Sam and CY students & staff are reading…

Who would like this book? Fans of Truman Capote and readers with an interest in American literature of the late 1950s and the lifestyle of sophisticated New Yorkers in the late 1950s. Adult or teen, if you find yourself in one of these three categories, read this novella!

Why? In only 105 pages, Capote develops a remarkable character – Holly Golightly – and gives the reader a cativating glimpse into the life of this New York “girl about town.” It’s a book that needs to be read within the context of its time, both in terms of literature and location. The fame of the movie by the same name, starring Audrey Hepburn and directed by Blake Edwards, has eclipsed the fame of Capote’s novella. It’s been age since I saw this film; reading the novella makes me want to see what Hepburn does with the Golightly character. I encourage you to read the book first; Capote’s descriptions of setting and character, the rhythm of his prose, and the construction of the plot are a sumptious feast.

Details: 105 pages; originally published in 1958

Who would like this book? Teens and adults who have an interest in the notion that one person can change the world and activisits who want to see ideas put into action. The novel is accompanied by a website that details how to put the “Pay it Forward” plan into action: http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/home.html

Why? The book’s action starts with Reuben St. Clair’s Social Studies assignment: “Think of an idea for world change, and put it into action.” Twelve-year-old Trevor McKinney takes the assignment seriously develops the concept of “Pay It Forward,” and then proceeds to put it into action. Hyde uses different perspectives to tell the story, alternating between first-personnarration, third-person narration, letters, and diary entries. The novel is a study in faith and trust in humanity, and the movement provides a vehicle for putting that faith into action. I was afraid that the narrative would go over the top into preachy sentiment, but it doesn’t. The alternating story lines and the straight-forward nature of Trevor keep a good balance.
Details: 311 p. 2000.

Who would like this book? If you read Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, you won’t need to read this review. You’ll be enthusiastically searching for a copy of this sequel. If you haven’t read The Lightning Thief , consider reading The Sea of Monsters if you like the stories of the Greek gods and heroes (especially Odysseus’s difficulties with the Cyclops and the Sirens). It wouldn’t hurt to start with The Sea of Monsters, but as with any series, it’s best to start with the first one.

Why? This reading is a romp, a creative combination of Greek mythology with contemporary teen triumphs and trauma. The characters are surprisingly engaging, especially Tyson, the homeless kid who gets bullied by all except Percy, who befriends him. Riordan includes a myriad of creative connections between contemporary life and the world of mythology. It’s worth the read just to find out the origin of fast-food franchises. And then there’s the chariot race…

Details: 288 p. 2006.

Who would like this book? Teens and adults with curiosity about the experiences of a Korean girl whose family eimigrates to the United States when she is four. Readers who appreciate language will read An Na’s prose slowly.

Why? Young Ju, the narrator of her story, gathers us into the journey which she and her family must make as they adjust to living in California. The painful clash of cultures is heartrending at times, but the sorrowful experiences are balanced by humorous anecdotes and some warm characters. This story of acculuration has won a ream of awards, and I’m not surprised.

Details: 156 p. 2001. Printz Award; National Book Award Finalist

Who would like this book? Anybody who enjoys the Greek gods and heroes and wants to go on a great ride with the notion that their lives intersect with those of contemporary Americans. Age does not matter here – 5th grade to adults would love it.

Why? The premise of demigods – the offspring of a human and a god – is captivating. Taking this premise and setting it in contemporary New York makes for a fascinating combination, and Rick Riordan makes the most of it. The challenges facing his protagonist, Percy Jackson, drew me in completely. Fractious Olympian politics, dysfunctional families, and teenage truama keep the plot hopping as one wonderfully drawn Greek god after another shows up to add complexity. I loved this read and can’t wait for the sequel.

Details: 377 p. 2005. A 2008 YRCA Intermediate Division Nominee

Who would like this book? Teens (and maybe some younger readers) who like magic, warfare at sea, dragons, and Hogwarts.

Why? Midshipwizard Halycon Blithe, 16, has joined the crew of the Sanguine as a junior officer with magical powers. This fantasy on the seas follows Hal’s adventures as he navigates his way through the onboard challenges of a crew testing and befriending each other, meeting their enemy on the high seas, and tracking a traitor on their own ship. Hal has nothing but the best of intentions but makes some crucial miscalculations. His magical abilities help and hinder him. I love how he talks with the ropes and with the sea dragon that is their ship. The youths as warriors was disconcerting for me. VOYA describes it as an “action-packed blend of Hornblower and Harry Potter.”

Details: 288 p. 2005. A 2008 YRCA Senior Division Nominee

Who would like this book? Teens, grade 7 up, with appeal to readers who are interested in a coming-of-age adventure set in ancient Persia.

Why? The narrator, Mitra, must pass herself as a boy to protect hereself and her little brother, Babak. They are refugees, having fled the violent overthrow of their father’s kingdom. As Mitra seeks to find her family, she encounters many challenges, not the least of which is the prophetic dreaming of her little brother. His dreams bring them to a Magi, which links their story to that of the Three Magi. Riveting and suspenseful with endearing characters and vivd description.

Details: 294 p. 2006. Susan Fletcher lives in Oregon.