Science Fiction (9 of 9) A Wrinkle in Time

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L'Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York, NY:  Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.
ISBN-13:  9780440498056
Format:  Paperback
Cost:  $5.99

Annotation:  Meg Murry is a typical awkward teenager, and part of a very smart, strange family, including scientist parents, one of which is missing, a younger brother with strange abilities who only talks to his family, and twin brothers, Sandy & Denny. Meg, her gifted brother, and her friend Calvin are tessered through time and space by strange creatures, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, to save Meg's father who is being held by the evil IT on the planet Camazotz behind the darkness.

Awards:  1963 Newberry Medal
1965 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Booktalk:  Meg Murry is an insecure awkward teenager whose brilliant scientist father has been missing for over a year. Discover whether Meg, her gifted brother, Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin will be able to find her father through A Wrinkle in Time.

What is a tesseract? On a dark and stormy night, Meg Murry, a gangly awkward teenager, discovers from Mrs. Whatsit, a strange celestial creature, that a tesseract helps one travel through time and space. Meg's father, a brilliant scientist, had been working on this secret scientific concept when he went missing over a year ago. Mrs. Whatsit and her two companions, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, enlist the help of Meg, her specially gifted younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin, to rescue Mr. Murry from the evil IT on the planet Camazotz behind the darkness. Many strange adventures occur as Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin learn about friendship, love, courage, and who they really are. Will these time and space travelers be able to rescue Meg's father through A Wrinkle in Time?

Available Formats:  Paperback, Kindle, Library Binding, Audible Audio Edition, Audio CD.

Teen Quote:  13-year-old Sydney P. likes to read science fiction and she is into reading Star Wars books right now. She tries to read every day and reading is one of her favorite pastimes. She really likes to read a good mystery or romantic fantasies. The only social media she uses is Google Plus. This is what she thought of the book, A Wrinkle In Time:

"A Wrinkle In Time was a very good read, it had the components of a mystery but the characters from a fantasy. It is a story of an ordinary girl whose father goes missing and she and her brother and a friend must go to save him from the Big Black Thing. In the end all is right and the story wraps up with a fatnastic close. This was an amazing read. I would recommend this to anyone who loves sci fi."

Multimedia:  In 2003, a movie based on the book, A Wrinkle In Time was made. You can watch a movie clip here:

If you would like to listen to the book, A Wrinkle in Time, you can start with chapter 1 here:

Extra! Extra!  Did you know Mrs. L'Engle wrote quite a few books, and A Wrinkle in Time is the first in a series? Check out all things Madeliene at her website here:  http://www.madeleinelengle.com/.

Here is a Facebook page for the book, A Wrinkle in Time:  https://www.facebook.com/wrinkleintime/.

Multicultural Fiction (1) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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Alexie, S. & Forney, E., Illustrator. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian. New York, NY:  Little, Brown, and Company.
ISBN-13:  9780316013697
Format:  Paperback
Cost:  $8.99

Annotation:  14-year-old Arnold Spirit Jr. (Junior) is a gifted artist growing up on an Indian reservation in Spokane, Washington. Determined to escape from the poor, alcoholic despondency of the reservation and become a famous cartoonist, he leaves his school to attend a public school far from the reservation and finds it difficult to balance the red Indian world and the white public school world.

Awards:  2007 National Book Awards for Young People's Literature
2007 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
2007 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book
2009 Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audio book Production Honor
2010 American Indian Library Association Award

Booktalk:  This coming of age story is filled with drawings, cartoons, and art that wonderfully reflect the thoughts and feelings of Arnold Spirit, Jr. a.k.a. Junior, a quirky, unusual looking 14-year-old Indian trying to figure out his identity, and desperately wanting to escape the helplessly poor and self-destructive lifestyle that seems to prevail on the Indian reservation:

                                         Image © Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney, Illustrator

Rowdy is Junior's frenemy protector:

                                         Image © Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney, Illustrator

But when Junior decides to go to the white public school far away, the friendship is strained:

                                         Image © Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney, Illustrator

Junior is considered a traitor by the Indians and doesn't quite fit in at the public school. These two worlds are difficult to balance:

                                         Image © Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney, Illustrator

And when tragedy strikes Junior close to home, he reflects on who he is and what he needs to do to become successful in life. Read this humorous, dark, tragic yet hopeful story of a boy just trying to survive in the middle of two very different worlds.

Available Formats:  Paperback, Kindle, Hardcover, Audible Audio Edition, Audio CD

Quote:  Taken from page 217:

"I wept and wept and wept because I knew that I was never going to drink and because I was never going to kill myself and because I was going to have a better life out in the white world. I realized that I might be a lonely Indian boy, but I was not alone in my loneliness. There were millions of other Americans who had left their birthplaces in search of a dream. I realized that, sure, I was a Spokane Indian. I belonged to that tribe. But I also belonged to the tribe of American immigrants."

Multimedia:  In 2007, Mr. Alexie read a portion of his book and did a radio interview with NPR. You can listen to it here:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14586575.

Extra! Extra!  Check out The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian on Tumblr here:  https://www.tumblr.com/search/the-absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-indian.

Graphic Novel (1) AYA

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/308424.Aya

Abouet, M. & Oubrerie, C. (2007). Aya. Montreal, Quebec, Canada:  Drawn & Quarterly.
ISBN-13:  9781894937900
Format:  Hardcover
Cost:  $19.95

Annotation:  This fictional graphic novel takes place in Yopougon, or Yop City, on the Ivory Coast of Africa, during the 1970's. Follow the ups and downs of life of 19-year-old Aya, her family, and friends as they work, go to school, enjoy the night-life, have domestic squabbles, and gossip about each other.

Awards:  2006 Best First album, Angoulê International Comics Festival

Booktalk:  The dynamic, warm colors of the drawings in this graphic fiction novel transport the reader to the lively and active Yop City on the Ivory Coast of Africa in the 1970's. An included preface helps the reader understand the culture and history of the story:

                                  Image © Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie (Illustrator)

And a glossary and useful information about the clothes and food of the culture is found at the back of the book:

                                   Image © Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie (Illustrator)

Aya, a smart and wise 19-year-old, introduces us to her family and friends, Adjoua and Bintou, and their families and friends:

                                     Image © Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie (Illustrator)

Life is busy in Yop City, with school and work, but Adjoua and others find time to dance at the disco:

                                  Image © Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie (Illustrator)

And hook-up in the market square under the stars at night:

                                  Image © Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie (Illustrator)

Unfortunately, secret connections have a way of becoming uncovered, and when Adjoua finds out she's pregnant with Moussa's baby, there are a lot of issues to be resolved. Moussa is the son of a prominent businessman and Bintou's boyfriend, and Adjoua's father is a working-class journalist:

                                   Image © Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie (Illustrator)

Will there be a wedding? Read the first book in this trilogy and find out!

Available Formats:  Hardcover

Quote:  Taken from page 84, Bintou confronts Aya about Adjoua:

Bintou:  "Did you know about Adjoua's wedding?"
Aya:  "All of Yopougon knows."
Bintou:  "How could she do this to me?"
Aya:  "Bintou, love is unpredictable. It was an accident, you know."

Multimedia:  Find out more about Marguerite Abouet, the author of Aya here:  http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2010/01/31/marguerite-abouet/.

Extra! Extra!  Did you know Clément Oubrerie, the illustrator for Aya, is Marguerite Abouet's husband? What a talented couple! Check out some pictures from Aya on the publisher's website as well as an excerpt from the book here:  https://www.drawnandquarterly.com/aya.

Science Fiction (8 of 9) Ready Player One

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Cline, E. (2011). Ready player one. New York, NY:  Crown Publishers.
ISBN-13:  978030887436
Format:  Hardcover
Cost:  $24.00

Annotation:  In the year 2044, high school senior Wade Watts is poor with only one living relative, and like millions of others, spends most of his time in the OASIS, a virtual world created by James Halliday, who, after his death, left puzzles pertaining to 80's trivia to be solved. Wade's whole life has been spent in the virtual world, totally dedicated to the quest of solving all the puzzles, as the winner controls the OASIS and becomes wealthy beyond imagination.

Awards:  2012 Prometheus Award for Best Novel
2012 ALA Alex Award

Mini Book Review:  James Halliday created the OASIS, a virtual world in which people live, work, go to school, and play in the year 2044. Mr. Halliday was quirky, loved 80's trivia, and upon his death, left an impossible puzzle contest for one lucky winner to win the lottery ticket, control the OASIS, and become extremely wealthy. Many people have tried to solve the puzzle for many years, but when high school senior Wade Watts (Parzival in the virtual world), by chance, solves the first puzzle, he opens the door to the onslaught of thousands of puzzle hunters who are willing to kill to win the ultimate prize. Follow Wade on his quest for the ultimate prize, meet his virtual friends and fellow hunters, Art3mis (possible love interest), Aech, Daito, and Shoto, the evil Nolan Sorrento, corporate fiend who will kill anyone that gets in his way, enjoy massive amounts of 80's trivia, and discover what secrets the virtual world conceals from reality.

I highly recommend this exciting adventure quest through an amazingly descriptive virtual reality world. While many people escape into this fake world because reality is so discouraging and ugly, Mr. Cline points out through his story that one can't enjoy life virtually and that real happiness can only be found in the real world. This lesson is extremely relevant in relation to our high tech world and how many hours we waste, I mean spend on computers and playing computer games. This book would be a great addition to a young adult and adult fiction collection in a public or personal library, and a young adult fiction collection in a school library. This book is appropriate for ages 12 and up but be forewarned, it is a long novel. Additionally, older adults will enjoy the nostalgia of the 80's trivia!

Available Formats:  Paperback, Kindle, Hardcover, Audio CD, Audible Audio Edition.

Quote:  Taken from page 364, advice from the virtual avatar Halliday:

"I need to tell you one last thing before I go. Something I didn't figure out for myself until it was already too late." He led me over to the window and motioned out at the landscape stretching out beyond it. "I created the OASIS because I never felt at home in the real world. I didn't know how to connect with people there. I was afraid for all of my life. Right up until I knew it was ending. That was when I realized, as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it's also the only place where you can find true happiness. Because reality is real."

Multimedia:  Here is an interview with author Ernest Cline, about the book Ready Player One:

(Disclaimer to video, please note this video was from 2011, so the book signings at the end have already taken place!)
 Extra! Extra! Once you read Ready Player One, you will be ready to test your knowledge with a quiz game about the story! You can take the quiz here: http://www.shmoop.com/ready-player-one/setting-quiz.html

Science Fiction (7 of 9) Cinder

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/11235712-cinder

Meyer, M. (2012). Cinder. New York, NY:  Feiwel and Friends.
ISBN-13:  9780312641894
Format:  Hardcover
Cost:  $17.99

Annotation:  This twist on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, portrays a future New Beijing inhabited by humans and cyborgs, an evil Queen Levana who has special powers and is waiting for her chance to conquer the earth, an evil stepmother, a prince, a princess, a plague, and a ball. Will secrets be revealed and can one teenager save the earth?

Awards:  None

Booktalk:  Linh Cinder is a 16-year-old cyborg who runs a fix it shop in New Beijing. When Prince Kai drops off his android to be fixed, sparks fly and Cinder realizes there is something more going on with the broken android and herself. Meanwhile, Kai's father dies, Kai becomes the emperor, and Queen Levana, ruler of the moon, tries to use her powers to force Kai to marry her so she can conquer the earth. Additionally, there is a terrible plague infecting humans, and when Peony, Cinder's favorite sister, contracts the plague, Cinder's stepmother, out of anger, sends Cinder to become a lab rat for plague research. Dr. Erland discovers Cinder is immune to the plague, which could be a curse and a blessing at the same time. On page 98, Dr. Erland shares this news with Cinder:

"So...I don't have the plague?"
"That's correct, Miss Linh. You do not have the plague."
"And I'm not going to die."
"Correct."
"And I'm not contagious?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Lovely feeling, isn't it?"
"She leaned against the wall. Relief filled her, but it was followed by suspicion. They had given her the plague, but now she was healed? Without any antidote? It felt like a trap, but the orange light was nowhere to be seen. He was telling her the truth, no matter how unbelievable it seemed. "Has this happened before?"
"An impish grin spread across the doctor's weathered face. "You are the first. I have some theories about how it could be possible, but I'll need to run tests, of course."

What does this information reveal about Cinder? Who is she, really? Will she be able to stop Kai from marrying the evil queen and save her sister and many others from the plague? Will she marry Kai and live happily ever after? Read this exciting story and discover some answers!

Available Formats:  Paperback, Kindle, Hardcover, Audio CD, Audible Audio Edition.

Teen Quote:  15-year-old Isabel C. reads some science fiction, but prefers fantasy and paranormal stories. She is quite active in social media, and uses Facebook, Blogspot, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, but her favorite, by far, is Twitter.

Here is what she thought about the book, Cinder:

"A fun and interesting take on the Cinderella story. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the final book in the series!"

Multimedia:  If you think you might be interested in reading this book, here is an excerpt from Cinder Lunar Chronicles, Book 1:

Extra! Extra! Did you know Cinder is just the first book in the Lunar Chronicles Series? Check out this fun Blogpost by Ms. Meyer, discussing the traits of the characters she has created here:
http://www.marissameyer.com/blogtype/a-guide-to-lunar-chronicles-character-traits/

On this same blogpost, Ms. Meyer links to her Pinterest board that she uses for inspiration for her series. You can check out her Pinterest board here:  https://www.pinterest.com/marissameyer22/the-lunar-chronicles/.

Chick Lit Fiction (1) Dork Diaries: Tales from a not-so-fabulous life

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Russell, R. R. (2009). Dork diaries:  Tales from a not-so-fabulous life. London, England:  Simon and Schuster UK Ltd.
ISBN-13:  9781471144011
Format:  Paperback
Cost:  $10.70

Annotation:  Nikki J. Maxwell is the new girl at West Chester Country Day, a private middle school. Read her fun and creative personal diary filled with sketches and all the details of her life as she develops friendships, explores her talents, finds a possible boyfriend in Brandon, and figures out where she fits in and who she really is.

Awards:  2010 Children's Choice Book Award for Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade Book of the Year

Booktalk:  In this first book in a series, Nikki J. Maxwell's mom gives her a diary instead of an I-Phone. How lame is that?! Nikki ends up filling the pages of her diary with fun drawings and all her thoughts and feelings as she attends her new private middle school, Westchester Country Day. Find out about mean McKenzie Hollister, "THE most popular girl in the eighth grade" (p. 22), Nikki's new friends Chloe, Zoey, and Brandon (possible love interest), and whether or not Nikki's artistic talents can help her maneuver her way through the eighth grade in a brand new middle school. On page 46, her chance to be successful at school is revealed:

"This morning the halls were plastered with colourful posters from Random Acts of Avant-Garde Art, our annual school art show. I'm SUPER-excited because the first prize for each class is $500 cash! SWEET! That would be enough for me to buy a mobile phone, a new outfit from the mall AND art supplies. But most important, winning that award could transform me from a "socially challenged ART DORK" to a "socially charmed ART DIVA" practically overnight! Who woulda thunk my art skillz could get me into the CCP clique?!"

Will Nikki win the art competition and become popular, or will she just learn to embrace being a Dork?

Available Formats:  Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle, Audible Audio Edition, Audio CD.

Quote:  This quote is on p. 43, and is from Nikki's Grandma giving Nikki a bit of advice:

"Sweetie, when life presents challenges, you can be either a CHICKEN or a CHAMPION. The choice is YOURS!"

Multimedia:  Here's a book trailer for Dork Diaries:  Tales from a not-so-fabulous life:

Extra! Extra!  Did you know, Dork Diaries: Tales from a not-so-fabulous life is just the first book in the Dork Diaries Series? If you are a fan of this fun series, then this Dork Diaries Website is a must see for you. Audio excerpts from books, fan art, videos, blogs, oh my! Check it out here: http://dorkdiaries.co.uk/my-diaries.

Did you know, a Dork Diaries movie is in the works?! Get more information here:  http://dorkdiaries.com/tag/dork-diaries-movie/.

Street Fiction (1) Way Too Much Drama

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Sewell, E. (2013). Way too much drama. Toronto, Ontario M3B 3K9, Canada:  Harlequin Kimani TRU
ISBN-13:  9780373534685
Format:  Paperback
Cost:  $9.99

Annotation:  Viviana is a fish out of water living with her cousin Maya's family since her father was killed in prison as a result of Maya's accusation of murder. Viviana seeks revenge by stealing Maya's boyfriend, becomes friends with an abused drug addict, and questions her choices when she finds herself running for her life from the drug addicts forcing her to rob a store.

Awards:  None

Booktalk:  Maya's world is turned upside down when her cousin, Viviana comes to live with her family. Viviana wants revenge because her father was killed in prison as a result of Maya telling the cops he murdered someone. Viviana steals Misalo, Maya's boyfriend, makes friends with LaShaunda, an abused drug addict, steals, and gets into fights. But Viviana is also smart and finds time to be on the school quiz team with Maya, Keysha (Maya's friend), and Misalo. When Viviana answers 10 correct questions in a row, the team wins their first competition. Viviana shares her thoughts on page 178:

"The moment caused me to reflect on my father. I know that he would have been just as proud of me. He would have hugged me or given me a high five. My father was so smart and wonderful that I know he would have helped me learn the material. Since my father wasn't around to celebrate my moment of achievement, the feeling of wanting to be acknowledged did not disappear. I wanted to commemorate the victory of winning with someone special."

Will Viviana show up for the final competition, or is the pull to run away with LaShaunda to strong?

Available Formats:  Paperback, Kindle

Quote:  Taken from page 206:

"The people inside looked at me and cast judgment upon me. Their eyes said that I was a degenerate, immoral and the scum of society. I didn't think I was any of those things, but their eyes told a different story."

Multimedia:  Here's an Excerpt from Way Too Much Drama by Earl Sewell:

Extra! Extra!  Did you know Way Too Much Drama is part of a series, and a Kimani TRU book created for young African-American and multi-cultural teens? You can find out more here:  https://kimanitruseries.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/keysha-and-indigo-the-kimani-tru-series/.

Kimani TRU also has a Facebook page which can be found here:  https://www.facebook.com/KimaniTRU.