Today we review three novels with famous people as their subjects. The first is Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald. Teens continue to be fascinated by the Jazz Age and they read the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald, not only in literature classes but also for fun. (So I learned in a recent discussion with [...]
Title Girls are all that tie these three books together. Otherwise, the combination serves as a great example of the variety of books that appeal to different teen readers. We begin with a rather intellectual historical fiction novel, Eight Girls Taking Pictures. The tie-in to the arts is a great hook for young adults. Photography [...]
As promised, we have our full complement of reviews for the week, all in one omnibus post. These week’s books are all about identity. In our first book, Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan, Cahalan recounts her harrowing experience of grappling with a rare brain disease called autoimmune encephalitis, which brought on hallucinations, paranoia, and [...]
Monsters are eternally intriguing, and Matt Kaplan offers a unique take on the historical possibilities of where our fears may have originated. From dragons to golems to zombies, the interdisciplinary nature of this work will thrill young science and history readers. Kaplan is a regular contributor to National Geographic, New Scientist, Nature, and The Economist. [...]
Alice Hoffman’s new novel is, overall, a departure for the popular author which nevertheless retains her favorite elements. The Dovekeepers is weighty historical fiction that features strong women and a touch of magic. It centers on the Roman siege and tragedy at Masada 2,000 years ago, told in the voices of four women who tend the doves [...]
Maphead is the perfect choice for teen map nerds, and it might just be charming enough for those with a more general interest in geography. As Ken Jennings points out, the National Geographic Bee has 5 million participants annually. 13,000 schools hold mini-bees every fall. Where some might questions the future of maps now that [...]
This brave memoir from a young first author is, in its own way, a coming of age story. Harrison was forced to come of age under the most painful of circumstances. Missing was named one of the top ten memoirs for fall by Publishers Weekly. HARRISON, Lindsay. Missing: A Memoir. 223p. Scribner. 2011. Tr $25. [...]
In our second debut novel review of the week, Alison Espach captures an authentic teen voice coming of age. The Adults is receiving some nice attention, including a strong review in the February 23rd New York Times Sunday book review. Amazon features a review of the novel by Aryn Kyle, the Alex Award-winning author of The [...]
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