Room

Room
by Emma Donoghue
Little, Brown, and Co., 2010. 321 pgs.
Adult Fiction with YA Interest
Hardcover: $24.99

Annotation: Imprisoned by a madman, Jack and his Ma live in a single 11x11 ft room for years with no hope of escape.

Summary: Jack is turning 5--his favorite number. His mother bakes him a cake like any other good mother would do. However, Jack wants 5 candles on the cake, a simple request, but when you're locked in a single room for 7 years by the hands of a madman, no request is ever simple. Kidnapped at 19, "Ma" has been imprisoned and abused by her kidnapper for long, tortuous years. Her son Jack was born into this very room and having never left, has zero concept of the world outside. Sure they have a small tv, but to preserve his innocence and perhaps his sanity, "Ma" tells Jack that what happens on tv is only make believe and so he never realizes there is a whole world out there that he is being kept from experiencing. His friends are Dora the Explorer from the tv, a long snake made of eggshells and the remote control. Christened "Old Nick" by Jack, their captor unlocks the industrical strength door every evening at 9pm to visit "Ma" and fulfill his filthy lust and every night "Ma" forces Jack into the wardrobe minutes beforehand to keep him safe. "Old Nick" takes away their garbage, grudgingly buys them food and once a week allows them a special Sunday treat, such as grapes or crayons--all things most children take for granted. As he grows, Jack starts asking questions that Ma finds increasingly hard to answer and so she tells him the whole story, but Jack's small mind has trouble taking it all in and grasping the magnitude of the injustice that's been perpetrated. But one night Jack and "Ma" conceive a plan for escape and it all hinges on 5-year-old Jack's ability to play dead.

Evaluation: Told from 5-year-old Jack's perspective, the experience of Jack and his mother takes on a bizarre innocence that only a child could relay. Donoghue does an incredible job at portraying the mind of a child whose view of reality is dysfunctional and distorted. Jack and his mother's approach to life is heartbreakingly simple. They wake up, eat a rationed breakfast, take a bath together, watch 1 show on tv (2 if Jack is lucky--but Ma doesn't want him to rot his brain so tv is kept to a minimum), do Phys Ed--which consists of strength maintaining exercises--eat lunch, play together, color, tell stories, eat dinner, brush their teeth (because for years Ma didn't take care of hers and now they are rotting and she has horrible pains), watch 1 more show on tv, read 1 or all of the 5 books they've been alloted and then go to bed--only to do the same thing the next day and the next and the next. Their only diversion is the small, steel enclosed skylight that gives them their only connection with the outside world. One day Jack spies a plane through the tiny opening, just like on tv, and this highlight keeps him excited for days on end.

Donoghue's Jack is both prodigiously bright and exceptionally naive, making for a endearing character the reader yearns to protect and educate. Jack speaks of "room" and "table", "wall", and "rug" without articles and without a proper sense of perspective. He still breast-feeds at five years and while the concept is a bit repulsive to most of America, it is a symbol of "Ma's" commitment to nurture her child and preserve his innocence, while providing him nourishment. "Ma" is a fierce protector and her character, while a secondary one, demonstrates the will of a mother when faced with tragic odds. She is remarkably resilient, keeping Jack occupied and setting a scheduled routine, doing her best to keep him and herself healthy and trying to provide as normal a childhood as possible in their extreme circumstances.

"Old Nick" is a peripheral character and his evil actions dictate Jack and Ma's life, but he cannot take away their spirit and their love for each other. Donoghue's gift lies in her ability to show us our own world through the eyes of a unique little boy. Little things take on great significance and you'll never look at the freedom to get up, put on shoes and and walk outside as a commonplace experience again.

I listened to the audio version of this book and while I was initially irriated by the voice of Jack, I came to love his childlike enthusiasm and I have to give high kudos to the actor who portrayed this precocious child. In short, Room is a fascinating read for adults while utterly appropriate for teens and will appeal to anyone searching for the next good book.

Significance: Room celebrates the resiliency of people faced with incredible challenges and the ability of a child to save his mother, both phsyically and mentally.

Personal Choice: I'd had several recommendations from people I trusted and the premise behind the novel intrigued me.

Awards: Alex Award, 2011

Extra Credit

Extra Credit
by Andrew Clements
Atheneum, 2009. 183 pgs.
Reading Level: ages 9-12
Hardcover: $16.99

Annotation: Forced into an extra credit project to keep from failing sixth grade, Abby begins a pen pal relationship with a boy in far off Afghanistan.

Summary: Abby doesn't dislike everything about school, gym class is fun at least. But her dislike of school translates into her dislike of homework and when Abby gets the news that her lackadasical attitude is going to keep her in the sixth grade for an additional year, she panics. Begging her teachers for one more chance she is offered an extra credit project that turns into a pen pal relationship with a student in Afghanistan.

Sadeed is by far the best student in his village, but when his teacher tells him about the important opportunity he will have--that of writing to a young American girl--he feels that writing to a girl is beneath him. But the village elders have voted and his sister, Emira, will be the American girl's pen pal while Sadeed will help her due to his command of the English language. However, not everyone is happy with the correspondence between their respective countries and both Sadeed and Abby will have to navigate the cultural clashes that transpire.

Evaluation: Told from the perspective of both Sadeed and Abby, Clement does an admirable job of presenting both sides of a story. He introduces some of the problems inherent in each countries' relationship with the other and creates a plot wherein those differences are minimized. Sadeed and Abby come to realize they are not very different from each other, even though they live very far apart in supposedly very different cultures. They two children recognize that they can learn from each other (would that our countries would learn this). Abby learns to appreciate her Iowa corn fields, which Sadeed says are "like a smile from God's face", and that mountains are sometimes seen as obstacles rather than playthings. Sadeed realizes that not all girls are blockheads and that climbing mountains can be as fun as Abby says it is. Clement's book simplies the complexity of Afghan/American relations, while introducing children to the basics. In the end, the children must end their new found friendship due to prejudice, ignorance and potential danger. Thus, Clement's mesage is clear, if the world would listen to it's children, we'd all live in a simpler, more peaceful society.

Significance: Afghanistan and the United States have a violent relationship and various factions would like to see the end of one or the other. This book is a simple introduction to the differences that exist between the two countries and it allows children to receive a small taste of the larger conflict. We also see a protagonist who struggles with school, but with hard work achieves the goals she and her school have set for her.

Personal Choice: Reading Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea wetted my appetite for more books about Afghanistan.

Awards: Christopher Award Winner, 2010

American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese
by Gene Luen Yeng
First Second, 2006. 240 pgs.
Young Adult: Graphic Novel
Hardcover: $19.95

Annotation: Yeng explores the complexity of identity with humor and wisdom.

Summary: Across the expanse of three separate plots, Yeng examines the nature of identity. First comes the intimidating Monkey King. Born of a rock he rules a mountian of monkeys, but when turned away from a party in Heaven, decides to transform himself in order to never be rejected again. Then we have Jin Wang, the only Chinese boy in his class until the Taiwanese Wei-Chen moves in. Not only bonded by the butt of racial snears, the two find they have a love of transformers and soon become fast friends. And finally we have Danny, whose horribly stereotypical cousin Chin-Kee arrives, making Danny's life miserable as he strives to navigate highschool with a family member whose embarrassing differences might make him an outcast.

Evaluation: A graphic novel is a type of comic book, usually with a lengthy and complex storyline similar to those of novels, and often aimed at mature audiences. (So says http://www.wikipedia.org/)

My previously uninformed perception was that graphic novels were a combination of the best in illustration with a mediocre plot thrown in to make them…something more than a children’s picture book. My bad. Super cool graphics?--Check. Simple plot?--Negative. American Born Chinese was the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and the first graphic novel to win the American Library Association's Printz Award.

The adventures of the Monkey King, Jing Wang, Wei-Chin, and crazy cousin Chin-Kee are sure to capture your attention. The three separate plots of the novel explore the difficulties of being Chinese-American in a society where stereotypes abound. Being a teenager is hard in any country, and being ‘different’ can kill your social life--especially when your accent, appearance, and relatives differ so drastically from the ‘norm’. The temptation to give in to peer-pressure and blend with the cool crowd is nearly irresistible, especially when transforming yourself would make you more acceptable. Adhering to ancient cultural traditions seems unappealing when trying to navigate the hallways of high school, or rule a mountain of monkeys. And the question is…accept it or reject it? The novel is full of a “should I really be laughing at this?” style of humor that the Politically Correct Police would be sure to censor. Yet, Yang simultaneously draws a mesmerizing tale while teaching some extraordinary values. And when the intricate plot lines magically intertwine in the last pages, the beauty of the tale is overwhelming. Deep enough for a college thesis and light enough for a young teen, this graphic novel is a masterpiece of ingenuity.

Significance: American Born Chinese addresses the difficulty of being a minority--in any sense of the word--during the formative teen years. The novel offers superb discussion points on relevant young adult issues, such as: How do you navigate social and cultural differences and if you can transform yourself, is it advisable? Should you remain true to your traditional family values? How can you integrate successfully into a new society while still honoring your native culture? These and other cultural/social quandries make this book a great read for any teens struggling with difficult identity issues.

Personal Choice: I have a strong interest in Chinese culture and had never read a graphic novel, so with that combination of variables, I had to give this new genre a try and was utterly blown away by Yeng's genius in the process.

Awards: Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 / Printz Winner, 2007 / ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Top Ten List / National Book Award Nominee, 2007 / San Franciso Chronicle Best Book of the Year / NPR Holiday Pick / amzon.com Best Graphic Novel/Comic of the Year / Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year / Booklist Editors' Choice Book

Ernest Hemingway: A Writer's Life

Ernest Hemingway: A Writer's Life
by Catherine Reef
Clarion, 2009. 183 pgs.
Reading Level: Young Adult  / Older Children
Hardcover: $20.00

Annotation: Obsessed with war, bullfights and big game hunting, Hemingway's lifestyle fueled his writing.

Summary: Born at the turn of the twentieth century, Ernest Hemingway grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. Son of a doctor father and a stylish mother, he was raised in a religous, gentile environment. Growing up, his father was quick to teach him to love the outdoors and he learned to fish, boat and camp at an early age. Hemingway's affinity for the outdoor lifestyle was a prevailing trait throughout his life and he later traveled the world in search of new, exciting adventures on land and on sea. With a penchant for writing Hemingway found his first employement as a cub reporter, but soon left to join in the excitement of war, becoming a Red Cross ambulance driver in Italy. War suited Hemingway and he was to use his war experiences, then and later, as the basis of many award winning novels and short stories. He came to be known for a new kind of writing. His brief sentence structure, that tried to elluminate the essence of a thing while leaving much of the detail implied, was later dubbed "stream of consciousness". While he experienced both success and failure as a writer, he won the hearts of both the critics and the public and managed to garner a Pulitzer and a Nobel prize for literature. The writer was a blustery, creative type who thrived on the violence of the bullring in Spain, deep sea fishing in the Florida keys and big game hunting in Africa. He fell in and out of love with four different wives and had three children total. A hard drinker, Hemingway was prone to mood swings and tempermental outbursts, especially towards the end of his life. Living around the world in places like Paris, Spain, Key West, Cuba and Sun Valley, Idaho, Hemingway experienced life like few people and throughout his tempetuous career was obsessed with truth, courage and death.

Evaluation: Reef pens an interesting, clear biography of Hemingway's extraordinary life. The book is well researched, with just enough anecdote to make it a robust, lively portrait. All the pertinent details are included, from birth till death and the book is large, with large print and peppered with photographs that nicely augment the text. Not only does the life sketch include all of Hemingway's publications, but Reef manages to connect each of Hemingway's experiences to his writing, which allows the reader to understand the basis for Hemingway's work. The book serves a reading level that addresses either advanced children's readers or young adults, so the title has excellent crossover appeal. Ernest Hemingway: a Writer's Life is a solid exposition and I enjoyed getting to more about Hemingway's legendary personlity.

Significance: Hemingway won both a Pulitzer prize and the Nobel prize for literature for his short novel, "The Old Man and the Sea". A master of clean, spare writing--sometimes referred to as "stream of consciousness"--Hemingway's influence on modern literature was immense and a study of twentieth century writers must include this infamous personality.

Personal Choice: I have a fondness for Hemingway and was excited to learn more about his life. I loved "A Sun Also Rises", "A Moveable Feast", "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" and immensely enjoyed "In Love and War" - the story of Hemingway and his nurse friend, Kurowsky.

Awards: Golden Kite Honor Recipient, 2010 / YALSA: Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee, 2010

Flotsam

Flotsam
illustrated by David Wiesner
Clarion, 2006. 40 pgs.
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $17.00

Annotation: When a camera washes up on the beach, the mysteries of the ocean are revealed in a most surprising way.

Summary: At the beach, a young boy is examining the bugs, crabs and other sand creatures when a huge wave deposits an old camera on the shore. The yellow-haired boy tries to find the owner to this mysterious underwater camera, but to no avail and so he takes the film to be developed. When the pictures are finally ready he discovers a world he never knew existed. The photos reveal all the magic that happens underneath the ocean's surface. He sees pictures of mechanical fish, octupuses sitting in living rooms reading books, turtles with whole towns made of shells on their backs and even little green men riding fish and meeting seahorses. But then he makes the most amazing discovery of all. He finds a picture of an Asian girl holding a picture of another boy, holding a picture of a girl who is holding the picture of yet another child! As he uses his magnifying glass he discovers the pictures date back far back in the past. Children from all over the world have been using this camera to take pictures of themselves and then sending the camera back to the sea for another child to uncover and discover the wonders of the ocean. The yellow-haired boy holds up the picture of the girl, snaps a picture of himself and then throws the camera back into the ocean, where it is found by a stingray and carried by seahorses to be discovered by another lucky child in the future.

Evaluation: Told strictly through illustration, Flotsam takes the reader on a magical journey through the wonders and mysteries of oceanlife. Weisner's imagination is deliciously fantastical as he creates a world where merpeople have fish named Spot (due to their spots of course) and ride on stingrays through the lampost lit jungle of the ocean floor. There is a combination of the real and the imaginary that delights the senses and turns the sometimes scary ocean into a place of thrilling discovery. The story is ever so clever and the images are bright and playful. The illustrations mirror the book's theme, being set in black-rimmed squares and rectangles, just like a photograph. Weisner's mode of storytelling, wherein children discover the camera and photograph themselves holding photos of other children, is ingenious and the book is simply irresistable.  I am in complete and utter love with this book and proclaim it absolutely and undeniably worthy of being a Caldecott winner. Weisner is no newcomer to the Caldecott and he has several winners and honors to his name and his books have been translated in over a dozen languages. However, he excels in wordless storytelling, where translation is unnecessary and Flotsam is a book that any child, anywhere can appreciate.

Significance: This title introduces readers to the mystery and magic of what lies beneath the ocean's waves. The ocean can be a scary place when you're unable to see what's happening, but Weisner offers an explanation of underwater life that wipes away the fear and creates a safe, playful interpretation instead. Whether it's absolutely true or not is just part of what makes the ocean so fascinating. With a little imagination, anything can be true.

Personal Choice: I was utterly enchanted by the deep red background cover, schools of tiny fish swimming by and the ever so mysterious porthole eye right in the center. As always, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but if it's a picture book, than you have to, right?

Awards: Caldecott Award Winner, 2007 / ABA - Book Sense Book of the Year: Illustration Honor, 2007

Strega Nona

Strega Nona
written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola
Simon & Schuster, 1975. 32 pgs.
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $18.99

Annotation: When Big Anthony uses Strega Nona's magical pasta pot the whole town becomes endangered.

Summary: In the tiny Italian village of Calabria, Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) performed all sorts of magical potions for the villagers, but Strega Nona was getting old in need of someone to help her with her house and garden. Big Anthony applied for the job and did fine work, but Strega Nona warned him never to touch her big pot. One day Big Anthony spied Strega Nona making pasta in her pot from the window. Strega Nona sang a song and the pot began making pasta all be itself, then she sang another song and the pot stopped, providing just enough past for Strega Nona. It was magic! Big Anthony was delighted. One day Strega Nona had to travel to a neighboring village and as she departed, she warned Big Anthony not to touch her big pot. But Big Anthony did not obey and as soon as she left he sang the song and sure enough, the pasta started growing like magic. When he had enough, he sang the song to make the pot stop cooking, but he had not seen Strega Nona blow three kisses that day he spied on her through the window. The pasta kept growing, and growing and growing and growing until the entire village was overrun with the thick strands of pasta. Horrified, Big Anthony kept singing the song to make the pasta pot stop, but to his frustration it would not work without the three kisses he had never seen Strega Nona deliver. As the village was about to be destroyed, Strega Nona appeared and realized what Big Anthony had done. She immediately sang the magic song, blew three kisses and the village was saved. But, Big Anthony got in very big trouble and Strega Nona made sure his punishment fit the crime.

Evaluation: De Paolo does a fantastic job turning this Italian folktale into a charming story that readers in the present day continue to enjoy. His illustration style relies heavily on folkart and thus the tale and the illustrations complement each other perfectly. The images are subdued, a bit simple, but so engaging. I love how the strands of pasta curve and wind thickly around the villagers homes and belongings. De Paolo is spare in the illustration details, but if you look closely, the expression on Strega Nona's face as she returns to her village overrun with pasta is priceless.  As one reader relay's, "it is a fun blend of magic, fantasy and adolescent mischief". I have to agree. This title is a classic tale, ever popular and undenyingly relevant, despite it's having been published in the 70's. With a strong moral and excellent drawings, this title should remain a hit for years to come.

Significance: Big Anthony learns there is often a very good reason you are told not to do something and when he chooses to defy the rules he is forced to pay a high price for his disobedience.

Personal Choice: I learned this was one of de Paolo's most beloved books when I was reading about the Wilder award and I had to see what all the fuss was about. I found out it was published the year I was born! Shhh, don't tell--now it has a very special place in my heart.

Awards: Wilder Winner, 2011 / Caldecott Honor Award, 1976 / ALA Notable Children's Book / Kirkus Choice / Horn Book Honor List / Nakamori Prize / Brooklyn Museum & Public Library Art Books for Children Citation (N.Y.)

Bink & Gollie

Bink & Gollie
by Kate DeCamillo & Alison McGhee
illustrated by Tony Fucile
Candlewick Press, 2010. 81 pgs.
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $15.99

Annotation: Crazy socks, pet fish and piles of pancakes are just some of the things that test Bink & Gollie's friendship.

Summary: Bink & Gollie are the best of friends but couldn't be more different. Bink is short and stout with crazy blonde hair that sticks up like straw-colored lightning bolts and Gollie is ever so tall and thin with short brown hair. One day the girls decide to go roller-skating as Gollie has a "need for speed". On the way they spy a sock store and Bink buys some crazy striped socks that Gollie is opposed to. Gollie asks Bink to remove them and promises to make her pancakes in return. Now Bink loves her pancakes, but she also loves her socks. What to do? The girls must compromise and Bink agrees to remove one sock in return for a short stack of pancakes. Later, Gollie realizes she hasn't had an adventure lately and by spinning her globe, her fingers stop in the Andes. And so she is off to climb the Andes mountains (all within the confines of her own home that is). But, Bink wants her to come out to play and the sign Gollie has tacked to the door saying she is on a journey and can't be disturbed doesn't deter Bink at all. She comes back again and again to try and entice Gollie off the mountains with promises of a snack. Sadly, it doesn't work and Bink must wait and wait until Gollie makes it to the top and lets her come in and share in the glory of a well-climbed mountain. Their final adventure involved a pet fish named Fred that Bink acquires at the local pet store. He is indeed a marvelous companion, but Gollie becomes slightly jealous that he seems to be taking top priority in Bink's affections. What will happen when the fish is thrown from his bowl in a roller-skating catastrophe? Well, you'll have to read it to find out whether Gollie saves the day or not.

Evaluation: This book would have charmed the pants of Dr. Seuss, it did for me! The language is clever, clever, clever. I love the way these girls talk to each other. It's a mixture of kid-speak, old-fashioned politeness and repetitive poetics. The storyline is fanastic and oh so funny and the accompanying illustrations are magical. Gollie lives in a tree house! But what makes the images pop are the bright spots of color on each page. The background buildings, couches, streets etc are all done in black and white while the girls (and their pet fish, socks and pancakes) are painted in full-bodied color. The girls have such distinct personalities and the artist's depiction of their physical differences reflects their inner individualism. The book is so very enticing because the protagonists are girls the reader can relate to, but at the same time there are magical elements (such as Gollie climbing the high snowy mountains of the Andes within the confines of her tree house) that make the story magical and fantastical. In essence it is simply genius and so very deserving of the Geisel award.

Significance: Although rewarding, friendship can be difficult and Bink & Gollie have to navigate several tests of true friendship. The book teaches readers about compromise, how to proceed when one of your friends is busy and can't come out to play and what to do when your friend suddenly acquires a more marvelous companion than you.

Personal Choice: Okay, I judged a book by it's title, but this one was so fabulous I had to read it. It was completely Dr. Seussical and after letting a young friend read it she admired it as well, although I think I might have been even more delighted than she.

Awards: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner, 2011 / Junior Library Guild Selection / ALA Notable Children's Books for Younger Readers