When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

When You Reach Me

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Rebecca. 2010. When You Reach Me. New York, NY: Yearling. ISBN 978-0375850868

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

An intricate collection of experiences combine into a story about a young girl named Miranda.  As she experiences normal childhood angst and experiences growing up in New York City, strange occurrences begin to happen to her. These odd happenings begin after she ends a friendship with her best friend, Sal.  Miranda begins a new friendship with the person who assaulted Sal, and then encounters The Laughing Man, which adds a layer of complication to the burgeoning friendship.  She then begins receiving secret notes and is unable to ascertain their meaning or their origin.  However, when her mother reaches a long desired goal, it seems as if all of the questions that Miranda has been asking are answered.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Reminiscent of Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, Stead’s novel is a woven piece of literary genius.  The individual pieces of the book fit together like a puzzle.  However, this puzzle is more easily assembled on the second reading.  While some reviews recommend this book for ages ten and up, the complexity of the story may be better suited for readers over the age of twelve, or younger readers with a higher reading comprehension level.

The setting of the New York streets and shops ground the story and assist in the story’s consistency.  While many readers will not read the book a second time, these settings are an integral part of the story’s plotline and are well incorporated into the overall story.

One of the more interesting additions to the book, and one that younger readers may or may not comprehend, is the naming of the individual chapters.  Each chapter is named after a category from the game show, The $20,000 Pyramid.  While this game show is an essential aspect of the book, it may be lost on readers who have never seen the game show on television. 

While it is clear that When You Reach Me is a fantasy, science fiction book, Stead still manages to maintain a sense of reality.  The characters are vividly portrayed and are relatable to young readers.  The layout of the book is in short chapters, which may make it easier for younger readers to embrace, but the mysteries of the notes and their interconnectedness to other parts of the story may be too complicated for those same readers. 

When You Reach Me is an outstanding book.  However, the elaborateness of the plot may be too complex for the average elementary school student.  

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Newbery Medal 2010
• ALA Notable Children's Book 2010
• Andre Norton Award 2009 Nominated
• The New York Times Notable Book 2009
• Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books List of 2009
• Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year List of 2009
• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year List of 2009
• Booklist Editors' Choice List of 2009  
• Horn Book Fanfare List of 2009
• Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee 2011
• Massachusetts Children's Book Award Winner 2012

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Other books by Rebecca Stead

Liar & Spy.  ISBN 978-0385737432

First Light.  ISBN 978-0440422228

*Other books that address time travel

L’Engle, Madeline.  A Wrinkle In Time.  ISBN 978-0374386160

Buckley-Archer, Linda. The Time Travelers (Gideon Trilogy). ISBN 978-1442465510

Langton, Jane.  The Time Bike.  ISBN 978-0064407922

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Green, John. 2012. The Fault in Our Stars. New York, NY: Dutton Juvenile. ISBN 978-0525478812

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Sixteen year old Hazel is a cancer patient who attends a weekly support group.  It is here there that she meets her future love, Augustus.  Hazel is intrigued by a particular book and is fixated with the cryptic ending; she encourages Gus to read the same book and he is equally intrigued.  When Hazel and Gus begin to fall in love, Hazel pulls away due to her fear of hurting Gus due to her certain future death. However, Gus convinces Hazel that they should determine the fate of the characters in the book, so they travel to Amsterdam, where the author resides. The couple meet the author, who has a drinking problem and is rude. After the young couple return home, their illnesses become the driving force that brings the author to the United States and alters their viewpoint of life and death.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

John Green’s exceptional writing style has given the reader an insight into teenagers who grapple with a terminal illness.  The subject matter is not easy to address, but Green creates Hazel in a manner that makes the reader understand her inner turmoil.  He does an extraordinary job in bridging the characters’ everyday existence with the very real fact that their existence is indeed limited.

The main story is about Hazel, which makes the book appeal to female readers. However, the steadfast appearance of Gus may allow young male readers to enjoy the book as well. Green is able to draw the reader into the characters’ individual stories, which will engage a wide variety of readers.

It is easy for readers to imagine Hazel and Gus’ trip to Amsterdam; it is as if the reader is on the trip. Green is able to transcend the fictional story and make the reader fall in love with the characters. The story is heartbreakingly realistic and the average reader will be able to empathize with the characters.  The book also tackles everyday teenage issues such as falling in love, and other teenage angsts.  The book is more story and character driven than other books, which will engage younger teenagers.

Readers above the age of thirteen will become engrossed in Hazel and Augustus’ lives.  Green accurately displays, not only their everyday lives, but the impending heartache of their looming death. This is a book that will be difficult to put down until the reader finishes it.

In addition to the print version, there is an audiobook version of The Fault in Our Stars.  This version is performed by Kate Rudd. She does an exceptional job at reading Green’s text and is particularly believable as Hazel.  It is understandable why the audiobook version won the 2013 Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production. 

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Time Magazine’s #1 Fiction Book of 2012
• An Entertainment Weekly Best Fiction Book of 2012
• #1 New York Times Bestseller
• #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller
• USA Today Bestseller
• #1 Children’s Indiebound Pick
• New York Times Editor’s Choice
• The Huffington Post Best Books of 2012
• A Booklist Books for Youth Editor’s Choice
• The Horn Book Fanfare List
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book
• A School Library Journal Best Book
• Unprecedented EIGHT starred reviews

Starred Review from Booklist:  “Beautifully conceived and executed, this story artfully examines the largest possible considerations—life, love, and death—with sensitivity, intelligence, honesty, and integrity.”

Starred Review from Kirkus: “Green seamlessly bridges the gap between the present and the existential, and readers will need more than one box of tissues to make it through Hazel and Gus’ poignant journey.”

Starred Review from School Library Journal: “Once again Green offers a well-developed cast of characters capable of both reflective thought and hilarious dialogue. With his trademark humor, lovable parents, and exploration of big-time challenges.”

Review from the New York Times: “…written in his signature tone, a blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical and funny.”

Review from NPR.org: ““Green writes books for young adults, but his voice is so compulsively readable that it defies categorization. He writes for youth, rather than to them, and the difference is palpable….You will be thankful for the little infinity you spend inside this book.”

CONNECTIONS

*A book for teens and young adults that shares the process of life and death in a poignant, but relatable manner.

*Other books by John Green:

Looking for Alaska. ISBN 978-0142402511
Paper Towns. ISBN 978-0142414934
An Abundance of Katherines. ISBN 978-0142410707

*Other books that focus on terminally ill teenagers:

Wunder, Wendy.  The Probability of Miracles. ISBN 978-1595144805

Hurwin, Davida Wills. A Time for Dancing.  ISBN 978-0316036344

Sparks, Nicholas.  A Walk to Remember.  ISBN 978-0446693806

*Audiobook
Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. ISBN 978-1-4558-6974-9

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Rapunzel's Revenge

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2011. Illustrated by Nathan Hale. Rapunzel’s Revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 978-1599902883

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Rapunzel is young girl with long flowing hair who is raised in a tower by her mother. Upon learning that the woman raising her was not her mother, Rapunzel escapes from the tower that has imprisoned her for her entire life. In a twist to the traditional tale, Rapunzel partners with Jack; he is the boy from the classic story, Jack and the Beanstalk. When Rapunzel and Jack decide to dissolve her mother’s malevolent hold on the outlying empire, the true adventure begins. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Set in the Wild West, Rapunzel’s Revenge has familiar elements to the classic tale, but may be different enough to turn off more traditional readers. One of the main differences in the story is the setting.  This enables Hale to include examples of Rapunzel braiding her hair into two long braids and using them as lassos.  The illustrations are adept at sharing the exciting, non-stop action of the Wild West.  The colorful and vibrant frames are filled with illustrations that augment the storyline.

Some readers may embrace the changes and enjoy the additions to the story. The layout of the book is a comic book graphic novel which allows many alterations in plot and setting. While the plot is engaging and is a pleasant departure from the more traditional Rapunzel, the inclusion of Jack as a side kick instead of a prince is incongruous.  This unorthodox change may appeal to some readers, and may also encourage more young male teenagers to read the book.

While the traditional tale is appropriate for younger readers, the altered format limits the audience to readers who are older and may be familiar with the graphic novel format.  However, the altered story line will appeal to older elementary school readers and older.  Rapunzel’s strong, yet carefree personality will appeal to young female readers, and may encourage them to expand their reading choices into the world of graphic novels.

There is no doubt that Rapunzel’s Revenge is well written and exquisitely illustrated, but the not so subtle plot alterations may baffle readers who are familiar with the traditional tale.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• ALA Notable Children’s Book
• Cybils Award Winner
• Indie Next Pick
• Will Eisner Award Nominee
• YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
• Texas Lone Star Reading List Nominee
• Kidsread.com Best Book
• Teensread.com Best Book

Starred Review from School Library Journal: “The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure for the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.”

Starred Review from Horn Book: “Its high action quotient, immediate sensory thrills, and wisecracking heroes…should win many converts…With such a successful debut, one hopes to see more graphic novels from this trio.”

Starred Review from Publishers Weekly: “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”

Kirkus Review: “Nathan Hale’s art, stylistically reminiscent of a picture book, provides a snazzy counterpoint to the folksy text. A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice for younger teens.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Other books written by Shannon and Dean Hale, and illustrated by Nathan Hale:

Calamity Jack. ISBN 978-1599900766

*Other Graphic Novels for Teens:

Tan, Shaun.  The Arrival.  ISBN 978-0439895293

L’Engle, Madeline. Illustrated by Hope Larson.  A Wrinkle in Time: A Graphic Novel.
          ISBN 978-0374386153
Shelley, Mary. Adapted by Jason Cobley. Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel (American English, Original Text). ISBN 978-1906332495

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

Breaking Stalin’s Nose

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yelchin, Eugene. 2011. Breaking Stalin’s Nose. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 978-0-8050-9216-5

2.   PLOT SUMMARY

A young Sasha Zaichik is excited to join the Stalin’s youth organization, the Young Pioneers.  It is an event he has been dreaming of as long as he can remember.  However, when his father is arrested from their home, Sasha begins to question the political ideals that he has always believed.  His father’s arrest sets off a chain of events that alters the young boy’s entire belief system about the Communist Party in the Soviet Union. Over the course of just a few days, Sasha matures into a young boy who is able to make decisions about the world around him. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Breaking Stalin’s Nose is the 2012 Newbery Honor book.  It is Eugene Yelchin’s first published book that he is the writer and illustrator and not solely the illustrator.  Yelchin intersperses illustrations throughout the text of Breaking Stalin’s Nose.  This gives the impression that the plot is appropriate for younger readers, however, the plot complexities and subject matter are more appropriate for readers in late elementary school or even middle school.

The group apartment lived in by Sasha and his father, and the school classroom give a sense of realism to the setting that most readers will be able to envision.  Yelchin does an exemplary job describing the political viewpoint of the times and the importance of Stalin’s regime.  The manner in which the Communist Party is portrayed makes the book ideal for adult readers as well. In addition to this, the accurate depiction of the tribulations that occurred living under Stalin’s rule augments the story and adds to an overall positive literary experience.

Readers will fall in love with Sasha and the personal growth that he experiences in the book.  Older readers will be able to empathize with his maturing view of the world in which he lives, and younger readers will connect with his forthrightness.  As Sasha grows into his new ideas about the Communist Party, it is clear that there are parallels between his personal growth and the personal growth of other young people in various time periods. 

Yelchin’s book won the Newbery Honor because it is an excellent piece of literature for older children, and also for adults of all ages.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• 2012 Newbery Honor Book
• 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection
• 2012 Distinguished Work of Historical Fiction Award - Children’s Literature Council of Southern California
• 2012 Women’s National Book Association’s Judy Lopez Memorial Award
• 2013 KS William Allen White Award 
• The Best Children’s Books of 2011 by Hornbook
• The Best Children’s Books of 2011 by Washington Post
• 2012 Capitol Choices Book, Noteworthy Books for Children

Starred Review in Hornbook: ““…this brief novel gets at the heart of a society that asks its citizens, even its children, to report on relatives and friends. Appropriately menacing illustrations by first-time novelist Yelchin add a sinister tone.”

San Francisco Chronicle: “A miracle of brevity, this affecting novel zeroes in on two days and one boy to personalize Stalin's killing machine of the '30s. …black-and-white drawings march across the pages to juxtapose hope and fear, truth and tyranny, small moments and historical forces, innocence and evil.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books:  "The cat-and-mouse chase that pits Sasha’s whole world against him will rivet middle-grade readers, but this title will hold special appeal for older students whose grasp of content outstrips their reading proficiency."

Wall Street Journal:  “Mr. Yelchin has compressed into two days of events an entire epoch, giving young readers a glimpse of the precariousness of life in a capricious yet ever-watchful totalitarian state.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* A story about how a lifetime of convictions can get turned upside down in an instant.

*Other books illustrated by Eugene Yelchin:

The Next Door Bear. ISBN 006125925X

Heart of a Snowman.  ISBN 978-0061259265

Ghost Files: The Haunting Truth.  ISBN 978-0061283956

*Books that deal with children in the Soviet Union and Russia:

Sis, Peter.  The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain.  ISBN 978-0374347017

Lugovskaya.  I Want To Live: The Diary of a Young Girl in Stalin’s Russia.  ISBN 978-0618605750