Frenchtown Summer

Cormier, R. (1999). Frenchtown Summer. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 9780440228547

· Plot Summary
Eugene is experiencing Summer in Frenchtown, narrating the events as they happen for the curious reader. He is twelve, and begun his first paper route, but it's circumstances surrounding his family and neighbors that are the most interesting. From the boy who dies after tormenting Eugene (causing the narrator to believe he can cause everyone to die at will), to his grieving aunt mourning her dead son, and the suicide of Eugene's uncle, a poignant picture is given.

· Critical Evaluation
Everything is revealed using poetry, including the mentions of deaths that cause the deceased to be buried in unhallowed ground and the details of Eugene's nocturnal emissions. Innovative presentation of vignettes that might otherwise be dry.

· Reader’s Annotation
Serious topics as viewed through the eyes of a twelve year-old boy. No subject is too grim, yet the reader isn't brought down by it, because the lines flow so naturally.

· Information about the author
Robert Cormier was a journalist that turned to writing novels, and has received multiple awards for his efforts, including several Best Books for Young Adults from ALA. He lives in Leominster, MA with his wife, and the pair have four grown children.

· Genre
Poetry, Fiction

· Booktalking Ideas
Suicide repercussions and burial customs.
Mourning and grief in the lives of young people.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-9/Ages 10-14

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
The use of poetry to tell about daily events was intriguing. Eugene's story might be one told by a million boys his age, but the poetry makes it all stand out.

The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, N. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 9780060530921

· Plot Summary
When a mysterious individual known only as Jack attempts to kill members of a single family, the youngest member makes good his escape. A nameless infant when he enters a nearby cemetery, and is adopted by its inhabitants, they give him the name Nobody Owens. Mentored by a figure that passes between the realms of the living and the dead, as well as a host of ghosts, Bod remains sequestered in order to save his own life. Eventually, the desire to intermingle with his own kind leads Bod on a series of adventures that threaten the life that the dead have made for him. Only after defeating Jack can Bod truly be free, but at the price of the only place he really ever knew as home.

· Critical Evaluation
An engaging and mysterious piece of fiction, well-written, though perhaps not recommended for tweens that have trouble with horror. Great use of language for setting a mood and presenting theme.

· Reader’s Annotation
Fantastic fiction, and would make a great piece of film noire. The novel intentionally parallels Kipling's The Jungle Book (which was actually several short stories, and in two volumes), but with the use of characters and situations that modern readers may it easier to relate to.

· Information about the author
A prolific author of not just tween novels, but also those for adults, screenplays, and graphic novels. Gaiman has received the Newberry Medal, World Fantasy Award, and Bram Stoker Awards, just to name a few. He was born in England, where many of his novels take place, but lives in the United States. His novels Coraline and Star Dust have both been made into major motion pictures.

· Genre
Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal

· Curriculum Ties
History (England's Roman past)

· Booktalking Ideas
Orphan characters' places in literature.
Significance of the dead in modern fiction.
Recommended books for Halloweens or lovers of fantasy or the paranormal.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8; Ages 10-12

· Challenge Issues
Some parents might have trouble with the concept of the afterlife presented in the novel by the inclusion of ghosts, ghouls, and witches. I would point out that this is obviously a fictional piece, and is in no way meant to convey possible, actual scenarios about what happens to us after we die. The ghosts and the involvement of the graveyard itself are both integral to the story, as attested by the very name.

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Required reading for the course, but in a search for fiction suitable for this age group, I probably would have found it anyway. The youth literature associate at my local Border's is a huge Gaiman fan, and was able to give me a run down on just about everything he has written, so I picked up some of his adult novels for reading on m own time. I read Coraline when it was published, and thoroughly enjoyed Gaiman's style, so I gathered I would enjoy this novel as well.

Body of Evidence

Brown, J. (2006). Body of Evidence. Crime Files: Four-Minute Forensic Mysteries. New York: Apple Paperbacks. ISBN: 9780439769341

· Plot Summary
A series of four-minute mysteries bring tweens into the realm of forensics and crime scene investigation, without much of the adult content found on shows like CSI or Eleventh Hour. There is a group of base characters, each with their own distinct personalities, and specialties. In terms of what actually happens in this field, these mysteries are actually more factual than the popular television programs.

· Critical Evaluation
A good starting-off point for tweens interested in forensics and crime scenes. Reads as fiction, with interesting plot twists in some stories to keep the book entertaining.

· Reader’s Annotation
Ideal for tweens that enjoy shows on the Discovery Channel or The Learning Channel, and lovers of true crime.

· Information about the author
Jeremy Brown lives in Michigan, and runs a haunted house when he isn't writing.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
Biology
Chemistry

· Booktalking Ideas
CSI and forensics as careers.
True crime in the media.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 11-13

· Challenge Issues
Crime themes may be sources of contention with some parents. Pointing out that the language is clean, there are no adult situations, and the science is accurate may help to lessen the objections.

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I am a fan of forensics, and have been following programs on true crime since I was a tween. I've taken a couple of forensics courses, and my daughter seems to be interested in the field as well. She has always been interested in math and science, so I thought this was ideal for drawing her into a possible future career.

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Harper Collins.

· Plot Summary
Jess Aaron is the only son of a poor family in post-Vietnam New England, an average student at best, and a lover of cartoon drawing. When Leslie Burke moves into the Perkins House next door, the two become fast friends, and create their own sanctuary in the woods: Terabithia. With Leslie, Jess is able to finally see something of beauty in his own world, no longer resorting just to pictures for his mental escapes from the depressed life his family leads. When tragedy strikes though, Jess must once again face the world on his own, stronger than he was before because of the friendship of his beloved lost friend.

· Critical Evaluation
A warm account of how two people, with almost nothing in common, can cross gender and socioeconomic boundaries to find friendship with one another. The characters are rich, and the reader can easily become lost in the escapades of Jess and Leslie.

· Reader’s Annotation
Leslie is a positive role model for the tween audience, even so long after the original publication of this novel. The treatment of death and grief is well done, and plausible for this age group.

· Information about the author
Katherine Paterson was born in China, but lived there as well as America and Japan. Her first three novels took place in the latter. Besides the Newberry Medal for this novel and Jacob Have I Loved, she has also received a National Book Award. She lives in Vermont with her husband, and has four children.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
History
Social Science

· Booktalking Ideas
Post-Vietnam War attitudes in America.
Handling grief after the death of a friend.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
This book is one that has always been at the back of mind, because it was written the year after I was born. It was lauded a great deal when I was younger, but I never picked it up, possibly because I did feel that eventually I would read it when the times was right. I saw the movie when it came out two years ago, mainly because of my daughter, and because I like the actress they had portraying Leslie. I enjoyed the film, so it made sense to read the book for this assignment, and I was not disappointed (although there are differences in the two).

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman, A. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little Brown and Company.

· Plot Summary
Junior is a member of the Spokane Indians, and has spent his life on their reservation in Washington. Due to poverty and isolation, the reservation is plagued by alcoholism and neglect. Junior, who was born with spinal fluid on the brain, is the downtrodden among the downtrodden. After throwing his geometry book at his teacher because of his anger over its aged state, Junior is encouraged by that same teacher to attend a school for white people, off the reservation. The events that follow include Junior surprisingly becoming popular through dating white-girl Penelope, and his unexpected skill on the basketball court. Unfortunately for Junior, his actions have repercussions, and he not only loses his best friend to the hatred between the two groups, but also his sister who flees to Montana to be married.

· Critical Evaluation
An amusing, but truthful, account of life as a Native American trying to live in modern society. Where the author might have easily made this book a heartbreaking piece, he chose to instead instruct through humor. Seen through the eyes of Junior, the events are colored with his acceptance of how things have been, and will be, for him. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the health issues and events like Junior experiences, were also known by Alexie.

· Reader’s Annotation
Modern reservation life, and the hardships experienced by those that live on them.

· Information about the author
Prolific author and poet, Alexie writes the majority of his material about the life on a reservation, and how their dynamics effect those that stay, as well as those that move on. Winner of The New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year, the Bram Stoker Award, the PEN/Hemingway Award, and the National Book Award. He lives near Seattle with his wife and two children.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
Social Sciences

· Booktalking Ideas
Native Americans and reservation life.
Comedy as a literary device for diffusing tension.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12

· Challenge Issues
Alcoholism-importance of education and support to lower income groups
Language-rare use, used in instances of extreme mental anxiety

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Required reading for class. Enjoyed Alexie's movie Smoke Signals.

Jungle Dogs

Salisbury, G. (1998). Jungle Dogs. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.

· Plot Summary
James "Boy" Kahekilimaikalani Regis lives in Hawaii, a place usually synonymous with beauty. In this novel, Boy reveals the uglier side of island life, with wild dogs that roam looking for food, gang violence in which his brother (Damon) is involved, and elements remaining from the island's bombing during World War II. When Boy's teacher, Ms.Chang, gives the students a report to do on someone they admire, Boy writes his essay on the deceased family dog. As it turns out, there was never such an animal, and it was merely a tale Boy created in order to combat his fear of the dogs that he encounters in the jungles. Eventually, Boy learns that people simply fear that which they don't understand, and he hopes to use this knowledge to convince Damon to make peace with his rival.

· Critical Evaluation
This novel shows a grittier side to an area that traditionally is only framed as a place of wild beauty. The characterizations are solid, and while the events are not remarkable, the two in combination make for an entertaining story.

· Reader’s Annotation
A rather simple read, but with a hopeful message. Boy's fear of the dogs serves as a helpful reminder that even tween boys can have fears that the rest of us may not understand.

· Information about the author
Graham Salisbury grew up on Oahu, and is a descendant of some of Hawaii's first missionaries. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his family, and manages an historic office building. He's won several awards for his novels, including ALA Best Book for Young adults award, a Parent's Choice Silver Honor Book award, and a PEN/Norma Klein Award.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
Geography
History

· Booktalking Ideas
WWII aftermath and its effect on Hawaiians
Overcoming fears through better understanding.
Results of gang violence on native communities.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 4-6; Ages 9-11

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I chose this novel because so many of my titles were suitable only for older tweens, and this one seemed to have a positive message without much of cumbersome weight that accompanied the other books.

The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story

Hahn, M.D. (2007). The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story. Moolabula, Queensland, AU: Sandpiper Publishing.

· Plot Summary
On the face of things, Dianna and Georgie are just two regular children, with some rather strange habits. They don't bathe, run around in the woods a great deal, and can avoid craving even the most delectable foods when they set their minds to it. In reality, they are the ghosts of two children once locked in the basement of the Old Willis Place by Miss Jillian, an horrific woman that had a stroke and had to be taken to the hospital before she released the children from confinement. Dianna is immediately fascinated by the new caretaker's daughter, Lissa, and despite the rules she and Georgie have established to avoid detection by the living, sets out to be Lissa's friend. Things start out rocky as the two children borrow, and subsequently destroy, Lissa's new bike. Matters become worse when Dianna sneaks into the trailer where Lissa lives with her author father, to take her diary, favorite stuffed animal, and her copy of Lassie. Eventually, the true nature of the children comes to light, and Lissa tells the police that the bodies of Dianna and Georgie are still in the basement.

· Critical Evaluation
The main characters in this book are tweens, but until the point where the truth of the children's existence comes to light, the plot and writing is somewhat simplistic. To some extent, this might be explained by the time period from which Dianna and Georgie originate, but not entirely.

· Reader’s Annotation
Suitable ghost story for tweens that have trouble with real horror, because the characters are sweet and approachable. The title and foreshadowing takes away most of the surprise factor, but the plot is interesting.

· Information about the author
Mary Downing Hahn grew up in Maryland, where most of her books take place. She was a children's librarian, and did not publish her first novel until she was forty-one. Making up for lost, she has published twenty novels to date, and won Scott O'Dell award.

· Genre
Fiction, Paranormal

· Booktalking Ideas
Paranormal events and haunted houses.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6 and 7/Ages 11 and 12

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I'm a huge fan of books, films, and shows about the paranormal. My mother is too, and sent this book to my daughter to read. She never completed it, but I wanted to give it a try.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Konigsburg, E.L. (1967). From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 1416949755

· Plot Summary
Claudia Kincaid is the oldest of the Kincaid children, and is not only thoroughly bored with her life, but also tired of being taken for granted by her family. In the interest of making her parents take notice, thereby thwarting the injustice that has become a daily part of her existence, she has decided to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. After careful planning, she decides to take her brother Jamie along, and the two venture forth intent on adventure. But living in a museum, while better than trying to struggle in the woods, is still no easy thing for two children. Forced to schedule everything they do in order not to be caught by the museum guards, the pair must also learn to conserve their money and other resources. Using the daytime hours to learn about the various exhibits in the museum, the two are drawn into the mystery of an angel statue, and are determined to find out if it truly is the work of the famous Michelangelo. When they believe enough time has passed for Claudia's point to have been made, she convinces Jamie to try one more adventure. They two embark for the home of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the widow that sold the statue in an auction for a mere $225.00. At her residence they confess what they have been up to, and Mrs. Frankweiler allows them just one hour to seek the information they want before sending them home. Convinced that the angel is a Michelangelo piece, Claudia is amazed, and Mrs. Frankweiler states she will leave the letter of proof to the children in her will. Little do they know that their newly adopted grandmother has had their actual grandfather (Saxonberg) as her lawyer for over four decades, and that in a series of letters addressed to him, Mrs. Frankweiler makes certain her wishes are carried out.

· Critical Evaluation
A humorous look at the often mundane issues that will cause children to need an escape, and a good introduction to the mystery genre. Literary questions and suggested activities relevant to the novel are included at the end. The relationship between Claudia and Jamie shows a marked creativity, with just the right amount of sibling squabbling and support seen throughout.

· Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for early tweens, and easily read in just one or two sittings. A classic of the category, and recommended start for possible suspense fans.

· Information about the author
Elaine Lobl Konigsburg was born in New York, but grew up in Pennsylvania. She was valedictorian of her class, and received a degree in chemistry. She married her husband while in graduate school, and the pair moved to Florida where Konigsburg worked as a school teacher. After the birth of their three children, the family moved back to Elaine's home state of New York, where she began her literary career.

· Genre
Mystery
Suspense

· Curriculum Ties
Art

· Booktalking Ideas
Michelangelo and his influence on Renaissance art.
Metropolitan Museum of Art and its place in New York history.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-7/Ages 10-11

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I read this book when I was fifth grade, but did not remember anything about it, and my daughter did not read the edition I bought her a year ago. I found it on her shelves, and decided to refresh my memory, because I did recall that I had enjoyed it myself.

Kittens in the Kitchen

Baglio, B.M. (1994). Kittens in the Kitchen: Animal Ark Series. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 9780590187497

· Plot Summary
The Animal Ark is a veterinary clinic in Yorkshire, owned by Adam and Emily Hope. In this first novel of the series, we are introduced to these characters, but are primarily entertained by the antics of their adopted daughter, thirteen year-old Mandy. As the story opens, Mandy has been assisted by her best friend (James) in taking care of a pregnant cat Mandy has named Walton, after their school. When Walton spurns the papers Mandy has given her for birthing her kittens, and ends up in the school janitor's laundry basket instead, Mr. Williams only gives Mandy one week to find homes for them-or else. After a series of near-misses, and solemn moments, Mandy manages to find homes for each of the four kittens. Mr. Williams relents, and allows Walton to remain, as his wife has become attached to the cat.

· Critical Evaluation
Best suited for early tweens and those with reading difficulties. This novel highlights a thirteen year-old heroine, but the content would more than likely bore someone of that age. A series of somewhat simplistic, and ungratifying, plot twists provide circumstances so that all of the kittens are adopted. The sentence structure is simple, and the characters are not well developed. It does contain some good messages regarding the care and ownership of animals, but they are often lost in the overly dramatic exhuberance/anger of the lead character (Mandy).

· Reader’s Annotation
Recommended for ages 9-12 on Amazon, but unlikely anyone over age 10 would enjoy this book unless they have learning difficulties or they're just very fond of animals stories.

· Genre
Fiction

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 4-5/Ages 9-10

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
This was a book purchased used for my daughter, because she was going away for the Summer, and I thought she might actually read a book if it was along simpler lines.