Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden

Pages: 276

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: Survival, war, adventure

Notes for parents: Scenes of violence and some mature scenes.

The Back Cover

When Ellie and her friends go camping, they have no idea they’re leaving their old lives behind forever. Despite a less-than-tragic food shortage and a secret crush or two, everything goes as planned. But a week later they return home to find their houses empty and their pets starving. Something has gone wrong – horribly wrong. Before long, they realize the country has been invaded, and their entire town has been captured – including their families and all their friends.

Ellie and the other survivors face an impossible decision: They can flee for the mountains or surrender. Or they can fight.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book in a seven part series set in Australia. (There’s a follow-up trilogy as well.)

What’s good?

This is a gripping, well-written, fast-paced adventure filled with tension, lots of action, some romance, and even humour. The characters are realistic and capable.Their rural upbringing makes their survival skills believable, while their youth makes it difficult for them to fully comprehend the seriousness of their situation. I enjoyed following these typical teens as they rose to the occasion – developing strategies, planning covert sabotage missions, taking responsibility, learning about consequences, living in jeopardy, being courageous…and deciding to stand and fight instead of run and hide, all without adult supervision.

The main character, Ellie, is a strong female heroine, supported by good secondary characters. While none of the teens are very fleshed out, this is the first of seven books so we’ll likely learn more about them throughout the series.

Best part: The nameless, faceless enemy. No time is wasted on the politics of explaining who the enemy is.

  

What’s not so good?

The start is a bit slow since we already know what they’ll be walking into when they leave the bush. The format of chronicling the events for history’s sake keeps parts of the story a bit dry. It often lacks emotion and sometimes feels downright awkward when Ellie includes personal thoughts that seem inappropriate for all to read. Some readers may be turned off by the Australian lingo, but a handy glossary is included at the beginning. Also, the lack of technology (this was written in 1993) may make the story feel dated at first, but once the action starts, all of that will be forgotten.

Worst part: The end! This is definitely not a stand-alone book. Reading this basically commits you to reading the other six!

Recommendations þþþþo

Several other reviews compared this to the Red Dawn movies. While the idea is similar, this story blows Red Dawn out of the water as far as I’m concerned! In fact, I would go so far as to say I enjoyed this more than The Hunger Games. The action and danger is riveting, the characters are cheer-worthy, the peril is believable, and the setting is gritty. Definitely recommended!

Marsden, John. Tomorrow When the War Began. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1993.

The Good Neighbors: Kin by Holly Black & Ted Naifeh

Pages: 114

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: graphic novel; supernatural

Notes for Parents: Contains some mature themes

The Inside Cover

Rue Silver’s life isn’t at all what it appears to be. Her mother has disappeared – and her father is being blamed for a murder. Is he guilty? Or is there another truth beneath it all?

Rue digs deeper into her family’s past and makes a startling discovery: Her mother is a faerie, and she has vanished back into the faerie realm because of a broken promise. In order to get her back, Rue must plunge into the depths of her own identity – and must follow the sinister twists of her own fate.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book in a trilogy.

What’s good?

There are no Tinkerbells here! This is a dark, mysterious, and mature story of a troubled teen from a broken home who discovers her fairy – I should say faery – origins which leads her to uncover several mysteries. While the premise itself isn’t original, the presentation is well done. The black and white drawings are beautiful, giving the story a haunting feel. The characters are believable and likeable, and the story moves at a good pace. The lore is more in line with ancient legends of powerful and vengeful faeries, giving this a darker, more sinister feel than your average fairy tale.

Best Part: The faery at the locker who gives Rue attitude.

What isn’t good?

This story is nothing new. There seems to be a plethora of stories out there where someone discovers they’re a fairy or wizard or mind reader or vampire slayer, etc. Being the first in a trilogy, the story ends with a lot of loose ends, which is frustrating when you don’t have the second book on hand.  

Worst part: None.

Recommendation þþþþo

I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the drawings immensely. It was a quick read, as are most graphic novels, but it was by no means fluff. There are many important themes and emotions explored in the story. Recommended.

Black, Holly. The Good Neighbors: Kin. New York: Graphix, 2008. (Hardcover)

Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast

Pages: 306

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: Supernatural

Notes for parents: Scenes of violence, coarse language, and mature themes

The Back Cover

Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change – and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny—with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

It tells you everything! Why bother reading the book? I hate when they do that. This is book 1 of a 12 book series. Yes, I said 12! (There are also 3 novellas, a handbook, and a few other related books).

What’s good?

This is a fairly original mash-up of vampire legend, Greek mythology, Wiccan rituals and more. The pace is good, the school is a great setting, and the plot flows nicely. I like the first person narrative – she sounds like a typical teen which gives believability to the strong female lead. The supporting characters are well done although a few are a little overdone. The story itself is interesting and entertaining.

Best part: Stevie Rae.

What’s not so good?

I’m a vampire traditionalist so I don’t particularly like when people mess with tradition. However, it could have been worse – they could’ve sparkled! Needless to say, the lore is a bit cheesy at times. The story’s treatment of religion is a bit nonsensical with its mixed anti-Christian, pro-tolerance message.

Worst part: The use of vampyre instead of vampire is annoying.

Recommendations þþþoo

This series has great potential, but ultimately I felt this first book fell flat. I’ve given it three checkmarks because I did find it interesting and entertaining enough to read the next book in the series. However, I feel it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. I recommend this, but only to vampire enthusiasts looking for a soap opera twist on the old lore.

Cast, P.C. & Cast, Kristen. Marked. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2007.

Deck Z: The Titanic by Chris Pauls & Matt Solomon

Pages: 222

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: Supernatural horror

Notes for Parents: Contains many scenes of graphic violence

The Inside Cover

The year is 1912. Theodor Weiss, a German scientist, has discovered a strange new plague that ravages its victims, transforming them into soulless, flesh-hungry monsters. Yet, his lab studies show that the strain also holds great promise: It could be the key to a cure for all types of the plague. When Weiss uncovers a sinister military plan to use the disease as a weapon, he steals the world’s only sample vial and makes for America, where he will be safely out of the reach of German operatives. And what better way to travel in anonymity than on the world’s largest ocean liner, making its maiden voyage that very week?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the authors’ first novel.

What’s good?

I love a good zombie story! This is a highly entertaining, well-written, fast paced story about the desperate battle to survive a zombie invasion below deck on the ill-fated Titanic. While infusing tales of the undead into a dramatic moment in history requires a bit of literary licensing, the authors do an excellent job of staying true to history (for the most part) while injecting the myth and horror of a zombie plague. The characters are well-drawn and carefully introduced. The suspense builds slowly at first as we follow the toxic aboard the ship, but as the invasion spreads, action and horror spill into the lower decks where heroes and villains are born!

Best Part: Captain E.J. Smith and his sword, Kabul.

What isn’t good?

To bend a true story in this way may seem disrespectful to the actual people whose lives were lost in the tragedy. However, I read it as more of a tribute to the timeless legend than was Titanic, rather than the historical event. Some of the battles are over the top and the gore is graphic, but that’s all standard fare for a good zombie story as far as I’m concerned.  

Worst part: The flaming squash balls.

Recommendation þþþþo

It’s a gory adventure, full of severed heads, half-eaten crew members, a cane-weilding German and a swashbuckling captain who thrusts and parries until he goes down with his ship. With a grain of salt and a sense of humour, this is a very entertaining tale. Recommended (but bring a weapon!).

Pauls, Chris. Solomon, Matt. Deck Z: The Titanic. New York: Scholastic, 2012.

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

Pages: 114

Intended Audience: Teens and mature tweens

Genre: real life

Notes for Parents: Contains some mature themes

The Back Cover

Shawn McDaniel’s life is not what it may seem to anyone looking at him. He is glued to his wheelchair, unable to voluntarily move a muscle—he can’t even move his eyes. For all Shawn’s father knows, his son may be suffering. Shawn may want a release. And as long as he is unable to communicate his true feelings to his father, Shawn’s life is in danger.

To the world, Shawn’s senses seem dead. Within these pages, however, we meet a side of him that no one else has seen; a spirit that is rich beyond imaging, breathing life.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

It’s an American Library Association Honor Book.

What’s good?

This is a charmingly bittersweet story about a charismatic young man with a heartbreaking disability. It forces us to question many things, like: How much do we really know about people who are uncommunicative? How far would you go for someone you love? How do you define quality of life?

Seeing this all unfold from Shawn’s perspective is brilliant, especially as he offers up blunt truths about himself and others. The story is short, quick, in your face and very satisfying.

Best Part: The end.

What isn’t good?

While I wanted to sympathize for the father, I just couldn’t muster any respect for a dad who would leave his family because raising his son was too hard. I understood his fear that his son may be suffering physically, but I certainly don’t think he was in any position to decide what was best for Shawn. His plan seemed less about helping Shawn and more about ending his own suffering. Also, it was difficult to read the politically incorrect terms such as “retarded” and “vegetable.” We’ve come a long way since this book was written 13 years ago.

Worst part: There’s a sequel – so much for the good ending!

Recommendation þþþoo

This was a very quick read, both because it’s only 114 pages, and because of the excellent, precise, and imaginative writing. Shawn is a wonderful character telling a thought-provoking tale about suffering, dignity, mercy, and love. Recommended.

Trueman, Terry. Stuck in Neutral. New York: HarperCollins, 2000.

Human.4 by Mike A. Lancaster

Pages: 231

Intended Audience: Teens and Mature Tweens

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes for parents: Some mature scenes

The Back Cover

Kyle Straker volunteers to be hypnotized at the Millgrove talent show, expecting the same dull amateur acts as always. But when he wakes up, his world will never be the same. Televisions and computers no longer work, but a strange language streams across their screens. Phone lines are reduced to a few ominous clicks. People pass Kyle as if he isn’t even there.

Is this nightmare a result of the hypnosis? Will Kyle wake up with a snap of the fingers to roars of laughter? Or is this something much more sinister?

On a set of cassette tapes found at an unspecified point in the future, Kyle tells the story of a world where technology has been pushed too far. And it’s absolutely terrifying.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book in a series.

What’s good?

This is a well-written, very original story with adventure, mystery and even elements of horror. Although the start was a bit slow, once things picked up, the action was first-rate and the pace was quick and steady. The characters are realistically drawn, flaws and all, making them easy to like and easy to root for. I was quickly drawn into their desperate search for answers. The footnotes from the future are amusing and add to the mystery, while the appearance of the vestigivore creates some well-written tense moments.

Best part: Mr. Peterson’s story about his son.

What’s not so good?

As I mentioned, the beginning feels drawn out since we already know what’s going to happen when he’s hypnotized. There are lots of computer terms that may lose some of the less tech savvy readers as well as a few British terms that may throw some off, but I think in the end, the effects of both are minimal.

Worst part: Kyle’s preoccupation with Lilly’s beauty at the beginning. Focus, Kyle!!

Recommendations þþþþo

This is a difficult book to review because saying too much can spoil the story, but I will say that it’s a sophisticated story about individualism and progress. The book’s small page count and short chapters make this a quick and easy read and the story unfolds into a very entertaining and thought-provoking adventure. Recommended.

Lancaster, Mike A. Human.4. New York: Egmont, 2011.

Notes from a Totally Lame Vampire by Tim Collins

Pages: 329

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Paranormal / Humour

Notes for parents: Some mature scenes

The Back Cover

Nigel Mullet isn’t your typical teenager…he’s a vampire! But unfortunately, when Nigel transformed, he didn’t become all broody and interesting, and as for super strength and speed…well, forget it! Nigel got acne, a voice that squeaks, a tendency to break out in a rash (not sparkles!) when exposed to the sun, and still had absolutely no idea how to talk to girls. Nigel just may be the first and only lame vampire on record.

When a beautiful new girl comes to school, Nigel is determined to impress her. Of course, that would mean actually speaking to her…and he will…eventually. But until he can win the girl and respect of his family, Nigel will just be utterly lame.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

It’s a diary with drawings in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

What’s good?

Nigel is a high-schooler who’s awkward, clumsy, suffers from acne, has an annoying little sister, has a crush on the new girl, and happens to be a 100-year-old vampire. This is a quick and easy read with some genuine humour (Hint: it’s funnier if you read it with a British accent). It pokes fun at teens, romance, poetry, and especially vampires.

Best part: When his sister joined Team Werewolf.

What’s not so good?

Nigel is unlikeable. He’s whiney and angst-ridden to the point of annoyance. He’s had 100-years to figure out teenage hood and still he complains! Worst yet, for someone so unfortunate, he’s judgemental, commenting on people’s looks, saying disparaging things about his friend’s girlfriend, and being mean to his friend Darren.

I didn’t like how he betrayed his family in the end, either.

Worst part: The thirst for blood as a metaphor for sex was…lame.

Recommendations þþooo

I was surprised by how many good reviews this book received. The story wasn’t overly exciting – there was no actual action until the end. It was funny, but not hilarious. And there was no dialogue, just storytelling. The only reason I finished it was because it was so quick and easy to read. While I personally wouldn’t recommend this book, it did, like I mentioned, get many good reviews from others. If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or the Adrian Mole books, you may enjoy this.

Collins, Tim. Notes from a Totally Lame Vampire. New York: Scholastic, 2011.

(Originally published in 2010 as Diary of a Wimpy Vampire by Michael O’Mara Books)

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Pages: 281

Intended Audience: Mature Teens

Genre: Real Life

Notes for parents: Some coarse language, violence and other mature scenes

The Back Cover

Steve Harmon’s black. He’s in jail, maybe forever. He’s on trial for murder. And he’s sixteen years old.

FADE IN: INTERIOR: Early morning in CALL BLOCK D, MANHATTAN DETENTION CENTER.

STEVE (Voice-Over)

Sometimes I feel like I have walked into the middle of a movie. Maybe I can make my own movie. The film will be the story of my life. No, not my life, but of this experience. I’ll call it what the lady prosecutor called me…MONSTER.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

The story follows teenager Steve Harmon. He’s accused of being part of a robbery where a man was killed so he’s charged with felony murder. As he goes through the stressful trial process, he writes his story like a movie script.

What’s good?

The unconventional script style and journal entries create a good pace and make this easy to read—important since a lot of the legalese and courtroom routines are fairly dry. It’s sad and poignant to witness this young man as he realizes the consequences of what he seems to think are petty actions. It’s also unsettling to watch the stream of neighborhood criminals testify nonchalantly about a crime that took a man’s life. The story effectively hammers home the importance of the choices we make and how they affect our own lives as well as the lives of others.

Best part: The script-style seems to reinforce Steve’s efforts to distance himself from the crime.

What’s not so good?

I felt no sympathy for Steve. I hated the cold and uncaring lawyers. I was disheartened by the justice system that favored theatrics over truth. The police seemed lazy. There is clearly no honor among thieves since they all turned on each other. Did I miss the point? Should I be relieved or angered by the outcome?

Worst part: A high risk robbery for a small reward with grave consequences…followed by fried chicken.

Recommendations þþþoo

This book is a great choice for reluctant readers and people who like unconventional styles. For everyone else…I don’t know. It was interesting and I’m glad I read it. I love the script style. But the premise, the plot, and the characters are not enjoyable and, more importantly, the story did not come to a rewarding end for me. Recommended, but with reservations.

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. New York: HarperTempest, 1999.

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks

Pages: 224

Intended Audience: Teens and Tweens

Genre: Graphic Novel

Notes for parents: Some language and mature scenes

The Back Cover

After years of homeschooling, Maggie is starting high school. It’s pretty terrifying. Maggie’s big brothers are there to watch her back, but ever since Mom left it just haven’t been the same.

Besides her brothers, Maggie’s never had any real friends before. Lucy and Alistair don’t have lots of friends either. But they eat lunch with her at school and bring her along on their small-town adventures.

Missing mothers…distant brothers…high school…new friends…It’s a lot to deal with. But there’s just one more things. Maggie is haunted.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

It doesn’t say if this is the first in a series. I couldn’t find anything on the internet either.

What’s good?

Excellent characterization and outstanding artwork make this a funny, easy-to-read, graphic story about a girl’s first few days of high school. I love the dynamic relationships between Maggie, her father, and her three brothers. Maggie befriends Lucy and her brother Alistair, two more well-developed and thoroughly likeable characters. The black and white drawings are nicely done and well organized making this a quick read. The plot is simple with many sub stories that touch on family relationships, an absent parent, friendships, bullying, choices, self-confidence, and the paranormal, just to name a few.

Best part: The twins!

What’s not so good?

There were way too many loose ends. This might be forgivable if there’s a sequel in the works, but I could find no evidence of such. Why did the mother leave? What does the ghost want/need? What’s with the hand and mystery of the disappearing sailors? If there is no sequel, then all of these storylines were pointless. If there is, then disregard my rant because the loose ends make for a pretty good set up for stories to come.

Worst part: The prosthetic hand was weird. But again, if there’s a sequel, the mystery of the sailors could be a good one!

Recommendations þþþþo

This was a hard one to rate and review. As a stand-alone graphic novel, it was a lot of fun and easy to read. The characters were wonderful and the story was interesting, but the loose ends kill the story in the end, leaving an overall impression worth about two checkmarks. However, if the was the beginning of a series – which I really hope it is – then it was a fantastic start. As the first in a series, it deserves four checkmarks. Here’s hoping there’s more! Recommended.

Hicks, Faith Erin. Friends with Boys. New York & London: First Second, 2012.