Run Like Jager- Karen Bass

First time novelist, Karen Bass, has written quite an extraordinary account of Kurt Schreiber who has come to Germany for his last year of high school and is determined to find out exactly what his Opa did in World War II. When he meets his Opa’s life-long friend, also the Opa of Marta, the girl he’s becoming interested in, and begins to hear stories of his Opa’s involvement with the Deutsche Jungfolk , it almost becomes too much to bear. As the stories unfold, he begins to see how young people could be caught up in the Nazi fever and the tremendous power and sway Hitler held. This is a fabulous book to present a different point of view and begin to understand that which has always been viewed as horrific. In many ways, the people who followed Hitler, especially the children, were victims as well. I believe this is a book our students need to read and is likely most appropriate for Grade 8 through high school. It would be an excellent resource for History teachers as well. In some ways, I was reminded of another World War II novel, called Behind The Bedroom Wall. In this novel, Laura comes very close to turning in her German parents for hiding Jews. She is so indoctrinated that she actually contemplates this terrible act.

Four Steps to Death by John Wilson also portrays an extraordinary array of viewpoints. We meet Conrad, a German tank commander,Vasali, a German soldier, and Sergei, a young boy during the battle of Stalingrad. Seamlessly, Wilson invites us into the psyche of the various players and draws us into feeling empathy for each as they themselves are victims of the ideologies of their day.

I also was reminded of an amazing short story by James Clavell, called The Children’s Story. This tale bears evidence to the vulnerability of the minds of children. It would be an excellent story to begin a unit on war and points of view.

Vampires- a New Genre?

I understand that when there is a lot of hype around a particular series (referring to Twilight, et al), there are many who want to get on that particular bandwagon and cash in on its popularity. In a similar fashion, the Harry Potter series spawned a whole rash of fantasy, some great, some mediocre. The same is true of the new vampire offerings. I contrast two novels: The Night Wanderer:A Native Gothic Novel by Drew Hayden Taylor with Night Runner by Max Turner. Night Wanderer is an exciting and haunting story of sixteen-year old Tiffany who lives on Otto Lake Reserve with her father and grandmother. A typical teenager, she fights with her dad, and is more concerned with her relationship with her boyfriend, a white boy from a neighbouring community. Although she thinks they are in love, there are little signs that make her wonder if he really accepts her into his sphere of friends. Then along comes Pierre, an unusual man from Europe, who is going to board with her family for awhile. He refuses the offer of her room and prefers to lodge in the darkened basement. Although you understand quickly that there is something very different about him, you are left to read the clues and make some judgements for yourself. His and Tiffany’s paths continue to intersect; in fact, the author uses both voices to tell the story which really allows us to enter both of their worlds. Although I don’t want to give much more of the story away, I do believe this story has merit, it is fast-paced and will have wide appeal for our vampire lovers. There are a few language issues so I would recommend you read this before housing it in the YA section of your elementary school but this will suit the high school collections as well.

Night Runner, on the other hand, is not as subtle. It too is action packed but after the rather exciting beginning, it lagged until the end where many loose ends were tied up very quickly.  Zach, who lives in a mental institute because of a strange illness he has contracted following the death of his parents, is told to run by a wild man who has broken into the institute. I loved the beginning and then was so disappointed to find out it was a vampire story. I thought it had the potential for breaking new ground if it followed a completely different plot. I also need to say that this is not my favourite genre, so my prejudice may well be showing. He soon discovers that he is a vampire and that his father was a vampire hunter.  I thought it really strained one’s credulity (understandably so) but even an unbelievable story needs to seem plausible. I am able to suspend my disbelief quite readily, but really had difficulty with htis one.His best friend’s easy acceptance of Zach’s condition and his willingness to trap animals for their blood just seemed too, too trite. I certainly agree that this will have “kid” appeal and the language was good, so I will certainly house it in my library, but in a search for excellence, this didn’t make the cut for me.    

would you- Marthe Jocelyn

This is a very accessible book for a reluctant reader or those who just prefer something a little shorter. At 161 pages, it meets those demands. Natalie has a pretty good life. She has an okay family, a pretty nice older sister who is heading off to college and a fun set of friends. In fact, one of their favourite larks is to go swimming in pools where they hope the owners are away and then run for it when caught. Nothing too out of the ordinary has touched Natalie’s life until the night she comes home to find that her sister has been hit by a car and is in a coma. Initially, the family believes she may recover but eventually have to face the hard truth that her brain is actually dead. Then they have to make the hard decision to let her go and to know that she has signed her organ donation card. Some hard issues are dealt with and there are some very real emotions portrayed.

Now for some of my reservations. There is some language in this book that, in my opinion, makes it unsuitable for an elementary school, even if we were to house it in the Young Adult section of the library.Probably not more than a half-dozen words would need to be culled in order to turn this into a story that many of our young people could read. The argument is sometimes made that this is the way people talk. Not always; not everyone! I believe firmly that great literature sets a higher standard which is even more important when it is directed at our youth. Editors, publishers- where are you? Could you please consider the plea of many of us who buy for our students to make sure the language is suitable for ALL our readers? Someone said recently that language seems to have become a non-issue for publishing for children. For many of us, it IS still an issue and while we would love to promote an otherwise worthy novel for our students, some of the content prevents that from happening. Are there others who feel as strongly as I do? Is there anything, we as readers, reviewers and buyers can do to ensure that we only offer our students the very best? I would invite your comments on this topic.

Alexandria of Africa- Eric Walters

Eric Walters continues to amaze me. One, with the sheer volume of material he is able to produce and two, with the varied and relevant themes and plots he pursues. Alexandria of Africa is about a spoiled rich kid who thinks nothing of being arrested for shoplifting, confident that her rich father will bail her out again. Her society mother gives her everything she wants, presumably to make up for the divorce which has occurred some years earlier. Initially, it loks like Alexandria is going to have to serve time in detention. There are some very funny parts where the judge, who is a little high on pain medication, decides to throw the book at her, as it were! Her attitude certainly doesn’t help. Listen to this excerpt. alexandria

Alexandria subsequently is sentenced to spend three weeks working with the Child Save organization in Africa. Although it seems somewhat unlikely that she could undergo much character change in that length of time, Walters makes it quite conceivable and she gains first-hand knowledge of the poverty and lack of opportunities in that land through a burgeoning relationship with a young Masai girl.

This is Eric Walters at his finest. His own heart for, and experience in Africa, comes through the voices of the characters in this stry.

Books for the Season- Part II

At this time of year, perhaps you are looking for great Christmas books to share with your children or perhaps to use as a gift. Here are some more favourites; new and old. (This was a newsletter insert so I thought some of you readers might enjoy this as well.)

Often, stories are told from various viewpoints and Christmas stories are no exception. Some of my favourite are those told from the viewpoint of an animal who unwittingly becomes a part of that greatest of stories. Jean Little, well-known Canadian author, recently wrote Pippin, The Christmas Pig. Pippin is tired of hearing the other animal’s stories about how their great-great-grandparents had such a vital role to play at the birth of Jesus. Pippin has no stories to tell; in fact, the animals are very disparaging about the very idea that a pig could have performed anything of value. Hurt and discouraged, Pippin rushes out into the cold wintry night where his heart is moved by the plight of a mother and child. Could the wondrous events of Christmas be repeated? Or will Pippin simply discover that nothing important could ever be done by a mere pig!

Cat in the Manger by Michael Foreman is told from the viewpoint of a cat that really has no time for the behaviour of any of the animals in the stable, and particularly dislikes donkeys. Until one day when the stable door blasts open and a donkey enters with a woman on its back. Curious, the cat observes as the events of the night unfold, but it is almost too much when the “stupid” sheep arrive with their shepherds. And if that isn’t enough; three camels arrive“clumsy as cows but have much bigger feet, bad tempers, bad breath, and they spit.” Watching closely, he sees an amazing thing. Quiet descends in the stable and all kneel to the tiny baby in the manger. Even the mice are safe from his attentions that night and as for the other animals? Maybe they’re not all so bad after all!

Beautifully illustrated Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell is a comforting and gentle story about the welcome afforded by the animals in the barn to anyone who needed shelter. As they all huddle together against the winter’s cold the last travelers are also welcomed to the stable. “Where will my baby be born?” Mary asked. “Come inside,” Kind Ox called to Tired Donkey. “There’s always room for a little one here.” This is a lovely and heart-warming story.

Perhaps you have older children who might love to hear a longer story read aloud. Try Kevin Major’s House of the Wooden Santas. The 24 chapters serve like an advent calendar as they trace the story of unhappy nine-year old Jesse, who is discouraged by a recent move and the possibility that Christmas just won’t be the same this year. Day by day his mother presents him with a beautiful carved wooden Santa and tells stories of hope. Will it be enough to change Christmas? Or might it be even better than what Jesse remembered? Is it ever possible for change to be good?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is still one of the most poignant stories told about the importance of Christmas being for everyone. The Herdman children were a handful, to say the least, but when they decide to try out for parts in the upcoming Christmas pageant, a hilarious new interpretation results. This chapter book would be an excellent read-aloud for about grade 3 students and up.

They Called Me Red- Christina Kilbourne

This is another outstanding work by the author of Dear Jo. Devon lives with his father and has never known his mother; believing her to be dead. Along comes Lily, ostensibly a friend to his father who eventually moves in with them. Her goal is to bring over her twin boys from Vietnam where she has left them with family. She shows Devon many small cruelties but manages to keep them from his father and when Devon complains, his dad puts it down to different cultures and misunderstandings. Although a kind man, he doesn’t seem to take his son’s complaints as seriously as he might. Devon’s dad becomes ill and as this illness escalates, Lily decides to take him to Vietnam for treatment by her uncle who is a doctor there. Devon is to go along. Suspicious of Lily’s motives from the beginning, indeed his fears are realized as his father soon dies and horror of horrors, he is sold into bondage to a woman named Long. The story then turns to a description of the mistreatment of the children and the expectations put on them by their cruel owner. Although no detailed description is given, it is obvious what is going on. Eventually, Devon and the other children with him are rescued. Happy ending? Well, just think of the aftermath of an ordeal like that. Coming home an orphan, going to foster parents, facing the press who want to know all the details, facing friends and class-mates who might see the shame written across his face. But good counselling help, wonderful foster parents and the wonder of a mother (who is not dead!), and true friends show that even enormous painful losses and memories can be dealt with and lived with. This is a powerful novel and like so many other recent novels, will ensure that we all become more aware of the plight of children in so many other parts of the world.