Jillicious Reading: All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places
by Jennifer Niven

Summary: Theodore Finch. He is a tortured soul, completely obsessed with death.  Everyday he thinks of ways he might die, but also desperately seeks something -  anything - that will keep him here. 

Violet Markey. She is struggling to make it through each day without her sister.  She is counting down the days until graduation when she can get out of her town and begin to live again, away from the memories and the pain.  

And, then Finch and Violet meet.  On the ledge of the bell tower at school. One rescues the other, and a relationship begins that changes everyone's' lives forever.  

Thoughts:  All the Bright Places grabs you from page 1 and never lets go.  Teens Finch and Violet are both seriously struggling.  Finch is an outsider.  Getting up, making it through the day, and finding a reason to do it again the next is a constant challenge.  Violet's struggle is new.  It began when her sister died in a car accident in which Violet was a passenger and survived.  Everyone wants her to start moving on, getting back into life.  But she just can't do it.  Being a sole survivor is incredibly difficult, and Violet is consumed by guilt.  When the two meet, both find a kindred spirit that neither expected, but is exactly who both need. 

This powerful novel and these afflicted characters are unforgettable.  Inspired from events from her own high school experience, Jennifer Niven tells a story that is gripping, honest, and completely heart-breaking.  It explores these teens' struggle to truly live as well as navigating difficult family relationships and intense first love.  It inspires readers to look for the bright places in their lives and to also look for those around them who might be silently suffering.  Get your tissues (and your Post-its!) ready. This one will touch your heart forever.  

Read All the Bright Places if you ... 

• enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars, Eleanor and Park, Thirteen Reasons Why or If I Stay 
• have lost someone close to you
• sometimes feel lost - or like a "weary traveler" - in this world
• are a tortured soul or commiserate with those who are
• you remember (or dream of!) your first true love

Click here to read more about All the Bright Places, Jennifer Niven, and her critically-acclaimed books published for adults. 

Note: The movie rights of All the Bright Places have already been sold, and Elle Fanning has been cast to play Violet!  

I created a wall of some of my bright places and was honored that author Jennifer Niven added it to her blog!  :) 

Jillicious Reading: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

To All The Boys I've Loved Before
by Jenny Han

Summary:  Lara Jean has never really dated.  But, she has loved several boys who, unknowingly, have broken her heart.  She writes to each, pouring out her soul in letters that she never mails; all notes are kept safely in a hatbox under her bed.  Until one day the secret letters are mysteriously mailed.  Suddenly, eyes that were never meant to see the letters are exactly the ones who receive them. Overnight Lara Jean's very private love life becomes very public, and she is forced to deal with the mess. 

Thoughts:  This is a delicious novel, and I just gobbled it up.  It is a romance, but it also tackles important themes of family relationships, loss, and identity with the perfect combination of depth and humor. 

Lara Jean is the middle daughter of three who lost their mother at a young age.  The oldest, Margot, is going away to college and the family is dealing with this change.  Skilled author Jenny Han explores the complicated relationships of the sisters - their strong bond as they care for each other and their father, but also the added pressures they put on one another in the absence of their mother.  

The debacle of the mailed letters is a creative premise.  It brings different characters into Lara Jean's life, forces her to face her feelings, and allows her to begin to realize who she really is.  Han works it all adeptly, not bringing in too many past loves, and perfectly pacing the chaos with character development and self-discovery.  The boys are believable, intriguing characters, full of personality and surprises. The youngest sister, Kitty, brings additional humor and heart to the story.  The result is a delightful novel that explores what happens when one is faced with the truth and new possibilities. 

Read To All the Boys I've Loved Before if you ... 

• enjoyed Jenny Han's previous writing
• like books by Stephanie Perkins or Lindsey Leavitt
• have ever had a secret crush
• have a sister 
• have a complicated family relationship 
• wonder what would happen if your private thoughts were made public! Gasp!

Click here to read more about the hilarious Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and her other novels.  

SPOILER ALERT:  Ms. Han has already announced that there will be a sequel, P.S. I Still Love You. (Thank goodness!!)   I can hardly wait, and, judging from the Good Reads page, I am not the only one.  Many other fans are feeling equally tortured having to wait until 2015 for the story to continue!  But don't visit the page until you've finished the first novel.  :) 

Jillicious Reading: Grandmaster

Grandmaster
by David Klass

Summary: Freshman Daniel hasn't really found his place at school.  He doesn't seem to fit in anywhere and just tries to fly under the radar.  A mediocre player on the team's prestigious chess club, Daniel is surprised to be asked by the two senior co-captains to join them and their fathers at a weekend father-son tournament.  To his further amazement, Daniel then learns the truth. His father - a reserved, accountant - was actually a chess prodigy at the age of 16 and earned the ranking of Grandmaster.  When his father agrees to return to the game 30 years later and accompany Daniel to the tournament, the six man team is in for a weekend none of them expected.

Thoughts: Grandmaster is a fast-paced, compelling novel that keeps the reader engaged like a spy thriller or intense sports match.  I am not a chess player, and I was completely on the edge of my seat during the tournament scenes.  The book includes enough chess to satisfy those who do play, but not too much to overwhelm the novice or non-player.  What keeps the story captivating is the characters.  They are interesting, flawed and believable.  Main character Daniel is a likeable kid, and readers can relate to his desire to fit in at school.  His father is also an interesting character as he faces his past demons and reveals his former life to his son.  I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between these two as Daniel learns more about his father and starts to reorder his priorities.  I also liked the addition of Liu, a spunky girl who competes with her mother.  She brings out a different side of Daniel and adds some pluck and humor to the story.  If you see Grandmaster and expect it to be a boring book about chess, you would be grandly mistaken. 

Read Grandmaster if you  ...

• like chess
• don't like chess
• enjoy sports fiction with front-row-feeling scenes that pull you into the action and keep you on the edge of your seat
• look for young adult literature with interesting teen and adult characters 

Jillicious Reading: We Were Liars

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart

Summary: Cadence Sinclair Eastman is the oldest grandchild of the flawless Sinclair family.  Her summers are spent on a private island with her cousins ... her best friends ...and the boy she loves. Together they are The Liars. Then, friendships turn destructive, lies are told, secrets are buried. Cady desperately seeks to discover the painful truth behind the accident and the family's false facade. 

Thoughts: We Were Liars is a truly remarkable novel.  It is like none I have ever read.  From the first page, the reader is swept into the "perfect" world of the Sinclairs and absorbed by the secrets this privileged family hides.  

Lockhart masterfully crafts vivid characters - Johnny, he is bounce, effort, and snark... Mirren, she is sugar, curiosity, and rain... - and tells a haunting tale that stuns at every turn.  It is tense, atmospheric, exquisite. 

I highly recommend this book to teen and adult readers looking for a captivating, unforgettable story.  And if anyone asks how it ends, LIE!

Read We Were Liars, if you ... 

• are a fan of E.Lockhart 
• enjoy sophisticated, intelligent writing
• like suspense, plot twists, and surprises
• are intrigued with the lives of those who "summer" on islands ;) 
• want to read the book that everyone will be talking about!

Click here to learn more about E. Lockhart and her books.  Click here to hear the author reading an excerpt from We Were Liars.    

Note:  We Were Liars will be released May 13, 2014.  Click here to pre-order a copy!

Jillicious Reading: Heaven is Paved with Oreos

Heaven is Paved with Oreos
by Catherine Gilbert Murdock 

Summary: Sarah and Curtis are always together.  Not quite just friends and not quite a couple, Sarah is confused about their relationship and worried that annoying Emily Friend (AKA "Emily Enemy"!) has her sights on him. Then, Sarah has the opportunity to travel to Rome with her free-spirited grandmother. This Italian adventure brings surprise discoveries about her family and about herself.

Thoughts: I am over the moon that Catherine Gilbert Murdock has returned to realistic fiction!  In my opinion, this is where she truly shines.  I ADORED the Dairy Queen trilogy and am thrilled that she has returned to this setting with the emphasis on some different characters. 

We get to know Sarah, who made a brief appearance in the earlier books.  She is smart and honest and has an original (often hilarious!) outlook on everything.  We also meet Sarah's grandmother "Z".   She is flawed and flaky, but completely charming.  The grandmother - granddaughter trek through Rome, as told through Sarah's journal entries, is a pure delight.  Readers will be eager to visit (or revisit) this enchanting city.  Murdock's new novel is a funny, insightful celebration of love, family, second chances, and Rome! 

Read Heaven is Paved with Oreos, if you ... 

• enjoyed the Dairy Queen books 
• dream of Italian travels
• are a journaler 
• have made mistakes and are thankful for second chances
• appreciate music and/or Oreos :) 

Click here to visit Catherine Gilbert Murdock's webpage.  (Fun fact: Mrs. Murdock's sister is Elizabeth Gilbert, adult author of the popular Eat, Pray, Love.)  

Jillicious Reading: Counting by 7s

Counting by 7s
by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Summary:  Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius.  She doesn't get along well with others and prefers to keep company with plants or with her loving, accepting parents. In addition to master gardener, Willow is also a walking medical dictionary, always ready to diagnose a medical condition whether the "patient" is ready or not. Finding comfort in nature, knowledge and counting, Willow leads a quiet but happy life.

But, then her world changes in a tragic instant.  Willow must now find a way to continue on in an unsettling existence where counting by 7s will no longer bring her the comfort she needs. 

Thoughts: Counting by 7s is a unique book about a unique girl.  I immediately fell in love with Willow Chance and her quirks; she is brilliant and funny and provides wise insight into the world.  Author Holly Goldberg Sloan tells the story of this odd but charming heroine in her distinct, lovely writing style.  It is hilarious, thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and inspiring.  The tragedy of the story ultimately becomes a triumph because of this special girl.  It reminds us of the impact one person can make on so many lives.  Counting by 7s is a powerful, inspiring novel to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Read Counting by 7s, if you ... 

• enjoyed Wonder (R.J. Palacio),  Mockingbird (K. Erskine), Anything but Typical (N.R. Baskin),or Out of My Mind (S. Draper). 
• read Holly Goldberg Sloan's exquisite book, I'll Be There
• like books with unique, quirky, memorable characters
• have ever felt like an outsider or a loner
• enjoy stories of kids overcoming obstacles, differences, and loss
• appreciate excellent writing 

Novelist Holly Goldberg Sloan is also a director, producer, and screenwriter.  Visit her fabulous website to learn more about her life, inspirations, and writing.

Jillicious Reading: Formerly Shark Girl

Formerly Shark Girl
by Kelly Bingham

Summary: Last year Jane lost most of her right arm in a shark attack. The devastation she experienced was intensified by the fact that by taking her hand, the shark crippled her dreams of becoming an artist. 

Now, a year later, Jane is starting her senior year.  Things are becoming more "normal," and she has worked diligently to learn to create art with her other hand. But, where should she go from here?  Should she pursue a life of nursing to help others like those who helped her?  Or, is it possible to still pursue her dream of being an artist?  And, Jane also wonders if a guy will ever see her for more than "the shark girl." 

Thoughts: I loved Shark Girl and was delighted when I heard there was a sequel on the way.  Formerly Shark Girl did not disappoint. Jane's story continues, in Kelly Bingham's lovely verse, as she celebrates progress and victories, but also struggles with decisions about her future.  I love that she reconnects with her art, exploring it in new ways, and that Max reappears with his own struggles (he is definitely a new addition to my list of literary crushes!).  Readers will relate to Jane's struggle to choose a career and to her desire to be defined by more than one incident. 

Read Formerly Shark Girl, if you ... 

• enjoyed Shark Girl
• like novels-in-verse, such as those by Sonya Sones & Lisa Schroeder 
• enjoy stories of teens on journeys of self-discovery, such as those by Sarah Dessen 
• are an art appreciator 
• are trying to (or still trying to!) figure out what you want to be when you grow up! 

Visit Ms. Bingham's website to learn more about the Shark Girl books and Kelly Bingham's writing. And if you are a fan of picture books, check out Ms. Bingham's book Z is for Moose illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. It is a hoot! 

Jillicious Reading: Zebra Forest

Zebra Forest
by Adina Rishe Gewirtz

Summary: Annie and her brother Rew know very little about their parents, just the few things Gran has told them.  Since Gran is a master of lies, the little they know might not even be true.  Gran is getting worse, spending more and more days up in her room, frequently leaving the siblings to fend for themselves. Then ,a stranger shows up at their door.  The stranger brings answers, but these answers make Annie and Rew question everything.  

Thoughts:  Zebra Forest is a powerful little novel.  Annie B, the spunky sixth-grader at the center of the story, stole my heart immediately.  She has been forced to grow up beyond her years and has done her best to care for Rew, her mentally ill grandmother, and herself.  She longs to know about her past, her dead father, and the mother who left her when she was three.  The story takes place during the Iran Hostage Crisis which sets the perfect backdrop as Annie and Rew become trapped in their own family crisis.   

Zebra Forest explores heavy themes such as family secrets, lies, betrayal, complicated relationships, crime, and abandonment.  But, all is done adeptly and beautifully through realistic, well-developed characters and a suspenseful plot that grab and hold the reader to the hopeful end.  The classic Treasure Island, the siblings' beloved book, is used effectively as the children seek escape from their circumstances, question the world, and find the truth.  

Read Zebra Forest if you ... 

• are looking for a gripping read 
• enjoy a short novel that packs a powerful punch
• appreciate books about children dealing with tough circumstances such So B. It by Sarah Weeks and Homesick by Kate Klise
• love heroines with pluck
• like reading debut novels by exciting new authors 

  Visit Adina Rishe Gewirtz's webpage and expect more from this debut YA author!   
 

Jillicious Reading: Going Vintage

Going Vintage
by Lindsey Leavitt

Summary:  When Mallory's boyfriend cheats on her with an online girlfriend, she boldly says goodbye to Jeremy in an online post and then swears off technology.  She is motivated by a list she finds of her grandmother's goals for the year 1962.  But leading a simpler life proves to be pretty complicated ... especially when her family is making her crazy, when technology tempts her at every turn, and when the boy she can't stop thinking about as a potential "steady" is her ex's cousin.   

Thoughts:  I loved Lindsey Leavitt's Sean Griswold's Head so couldn't wait to dive into her new release; and it was a pure delight!  Mallory's story of heartbreak and soul searching is funny, touching, and inspiring.  She reminds us that technology is incredible - especially when doing research on the Industrial Revolution ;) - but can also be highly distracting and keep us from experiencing real relationships and life's simple pleasures.  Her grandmother reminds us that being a teenager is tough in any decade and an unexpected silver lining might exist in even the most difficult of experiences.  And, all the likeable characters remind us that honesty, a sense of humor, figuring out oneself, and accepting others are important in any time period.  

Read Going Vintage if you ... 

• enjoyed Sean Griswold's Head, The Breakup Bible by Melissa Kantor, or Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern
• are a Stephanie Perkins fan
• have a love hate relationship with technology
• sometimes wish you had been born in a past decade because surely it was simpler!? 
• are looking for a charming teen romance  

Visit Lindsey Leavitt's webpage to learn more about this cute, clever author and her writing. 

Jillicious Reading: Colin Fischer

Colin Fischer

by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz

Summary:  Colin Fischer has Asperger's. He can't easily read people's expressions or pick up social clues; this makes trying to navigate the new world of high school extremely challenging.  He is immediately targeted by bullies, class clowns, and cruel cliques.  

One day lunch is interrupted when a gun suddenly goes off in the school cafeteria.  Colin's main tormenter, Wayne Connelly, is blamed and suspended for the crime.  Colin isn't convinced Wayne is guilty, however, and sets out to prove his innocence.  His unique vision of the world may be the very perspective needed to see what really happened. 

Thoughts: I was drawn to this novel because it features an unlikely hero and a mystery. In developing an engaging main character and a realistic mystery, Colin Fischer completely succeeds. The text utilizes three writing devices: Colin's first person journal entries, a third person narrative, and footnotes. All blend together to offer a comprehensive perspective on the events as well as the characters' thoughts and motivations. I particularly enjoyed Colin's entries. These offered an authentic view into the Asperger's mind that allows the reader to more deeply understand the thought patterns. Colin's interactions with his family, his brother's resentment, and the teen's dealings with his peers all ring true. I found this to be an intriguing novel featuring an endearing, atypical sleuth you can't help but root for.  I hope there are many more Colin Fischer mysteries on the way!

I heard authors Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz speak at the Texas library conference this spring. What a fascinating pair of guys! These screenwriters met and bonded years ago over Star Trek and have been collaborating ever since on projects such as X-Men, Thor, and Fringe.  Colin Fischer is their first young adult novel.  I found them very interesting and look forward to seeing what they do next on the screen and in young adult literature!

Ashley E. Miller & Zack Stentz - TLA "Defining Different" Panel, 2013

Read Colin Fischer if you ... 

• are a fan of mysteries and enjoyed series like Encyclopedia Brown in your past
• enjoy novels starring differently-wired main characters
• liked The London Eye Mystery, Anything But Typical, and/or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• are interested in the the unique ways people tick.

Return to Me

by Justina Chen

Summary:  Nothing is going as Rebecca planned.  She selected a college across the country where she could get away from her parents.  Now her father's job is taking the whole family exactly where she is going.  And, what about Jackson, her amazing boyfriend?  Everyone knows long distance relationships don't work, right?  But before she can even really decide what to do about him, her family is shaken with news that makes Rebecca question absolutely everything.  

Thoughts:  I read an interview with author Justina Chen about the inspiration for the novel and then heard her speak about it in person at a Little, Brown dinner at ALA Midwinter.  In both interview and talk, Ms. Chen eloquently described how she went through a devastating life change but she came through it, the pain and dust ultimately transforming to beautiful stardust.  She penned Return to Me to tell a story of redemption and to remind her children (and readers!) that it is possible for good to come from the bad.  

Return to Me completely succeeds.  It is a powerful story of redemption as well as first loves, expectations, disappointments, and self-discovery.  As in North of Beautiful, Ms.Chen incorporates complex characters, complicated family relationships, the power of art, and the potential to find oneself through new experiences and travels.  This time the art is in the form of architecture (a subject I love!) and the adventure takes place in Hawaii (what's not to love?). 

Read Return to Me if you ... 

• enjoyed North of Beautiful (be watching for some former characters to make a brief appearance!) 
• have an interest in architecture
•  have experienced a painful family conflict
• enjoy stories of first love 

Visit Justina Chen's blog to learn more about Return to Me and this talented author.  

The Tragedy Paper

by Elizabeth LaBan

Summary: Duncan is disappointed when his senior dorm assignment is not only the smallest room on the hall but also the former dorm of the albino loner, Tim Macbeth.  Duncan is surprised to discover that Tim left him a collection of CDs narrating the events from last year - Tim's transfer to The Irving School, his secret romance with Vanessa (the girlfriend of the most popular guy at Irving), and the one night everyone is trying so desperately to forget. 

Thoughts:  A boarding school, a senior thesis, secrets and forbidden love ... I was sold on the premise alone, and, once I began, couldn't put it down. The Tragedy Paper is a smart teen novel that tells two parallel stories.  Duncan's senior year experiences and romance are played out alongside Tim's retelling of events from the previous year.  The alternating points of view are well-crafted and add intrigue and depth to the story.  The isolated boarding school, the cold winter, and Tim's honest narration give the novel a captivating, melancholy mood, somehow feeling both contemporary and historical. Readers will stay engaged through the end wanting to know how things ultimately play out and will likely be surprised by the outcome.  The familiar subjects of teen love, heartbreak, and the need for acceptance are freshly explored in this compelling debut novel.  

Read The Tragedy Paper if you ...

• enjoy books set in boarding schools
• like books about inspiring teachers
• are a fan of John Green
• enjoyed Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why
• have ever felt like an outsider
  
• prefer your realistic young adult fiction with some depth & intrigue
• enjoy discover exciting new authors. 

Click here to read an interview with author Elizabeth LaBan by popular adult author Jennifer Weiner. 

These two new books both explore the themes of searching for home and family and finding oneself along the journey.  

One for the Murphys

 by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

After one traumatic night, Carley finds herself suddenly placed in a foster home.  Although her mother was a pretty lousy parent, she was at least familiar.  Carley now feels unprepared and vulnerable as she tries to adjust to the Murphys.

One for the Murphys is a touching, memorable novel.  The story is poignantly told from the point of view of a middle schooler in foster care for the first time.  Carley's feelings, reactions, and experiences are realistic and honestly portray the way a kid would act when faced with such an unfamiliar situation, in spite of the kindness she is shown.  The characters are well-developed, not perfect and not completely flawed.  Carley grows significantly throughout the story; she is impacted by the situation but also manages to positively impact those around her.

Almost Home

by Joan Bauer

Sugar's situation is a bit different than Carley's.  After her grandfather passes away, her mother, without any help from Sugar's wayward father, is unable to keep up the payments on their home.  Things fall apart quickly and suddenly Sugar and her mother, who is falling apart herself, find themselves living in a homeless shelter.  

Sugar is an strong, plucky character with an undeniable voice.  She keeps her head up and carries on in the face of difficulty and even finds ways to be grateful for the small blessings she receives.  Her situation is heartbreaking, and her story encourages readers to take an honest look at homelessness, particularly at the struggles of homeless children.  

Read One for the Murphys and Almost Home, if you ... 

• Enjoyed Waiting for Normal (L. Connor), How to Steal a Dog (B. O'Connor), Runaway (W. Van Draanen), or Paintings from the Cave (G. Paulsen)
• Like stories about strong, determined heroines
• Have ever been down on your luck and found yourself in a tough situation you didn't expect
• Have wondered about the true meaning of home and family
• Enjoy stories of self-discovery 

Visit the webpages of promising new author Lynda Mullaly Hunt and beloved veteran author Joan Bauer to learn more about these powerful books.    

Same Sun Here

by Silas House and Neela Vaswani

Summary:  Meena, an Indian immigrant living in New York City, and River, the son of Kentucky coal miner, become "snail mail" pen pals.  Through their letters, the two find a common ground and a new friendship in spite of their very different backgrounds.   

Thoughts:  This original novel reminds us that we all share so many more similarities than differences.  Meena and River are likeable characters, and their two stories are very absorbing and real.  I learned a great deal about the Indian culture as well as life in Kentucky.  I particularly liked the use of correspondence to tell the stories.  It reminded me how fun it is to receive "snail mail" and how relationships can be built through the written word.  

Read Same Sun Here if you: 

• are Indian or interested in the Indian culture
• are from Kentucky or interested in the state
• know nothing about the Indian culture or the state of Kentucky
• like epistolary novels (books told through letters) 
• have ever felt like you didn't fit in
• have ever had to live apart from someone you love  

Visit Silas House's blog and Neela Vaswani's blog to learn more about these two others and this collaborative novel.  

Second Chance Summer

by Morgan Matson

Summary:  Taylor's family is stunned when her father is diagnosed with cancer and given only months to live.  Her father decides he would like them to spend one last summer together at their old lake house.  Taylor, who has a habit of running away from challenges, mistakes, and pain, is now forced to deal with her father's illness as well as face old friends she wronged in the past.

Thoughts:  Second Chance Summer is a compelling teen novel with a little bit of everything ... grief, growing up,relationships, and first love.  Taylor's feelings of insecurity, fear, and not-standing-out  (even in her own family) are realistic and relatable.  Author Morgan Matson pulls the reader right into Taylor's journey as she reconnects with her father and siblings and also faces the typical teen challenges of broken friendships and a broken heart.  Her voice is strong and funny making her a character that is easy to root for.  Add Second Chance Summer to your beach bag ... along with a few tissues!

Read Second Chance Summer if you:

• enjoy books about summer romance
• are a fan of Morgan Matson's first novel Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
• are a fan of books by Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han
• are looking for a good novel about grief and loss 
• like a few tears with your reads

Click here to read more about the author Morgan Matson and her books. 

The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate


Summary:  Ivan is the only gorilla in his "domain", a glass enclosure in the run-down Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade.  Ivan's friends are Stella, a wise elephant, and Bob, a feisty little stray dog.  When Ruby, a baby elephant, comes to live at the mall, Ivan decides something must be done to ensure that she finds a better home and a better life.  

Thoughts:  I fell in love with Ivan as soon as I opened the book.  He is a wild gorilla who has had to learn to live in captivity.  Through his years, he has come to understand humans: 

Humans speak too much.  They chatter like chimps, crowding the world with their noise even when they have nothing to say.  It took me some time to recognize all those human sounds, to weave words into things.  But I was patient. Patient is a useful thing to be when you're an ape.

Ivan tells this touching story about friendship, art, dreams, and finding your spot in the world.  His tender point-of-view is fully believable and adds to the charm of the story.  The layout of the book - it feels almost like a novel in verse - and the gentle illustrations add to the special appeal.  This is a book for readers of all ages, a reminder that humans leave a lasting footprint on the earth and that doing the right things makes a difference for every life.  I loved Katherine Applegate's Home of the Brave, and she triumphs again with another memorable story sure to touch the heart of all who read it.  


Read The One and Only Ivan if you ...

• are an animal lover
• enjoyed Applegate's Home of the Brave
• like stories about the power of hope, friendship, and/or art
• enjoy tearjerker, "tissue" books
• like novels-in-verse 
• enjoy illustrated novels
• appreciate beautifully-crafted writing
• are looking for a heartwarming story you won't soon forget

Click to read more about the book, the author, and the real Ivan, the gorilla who inspired this tale.    

Jillicious Author du Jour: Deb Caletti

Deb Caletti, a National Book Award Finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, writes realistic fiction about teens and the adults in their lives.  She tackles issues like  romantic relationships (both healthy and unhealthy), family dynamics, unwelcome change, persistence, personal growth, and self-discovery.  Another recurring theme in her writing is the connection between people and animals (which I love!).  Her books are set in the Pacific Northwest, and the novels' characters and settings are all intertwined (which I also love!).

Caletti's writing is honest and descriptive.  The way she crafts a particular feeling or experience, such as a first kiss, a drive with the windows down, a view of the ocean, is exceptional.  I always think, "Why couldn't I have described it that way!?  That's perfect!"  I also really like the pacing of her novels.  She will describe in detail the most important, memorable scenes and move the story along beautifully in between.  


Some of my favorite Deb Caletti novels: 

The Six Rules of Maybe

Scarlet is a quiet teen, a "good listener," always living in the shadow of her gorgeous, free-spirited sister Juliet.  Scarlet's world is immediately rearranged when Juliet shockingly returns home pregnant and married.  The biggest surprise is what a great guy Hayden is, although Juliet doesn't even seem to notice.  These sudden changes cause Scarlet to reevaluate her life, her relationship with her sister, and herself.  This is the first Caletti novel I read, and I was immediately pulled into the look at complicated family dynamics.  I loved the characters, Hayden's dog :), and Scarlet's journey in self-discovery.  

 The Nature of Jade


Jade, a teen plagued with high anxiety, relaxes by watching the live elephant cam from the nearby zoo.  While viewing, she discovers a mysterious, handsome guy who regularly visits and also seems to unwind by watching the peaceful, playful mammals.  When she finally meets him, Jade discovers that The Boy in the Red Jacket has a complicated past, yet she hasn't felt so comfortable with anyone in a long, long time.  The characters in the novel as well as the elephants (and the interesting facts about these animals interwoven throughout the story) make this a memorable read.  

Sidebar:  If you are like Jade (and me!) and love elephants,  you might want to check out the 2012 Sibert Honor The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin O'Connell & Donna M. Jackson or Elephant Talk by Ann Downer.  Both offer information about elephants and their complex systems of communication.  You also might enjoy the live elephant cam from the San Diego Zoo. :)   

 

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

The moment she lays on him, Ruby, a quiet, responsible girl falls hard Travis Becker, the town bad boy.  She is fearless and bold when she's with him, but she also feels a bit outside herself and at a loss as to who she really is.  Then, quite unexpectedly, Ruby and her mother end up on a wild road trip with the "Casserole Queens," a book club full of feisty, outspoken senior citizens.  It ends up being just what they all need.  Honey, Baby, Sweetheart is a lovely tale of unhealthy relationships, family, and the power of redemption.  I just wish I had some Casserole Queens in my life!  


Deb Caletti's latest novel is The Story of Us, and her first adult novel, He's Gone, will be published in 2013.  I can't wait to read both and return with her and her unforgettable characters to the Pacific Northwest.  


Try one of Deb Caletti's powerful novels, if .... 

• you are a fan of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, or Jandy Nelson.
• you enjoy multi-generational stories about interesting, complicated families
• you are a high school girl (or about to be!) who likes realistic fiction 
• you are looking for a good summer read

Click here to read more about this accomplished author.    

Spring is Here!

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.  ~William Shakespeare

I love spring!  The green, the blooms, the fresh air, the new beginnings.  Here are a couple of recent reads that celebrate the special spirit of spring:

 And Then It's Spring

by Julie Fogliano

Illustrated by Erin Stead

In this charming picture book, a young boy eagerly awaits the green of spring after the brown of winter.  He plants some seeds, and with the help of some furry friends, cares and protects them as the seeds as they "try" to find their way.  The long wait is finally rewarded with the first signs of spring. 

This simple yet lovely book celebrates the hope of spring and the sweet reward that comes after a long wait.  The gentle illustrations of Caldecott-winning artist Erin Stead beautifully complement Fogliano's tight text.  

 

Esperanza Rising

by Ram Munoz Ryan

The little gardener in And Then It's Spring putting his ear to the ground to listen for "the greenish hum" of beginning life reminded me of Esperanza doing the same thing - that she first learned from her father - in Esperanza Rising. So, I decided to "read" this old favorite again on audio. 

After living like a princess on a beautiful ranch in Mexico, Esperanza's life is changed overnight when tragedy hits the family.  She and her mother must move to California and work as migrant workers.  This change and the new life of long, hard-working days under the steaming sun is difficult for Esperanza.  But through this "winter", she learns and grows and eventually experiences a new "spring."  This inspirational novel is based on the true life of Pam Munoz Ryan's grandmother as explained in a lovely author's note at the end. 

The Boy on Cinnamon Street

by Phoebe Stone

Another character going through a dark season in her life is Louise "Thumbelina" Terrace.  She is a 4'7" seventh grader struggling to fit in at school as well as trying to escape her past.  Sudden notes from an anonymous admirer help her begin to deal with things and finally reach a new season.  

Through strong characters and graceful writing, Phoebe Stone tells an uplifting story that reminds the reader of the light at the end of the tunnel, the sweetness of a spring after a long, dark winter.   

Wonder
by P.J. Palacio

Summary:  Due to a genetic disorder, Auggie was born with extreme facial anomalies.  Even after 27 surgeries, his face continues to gain him cruel nicknames throughout the neighborhood like "Freak" and "Freddy Krueger."  After a life of homeschooling, Auggie is going to attend a private school.  And all he is hoping for is to be treated like a normal kid.

Thoughts:  Wonder is my favorite book of 2012.  Told mainly through Auggie's words and interspersed with viewpoints from other characters, this novel is an unforgettable story of acceptance, tolerance, and love.  It will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next.  Auggie is an incredible character - brave and kind, a kid you can't help but cheer for!  He and his loving family show that true beauty comes from courage, strength, and kindness and that the ugliness on the inside is far worse than any "abnormalties" on the outside.  A thoughtful, uplifting book for readers of all ages.

Read Wonder if:

• you have ever been the new kid
• you have ever felt like you don't fit in
• you like realistic books with strong, memorable characters
• you enjoy stories that make you want to stand up and cheer!

Visit author R.J. Palacio's website, watch the booktrailer, and check out Wonder today.  

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green

Summary:  Hazel is 16 and has terminal cancer.  She meets Augustus at a support group for teens with cancer.  As they fall in love, they wonder how to live and how to make their short life count.    

Thoughts:  John Green is a rock star of young adult literature.  And, this book proves that he truly deserves this status.  His writing is smart, funny, and unforgettable. Hazel and Augustus are such incredible characters, and I plan to reread the book soon just to get to know them all over again.  I have long appreciated John Green and his powerful writing, but The Fault in Our Stars has turned me into one of his crazed super fans.  

Read The Fault in Our Stars if:

• you are a John Green fan (although if you are, you've probably already read it!).
• you like clever, smart writing.
• you enjoy realistic fiction.
• you like strong, memorable characters.
• you love books that make you laugh and also make you cry.
• someone you care about has cancer or if you are struggling with an illness yourself.

Read more about this book and the others by the incomparable John Green on his website or join his other "Nerdfighter" super fans on the Nerdfighters ning.