Science Fiction (8 of 9) Ready Player One

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/9969571-ready-player-one

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 (6 of 9) Mockingjay

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/7260188-mockingjay

Collins, S. (2010. Mockingjay. New York, NY:  Scholastic Press.
ISBN-13:  978043902351
Format:  Hardcover
Cost:  $17.99

Annotation:  In this final book of The Hunger Games Trilogy, Katniss finds herself as an unwitting pawn and the face of rebellion, as District 13 and their leader, President Coin, uses her as part of their plot to overthrow the Capitol and President Snow. Katniss is left with the final decision of whether or not there will be an end to the evil, or will there just be an exchange of one evil ruler for the other?

Awards:  2010 Voya Perfect Ten
2010 Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year for Fiction
2010 Goodreads Choice Award for Favorite Book, Young Adult Fantasy, Favorite Heroine, and Favorite Hero

Mini Book Review:  In this thrilling and intense conclusion to The Hunger Games series, Katnss has been rescued from the Quarter Quell games, Peeta has been captured by the Capitol and President Snow, District 12 has been obliterated, and Gale, Prim, and Katniss's mother are all staying in the underground District 13, which, with the leadership of President Coin, is planning to overthrow the Capitol. Katniss, as the Mockingjay, is to be the face of rebellion to spur the people on to victory, but she is just a pawn, as she discovers all the plans were made without her knowledge. Who will live, who will die, who will rule, and who will Katniss end up with?

This story, detailed and told from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, gives insight into the decisions we all must make, like who we are, where we fit in, can we make a difference,what is right and wrong, and what love really is. I highly recommend this well written conclusion that highlights the horrors of war, loss, corrupted power, the value of human life, and the importance of sacrifice, trust, love, commitment, and morality. This series should be in school, public, and personal library collections, and is appropriate for all readers ages 12 and up.

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

Teen Quote:  15-year-old Hannah W. reads almost every day. She reads science fiction sometimes, but her favorite books are adventure stories. Her main source of social media is Facebook.

This is what she thought of Mockingjay:

"I thought it was a bit overkill but was definitely better than the second book, Catching Fire. After the first one, they all go down hill in my opinion."

Multimedia:  Check out the Scholastic book trailer for Mockingjay:

Extra! Extra! Do you like to write fan fiction, or do you like to read fan fiction? If so, you might be interested in this website which highlights some contest winners who wrote stories about what might have happened after Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. Check out the winner's stories here:  https://sites.google.com/site/countdowntomockingjay/.

If you are a fan of The Hunger Games Trilogy, you have probably already seen the movies for The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay Part 1, and are anxiously awaiting the upcoming movie, Mockingjay Part 2, scheduled for release November 20, 2015. Here is the movie trailer for Mockingjay Part 2:

Science Fiction (4 of 9) Divergent

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/13335037-divergent

Roth, V. (2011). Divergent. New York, NY:  Katherine Tegen Books an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN-13:  9780062024039
Format:  Paperback
Cost:  $9.99

Annotation:  In this first book of the Divergent Trilogy, Beatrice "Tris" Potter is part of the selfless Abnegation faction, one of five different groups that the people of the post apocalypse society are divided into. Beatrice's aptitude test indicates she is divergent (a rare and dangerous state), but on Choosing Day she moves to the fearless Dauntless faction, which will not only change her life forever but will inevitably alter the dystopian community she lives in.

Awards:  2011 Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction
2011 Goodreads Choice Awards Favorite Book

Mini Book Review:  In post-apocalyptic Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior and her family belong to the selfless Abnegation faction. On Choosing Day, Beatrice moves to the fearless Dauntless faction, the group she's always admired. Beatrice's aptitude test revealed she was divergent, retaining characteristics of all factions, which is dangerous because they are a threat to the ruling powers. The initiation process into Dauntless is brutal, difficult, and dangerous, but Tris (Beatrice's new Dauntless name), with the help of Four, her trainer, love interest, and fellow secret divergent, passes, only to discover the Dauntless are being controlled and manipulated by a group of people who want to take over and rule. A battle takes place, and Tris and Four will need courage and strength to stop the take over and face their uncertain future.

This extremely long novel is a great book, but it is not for the faint of heart due to the violence of the initiation process, but the concepts of love, strength, loyalty, and overcoming one's fears makes reading the story well worth the effort. Ms. Roth creates a fascinating world, and her ability to draw one into the story will keep you interested to the very end. Due to the length of the book and the violence, I would recommend this book to an older YA audience. It would be a great addition to a school, young adult, and adult library collection.

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

Quote:  Taken from pages 441, 442:

"Every faction conditions its members to think and act a certain way. And most people do it. For most people, it's not hard to learn, to find a pattern of thought that works and stay that way." "But our minds move in a dozen different directions. We can't be confined to one way of thinking, and that terrifies our leaders. It means we can't be controlled. And it means that no matter what they do, we will always cause trouble for them."

Multimedia:  Check out this great podcast interview of Veronica Roth, the author of Divergent, here:  https://soundcloud.com/harperaudiopresents/14-veronica-roth.

A movie based on the novel, Divergent, came out in 2014. Check out the movie trailer here:

Extra! Extra!  Could you be a Divergent? Check out this Divergent Aptitude Test, and see what your results are!  http://divergentthemovie.com/aptitudetest.

Science Fiction (1 of 9) Ender's Game

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/375802.Ender_s_Game

Card, O. S. (1991). Ender's game. New York, NY:  Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
ISBN 13:  9780312932084
Format:  Hardcover
Cost:  $24.95

Annotation:  Earth is threatened by Buggers, an alien race, and the only hope of destroying the enemy lies with young genetically engineered Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a genius at simulated war games. But, the earthly battle is not the only battle going on when Ender discovers his compassion for the very enemy he fought.

Awards:  1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel
1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel

Mini Book Review:  Young, genetically engineered Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is the only hope of saving the earth from the Buggers, an alien race that attacked the earth before and threatens to do it again. Ender has the perfect blend of violence, like his brother Peter, and compassion, like his sister Valentine, to become the ultimate general and destroy the enemy. With the help of Colonel Graff, Mazer Rackham, his fellow soldiers, and his amazing talent at simulated war games, victory is achieved. Unfortunately for Ender, the internal battle rages on as he struggles with the emerging compassion he feels for the very enemy he destroyed. Can Ender find peace by becoming, "the speaker for the dead?"

I would highly recommend this well-written award winning novel that is the first in a series. Ender's struggle with the burden of leadership, how he comes to terms with who he is, the consequences of war, and the necessity for compassion are all relevant topics for the world we live in today. These subjects transcend age limitations and children from ages 12 and up would enjoy it. I found this book in both the adult fiction and young adult fiction sections of my public library. Additionally, it should be in all school libraries, and your personal libraries!

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

Teen Quote:  17 year old Liz I. reads science fiction, but really likes Fantasy and Horror books. She reads almost everyday and is active with social media with her presence on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Snapchat. Her favorite social media is Tumblr. This is what she thought of Ender's Game:

"I read Ender's Game two years ago because the film was coming out and it scared me slightly because it's about an 8 year old boy who kills a lot of people essentially. It's one of those books you read because everyone reads it but every second of the adventure he went through we as readers follow and I don't know if it's just me, but I want to go in a zero gravity battle room. It explored creative ideas I haven't seen before."

Multimedia:  The author, Orson Scott Card, does not give many interviews. Check out this rare interview from Wired here:  http://www.wired.com/2013/10/cardqa/.

Orson Scott Card also has an amazing website! Check it out here:  http://www.hatrack.com/

Extra! Extra!  Did you know that in 2013, there was a movied based on the book Ender's Game?  Check out the movie trailer here:

 Biography/Non-Fiction (1) Steve Jobs The Man Who Thought Different

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12969593-steve-jobs

Blumenthal, K. (2012). Steve Jobs The Man Who Thought Different. New York, NY:  Feiwel and Friends.
ISBN-13:  9781250015570
Format:  Hardcover
Cost:  $16.99

Annotation:  Steve Jobs was a complicated genius who changed the world with his technology ideas and innovations. Form the beginning of his life as an adopted child through to the end of his life when he died from cancer on October 5, 2011, this story provides a front row seat to the highs, lows, and creative perfectionism that drove this remarkable man's life.

Awards:  YALSA-ALA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Finalist.

Mini Book Review:  This biography follows the life of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Computers, and the man behind the success of Pixar, the IPod, and the IPhone. From his humble beginnings as an adopted child, through his life as a wealthy powerful CEO, and to his death from cancer at the age of 56, this story explores the mind and difficult personality of a man who changed the world with his technology ideas. Learning from his adopted father the value of good quality work, perfectionism and attention to details became the driving force that pushed him on to great things. Steve could be charming or volatile and these characteristics shaped the journey of his life. Some people loved him and some people hated him, but all can agree that he was one of the most creative geniuses and visionaries of our time.

Steve Jobs The Man Who Thought Different is a fascinating, easy to read non-fiction book that young adult readers of all ages will enjoy. I would highly recommend reading this book as it is full of pictures and interesting side notes and facts that help the reader really grasp the full spectrum of the life of Steve and his impact on the computer world. Additionally, an easy to read time line, glossary, bibliography, and notes section at the back of the book will not only help with reading the book, but provides information that will help to explore the topic even further. This book would fit well in both the young adult collection of a school or public library, as well as an adult collection in a public library. In fact, I found a copy in both sections in my public library! This book would be a good fit for patrons from the ages of 12 and up.

Available Formats:  Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle Edition, Audible Audio Edition, Preloaded Digital Audio Player

Quote:  From p. 255:

"In November 2009, Fortune named him "CEO of the Decade" saying the past decade in business belongs to Jobs." Calling him "a showman, a born salesman, a magician who creates a famed reality-distortion field, [and] a tyrannical perfectionist," the magazine noted that in ten years, "he has radically and lucratively reordered three markets - music, movies, and mobile telephones - and his impact on his original industry, computing, has only grown." No wonder, it said he was a worldwide celebrity."

Multimedia:  Here's a video of my mini book review:

Extra! Extra! Here's a book trailer about Steve Jobs The Man Who Thought Different:

Historical Fiction (1) The Book Thief

https://www.overdrive.com/media/347660/the-book-thief

Zusak, M. (2005). The book thief. New York: NY:  Alfred A. Knopf.
ISBN-13:  9780385754729
Format:  Paperback
Cost:  $12.99

Awards:  2006 Horn Book Fanfare
2006 Kirkus Reviews Editors' Choice Award
2006 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2006 Daniel Elliott Peace Award
2006 Publishers Weekly Best Children Book of the Year
2006 Booklist Children Editors' Choice
2007 American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults
2007 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
2007 Book Sense Book of the Year (Indie's choice)
National Jewish Book Award
2014 Edwards Award

Annotation:  Growing up in Nazi Germany during WWII, Liesel Meminger learns the power of words can get her through the extreme highs and lows of life. The human spirit of survival is victorious through the most difficult of circumstances.

Mini Book Review:  Death narrates this intense historical fiction novel about the life and survival of Liesel Meminger, a young German girl growing up in Nazi Germany during WWII. After finding a stolen book under Liesel's mattress, her foster Father, Hans Hubberman, teaches Liesel how to read which helps her deal with loss, love, abandonment, sacrifice, death, survival, and courage throughout her lifetime. Her unlikely friendship with Max, the son of a Jewish friend Hans is indebted to help hide in their basement, thrives as they share their struggles and difficulties with each other. While the inevitable death and destruction of war destroys the majority of Liesel's family and friends, Death questions how life can be so horrible and wonderful at the same time.

The Book Thief is a heavy, long fiction novel about a difficult, tragic time period in history, focused on the life of a young German teenager. Death's perspective is deeply philosophical and the story creates extremely emotional responses even thought it is peppered throughout with lighter moments. I would highly recommend reading this book as the theme of the human spirit of survival in the face of extreme opposition is applauded. This book is well suited for both a young adult library collection in a school, public, or personal library as well as in the adult fiction collection in a public or personal library. It would be a good fit for both young adults and adults alike. 

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

Quote:  On the power of words from page 147:

"Once, words had rendered Liesel useless, but now, when she sat on the floor, with the mayor's wife at her husband's desk, she felt an innate sense of power. It happened every time she deciphered a new word or pieced together a sentence. She was a girl. In Nazi Germany. How fitting that she was discovering the power of words."

Multimedia:  Here's a video of my mini book review: 

Extra! Extra! Did you know a movie based on the book came out in 2013? Check out the movie trailer here:

Classic Fiction (1) Buried Onions

Image from Scholastic

Soto, G. (1997). Buried onions. San Diego, CA:  Harcourt, Brace & Company.
ISBN-13:  9780152013332
Format:  Hardcover
Cost: $17.00

Annotation:  Life is difficult growing up in a Mexican/American neighborhood. Eddie will need to be tough to overcome the comparative tears of sadness created by the buried onions.

Awards:  None

Mini Book Review:  In a Mexican /American neighborhood in Fresno, CA, 19-year-old Eddie, a Hispanic teen, is having a hard time avoiding violence and death. His cousin Jesús was violently killed and Eddie's friends and family want him to exact revenge. Eddie tries to stay clear of conflicts and find work, but he is constantly confronted with frustrations and major setbacks. It is difficult for Eddie to determine who his friends and enemies are, and the comparative analogy of such a difficult and depressing life is of a giant onion buried under the city that causes tears of sadness. While it was written in 1997, it is quite relevant in terms of the multi-cultural issues faced in today's world.

Available Formats:  Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, Audio Cassette

Quote:  Taken from page 2:

"The sun was climbing over the trees of City College and soon the black asphalt would shimmer with vapors. I had a theory about those vapors, which were not released by the sun's heat but by a huge onion buried under the city. This onion made us cry. Tears leapt from our eyelashes and stained our faces. Babies in strollers pinched up their faces and wailed for no reason. Perhaps as practice for the coming years. I thought about the giant onion, the remarkable bulb of sadness."

Multimedia:  Here's a video of my mini review of the book:

 

Extra! Extra!  Did you know Gary Soto is an award winning author and writes poetry? If you want to find out more about Mr. Soto, check out his website here:  http://www.garysoto.com/index.html.