Code Orange

Cooney, Caroline B. Code Orange. Delacorte Press; 2005. ISBN: 0385732597.

Plot Summary:
Mitchell Blake, Mitty for short is a junior at St. Raphael's private school in New York City. He lives with his parents in a downtown apartment and they escape to the 'country' in Connecticut each weekend. Up until this year Mitty has been a good student, not stellar, but respectable. Teenage rebellion has set in, Mitty is not difficult or getting into trouble, he is just blowing off school. Advance Biology has a research paper due in a few weeks and Mitty hasn't picked his topic yet. Olivia Clark is in Advanced Biology, she is smart, studious and likes Mitty. If Mitty fails this assignment he will be taken out of the advanced class and put into regular Biology; a regular class without Olivia. At the Blake's country house, Mitty finds an old medical book with two scab samples of smallpox in an envelope dated 1902. Mitty removes them and handles the scabs to satisfy his curiosity. Now he has a topic for his research paper about the history and current status of a disease. After spending time researching smallpox, Mitty realized he may have caught it from handling the scab samples. Unsure what to do Mitty weighs his options and his moral responsibility to himself, his family, and New York City.

Critical Evaluation:
This book was published four years after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The story's setting is in New York City and the reality of the attacks are ever present in the telling of the story. Mitty is a likable protagonist. He is self assured, but not cocky and a great representation of how a teen lives in New York City. As a typical teen in his own way Mitty is impatient with his parents, secretive about his life, and head over heels for Olivia Clark in Advanced Biology. The author treats the story realistically with the ending being believable and exciting at the same time. Mitty's character doesn't go through a dramatic change emotionally, nor does he suddenly find maturity. The story's time frame is only about two weeks. The changes that take place in Mitty are the result of facing death and reevaluating your life. This book will cause teens to think beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings. Yes, there are people in this world who want to harm Americans. This is an everyday fact for today's youth. Learning to have an effect on the circumstances you can control and letting go of the rest is not always an easy lesson for teens or adults.

Reader's Annotation:
What if you had the ability to infect more than half of the population? Would you hide at home or go out in public?

Information About the Author:
Caroline Cooney has been writing novels for teens for many years. Her most ground breaking book is The Face on the Milk Carton. Many readers did not feel the ending gave them closure. After an idea from Caroline's daughter, she wrote a sequel, Whatever Happened to Janie.
As with many authors, Caroline Cooney loved to write as a child and wrote as much as possible. She attended nursing school, but never graduated from college. A dedicated wife and mother, Caroling Cooney has over sixty books to her credit.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Adventure

Curriculum Ties:
Terrorist and terror attacks
Smallpox
Epidemics

Booktalking Ideas:
Mitty's fear of having smallpox.
What would happen if an epidemic hit a city like New York?

Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th+

Challenge Issues:
None

Why Include This Book?
I was trying to read outside my comfort zone.

The Shamer's War

Kaaberbol, Lene. The Shamer's War. Henry Holt and Company; 2004. ISBN: 0805077715.

Plot Summary:
Dina Tonerre and her mother, Melussina are not normal. They are witches, devil's spawn according to some, but the proper term is, Shamers. If you look them in the eye, any wrong you have done will flash between you and make you feel rotten, worthless and ashamed. Dina and her mother do not abuse their gift but try to live unobtrusively. Draken the Dragon Lord is spreading war across the land and burning Shamers at the stake. Davin, Dina's brother and Nico their adopted brother are also swept up in the tumult of war. Nico is Draken's cousin and the rightful ruler of the land. Nico is convinced that if he assassinates Draken then the war will stop and lives will be saved. The problem is Nico hates swords and fighting and his talents lie in books and speeches, not war and fighting. Killing Draken will not be easy, if possible at all.

Critical Evaluation:
This is the last book in The Shamer Chronicles. The series contains four books, each written in Danish and translated by author Lene Kaaberbol. By far the best book in the series, The Shamer's War ties up all the loose ends even up to the last sentence. This book was really hard to put down. Part of the experience was that I cared so much about all of the characters. Written in alternative first person voice between Dina and Davin, we really know how they feel and the cost of certain circumstances. The time frame is never discussed, but by the descriptions of daily life it is reveled to be the middle ages. There are a few subtle references to sex and sex outside of marriage which involve the main characters. Given the harsh realities presented in the book, the topic does not seem out of place. Supernatural abilities and the harsh realities of life shape Dina and Davin's lives. Kids/teens can be powerful and make a difference in the world of fiction and in reality too.

Reader's Annotation:
Sometimes wars are won with battles and sometimes with words.

Information About the Author:
Lene Kaaberbol was born on January 1, 1960 in Copenhagen, Denmark where she still resides. The author of many fantasy stories and graphic novels, including the four book Shamer Chronicles and the award winning five book W.I.T.C.H. series. The author has a degree in English and drama and was an English teacher before becoming a full-time author. Lene Kaaberbol writes in Danish and translates her own work.

Genre:
Fantasy/Epic Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:
The total cost of war
Can a few people really make a difference?

Booktalking Ideas:
Davin's 'high' from drinking the dragon blood.
Dina's ghost dream.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
8th +

Challenge Issues:
There are a few references to sex outside of marriage and sometimes the wound and war descriptions, while not graphic, certainly get the point across.

To be prepared for a book challenge you must read the book! And encourage all involved in the process to read the book, not just the questionable passages.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available .

Why Book Included:
I really enjoyed the other books in the series. Books that are popular in other countries add a nice flavor to the collection.

The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Harper Collins Publishers; 2008. ISBN: 9780060530921.

Plot Summary:
It is the middle of the night, an entire family is murdered in their beds except for the baby in the room at the top of the stairs. The baby wakes and finds his ways outside and to the graveyard. This unsuspecting act saves him from 'the man Jack'. The baby has nothing and nobody. The ghosts of the graveyard decide to keep him and raise him. Because he is 'nobody' they name him 'Bod'. Childhood in the graveyard for a human child is not as strange or difficult as one might think. Silas is Bod's guardian and makes sure he has food and is cared for. Silas is not technically dead or a member of the undead, but he is certainly not alive. The veil between the living and the dead is fuzzy and close, if only we have the eyes to see it. Bod is granted special 'dead' skills to make his life easier in the graveyard. He can see in the dark, make himself hard to see, and walk through walls. As Bod grows he begins to wonder about 'the man Jack' and why he killed his family. A great story! It is easy to see why it won the Newbery Award.

Critical Evaluation:
Neil Gaiman gets an 'A+' for originality with this excellent coming of age story. Bod changes from helpless baby to a capable young man taking control of his destiny in this unique story of growing up in a graveyard with ghosts for parents. Part mystery, part fantasy, this novel is a great example of the current trend to mix genres. The novel is cleverly populated with many interesting characters who just happen to be dead. My favorite convention is when a resident of the graveyard is mentioned for the first time, the author includes what is written on the headstone, "They sleep to wake again". This book is a great read aloud for classrooms or families.

Reader's Annotation:
Bod doesn't fear death, he lives with it.

Information About the Author:
Neil Gaiman was born in November of 1960 is a prolific English author that has written many, many books including fiction, poetry, films, song lyrics, comics and graphic novels. Popular and talented, Neil Gaiman has been nominated and won various literary awards including the Newbery Medal, the Bram Stoker Horror Award and the Hugo Award. His works usually end up on one of the best books lists. Neil Gaiman's award winning graphic novel series, The Sandman is contained in 12 volumes that were printed in 75 issues. These days Neil lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota in an 'Adams Family type house. He has three children with his ex-wife Mary McGrath.

Genre:
Paranormal/Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties:
Literature-Award Winning Books

Booktalking Ideas:
Baby escaping a murder scene and ending up safe in a graveyard.
A baby being raised by ghosts.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
6th+

Challenge Issues:
N/A

Why Include This Book?
I like to read the Newbery winner and honor books.

The Necromancer

Scott, Michael. The Necromancer. Delacorte Press; 2010. ISBN: 9780385735315.

Plot Summary:
The summer solstice, June 21, possibly the last day of earth as we know it. Sophie, Josh, and the Flamels are trying to stop Dr. John Dee in his quest to bring back the Dark Elders and unlock the secrets of the Codex. Sophie and Josh have both been awakened. Sophie's awakening and subsequent acquisition of magic has left the imprint of the Witch of Endor in her consciousness. Josh's awakening by Prometheus has left something much more disturbing than an imprint.
The twins continue to amaze people with their gold and silver auras. Honestly, they still continue to amaze themselves. The line between hero and villain remains unclear as the twins are drawn deeper into the world of the Codex and the Elder Race.
Dr. John Dee hooks up with Virginia Dare, an unlikely pairing, but needs must. New characters and twists emerge and old, familiar characters keep the action intense.

Critical Evaluation:
Sometimes sequels can be disappointing. They can lack the originality and freshness of the first book. The Necromancer is the 4th book in The Secrets of Immortal Nicholas Flamel. This book is great; exciting and fast paced and every bit as good as The Alchemyst. Anchored in present day technology the fantasy element is reminiscent of Harry Potter with a community of magic existing along side normal humans who are clueless. Sophie and Josh's character development expands as the rift in their relationship more becomes wider. Teens who are twins will relate to this story as siblings change from intense closeness to strangers. The series has two more books and The Necromancer continues to set the stage for the final showdown between the humans and the Dark Elders.

Reader's Annotation:
June 21, the first day of summer and the last day of the known world.

Information About the Author:
Michael Scott is a prolific Irish author with 100 titles to his credit. He has been writing for 25 years and also worked as a book seller. This multi-talented writer has published adult and teen books, scripts and plays. Michael Scott's books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List and The Alchemyst has been translated into 20 different languages. Considered a master of fantasy, Michael Scott is a master of history as well. He uses history as his play-thing, giving us the real deal, and then morphing it into his purposes.

Genre:
Fantasy/Mythic Reality

Curriculum Ties:
Mythology
Geography
Elizabethan History
Jamestown

Booktalking Ideas:
Have you ever been close to your brother or sister and then suddenly they change and are like a stranger to you?
Monsters, magic and the grim reaper.

Reading Level/Interest Level:
7th+

Challenge Issues:
None

Why Include This Book:
I read the first in this series and was hooked!

The Sorceress

Scott, Michael. The Sorceress. Delacorte Press; 2009. ISBN: 9780385735292.

Plot Summary:
The Sorceress, Perenelle Flamel and her husband, Nicholas the Alchemyst are over 600 years old. They owe their long life to the Codex or the Book of Abraham which they have meticulously protected. The English Magician, Dr. John Dee has chased the Flamels for 500 years trying to steal the Codex for his masters, the Dark Elders. Long before humans inhabited the earth, the Dark Elders lived and thrived. With the knowledge contained in the Codex, the Dark Elders could return to the earth and rule once again. Dr. John Dee has managed to steal most of the Codex. He is missing the last two pages, incidentally, the two most important pages.
Fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh lived normal teenage lives up until a week ago. Everything they took for granted and thought was normal has changed. The Flamels claim they are the twins in an ancient prophecy that can either protect or destroy the world. Confused and unsure of who to trust, the twins try to learn to control their magical powers and abilities.

Critical Evaluation:
The Sorceress is book three in the series, The Secrets of the Immortal
Nicholas Flamel.A wonderful blend of mythology, fantasy and adventure, the
books appeal to boys, girls, and adults alike. Author Michael Scott has
given us a new take on the dilemma of good verses evil, sometimes the lines
are not completely clear. Sophie and Josh have had to completely and blindly
trust Nicholas and Perenelle. Seeds of doubt grow for one twin, but not the
other. Relationships can be complicated and unclear, even close family
connections. This friction between Sophie and Josh and the Flamels is an
effective plot device that extends the suspense and makes the characters
more believable. The story is set in modern times, with characters from the
past like the bard himself, William Shakespeare. It is entertaining as a
reader to observe the authors perception of how historical figures would
interact with the modern world.

Reader's Annotation:
What if you had magical powers that could save or destroy the world? Would you use them?

Information About the Author:
Michael Scott is a prolific Irish author with 100 titles to his credit. He has been writing for 25 years and also worked as a book seller. This multi-talented writer has published adult and teen books, scripts and plays. Michael Scott's books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List and The Alchemyst has been translated into 20 different languages. Considered a master of fantasy, Michael Scott is a master of history as well. He uses history as his play-thing, giving us the real deal, and then morphing it into his purposes.

Genre:
Fantasy/Mythic Reality

Curriculum Ties:
Mythology
Geography

Booktalking Ideas:
Sophie and Josh's attempt to control their newly acquired magical powers.
Monsters on Alcatraz

Reading Level/Interest Age:
7+

Challenge Issues:
None

Why This Book?
My daughter very enthusiastically recommended it!

Artemis Fowl

Colfer, Eoin. Artemis Fowl. Hyperion Books for Children; 2001. ISBN: 0786808012.

Plot Summary:
Artemis Fowl is a twelve year old genius. This is interesting, but not extraordinary. Artemis' father is a criminal mastermind and the family is fabulously wealthy allowing Artemis to use his genius in far reaching ways. Now things are getting intriguing. Artemis' bodyguard and father figure, Butler and his family have served the Fowls for many generations. For the past year Artemis' father has been missing. This has left his mother bedridden and unable to cope with reality. Basically, he is on his own with access to money, technology and information. While most tweens are waiting for the next release of the newest popular video game, Artemis is planning to steal the fairy 'Book' and crack it's code to get his hands on a fortune of gold. Of course, there are people, in this case leprechauns who try and foil the best laid criminal plans. But, beware, sometimes you need your enemy and they end up being your friend.

Critical Evaluation:
Eoin Colfer is one of Ireland most prolific modern authors. The Artemis Fowl series is wildly popular with seven books in the series, a companion book, The Artemis Fowl Files, and books 1 and 2 have been made into graphic novels. The lure of Artemis is the power and ability to effect the world as a twelve year old and to have adults do as you bid.
Written in third person, the reader is never far from the action. Even though we can't hear Artemis' thoughts, we get to know him well enough to understand that even a rich, power driven criminal mastermind acts like a twelve year occasionally. Character development is one of the author's strengths. This book is populated with many characters that are pure fantasy; fairies, leprechauns, dirt creatures, and a mix of interesting humans as well. Artemis' life isn't all genius and power. He has problems at home with his mother and unresolved issues with his missing father. Reality mixes with fantasy in a way that makes you take a second look at that ray of light next to the oak tree.

Reader's Annotation:
The human world intersects with the fairy world. This was no accident, it was a well thought out plan by an unusual twelve year old boy.

Information About the Author:
Eoin Colfer is an extremely accomplished author. He has written many books and co-wrote a play called, Lords of Love. His most popular character, Artemis Fowl has been the inspiration for a music video and other original music. The author was a primary school teacher until the publication of the first Artemis Fowl book in 2001. Not long after, Eoin Colfer resigned from teaching and began writing full time.
The seventh book in the series, The Atlantis Complex, was just released in August. To accompany the publication, Eoin Colfer and Artemis Fowl are touring with, The Artemis Rocks Tour-U.S. and Canada. It is exciting to see the audience interacting with the story and author beyond the reading of the book.

Genre:
Fantasy/Faerie

Curriculum Ties:
Problem solving, use of technology.

Booktalking Ideas:
A twelve year old genius has access to money, power, and the world.
Fairy world.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
Grade 6+

Challenge Issues:
N/A

Why Book Included:
I enjoy adventure stories and I believe in faeries! This book also fills a need in the collection for lower reading levels.

48 Shades of Brown

Earls, Nick. 48 Shades of Brown. Houghton Mifflin Company; 1999. ISBN:0618452958.

Plot:
Dan is a senior in high school in Australia. His father has just taken a position in Geneva for a year. Dan has a choice, he can go with his parents to Geneva or stay with his Aunt Jacq and continue his senior year. Initially, Dan goes to Geneva, but after two weeks he is on a plane back home. Except that Dan won't be living in his home, it has been rented out for the year. He will be living with his twenty year old aunt and her roommate Naomi. What Dan hopes will be an awesome experience turns out to be full of landmines and social guffaws. Calculus just might get the better of him and why does Naomi have to be so incredible? Confronted with unexpectedly missing his family, sexual situations and trying to be 'cool', Dan's senior year is full of self revelation and many humorous moments.

Critical Evaluation:
This coming of age story is typical in that Dan grows and changes into a better understanding of himself and those around him. The unusual part of the story is the genre. This reads like chick lit with humor and a light tone, but the protagonist is male. Written in the first person, we get all of Dan's egocentric and insecure thoughts and observations. An interesting convention used by author Nick Earls is there are no quotation marks in the book. When someone other than Dan is speaking, the text is in italics. The remaining text is in a normal font. The line between Dan's thoughts and what he actually speaks out loud to others is blurred. This convention made the book a little confusing, but it does put the reader 'smack dab' in the middle of Dan's thinking process. Knowing his thoughts and insecurities prompts empathy for Dan, and helps adults appreciate the angst of the teen years. There were a couple reference to items that were unfamiliar to an American reader, one example is a Chuppa-Chup. A Google search revealed that this is a lollipop. You learn something new everyday.

Reader's Annotation:
Dan spends his senior year living with two university students. Every senior boy's perfect fantasy, right?!

Information About the Author:
Born in Northern Ireland, Nick Earls has lived in Australia since he was eight years old. As writer of adult and teen novels , his latest work was co-written with Rebecca Sparrow. 48 Shades of Brown was the Book of the Year for older readers by the Children’s Book Council in 2000 in Australia, and a Kirkus Reviews selection in its books of the year for 2004.

Genre:
Contemporary Life/Romance

Curriculum Ties:
Accepting people regardless of their sexual orientation.

Booktalking Ideas:
Sometimes situations turn out differently than we plan.
School and family pressure.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
Gr. 10+

Challenge Issues:
This book discusses sexual topics like orgasms and sexual satisfaction. A main character also comes out of the closet.

It is important to read the material that is challenged and encourage all parents, library officials, and anyone else involved in the process to educate themselves in this way. Having a complete working knowledge of the collection policy is vital as well.

Why Book Included:
This is a complete departure from my normal reading. I wanted to try something new.

Mockingjay

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. Scholastic Press:2010. ISBN: 9780439023511.

Plot Summary:
Katniss Everdeen is finally out of the arena for good. After surviving two Hunger Games she is back in District 13 trying to decide if she will be the 'Mockingjay'. Not willing to be a pawn, but having her own agenda, Katniss agrees to be the face of the rebellion if all the victors of the Hunger Games are pardoned after the war. Her mother, sister Prim and Gale are living in District 13 as well because the Capitol savagely bombed Panem and many people did not survive. Peeta is a captive of the Capitol and makes occasional television appearances. It is obvious from these appearances that Peeta is being used and mistreated. A group from District 13 is able to rescue Peeta. He is sadly altered and wants to kill Katniss. The rebellion begins in earnest and Katniss motivated by compassion for her fellow rebels and hatred for President Snow and the Capital goes into battle against her orders.

Critical Evaluation:
Masterful and disturbing, Suzanne Collins has written a great ending to the Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss true to her character shows strength and resolve while dealing with internal conflicts, the first Hunger Games is never far from her mind. One of the character's deaths was extremely hard to handle and seemed pointless, but with this plot development Suzanne Collins shines a bright light on how devastating war is to the innocent. She makes us look at war and its effects straight in the face. One reason teens like this series is the author doesn't sugar coat anything, she trusts the readers to make their own conclusions. Friends have complained that the ending, especially the epilogue was not what they expected or they didn't like it. Ending a trilogy with so much suffering and devastation is not easy, a 'happy' ending would seem unreal and out of place. The ending was hopeful and that is realistic and true to the character's experiences.

Reader's Annotation: There is no real victory in war, there is only survival.

Information About the Author:
Suzanne Collins began her writing career writing for children's television programs like Clarissa Explains It All and Little Bear. Her first published fiction was Gregor the Overlander. The five book series titled, The Underland Chronicles, was based on the idea of Alice in Wonderland.
Suzanne is forty-seven years old and lives in Connecticut with her husband. She was on the list of Time Magazines most influential people of 2010. A little know fact is that Suzanne has written a picture book, When Charlie McButton Lost Power.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Dystopia

Curriculum Ties:
War
Loyalty
Morality

Booktalking Ideas:
Could you take part in a rebellion against the government? If so under what circumstances.
Could you withhold important information from someone you love?


Reading Level/Interest Age:
7th +

Challenge Issues:
Rebellion
Violence

To be prepared for a book challenge you must read the book! And encourage all involved in the process to read the book, not just the questionable passages.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available.

Why Include This Book?
I loved the first two in the series and really like Suzanne Collins' Underland Chronicles. It is important to have popular titles in the collection.