Shadow of a Doubt by S. L. Rottman (1-56145-291-2)
Shadow’s brother, Daniel, ran away from home seven years ago and has never contacted the family again. But his leaving has impacted Shadow and his parents deeply. What will happen when Daniel re-enters their lives?
A great character-driven book for boys featuring a kid who turns to forensics rather than sports, making it pretty unique. Shadow is a vividly rendered protagonist that everyone will relate to.
Month: April 2004
Double Helix
Double Helix by Nancy Werlin (0-8037-2606-6)
Eli has landed a job with the famous scientist, Dr. Wyatt. The pay is really high and Dr. Wyatt seems personally interested in Eli. But things are not all rosy in Eli’s life. His mother is in the last stages of Hutchison’s disease and his father has withdrawn from Eli. Even odder, there seems to be some sort of connection between his parents and Dr. Wyatt.
This one is quite a ride, impossible to put down, but at the same time raises some very deep issues about identity and ethics. Kids into science fiction and those into reality fiction should love it. Also, boys will appreciate the well-written male protagonist. A wonderful mix of easy, pleasurable read and award-worthy writing and content.
Jules Feiffer
Jules Feiffer Opening
Official site for author/artist Jules Feiffer who wrote one of my favorite read alouds, Bark George. Feiffer has a new book out, The Daddy Mountain, that I hope will also be added to my list of regular read-alouds.
Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E. L. Konigsburg (0689866364)
I listened to this one on tape read by Molly Ringwald, who did a great job. I had heard that this will be a likely nominee for the Newbery and I completely agree.
This book has such depth, the characters are three-dimensional filled with fascinating quirks, and the story is filled with twists and turns that while unexpected make perfect sense once they occur. It is a great book.
Recommend this one to most people. But especially to those kids who are “outcasts.” They will see themselves here as teens and as adults.
Lois Lowry Interview
Downhomebooks.Com — Lois Lowry interview
A wonderful lengthy interview with Lois Lowry on all of her books, not just the recent Messenger.
Graphic Novel Publishers
A collection of publishers of graphic novels.
CrossGen
Dark Horse Comics
DC Comics
Marvel
TOKYOPOP
Recommended Anime and Manga
Recommended Anime, Manga and Books
Another site from the graphic novel workshop. This site offers two collections. One list of recommended anime and one list of recommended manga, Japanese graphic novels.
Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries
Graphic Novels for Public Libraries
I just got back from a workshop on graphic novels and have to post some of the great sites that were recommended, mostly so that I don’t lose the piece of paper they are written on. 🙂
This site offers an extensive list of graphic novels that are perfect for public library collections. It is a great place to start in building a collection.
Messenger
Messenger by Lois Lowry (0-618-40441-4)
I took a few days to digest this one and to read some of the postings on email lists about children’s lit. Unlike many others, I really enjoyed this book. And I was simply amazed that people read The Giver and thought that Jonas died! Of course he lived! Ah well, that ambiguity at the end was what made the book work.
I would heartily recommend this one to kids who have read the other two books. It contains the same sort of magic as the other two. Once again, I was caught up in this world that Lowry has created and left breathless and amazed at the ending.
Waking Brain Cells 