YOUNG ADULT BOOK REVIEWS

MacKenzie Smiddy
LIS 60626
Kent State University
 Printz Award Selections
1. Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Citation: Ruby, Laura. Bone Gap. New York: HarperCollins, 2015. 345 pp.
Personal Rating: 5P, 4Q, J/S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Awards: Michael L. Printz Medal, 2016
National Book Award Finalist, 2015
Review: Bone Gap is a surreal coming-of-age story set in Bone Gap, Illinois – a magical small town where
cornstalks talk and the line between fantasy and reality is blurred. It’s also a place where things, and
people, can slip through the cracks and disappear forever. And that’s exactly what happened to Roza, the
beautiful Polish girl who recently turned up at the farm of the O’Sullivan brothers. 18-year old Finn
O’Sullivan witnessed her abduction, but is unable to describe the face of the kidnapper, much to the town’s
frustration and disappointment. As the story unfolds, the reader learns more about the magic and mystery
of Bone Gap and the people who live there.
The main characters in Bone Gap are complex and immensely likeable. The personalities of Finn,
Sean, Petey, and Roza feel authentic and distinct. I found myself especially drawn to the confidence of
Petey, whose unconventional, bug-like appearance makes her a frequent target of bullying. The fact that
Finn’s facial blindness is what allows him to “see” Petey’s beauty is both ironic and bittersweet. The realistic
and mature romance between Finn and Petey will also be the best part of the book for many teen readers.
Ruby nails their witty banter, but the couple’s more tender and magical moments, like the nighttime flight
on the black mare, were by far the most captivating.
The magical elements of Bone Gap are never really explained. This aspect of the book may confuse
or frustrate some teen readers – especially during the surreal and suspenseful third act, but I think the
fantastical ambiguity is what makes Bone Gap so special. It’s like reading a dream. Speaking of dreams, the
villain in this book is the stuff of nightmares. It is revealed that he is one of Roza’s obsessive professors, but
his ability to manipulate his surroundings and conjure entire worlds for Roza reveal something much more
sinister and powerful. Many other reviews of this book compare Roza’s kidnapping to Hades’ abduction of
Persephone in Greek myth, so the villain being a “god in disguise” is definitely a possibility.
The cover art for Bone Gap features a photograph of a bee in front of a honeycomb background. It’s
an intriguing and mysterious cover that teens might pick up out of sheer curiosity. The cover also alludes to
the bee symbolism prevalent throughout the story. Bone Gap is a vivid and haunting YA novel that features
original and sophisticated storytelling. Ruby weaves multiple storylines, themes, and genres seamlessly, and
the magical realism element will leave teen readers feeling both dazed and delighted long after reading.
Teen fans of Kenneth Oppel’s The Nest, Gene Leun Yang’s American Born Chinese, or Hannah Moskowitz’s
Teeth will love this book, as it contains similar surreal elements.
 2. And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

Citation: Hubbard, Jenny. And We Stay. New York: Delacorte Press, 2014. 224 pp.
Personal Rating: 3Q, 4P, J/S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Awards: Michael L. Printz Honor, 2015
Review: And We Stay tells the story of Emily Beam, a high school junior who recently witnessed her ex-
boyfriend Paul’s suicide in the school library. It is revealed that Emily was pregnant at the time, and her
decision to have an abortion was the catalyst for Paul’s suicide. To help her recover from these traumatic
events, Emily’s parents send her to a prestigious all-girls boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts. While
at the Amherst School for Girls (ASG), Emily both reflects on her past and attempts to navigate her
uncertain future. And We Stay is an engaging teen drama that focuses on the themes of suicide, guilt,
recovery, independence, and personal identity.
Poetry plays a central role in both Emily’s characterization and the overall tone of the book. She
frequently writes poetry as a way to reflect on the past and make sense of her conflicted feelings. Hubbard
also draws parallels between Emily Beam and Emily Dickinson. After realizing ASG is only a few blocks from
the Dickinson House, Emily becomes fascinated with the poet’s life and the 1,775 poems she left behind. I
think this connection will resonate with teen readers, as Dickinson is a central figure in most high school
English classes and her poems contain themes and imagery that are relevant and accessible to teens.
Many fans of Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why may find themselves drawn to this book, as they share
similar themes. I think Hubbard’s depiction of suicide, however, is much more realistic. For example, the
gut-wrenching scene of Emily and Paul in the library reflects the raw fear, confusion, and helplessness felt
by suicide victims and their loved ones. Paul’s desperate and frantic demeanor while holding the gun stands
in stark contrast to the cool, calculated actions of Hannah Baker – and in my opinion, it paints a more
accurate picture of the true ugliness of suicide.
My main issue with this book is Hubbard’s choice to set it in the 1990s. If an author makes the
conscious decision to set their book in a different time period, I feel they should make an effort to
consistently evoke that period through setting, dialogue, and other descriptive elements. And We Stay
takes place in 1995, but outside of characters not having smartphones and a scene involving Emily and her
roommate ordering clothes from a J. Crew catalog, nothing about this book really conveys the styles and
moods of the decade. The book cover, depicting a young girl in a short black skirt and textured tights, also
feels a bit too modern. Still, for a teen looking for an authentic portrayal of suicide and the pain it leaves in
its wake, I would highly suggest And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard.
 3. Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

Citation: Silvey, Craig. Jasper Jones. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 312 pp.
Personal Rating: 3Q, 4P, J/S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Awards: Michael L. Printz Honor, 2012
Jasper Jones is a gritty historical fiction mystery set in 1960s rural Australia. Late one summer night in
the small mining town of Corrigan, 13-year old Charlie Bucktin hears a knock on his window. It’s 15-year old
Jasper Jones, the town outcast. He needs help with something important, and believes Charlie is the right
one for the job. Taking Charlie through a long and winding jungle trek, Jasper eventually leads Charlie to the
hanged body of his girlfriend, Laura Wishart. Jasper isn’t the killer, but knowing the town’s negative opinion
of him, he believes he’ll be charged with the crime. The reader is carried along as Charlie embarks on the
surreal and traumatizing process of preparing and disposing of the body. The ability to disassociate from
traumatic experiences becomes a key theme in the book, along with the themes of racism, scapegoating,
parental abuse, and sexual abuse.
Charlie Bucktin is a relatable protagonist. His dramatic home life and awkwardness around his love-
interest is classic YA fodder. Jasper Jones is also an intriguing character. Although ostracized and vilified by
the town for being half-Aboriginal, he is revealed to be resilient, kind, intelligent, and romantically
successful. While I loved the characters and most of the plot, I did find the Jack Lionel subplot and
subsequent revelations regarding the death of Jasper’s mother to be an overwhelming addition to an
already loaded storyline. I also disliked elements of the Bucktin family side plot. I would’ve liked to have
seen Charlie’s father eventually stand up to Mrs. Bucktin and her abusive behavior, but that moment never
came.
Many of Jasper Jones’ themes regarding racism and prejudice are explored not with Jasper, but with
Charlie’s best friend, Jeffrey Lu. During the 1960s, Vietnamese immigrants in Australia were often the target
of racial discrimination. While both Jeffrey and his family are the recipients of brutal acts of racism, Jeffrey’s
positive attitude and brilliant cricket abilities still provide some much needed brightness to this often
emotionally draining book. I do think, however, that teens reading Jasper Jones for the murder mystery
may find the cricket scenes a little tedious. The cover art for this version of Jasper Jones features a dark,
grainy photograph of what is presumably Jasper’s secret hiding spot. I think that this cover, as opposed to
the covers that feature Jasper himself, does a great of capturing the dark and mysterious tone of the book.
Overall, Jasper Jones is a mature title best suited for readers 8th grade and up. While the plot may get a
little overwhelming towards the end, its suspenseful prose and thought-provoking themes will be enough
to attract and maintain the attention of most teen readers. It is important to note, however, that the
graphic and gruesome details, coupled with the violent themes of parental abuse and sexual violence might
make this a challenging read for some.
 4. MAGGOT MOON by Sally Gardner, illustrations by Julian Crouch

Citation: Gardner, Sally. Jasper Jones. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. 312 pp.
Personal Rating: 5P, 4Q, S
Recommended Age: 9th grade and up
Awards: Michael L. Printz Honor, 2014
Review: Sally Gardner’s MAGGOT MOON is a dark and beautifully crafted dystopian novel set in 1950s
England. By looking at the cover, I was expecting a standard coming-of-age YA novel. What I got instead
was a grisly and vividly realized political thriller in which a fascist regime called the Motherland has taken
over and people can become “maggot meat” without warning. Standish Treadwell and his grandfather live
in Zone Seven, where they survive by lying low and making the most of their resources. After Hector Lush
and his family move next door, Standish and his grandfather reach out to them. The two families soon
blend, and Standish finds himself becoming closer and closer to Hector. When Hector is taken away by the
Motherland, Standish sets out to both save him and make a powerful political statement. Gardner blends
themes of oppression, escapism, social justice, and sexuality in this grim award-winner.
Standish Treadwell is one of the most unique and sophisticated protagonists in recent teen
literature. He has both dyslexia and heterochromia, but is highly intelligent and remarkably creative. In a
world where disabilities are not tolerated, Standish finds himself the subject of brutal attacks from both his
peers and authority figures. I loved being inside Standish’s head. His way of speaking is quirky, but not
distractingly so, and his inventive slang and turns-of-phrase are one of the few bits of humor in the book.
Gramps is also a wonderful character. The reader feels his immense love for Standish and the extreme fear
he feels at the prospect of losing him.
Hector and Standish’s romance is beautiful and heartbreaking and I admire Gardner for including an
authentic representation of a both male friendship and same-sex romance. I just wish Hector and Standish
had more time together. Maybe Gardner meant for us to feel that way, as at one point Standish flat-out
asks, “Why is mankind so f***ing cruel?” I like to think that Standish and Hector did reunite after death and
are driving around somewhere in their sky blue Cadillac. It’s too hard to imagine it otherwise.
Gardner’s writing style is fast-paced and full of suspense. The chapters are kept very short,
sometimes only a paragraph long – making it a great choice for reluctant readers. Her world was fully
realized, and the nod to 1950s sci-fi and the space race set it apart from more traditional dystopian world-
building. Gardner definitely does not baby her audience, and teen readers will appreciate that. The cover
art for MAGGOT MOON is attractive and intriguing. Standish’s doodles of rats, maggots, and flies appear
throughout the book, and the cover depicts a sketched self-portrait of Standish from the nose up in front of
a starry background. It’s visually appealing, but does little to hint at the violent plot and imagery therein.
Although squeamish teens may have a hard time with this one, MAGGOT MOON is a powerful and
emotional YA novel that will leave an impact as big as a crater.
 5. Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler, illustrations by Maira Kalman

Citation: Handler, Daniel. Why We Broke Up. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2011. 368 pp.
Personal Rating: 3P, 4Q, J/S
Recommended Age: 7th grade and up
Awards: Michael L. Printz Honor, 2012
Review: The heartbroken Minerva “Min” Green has just left a box at the front door of her ex-boyfriend’s
house. Her short-lived relationship with Ed Slaterton, the charismatic captain of the high school football
team, has ended in a messy breakup, and Min is determined to let Ed know just how badly his actions have
affected her. In the box are dozens of “artifacts” from their relationship. Old movie tickets, a matchbox,
bottle caps, and other relics all tell a story of their brief but passionate time together, and in each chapter
Min elaborates on one of these items and its significance.
Minerva is a complex and empathetic protagonist. Her obsession with classic film and identity as one of
the “arty” kids give her an Enid Coleslaw from Ghost World vibe, albeit a bit more naïve. The conflicted
feelings she has after losing her virginity to someone more “experienced” than her is realistic and
showcases her vulnerability. Her absolute heartache and rage after being betrayed by Ed in the flower shop
is raw and highly emotional. My heart sank right along with hers when she read Ed’s note for Annette.
Furthermore, Min’s page-long rant about not being “arty” or “different” is the most accurate and well-
articulated depiction of teen insecurity that I’ve ever read in a YA novel. Somehow Handler, a man in his
40s, was able to completely nail what runs through the head of a confused teen girl who has yet to find her
place in the world. The emphasis that these Ed and Min are “just too different”, and thus not meant to be,
is pervasive throughout the book. I wonder if Handler’s choice to name the protagonist after a goddess as a
way to further emphasize the “two different worlds” theme.
Handler’s world-building is extremely inventive. All of the movies, celebrities, and musicians mentioned
in the book, like jazz musician Hawk Davies, are fictional but sound as if they could easily exist in the real
world. Kalman’s quirky, colorful illustrations definitely enhance the book, giving it an almost antiquated,
indie-film feel. The cover art for Why We Broke Up depicts an illustrated teacup against a red background.
The title is pouring out of the cup. This is both a nod to the restaurant setting in which Min writes her epic
break-up note, and symbolic of Minerva literally pouring her heart out. Why We Broke Up is a quirky and
highly imaginative coming-of-age novel that addresses the themes of fist love, first break-ups, sexuality,
and personal identity.
 6. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Citation: Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second Books, 2006. 240 pp.
Personal Rating: 5P, 5Q, J/S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: Michael L. Printz Medal, 2007
National Book Award Finalist, 2006
Review: American Born Chinese is a graphic novel that blends coming-of-age teen fiction with Chinese
mythology. It focuses heavily on the themes of self-identify, prejudice, and friendship. The narratives
alternate between three central characters: Jin/Danny and the Monkey King.
The stories of the Monkey King and Jin/Danny mirror one another. The Monkey King experiences
prejudice from the other gods, and his feelings of rage and humiliation cause him to transform his
appearance and embark on a dark path. Only by accepting his true form can the Monkey King gain his
freedom. The story of Jin/Danny essentially parallels this narrative but in the earthly realm. Jin experiences
racism from his peers, destroys his friendship with Wei-Chen, and physically changes himself into the white
"Danny" to appear more Westernized.
It’s not surprising that American Born Chinese has appeared on many banned book lists. Gene Leun
Yang’s deliberately exaggerated and racist depiction of Chin-Kee is supposed to elicit a visceral reaction
from the reader. He also represents Jin/Danny’s conflicted feelings toward his Chinese heritage. The casual
racism experienced by Jin, Wei-Chen, and Jin’s friend Suzy is in some ways more traumatizing, as it is a
realistic portrayal of what minority teens go through on a daily basis.
I was genuinely surprised by the ending of this book. The reader discovers that Jin’s former best
friend, Wei-Chen, is actually the Monkey King’s son, sent to earth to complete a test of virtue. After this
revelation, the Monkey King gives Jin with the opportunity to reconnect with his long-lost friend, and thus,
his Chinese identity. It is a satisfying and uplifting ending, and I think teens will enjoy the way the author
converges all three plot-lines.
Gene Luen Yang’s illustrations are beautifully detailed, and his character designs are expressive.
The Monkey King chapters are the most visually stunning and serve as a great introduction to traditional
Chinese folklore. The cover of this version is yellow, and depicts young Jin holding his symbolic Transformer
action figure. A faded image of the Monkey King under the rocks lurks in the background. This cover art is
attractive while also hinting at Jin’s conflict and desire to transform.
American Born Chinese is a concise, but powerful graphic novel that stresses the importance of self-
acceptance and personal identity. It exposes harsh truths about the challenges faced by minority teens in
the United States, and the way in which all three stories intertwine will give teen readers goose bumps.
Furthermore, it’s universal message and beautiful illustrations make it appealing to a wide range of YA
readers. This masterpiece is most deserving of the Printz Medal and all other accolades it has received.
 Young Adult Classics
7. The Pigman by Paul Zindel

Citation: Zindel, Paul. The Pigman. New York: Harper Trophy, 1968. 192 pp.
Personal Rating: 4Q, 4P, J/S
Recommended Age: 7th grade and up
Awards: New York Times Outstanding Book,1968
ALA Notable Children's Book 1940–1970
ALA “Best of the Best” Books for Young Adults
Booklist’s Best YA Books of All Time
Review: The Pigman tells the story of John Conlan and Lorrain Jensen, two best friends and high school
sophomores, who’ve pledged an oath to tell the reader nothing but the truth involving their relationship
with Angelo “The Pigman” Pignati. While posing as fake charity workers looking to collect money, John and
Lorraine meet Mr. Pignati, a lonely wid
ower looking for friendship. Surprisingly, the three characters become friends, with Mr. Pignati providing a
light-hearted and whimsical presence that John and Lorraine find captivating. What follows is a beautifully
crafted coming-of-age story that serves as both a celebration of friendship and a cautionary tale against
peer pressure. John and Lorrain take turns telling the story, with the more spontaneous John narrating the
odd-chapters and level-headed Lorraine narrating the even. John’s charisma and cockiness veil a sweet
vulnerability, and his relationship with the more mature Lorraine is both adorable and realistic.
I think its realism is really where The Pigman shines. For example, many of the darker scenes in the
book, like the volatile moments between Lorraine and her mother, and the profound grief and sadness
experienced by Mr. Pignati, are borderline triggering in their authenticity. The innocence and loneliness of
Mr. Pignati, his willingness to trust in John and Lorraine, and the tremendous guilt the two teens carry after
betraying that trust – every aspect of this small, yet powerful tragedy, is felt through Zindel’s clear and
concise writing. In spite of these heavy themes, however, Zindel’s message never feels heavy-handed. And
because of the darkness, the happy moments of the plot shine brighter. John and Lorrain’s “playing house”
while housesitting for Mr. Pignati will make the reader hope they stay together forever, and the three
friends zooming through the department store with their newly purchased rollerblades seems like
something out of a quirky, Wes Anderson movie. If the technology was updated slightly, I think most teens
would believe The Pigman was a contemporary work. Zindel’s writing and characterizations seem timeless.
The cover art for the version I read was very modern and inviting. It features a teal porcelain pig
figurine and a handwriting-inspired font. While other covers I have seen would date the book considerably,
this cover would be visually appealing to most teen readers. I would recommend The Pigman to any teen
who enjoys realistic fiction, particularly high school fiction. I would even recommend it to romance readers,
as the dynamic between John and Lorrain is complex and romantic in nature. This is one of those YA books,
however, that would probably have universal appeal due to the relevant subject matter. The tragic
elements of the plot may be a punch to the gut for more empathetic readers, but there is a reason why this
book has endured for so long. It is a concise and impactful story about the complexity of relationships and
the impact of our actions on others.
 8. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

Citation: McKinley, Robin. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast. New York: Harper and
Row, 1978. 256 pp.
Personal Rating: 3Q, 3P, M/J/S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: ALA “Best of the Best” Book, 1966-1980
Booklist’s “Best YA Books of All Time” List
Review: Beauty by Robin McKinley, as its full title implies, is a novelized retelling of the classic fairy tale,
Beauty and the Beast. The protagonist of the story is Honour “Beauty” Huston, the brightest and youngest
of the Huston Sisters. Her nickname proves ironic, however, as she grows up to view herself as plain and
homely compared to her sisters, Grace and Hope. It was challenging for me to read Beauty without
constantly comparing it to the Disney films. It may not be a fair comparison, especially since McKinley’s
version was first, but many teen readers will be drawn to this book because of the Disney films, so I think it
makes sense to view Beauty through the lens of a teen who may naturally compare it to its Disney
counterparts. Though Beauty shares many similarities with the films, it stands on its own as a masterful
interpretation of the fairy tale.
An aspect of this book that I found unique was its lack of a clear-cut antagonist. For a reader
looking for a barrel-chested, bad boy villain, this tale may disappoint. The Beast is never mean to Beauty,
and the two become friends almost immediately. He frequently asks her to marry him, but gracefully
accepts her refusals. I did find this aspect of the story to be a little creepy, but most fairy tales involve
questionable relationship practices, so I gave it a pass. Furthermore, Beauty’s family treats her with
nothing but love and kindness. The only “villains” present in this book are the negative circumstances in
which the characters find themselves.
While some teen readers may find the slower pace and simple plot a bit boring, I appreciated the
gentler narrative. Beauty is given mostly free reign of the castle, and uses her time to stroll the grounds and
pursue her studies. McKinley provides beautiful descriptions of these quiet moments, and paints a peaceful
picture of Beauty’s stay at the castle. The magical elements of the castle are also fairly mundane, with
invisible maids tending to Beauty and no choreographed dance routines. The ending of the story, with
Beauty returning to the Beast and reviving/transforming him in his final moments, was suspenseful and
romantic – definitely a “happy ever after”.
The cover art of the version I read is definitely dated. It features a groovy red rose and dark trees in
front of what is presumably the Beast’s castle. Other publications feature more modern and attractive
covers. Still, I would definitely recommend Beauty to a teen interested in fairy tale retellings. Now that the
genre is booming in popularity, this would be a good time for teen librarians to promote classic fairy tale YA
along with the new titles. With that being said, I would be sure to let a prospective reader know that Beauty
is a slowly paced story with a strong focus on characterization and descriptive details. A teen looking for
something fast-paced or more action-packed may be better off reading As Old as Time by Elizabeth J.
Braswell or Cruel Beauty by Rosamond Hodge. For the right teen reader, however, Beauty would be a sweet
and comforting read.
 Award-Winning Audiobook

9. Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit, narrated by Allen Corduner

Citation: Savit, Gavriel. Anna and the Swallow Man. New York: Listening Library, 2017. 9 hrs, 36 mins.
Personal Rating: 4P, 3Q, M/J/S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, 2017
Audiofile Best Audiobook of the Year, 2017
Review: The year is 1939 and seven-year old Anna has just been abandoned. Her father, a linguistics
professor, has been called upon by the Gestapo and must leave Anna with the local pharmacist. When it’s
clear Anna’s father isn’t returning, she is forced into the streets and subsequently picked up by The Swallow
Man, a tall, thin man who is shrouded in mystery. A multilinguist, like Anna and her father, he also has the
seemingly magical ability to summon and communicate with birds. His physicality and behaviors make him
almost otherworldly, but various clues, such as his carrying around of a baby shoe, indicate that he has
experienced some very real and traumatizing losses in his past. The Swallow Man takes Anna under his
wing, and the two assume a father and daughter relationship in order to survive undetected in the Polish
countryside. Themes of war, abandonment, the power of language, and loss of innocence are explored in
this deep and beautifully written YA novel.
I loved Anna’s relationship with both The Swallow Man and Reb Hirschl. The two men represent
different aspects of fatherhood, with the Swallow Man becoming Anna’s vigilant caretaker and Reb
providing some much-needed joy and fatherly kindness. The theme of male abandonment pervades
throughout Anna’s childhood. Her father, Herr Dokter Fuschmann, Reb Hirschl, and eventually The Swallow
Man himself, all leave her under various circumstances. The discovery of Reb’s hanged body, and Anna
being forced to expose herself in exchange for The Swallow Man’s medication, serve to signal Anna’s loss of
innocence.
Language also plays a central role in the book. Not only are the protagonists multi-lingual, The
Swallow Man teaches Anna the special language of “the road”. This serves another example of lost
innocence, as Anna realizes that in some circumstances, lying isn’t “lying” and is necessary for survival.
Readers will find themselves getting very attached to the two protagonists, and their separation at the end
of the book is difficult to endure. I desperately wanted to follow Anna into the next chapter of her life.
The audiobook is narrated by Allen Corduner, an Engish actor of Jewish heritage. His voice is
elegant and clear, offering a distinct tone and mood for each character. His eloquence and ability to switch
between accents and languages also make him an ideal narrator for this multilingual and vocabulary-rich
novel. It’s not shocking that this audiobook received so many accolades.
The cover art for Anna and the Swallow Man is simple but deeply evocative. Young Anna is depicted
traveling across a barren, snowy landscape as the pale blue shadow of a swallow hovers above her. The
Swallow Man tells her, “I am the riverbank and you are the river”, and the cover symbolizes that he is
always there to guide her, even in his physical absence. While beautiful, I do not think the cover has
particular “teen appeal”. Still, for a teen looking for an emotionally gripping historical fiction drama, Anna
and the Swallow Man is an excellent choice.
 Popular Pick

10. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Citation: Asher, Jay. Thirteen Reasons Why. New York: Razorbill, 2011 (©2007). 288 pp.
Personal Rating: 3Q, 4P, J/S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Awards: ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008
Review: Two weeks after Hannah Baker, a high school junior, commits suicide, a mysterious package arrives
at Clay Jensen’s door. He opens it to find seven audiotapes, all narrated by Hannah, outlining the thirteen
reasons for her suicide and identifying the people she thinks are responsible. Clay, distraught over Hannah’s
death and wishing to make sense of his role in her suicide, decides to listen to all seven tapes over the
course of one night and visit the locations relevant to Hannah’s story. As her narrative unfolds, Hannah
reveals a complex web of betrayal, victimization, and violence that leaves Clay deeply shaken. Asher’s
writing has the appeal of a serial melodrama, with each chapter building towards a shocking and
scandalous final act.
Thirteen Reasons Why is notoriously controversial for its inaccurate and romanticized look at teen
suicide. After finally reading the book, I am inclined to agree with this assessment. Hannah’s meticulously
planned suicide paints a picture of control that is not realistic among suicide victims. I also had serious
issues with Asher’s treatment of the adult characters. Hannah’s parents, while given a much larger role in
the Netflix series, act as oblivious background characters. Mr. Porter, the school guidance counselor and
the sole adult in which Hannah confides, completely dismisses her. The portrayal of authority figures as
aloof, while a common trope in children’s and teen literature, is both unrealistic and potentially damaging
in this context. Teens, especially those suffering from suicidal ideation, must be aware that there is always
an adult who is willing to listen, and that reaching out is one of the first and most crucial steps in the
healing process.
The way in which Asher frames the story is unique, with Clay’s stream-of-consciousness reactions
interjected throughout Hannah’s narration. Occasionally, however, I found this constant back-and-forth
both confusing and a little distracting. The cover art for this particular version has definite teen appeal. It
features a photograph of Hannah sitting on a swing with a distant gaze. This cover conveys Hannah’s
feelings of loneliness and determination, while also hinting to one of the books primary settings – the
rocket ship park. While this is not one of my favorites, I would still recommend Thirteen Reasons Why to
fans of Jenny Hubbard’s And We Stay or Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, as they share similar themes of
teen suicide and/or sexual abuse.
 Popular YouTube Channel

11. Good Mythical Morning with Rhett & Link

Citation: McLaughlin, Rhett & Neal, Charles. Good Mythical Morning (YouTube Channel). Los Angeles:
Mythical Entertainment, 2011-present.
Personal Rating: 3Q, 4P, J/S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: International Academy of Web Television Awards, 2013
Review: Good Mythical Morning is one of several YouTube channels operated by the comedy duo Rhett and
Link. It is a challenge-based comedy channel, with the two friends engaging in gross-out gags or other
extreme and humorous challenges. It has over 12 million subscribers and is currently in its 12th season.
Rhett McLaughlin and Charlies “Link” Neal have been best friends since childhood, and their chemistry is
evident on-screen. The show’s production values are also top-notch. The set is visually interesting and well-
designed, and the two performers clearly have the funds to create some truly bizarre and entertaining
challenges.
Most of their challenges involve food in some way. Their Will It…? series often involves the two
hosts taking normal meals and adapting them into various dessert items. For example, they turn spicy
beans and rice into ice cream in their Will It Ice Cream? video. They’ve also eaten insects, liquefied fast
food, and a host of other nauseating things. Their other YouTube channels, such as Good Mythical MORE
and Rhett & Link, also feature similar content. The novelty and humor of the challenges, paired with the
likeability of the hosts, make this an appealing show for teens.
One thing I appreciate about Rhett and Link is their easygoing style of humor. While goofy and
crude, it is never particularly vulgar or mean. Some YouTube comedy channels for teens, especially the
“prank” channels, come across as incredibly mean-spirited. The two friends occasionally have challenges
where they injure or insult one another, but it’s never over-the-top. While parents can feel good about
their teens watching Good Mythical Morning, impressionable teens may need to be reminded that the
show’s more extreme challenges should not be replicated at home. Although Rhett and Link are both
pushing 40, their comradery and goofball antics makes Good Mythical Morning an ideal YouTube channel
for teens.
 Free Choice Selections

12. The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz

Citation: Schlitz, Laura Amy. The Hired Girl. Somerville, CT: Candlewick Press, 2015. 387 pp.
Personal Rating: 4P, 4Q, M-S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: 2016 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction
2016 Sydney Taylor Book Award
2016 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature
Review: The year is 1911, and 14-year old Joan Skraggs is desperate to escape her mundane life and
pursue an education. After her abusive father burns her books, Joan runs away from home and winds
up on the streets of Baltimore. Lost and alone, she is eventually taken in by the Rosenbachs, a wealthy
Jewish family and, after lying about her identity, becomes their new maid. What unfolds is a rich
historical drama that explores the themes of self-identity, religion, and gender roles.
The Hired Girl is framed as a series of Joan’s journal entries. She is a clever and hardworking
protagonist, but also incredibly naïve and vulnerable. For example, she falls madly in love with David,
the oldest Rosenbach son who is training to become a painter. The reader can sense tha t this
relationship means far more to her than it does to him, and her blissful ignorance demonstrates both
her immaturity and profound desire to be loved. There are some heartbreaking moments in this book,
but there is also quite a bit of humor. Joan’s friendships with Malka, the cranky old housekeeper, and
Mimi, the Rosenbachs’ mischievous twelve-year old daughter, make for some much-needed funny
moments in this often slow-paced, character-driven story.
Schlitz is a master world-builder. Her depictions of both rural and urban life in the early 20 th
century are well-researched and extremely realistic. The reader will feel the backbreaking labor of
Joan’s work as both a farmer’s daughter and a “hired girl”. Since the Rosenbach’s are Jewish, the
Catholic Joan must learn how to adhere to their strict rules regarding food preparation and cleanliness.
Other Jewish customs and traditions are also described through Joan’s ever-expanding perspective.
The concept of women’s rights, particularly access to education, is also explored via Joan’s personal
reflections and conversations with the Rosenbachs.
This would be an excellent “gentle read” for teens. There’s virtually no profane language, and
while there are some passionate moments between Joan and David, it’s nothing particularly explicit. I
would be sure to tell readers, however, that this novel is definitely a slow -burn. The cover art for The
Hired Girl features a painting called The House Maid (1910) by William McGregor Paxton. The maid in
the painting is reading a book, and strongly resembles Schlitz’s physical description of Joan. Teens who
enjoy historical fiction will be instantly drawn to this cover, but it is unlikely to hook fans who prefer
other genres. For readers who’ve enjoyed Beauty by Robin McKinley, Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse
Anderson, or Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Hired Girl would be a worthy read-alike.
 13. The Inn Between by Marina Cohen; illustrated by Sarah Watts.

Citation: Cohen, Marina. The Inn Between. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2016. 198 pp.
Personal Rating: 3P, 4Q, M-J
Recommended Age: 4-8th grade
Awards: Junior Library Guild Selection
The Kirkus Prize 2016 Nominee, Young Readers
Review: Eleven-year old Quinn’s best friend Kara is moving away and she is devastated. She decides to
accompany Kara and her family on a road trip to their new home in order to say her last goodbyes.
When the family’s car breaks down, they are forced to stay at The Inn Between, a creepy Victorian
hotel in the middle of the desert. When Kara’s parents and brother vanish without a trace, the two
friends must embark on a terrifying and surreal journey through the hotel to find them. The Inn
Between is a haunting middle-grade book that provides genuine scares while also exploring the themes
of death, loss, love, and the afterlife.
Although the main characters are only eleven, the dark imagery and themes explored by Cohen
make it appealing to young teen readers. For example, in addition to losing her best friend, Quinn is
also mourning the abduction and presumed death of her little sister, Emma. This backstory makes
Quinn a sympathetic and well-rounded protagonist, and her visions of Emma running through the hotel
provide a “psychological thriller” aspect to the book that sets it apart from other middle -grade horror
novels. Furthermore, Cohen’s world-building is genuinely suspenseful and terrifying. The scene in
which Quinn and Kara travel to the hotel basement contains some unsettling imagery – including a
demonic presence that takes the form of a little girl. Teen readers may get a kick out of Cohen’s use of
the “creepy kid” trope.
While the book does have some genuinely frightening moments, savvy readers will catch on t o
the “twist” almost immediately – especially if they are familiar with Greek mythology (ex: the hotel
concierge is named Persephone and the doorman is Aides). It is eventually revealed that Quinn, Kara,
and Kara’s family were involved in a car accident and that that The Inn Between is some sort of limbo.
Other residents of the hotel are also revealed to be floating between life and death. While
predictable, it is still fun watching the characters unravel the mystery and come to this realization
themselves. The Inn Between’s cover art, while beautiful and mysterious, is definitely geared toward
younger teens. It features the golden doors of the inn with Quinn and Kara’s hands pushed against it.
Their hands are connected with a friendship bracelet. The cover is attractive and eludes to both the
mystery of the hotel and the friendship of the protagonists. Overall, The Inn Between is a predictable,
albeit enjoyable horror novel for young teen readers. It would be an ideal choice for fans of The
Witches of Worm by Zilpha Keatley Snyder or Coraline by Neil Gaiman.
 14. Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson, Stephanie Watters, Grace Ellis;
illustrated by Brooke A. Allen

Citation: Stevenson, Noelle, Watters, Stephanie, & Ellis, Grace. Lumberjanes, Vol 1.: Beware the Kitten Holy.
Los Angeles, CA: BOOM! Studios, 2015. 128 pp.
Personal Rating: 4Q, 5P, M-S
Recommended Age: 5th grade and up
Awards: 2016 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top 10
2016 Eisner Award, Best New Series
2016 Eisner Award, Best Publication for Teens
Review: Lumberjane scouts devote their summer to learning about survival and the great outdoors.
Much like the Girl or Boy Scouts, Lumberjanes earn special badges for things like archery, canoeing,
and mathematics – there’s even a badge for making a perfectly-timed pun. These are not your ordinary
scouts, however. At Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types,
the Lumberjanes put their scouting skills to work by defeating three-eyed foxes, hipster Yetis, and sexist
statues. Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, the first of many in this popular series, introduces
readers to the five scouts from the Roanoke cabin: the level-headed Jo, the pun-loving April, the shy Molly,
the nervous Mal, and impulsive Ripley. Their exasperated but devoted scout-leader, Jen, also accompanies
them from time to time. The magical forests surrounding the camp are filled with treacherous monsters
and untold dangers, and the five friends must use their wits and their courage to survive. As they uncover
the secrets of this magical wilderness, they also learn more about themselves and their feelings towards
each other.
The Lumberjanes series appeals to a broad age-range of readers. There are so many layers to the girls’
dialogue, and just as younger readers may love the series for its action, humor, and message of girl power,
older readers may also appreciate it for the girls’ more nuanced interactions. For instance, the romantic
tension between Mal and Molly is subtle, but a slightly more mature reader could definitely suss it out.
Furthermore, Jo, the group leader, is transgender, and while this is not directly stated in the first volume,
the reader can definitely sense that she is dealing with some personal struggles. The authors’ authentic and
loving depiction of LGBTQIA+ people and relationships is one of its most wonderful aspects.
Lumberjanes: Vol. 1 is beautifully illustrated. The inking and coloring are top-notch, with rich color
palettes and distinct character designs. With their unique styles and personalities, readers are bound to
have a “favorite” Lumberjane scout. The cover, featuring the ensemble cast in front of their camp cabin,
does a great job of hinting at the plot as well as piquing curiosity about the different characters. As with
most graphic novel series, Vol. 1 ends with a cliffhanger. Teens will be scrambling for the next volume to
see what happens next, so be sure to have multiple volumes in your collection – or direct teens to the
Lumberjanes website. Lumberjanes: Vol. 1 is a fast-paced, humorous graphic novel that focuses on
friendship, feminism, and problem-solving. For teen readers who love Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson,
and Svetlana Chmakova, Lumberjanes: Vol. 1: Beware of the Kitten Holy is definitely worth checking out.
 Popular Manga Selection

15. Princess Jellyfish: Vol. 1 by Akiko Higashimura

Citation: Higashimura, Akiko. Princess Jellyfish: Vol. 1. New York: Kodansha Comics. 2009. 376 pp.
Personal Rating: 3P, 4Q, J-S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Awards: 2010 Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shōjo Manga
2017 Eisner Award Nominee for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia
Review: Tsukimi Kurashita is a painfully shy young artist who resides in Amamizukan, an all-female
apartment complex in Tokyo. The residents of the apartment identify as fujoshi, or young women who have
abandoned traditional gender roles in order to pursue their personal interests and obsessions, called otaku.
Tsukimi’s otaku is jellyfish. After a beautiful young woman helps her save the life of a jellyfish, Tsukimi
discovers that this mysterious new friend is actually a young man named Kurano-Suke, a gender-bending
fashionista who wears women’s clothing to protest the conservative views of his politically powerful family
– and also because it makes him look amazing. Kurano-Suke masquerades as a woman to get closer to
Tsukimi and her friends, and soon teaches them valuable lessons about self-confidence and embracing their
femininity. Teen readers will enjoy this adorable, but slightly mature manga that explores self-esteem,
gender conformity, relationships, and grief.
Princess Jellyfish: Vol 1. is humorous and lively. Socially awkward teens will laugh out loud at
Tsukimi and her friends as they react to trigger questions (ex: “Are you a virgin?”) or encounter a stylish –
their term for a fashionable, and therefore intimidating, person. Higashimura’s repeating joke of having the
female tenants literally “turn to stone” during uncomfortable encounter provides some silly, on-the-nose
symbolism that adds a bit of visual comedy. To balance out the humor and quirkiness, Higashimura also
includes some tender moments. Tsukimi is grieving over the loss of her mother, and her obsession with
jellyfish comes from the memories she has of visiting the aquarium with her. She often calls out to her
mother in times of grief or frustration, and her emotional outburst after revisiting the aquarium with
Kurano-Suke is genuinely heartbreaking. There is also love triangle also develops between Tsukimi, Kurano-
Suke, and his older brother, which also leads to some intriguing and satisfying moments.
The cute and teen-friendly cover of Princess Jellyfish: Vol 1. features a worried Tsukimi, a feminine
Kurano-Suke, and Tsukimi’s army of friends holding a sign that says “We Are Amars”. The name amar is
based on ama, a Japanese word for nun that is sometimes used as an insult. The tenants of Amamizukan
embrace this sexist nickname with pride. The cover has definite girl appeal and alludes to the quirky nature
of the characters. There are a lot of cultural references and phrases throughout this manga, but
Higashimura includes a glossary of terms to help readers understand the references. As this is the first
manga I’ve ever read, I consulted it frequently. Overall, Princess Jellyfish is a creative and well-developed YA
manga that fans of female-driven graphic novels will love. It features delightful characters, beautiful
illustrations, and genuine moments of humor and grief.
 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens

16. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Citation: Stevenson, Noelle. Nimona. New York: HarperCollins, 2015. 262 pp.
Personal Rating: 4P, 4P, M-S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: 2016 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top 10
Review: All Lord Blackheart wants to do is use science and reason to defeat Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and
the other do-gooders at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics. Goldenloin, his former best friend,
chopped off his arm, and Blackheart has spent years plotting his revenge. When a teenager named Nimona
offers to become his sidekick – because every villain needs a good sidekick – Blackheart sees it as an
opportunity to kick his evil schemes up a notch. While most super villains would not hire someone so
young, Nimona is not your average girl. She is revealed to be a shape-shifter, possessing the ability to take
the form of any living creature – human, animal, or other. By the end of the novel, she is also revealed to be
something much more powerful.
The world that Stevenson builds in Nimona is extremely unique. In this universe, magic and
technology come together to create a bizarre hybrid of Medieval Times and The Matrix. While this setting
could be jarring for some teen readers, most will get used to it fairly quickly. There’s also quite a bit of
humor and sweetness in the book. Blackheart’s by-the-books approach to villainy is often at odds with
Nimona’s more impulsive desires, and their back-and-forth banter is one of the novel’s highlights.
Furthermore, the story is told from Blackheart’s perspective, and it was rewarding to watch him transition
from Nimona’s grumpy boss to her friend and protector. I also appreciated Blackheart and Goldenloin’s
reunion in the third act, as it provides a nice forgiveness arc for the two old friends.
At over 250 pages, Nimona is a sizable graphic novel. Because of this, readers will get a complete
narrative instead of the cliffhanger endings traditionally found in serial graphic novels. While the novel ends
with Nimona escaping and parting ways with Blackheart, Stevenson sets it up so that the two can easily be
reunited in subsequent sequels. Stevenson’s digital artwork features eccentric character design and a rich
color palette. The cover is teen-friendly, featuring a colorful illustration of a smiling Nimona flanked by
Blackheart and Goldenloin. I think teen readers will enjoy that Nimona, with her semi-shaved pink hair and
a curvaceous figure, is not a traditional female protagonist. Furthermore, although she possesses immense
strength, Stevenson still makes sure to depict Nimona as a vulnerable young teen in need of love and
guidance. Fans of Jeremy Whitley’s Princeless series, Noelle Stevenson’s Lumberjanes series, or Doug
TenNapel’s Ghostopolis should definitely check out Nimona.
 17. Paper Girls: Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughn and Cliff Chiang

Citation: Vaughn, Brian K. and Chiang, Cliff. Paper Girls: Vol. 1. Portland, OR: Image Comics, 2016. 144 pp.
Personal Rating: 4P, 4P, J-M
Recommended Age: 7th grade and up
Awards: 2016 Eisner Award for Best New Series
2016 Eisner Award for Best Penciller/Inker
2017 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top 10
Review: The year is 1988, and 12-year old Erin is starting her early morning paper route. She is soon
introduced to the other neighborhood paper girls: MacKenzie (Mac), Tiffany (Tiff), and KJ. After chasing a
thief during their route, the girls encounter a strange device and experience the presumed apocalypse. The
four protagonists must use their wits and fortitude to fend off giant pterodactyls, time traveling warriors,
and googly-eyed tentacle monsters. Paper Girls is a fast-paced sci-fi graphic novel that explores themes of
friendship, prejudice, and consumerism.
The color palette for Paper Girls is deliciously retro. The neon pink, blue, and purple tones against the
black inking give the graphic novel a “new wave” feel that immerses the reader in the time period. The
cover features the four girls, all electric blue, against a hot pink sky. The title font is in eye-catching white,
as is the smoke of Mac’s cigarette. The artwork is colorful and attractive, but generally more appealing to a
female audience. Still, the story itself would appeal to a wide range of teen readers, as it doesn’t shy away
from adult language, violence, and fast-paced action sequences. Furthermore, the cast is diverse, featuring
Asian-American, African-American, and LGBTQIA+ characters. I found it interesting that Vaughn makes one
of the main heroines, Mac, homophobic. Her anti-gay comments throughout the graphic novel help
develop her character and convey some of the more common prejudices and misconceptions of LGBTQIA+
individuals during this time period. Vaughn is careful to dismiss these attitudes, however, as the other girls
are always quick to call her out for her comments. Furthermore, while this graphic novel is firmly rooted in
the style, culture, and attitudes of the 1980s, the references never overpower the plot. While there are
definitely some quirky referential moments (ex: A delirious Erin ice-skating with President Reagan), the
nods to pop culture are mostly subtle and help build a more authentic atmosphere.
The time-traveling aspect of Paper Girls is unique, and sets it apart from other YA post-apocalyptic
fiction. Teens will enjoy decoding the futuristic hybrid language spoken by some of the time-traveling
characters. Aspects of the storyline can get confusing at times, but Vaughn connects just enough dots to
keep the reader engaged and wanting more. Luckily, as this is the first of the series, there are many more
volumes of Paper Girls for hooked readers to enjoy. I think Paper Girls would be great as part of an It Read-
Alikes teen display, as it also features preteen characters battling monsters and using mature language.
Overall, Paper Girls is a highly imaginative and mature graphic novel that blends a traditional coming-of-age
friendship story with post-apocalyptic surrealism. While the plot may be a bit too sci-fi oriented for some
teen readers, most graphic novel lovers will devour this new series.
 Gene Leun Yang’s Reading Without Walls Challenge Selections

18. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; illustrated by Ellen Forney

Citation: Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little Brown and
Company, 2007. 230 pp.
Personal Rating: 5Q, 4P, J-S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Reason for choice: Main character (American Indian) does not look like me
Awards: 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
2008 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Poetry and Fiction
2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book
Review: Arnold “Junior” Spirit is a 15-year old cartoonist who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation with
his parents, older sister, and grandmother. Junior’s family is impoverished and both his mother and father
are alcoholics. There is rampant violence, alcohol abuse, and depression throughout the reservation, and
Junior knows that leaving is his only path towards a brighter future. When he begins attending an all-white
school 22 miles from home, he is viewed as both a traitor at the “rez” and an outsider in the classroom.
Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is an authentic coming-of-age story that
explores the lives of impoverished American Indians living on federal reservations.
Junior is an incredibly realistic and sympathetic protagonist. He’s smart and funny, but also has
moments of intense vulnerability, grief, awkwardness, and anger. His physical disabilities make him a
frequent target of bullying, and the book contains several violent scenes of Junior getting assaulted. The
gritty realness of Part-Time Indian may be a turn-off for more sensitive readers, but this authenticity is what
makes the story so powerful. In addition to the realistic atmosphere, Alexie also nails his depictions of teen
friendships. Rowdy and Junior’s loving, yet volatile relationship is representative of Junior’s conflicting
relationship with his culture. Their comradery and subsequent conflict helps make the third-act basketball
match between Junior’s team and Rowdy’s team much more interesting and powerful than traditional “big
game” scenes in YA literature. Alexie’s twist on this common trope, with Junior’s gut-wrenching realization
that his “big win” against Wellpinit, in fact, a complete betrayal, is a powerful and poignant moment.
In addition to coming-of-age, alcoholism and the tragedy it causes are central themes in Part-Time
Indian. Every death that Junior experiences, from his grandma to his sister to his father’s friend, Eugene,
stems from alcohol abuse. This book can serve as both a “cautionary tale” to young readers as well as
educate them about the rampant and devastating effects of alcoholism on Native American reservations. It
is no wonder that Part-Time Indian finds itself on banned book lists year after year. In addition to
alcoholism and violence, Junior also swears and casually discusses sex and masturbation. The language and
themes in this book make it a solid 8th-grade and up for me.
The cover art features a small plastic Indian and cowboy against a black background. The title font
is made to look like Junior’s writing. This artwork is supposed to represent Junior’s challenge of reconciling
his two worlds. It also reminds the reader of American Indian stereotypes, something Alexie addresses
frequently throughout the book. While I prefer the covers that use Junior’s (aka Ellen Forney’s) illustrations,
I still think this one would be appealing to teen readers. I would recommend Part-Time Indian to fans of
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey, American Born Chinese by Gene Leun Yang, and The Last Summer of the Death
Warriors by Francisco X. Stark. It’s an authentic and powerful coming-of-age novel that depicts a culture
and way of life that isn’t often explored in mainstream teen fiction.
 19. To Stay Alive by Skila Brown

Citation: Brown, Skila. To Stay Alive. Somerville, CT: Candlewick Press, 2016. 275 pp.
Personal Rating: 4Q, 4P, J-S
Recommended Age: 8th grade and up
Awards: ALSC Notable Children’s Books 2017, Older Readers
2016 Cybils Finalist, Poetry
Reason for Selection: Uncommon format (book in verse)
Review: The Graves family, like many families in the mid-19th century, are heading out west to seek better
lands and a brighter future. Their journey from Lacon, Illinois to Sutter Fort, California starts out well
enough, but the family soon realizes that the trek is much more dangerous than they anticipated. The other
families on the trip, like the Reeds and the Donners, are also experiencing considerable hardships. None of
them are prepared, however, for the terror that awaits them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains – and the
difficult decisions they will need to make to ensure their survival.
To Stay Alive vividly recounts the journey of the Graves family and other members of the infamous
Donner party through the eyes of Mary Graves, the second-oldest of the nine Graves children. Brown writes
in free verse, with some of Mary’s poems spanning pages while others are only a few lines long. These
poems range from straightforward narratives to deeper, more metaphorical poems. Brown’s writing
perfectly captures the feelings of hopelessness, fear, and desperation experienced by Mary and the other
characters. Just when the reader thinks things couldn’t possibly get worse, they almost always do. For
example, when Mary and several other party members decide to forge ahead and look for help, they soon
spot flecks of brown, grassy land in the distance. The very next day, however, it begins to snow – and all
hope is quickly dashed. Of course, the most notorious aspect of this survival story is the cannibalism, and
many teen readers will no doubt be anxiously anticipating these scenes. Brown’s depictions of these most
desperate and unsettling moments, while occasionally violent and/or gory, are handled with great
somberness and respect.
To Stay Alive is a superb survival story. While it has a female protagonist, teen readers of all
genders will be both fascinated and horrified by what the characters in this book must endure. This is a
great title for building empathy, and Mary’s various poems can easily be used in history class to help
students better understand the difficult choices made by these characters – especially since she was based
on a real person. The cover art for To Stay Alive features a painting of Mary and several members of the
party traveling through the snow covered landscape – tiny dots in a world of white. This cover is both
beautiful and mysterious, and fans of historical fiction and survival stories will be intrigued. Teen readers
who’ve enjoyed Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott, or Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
would love Skila Brown’s To Stay Alive.
 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction

20. This Land Is Our Land: A History of Immigration by Linda Barrett Osborne

Citation: Osborne, Linda Barrett. This Land Is Our Land: A History of Immigration. New York: Abrams Press,
2016. 128 pp.
Personal Rating: 3P, 3Q, M-S
Recommended Age: 6th Grade and up
Awards: 2017 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
Review: Though often referred to as the “great melting pot”, the United States has always had trouble
defining its relationship with immigrants and immigration. From the first wave of German and Irish
immigrants in the mid-19th century to the contemporary refugees of Albania and Iraq, This Land Is Our Land
takes a comprehensive look at the reasons behind mass immigrations to the United States (ex: The Great
Famine, The Kosovo War, etc.) as well as the negative reactions of many bigoted “nativist” groups and
politicians throughout history. Young readers will unfortunately see that many of the anti-immigrant
sentiments of the past are still prevalent today.
The inclusion of photographs and other primary sources provide the reader with further insight into
the experiences and hardships of the immigrants themselves. For example, Osborne includes a personal
anecdote from Mary Paik Lee, a Korean immigrant who came to California in the early 20th century. She
writes of getting taunted by a group of girls who mistake her for Chinese. The girls shout, “Ching chong
Chinaman/Sitting on a wall/Along came a white man/And chopped his head off!” and take turns hitting her
in the neck. Dozens of other first-hand accounts illustrate the bravery and perseverance of these new
Americans, and paint a picture of the United States that isn’t necessarily positive. Readers are introduced to
topics and historical accounts that aren’t often elaborated upon in history class. Angel Island, for instance,
was the “Ellis Island of the West” and processed hundreds of thousands of immigrants from East Asia and
Russia.
This Land Is Our Land is a wonderful nonfiction text that can be used as a research resource or as
part of a history lesson. It also has a flowing narrative that, when supplemented by the first-hand accounts,
gives it a readability that will attract leisure readers as well. The cover of this book features the Statue of
Liberty posed behind multi-font text. Both the image and text reinforce the message that the United States
is a nation full of diversity. It’s a modern, visually appealing cover that teens will find attractive. Readers
who’ve enjoyed Audacity by Melanie Crowder or Osborne’s previous work, Miles to Go for Freedom, will no
doubt love this engaging and highly relevant historical narrative about immigration in the United States.
 21. This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon by Nancy Plain

Citation: Plain, Nancy. This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon. Lincoln, NE:
University of Nebraska Press, 2015. 90 pp.
Personal Rating: 3Q, 3P, M-S
Recommended Age: 6th grade and up
Awards: 2016 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
Review: John James Audubon was an artist and naturalist who, through his detailed and lifelike paintings
and prints, became the founding father of modern ornithology. Numerous teens have probably heard the
name Audubon, as it graces multiple museums, zoos, and parks around the country. In This Strange
Wilderness, readers can finally put a face and story to the familiar name. This biography explores the
exciting and awe-inspiring life of John James Audubon, from his childhood in Saint-Domingue, Haiti to his
epic adventures across the American wilderness.
Plain also pinpoints exactly what made Audubon’s artwork so superior to the work of his
contemporaries. For example, instead of placing his subjects in static poses against a matte background,
Audubon created dynamic illustrations of lifelike birds engaging with their natural environment. A roseate
spoonbill is seen dipping its bill into a reedy pond; a bald eagle is triumphantly clutching a fish. These
stunning images are included alongside illustrations of animals that are currently extinct, like the Carolina
parakeet and passenger pigeon. This will no doubt get teen readers thinking about the impact of extinction
and what our ecosystem would be like if these animals were alive today.
Plain also shines a light on the dichotomous nature of John James Audubon. Much like a male bird
himself, Audubon appreciated fancy, colorful dress, but was also a rugged outdoorsman. He was a
dedicated family man who endured the deaths of two infant daughters, yet he would frequently leave his
family for months at a time on naturalist expeditions – some of which almost killed him. He shot and killed
thousands of animals for the sake of science and art, but was keenly aware of the disastrous effects
humans have on the environment. This interesting character study, alongside images of Audubon’s
beautiful artwork, makes Strange Wilderness an accessible biography that teen readers will enjoy.
The cover, while attractive, is not particularly teen friendly. It features Audubon’s print of two great
horned owls peering from atop a branch. Though I don’t think many teens will naturally gravitate towards
this book, it is a good suggestion for a student working on biography or other school assignment. At only 90
pages, this non-fiction book is a perfect, non-intimidating length – giving it added teen appeal.
Furthermore, the large illustrations take up quite a bit of space, and both the inclusion of the visuals and
the generous text-to-image ratio make it a good choice for some reluctant readers. Fans of Charles & Emma
by Deborah Heiligman or teens interested in the Lewis & Clark Expedition would also enjoy this one.
Overall, Strange Wilderness is a beautifully crafted nonfiction title that blends biography with natural
history to shine a light on a brilliant and figure in American history.
 22. Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)
by Sue Macy

Citation: Macy, Sue. Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires
Along the Way). Washington, D.C: National Geographic Society, 2011. 96 pp.
Personal Rating: 3P, 3Q, M-S
Recommended Age: 5th grade and up
Awards: 2012 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
Review: The bicycle is seen as a harmless, efficient method of transportation enjoyed by countless people
across the world. It wasn’t always this way, however. In fact, women in the United States had to fight for
their place on the bicycle seat just as they’ve had to fight for countless other freedoms. While it was never
“illegal” for women to ride, the amount of controversy caused by these “winged women” was enough to
have the practice deemed vulgar and inappropriate by many. Female cyclists endured intense mockery and
sexism for their love of bicycling, but they would not be deterred. In Wheels of Change, Sue Macy expertly
describes the role bicycles played in transforming gender roles and women’s rights in the United States.
Macy’s writing style is succinct and engaging. Throughout the concise chapters, she seamlessly
weaves the history of female cycling into the broader history of women’s rights in the United States. For
example, the women’s dress reform of the late 19th century was popularized in part by the need for more
wheel-friendly forms of dress for female cyclists. Teen readers will be especially shocked and entertained
by the amount of pages Macy dedicates to the bloomer controversy. She also balances ridiculous aspects of
the movement – like the depictions of “masculine” female cyclists on cigar boxes, with more poignant and
powerful moments – like women entering competitive cycling, with ease.
The format of Wheels of Change makes it attractive to a broad range of readers. In addition to
Macy’s concise text, the book features large, high-quality images and other primary sources. There are also
1-2 page inserts throughout the chapters that highlight female cyclists and explain bicycle-related
phenomena. These informative “features” help break up the chapters and provide the reader with even
more fun-facts. I think teens would find the Cycling Slang insert the most entertaining for its definitions of
old-timey words/phrases (ex: “come a cropper”, “bicycle face”, and “corker”). The cover of Wheels of
Change is appealing and features an old photograph of a woman riding a bicycle and blowing a small horn.
This image captures the joy and sense of freedom experienced by female cyclists. For young adult readers
looking for an original aspect of women’s history, this is an excellent suggestion. It would also be a perfect
choice for a reluctant reader needing a non-fiction title for school.