl, after a hurricane. Based on this meeting, Nailer has to make decisions about the type of future he wants to lead when the girl promises she can reward him upon her rescue by her father.
With all of the dystopian stories out there, Ship Breaker offers a different perspective on what the future might be like.
written by Kirsten F., Lake Arlington patron -- Thanks for your review! You've received an entry in the Summer Reading Club drawing for a Nook.
Other items you might enjoy
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Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats
Summer is here and the kids are out of school. They can laze around the pool, go to camp or get lost in tons of good books. But, for a change of pace, get them to join you in the kitchen to try some new recipes. One of the books just in at the library that is getting lots of buzz is Cake Pops by Bakerella.
Cake pops are mini cupcakes that are on a stick. While that alone is enough to get your attention (bite-sized cupcakes - yea!), this book has instructions on how to create over 40 kinds of fancy pops such as ducks, robots, snowmen or flowers. The book also includes directions for melting chocolate and tips on types of candies to use for decorating.
Brimming with of color illustrations, this book might be a great excuse to escape the sun and try a different type of arts and crafts project with the kids.
Other books that you might try
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SRC Reviews: Homeschooling : a family's journey by Gregory and Martine Millman
5 Stars - Fantastic! Go Read it NOW!
This book is a must-read for all parents, regardless of whether they homeschool. The Millmans do not fit the stereotype of conservatives who homeschool to reinforce their religious beliefs. In fact, as their children reached school age, the Millmans assumed their children would be just fine in the local public schools, and if those weren’t acceptable, they’d find a way to enroll in the private schools. This was their mindset as they spent several years trying to work with the available public and private schools.
Over time, it was increasingly obvious that the schools were of dismally low quality. Eventually, the Millmans realized that homeschooling was their only viable option for obtaining even a basic education for their children.
The Millmans are very transparent about their approach to educating their six children at home, including various struggles and how they approached them, as well as the surprising rewards they’ve experienced as a result of this journey. Like most homeschoolers, they began somewhat nervously but gained confidence over time. In the process, they developed their own definition of a “good education” (which may be different than you might expect), how to achieve this (also different than you might expect), and what our nation’s schools realistically can and cannot accomplish (and why). The Millmans share these hard-earned insights in a sensitive, thoughtful and thought-provoking manner.
Their oldest two children were in college while this book was being written, and the Millmans share excellent advice on selecting a college. They also offer tips on improving your homeschooled child’s chances of being accepted into the college of their choice. I recommend this book for anyone willing to reconsider the standard definitions and goals of children’s education, whether parents or teachers. This could also be an interesting read for homeschoolers who might enjoy a window into another family’s approach to the home-education process.
written by Tania B., Central patron -- Thanks for your review Tania! You've received an entry in the Summer Reading Club drawing for a Nook.
Other books you might enjoy
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