White Cat

Title: White Cat
Author: Holly Black
Published: March 2010
ISBN: 9781416963967
Price: 17.99
Pages: 310
Other books in the series: Red Glove, Black Heart
Genre: fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 9-12th grade
Summary: Cassel comes from a family of very powerful curse workers. Curse workers have magical powers that allow them to touch people and do things like manipulate their thoughts, change their luck or even kill them. Curse working is outlawed and most people where gloves that cover their hands to protect themselves. Cassel's family secretly engages in various illegal curse working jobs but Cassel with no powers is kind of left out of the families illegal business. But Cassel isn't without his own secrets. In fact Cassel is hiding a very dark and painful secret of his own. He isn't sure how but he is convinced that his secret has something to do with the mysterious white cat that keeps showing up in his dreams. And it might have something to do with why Cassel finds himself on top of the roof of his school dorms in the middle of the night, with no idea how he got there. Cassel knows something is right but what could it be?
Review: Holy Black is known for her urban fantasies and White Cat does not disappoint. The story has a very dark and edgy feel. The story is almost like a magical version of the Sopranos with Cassel's family coming across as magical mobsters. Between Cassel's family drama and his own secret there is a lot of action and story to get into. The secret of what Cassel is hiding and what actually happens slowly unfolds and when it is finally revealed what actually happened it is extremely surprising. The story takes many twists and turns and keeps the reading interested all the way to the end. Though the story can get a bit confusing because of the amount of betrayal and manipulating that goes on. It's hard to keep all of it straight. But readers will be so caught up in the story that they will not be put off by the complexity.
Reader's Annotation: Cassel hides a dark secret. He killed his girlfriend a few years ago. Now he is being stalked by a white cat. What Cassel doesn't know is that his past may not be what he thinks it is.
Main themes: family, magic, corruption, mobsters, secrets
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Cassel struggles with trust issues due to his families manipulative background. Cassel is led to believe one thing by his family but it is not the truth. The story shows readers how family can be manipulative. The lie that Cassel was told completely changes how Cassel behaves and acts. He believes he is a terrible person who killed his own girlfriend. The reader will see how one's own perceptions of self can impact your actions and feelings.
Issues: The story has violence, manipulation, and illegal activity. Cassel is actually the school bookie and often times engages in less than legal activities. Cassel is also accused of killing his girlfriend.
Book Talk Ideas: The mobster aspect of this book is what will draw the biggest appeal. The book talk should focus on Cassel's family and their powers as curse workers and how they use them to engage in illegal activity.
Author Website: http://www.blackholly.com/
Read Alikes: Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman, The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why chose this book? Holly Black writes amazing dark urban fantasies that are very popular. This series features a male protagonist and a unique story line that will have wide appeal to teen readers.

Marked

Title: Marked
Author: by P.C and Kristin Cast
Published: May 2007
ISBN: 9780312360269
Price: 8.95 (paperback)
Other books in the series: Betrayed, Chosen, Untamed, Hunted, Tempted, Burned, Awakened, Destined, Hidden
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Summary: Zoey Redbird has been marked, signifying that she has been chosen to be a vampyre. She is sent to the House of Night, a school for fledglings; those on their way to becoming adult vampyres. Zoey quickly learns that things at a vampyre school are different. First she must now live away from her family and her friends which is a struggle for Zoey. Zoey also stands out at her new school because she did not receive the normal outline of a crescent moon when she was marked. Instead Zoey has a filled in crescent moon which signifies that Zoey is more powerful. Zoey has also been chosen by the goddess Nyx to be her eyes and ears. This puts Zoey at odds with the jealous Dark Daughters, an elite group at The House of Night. Thankful for Zoey she manges to make a few friends at school. Zoey hopes that she can not only live up to the expectations of Nyx but to navigate the drama that goes with high school.
Review: In a very saturated vampire story market it's hard to make a story that stands out. This story adds in a unique twist of having humans and vampires co-existing. There is also the combination of magic and Native American folklore in the story that gives it a bit of a unique edge. While the story does present vampires with a bit of a twist the rest of the book feels very much like a guilty pleasure high school drama read. There is a lot of pop culture references and slang talk that can sometimes be a bit annoying. The story is a quick and easy read that while appeal to teen vampire fans.
Reader's Annotation: Zoey has been marked and is on her way to becoming a vampyre. But now Zoey must balance high school drama and becoming a vampyre.
Main themes: friendship, identity, vampires, high school, romance
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Zoey stands out because of she unusually powerful for a fledgling, so this brings about some jealousy. Zoey has to rely on her friends when she becomes the victim of nasty bullying by the Dark Daughters. Teens girls will connect with Zoey's struggle to fit and and find friends at her new school.
Issues: The book deals with vampires, the occult, magic, spells and goddesses. The book also has some  descriptive sexual situations. There is one seen in which Zoey says she thought another girl was giving a male student a blow job. This type of language and sexualization of teens might upset some.
Book Talk Ideas: This book is like a high school drama with vampires. By using those themes and ideas in the book talk it will bring in the reader that will really get into this series.
Author Website: http://www.pccast.net/
Read Alikes: Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Why chose this book? The series is very popular with teens and has had its fair share of controversy. The book has been banned from many schools and libraries because of it's content. While the series is not one of my favorites I thought it was important to venture outside of my comfort zone.

Going Bovine

Title: Going Bovine

Author: Libba Bray

Published: Sep 2009

Pages: 480

Price: $17.99

Reading Level: 5th grade

Interest Level: 9th-12th grade

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice

Genre: fantasy, humor

Plot Summary:16 year old Cameron is a self declared slacker who is happy just skating by in life and school. But it turns out his life is going to much shorter than he expect. It turns out that he has contracted mad cow disease and is going to die, which he isn't too thrilled to find out. I mean who dies of mad cow disease? The doctor tells him the disease will slowly attack his brain and he will go crazy and then die, not the best outlook. But then a combat wearing punk angel Dulcie shows up at the hospital and tells Cameron that he can save himself and the world by finding Dr. X. So Cameron and his video game loving dwarf friend Bonzo set off on an adventure across the country to save the world. During their travels they pick up a talking yard gnome and hilarity ensues. This is like no road trip, quest you've ever seen. But one begins to wonder if Cameron's crazy journey is just hallucination induced by his illness or if he really is on a road trip to save the world.

Critical Review: The plot is absurd and filled with strange and quirky characters and absolutely insane scenarios, but Libba Bray has a way of making it work. It's an epic road trip/quest story with sarcasm, wit and a bit of magical fantasy thrown in. Though the book is also slightly dark as Cameron faces his death. The reader starts to realize that his hilarious adventure might not be more than just Cameron's very sick brain hallucinating as the mad cow disease takes over. Cameron goes through a sort of coming of age growth as he nears his death. It really adds to the complexity of the book that without would just make the story too silly, too out of control. The reality of Cameron dying allows for the story to have more impact on the reader. Only Libba Bray could write something so tragic that seem lighthearted and fun till the end.

Reader's Annotation: Cameron just found out he is dying of mad cow disease. Which he didn't even think was possible. But then a crazy angel shows up and convinces him to save the world and possibly himself.

Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Cameron goes through a great deal of growth through the book. He starts his quest as a complete slacker who never does anything to someone who is out to save the world. While teens won't have such epic adventures it does show that you can change your life and that you don't need to sit on the sidelines of life. Teens will also be able to contemplate death and what it means when you are very young and facing your own death.

Book Talk Ideas: A book talk can't go wrong with a talking yard gnome, which would make for a great hook in the book talk. Maybe even see about bringing a yard gnome as prop. Ask what does a yard gnome, video games and mad cow disease all have to do with saving the world? Ask Cameron.

Issues: There some foul language in the story including a lot of the word fuck and shit. There is also the issue of Cameron dying which might be seen as too mature. Cameron also has sex, with an angel who wears combat boots and has pink hair. Not exactly what most people think of when it comes to angels.

Main themes: death, coming of age, friendship, love, quests, road trips

Read Alikes: The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork

Author Website: http://libbabray.com/

Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly

Why include this book? This book is a unique take on the road trip novel. Libba Bray has an amazing wit and humour in her writing. It's also a book that will have great appeal to male readers because of it's male protagonist, sarcasm and video game loving character.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Published: 2011
ISBN: 9780316199025
Price: 18.99
Pages: 424
Other books in the series: Days of Blood and Starlight
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12 grade
Summary: Karou is not what you would call a normal teen. It might be the blue hair, the mysterious eye tattoos on her hands or her ability to speak many languages fluently or it could be that her guardian is a chimera named Brimstone. Karou has no idea who her parents are, all she knows is that she turned up at Brimstone's door and he took her in. Now she acts as Brimstone's lackey, going through magical portals that open to exotic locales all in the quest for teeth. See Brimstone collects teeth, all kinds of teeth, both human and non-human. Karou has no idea what he uses the teeth for but all she knows is that his collection of teeth is getting smaller and smaller. She starts to wonder if this has anything to do with the strange hand prints that have been appearing on the portal doors. The hand prints seems burned into the wood and they are showing up everywhere. Karou has lots of questions about where she came from, what Brimstone uses the teeth for and why the portals are being marked by hands. But when the truth starts to come out Karou many not be ready for what she finds out.
Review: Laini Taylor's greatest strength her fantasy is the ability to create such interesting and unique characters in her story. They each bring their own personalities and traits that feel so real to the reader. You almost forget while you're reading that this world doesn't really exist. Yet, Taylor is able to create a magical world within our own that feels real. They mystery surrounding Brimstone and the teeth grabs the reader right from the start. There just seems to be so many unknowns, so many secrets that the reader can't wait to uncover them. As some of the pieces come together is leads to so many more larger stories and worlds that the possibilities for the series are endless. There is also a love story at the heart of everything but it's not your typical romance. By the end of this book I had a hard time leaving the world and characters Taylor created and I was excited for the next book.
Reader's Annotation: Karou spends her time going through magical portals collecting teeth for her chimera guardian Brimstone. But when the teeth collection runs low Karou starts to wonder if the recent appearance of burned hand prints on the portal doors is to blame.
Main themes: identity, world wars, revenge, love
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: Karou spends a good portion of the story trying to find out who she is and where she comes from which many teens can relate to this quest of identity. There is also her struggle with her past and trying to respect where she came from but move forward. Karou feels conflicted when she learns of love for angel, the sworn enemy of her kind. Teens could gain empathy perhaps for those who are on opposing sides since the book shows the damage of war to all involved.
Issues: There could be some issues with the stories use of chimeras and magic. There is also the depiction of angels and not as pure biblical creatures but rather as warriors and fighters that wipe out the chimera. There is also talk of sex and drinking. Karou's ex-boyfriend shows up to her art class as the nude model.
Book Talk Ideas: For the book talk I would describe and talk about some of the characters like Brimstone and Issa and Karou. They each are so unique and very descriptive that it will grab a potential reader's attention.
Author Website: http://www.lainitaylor.com/
Read Alikes: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why chose this book? Laini Taylor puts a new spin on the paranormal romance genre that is worth the read. It has been well reviewed and very popular. The book is also an Oregon author which is great since I live in Oregon.

Little Brother

Title: Little Brother 
Author: Cory Doctorow
Published:
ISBN:
Price:
Other books in the series: Homeland
Genre: science fiction
Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novel, Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel, Locus Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Book
Plot Summary: Marcus is a 17 year old hacker who is trying to stay off his principal's radar. One day while out skipping school with his friends his hometown of San Francisco is attacked by terrorist and he and his friends are mistakenly taken in by the department of homeland security, or DHS, as suspected terrorists. Despite their pleas that they are innocent the government keeps them detained in a secret prison and interrogates them for days. Marcus is separated from his friends and is treated like a terrorist. They demand that he give them information even thought Marcus continues to tell them that he did nothing. None of the teens are able to call their families, they are never read their rights or given a lawyer. The people holding them hostage tell Marcus that as a possible terrorist he has no rights, even if he is a US citizen and a minor. When Marcus is finally released he finds out the his friend Daryl who was taken prisoner with them wasn't released and is missing. DHS tells Marcus that he can tell no one of the ordeal and that he will be under careful surveillance  If he attempts to do anything suspicious the DHS will come back for him and chances are he won't be released. Marcus has also found that after the terrorist attack DHS has started to encroach on people's right to privacy, all in the name of security. Determined to get back at DHS, Marcus helps form an underground movement to bring down the DHS. But can a group of teenagers really bring down a government agency?
Critical Review: Cory Doctorow is very knowledgeable when it comes to technology. His knowledge is on display in this story. With a story dealing heavily in computer hacking terms and technology it could have easily become a story full of jargon and not reader friendly for the less tech savvy. But Doctorow is able to provide the necessary information without it dragging down the story and it never comes across like he is talking down to the reader. Instead the use of technology makes it feel modern and realistic. The story also plays on some very real life situations and issues in the United States. The story is creepily realistic, in the sense that as a reader you start to think that this sort of thing is very possible. These issues of government overreach, torture, privacy and security are all very real issues that are currently being debated in politics. For many teens who are soon to be of voting age this story might open their eyes to some more pressing political issues.
Reader's Annotation: After a terrorist attack on San Francisco Marcus and his friends are mistaken for terrorists. Now the DHS are watching his every more, but Marcus is determined to take them down.
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: The story brings to light many political issues that teens may not be aware of or don't take much interest in. This books really shows how these issues can impact young people in a big way. There is also this idea that young people do have power and can make things happen by working together and not giving up. Marcus could have easily just given in to the DHS but he felt what they were doing was wrong and he stood up for it. This could help teens see their own potential to fight things that they feel are unjust.
Book Talk Ideas: Some of the themes that the book talk could cover would be protection of privacy vs safety, government overstepping it's reach and abusive government, terrorism, technology and how it is effecting privacy and safety.
Issues: The book shows government, especially Homeland Security, in a very negative and oppressive light. The teens engage in illegal activity like computer hacking of school and government websites. Some may think that Marcus's illegal activity is glorified or encouraged. The book also has teenage drinking and sex. Marcus is tortured in the book and he is even water boarded at one point in the story.
Author Website:
Professional Reviews:
Read Alikes:
Why include this book? In a post 9-11 world this book is very relevant to the issues that face the world. The book while science fiction could easily become reality and I believe it talks about some very important issues of freedom and privacy and the role of the government in keeping people safe.

The Raven Boys

Title: The Raven Boys
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published: Sept 2012
ISBN: 0545424925
Price: 18.99
Pages: 409
Other books in the series: The Dream Thieves (Sept 2013)
Genre: paranormal fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Awards: School Library Journal Best Book
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults
Plot Summary: Blue Sargant comes from a family of clairvoyants. Her mother and her aunts run a tarot card service out of their house in Virginia. Blue doesn't seem to have her families gift, though her presence some how makes it easier for her mom and her aunts to do their readings. Every year Blue goes with her mother to see the soon-to-be dead march and of course only Blue's mother sees them, never Blue, that is until this year. Somehow Blue is not only able to see one of the spirits but he talks to her as well. Who is this man that speaks to Blue and why was she able to see him? Blue starts to wonder if this could be the boy that her mother has foreseen that Blue will fall in love with and than ultimately kill with her kiss. All Blue knows is the spirits name is Gansey. Gansey is student at the prestigous Aglionby, a private school. She always said she she would stay away from the boys at that school, the Raven Boys. But it seems that the two are destined to meet. But how will Blue tell Gansey she saw his spirit and that he is to die in the next year? And what does all this have to do with Gansey's search for a dead Welsh king?
Review: Stiefvater does an amazing job building characters and developing a sense of place in her latest novel. She develops the multiple characters so well that they seem to come alive and feel as if they are really people. The story has an eerie and creepy feeling that only escalates as the story reaches it's climax. The story is a slow build, allowing for readers to become entranced with the characters, the story and the surroundings. Stiefvater points to the connection of Blue and Gansey early on but keeps readers waiting as she allows their stories to build and connect slowly. But when she does bring the story lines together she does so with great finess.  It's obvious as the story reaches conclusion that it is part of a series. While Stiefvater does provide some answers the story leaves on a bit of a cliffhanger with many questions unasked.
Reader's Annotation: Blue has never been able to see the soon-to-be-dead, unlike her mother. But this year Blue sees one of the spirits and it speaks to her. 
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story presents some interesting issues of death and knowing ones future. Blue struggles with whether to tell Gansey that she saw his spirit and is going to die. The story will push teens to wonder if they themselves would want to know about their own death in advance. Adam struggles with domestic violence and poverty. There is Ronan who is dealing with the death of his father and struggling with school. And there is also Gansey who despite his wealth struggles with his perceived reputation. These personal struggles are things that teens can relate to and understand.
Issues: The book deals with magic, witchcraft, tarot cards, ghosts and other parts of the occult. Blue's mother and aunts read tarot cards and are able to see the future. Blue's one aunt also does different Wiccan practices. There is also Noah who was murdered by his friend. Adam, is a victim of abuse from his father. And Ronan is often drinking and belligerent. 
Book Talk Ideas: The story revolves heavily in myth, magic and legend. Gansey on the hunt for a dead Welsh king. I think focusing on the magical and myth aspect of the story is the best way to book talk. Perhaps using tarot cards to represent different aspect of the story.
Main Themes: love, death, magic, myth,
Read-alikes: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey, Unraveled by Gena Showalter
Author Website: http://maggiestiefvater.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: Maggie Stiefvater is a writer who is growing in popularity due to her great characters and her amazing sense of place. The book has huge appeal for fantasy fans because of its combination of magic, legend and romance. The book has received a lot of critical acclaim is sure to be a popular sereis with teens. 

The Fault in Our Stars

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-0-525-47881-2
Price: 17.99
Pages: 313
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Awards: YALSA's Top Ten Teen Books Nominee, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice-Books for Youth-Older Readers, School Library Journal Best Book, Goodreads Choice Award
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Plot Summary: Hazel Grace has terminal cancer and despite medicine that has shrunk her tumor Hazel is dying. For now the medicine has prolonged her life for the foreseeable future. Hazel spends her days attached to a breathing machine at home. She occasionally leaves to attend cancer meetings with other teens. But for Hazel she believes that it's best if she interacts with as few people as possible. She is afraid of hurting people with her death so she chooses not to interact. Then Hazel meets Augustus Waters, or Gus as she calls him. Gus lost his leg to cancer but with his cancer currently in remission and and 80% survival rate Gus has a different outlook on life than Hazel. Soon, Hazel finds herself falling for Gus despite her attempts to not get attached to people. Hazel and Gus bond over Hazel's favorite book An Imperial Affliction which ends mid sentence. The two then get the opportunity to travel overseas to finally ask how the story ends. But things don't go as planned and when you have cancer you can't really afford to be optimistic.
Critical Review: This book is on almost every Top Ten Book list for 2012 and it's easy to see why. John Green has written a touching, somber and simultaneously humorous story on what it means to love and lose. Like John Green's previous work, his teen characters are far more developed and insightful than most teens in YA fiction. He doesn't sugarcoat cancer or how it is to be sick, but rather he tells and honest and poignant story that leaves the reader heartbroken at the end. There are few books that could be compared to this one and the appeal of this book will reach beyond just teen readers. The parents in the story are also well developed and so human in their emotions. They aren't just one dimensional characters like some parents tend to be in YA fiction. Rather Hazel's parents show the heartbreak and struggles that parents of teens with caner go through. For a teen this might give them some insight into the view of a parent. This book could have easily become an after school special about cancer but Green's writing brings about layers to the story and great insight into the issues facing those who face death terminal illness.
Reader's Annotation: Hazel is dying, she has terminal cancer and has prepared herself for short future. What she didn't prepare herself for was Augustus Waters.
Book Talking Ideas: There is so many wonderful quotes in the book from Hazel and Augustus that I think using one of them to open up a book talk would be a great idea. For instance Hazel and Gus talk about cancer perks, the things you get because people feel bad that you have cancer. This list would highlight the sarcastic humour of the story. Also, the book is about cancer but it truly is a love story and I think using that to appeal to teens would draw in a lot of readers.
Bibliotheraputic Usefulness: The story deals with death, loss, grief, cancer, disappointment, and love. Teens who are struggling with grief or loss will be moved by the story. The story also provides and honest look at cancer and dying that teens will connect with. Green doesn't sugar coat the problems but instead shows them honestly.
Issues: The book details some graphic cancer related health issues. There is also some mild language and Gus and Hazel engage in premarital sex. Some may take issue with the books dealings with death and dying and the jokes about cancer and there is some religious jokes as well.
Author Website: http://johngreenbooks.com/
Read Alikes: Just One Day by Gayle Foreman, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why include this book? This book has been on the New York Time's best seller's list basically since it's release. It has been included in almost every Best of 2012 book list and has received glowing reviews from readers and critics alike. John Green writes with an honest wit that resonates with teen readers and at times get's parents feathers ruffled. His work is a must have for ever library because of it's perspective and the connection that Green has with his readers.