This is Part 6 of Rutabaga’s Reads 2013. These five books
fall into the category of middle-grade or young adult (YA). And, incidentally,
I ordered this handful of books through +Scholastic. I love the
affordability of their books and how they continue to promote literacy and a
love of reading!
Blindsided (July
8, 2010) by Priscilla Cummings.
How would you react to losing your eyesight (or any of your
senses)? Natalie O’Reilly, a fourteen-year-old, isn’t reacting well. She was
born without an iris, a condition known as aniridia. Neither parent has
aniridia, so her condition is considered sporadic. Natalie has slowly been
losing her eyesight for years. She is sent to a Center to learn how to read
Braille (she doesn’t want to), walk with a cane (she throws it in her closet)
and learn to be independent even if her eyesight continues to worsen (she
thinks she shouldn’t even be at the school). Will Natalie choose to set herself
apart from her classmates? Or will she befriend others and make an effort? Can
Natalie set goals for her future … even if she can’t see them?
“Blindsided”
is a good, middle-grade story and would be a good addition to a classroom
library. It is a solid realistic fiction resource to use for discussions on visual
impairment – along with the diversity of vision loss – and the capabilities visually
impaired people have just like anyone else. It’s not an entertaining story;
it’s a thoughtful and thought-provoking story.
Dr. Frankenstein’s
Daughters (Jan. 1, 2013) by Suzanne Weyn.
“IT’S ALIVE!” are those words so easily associated with Dr.
Victor Frankenstein and the awakening of his famous monster creation. This
story follows a new Frankenstein generation: Victor’s twin daughters, Ingrid
(the intellectual) and Giselle (the socialite). For their safety, Victor didn’t
claim them, and the girls return to Frankenstein’s castle after learning it is
their birthright. Ingrid is immediately entranced by her father’s journals and
pores over them. Ingrid’s also drawn to the wounded and sulky naval officer
next door, Walter Hammersmith. Giselle wants to return Frankenstein’s castle to
its former glory so she can throw lavish parties to be attended by everyone who
is anyone in high society and the upper echelon of the sciences. Unfortunately,
she seems to be a magnet for danger. She is wary, which is wise, especially
when Investigator Cairo brings to light that strange things are going on in the
area. Disappearances, even deaths. Can they figure out who’s behind it all
before more are hurt or worse?
I liked
this gothic tale, which read like an upper middle-grade novel. Weyn does an
appreciative job of respecting the history of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,”
even if the girls’ words don’t read like that historical time. “Dr. Frankenstein’s
Daughters” is not a remake of Shelley’s work. Think of it as an extension of the
original. Know that this book isn’t funny. It’s part mystery and part thriller.
There are slim occasions when grisly details are shared, yet the book never
reads as scary. The ending could’ve been more satisfying (meaning more
detailed), but it’s a very decent book.
Firelight (Sept.
7, 2010) by Sophie Jordan.
Draki are not dragons, but the descendants of dragons. They are
able to shift between human and dragon forms. It’s not just a cool ability, but
a protective one. Jacinda Jones is a prized draki amongst her pride, being a
fire-breather -- the first in many generations. However, she refuses to be
treated as a possession forcibly given to the pride alpha’s son, Cassian, and
crosses limits in a big way. Her defiance compels her mom to relocate them
(including her twin sister, Tamra) amongst humans in an arid area, which weakens
her draki-ness. Her mom wants to kill off her draki spirit, but Jacinda’s not
willing to let it go. Will Rutledge is the one person who revives her draki
spirit, but she should avoid him like her life depends on it. Because it might.
He’s a draki hunter. Is he better than he has been brought up to be? Can
Jacinda both hold onto her draki spirit and control it when it matters most?
“Firelight”
is a YA fantasy that combines mythical species, forbidden love and danger. While
the love triangle, cookie-cutter shape sounds all too familiar and copycat (guy
wants girl who loves other guy), Jordan’s prose and draki voice give the book a
fresh perspective. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the Twilight series or YA fantasy in
general.
Keeping the Castle
(June 14, 2012) by Patrice Kindl.
Crawley Castle (a.k.a. Crooked Castle) is a farce. Actually
a folly, it’s in shambles and the inhabitants haven’t the means to renovate. Because
of this, seventeen-year-old Althea Crawley plans to marry rich. She is a great
beauty, so catching the eyes of eligible suitors is no issue. The issue is
finding eligible suitors in the small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. When Lord
Boring comes to live at Gudgeon Park, her sights are set. He is young,
attractive and titled and is smitten with Althea upon first meeting. Her path
seems so clear and easy. Too bad she has two noisome stepsisters (not evil like
Cinderella’s, mind you, but still snobbish) who pine for Lord Boring’s
attentions as well. Then there’s his cousin and business manager, Mr. Fredericks,
a smart but somewhat maladroit and impudent young man. Will a smart match be
made in Althea’s eyes?
“Keeping
the Castle” has the air of a Jane Austen novel, though it’s aimed at a younger
readership. The banter between Althea and Mr. Fredericks is amusing, as Althea
can be just as impudent as him “in an age of manners.” Althea also often comes
across as shallow. That might be trying on a reader, but the story is meant to
entertain. It’s a learning experience for Althea, for she learns that her plans
may not come to pass, especially those for keeping the castle.
One for the Murphys
(May 10, 2012) by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
Twelve-year-old Carley Connors is tough, but her life is
really upended when she’s sent to live with a foster family, the Murphys. She’s
scared, but no crying. Tough exterior, all the way. And inside, too (maybe). To
her disbelief, the family is lively and happy. It would be easier to stay
detached from them. That detachment is easiest to achieve when one of the boys
resents her from the beginning, but what about when Mrs. Murphy is just too …
nice? Too loving? Too much the mom she hasn’t had? And what happens when this
new world of hers is upended again?
This is a
pleasant read that is fairly short. Carley is believable in the way she uses
her outward toughness and sarcasm as an internal protective mechanism. She
believably has a lot on her young mind revolving around the moment that led to
foster care. So while her acting-out may grate on your nerves or appall you,
hopefully you’ll also be sympathetic toward her (but not coddling -- Carley
wouldn’t approve!). This book would be a nice selection for a classroom library
with middle-grade readers and a section on tough stuff.
-- Lisa Rutabaga’s note: While I am highly supportive of the
Scholastic brand, I want to be clear that I purchased these books. I’ve
received no compensation from Scholastic for my promotion of them. Read my
Disclosure of [No] Material Connection for more.
