Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace

Twelve-year-old Robert Jacklin comes face-to-face with bigotry, racism, and brutality when he is uprooted from England and moves to Zimbabwe with his family. Enrolled in one of the country’s elite boys’ boarding schools, the school is a microcosm of the horrible problems faced by the struggling new country in the wake of a bloody civil war. The white boys are elitist and want their old country, Rhodesia, back. Subsequently they torment the black African students and villagers as well. Robert must make careful alliances because he is the outsider struggling to fit in. His decision to join the ranks of the more powerful white boys has a devastating effect on his conscience and his emergence as a man.

Out of Shadows is a well-written gripping tale that moves quickly and with devastating results.

Reviewed by Mrs. Vaughn

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

The contestants of The Miss Team Dream pageant thought their only problems were going to involve wardrobe malfunctions or the regular pageant drama, but when their plane crashes they are left on a mysterious island to fend for themselves. With little water, food and hardly any hair-care products the girls soon learn that it is going take more than a killer smile and show-stopping walk to survive until they are rescued. What these pageant princesses don’t know is that this island isn’t quite as deserted as they thought. Filled with crazy dictators, evil corporations, love, fake pirates and a lot of girl power this satire is recommended for anyone who loves a good laugh!

Reviewed by Mrs. Vaughn

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent fans, hang on to your hats because you will not be disappointed with this second installment of the trilogy. *Disclaimer: as a librarian at an all girls’ school, I love a good story with a strong female hero. This one fits the bill.* The story picks up right where the first left off. This futuristic society is left reeling after the Erudite ( intellectual) faction has used a sort of mind control to use the Dauntless (fearless tattooed warriors) to essentially wipe out the selfless Abnegation who ruled their society’s government. Our hero, Tris, is shaken after seeing many of her friends and family killed in battle and she and her boyfriend Tobias have found temporary shelter with the peace-loving Amity. You will enjoy this roller coaster story as Roth does a great job helping you experience both the physical and psychological challenges that the characters endure. Can Tris and Tobias’ love overcome the conflict? Can murder in the name of survival be forgiven, even if it is your best friend who killed your loved one? Just how many Divergent are there among the factions and how have they come to be? I recommend this series for older readers who don’t mind a darker, sometimes violent story a la Hunger Games. It’s a page turner and I’m anxiously awaiting the final installment, coming sometime in 2013.

If you’re interested, a good fan site for the trilogy is here.

 

Reviewed by Mrs. Archambault

 

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

 Joylin is growing up and doesn’t like it very much. Told in free verse, she reveals her love of basketball and her overwhelming urge to attract the new boy at school; however, she realizes that you really can’t be something you’re not.  The story is touching and laugh-out-loud funny, and you will appreciate Joylin, her family, and her friends as they live, grow, and learn together and as individuals.

Reviewed by Mrs. Vaughn

Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by Christie Wason

“Birds like to come back to the same spot. They are creatures of habit, you see.” But to Blessing and her brother having to leave their comfortable home in Lagos, Nigeria with air conditioning, electricity and running water to go live with their grandparents  in Warri is a living nightmare. There is no air conditioning, electricity or running water, and not enough money for Blessing and her brother to go to school.  However, as Warri comes to feel like home, Blessing becomes increasingly aware of the threats to its safety, both from its unshakable but dangerous traditions and the relentless carelessness of the modern world. Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away is the witty and beautifully written story of one family’s attempt to survive a new life they could never have imagined, struggling to find a deeper sense of identity along the way.

Reviewed by Mrs. Vaughn

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

When Tennyson finds out that his twin sister, Bronte, has been asked out on a date by the “weird” boy of his school, Brewster, nicknamed Bruiser by his classmates, he is not happy that she has said “yes”. Brewster is the kid that no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone has heard terrifying rumors about. But Brewster has a gift that affects everyone he loves, friends and family alike. As he becomes closer to Tennyson and Bronte’s friends and family, he puts himself in more and more danger. Balancing protecting his little brother from his abusive, alcoholic uncle and his new friends, Brewster must become independent and take charge of his own life.

 

Reviewed by Mimi D ’14

Chew On This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson

Have you ever wondered how the hamburger was invented, or what kinds of products go into those mouthwatering chicken nuggets? Chew on This, by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson, is a book describing the start and progression of fast food and major fast food chains, what is in the ingredients of some of our favorite meals, and how fast food has made an impact on our society. It features interviews from consumers, restaurant employees and farmers providing the cattle, chicken, and potatoes. So, if you really want to know everything about fast food you will eat this book up and possibly change your mind about your food choices. * This book is not for the queasy or anyone who is easily grossed out.

 

Reviewed by Haley M ’16