Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Bibliography:
Green, J. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN:0525475060

Plot Summary:
Motivated by the last words of writer Francois Rabelais, 16-year-old Miles Halter leaves his home in Florida to attend Culver Creek Prepatory School in Alabama where he is in search of “the Great Perhaps.” Leaving home catapults Miles into another world where he meets Chip and Alaska, the friends he never had. Alaska, Miles’s crush, is an engaging girl who has serious emotional issues. Despite these issues, Miles still yearns to understand her and her decisions that affect both him and his friends. The friendship between the main characters drives this novel as it explores issues of drug usage, sexuality, regret, loss, and acceptance.

Critical Analysis:
John Green’s novel is presented in entries counting down the days before and the days after an event. This ominous setup prepares the reader for a big event that changes the lives of Miles and his friends. The first half of the book explores Miles acceptance into the group of friend including Chip, Takumi, Lara, and Alaska. The dynamics of the group motivate Miles to make decisions regarding smoking, drinking, and sex which have repercussions later in the novel.

The characters fall into roles, but none seem stereotypical. The author even makes fun of Asian stereotypes when the Japanese character Takumi says that he doesn’t know anything about computers. Alaska Young, our main female character, is full of life but haunted by past mistakes. She never really becomes a fully dimensional character like Miles and Chip, but that does benefit the story because her friends never really understand her.

Miles’s voice is at different times self-centered, confused, ecstatic, scared, and sad. He runs through the gamut of emotions stereotypically related to teenagers yet it doesn’t feel forced because he appears authentic. After the tragedy occurs, Miles reveals his vulnerability when he calls his parents for comfort and is grateful that they answered the phone. Growing up can feel lonely and scary while still being exhilarating, but the novel shows that our decisions have repercussions which carries a large responsibility.

LOOKING FOR ALASKA addresses multiple issues from the search for identity, interest in the opposite gender, and belonging within a group. In conjunction with the other issues of sexuality and drug use (which might make some parents uncomfortable), it is a novel that represents the teenage experience. There is a lesson to be learned from LOOKING FOR ALASKA which is that there are repercussions for our actions. This lesson is saved from being overbearing by the emotions expressed in the aftermath of the event. Overall the book expresses honest teenage emotions and concerns. And as we are left with Miles’s final thoughts, readers will see that tragedies do occur, but forgiveness, acceptance, and sometimes understanding is possible.

Awards:
Bluegrass Award 2006
Michael L. Printz Award 2006
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 2005

Review Excerpts:
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“This novel is about real kids dealing with the pressures of growing up and feeling indestructible. Miles's narration is alive with sweet, self-deprecating humor, and his obvious struggle to tell the story truthfully adds to his believability.”

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES
“Once the tragedy plays out, the last third of this provocative, moving, and sometimes hilarious story counts up slowly from grief as Miles tries to find his way through the fallout of depression and guilt that he suffers. Green has a writer's voice, so self-assured and honest that one is startled to learn that this novel is his first.”

Connections:
-Other books by John Green: PAPER TOWNS and AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES
-Read-alikes that address teen issues among them suicide, popularity, and mental illness are: STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES by Chris Cutcher, YOU DON’T KNOW ME by David Klass, and INSIDE OUT by Terry Trueman
-Supplemental readings about death and loss: WHEN A FRIEND DIES: A BOOK FOR TEENS ABOUT GRIEVING AND HEALING by Gootman & Espeland, THE COLOR OF ABSENSE: 12 STORIES ABOUT LOSS AND HOPE by J. Howe, and WHAT HAVE YOU LOST by N.S. Nye
-This is an excellent book for an open discussion about the issues of drug use, loss, sexuality, guilt, responsibility, etc.

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Bibliography:
Patron, S. 2006. THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY. Ill. by Matt Phelan. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 1416901949

Plot Summary:
Influenced by the 12-step program, Lucky Trimble, 10, is searching for her Higher Power so that she can gain control over her life which spun out of control after the death of her mother. Brigitte, her father’s first wife, moves to Hard Pan, California to become Lucky’s guardian. Lucky, with her survival kit backpack, thinks she is ready for anything - even Brigitte leaving for France. Unsure of the stability of her home life Lucky relies on her friend Lincoln, who loves knots, her dog HMS Beagle, and Miles, a 5-year-old tag-a-long. When Lucky reaches rock bottom, she takes things into her own hands with surprising results.

Critical Analysis:
Lucky, the main character, tells the story through her perspective that is endearing, inquisitive, sensitive, and honest. As a young girl that has lost her mother, who has a father not interested in children, and a temporary guardian she is concerned with stability and acceptance in her life. From the beginning of the novel, the reader is aware that Lucky is preparing for the worst. Despite that Lucky is still a young, curious girl who explores the world of Hard Pan, California with deep interest from the anonymous groups at the Found Object Wind Chime Museum and Visitor Center, the animals and weather of the desert, and the people of the town.

Brigitte, Lincoln, and Miles are fleshed out characters that relate the feel of the small town as a family because everyone knows and helps everyone out. The interactions between Lucky and them are natural for the type of relationship. With Brigitte Lucky is a precocious young child, but when Lucky interacts with Miles she acts more mature and knowledgeable than she really is. Closeness is seen especially between Lincoln and Lucky were they share special looks like when they shared an “eye-smile” (p. 90) that expressed their perfect understanding of each other.

THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY is about finding one’s place in this world both in the family and community environment. Lucky searches for hers while also learning to accept the death that has so drastically changed her life. Life can change in an instant but friends and family, however they are defined, can help ease the pain of loss towards understanding.

The writing is complimented by the soft, pencil drawings of Matt Phelan. Inserted among the text, the images convey a softness enhanced by the delicate lines. The illustrations depict the town of Hard Pan, Lucky jumping on the dryer, and Lincoln's knots. They help create the mood of Lucky's home and her experiences.

Awards:
Newbery Award 2007

Review Excerpts:
BOOKLIST
“Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“The novel addresses difficult topics such as death, absent parents, and addiction with realism, humor, and wonder, making the overall message one of hope and love. Phelan's cover and line drawings are simple and evocative, a perfect complement to the text.”

Connections:
-A sequel, LUCKY BREAKS, is expected to release March 2009
-The audio book, narrated by Cassandra Campbell, makes the characters breathe with her casually inquisitive voice of Lucky, the soft French of Brigette, and the gruff voice of Sammy. Excellent by itself or as a companion to the book.
-This book would be appropriate to have a group discussion about the death of a family member, insecurities, and what “higher power” means to the readers.
-Supplemental readings about death: HER MOTHER’S FACE by Roddy Doyle (a picture book), and STOPPING FOR DEATH: POEMS OF DEATH AND LOSS by Carol Ann Duffy

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Bibliography:
Colfer, E. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York, NY: Talk Miramax Books. ISBN: 0786808012

Plot Summary:
Seeking to reinstate the family fortune, twelve-year old Artemis Fowl decides to kidnap and ransom a fairy in exchange for gold. Unfortunately he kidnaps Captain Holly Short a member of LEPrecon, the elite branch of the Lower Elements Police. Using the secrets of the fairy Book, Artemis uses his knowledge to stay two steps ahead of his opponents as Commander Root, an elf, Foaly a centaur, Mulch Diggums a dwarf, and other magical creatures come to the aid of Short. A battle of wits ensues as both sides attempt to resolve the issue to their satisfaction. Full of action, suspense, mystery, and humor, the exploits of Artemis Fowl engage the reader while the author provides fairy code for readers to crack.

Critical Analysis:
Set mostly in Ireland, where the Fowl Mansion is located, Colfer creates a world that is familiar to readers even though Artemis moves around the world like an adult would. In contrast to our world, the Underground shares similar characteristics except it had no sunlight, is inhabited my magical creatures, and has advanced technology. The gadgets and puzzle solving will keep readers interested. When Artemis begins decoding the fairy Book, the author provides enough clues for the reader to solve the puzzle that runs across the bottom of the pages.

The plot focuses on Artemis gaining gold by using the Book to kidnap a fairy and the foiling of his plan by the inhabitants of the Underground namely elves, trolls, dwarves, and centaurs. The problem is deciding who to root for. Artemis is not all bad and the magical creatures are not all good. This book explores issues of both belonging and insecurities, as well as the concept that everyone can be both good and evil.

Artemis, a child prodigy, is ruthless in his goal of restoring his family’s fortunes. With his father missing and his mother bedridden Artemis must rely on himself and his bodyguard Butler. He acts older than his age due to his intelligence and necessity - there is no one to care for him. Though readers are warned about his evilness, glimpses of feeling are revealed such as the hope that he will find his father, the sadness over his mother’s sickness, and concern for his bodyguard.

These moments sandwiched between displays of his cruelty show the emotional duality of individuals. He is complemented by Holly Short who is a feisty elf who wants to prove that she can do her job better than anyone else. These are relatable characters for anyone who has felt alone, misunderstood, or worried about failure. Though this is part of the novel it is also full of action, puzzle solving, adventure, and access to a different way of understanding this and other worlds. A good beginning to the series.

Review Excerpts:
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“…Fowl and Short make splendid, well-matched rivals, supported by an inspired cast that includes huge rogue trolls, malicious goblins, an irreverent techie satyr, and kleptomaniac dwarf…all of whom are likely to reappear in sequels that are even now underway. Readers familiar with Sherlock Holmes, as well as an array of modern fantasists from Roald Dahl on, will find plenty of homage paid in this savagely funny page-turner.”

LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Fun to read, full of action and humor, this is recommended for all public libraries and to readers of all ages.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Colfer's anti-hero, techno fantasy is cleverly written and filled to the brim with action, suspense, and humor.”

Connections:
-Further Reading in the series (in order of publication): THE ARCTIC INCIDENT, THE ETERNITY CODE, THE OPAL DECEPTION,THE LOST COLONY, and THE TIME PARADOX.
-The books are also available as graphic novels: ARTEMIS FOWL: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL and ARTEMIS FOWL: THE ARCTIC INCIDENT
-All six novels are also available as audio books
-Supplemental reading to the world of Artemis Fowl is THE FAN’S GUIDE TO ARTEMIS FOWL: DEMONS, FAIRIES, AND THE REAL SECRETS BEHIND EOIN COLFER’S WORLD by Lois H. Gresh, and THE ARTEMIS FOWL FILES by Eoin Colfer
-Suggested read-alike series: The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Books of Pellinor by Allison Croggin, Young Wizards by Diane Duane, and the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander.