Revolution
Jennifer Donnelly
Andi is from Brooklyn and because of her own depression, her severely depressed mom, and her rapidly failing academics, she’s being forced to stay with her dad in Paris for a short time while he works on some DNA research. Andi and her dad don’t get along all too well, and she’s not happy about the arrangement. Alex lives in Paris, or she did two centuries ago anyway, during the time and tragedy of the French Revolution. Andi finds Alex’s diary and immediately gets entrenched in the past, in Alex’s pain, in her determination, and in her inevitably short future. Just as Andi loses herself in Alex’s world, it’s possible for readers of Revolution to get lost in Andi’s. The dark undertones of the book can be overwhelming, but the beauty that emerges within the characters and the setting is worth the muddy road to get there. This book ended just exactly the way I wanted it to, the way I needed it to. Recommended to all teen readers — in addition to the fascinating history, the romance will capture the girls and the adventure and mystery will intrigue the boys. The heartache will touch all.
Jersey Tomatoes are the Best
Maria Padian
Henry Lloyd is a killer tennis player, and her best friend Eva Smith is a prima ballerina. Both girls absolutely love their sport, their home state of New Jersey, and each other enough to get them through just about anything, including the insanity of their parents. Henry’s dad is currently her coach and he’s very hot-tempered, especially when it has to do with Henry’s tennis. And Eva’s mom has focused her entire life around Eva’s ballet.
This summer, Henry has an opportunity to go down to an exclusive summer tennis camp in Florida. Being separated from her best friend would be super hard if Eva hadn’t also gotten a great opportunity — entrance into a ballet summer school in New York City. So, everything is working out fantastically! But, Henry starts to see attitudes emerge that she doesn’t like, mostly from inside herself. And Eva is succumbing to the ultimate dancer stereotype during her battle with weight and control.
Readers will skip right along with Henry and Eva as their alternating chapters reveal more and more about themselves and their dreams. Henry is a much more three-dimensional character than her best friend with a much more interesting storyline in the end, but either way, girls (especially Jersey girls) should enjoy this read.
A.D. : New Orleans after the Deluge
Josh Neufeld
Author and cartoonist, Josh Neufeld, follows the experience of seven individuals whose lives were completely altered in the destruction and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, it was predicted that Katrina’s path would run straight through New Orleans, Louisiana. Based on past experiences with hurricanes, or driven by loyalty to their homes, or frightened and heedful of the warnings to evacuate the nearby cities, some residents chose to ride out the storm at home, and some choose to seek solace elsewhere. Some individuals were rich, many others were poor; some were flanked by family or materials, and others had next to nothing to lose. All were greatly traumatized by the resulting storm. By the government’s response. By the conditions of support, or lack there of. And by the efforts to rebuild.
Denise, The Doctor, Abbas and Darnell, Kwame, Leo and Michelle tell Josh Neufeld of their real life experiences living through Hurricane Katrina and the resulting flooding and destruction of a famous city. Through words and pictures, the impact of these stories is heavy without being overwhelming. The author is able to present these lives in a way that invokes understanding and a true emotional connection. I found myself crying over comic books, but rallying in support of those who are still struggling to regain their sense of home. Recommended for absolutely everyone.
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Katherine Vasilik, A/YA Librarian
J. F. Kennedy Library
Piscataway, NJ
telephone: 732-463-1633 x6
email: kvasilik@piscatawaylibrary.org or kate_thelibrarian@yahoo.com
blog: http://katethelibrarian.blogspot.com