Egg Money Edited by Deana Driver

Photo Credit:  http://www.saskatoongermandays.ca/eggmoney.html

Egg Money is a collection of biographies about Saskatchewan pioneer women and their experiences in the early 1900′s in Saskatchewan.  The stories are told by family members and friends of the women and give a glimpse into the life and times of the early colonial period in Saskatchewan.  History does not often spend time on women and daily life, so these stories expand a person’s understanding of this time period.  The book includes maps and photographs to enrich the text.  While I wouldn’t put this book into every school library on the prairies, it is a worthy addition to the historical record and would be helpful for talking about how we view history and discussing which voices get heard and which are silent.

Genre: biography, history

Rating:  Good

The Inferior by Peadar O Guilin

Stopmouth and his Tribe battle for their daily existence against other rival species in an environment largely devoid of plant life and small animals. They must hunt to survive and often exchange their weakest members with their rivals to secure food. Life is hard, brutish and short.

Stopmouth is the younger, less talented member of his family.  His brother is known for his courage and skill. They have been both companions and rivals. On his brother’s wedding day, Stopmouth is betrayed when their hunting excursion goes terribly wrong. Not long later, a woman falls from the sky and through both his life is irrevocably changed. Stopmouth is a complex and well-developed character.  The first person narrative keeps us embedded in the plot and fully aware of his thoughts and feelings.

Guilín’s book is one of action and intrigue. The quest for power and for knowledge, the nature of religious belief and rituals, and the relationship between justice and punishment make this an interesting read. Guilín’s world and its primitive society some perseverance to keep straight. A good book to recommend for readers who enjoyed Hunger Games and are interested in a different take on the reality-television-game-to-the-death.

Tackles the themes of survival, relationship between hunter and prey, ethics of hunting, the role of communication in inter-personal and national relationships, the complexity of cultural understanding. Genre: adventure, fantasy. Gr. 7-up.

Rating: good

Wolf Blood by N.M. Browne

Trista, a runaway slave, and, Morcant, a deserting Roman soldier, are on the run in the wilds of Britain.  Each of them has a powerful gift and need each other to survive the harsh winter, the warring tribes and the Roman attackers.  Browne’s story is adventure, fantasy and history well-mixed.

It is refreshing to read a story of early Britain which includes druids but not King Arthur.  Browne’s language and story will challenge and reward the young adult reader.  While I would not hesitate to put this book into a high school library, I would think twice for a small elementary school.  The language and complexity would require a skilled reader which although present in my school population are of more limited numbers.  Themes include: survival, conflict, trust, loyalty and courage.  Curriculum connections:  fantasy, adventure

Rating:  Very Good

Escape Velocity by Robin Stevenson

Lou Summers is getting by.  Her father is a good guy but he’s been injured at work and is in chronic pain. They’ve moved around a bunch and have landed most recently in Drumheller.  Lou is so used to moving, she doesn’t bother to try to make friends anymore just duck in under the radar and stay that way. Lou’s mother left when she was born and has only recently had even minimal contact with her. But when her father has a heart-attack, Lou has to go and live with her mother.  A women, she hardly knows who doesn’t like her or seem to want her to stay.

Robin Stevenson is a capable writer who takes the coming of age story and makes you care. Her characters and situations feel real and plausible.  A well-written and well-paced story for young adults.  Suitable for students grade 5 and up. A selection which will appeal particularly to female fans of realistic fiction.  Possible curricular tie-ins – growing up, family, search for identity.

Rating: excellent –  well worth purchasing for the K-8 library and 7-12 lib

Reviews – Examiner, CM, Quill and Quire

Crypt – The Gallows Curse by Andrew Hammond

Jamie Goode, aka Jud Lester, is a teenaged agent in a special covert division of MI5 investigating the paranormal.  A string of brutal unexplainable crimes are sweeping London and the witnesses have remarkably similar yet totally unbelievable stories.  Dark and swirling offenders, accompanied by cold and cockroaches, and bearing the scars of a noose.  Lester and his fellow agents must find out the source and set things right without allowing their work or even the existence of their organization to be discovered.

 Andrew Hammond tells modern and technologically infused scary story and while I expect it will appeal to quite a number of my students, this kind of fiction is not my  cup of tea.  A spy adventure/horror story set in modern-day England, it is suitable for the YA section of the library.  Edges of a romance will aid the books appeal to some while the gruesome macabre scenes will appeal to others.  Recreational reading material.

Rating: Very Good

Review – Fringe

Picturing Alyssa by Alison Lohans

For Alyssa Dixon, things keep going from bad to worse. Her baby sister was still-born, her mother is depressed, her father is stressed and their household is a compete disaster. To top it all off, a girl in her class has decided Alyssa is her  current whipping boy. Just as things start to worsen, she finds an old photograph of ancestors. Drawn to the smiling girl in the photo, Alyssa decides to take a closer look through a magnifying glass.  She finds herself transported back to a farm in Iowa, 1931 where she meet her great-grandmother, an eleven year old girl. It seems tough times and courage may be part of her family heritage.

Alison Lohans uses some well-worn novel devices to tell her coming of age story.  With one part historical fiction, one part fantasy, and one part realistic fiction, it is a decent read.  The story tells a bit about the life of Quakers in early America and takes a look at the current stand of Quakers on peace and American patriotism.  While I will likely purchase it for my church library, I’m not sure it will make the cut for school. The writing is good but not fantastic, the story is interesting but not riveting, the content is a little “too American” for my tastes. A worthy addition for an American school library but only a possible for a Canadian.

Could be used when studying different religious and cultural groups, particular early immigrants to North America and also as a selection for study of historical fiction. Suitable for grades 4-7.

Rating: fair to good

Review CM

The Cellar by A.J. Whitten

Meredith’s family has been thrown into turmoil through the accidental death of her father in a car crash caused by her sister, the driver of the vehicle. Their mother is coping through continual shopping and the sisters can no longer seem to connect. A new attractive young man, moves into the abandoned house next door and is the talk of the town. Meredith seems to be the only one not taken in by his considerable charm. Heather, her sister, is soon his girlfriend but all is not as rosy as it appears as the man next door is really a zombie.

I am not a fan of horror so The Cellar was an extreme stretch for me. The Cellar is zombie fiction which is trendy and appeals to readers of YA literature. I thought I would really hate it and I found it fairly entertaining. The violence and gore give me pause when considering putting it into a K-8 library but in the YA section it would probably be fine.  A fairly entertaining romance which will appeal to fans of horror and romance. No easy curricular tie-in, although you could use it when looking at Shakespeare’s plays as Romeo and Juliet plays a major role in the plot line. Mostly a  recreational read.

Rating: good

Suitable for grades 7 and up

Reviews:  Kirkus, Fantasy Book Addict

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Lina is looking forward to the future.  She is the well-loved eldest child of a professor in Lithuania.  Her parents are well-educated, cultured upper-middle class people.  She is a talented artist and intelligent student.  She has a loving extended family and close-knit immediate family.  Things should be looking bright for her but Stalin has taken over Lithuania and the country is being rocked by changes.  One day, her father doesn’t come home and her family is arrested.  Only by virtue of her mother’s excellent Russian and an expensive pocket watch are the three of them, her mother, brother and she, able to stay together.  Between Shades of Gray tells the story of their deportation and subsequent mistreatment in the Steppes and then in the Arctic.

The story of the people of Lithuania during the Second World War was not one I knew at all.  So much of what I have learned about World War Two is from the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, a story which must be told and told again.  The story of Stalin and his impact on the people of eastern Europe is also one which bears telling.  The story could be gruesome and it has its moments but mostly it is a story of incredible courage, generosity and gentleness in the face of extreme violence and inhumanity.  This book is a must-have title for school libraries, both K-8 and high school.  The story is descriptive and emotional but not overly graphic or sensational.  Ruta Sepetys  has written an excellent book for studying World War Two history from its human side and for expanding the story from that of Germany out into Stalin’s Soviet Republic.  The themes of survival and compassion, identity and freedom all worked together into a compelling tale.  Recommended for historical fiction fans, war history fans and those who enjoy good writing regardless of genre.

Shining Willows 2012

The busy beaver by Nicholas Oldland 

Beaver is always busy but rarely careful.  He makes a big mess of things in the woods. When his carelessness causes an accident in which he is the main victim, he learns his lesson. Is it soon enough to turn things around?

Nicholas Oldland’s beaver and friends are a delightful crew. The story is a bit pat but the humour keeps things lively. A picture book story for K-2 which may be enjoyed by older readers as well. Highlights the themes of responsibility, caring for the environment and the art of apology.  A decent addition for the K-6 library.

Rating: good

Ella May and the Wishing Stone by Cary Fagan and Geneviève Côté

Ella May finds a special stone at the beach and brings it home. Her wishing stone creates a stir among her friends and neighbours and soon she is wondering if having a wishing stone is what is cracked up to be.

Cary Fagan and Geneviève Côté team up to create a light and enjoyable story on friendship and sharing. Although the topic lends itself to didacticism, Fagan manages to avoid the pitfalls of being preachy.  A cheerful addition for the K-8 library. Well-worth purchasing.

Rating: very good

The Flute by Rachna Gilmore 

A baby girl is born beside a rushing river under the light of the moon.  Her mother names her “Chandra” after the moon which watched over her birth.  The moon keeps watch as the girl grows and life brings challenges.  When it appears things can not get worse, the girl experiences care from an unknown source.  Could it be the Moon?

The Flute is a picture book for older readers.  It has denser text and harsh life experiences.  It has the feel of a folk tale. Gilmore’s text is simple but rich which sounds paradoxical but fits. The illustrations by Pulak Biswas compliment the cultural overtones of the text.  A worthy addition for the K-8 library which will likely be appreciated by teachers and older students although it may be used in earlier years when studying Canada’s diversity and folk tales.

Rating: very good

I know here  by Laurel Croza and Matt James

Moving can be a disorienting experience and difficult for families. “I know here” relates the story of a girl who needs to move to a new place and is afraid of what is coming and leaving everything she knows behind.

Laurel Croza’s story is evocative and heart-warming. Matt James’ illustrations are breezy and child-like; matching the text and tenor of the story.  This story will speak to Canadian newcomers and families on the move for work. A great addition to Canadian literature for children and any library collection.

Rating: excellent

In the Bag!  by Monica Kulling and David Parkins

In the late 1800′s, women were not inventors, at least not very many.  Margaret Knight was not content to be an ordinary woman.  She looked at her work and its problems with an inventor’s eye and thought about what could be done.

Biography can be dull but Monica Kulling brings to life the story of Margaret Knight while still letting the facts of her life uphold the story.  David Parkins illustrations are detailed and full of character.  They bring richness to the text and information collected by Kulling.

This non-fiction selection is a great addition to any library.  Teachers will find the material helpful for units on early North America, and inventors and inventions.  Definitely worth purchasing for a K-8 collection.

Rating:  excellent

Loon by Susan Vande Griek and Karen Reczuch

Early in June baby loons hatch.  Over the next year, they grown and learn and mature.  Susan Vande Griek tells the life cycle of  the loon in this beautiful poetic picture book.  Karen Reczuch’s paintings are lovely.  The information about loons is detailed and descriptive.  I wish there might have been a way to tell more about how people can put baby loons at risk when they are hatchlings but perhaps it would have broken the poetry of the telling.  A book worth having as loons are such a well-known symbol of Canada.

Rating: very good

Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid

Barbara Reid captures the varied seasons and shapes of trees in this visual and textual poem.   I approached this book with caution knowing that perhaps it got chosen because the committee were fans of her work but this one belongs on the list.  My only critique is of the text about mid way, it seems to lose flow for a time, still this is a wonderful, beautiful picture book.  I will be interested to see if children love it as much as I do. Worth adding to your school library or home collection.

Rating: excellent

Small Saul by Ashley Spires

Small Saul was born for the sea when the Navy won’t take him. He counts on pirates to make him at home.  Things don’t work out quite as well as Saul would hope as he isn’t tough and crazy about treasure. Still Saul and his pirate friends learn that all kinds of skills and aptitudes can be appreciated.

Ashley Spires has written and illustrated this light-hearted and whimsical story of a boy finding his way and learning how to make a contribution. Although the book could be used to teach lessons about appreciating each others differences, it is not preachy or didactic. A good addition to the K-8 library.

Rating: very good

Tooter’s Stinky Wish by Brian Cretney and Peggy Collins

Tooter is a skunk with a problem.  Tooter can not make stinky spray.  After much trial and error, research and thought, Tooter is ready to give up.  Then Tooter meets a bug.  Will his new friend be able to help him?

Brian Cretney’s story is light-hearted and somewhat in the style of Melanie Watt’s Scaredy Squirrel.   Peggy Collins’s illustrations take the story from average to very good.  I found the story a bit didactic and will be interested to see how children like it.  I think it is a story which may play very well.

Rating: very good

Snow Willows 2012

Accomplice by Valerie Sherrard

Devlin Mather was a charming high school star and Lexie Malton’s boyfriend but now he is a heroin addict and pestering her for money. Valerie Sherrard’s novel about an average teenager living in trying circumstances is gritty and effective.

Written in simple, unadorned prose, this book will appeal to young adult readers of realistic fiction. While the content is intended for a mature audience, the writing will not intimidate struggling readers. Suitable for the YA section of a K-8 library and for high schools.

Ashes, Ashes by JoTreggiari

Ashes, Ashes was an enjoyable read.  It’s a teen ‘Year of the Flood’.  The world has been torn by global warming and plague only a handful of people have survived. One of them is Lucy.  She is surviving on her own living in the remains of Central Park.  Her life is hard.  She is dirty, hungry and tired.  She has to be on the look out for vicious dogs, S’ans and the Sweepers.  She has a tent, a backpack, a hunting knife, survival book and a yearbook from her last year at school.   She is driven from her base camp by a tsunami and from there finds a band of survivors.  Should she join them?

Lucy is an enjoyable character and I’m a sucker for the romantic triangle which proceeds when she arrives at the camp.  The cover is a mis-representation of Lucy, who is a grittier, dirtier and more ragged heroine.

A number of pieces from the Ashes, Ashes puzzle get left on the floor as the story proceeds.  Enough of them have been left there, that I finished the book hoping for a sequel.

Is this one worth reading?  If you read quickly and don’t mind things feeling half-done when you’re finished, go for it.  If you read slowly and want things to tie up when you are finished, try something else.

Betsy Wickwire’s Dirty Secret by Vicki Grant

Betsy Wickwire has been part of the popular crowd with a popular boyfriend, popular best friend and all the advantages of being rich, smart and pretty. Her life takes a nasty turn when she finds her boyfriend and best friend have betrayed her. She feels her only choice is to run away and start again somewhere else so she starts to look for a way out. On e way she learns about friendship, loyalty and what’s important.

Vicki Grant’s story of love, friendship and self-discovery revisits some familiar tropes from romance literature but does it without feeling too trite or repetetive. She creates characters with strong personalities and takes them to realistic places and through recognizable emotional landscapes. An enjoyable read with an engaging plot suitable for readers in grades 6-12. Something to recommend to your fans of realistic fiction and romance.

Rating: very good

Dust City  by Robert Paul Weston

Henry Whelp is the son of the Big Bad Wolf. He’s a good wolf living in trying circumstances. In and out of foster care his whole life, he is now in detention at St. Remus’s Home for Wayward Boys. Robert Paul Weston uses the cast of a variety of Grimm’s Fairy Tales to populate a story of magic gone wrong.

This modern take on the classic tales is a wild and entertaining adventure. Weston explores what it means to find happiness, to fulfill your destiny and to chart your own path. Well-written and thought provoking, this book will appeal to avid readers of fantasy. Excellent recreational reading for gr. 7-12.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Maya Delaney is a teenager growing up in a secluded village on Vancouver Island.  When her best friend dies in a freak swimming accident, she is left with some questions. The questions keep growing in the next year as she meets a sexy new student at her school and begins to have regular encounters with a cougar.

This book starts a new sci-fi\fantasy series for young adults.  The beginning is a bit slow to take shape and the ending is completely unsatisfying. It’s main problem is that it seems to just be providing set up for the series so it has all kinds of information and questions but doesn’t allow for a satisfying contained plot line.  Ideally, in a series book, the question which starts our protagonist on her hunt for truth should lead to two things, a partial answer and new questions. This book leaves out the partial answer for the initial question. I am interested in reading more from this author as she is exploring some mythological and cultural ground which is new to me and her characters are engaging but I hope the author does a better job of contained plot lines in the future books.

Recreational reading 7-12.

Held by Eddet Ravel

When Chloe decides to visit a secluded temple in Greece alone, she never imagines that her life will be completely changed. An unidentified man captures her and takes her hostage. After living the first several days in despair and fear, she slowly recovers and takes stock of her situation. Her captor is calm and watchful but never attempts to harm her.  He is young and good-looking which surprises her.  In her loneliness and fear, she reaches out to him as her sole companion.

Eddet Ravel explores the world of a hostage as she struggles to survive mentally, physically and emotionally. Written as part diary, part news article and part Facebook updates, this book will appeal to young adult readers interested in crime fiction and suspense, with a side of romance. Suitable for the YA section of a K-8 library and for high school.

Shot at Dawn  by John Wilson 

Allen McBride wants to follow in his neighbour’s footsteps and fight in the Great War. He has heard stories of heroism and courage, fun and freedom.  When he arrives at the Front, things are not what he has been lead to believe. He needs to re-learn what  bravery and loyalty mean and find his own way to survive.

John Wilson’s story of a soldier’s experiences during the First World War is richly-told and riveting. It captures the futility and pain of war and the humanness of the people struggling through it.  A fine book for lovers of historical fiction and war history.

Rating: very good

This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

Victor and Konrad are identical  twin brothers. They are alike in physical appearance and love of one another but have different temperaments. Victor is passionate and determined. Konrad is calm and kind. Victor feels he is less lovable, less intelligent and less athletic.  They do everything together – school, athletic pursuits, dramatic presentations. They have no secrets, so it seems. Konrad is suddenly taken ill and doctors are unable to help. Victor is determined to save him by whatever means are necessary. He is helped in his endeavor by his friend, Henry and step-sister, Elizabeth. Along the way, he realizes his love for Elizabeth is growing and mirrors the love his brother has for her. His love for his brother and his competition with him for Elizabeth’s affection divide his heart.

Kenneth Oppel writes a vivid tale of love, loss and temptation. His re-interpretation of Shelly’s Frankenstein is a gothic adventure perfect for young adult readers. Suitable for K-12 school libraries.

Tori by Design  by Colleen Nelson

Tori can hardly believe her family is moving to New York for the year. Tori has dreams of becoming a fashion designer and knows that  New York is the center for fashion. When her father, a primary school teacher, decides to take a sabbatical, she convinces him that a move to New York will be just the ticket. The reality of life in New York isn’t quite what she envisioned but things may just come together.

This realistic fiction offering is entertaining and will appeal to teenage girls who enjoy fashion and romance. Worth adding to the K-8 fiction for recreational reading.

Rating: very good

Undergrounders by David Skuy

Jonathan, called Mouse, has been living on the street since his mom died. He is scrapping by hawking change and stealing. He is on the lookout for food, money and a warm place for the night. One particularly cold Sunday, he finds a sportswear store door open to the alley and slips in to warm up. He can’t resist taking some equipment and he finds doors opening for him in a way they haven’t before.  The question arises how can a street kid hope to play hockey?

David Skuy explores the world of a street kid as it collides with the world of a suburban hockey family. This realistic fiction story will appeal to your hockey fans. Suitable for grades 4-8, Skuy keeps the language pretty clean and the violence fairly tame to allow for younger readers to enjoy the action and suspense of this short novel.