Best read

You'll be hearing about this one.

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta is one of the best books I've enjoyed reading in a long time. The genre is young adult fantasy, with a touch of magic and princesses -- and enough battle and strategy to appeal to everyone.

It's a fairly recent release (Candlewick Press, 2010) and it has received numerous positive reviews by both individuals and by professional reviewing sources.

Marchetta is also the author of Jellicoe Road, winner of the Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.

Young adult literature

Hearn, Julie. 2005. The minister's daughter. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

recommended for young adults (middle into high school)

Nell is a child of the mid-1600's in England: a Merrybegot, born on the 1st of May; granddaughter of a healer or "cunning woman;" and alone in the world after her grandmother dies. Her life is not normal, even for the year of 1645. Birthing faery babies, avoiding the piskies that live in the furrows and bush, and using herbs and magic spells to keep the folk in the village well, Nell has seen perspectives on life that most young people don't see. But when the snobby minister's daughters get into some trouble through wayward means, Nell may be one of the few that can help. But she's also the target of their accusations of witchery. Ms. Hearn gives us a carefully woven and a compelling story of two very different walks of life -- and how each earns its own rewards.

This engaging read is an example of young adult literature that also falls into the genres of fantasy and historical fiction. It mixes normal adolescent concerns along with fantastical touches of magic in an intriguing story that masterfully connects the reader to the early Colonial American Salem witch trials. As shown in the resolution to this story, truly the seeds we sow today will be what we reap in time. As an example of young adult realistic writing, we see a detailed slice of life in rural, mid-1600's England with believable characters --good and bad-- who play out the constantly-moving and developing story line. The resolution to Nell's situation could be criticized as having a touch of deus ex machina, but the author carefully intertwines evidence to support the ending earlier in the story line. The story concludes with a hopeful, satisfying ending that will make the reader smile.

I was not enthusiastic about reading this title because it seemed, at the beginning, to be a heavier and darker work than I was prepared to read. I was quickly won over, however, by the development of Nell's character and the detailed description of her life in rural England with her grandmother and her growing skills as a healer and midwife for the faeries. Most satisfying of all, the evil-intentioned get their come-uppance in the end. One sour note for me was the stereotyping of the minister and his family as "puritanical." These characters in Ms. Hearn's book are marked by a complete lack of integrity and grace, qualities more true than not for the real, generally admirable Puritans. Superficial literature about this era, however, generally treats Puritans in a similar manner, so the overall impact of the book is not diminished.

Key words: Puritans, magic, witches, adolescence, English Civil War, King Charles II

Young adult realistic fiction

Broach, Elise. 2005. Shakespeare's secret. New York: Holt.

recommended for: 5th through 9 grades.

With a first name like Hero, there's bound to be problems for the new sixth grader. But out of the source of her name comes an intriguing mystery tied to the very same Shakespearean work. Somewhere in the new house her family has moved into is hidden a significant treasure: a diamond! And not just any diamond -- it's somehow related to Shakespeare and his era long centuries ago. With the help of an elder neighbor and an unexpected ally in an older, popular student, Hero discovers that a little sleuthing and doing what's right can often lead to unexpected --but rewarding-- consequences.

This representative of the realistic fiction genre for young adult literature models some of the best qualities of the category: an easy-to-know protagonist whose problems are similar to yours and mine, plausible and realistic situations and plot developments, and a satisfying and positive conclusion to both the story's mystery and Hero's personal dilemna. Ms. Broach skillfully develops Hero's character as the action unfolds, and we are reassured by the normalcy of Hero's situation: a sound family unit, solid community and personal values, and realistic conflicts both within Hero's school situation and with her sibling. Adults contribute to Hero's development and to the resolution of the problem, but Hero herself is able to reason and deduce the needed inforamtion. Readers will be delighted to discover the truth behind the mystery diamond and its hiding place.

Sometimes the problem-oriented young adult realistic fiction works can tend to oppressiveness in the depth and nature of the conflict, and I found myself relishing a "normal" protagonist whose problems were resolvable without major drama. The "real" world holds much heartache and pain for most of us, and I believe students will enjoy a chance to empathize with a protagonist's situation without overshadowing their own. A satisfying read that is both credible and engaging.

Key words: Shakespeare, school bullies, elders, family relations

Young adult historical fiction

Peck, Richard. 2004. The teacher's funeral : a comedy in three parts. New York: Dial Books.

recommended for: grades 5 - 8

Fifteen year-old Russell Culver has one dream that will take him out of the rural area where he has grown up: escape to the Dakotas for harvest time where the work is meaningful and pays well -- and best of all, gets him out of school! But destiny and Pa Culver have other plans for Russell. This school year is going to be different. After Ms. Myrt tragi-comically passes on to her reward, the new teacher is none other than Russell's older sister Tansy, who has been privileged to study at the distant high school. Between Pa and Tansy and fate itself, Russell is forced to spend another year at home, and in doing so, comes to learn much more about the people around him, his family and his own inner self.

Author Richard Peck is well-known for his humorous yet accurate renderings of young adults in historical moments that engage today's reader. This title is another successful title: the early 1900s in rural Indiana are portrayed authentically and with accuracy. The reader is transported to the time and the period when schools were single buildings with a privy close by. Transportation is by horse, if one is mobile, and the new-fangled automobile is viewed with suspicion and concern. Mr. Peck's exceptional ability for the language and nuances of living in the times is spot-on in this work, and readers will enjoy the chance to see life through a more innocent and community-based time.

I was familiar with Peck's work through the historical fiction The ghost was mine, a story of young Daisy who becomes somehow connected with the ghost of a young girl who was on the Titanic at the time of its tragic end. The humor in this Teacher's funeral is less overt but nonetheless present as it lightens and makes attractive the narrative of a young man's life a century ago. Middle school readers will enjoy this look at life that still allows for narrative surprises and laughs.

Key words: rural Indiana, one-room schools, harvest, early threshing machines

Modern fantasy for children and young adults

Buckley, Michael. 2005. The Sisters Grimm, book one: the fairy tale detectives. New York: Amulet Books.

recommended for: grade 5 though middle school

Recently orphaned and tossed about in foster homes that failed, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm need a secure, loving port in this storm. But when they are finally joined with their never-before seen "grandmother," Sabrina is increasingly sure that the old lady's tales can NOT be true -- and in fact, the two girls must be staying in the house of a crazy person! But as events transpire that can only be explained by Granny Relda's stories, Daphne, and slowly Sabrina as well, come under her spell and come to realize their true place in the Grimm family: they are to carry on the family tradition as maintainers of order in the world where humans and the magical creatures of traditional fairy tales try to live together. In this first book in the series, we're left cheering for the two girls and their new family as they seek the parents who have been captured by the dark side of magic. Volume 2 is ready for reading!

True to the characteristics of good modern fantasy, Michael Buckley writes a well-crafted story that blends reality with fantastical beings that capture the reader's attention. The two girls' emotions are realistic and engaging, and the details in the developing story readily allow the reader to suspend belief and accept the new situation the girls find themselves in. Library Media Connection (February 2006) comments "Buckley does a good job of twisting the fairy tales and placing the Everafters in the modern world. ... Sabrina and Daphne seem much more like real children than Lemony Snicket's orphans. Sabrina's prickly skepticism and Daphne's desire for a home make the reader want everything to work out." There are times when the plot bogs down or the "sometimes stilted prose" (Book List November 2005) moves slowly, but overall this will appeal to young readers of fantasy who appreciate a contemporary --and at the same time, not so-- setting.

This is not a resource my school library has owned before, and I think that it will be a reasonably popular title for the older students. The winning mix of "now and real" with a very credible "magic at the same time" environment will have kids wanting more, I believe. It will be interesting to see how well the series fits with our student population.

Key words: magic, fairy tales, family relations, orphans, Prince Charming.

Traditional fantasy for children and young adults

McDermott, Gerald. 1974. Arrow to the sun. New York: Viking Press.


recommended for: Kindergarten through 2nd grade



"Long ago the Lord of the Sun sent the spark of life to earth." In this Caldecott Award (1975) book, the recounting of a Pueblo Indian tale tells how the spark became a boy, and how the boy endured scorn and hardship to find his father. The Wise Arrow Maker perceives that the boy is from the Sun and assists him to return there and confront his father. Through even more trials, the boy perseveres and earns his father's acceptance, and is again sent to earth, to take the Sun's spirit to the world of men. There he is received with celebration.

From first glance, it is the illustrations in this book that catch and hold our attention. Using geometric shapes and earth colors associated with the Southwest Indians, McDermott manages to create an amazing vitality and depth of image that bring the spare, terse text to life. To those who take the time to examine the artwork, the story does indeed become an amazing re-telling of this Indian folklore.

This is another of the treasures in my school library that I haven't been aware of. I look forward to sharing the Indian folktale, but even more, the incredible art and detailed illustrations, with my students as we enjoy this outstanding example of traditional fantasy in a picture book.

Key words: Pueblo Indians, myths, Caldecott Award winners, art and illustration

Traditional fantasy for children and young adults

Martin, Rafe. 1992. Rough-face girl. Ill. By David Shannon. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

recommended for: grades 1, 2 and 3

"Once, long ago, there was a village by the shore of Lake Ontario." Thus begins this native American version of the Cinderella tale. True to the genre of traditional fantasy (based in oral tradition), this tale presents the beautiful-hearted but humble sister who, after the older, evil sisters are defeated, wins the day with her courage and clear vision.

Based on a tale from Algonquin Indian folklore, Martin shapes a very satisfying read, perhaps one of the better Cinderella stories, and Shannon's illustrations enhance and extend the story. The touch of mystery and transcendence of the hero, The Invisible One, helps build the spell under which the reader falls. Horn Book (September 1992) comments "The text contains the cadences and rhythms of oral language, and the illustrations, dark and vivid, use earth tones and shadows to convey the drama." The native American culture colors Martin's tale, and we see through Shannon's eyes the visual aspects of a people of long ago.

I have enjoyed using this book with my students when we have studied the Cinderella tales, but I think I need to do it greater service now, both in teaching about the genre and in appreciating the illustrations that Shannon has given us. A great read!

Key words: Cinderella, truth, courage, native American tales, nature

Mochizuki, Ken. 1993. Baseball saved us. Ill. by Dom Lee. New York: Lee and Low.

recommended for: 3rd through 6th grades

Set in the Japanese internment camps of the United States during World War II, this story shows us, from a child's perspective, the experience of one family as they lived through the difficult period behind a barbed-wire fence. The prejudice and the injustice behind the internment of the period are dealt with subtly, and the reader sees, through Shorty's eyes, the hardships and desolation of the experience. Woven through is the plot line of how the internees initiate and develop a baseball program which, by the end of the book, proves a saving of the situation and a means of personal growth and affirmation for the main character.

From the perspective of multicultural literature, this story offers a balanced and accepting view of the Japanese experience without bitterness or recriminations. Racial and cultural stereotyping is avoided, and the characters in the story are multifaceted and well-rounded. The author doesn't provide a pointedly multicultural context; rather we see the characters from the perspective of credible experiences within families living through the difficult times, interacting with family, friends and relatives. Reverse prejudice, in this case against the American guards at the camp, is absent, and instead we read of a child's normal unease against someone distant and observing. Again, the conclusion of the book resolves this distance of relation and culture believably and satisfactorily.

As a librarian, I believe the historical information from the setting of the book, as well as the reasoned and illuminating perspective into the protagonist's experience, make this a particularly appropriate selection for elementary libraries and history classrooms. I think the students will learn a lot, identify with the characters, and enjoy the story of how baseball did indeed save the day.

Key words: baseball, Japanese, World War II, internment camps

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Morley, Jacqueline. 2006. You wouldn't want to work on the Great Wall of China: defenses you'd rather not build! Ill. by David Antram. New York: Scholastic.

recommended for: upper elementary, early middle school grades

I really enjoyed my first experience with the series of "You wouldn't want to ..." books. This one provides intriguing information about the Great Wall of China from the perspective of a Chinese peon alive at the time of the building of the Wall and of his experience being pressed into service for the Emperor's construction. Amazing facts and details are shared -- such as the purpose of the Wall (not just to be a Wonder of the World), a sense of the size and distance covered by the edifice, and a clear sense of context in which the work was done.

No genre of children's literature has seen as many changes as the non-fiction or information books. This series, and this title in particular, give clear examples of the attributes of better non-fiction writing. The book is marked by an attractive design that is visually appealing to younger readers. Written from the unique perspective of someone involved in the hard work of the Wall, compelling details make the difference between "showing" and "telling" of the information. There is a wide variety in the information provided here -- nothing I have encountered before. And amazing little-known facts keep the reader engaged and moving forward to discover more!

After my experience with this title in the series, I have sought out several more that I want to share with my students. I believe this unique approach to information will have all of us visiting the Non-Fiction section of the library frequently!

Key words: Great Wall of China, empressment, Chinese dynasty, battle defenses

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Krull, Kathleen. 2005. Houdini: world's greatest mystery man and escape king. Ill. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Walker & Company.

recommended for: 3rd through 5th grades

Produced in an appealing format of a theatrical production, this biography begins with first magic production, "The Milkcan Escape," which premiered in 1908 and was a great success for Harry! Then with a flashback to the early years of Harry's life and family, the author carries the reader through the major high points of Harry Houdini's private and professional life. Each major portion of the story is told as though by an emcee at a circus, and the curtain literally opens and closes on the events. A "Behind the Scenes" and bibliography draw the story to a satisfying and interesting conclusion.

Krull's work carries the marks of a well-written and interesting biography for young readers. An authentic biography, the author acknowledges her information sources and provides an accurate re-telling of the Houdini life highlights. There are direct quotations used with care, citing Houdini's wife's comments on her husband. The overall tone of he book is even and balanced, and the reader comes away knowing a great deal about Houdini's exploits but also about him as a person.

I believe the large, visual presentation of the information in the book will provide an attractive start for students (always interested in magic) who want to know more about Houdini. There is a good blend of information and "presentation." This book should be a popular in my library.

Key words: illusion, magic tricks, Houdini, escapes

Prelutsky, Jack. 1984. The new kid on the block. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

recommended ages: 3rd through 6th grade

An assortment of poems that engage the reader quickly, we meet all sorts of characters on the pages of this book. And best of all: each has a hook that inexorably pulls the reader on to read "just one more."

This is a great way for poetry haters to get back into the joy and pleasure of poetry: non-serious (though a few touches of honest truth appear strategically), laugh-out-loud funny at times, and always enjoyable. This is no analytical, heavy experience in rhyme that will turn students away from reading.

Prelutsky is the master children's poet, of course, as illustrated by his nomination as the first Children's Poet Laureate. Teachers and parents looking for a sure-fire way to engage students in poetry will be happy that, after over 20 years, this volume is still readily available and still very relevant to readers.

Key words: poetry, rhyme, school, family life