Review #8: Challenged or Censored Book

Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye.
New York: Penguin Books, 1970.

Pecola Breedlove can't understand why people don't look at her the way that look at Shirley Temple or Maureen Peel, the new mulatto girl in school. Is it because she is poor? Is it because she doesn't have those pretty blue eyes? Pecola's friend Claudia knows why. But what can one girl do to change the fate of another?

Justification for Rejection:

Toni Morrison's Bluest Eye is a deeply moving and tragic tale of black history in the United States. In many ways, this is the perfect YA novel. It is told through the eyes of Claudia, who is nine years old at the time of the events. She struggles with not only personal identity issues, but racial identity issues. Although Claudia is the narrator, the protagonist of the novel is Pecola Breedlove, also a young girl, who sees the world around her through the eyes of white influence. She loves Shirley Temple, and prays to have the same lovely blue eyes. Her family, the Breedloves, are viewed as the ugliest black family in town. They are poor and downtrodden, and the family reaches its lowest point when Pecola's father rapes and impregnates her. The most esteemed members of the community are those with the lightest skin, and which closely mimic white social ideals. Claudia's development throughout the novel is one of deep personal reflection in direct contrast to the world around her.

The reason I must reject this title for nomination is its overall complexity. It switches between narrators, times, places, and perspectives. There is intricate word play associated with many of its themes. This book may be appropriate when used in conjunction with classroom study or a guided group discussion, I don't think a young adult should attempt to tackle this one on their own.

Genre: Challenged/Censored; Realistic/Edgy; Historical

Review #6: Mystery/Thriller

Mariz, Rae. The Unidentified.

New York: Bazer + Bray, 2010.

"How do you know?" I asked, but I already knew the answer. I knew it from the second I saw the body tip over the edge. I felt it. The ache of an authentic moment. The real thing." Kady Dade felt there was something missing from life... missing from everyone's lives. But as The Unidentified announced their existence, Kady found herself in the middle of somthing bigger than she could have imagined.

Justification for Nomination:

Mariz has crafted a truly unique and imaginative reading experience that will stand as relevant and intruiguing to YA readers of all ages, both male and female. She cleverly blends sci-fi tech with current teen issues and modern moral dilemas.

Kady Dade, aka Kid, is a teenage girl growing up as part of generation AAA, the successors to Gen X and Gen Y. In her world, education is no longer in the hands of the government, but is sanctioned by corporate sponsors in once abandoned but newly renovated shopping malls. Now referred to as "The Game," teens log-in and out each day through swipe access to the system. There are no students, grades, classrooms or teachers, but intstead these respective compotents have become players, levels, activity centers, and administrators. As each player logs in to different activities they earn points, which determine their score and when they can exit the game. Administrators communicate mission assignments to students through "intouch" wireless devices, and monitor security through surveillance.

Mariz addresses the universal nature of teenage issues by exaggerating the way heirarchy operates within the social construct. Every player in the game wants to be "branded," because it would put them on the "Hit List" and give them special access to the VIP student lounge. The player network system keeps public record of who has how many friends, and dialogue occurs as much through "messaging" as it does verbally.

In a world where everyone monitors everyone else, and slander become painfully public, it's no wonder Kady finds herself in shock the day a special effects body is hurled over the fifth floor railing, splattering at her feet. On it was a note reading, "We are the Un-identified. Choose your suicide." She knows this was not an sponsored marketing event, and her curiosity pushes her to defy the rules of the game in search of the truth. Before she knows it, she is being pulled in multiple directions, her friends have abandoned her and she doesn't know who to trust or confide in.

It's really hard to decide what the best part of this book is. Mariz uses a narrative quality that blends futurisitc slang with pop-culture reference and elaborate visual definition. Some of the greatest teen expressions are, "That is so grab," and "He is sooo prize." And everytime I read, "Oh, sweet Google" or "Oh my Google," it made me chuckle to myself at the uninhibited satire of it all. Mariz doesn't hold back on the protruding registered trademark symbol that she uses on a majority of sponsored or labeled items. The fact that the branded players openly advocate the trial of sponsored products and walk around like billboards makes a further statement to the highly influencial dispotision of young adults.

The thing that makes this book special, is that it is not only a fun read, but a deeply thought provoking glance into the media driven world of teens. This novel will force teens to examine how corporations and brands thrust themselves into their lives. It will make them think, maybe for the first time, about the quest for popularity and social acceptance against a need to find themselves and assert their individuality. They will think about the over-emphasized importance that Facebook and social networking sites have imposed upon our culture, and question how many "authentic moments" they allow themselves amid the prevalent technological chatter.

Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Sci-Fi/ Search for Identity

Review #5: Historical Fiction

Mazer, Harry. Heroes Don't Run: A Novel of the Pacific War.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005.

"There was just no connection between the battlefield and Bakersfield. Between the meat grinder and this peaceful little town." Adam's grandfather lost an arm in World War II. Adam's father was killed at Pearl Harbor. If Adam didn't act fast, he would miss his chance to join the family legacy. But heading full speed into war would make Adam realize his dreams would place him in the middle of a nightmare.

Justification for Nomination
Mazer has crafted a young boy's heart wrenching personal journey through the United States conflict in the Pacific. Adam can't stand waiting any longer for the freedom that comes with being 18, and his greatest fear is that the war will leave him behind, still a child. Adam decides to run full speed ahead by convincing his grandfather to let him enlist behind his mother's back. But as he arrives on base and begins his training, he is faced with a harsh reality. The heroism and glory of war comes with a steep price, one that Adam can no longer choose to walk away from.

Mazer brilliantly describes a teenager's angst and longing for adulthood against the historical backdrop of one of our country's most forgotten wartimes. Not only is the action of war compelling, but seeing Adam's personal struggles accelerates the reader page turn after page turn. Mazer creates vivid detail in the portrait of war without being nightmarishly gory.

Mazer's use of diction throughout his novel is the icing on the historical cake. The characters write and speak with popular slang in the forties, both civilian and military, yet the context is not lost to a modern audience. The tone in which Adam writes his letters home, further illustrates his need to "prove his adulthood," by using terms and references that his mother would never understand. Asserting his knowledge is clearly one of the ways Adam tries to do this.

In addition to describing timeless teen development issues, and accurate historical events, Mazer also weaves some of the cultural and gender issues that were present in 1940's America. Adam's friend Davi is a Japanese American who joins the military as part of a deal to get his family out of a prison camp and Adam writes to a female friend who has joined a women's branch of the war effort. His mother and love interest back home work in weapons factories as well.

Mazer has crafted a story that will heavily appeal with male readers, but certainly hold the interest of a female audience. It is packed with action, and invites an aesthetic connection through deep emotions, family ties and obligation, and even a little romance.

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Coming of Age/ Adventure

Review #4: Memoir

Burroughs, Augusten.
Running with Scissors, a memoir.
New York: Picador, 2002.

Augusten Burroughs is nine years old when he realizes his perfect mother might be a little crazy. Augusten is twelve when he knows she's crazy. He is thirteen when she abandons him with a family that is even more crazy than she is. How could anyone possibly turn out to be a well-adjusted adult in a world like his?

Justification for Nomination:

This book will make you laugh til' you cry and then cry til' you laugh. Augusten Burroughs has recorded his memories with vivid distinction and almost morbid humor. Both teens and adults will find comfort in not having lived his life, and inspiration in his remarkable ability to overcome it all. Burroughs starts his memoir out at the age of nine, recalling very specific memories and at the same time showing us in summation all of the social and media influences that are shaping his development. Later, around the age of twelve, Augusten is abandoned my his mother and asked to live with her psychologist. It is with the Finches that Augusten begins to realize his mother is not the perfect woman he once thought her to be, and begins to connect with the other children in the house, shifting his developmental influences from his parents to his peers. Throughout the next several years, Augusten tries to rationalize his issues with abandonment, homosexuality, psychosis, and gravitation toward anyting exotic.

Although Burroughs accurately identifies his experiences within the spectrum of adolescent development, he does not leave us in want of entertainment. In addition to dealing with the universal root issues of being a teen, he must also adjust to a home and family that frequently steps outside the boundaries of "sanity." There is a room in the house called the Masturbatorium. They eat dog food just for fun. There is an "obsessive compulsive neurotic" woman who has locked herself in a room upstairs. They based their daily decisions on "bible dips" and "psychic" readings of human excrement carefully placed on the backyard picnic table to dry. Burroughs exquisitely interweaves his wit and humor with his deep confusion and feelings of teenage angst.

The narrative quality and readability is lively and well-paced. Burroughs incorporates a good deal of slang and pop culture, but also surprises his reader with clever vocabulary. The Finch children have a tendency to throw around psychological terms with dramatic flair, and Augusten tries his hand at becoming a writer.

The book ends when Augusten is seventeen, on his own and wondering if he would survive in New York City. Although he hasn't graduated high school or quite figured life out yet, he leaves his reader with a feeling of joyful hope. Despite the obscurity of his upbringing, Augusten still believes in himself; and if he can survive that life and still be fairly well-adjusted, then there is hope for anyone.

Genre: Memoir, Realistic/Edgy/Problem Novel

Review #3: Realistic/Edgy/Problem Novel

McCormick, Patricia. Cut.
Ashville, North Carolina: Front Street, 2000.



"The real name of this place is Sea Pines, my roomate, who has a nickname for everything calls it Sick Minds. Her nickname for me is S.T., for Silent Treatment." Callie can never seem to find the right words to say. In fact, Callie can never seem to find the right thoughts either. But when she feels that cold jagged edge of the metal blade, it all comes to an end.



Justification for Rejection:
Cut stays true to the realistic fiction genre by providing a deeply moving and emotional treck through the mind of Callie, known by her "group" as S.T. McCormick positions her novel through the first person narrative of Callie, a teenager with very typical conflicts including parents that don't pay any attention to her, resentment for having to handle too much responsibility, and guilt from making mistakes. We see the world and all its problems through Callie's calculating eyes, constantly looking for patterns in the wallpaper, but seldom observing and connecting with the people around her. The difference with Callie is that she has found solace in cutting herself, later finding out it is not solice but reparation she seeks. As the reader, we observe Callie's taxing inner monologue as she struggles to let go and hold on, all at the same time.



Despite the realism of its content and the tragically genuine character development, Cut has plenty of room for improvement. Although she tells the story from a first person perspective, McCormick has positioned the reader in the role of the psychologist. Every now and then Callie says things like, you lean forward in your dead-cow chair and tap your finger on your lip. This is extremely distracting because while we know Callie's every thought, we are then told that she doesn't say a single word to us for months. It is impossible to be omniscent as an outside reader, and picture ourselves in the role of a limited character. In addition, the last thing a young reader is going to want is to picture themselves sitting in the chair of the boring, old, enemy.



Cut was also horribly slow and cumbersome for such a short book. The 168 pages are separated into 3 very large roman numeral sections, for a while I wondered if I had even seen a new chapter heading. In addition to the wide spacing of breaks, the action is monotonous at best. Callie goes from place to place on a strict schedule, seldom speaking to anyone, and using paragraphs to describe a stain on the floor or the sound of someone's shoes in the hallway. The last dozen pages were the pinnacle in the action, but if I hadn't forced myself to contine reading I would never have gotten there. From the perspective of a young reader, I would have put the book down in the first 20 pages, sooner if I was a young male reader.


Genre: Realistic/Edgy/Problem Novel

Review #2 Poetry or Verse Novel

Sones, Sonya. What My Mother Doesn't Know.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 2001.

Annotation:

Sophie dreams of the perfect romance,

and she is going to find it.

One way or another.

But at what cost?


Justification for Rejection:

Sones has crafted a remarkable journey through a young girls quest for true love. Sophie, raised by a mother addicted to daytime soaps, has a flair for the dramatic and a yearning for romance. She finds magic and meaning in every touch and every glance from the boys around her, which sometimes leads her to "practically a religious experience." Sophie is joined in her quest by her two best friends, equally as exciteable by the idea of boys and endless love. Throughout the novel, Sophie questions the qualities she seeks in her mates, and eventually questions the social influences that guide her. In the end she discovers that love lies in true friendship, rather than popularity and good looks.

The function and use of verse sturcture inthis novel is one of the best parts about it. Sones has truly mimiced the fleetingness of adolescence by formating her story through a series of very brief "moments." And despite the fragmented nature of the episodes, the story itself maintains a lovely linear flow. It is a very fast read, and the over-the-top emotional expression is reminiscient of my own boy-crazy fantasies at that age.

The reason I must recommend this novel for rejection is the narrow range of audience appeal. Sophie, although very much like myself as a teen, is not a character that a wide range of young readers is going to relate to. Male readers will have almost no interest in Sophie at all. Although Sophie goes through a processes of discovery, she is the only character that has any kind of depth at all (and it's not a lot). Her two friends, and the boys she writes about have no dimension other than the biased teenage judgement provided by Sophie herself. I also had a hard time with believability of character, because Sophie made some very tough decisions that a girl of her mindset would probably not make in the time frame that Sones has laid out.

Genre: Verse Novel/Coming of Age/Social Issues

#1 Printz Winner or Honor Book

King, A.S. Please Ignore Vera Dietz. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 2010.

Vera Dietz just wants to survive her adolescence without anyone noticing. But facing the tragic death of her best friend Charlie leaves Vera searching for answers about life. Why did her mom leave? Why won't her dad just trust her? Why did Charlie stab her in the back? Will he ever stop haunting her?

Justification for Nomination:

From the very first moment King pulls you in. Not into the story like a good plot so often does, but into the characters. "I am the pickle on Vera's Big Mac," a brief thought from Charlie, Vera's dead best friend, immediately entices the reader with pop culture reference. From there, we are introduced to the inner thoughts of Vera Dietz, an eighteen year old senior in high school. Vera is a loner, who wishes nothing more than to remain invisible until adulthood.

Surprisingly, King constructs her novel by using the characters' thoughts with very little actual dialogue. As readers, teens will relate first hand with these thoughts because they question everything! They express emotion that teenagers often feel but seldom express. Throughout the novel Vera makes a multitude of choices, some good and some bad. The authenticity of the character comes from witnessing the processes behind which she makes each choice.

While Vera's parents play a crucial role in Vera's identity and her father is prominent in her life, King does a good job of separating Vera's choices from parental influence. Vera doesn't have to hate her parents or think poorly of them to make her own choices. Better yet, Vera succeeds in showing her father that she has matured while acknowledging him as a positive influence in her life, despite his own mistakes.

King's plot construction is superb, letting the readers know that Charlie is dead, and that Vera keeps a terrible secret about the truth of that fateful night. But that secret isn't revealed until the end of the novel, when Vera comes to a realization about her own identity and responsibility to society. King cleverly keeps us reading to learn the secret, all the while guiding us along with Vera's journey of self discovery. In addition to the "teaser," King uses flashbacks and brief interjections from the thoughts of post-mortem Charlie, Vera's father, and the Pagoda, an old yet beautiful abandoned building. These separate voices provide alternative perspectives on Vera's life. Charlie, in death, has become fully self-aware and omniscient. Vera's father addresses issues that parents struggle with in respect to teenage issues, and the Pagoda speaks as an outsider, looking upon society from a distance. The flashbacks not only contribute to the complexity of the plot, but relate different moments of Vera's present mental state to specific defining moments in her past.

One last quality to note is the high readability of this novel, which will greatly appeal to teens. The "chapters" are short, less than 5 pages, which allows the reader to pick it up for short periods of time. Because of this broken structure, it is easy to come back to without having to re-read pages. Teenagers are often pressed for time, rushing from class to class, trying to juggle friends, homework, and other responsibilities. This book can be read in 10 minute pieces, while waiting for the bus, between classes, and even during commercial breaks.

Not only would I recommend this book be nominated for literary honor, but I would also recommend this book for any parent struggling with a teenager. Often times Vera's father thought she was behaving badly, when in fact she was making good choices, while other times he expressed pride in her, when she was only saying what she knew he wanted to hear. I think parents could benefit from this kind of insight, to see that things are not always what they seem when dealing with an adolescent.