Looking For Alaska

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525475060

PLOT SUMMARY
Miles Halter, a somewhat nerdy guy who makes a hobby of memorizing last words, is about to leave home in Florida to seek “the great perhaps” at Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama. Upon his arrival, he meets his roommate, Chip (called “the Colonel”), Alaska (the Colonel’s best friend), and Takumi. After hanging around these three and learning the ropes, Miles finds that he has real friends for the first time in his life, as well as experiences many other firsts.

The students spend their time plotting schemes (mostly directed at their rivals, the “weekday warriors”), sneaking off campus for a drink and a cigarette, and talking late into the night. They also go to class; one of particular interest is Dr. Hyde’s world religion class. This class raises many questions among the teens concerning the escape of human suffering, life after death, and how the world’ religions intermix.

Throughout his first semester, Miles spends much of his time with Alaska, establishes a deep connection with her, and falls in love with her. Just as he feels like their relationship is about to change, tragedy changes everything. Alaska dies in an alcohol-related car crash. From that moment, a devastated Colonel and heart-broken Miles alienate their friends and search to find more answers about Alaska’s death and the life she lived before.

Miles and the Colonel feel the pain of loss, but also of guilt. They wonder how much of Alaska’s fate was their responsibility. The answers they are looking for are difficult to come by. What happened in the moments before Alaska left in an emotional rush? Was her death merely an accident, or a suicide orchestrated at the last moment in order to escape “the labrynth of suffering?” Although they learn more about Alaska’s life and death, they are only able to come up with a few theories that will have to suffice in relieving some of the pain of losing a best friend and first love. The boys, with the help of their other friends and even the “weekday warriors,” decide to carry out Alaska’s perfectly devised prank, as a memorial to her.

As the year draws to a close, everyone begins to move on. They make their plans to go home but will return the following year, a little wiser, as better friends, and ready to learn more of life’s lessons. Miles may not have found the “Great Perhaps” yet, but nothing can replace the experiences his first year at Culver Creek brought.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In his first novel, John Green captures readers from the very beginning. The balance between fun and seriousness is appropriate, where readers will be entertained by the characters’ scheming and actions, but they will also be thrown into the deep thoughts and serious issues that encompass the story. Similar to J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Green’s casual, but intelligent writing style reflects the mood of teen angst, allowing readers to feel as though they are a student at Culver Creek, participating in the crazy antics of Miles and his friends.

However, where this book shines most is in its characters. Green has created strong, memorable characters that continue to develop as the story progresses. Readers will be intrigued by the qualities of these characters and relate to their various circumstances. With this group of well-developed and unique characters, readers will find it easy to identify with the feelings and characterizations of at least one.

Reading this novel does not only tell a good story, but will leave readers questioning aspects of their own lives; perhaps their faith, loyalty, friendships, their future, or any part of their own personal situation. It would be nearly impossible for a reader to read and understand this novel without connecting with one of the characters or feeling personally affected by their stories. Many readers will be anxiously awaiting the future work of John Green.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Michael L. Printz award winner, American Library Association, 2006
Tayshas Honor Book, Texas Library Association, 2007
Best Book for Young Adults, American Library Association
Editor’s Choice, BOOKLIST, 2005
Best Book of the Year, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, 2005
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “the story moves methodically to its ambiguous climax.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Readers will only hope that this is not the last word from this promising new author.”

CONNECTIONS
* Read along with THE CATCHER AND THE RYE (J.D. Salinger) and compare and contrast the two novels, particularly the 2 protagonists, Miles Halter and Holden Caufield. Students may also find similarities between Holden Caufield and Alaska.
* While reading this novel, discuss the character development of Miles and the Colonel as the story progresses.
* Use this novel as a discussion starter. The characters, Alaska in particular, all face various issues that teens typically will encounter in their lives. Readers can reflect on their own feelings of the issue(s) and how they compare or contrast with the book’s characters.
* This story also brings up the issue of religion. Have a discussion about tolerance among people with varying beliefs.
* Have students write about either their “labrynth of suffering” or “the great perhaps” that they have encountered or seek to find.


*Books by John Green or similar coming-of-age novels:

Green, John. 2006. AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. New York: Dutton Books. ISBN 0525476881

Hemphill, Stephanie. THINGS LEFT UNSAID. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818506
* Teyshas Honor Book, Texas Library Association, 2007

McMurtry, Larry. 1972. ALL MY FRIENDS ARE GOING TO BE STRANGERS. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0671211609

Salinger, J.D. 1951. THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. New York: Little Brown. ISBN 0316769533

Hoot

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hiaasen, Carl. 2002. HOOT. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0440419395

PLOT SUMMARY
Roy Eberhardt has moved with his family once again to Coconut Cove, Florida from his beloved Montana. The proverbial new kid has trouble with school bullies, particularly Dana Matherson. However, it is because of him that Roy sees a shoeless kid, known as Mullett Fingers, running away from school. Meanwhile, a new construction project has started to encounter various setbacks and disruptions, including the removal of survey flags, the appearance of deadly snakes, and even alligators in toilets.

As Roy gets to know Mullet Fingers and his stepsister Beatrice, he finds himself involved in the mystery behind the foiled construction work going on in Coconut Cove. A population of small burrowing owls has made a home of the construction site of Mother Paula’s All American House of Pancakes. Through investigation, well-intentioned vandalism, and eventually a protest including Roy and Beatrice’s fellow students and community members, the three teenagers do all they can to save the endangered owls from certain death and keep Mother Paula’s restaurant away from their habitat. Through it all, Roy develops new friendships and begins to enjoy his life in Florida.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Hiassen’s debut in children’s literature is complete with light-hearted moments, relatable characters, quirky situations, and inspiration for kids to make a difference. The wide array of intriguing and well-developed characters will keep readers interested, and one crazy event after another will keep them from putting the book down. Hoot raises issues of environmental preservation, ideally sparking interest and awareness among young people. Readers of all ages will be entertained by Hiassen’s clear storytelling, dry wit, and ability to bring current problems among people to a level at which many can relate.

Although many of the story’s events are rather unlikely, they are easy for readers to visualize and feel as if they are a part of the action. From the start, each even seems part of a separate story, but as the plot develops, they eventually start to intertwine, leading up to an action-packed, somewhat slapstick, but enjoyable climax. From school antics to scheming, this story has something for everyone, but it is ultimately about friendship and learning to be comfortable with who you are and where you are in life, a definite winner on the bookshelf.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newberry Honor Book, 2003
American Library Association Notable Children’s Book & Best Books for Young Adults
Lonestar Reading List, Texas Library Association, 2003 - 2004
BOOKLIST: “the story is full of offbeat humor, buffoonish yet charming supporting characters, and genuinely touching scenes of children enjoying the wildness of nature.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Packed with quirky characters and improbable plot twists”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “several suspenseful scenes build to the denouement involving the sitcom-like unraveling of a muckity-muck at the pancake house. These, along with dollops of humor, help make the novel quite a hoot indeed.”

CONNECTIONS
*Read this book aloud or as a class during a unit on the environment, around Earth Day time, or anytime that would be good to promote environmental awareness.
*While reading, discuss the environmental issue that Roy and his friends are protesting. Do some research, and try to find communities that have relocated animal groups in order for construction to take place. Also, see if you can find construction projects that have been stopped due to animals or other parts of our environment.
*Compare the environmental issues in Coconut Cove to those in your area.
*Discuss the character development throughout the story. Roy, Mullet Fingers, and Beatrice all mold a bit as the book goes on.

*Other novels pertaining to environmental protection

DeFelice, Cynthia C. 1994. LOSTMAN’S RIVER. New York: Macmillan. ISBN 0027264661
*Texas Lonestar Reading List, Texas Library Association, 1996-1997

Hiaasen, Carl, 2005. FLUSH. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0375821821
*Texas Lonestar Reading List, Texas Library Association, 2006-2007

The Golden Compass

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pullman, Philip. 1995. THE GOLDEN COMPASS. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0679879242

PLOT SUMMARY
Lyra Belacqua, and eleven year old girl, has spent her childhood at Jordan College with her friends, other scholars, and her daemon (an extension of her soul in animal form), Pantalaimon. Things begin to change upon a visit from her father, Lord Asriel, whom she thinks is her uncle. She beings to wonder about the mysterious Far North, the Dust Lord Asriel mentioned, and other intriguing things she learns and overhears, including bits of information about several children that are missing. She eventually leaves Jordan College, despite an apprehensive Master, with the captivating Mrs. Coulter, to become her assistant. Upon her departure, the Master gives Lyra an alethiometer, the golden compass that she must learn to read and understand in order to know the truth. However, she doesn’t know how big a role it will play in her future.

At first, Lyra enjoys helping Mrs. Coulter, but after living with her for a while, she discovers her Mrs. Coulter’s true evil nature and escapes. She ends up with the gyptians, where she learns more about the Gobblers and the evil experiments they are performing on children, many of them gyptian children as well as her friend, Roger. As a string of related events unfold, Lyra joins a group to go search for and rescue the missing children and end the work of the Oblation Board. During this journey, Lyra befriends an armoured bear, Iorek Brynison, the witch queen, and aeronaut, and several others. Along the way, she gets captured by the Gobblers and taken to their facility where she reunites with Roger. They learn more about the dangerous experiments being performed on children, where children are being severed, or cut away from their daemons, resulting in immense pain, torture, and often death. Lyra and Roger lead the children out of the facility. Then, they are all saved by the gyptian group, witches, and Iorek Byrnison. Following their rescue, Lyra and the others continue farther North to find Lord Asriel so Lyra and give him the alethiometer and get his help in stopping the work of the Oblation Board. They end up in battle against the Oblation Board and eventually defeat them.

When Lyra finds Lord Asriel, he explains his work of studying Dust to her, and she learns that he is just as evil as Mrs. Coulter, whom Lyra has learned is her mother. Lord Asriel is able to get Roger and separates him from his daemon, but Lyra is unable to save him, and he dies. Using the Dust from Roger and his daemon, Lord Asriel is able to complete his experiment and travel to a parallel world. With the encouragement of Pantalaimon, Lyra and her daemon, armed with the alethiometer, follow her father into this other world.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pullman has pieced together a fantasy complete with a myriad of unique characters, imaginative events, and an intriguing, different world. However, this book is not meant for the light reader. THE GOLDEN COMPASS consists of many interwoven ideas and a very intricate plot that could be perceived as complicated, causing some readers to lose interest. Some parts of the story are difficult to visualize due to their different nature, so far from what today’s young adult readers can relate to. Although they are well developed, the characters are also difficult to relate to. Other than the basic underlying ideas and feelings of friendship, love, and curiosity, the characters’ experiences and different lifestyles will leave some readers in a fog.

Even though some readers may find difficulty in getting into Pullman’s work, this novel is wonderful and exciting for those who enjoy fantasy reading. Fans of adventure will like the eventful story, full of battles, plot twists, and action-packed scenes. The ending cliffhanger will entice these readers to pick up the next copy of Pullmans’ trilogy, anxious to know what will become of Lyra and her trusty Daemon.


REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Lone Star Reading List, Texas Library Association, 1999 - 2000
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A totally involving, intricately plotted fantasy that will leave readers clamoring for the sequels.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is a captivating fantasy, filled with excitement, suspense, and unusual characters... The ending is less than satisfying, but serves as a lead-in to part two of the series. Fantasy lovers will be clamoring for the next installment.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “This glittering gem will leave readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lyra's adventures.”

CONNECTIONS
*Develop visualization skills by reading a description of various characters or creatures in the story and having students draw them based on how they visualize them.
*Read aloud to develop an appreciation of fantasy novels
*Read this book along with another fantasy novel (i.e. Harry Potter series, Chronicles of Narnia). Discuss the similarities and differences in each, compare the parallel worlds in the novels, symbolism, characterization, etc.
*Watch the movie of The Golden Compass and compare/contrast with the book.


*Other books in the His Dark Materials Trilogy

Pullman, Philip. 1997. THE SUBTLE KNIFE. New York: Alfred A Knopf. ISBN 069879250

Pullman, Philip. 2000. THE AMBER SPYGLASS. New York: Alfred A Knopf. ISBN 0679879269

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Avi. 1990. THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531084930

PLOT SUMMARY
Charlotte Doyle, a proper thirteen-year old girl from England, must take a cross-Atlantic voyage to reunite with her family, who had previously moved, in America. Long before her voyage, her passage was arranged along with another family who agreed to look after her. However, the family never made it to the ship, and despite many warnings, Charlotte boarded the Seahawk as the lone passenger along with a bitter crew and a tyrannical captain.

At first, Charlotte befriends a crew member, Zachariah, and finds comfort with the captain, remaining loyal to him and his orders. However, as Charlotte learns the ways of the ship, gets to know the crew, and is later betrayed by the cruel and harsh Captain Jaggery, she has a change of heart. When Zachariah is seemingly beaten to death for taking responsibility for the crew’s first attempt at mutiny, Charlotte declares herself one of the crew, helping carry the weight of Zachariah’s duties. She is met with resistance from the crew, left alone to fend for herself, but is later accepted by the others as seaworthy.

In the aftermath of a violent storm, everyone on board discovers the murder of Captain Jaggery’s first mate. Charlotte is accused of murder by the captain and her peers and sentenced to hang before the ship’s arrival in America. While locked up in the hold, Charlotte learns that Zachariah is still alive; hiding out in the ship to help with the mutinous crew’s attempt to kill Captain Jaggery Together, the two devise a plan to save Charlotte and expose Captain Jaggery and his many evil actions (including the slaying of his first mate). As the action unfolds, Charlotte succeeds in clearing her name, getting rid of the captain, and becoming the captain of the Seahawk for the remainder of the voyage.

Her return to her family is less than glorious; no one believes her story, and she finds that she misses her friends on board the ship and the thrill of the sea. Charlotte decides that she prefers a life of adventure to her prim and proper existence on land. In a cliffhanging end, she finds her way back to the Seahawk and joins the crew as they sail away.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Avi has done an excellent job of weaving history, suspense, and a series of unpredictable events in this novel. His description of life in the nineteenth century, on the high seas allows readers to feel as if they are traveling on the Seahawk with Charlotte and the crew. The characters are expertly developed and will have readers cheering for some and rooting against the others. Even though the setting is long ago, readers will find that they relate to the curiosity, fear, and triumph that Charlotte experiences. They will surely get wrapped up in all the drama and raw emotion, finding each surprise is bigger and better than the last.

This novel is packed of all the elements that many young adult readers find the most intriguing: danger, adventure, betrayal, “ghosts”, murder, revenge, and friendship. Readers, young and old, will have a difficult time putting this book down, as nearly each chapter ends with a cliffhanger or a completely unpredictable event. It comes together in a satisfying end, that will leave readers wanting a sequel, however one has not been written, nor is one planned.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newberry Honor Book, 1991
American Library Association Notable Book & Best Book for Young Adults
Texas Bluebonnet Honor Book, Texas Library Association, 1993
Starred review & editors choice in BOOKLIST: “Riveting...Nonstop action on the high seas...A story hard to forget.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A breathtaking seafaring adventure.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Charlotte's story is a gem of nautical adventure... the novel offers suspense and entertainment modern-day readers will enjoy.”

CONNECTIONS
*Use this in a book study and develop an appreciation of historical fiction and how exciting it can be.
*While reading this book aloud or as a class, discuss the various literary elements present throughout the story, including (but not limited to) cliffhanger and suspense, conflict, point of view, foreshadowing, and plot.
*While reading, follow the character development of Charlotte, Captain Jaggery, Zachariah, and others.

*Other historical fiction novels by Avi

Avi. 1994. THE BARN. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531087115

Avi, 1996. BEYOND THE WESTERN SEA: BOOK ONE: THE ESCAPE FROM
HOME. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531095134

Avi, 1996. BEYOND THE WESTERN SEA: BOOK TWO: LORD KIRKLE’S MONEY
New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531095207

Avi, 2002. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439574676
*Newberry Medal Winner, 2003
*Lone Star Reading List, Texas Library Association

Avi. 2006. CRISPIN: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. New York: Hyperion Books
for Children. ISBN 078685152X

Avi. 1989. THE MAN WHO WAS POE. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531058336

Avi. 2007. THE TRAITOR’S GATE. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
ISBN 0689853351

Shaka: King of the Zulus

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. 1988. SHAKA: KING OF THE ZULUS. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688073433

PLOT SUMMARY
Shaka (oo-Sha-geh) was born the son of a Zulu chief in the late eighteenth century. He began working to help his small tribe at a young age, and a mistake he made while guarding the sheep caused Shaka and his mother to be banished, as outcasts, from the clan. The two moved to another tribe where Shaka endured cruelty from the other children and had no friends, but longed to be great. After becoming a burden to the clan, they moved on to another one, where Shaka grew up among friends. He began learning to be a warrior during a time when fierce warriors were held in high regard and tribal warfare was common, admirable, and led to prestige.

As Shaka got older and learned from the powerful chief, Dingiswayo, The Great One, he decided that there was a better way to fight than the methods the Zulu clan currently used. He reinvented Zulu fighting by creating a new weapon, fighting barefoot, and practicing new techniques. He quickly became a respected warrior, honored as a hero, and given the position of leading the other warriors of the clan.

Upon Shaka’s father’s death, The Great One appointed Shaka as the new chief of the Zulu clan. Throughout his time as chief, Shaka reconstructed the Zulu army, making them one of the mightier forces in southern Africa, using new and effective warfare techniques and acquiring land and men from conquered tribes. He befriended the English settlers, and the two groups learned from each other. Just as the Zulu clan was at its peak, growing larger and more prosperous with each battle, Shaka learned that his beloved mother was dying. When she died, Shaka ordered the clan to follow strict mourning laws that angered many of the Zulu people and caused mass starvation. Shaka was eventually killed by his half brothers in a plot to end his reign. Although he was king for just over ten years, Shaka built a powerful nation from a small clan and is still revered today as a great king. His stories are shared among over six million Zulu descendents and others, remembering him with pride.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story of Shaka and his rise to power from a struggling outcast child will inspire many readers. Stanely and Vennema have excellently portrayed the great warrior’s determination, skill, and leadership through sophisticated, yet easy to understand text. The story of his remarkable life, from beginning to end, is given in detail, highlighting his most interesting experiences. Readers will learn not only about Shaka, but the rest of the Zulu clan, and about the way of life among many African tribes in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

What will captivate younger readers are Stanley’s beautiful illustrations. Each one depicts a scene from Shaka’s life, providing a visually pleasing and interesting complement to the text. However, a greater purpose of each illustration is the amount readers can learn from each one. By looking at the pictures, readers can see how the Zulus dressed, everyday and in battle. They will learn how the villages looked and see what their shelter looked like. Celebration, mourning, work, warfare, and other aspects of the Zulu life are depicted throughout this biography. Elementary age readers will enjoy reading Shaka’s story, as well as learn a great deal about historical times in Africa and one of the Zulu’s most respected leaders. A list of sources is also provided for those readers that are interested in learning more.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Texas Bluebonnet Honor Book, Texas Library Association, 1992
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Dignified, detailed artwork is a befittingly regal accompaniment to this engrossing biography”
THE NEW YORK TIMES: “A thrilling introduction to the Zulu people and a remarkable chapter in African history.”
HORN BOOK: “Handsome and compelling.”

CONNECTIONS
* Read this book during Black History Month (February), celebrating the African ancestory.
* Discuss the methods that Shaka used with his people during his time as king (i.e. killing people who disobeyed, setting rules for a year-long mourning, etc.). How would his methods of ruling be viewed today, and how are they different?
* Read this book when celebrating multicultural week and compare the Zulu culture to others during the same time period.
* Read this aloud, along with other well-constructed biographies, to spark an interest in this genre.


*Other books about Shaka and the Zulu tribe

Hall, Lynn Bedford. 2005. SHAKA, WARRIOR KING OF THE ZULU. Ill. by Rene Hermans. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik Publishers. ISBN 1868254186

Klopper, Sandra. 1998. THE ZULU KINGDOM. New York: Franklin Watts Publishing. ISBN 0531202860

McKenna, Nancy Durrell. 1984. A ZULU FAMILY. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications. ISBN 0822516667

Wilson-Max, Ken 1998. HALALA MEANS WELCOME: A BOOK OF ZULU WORDS. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786804149

The Art of Keeping Cool

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lisle, Janet Taylor. 2000. THE ART OF KEEPING COOL. New York: Anthemeum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689837879

PLOT SUMMARY
After his father leaves to serve as a pilot in World War II, Robert, his mother, and sister move from their farm in Ohio to live near their family in Sachem’s Head, Rhode Island. Robert has never really known this side of his family: his aunt and uncle, his grandmother, his domineering grandfather, and his cousin Elliot. When Robert and Elliot aren’t at school, they spend most of their time either working for their grandparents or exploring the military base and its many intriguing elements. As Robert and Elliot become friends, Elliot shares with Robert his secret talent for drawing. Robert also learns there are many mysteries to uncover about his family and why his father left long ago without looking back. As this family works to make ends meet, each doing their part to support the war effort, they begin to uncover answers to the family’s mysterious past.

Meanwhile, the boys meet a German artist, Abel, and with Robert’s encouragement, Elliot begins to visit him, hoping to learn more about art. However, the circumstances change; ships are being attacked off the Rhode Island coast, Robert rarely hears from his father, and Abel is suspected as being a spy for the German’s. It is no longer safe for Elliot to visit Abel, but he continues to see him, as well as run errands for him and help him out in whatever way he can. As dissention among the community about Abel increases, Robert and Elliot learn of his horrific experience in Germany and what brought him to the United States, confirming to them that he is not a spy. However, the rest of the town believes he is dangerous and eventually causes the artist’s demise.

Life during times of war is very difficult for everyone, and Robert learns how everyone is affected by patriotism, prejudice, and raw emotion during his stay in Sachem’s Head. When his father’s service is completed, Robert’s family, along with Elliot, eventually moves back home, allowing Elliot to escape his grandfather’s disapproval and pursue his ambition to be an artist.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lisle has constructed a GREAT story, giving young adult readers a glimpse at the life of a typical family during World War II. Her characters are well developed and relatable to readers. Throughout the story, they endure similar hardships and feelings of anger, disappointment, and worry as people today. There is a nice balance between factual information of the time and fiction. However, students with limited background knowledge of this era might find parts of the story more difficult to visualize or understand. Although each story line is intriguing, they rarely intertwine, making the story seem slightly less fluid.

Readers, particularly those interested in wars or this era in history, will enjoy this book, as well as gain some knowledge about the struggles felt during a time of war. Other readers will take an interest in Robert’s relationships with his grandfather, mother, sister, and cousin and how they are similar to some of their own relationships. This novel encourages its readers to think about issues such as prejudice, sacrifice, and loyalty and how they are prominent in their own lives as they are in Robert and Elliot’s lives. This thoughtful novel will be eye opening to some readers, while offering a variety of perspectives on World War II to others. Lisle’s combination of cliffhangers, intensity, and heartfelt moments make this book an excellent addition to any young adult’s reading repertoire.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 2001
American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
BOOKLIST: “Lisle weaves together the thrilling war action and the spy mystery with the battles in Robert's family and Robert's personal struggle with anger, jealousy, guilt, and betrayal.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “a heartfelt story about family dynamics and the harmful power of prejudice and hatred”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “The intimate first-person narrative brings universal themes of prejudice and loss to a personal level.”

CONNECTIONS
*Read this book aloud or as a class while studying World War II.
*While reading this book, discuss the many ways that people were affected around the world at this time in history. Compare and contrast the different attitudes of the people in America and Germany.
*While reading, discuss how Robert changes from the beginning of the novel to the end. How does he mature? How do his attitudes change, if at all?
*This book mentions some of the ways that the normal family was affected by the war (rations, closing curtains at night, etc.) Discuss these and other ways the typical family helped the war-effort.

*Other historical fiction novels set during World War II

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1997. LILY’S CROSSING. New York: Delacorte. ISBN 0385321422
* Newberry Honor Book, 1998

Lawrence, Iain. 2004. B IS FOR BUSTER. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385730861
* Tayshas High School Reading List, Texas Library Association, 2005-2006

Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0833552082
* Newberry Medal, 1990
* Texas Bluebonnet Honor Book, 1991