Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

Summary: Small-town Ruby moves to a big city after the divorce of her parents. Confronted with a whole new world so different than the one in which she grew up, Ruby must find herself and her place in the world.

My Thoughts: I don’t know entirely what I think about this book. I liked the concept for the book, but I wasn’t impressed by the development of the story. Ruby moves to the big city, and she becomes friends with a gay guy. She wonders about her beliefs on homosexuality, but this storyline is never developed. Ruby continues her friendship with Frankie, but after bringing up the ideology of the church and homosexuality, I felt the issue should have been addressed. The second thing that bothered me was that Ruby’s close friend becomes sexually active. Again, the author brings up a topic but never addresses the aftermath of the topic. If this is book one of a series, this may be okay. Ruby also struggles with her own beliefs in God, trying to line up how she sees God in relation to how her family sees him.


Both of these topics are relevant to today’s teens, especially those who are Christians as Ruby is in the book. However, because the author brought up these tough topics without developing them further, it seems to be a waste of a great book that could spark dialogue between teens about faith. This book had too many loose ends for me.

I did like Cindy Coloma’s writing style, so I may check out another of her books for comparison.

Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover by Ally Carter

Summary: The third book in the Gallagher Girls series finds Cammie Morgan involved in a presidential campaign when her schoolmate Macey's father is running for vice president. When Cammie and Macey escape a kidnapping attempt, Cammie and the rest of the Gallagher Girls must protect Macey from those wishing to attack her. Old secrets are revealed, and the Cammie realizes Macey was not the intended target of the kidnapping...she was.




My thoughts: I bought book four in this series, and I decided to reread book three before starting book four. I LOVE this series. The book's plot moves along swiftly with several twists, turns, and surprises. Ally Carter plans her novels out carefully, and the end product reflects that thought as characters are fully developed, the plot twists aren’t contrived or expected, and the events are realistic (as realistic as having teens perform spy missions can be). There's also a little bit of age-appropriate romance involved. (I can't wait to see what happens next with Zach!)



As I've said about every Ally Carter book, I respect how she treats the young adult character. The girls are strong and intelligent. I'm tired of books that show teen girls as superficial and concerned only with materials things. Although the Gallagher Girls are fictional, they are good role models for young girls who have big dreams—work hard and work together.

I recommend this series to all teens and preteens. I let my sister borrow the series, and she's hooked too. So, it's a great series for a mom and daughter to read together.

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl in Nepal. Her family is poor, and her mother sells to her to be a maid for a rich family. Sadly, like many girls in Nepal, Lakshmi is sold as a prostitute. Sold, written in free verse poetry, tells Lakshmi's tale of horror and eventual triumph. McCormick does a wonderful job of illustrating the plight of these girls without going into graphic details.

Sold deals with a topic that many parents may not want to let their children read in middle school, but it's a book I recommend to mature middle school girls or high school girls.

This book moved me. It broke my heart to know how many girls suffer from this horrible modern day slave trade. I read it during silent reading time with my students, and I actually screamed out at the end because I desperately wanted Lakshmi to be rescued. My kids all looked up in shock at me screaming, "Tell him your name. GO!" You'll have to read the book to see if she does.

Broadway Lights by Jen Calonita

Summary: In this 5th book in the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series, Kaitlin Burke, teen star, heads to New York for her Broadway debut. Moving from a TV show to Broadway is a huge change, and Kaitlin must balance learning how to act on stage (with a hateful co-star) with her everyday life, which includes her new friendship with an old enemy. Kaitlin's ready for the Big Apple: the shopping, shows, food, and even SNL. Is she willing to risk her friendships and her boyfriend for the glamour of the big city?

My thoughts: I like this series for middle school girls. It includes the drama of the big city, Hollywood, acting, celebrities, etc. Yet, the romance, back-stabbing, and fears are age appropriate for middle school girls. Kaitlin and Austin only kiss, and there is none of the drug, sex, underage drinking that is often associated with teens in Hollywood. It's a clean book, and I recommend it for the middle school girls who love celebrity stories.

Author's website: jencalonitaonline.com

Misfits

1. Bibliography:
Howe, James. 2001. Misfits. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN: 0689839561

2. Summary:
Bobby, Addie, Joe, and Skeezie are four kids who have become friends because the one thing they have in common is that they are different from everyone else. They march to the beat of their own drum and are tired of trying to fit in. They embrace their individuality and join together as a band of misfits. In order to get their message of acceptance and tolerance across, they get a fellow student DuShawn to run for student government under their No Name party. When he drops out, the group has to work together by all going on the ticket with Addie as their president. Their slogan is "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit," and even though they do not win, their idea of a "No-Name" day where everyone goes a day without calling other people names catches on and the students finally have the "freedom to be who you are without anyone calling you names."

3. Analysis:
Making fun of people does not stop in middle school. It only begins there. Millions tune in to Saturday Night Live to see actors mimic and make fun of celebrities and politicians. MTV has a TV show dedicated to "Yo Mamma" jokes. While these can be taken as fun and games, it is never fun for the person being teased. Everyone has been teased for something: race, clothes, accent, sexual orientation, weight, and the list goes on and on. Kids are even teased for their names and their family members. This topic hits home with everyone, and it is addressed beautifully in this book.
This book opens the door for students to discuss how they have been teased and how they can stop it from happening to others. Students do not always sit around and think of solutions to problems, but reading a book like this opens that discussion. As Addie and the rest of the group figure out how to make a difference, the reader can decide what can be done in his or her own life.
The No Name Party members are fun and realistic. Bossy Addie writes down verbatim what is said in the meetings and even makes the other members talk slower so she can keep up. She is angry that she is judged unfairly when she picks DuShawn to run for president simply so they can have a black person on the ticket. This brings to home that even those who think they are not judging may have secret prejudices lying under the surface, which would be a great discussion for students to have. Bobbie, the overweight tie salesman, is a typical middle school boy who struggles to find connections with his father and who feels the absence of his mother heavily. Whether a reader has lost a parent or not, the feeling of not being able to connect with parents is prevalent. Joe is coming out as a gay person, and his struggle is not so much with himself but with how his friends and society will react. Skeezie is the misunderstood bad boy. With each character facing different teasing, Howe gives readers someone with whom they can identify and relate.
Howe uses Joe and DuShawn to add some humor into the story. Joe goes to his locker and finds the word "fagot" written on his locker. Instead of getting upset, he asks," Don't they teach spelling at this school?" Joe also demands to be called Scorpio in some of Addie's meeting notes, which she does. He often has one liners that give a lighter note to this deep, tough topic. DuShawn, who is comfortable in his skin, can call Addie out about picking him because he is black and can make jokes about wanting peach ice cream in reference to Addie's skin color. The humor offsets the seriousness of the subject.
Even with the humor, the book can get a little preachy. The first part of the book seems to be the main characters sitting and spouting off a long tirade against the establishment. It is not until events start happening that the reader finally connects with the characters and the storyline. After that, the book is more action and less preaching.

4. Reviews:
From School Library Journal: Unfortunately, The Misfits rambles rather than flows. Bobby's long-winded narration is written in a passive voice and sprinkled with only occasional dialogue. When the characters do speak, their formal dialogue (presented as minutes from the friends' Floating Forum meetings) goes on for pages on end, lacking any commentary from Bobby. It is not until the last third of the novel that readers begin to identify with the characters and bask in the success of Bobby's political partners. Louie Lahana, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Publishers Weekly: The four "misfits" are slightly larger than life wiser than their years, worldlier than the small town setting would suggest, and remarkably well-adjusted but there remains much authenticity in the story's message about preadolescence stereotyping and the devastating effects of degrading labels. An upbeat, reassuring novel that encourages preteens and teens to celebrate their individuality. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
http://yazoo.lib.ms.us:8000/kcweb/kcContent?isbn=0689839553&type=review&controlnumber=+++12233869&referedby=titlelist (Accessed November 16, 2008)

Among the Hidden

1. Bibliography:

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 1998. Among the Hidden. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN: 0689817002.

2. Summary:

Luke is a third child. In America, this is not a big deal; however, in Luke's country, it is against the law. The Population Police dictate that no family can have more than two children. Therefore, Luke must live hidden in a room in his family's home. He can never go outside or even go to school. He lives his life scared and afraid of getting caught. A typical boy, he eventually gets tired of hiding and meets a friend name Jen, who lives next door and who is also a third child. They dream of a day where they can truly live. As Jen actively works towards that goal, she is killed, and Luke is devastated. Through that tragedy, Luke is given an opportunity to live like Jen wished when her father offers Luke a fake identity and a hope of a better life.

3. Analysis:

In America, we are used to our freedom. While we have laws, the day-to-day aspects of our lives are up to us. Young Adults do not know any other way of life. This book shows them that other way. Just the topic of the book is so foreign to most American teens that it is a gripping tale of government control and the fight to live freely. The plot focuses on Luke's hiding from the Population Police, it also discusses the government's control of farming, social life, and even when people can eat junk food! This topic raises great questions about the government's role in people's lives. It also is a springboard to discuss our government's increasing role in the average person's life. Where should the line be drawn? How far is too far? Those are great questions students can analyze and discuss after reading this book.

While the book raises good questions, it can be a little far-fetched. The reader has to wonder how all of these third children have lived for over a decade without being discovered. If the government is as intrusive as described, the children would be noticed. Because the book moves quickly and the characters are interesting, readers do not mind these leaps in reality.

Luke is a character with whom the reader can identify. The reader's heart hurts for him as he cannot even go into a room without making sure all the windows are covered. He cannot even eat breakfast with his family but must sit on the stairs and watch them. The reader feels angry for Luke when you realize he has to type Jen's password from watching her do it, not because he knows what F-R-E-E means or spells! The reader cheers when Luke and Jen make plans to rally against the government, hoping they will succeed. Then you mourn with Luke over Jen's death and feel for her father, who cannot even visually show his grief in public.

The end of the book leaves the reader with hope that Luke will have a better life as Lee Grant, but until the government changes, the reader is unsure that will happen. Overall, this book raises great higher-level thinking questions about countries, governments, and the boundaries we must preserve.

4. Reviews:

Publishers Weekly: This futuristic novel focuses on a totalitarian regime and the Internet. PW noted, "The plot development is sometimes implausible and the characterizations a bit brittle, but the unsettling, thought-provoking premise should suffice to keep readers hooked." Ages 8-12. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

School Library Journal: To what extent is he willing to defy the government in order to have a life worth living? As in Haddix's Running Out of Time (S & S, 1995), the loss of free will is the fundamental theme of an exciting and compelling story of one young person defying authority and the odds to make a difference. Readers will be captivated by Luke's predicament and his reactions to it.Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA

http://www.amazon.com/Among-Hidden-Shadow-Children-1/dp/0689824750/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226882153&sr=1-1 (Accessed November 16, 2008)

Shattered

1. Bibliography:
Langan, Paul. 2007. Shattered. New York: Townsend Press. ISBN: 9781591940692.

2. Summary:
Trust is the name of the game in the twelfth book in the Bluford High series. Darcy has been through a lot in the books before this one. She was nearly raped by an older boyfriend, Brian, until her father showed up to save her. In this book, she is still dealing with Brian's attack, her mistrust in her current (and former) flame Hakeem, and her mother's distrust of her father, who has recently come back to the family after years of being an absent father. Through the book, Darcy deals with her feelings with the help of her friends and ultimately has to trust herself enough to stand up for herself against Brian and her own feelings.

3. Analysis:
Like the other Bluford High books, this book is a quick read. The plot moves quickly, and the sentences give just the bare story. Nothing about the book is elaborate except the plot. The sentences are short and choppy, and there is little elaboration to create mental pictures. While the writing may lack the articulation, it is the plot that draws readers, especially reluctant or slow readers who get boggled down with long sentences and detailed descriptions.
Darcy deals with drama many kids in urban cities face (like the school where I teach). The absent father has come home and wants to do what is right for the family. While his intentions are good, Darcy and her mother and sister have a hard time believing and trusting on a man who once turned his back on his family. No matter what a student's background is, he or she can relate to having trust broken whether it is a family member or friend. Students can identify with Darcy's struggle to believe her father. Darcy's fears about her father are put to rest when he finally confides in her that he is attending AA meetings when they think he off doing bad things.
Darcy also has to deal with a friend whose advice is more gossip than fact when Brisana tells Darcy that Hakeem may be cheating on her with a girl she's never seen before. Gossip runs wild in schools, and this book does a good job of showing how Darcy calmly deals with the gossip by walking away instead of getting into an argument or fight. She decides to believe Hakeem until she runs into him and the "other" woman. It is then that she realizes to trust Hakeem she must also share what happened to her with Brian while Hakeem was gone. In the end, she confronts Brian and puts those old ghosts to rest, allowing her to move on with Hakeem.
Darcy and her father both learn that burdens and struggles should be shared with the ones you love, and that trust can be regained even when you think it is shattered. These are two lessons young adults should hear, and this book does a good job of teaching them while still telling a fast-paced story that appeals to kids from all backgrounds.

4. Reviews:
**NOTE: I had a hard time finding reviews by "experts" on this book, so I went to the publisher's website, where I found reviews by teachers, which are probably more relevant than someone who doesn't work with kids. :)
"Thank you for the wonderful Bluford Series! We bought a lot of them for that great price. We were looking for anything our reluctant readers would spend more than 10 minutes reading. Kids are now swapping books, discussing them, not wanting teachers to end SSR time, and teachers have been coming begging for sets for their rooms also."
--R. Archer, Reading Teacher, Cabrillo High School (Long Beach, CA)
"I teach in a middle school, and there is little my students like less than to be asked to read. The Bluford books, however, have made a huge difference. The boys in particular will pick them up and actually lose themselves in them."
--H. Pollock, Teacher North Brandywine Middle School (Coatsville, PA)
http://www.townsendpress.com/product/97.aspx (Accessed November 16, 2008)

Forever

1. Bibliography:
Blume, Judy. 1975. Forever. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN: 978141693444

2. Summary:
Katherine is a high school senior who meets Michael, a charming and kind guy. She quickly falls for Michael, and their relationship moves to sex fairly quickly. Katherine goes through the emotions of wondering about her feelings for Michael, worrying about STD's (called VD's in the book), getting birth control, and balancing relationships with her parents, friends, and her new love. While Katherine is convinced their love will last forever, she soon realizes young love is not always lasting love when she is forced to go camp, where she meets Theo. Katherine soon develops feelings for Theo, leaving her to wonder about her relationship with Michael. Katherine ends things with Michael, and she quickly starts a relationship with Theo, leaving the reader to wonder how long forever really is.

3. Analysis:
In today's world, teens often have sex recklessly and without much though. Judy Blume's book Forever, while written long ago, speaks loudly and clearly to today's youth. Katherine is a typical girl who falls for a guy. Blume does a great job of keeping the relationship realistic with the teens meeting at a party, going on dates, and even meeting each other's parents. The sexual relationship also progresses naturally. Judy Blume gives a realistic and detailed description of sex, contradicting the misconception that sex is like it is in the movies. She also has Katherine going to get birth control, teaching that birth control is mandatory while not preaching at the reader. On the contrary, Michael had a VD from a previous relationship, and that is blown off as something that is not a big deal. He tells Katherine that he took some medicine and is fine. Katherine naively believes him, and this could have been explored more in the book. STD's are common in America's teens, and Blume could have taken that opportunity to teach more about STD's and reach deeper into Katherine's blind acceptance of his explanation.
More groundwork could have been laid to show how the relationship progressed. The reader is not sure about what makes Michael so special. Why is he different from other guys? Why is he the one she should have sex with? Because this is not shown, the reader questions whether the love is real or if it is just hormones. This questioning continues when Katherine moves on so quickly, especially when she sees Michael after the break-up. She knows she is "not ready for forever" but can only say, "See you around." Then she gets home to hear that Theo has called. There is no mourning over the end of her relationship with her first love. It treats that first love and first sexual experience as not that big of a deal when it should be.
In this book, Blume also explores the relationship between teens and parents. Katherine has a healthy relationship with her parents, but when she becomes sexually active, the relationship changes some even though the parents do not come out and talk to Katherine about sex. The relationship becomes more tense with Katherine's parents eventually having to send her to camp in an attempt to get her away from Michael. This type of relationship was typical for the time the book was written. However, today, more parents are talking about sex with their kids, and many kids are more openly discussing their lives. While some parents may fear their children reading a book that speaks so openly about sex, if they are talking to their kids about sex, this book does not cover anything new. Instead of banning this book, adults should use it as a springboard for an honest, open talk about sex and its consequences, especially when rushed into.
4. Reviews:
"A convincing account of first love." –The New York Times Book Review
"No preaching (Blume never does) but the message is clear; no hedging (Blume never does) but a candid account by Kathy gives intimate details of a first sexual relationship. The characters and dialogue are equally natural and vigorous, the language uncensored, the depiction of family relationships outstanding."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults.
http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Judy-Blume/dp/1416934006/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226878051&sr=1-2 (Accessed November 16, 2008)