Briar Rose
Jane Yolen
Jane Yolen’s rendition of Sleeping Beauty is a harrowing tale to tell. Unlike most of Disney’s famous and popular fairy tale interpretations, most of the original tales are far more gruesome and frightening, not meant for very small children to experience, and often have far-from-happy endings. Becca has been listening to her grandmother’s tale of Sleeping Beauty throughout her entire life. Gemma always tells the tale the same way, right up to her death, but by then she insists that she is Briar Rose, a princess who lived in a castle and was woken from sleep by a prince in a faraway place. Gemma’s dying wish to her granddaughter is to find the truth in the story. So Becca, always devoted to her grandmother, follows the clues that lead her to Chelmno, Poland. Chelmno was a concentration/extermination camp during World War II, from which no one left alive, so the story goes.
This title is recommended to all those with an interest in twisted or fractured fairy tells, especially those who can appreciate the taste of the originals, as well those who enjoy reading Holocaust and historical fiction. Briar Rose is part of Terri Windling’s Fairy Tale Series, which also features reinterpretations of classic fairy tale themes by Jane Yolen, Steven Brust, Pamela Dean, Patricia C. Wrede, Charles de Lint, and others.
The Storm in the Barn
Matt Phelan
Told in graphic novel format through stark illustrations and selective wording, Jack Clark shares a short period of his life when he is considered too young to know anything, but old enough to know better. It is 1937 in Kansas during the Dust Bowl and Jack is 11 years old. Jack lives on a farm with his family, including a sick sister, and it hasn’t rained in four years. Before the world stopped, he wasn’t old enough to learn how to work the farm or how to grow up to be a man, and now, even though he’s gotten older, he’s treated like he’s still a child. But Jack has noticed the barn that’s all locked up — he hears sounds at night and sees a light shining through the slats of its wooden walls. He’s shocked to find that he can open the door to the barn, and he’s even more shocked — and frightened — by what he finds inside, and what it all means. In a dangerous world, where children are cruel from boredom and men are cruel from necessity, Jack finds the courage, the power, and the control to prove his worth to his family and himself.
This quick and power read is recommended to those of all ages, especially young boys who are struggling to find the power to stand up for themselves, as well as those interested in history. This story shows a fascinating glimmer of life during the Dust Bowl in 1937.
before i fall
Lauren Oliver
Samantha Kingston and her three best friends, Lindsay, Ally, and Elody, are the most popular girls at school. They date the cutest boys, they get away with everything, and everyone knows who they are. Their biggest worry on Cupid Day is how many roses they’ll receive during school, and hopefully it’s more than last year’s count. But when Lindsay is driving too fast after leaving a party and swerves off the road the night of February 12, all is lost and Sam plunges into darkness. Until she wakes up the next morning to her alarm clock and to her little sister, Izzy, who is relaying Mom’s message to hurry up and get ready for school . . . and the display on her phone says “February 12.” Cupid Day. Again.
The incredible journey of finding yourself, experiencing love, and giving compassion is all for the sake of that bright light that can shine onto darkness, grief, and shame. Samantha finds peace, and in turn offers a second chance to those who deserve one. This excellently written and terrifyingly powerful story is recommended to all older readers, and will especially appeal to those who are hurting with secrets, shame, or loneliness. It’s never too late to feel the joy hidden among the smallest things.
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Katherine Vasilik, Teen Librarian
Franklin Lakes (NJ) Public Library
tel: 201-891-2224 x105
fax: 201-891-5102
email: vasilik@bccls.org or kate_thelibrarian@yahoo.com
blog: katethelibrarian.blogspot.com