I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Carter, Ally. I'd Tell you I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You. Hyperion Paperbacks, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-1-42310-004-1.

Plot
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Girls. At first it may seem like your typical private school, until you learn martial arts in PE and that your campus has its own helicopter landing pad. The school is actually a school for spies and these girls are seriously good, that is until when it comes to normal life. Cammie has a run in with a boy that she likes and even though she is fluent in several languages, suddenly she is tongue-tied with no idea what to do next.

Critical Evaluation
This book is a well written light read. The dialogue is extremely witty and there were times where readers may laugh out loud at how skilled these girls are at international crises but are totally ignorant of dating. There are several surprises in the plot and girls will appreciate the bold, strong and independent heroine of the story.

Reader's Annotation
Cammie Morgan is a top notch spy student at the Gallagher Academy of Girls. She is at the top of her game until she meets a cute boy she likes. Now instead of cracking codes of the CIA she must learn to decipher flirting. This may be her toughest mission yet.

About the Author
Ally Carter lives and works in the Midwest. She has degrees from Oklahoma State University and Cornell University. She has written seven books for young adults.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Schools Fiction
Spy Fiction
Espionage Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Why is Ally and her friends so clueless in finding out if Josh likes Cammie?
Do you think that Cammie had to lie to Josh?
Do you think these girls are given too much responsibilities? Are they missing out in being a normal teenager?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
This was a well-written, fun and adventurous book.

Life as we Knew it

Pfeffer, Susan Beth. Life as we Knew it. Harcourt, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-15-205826-5.

Plot
Miranda is just finishing up her sophomore year in high school. She is very busy with being a typical teenager living with a single mom and two brothers. Life is just normal until there is news of a meteor hitting the moon out of orbit and the climate and environment start to change. Suddenly Miranda and her family find themselves fighting for survival in their home with limited supplies. Her family must find a way to survive at least until help arrives.

Critical Evaluation
This book is written in diary format with Miranda narrating. This unique style of narration is a welcomed change and the reader does not feel left out or that there are any gaps in the story. This book is a light read with serious issues about family, relationships and survival. Readers will be eager to get to the end while hoping that all survive. Even though the book deals with survival and bleak environments, the book is sad but not overly depressing.

Reader's Annotation
Miranda is a typical teenager with typical worries, until a meteor hits the moon out of orbit and suddenly the climate changes. Now Miranda and her family must fight to survive within their own neighborhood.

About the Author
Susan Beth Pfeffer is a native of New York City and studied at New York University. She has written over sixty books for children and young adults. Additionally she has won many awards for her work including the South Carolina Young Adult Book Award and ALA Best Book for Young Adults award for The Year Without Micheal.

Pfeffer currently resides in Middletown, New York with her two cats.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Natural Disasters Fiction
Family Life fiction
Science Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think the natural disaster forced Miranda's family to be closer?
Why was everyone willing to let Johnny eat more?
Do you think you are prepared for a natural disaster?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
I have read few books that involved natural disasters. This book was not only interesting but unique in its premise.

Keturah and Lord Death

Leavitt, Martine. Keturah and Lord Death. Front Street, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-1-932425-29-1.

Plot
Sixteen years old Keturah is known for her beauty as well as unique gifts. However she ends up lost in the King's forest and Lord Death appears to take her away. In a desperate bid for more time she starts telling him a story which pleases him and they agree to make a bargain, he will let her live is she is able to find her true love in one day. Keturah now tries to find a way to find her new love and gets involved in all of the villagers' lives in the process.

Critical Evaluation
Readers will appreciate the simplicity of the narration. Although the characters are complex and there are twists to the plot, readers will not get lost in the language and will feel that the text reads very quickly. The tone of the book tends to be dark and magical but not depressing. Readers will enjoy a dark historical romantic story with this book.

Reader's Annotation
Keturah cheats Lords Death with one of her memorizing stories. As a result she and Lord Death make a deal, she must find her true love in one day or he will take her to the other side.

About the Author
Canadian born Martine Leavitt is a YA author. She attended the University of Calgary to study English and then went on to complete her M.F.A at Vermont College. She has written seven novels and has received numerous awards such as the Mr. Christie award for Tom Finder. Recently she has been focusing on writing poetry.

She is the mother of seven children and is a grandmother of nine.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Death fiction
Romantic fiction
Interpersonal Relations fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Why did Keturah choose the way she did? She did have more options?
Do you think dreams are important or should be considered as signs for things to come?
Did you feel sorry for Lord Death or was he the "bad guy" of the story?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
none

Why Included in Selection
The subject matter was intriguing and the twists in the plot were very surprising and complex.

American Born Chinese

Yang, Gene Yuen. American Born Chinese. First Second, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-1-59643-373-1.

Plot
The graphic novel contains three stories. The first is of Jin Wang, a high school student who is the only Asian in his school and is struggling to fit in. Then, a new immigrant moves in and tries to make friends with the reluctant Jin. The second story tells the story of the Monkey King, a legend that is well known throughout Asia. Finally there is the story of Chin-Kee, a character who embodies the major stereotypes of Chinese people.

Critical Evaluation
This graphic novel has several twists in its plot that will surprise the reader. At first the three stories seem to be completely different and it can be confusing that the graphic novel goes to each story randomly, however in the end it does tie together and surprisingly make sense. There are some great parts that are funny, but it also contains very serious themes about race, culture, identity and coming of age. The art is also colorful and great with a unique style.

Reader's Annotation
American Born Chinese tells of Jin Wang, a student trying to fit in at high school. Then there is the story of the Monkey King, a well known Asian legend and Chin-Kee who is a stereotype of Chinese people. These three random stories talk about race, culture and identity.

About the Author
Gene Yuen Yang was already creating comic books in the fifth grade. He did receive the Xeric Grant in order to create his first comic book, Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks. He has also created several other graphic novels.

Currently Gene Yuen Yang lives in the Bay Area of California with his wife and children. He also teaches at a Roman Catholic High School.

Genre
Graphic Novel

Curriculum
Chinese American Fiction
Identity Fiction
Schools Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
What is the importance of Chin-Kee in the story? How does his stereotype traits make you feel?
Did the end surprise you? Did you think Jin learned anything?
Should you work to fit in or is it worth it to "be yourself"?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
The graphic novel contains language, stereotypes and racial slurs.

Challenge Answer
The graphic novel talks about racial and identity issues. The racial slurs and stereotypes may show real issues that Asian American teenagers may face.

Why Included in the collection
I appreciated the boldness of this graphic novel in being willing to show some real challenges Asian Americans may face.

Freak the Mighty

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. Scholastic Inc, 1993. ISBN: 0-439-28606-9

Plot
Max was used to being called names, of having people scared of him, of knowing that he had a big strong body and not much of a mind. Max was used to being alone and not having any close friends or relationships. All this is changed when Freak and his mom move into the neighborhood. This small kid with crutches seems to know everything and starts talking about how awesome Max is. Max may not know what Freak is talking about most of the time, but the two do start having an unlikely friendship.

Critical Evaluation
The whole premise of the book is very unique. An unlikely friendship between two opposites which changes the lives of each other. However, it is fun for the reader to listen to Freak's intelligent rants while Max is trying to keep up with his mind while looking out for Freak's physical well-being. There are some serious adult themes such as child abuse and physical handicaps but the characters and story handle these themes so great that the reader is not depressed at the end of the book.

Reader's Annotation
Max is a big boy with big muscles, but not much brain. Freak is a boy on crutches with an incredible mind. Together they start an unlikely friendship that takes them through many adventures.

About the Author
Rodman Philbrick is a native of the New England Coast. He worked as a boat builder and longshoreman. Initially he wrote mysteries and detective novels for adults. He has also written several novels dealing with genetic engineering as well as some thrillers.

Philbrick has written several books for YA in addition to Freak the Mighty. Currently, he and his wife split their time between Maine and Florida Keys.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Friendship fiction
Disabilities fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Why do you think the friendship between Freak and Max works so well?
Did the disabilities of Max and Freak limit them in any way?
Do you have a friendship where the two of you were very different?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
There are swears within the text.

Challenge Answer
The language does not occur too often or is very bad. It adds to the character of Freak and his emotions.

Why Included in Selection
The story is very interesting and full of great themes and characters.

Kampung Boy

Lat. Kampung Boy. First Second, 1979. ISBN-13: 978-1-59643-121-8

Plot
The reader follows the life of Mat, from birth to his adolescence while growing up in Kapang in the Kinta Valley in Perak, Malaysia. Although he and his family are living in a small village, there are endless things of amusement and joy for Mat and his family. From helping his Aunt Khatijah with processing rubber tree milk to getting into mischief with his friends, readers are able to enjoy seeing Mat try to make sense of the world and religion he is a part of.

Critical Evaluation
This graphic novel reads more like an autobiography of the author. The narration in the text tells how Mat felt about certain events or how confused he was at the time. Again, the book that Lat has created is filled with funny charming moments, and his unique style of art only brings more life and personality to his story.

Reader's Annotation
Mat is born into a humble family living in a small village called Kampung in Malaysia. Although his village is not big, life is full of adventure and challenges as Mat grows up and starts to make sense of the world around him.

About the Author
Lat is considered one of the most beloved cartoonists in Southeast Asia. He had his first works published when he was only thirteen. He has received numerous awards such as being bestowed with the honorific title of Datuk in 1994. He has also received the Special Jury Award from the Malaysian Press Institute.

Genre
Graphic Novel

Curriculum
Art
Historical Fiction
Muslim Life
Malaysian History

Book Talking Ideas
How does the responsibilities and entertainment of Mat's childhood differs from yours?
Are there any similarities between your life and Mat's?
Do you think that Mat had to grow up quickly? Or was he able to enjoy his childhood?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
nudity

Challenge Answer
None of the nudity shows any private parts of the characters. The nudity is culturally appropriate since most of the very young children in the village are nude and also the characters are nude while swimming. It is not sexual in nature.

Why Included in Selection
This graphic novel is impressive how emotionally complex it is while still being charmingly funny.

Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume

Smith, Jeff. Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume. Cartoon Books, 2004. ISBN-13: 978-1-888963-14-4

Plot
Fone Bone, along with his two cousins Phoney and Smiley are chased out of Boneville due to Phoney's last failed scam. The three end up losing contact while being lost in a strange valley where they run into Thorn, her Grandma Rose, strange hairy rat creatures, and silly towns people. Everything just seems a bit quirky when things start to get stranger and even dangerous. Thorn seems to be tied up in some sort of prophecy and it seems that the Bone cousins are too.

Critical Evaluation
It is a graphic novel that has everything, well developed characters, a complex plot, great art and laugh out loud moments. Readers will enjoy the honesty of the characters as well as the mystery of the fate of Thorn. This graphic novel is seriously dangerous to start, because readers will not be able to put it down.

Reader's Annotation
Fone Bone finds himself lost in a valley and runs into a beautiful Thorn. First he must find his cousins while trying to figure out why the rat creatures as well as darker characters seem to be after them.

About the Author
Jeff Smith was born and raised in Pennsylvania. He drew comic strips for the Ohio State's student newspaper for four years before he co-founded the Character Builders animation studio in 1986. He also launched his own company in 1991 called Cartoon Books which published his book Bone.

Smith's works have been translated into thirteen languages and has won numerous awards worldwide. When he is not working on graphic novels he is busy promoting art, comics and graphic novels.

Genre
Graphic Novel

Curriculum
Fiction
Fantasy

Book Talking Ideas
With the two outcast rat creatures, do you think that they are truly "bad guys"? Were there any true "bad guys" in the story?
Do you think Grandma Rose was correct in keeping information from Thorn?
What do you think of the contrast between the dramatic plot then huge humor breaks?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
Violence

Challenge Answer
The violence is from battles and war. There is not a lot of blood or gore.

Why Included in Selection
This is a personal favorite graphic novel. It is so funny and has a great story.

Pretties

Westerfeld, Scott. Pretties. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86539-8

Plot
Tally Youngblood has finally become a Pretty. She is the toast of the town and has a totally good looking and equally as popular boyfriend. Currently, her only worry is trying to figure out what to wear at a semi-formal party. However, despite all the partying there is something at the back of her mind that is just fighting to come back out. There is a lingering memory that this world is not okay that it is not real. This memory also makes her a prime target or the authorities, since no one wants the truth about Pretties exposed.

Critical Evaluation
Again Westerfeld delivers another fast-paced thriller. He does not waste anytime getting the reader captured in the suspense and thrills as Tally finds herself torn between two worlds once again. New characters are added to the story, but characters from the previous novel are not forgotten. Readers will enjoy another page turner in the series.

Reader's Annotation
Tally Youngblood is a Pretty and has everything that anybody could possibly want. But there is a lingering memory that tells her this place isn't real and she is not safe. This memory is also the reason the authorities must find her and make sure that no one else knows what she does.

About the Author
Scott Westerfeld is a science fiction author that has written three series for teens. He has also written several novels for adults as well. He received his BA in Philosophy from Vassar as well as competing graduate studies in Performance Act at New York University.

Currently Westerfeld is married and has no kids. He and his wife split their time between New York City and Sydney, Australia.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum Ties
Science Fiction
Dystopia

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think that David's "ugliness" has Tally complete turned off? Or will they able to resume their relationship?
Do you think being a Pretty is something that happens to you or is it something that the person creates for themselves?
Did you think Tally could ever forget? If you had a choice, would you want to remember the past or just leave it alone?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
none

Why Included in Selection
It is a great sequel to Uglies and a fast, interesting read.

Uglies

Westerfeld, Scott. Uglies. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86538-1

Plot
Tally Youngblood cannot wait for her sixteenth birthday. This is because she will be able to get the mandatory surgery which makes her a Pretty. Being a Pretty is a big deal, it means no more hardships from seeing natural imperfections in your body and face. It also means that Tally will get to live in Pretty Town and just party and be happy or "bubbly" all day long. That is until her friend Shay comes into the picture. Shay does not want to get the surgery and keeps talking about the Smoke, people who live with their imperfections out in the wilderness. Suddenly Shay disappears and Tally is responsible in bringing her back or she may never become a Pretty.

Critical Evaluation
Westerfeld is able to create an entire new society with mystery and great story telling. Readers can visualize the objects or buildings that he describes while getting totally into the plot. The book keeps the readers guessing and details are exposed throughout the fast pace of the plot so that the reader stays interested. This book is a quick and easy read for teen readers to enjoy without having to dissect or be frustrated by the complexity of the story or language.

Reader's Annotation
Turning sixteen means that you get to become a Pretty. Once a Pretty you are granted access to grand parties and an care-free life, this is what Tally Youngblood wants, just like any other normal teen. However, when her friend runs away Tally is sent to get her back or else! While on her journey, Tally sees the other side of being a Pretty and things are not what she first thought they were.

About the Author
Scott Westerfeld is a science fiction novelist. He has written five books for adults in addition to the three set of series he has written for teens. He got his BA in Philosophy from Vassar then completed graduate work in Performance Studies at New York University.

He is married to a fellow writer named Justine Larbalestier. He and his wife split their time between Sydney, Australia and New York City.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum Ties
Distopia
Science-Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think becoming a Pretty would make Tally happy?
What kind of beauty David is talking about when he is with Tally?
Why do you think the idea of becoming a Pretty is so sought after?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
Suggestive material

Challenge Answer
The sexual suggestive material is only mentioned very briefly at the beginning of the book (maybe only one sentence). There is no explicit detail given and it is not a major part in the plot at all.

Why Included in Selection
It is an interesting science fiction distopia novel.