YA Lit Update: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The GOOD:  

    My students nearly wet their pants today when they found out that Hunger Games (by S. Collins) sold the movie rights to Lionsgate.  Most of my students read Hunger Games and the hugely successful sequel, Catching Fire, within a few days. They were beyond engrossed.  If you have no idea about the craze that is Hunger Games, check out this link http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com  This page lists all of the impressive awards. It’s truly remarkable. 

    Back to my students---I caught them reading this novel in homeroom, during class, and even in the cafeteria! I am mortified to say that I haven’t read either book, even though they have been on my “To Read” list for awhile.  To be honest with you, I can’t even get my hands on the copy I bought! I brought my copy into my classroom back in September....big mistake! I can’t keep it on my shelf. More and more students ask to sign it out. I even have a waiting list!  Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, has openly expressed her love of the Hunger Games.  She said that she brought it to a restaurant and secretly hid it on her lap so she could read it during dinner! Stephen King has also said how much he has enjoyed this series and even one of my favorite adult fantasy authors, Charlaine Harris praised it.  Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series and 39 Clues said it was the “perfect adventure novel.” Needless to say, this is huge....think Harry Potter huge.  Word on the literary street is that the third book, currently unnamed, will come out in August of 2010.  

More Good:  

    Riordan’s Percy Jackson series has been finally made into a movie and will come out in February of 2010.  There’s been a lot of talk about this at my school.  I showed the movie trailer in class and encouraged my students to read the book before they see the movie. Plus, the book/movie includes a lot of mythological characters and it will definitely help them when we study mythology this spring. I highly recommend this series and I am really looking forward to the movie.  It will definitely fill my Harry Potter void.  Check out the trailer here:  http://www.percyjacksonthemovie.com/

EVEN MORE GOOD:  

    Lastly, I also read an article about the “next” Twilight series. I guess publishers and directors are keeping their eye out for the next big series since the Harry Potter and Twilight novels have officially come to an end and pretty soon the movies will be too.  Well, literary critics are saying that Garcia and Stohl’s novel, Beautiful Creatures, could be the next Twilight.  I was thrilled to learn that Garcia was a middle school English teacher and a reading specialist. WOO HOO! On the other hand, I was skeptical since the novel is getting so much attention so soon.  Well, that was until I read that Warner Brothers bought the rights to it and the writer/director of P.S. I Love You and Freedom Writers will be directing it.  Wow!  Huge leap there, Warner Brothers. There’s no built in fan base since this is the first book out of five in the series; plus, Beautiful Creatures just came out this week. I find it interesting that WB is taking such a big risk....perhaps it really is worthy and they too need to fill a void left by Harry? I am definitely going to be picking up this book mainly out of curiosity.  Check out the book trailer (yes, books have trailers....Weird, I know) http://beautifulcreaturesthebook.com/ and let me know what you think!

The Bad: 

    I’ve been excited to read Wings by Aprilynne Pike. I’m sure you have seen the captivating cover when browsing in Barnes and Noble.  If not, definitely check out the website here:  http://www.aprilynnepike.com  My students said good things about Pike’s debut novel, which is about faeries. I like the idea of an ordinary girl who realizes she’s a fairy. There isn’t much out there on that topic and the second in the series, Spell, just came out and received good reviews.  I was sold!  But just as I was going to pick up a copy of this delightful novel, I found out something upsetting.  Disney bought the movie rights to this series.  You are probably wondering why I would think it’s a bad idea for Disney to buy the rights, because after all, I do love Disney.  However, Disney always casts annoying robots like Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens.  Well, I was right.  They casted the queen robot--the lover of the peace sign..... MILEY CYRUS.  Seriously? Can she be anymore annoying? Miley said in an interview that Twilight was “totally gay.”  Hmm.  Very profound. My question to Miley --vampires and werewolves are “gay,” but faeries aren’t? I’m not sure Miley is the right gal for this movie.  

The UGLY:

    My love hate relationship with Stephanie Meyer continues.  I recently read that she was sued for plagiarism.  Jordan Scott, the author of The Nocturne, felt that Meyer plagiarized part of his novel, specifically in Breaking Dawn.  This made me giggle as I feel Meyer is a bit of a fraud although I do respect her success.  To make a long story short, the judge felt that Meyer didn’t plagiarized; however, I bet that in the future, we will be seeing more of Mrs. Meyer in court. I wrote part of a book review on this very topic not too long ago.  Here it is:  One thing that I find extremely irritating about Stephanie Meyer is that she claims to have never read a vampire book and that the idea for Twilight came to her in a dream. Really? You expect us to believe that? I think not. Between the Vampire Diaries series, Anne Rice, and the Sookie Stackhouse series, I think it's safe to say she got a few ideas from her predecessors--which is fine, because she developed the idea and some feel she made it even better.......but she should give credit where credit is due and not claim to have obtained her idea through osmosis.

Review of Evermore

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Published: 2009
Pages: 320
Genre: Young adult/fantasy
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This novel has been on my “to read” list for a while now and I must confess that I neglected it for a few months mostly because of the comparisons it made to Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.  I was tired of reading mediocre vampire fiction, like the Vampire Diaries and the Blue Bloods series...the list goes on and on.  Yes, the cover art of Evermore is very similar to Meyer’s--exchanging Noel’s red tulips for Meyer’s symbolic apple and you essentially have yourself the same book jacket.  Yes, there are similarities between some of the plot lines and even the sequels possess similar names. (Noel’s second book is Blue Moon whereas Meyer’s is New Moon....hmm? Uncanny!) I know what you’re thinking. You think that I’ll admit that this is yet another Stephanie Meyer or Charlaine Harris (author of Dead Until Dark) copy cat, but I’m surprisingly not going to.  Even though there are undeniable similarities, I think that Alyson Noel is on to something new....something untouched.  In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is the next big series especially since Meyer finished her series in 2008.  With talk of a possible movie or television deal in the works and the fact that Noel’s publishers have her writing more books in the series as well as a spin-off series, all support my claim. I know many would agree with me.  In the middle school literary world, the buzz is just beginning.  Move over Meyer, Noel is vying for the ever popular back seat of the school bus.

    This is book one in the new series, The Immortals, and I think it will be keeping many young adult fantasy readers up until the wee hours of the morning. This was evident today in my classroom when I discussed the novel; the middle school students couldn’t get their hands on this book quickly enough.  Quick synopsis- The main character, Ever Bloom, survived a car crash that tragically killed her parents, her sister, and their dog. It was truly heartbreaking for Ever (how cool is that name?) and the reader alike. Ever’s only remaining relative is her aunt who lives in southern California, which is a lot different than where she grew up in Oregon.  (On a side note, Noel knows first hand what So Cal life is like; she has lived in Laguna Beach for many years.)  Our heroine, Ever, moves to this California idyllic town with her rich aunt, but she is plagued by guilt regarding the accident. On top of that, she can now see people’s auras, read their minds, and is psychic, which is something she obtained from her near death experience.  Ever isn’t handling her new found “skills” well and at school she literally tries to tune out all of her distractions with the help of a trusty hoodie and iPod, until she meets the new guy, Damen.  I’m sure you are thinking, enter stage right-  Edward’s doppelganger; however, Damen is very different from Twilight’s hunky vampire.  Thank you, Alyson Noel. Because honestly, I feel at this point, vampires are pretty much played out.  

    I think readers will also enjoy Noel’s portrayal of Ever’s sister, Riley, one of my absolute favorite characters. I don’t want to say too much, but she is a truly evocative character.  It’s also worth noting that Noel ventures into uncharted territories by exploring various disputed issues, such as ghosts, purgatory, chakras, reincarnation, and alchemy.  Lastly, I give kudos to Noel for creating a mentally and physically strong female character in Ever.  Unlike Bella Swan, Meyer’s protagonist, Ever doesn’t need constant “saving” or approval from her male counterpart.  She faces the bullies, mean girls, and terrifying fictional characters head on.  But make no mistake! Even though Ever is a tenacious female, Noel still makes her emotionally vulnerable, which is expected since she is dealing with the realities of a devastating accident.  Noel wrote this novel after she suffered the loss of a few people close to her and the reader can see how that definitely influenced the book’s themes.  In fact, as I was reading, parts of the story reminded me of Lucky Bones, which if you read it, you know that it also explores the idea of life after death.  All in all, Noel made me think. After losing someone we love, do they ever really leave us?

    In my opinion, this is a book that cannot be missed if you are a fan of young adult fantasies or the Twilight series.  I found it to be elegiac, addictive and extremely thought provoking even if it is young adult literature. And I say that last part with a smile on my face.  Alyson Noel’s sequel, Blue Moon, is also captivating and doesn’t disappoint. I highly recommend that novel as well. Furthermore, I look forward to November 17th, which is when the third book in the series, Shadowland, will be published.  Even though Meyer and Noel’s books are indisputably similar, I ultimately think Noel’s message is much more ardent.  True, it is a fantasy novel, but Noel touches upon various important life lessons, such as the power of friendship, the disappointment of betrayal, the notion of eternal love, and the ruination of a life-altering loss.  More importantly, this novel includes NO vampires what.so.Ever.  I mean, seriously.....Edward who??

Review of The White Queen

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

*Published: 2009

*Pages: 411

*Genre: Adult- Historical fiction
*My rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Philippa Gregory, who is known for her historical fiction focusing on the Tudors, probably has exhausted all of the plot lines concerning this illustrious family.  But I welcome this change and I’m glad she signed a three book deal with her publisher concerning the War of the Roses.  After all, this topic was good enough for Shakespeare! The first novel in the trilogy, The White Queen, focuses on the fascinating Elizabeth Woodville, who is reputably the most beautiful woman of her time. Elizabeth, grandmother to the notorious Henry VIII, is a widow; her husband, Sir John Grey, died at the Battle of St. Albans, which in turn left her without land and in charge of her two young boys.  To top it off, she is living in her parents’ home and desperately wants her independence.  She tries to obtain the King’s attention as he rides by on the road and hopes to plead her case to him.  She not only pleads her case, but she also impresses him with her beauty and determination.  Before we know it, Elizabeth is involved with the King and everyone knows what gossip, intrigue, and political turmoil will follow!

This book was absorbing and inspired my interest in the time period, which is ultimately what every captivating historical fiction should do.  I also liked Gregory’s portrayal of Richard III and her twist on the Princes in the Tower.   The mystery of the Princes in the Tower is still unsolved today and Gregory’s scenario is quite feasible.  Additionally, I thought the incorporation of the myth of Melusina was an interesting touch. Even though this book is lengthy, I read it in only a few days simply because I couldn’t seem to pry myself away.  After Gregory’s last novel, The Other Queen, which I felt was extremely disappointing, I feel it’s safe to say that she is back!

 With that said, I wait with anticipation for the second novel in the series, The Red Queen, which will focus on Lady Margaret Beaufort, who is mother to Henry VII. The final novel in the trilogy will come from Princess Elizabeth of York’s point of view; Princess Elizabeth of York is the daughter of Elizabeth Woodville and the mother to the Tudor dynasty.

Review of Hunger Games

Hunger Games 
by Suzanne Collins
Published: 2008

Pages:  374

Genre: Young Adult - Sci-Fi

My rating:   5 out of 5 stars

I knew this book was special the moment I placed it on my classroom’s bookshelf.  As I was placing it on the worn out shelf, a student quickly snatched it up and interrogated me with a series of desperate questions. “When did you get this book???” and “I’ve been trying to take this book out of the library for weeks, but it’s been on hold and they don’t have enough copies.”  I was perplexed. The students usually don’t react this way about a novel.  This student was seriously distressed!  The next day or two the student would return with the book and I would be shocked that they finished it that quickly. This routine went on for months.  Finally, I decided to grab it before someone else did and I am very glad I did so. 

This book definitely falls under the genre science fiction and I normally am not a fan, but Suzanne Collins knows how to captivate a reader.  It was refreshing to read about a female protagonist that wasn’t a push over (AHHHMMM....I’m talking to you, Bella Swan). I’m sick of whiny female characters who rely on males. But I digress.....Hunger Games’ protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, is a sixteen year old survivor. Yes, there are odd names in this novel, but you’ll get used to it.  Katniss is a resident of District 12 and lives in an extremely poor mining community called the Seam. A little background: District 12 is one of the outlying districts that surround the Capitol of the nation Panem.  Panem is the ruins of a place formally known as North America. Obviously, this book takes place in the future after what Collins describes as many wars, famine, natural disasters, fires, encroaching seas, etc.  With that said,  Katniss struggles to feed her mother and sister since her mother “checked out” years ago after her father died.  In order to survive, Katniss hunts and gathers outside of the fences of her district with her best friend Gale, who is a dreamy eighteen year old guy who is in the same situation as Katniss and must provide for his family.  Each year the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl to participate in the Hunger Games, which is a brutal and barbaric fight to the death.  It’s televised for the whole nation to watch--think Survivor meets Gladiator.  Only one person will win and that winner will be treated like royalty back home and so will their district.  Without giving away too much, this novel includes some romance, friendship, family, and it even makes you think about politics and society.

It’s no wonder Charlaine Harris, Stephen King, Rick Riordan, Stephanie Meyer, and my middle school students couldn’t put this book down.  I devoured it in less than 48 hours and plan on picking up the sequel, Catching Fire, tomorrow.  Collins’ writing style is addictive; she knows the perfect balance between description and dialogue.  She makes Katniss relatable and a heroine that both boys and girls alike can relate to.  I haven’t seen that since Harry Potter.  I look forward to the possible movie coming out and the third book this summer.  

In sum, I’d have to say that this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.  I highly recommend it.  It would be the perfect book to cozy up with this holiday and definitely set aside a lot of time, because you aren’t going to be able to put this book down....And long after you turn the final page, you will be hungry for more!   I know I was!

Review of Shiver:

Shiver 

by Maggie Stiefvater

Published: 2009

Pages: 392

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

My rating:   4 out of 5 stars

This book was recommended to me by a student and when I saw it on the New York Times Bestseller List, I was immediately intrigued. I mean, who wouldn’t be? The cover art is amazing; it evokes such coldness and mystery.  Plus, my student said that fans of Team Jacob (a werewolf character from Twilight) would enjoy this novel.  I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

    The main character, Grace, lives in chilly Minnesota and spends a lot of her time staring longingly into the woods behind her house.  She has one wolf that she watches, a yellow-eyed wolf, and she is mesmerized by him.  

    The other main character, Sam, lives two lives.  In winter, he lives in the frozen woods with his pack.  When it’s summer, he becomes human again, but the impending cold weather can easily make him shift back.  Without saying too much, Grace runs into a yellow-eyed boy one summer day. Could it be her wolf?   

    This novel is told from two different point of views, Sam and Grace. I’ve been noticing more and more young adult authors switching between two points of view in their novels and I really like it; although, if it wasn’t labeled Grace or Sam, it would be hard to tell the difference as there isn’t much in the writing style that differentiates the two.  Nonetheless, the two opposing viewpoints help the reader to become familiar with both characters and their developing relationship.

    Kudos to Maggie Stiefvater for coming up with the idea of werewolves shifting based on temperature and not the cycle of the moon.  It is a unique idea and it keeps the story suspenseful.  I also absolutely have to discuss Stiefvater fantastic writing style.  It was extremely haunting and tremendously poetic.  I was completely and utterly engrossed by certain passages. Her descriptions of the woods and the wolves were so detailed and filled with sensory language that I literally felt the frosty air that she described.  It definitely was magical and that is not the norm in young adult literature.  I wasn’t expecting that writing style to say the least.  Stiefvater didn’t include a multitude of curse words and dumbed down vocabulary, which many of her fellow young adult writers unfortunately do.  Instead, her writing was a breathe of refreshingly cold air.  In sum, Stiefvater’s writing is truly spectacular.  For example, let me share one of my favorite passages.... “And then I opened my eyes and it was just Grace and me--nothing anywhere but Grace and me--she pressing her lips together as though she were keeping my kiss inside her, and me holding this moment that was as fragile as a bird in my hands.”  Sigh. Beautiful.  

    You are probably wondering why I didn’t give this four out of four stars.  My only issue with the book occurs directly in the middle of the novel.  It started to lose some of its momentum and lost my interest for a bit.  Grace’s obsession with the wolves became a bit too eccentric for me.  She became obsessed as in stage five clinger!  However, putting that aside, I’m glad I stuck with the novel.  The ending was perfect and I look forward to the sequel, Linger, which comes out in the fall of 2010.  I hear there will also be a third book in the series and the possibility of a movie.  In fact, the School Library Journal predicts that Grace and Sam will be giving Bella and Edward a run for their money.  With that said, I’m looking forward to seeing if this series lives up to that lofty claim.

    Finally, I’d also like to say what a nice person Maggie Stiefvater is.  I requested her friendship on Facebook in order to learn more about her as an author and share this information with my students who are interested in her.  But to my surprise, she wrote me a message when she found out I was reading Shiver! I was beyond ecstatic. Not to be too corny, but getting a message from the author of the book I’m currently reading, literally sent a shiver up my spine. :)