Fat Boy vs. The Cheerleaders

Addicted to Mountain Dew Code Red, sixteen-year-old Gabe is angry when he learns that the cost of pop from the school vending machine has gone way up.  Furthermore, the funds being raised are no longer going to the school band (of which Gabe is a member), but to the cheerleaders.  Gabe is in for a learning experience -- from personal weight control, to improving relations with his father, to leading a small rebellion against the change, and feeling the first twinges of romance with a Goth girl. Funny, with food for thought for teen readers, this latest book from Geoff Herbach is a fast read, but could spark class discussion of several teen issues.

Sex and Violence

Now there's a title to get your attention!

This young adult novel for mature readers is the story of 17 year old Evan.  His mother has died, and Evan and his father move around a lot, so he is always the "new kid" in school.  His interest in sex has grown as he has, and he has figured out a way to identify the "easy" girls in each new school, and arrange hook-ups with them.  All without consequences, until he hooks up with the wrong girl at a very wrong time.  After a vicious assault that leaves Evan scarred physically and emotionally, he and his dad move to a lake cottage in northern Minnesota; and Evan begins the slow process of healing.

A well-written first novel by Minnesotan, Carrie Mesrobian, this was a finalist for the William Morris Award (for debut novels), and won the Minnesota Book Award in 2014.

Chasing Shadows

Holly and Corey, teenage twins and children of a Chicago police officer, are friends with Savitri (she is also Corey's girlfriend).  One of their common interests is freerunning; and after one their sessions, Holly and Corey are victims of a random shooting.  Corey is killed and Holly is in the hospital in a coma.  When Holly awakens, Savitri realizes that her friend has changed dramatically. Holly refuses to accept her brother's death, and falls into a downward spiral as she obsesses over finding Corey's killer.  The story is told in alternating viewpoints from Savitri and Holly, with prose sections alternating with graphic novel elements.  Written by Swati Avasthi, this book was selected for the Best Fiction for Young Adults list in 2014, and is a finalist for the 2014 Minnesota Book Award. It's a challenging story that should appeal to urban youth.

What The Heart Knows; Chants, Charms and Blessings

Minnesota poet Joyce Sidman and artist Pamela Zagarenski have collaborated once again (they are also known for Red Sings from Treetops, a Caldecott honor book in 2010) on a collection of short poems that are arranged in four sections 1) chants and charms [to bolster courage and guard against evil], 2) spells and invocations [to cause something to happen], 3) laments and remembrances [to remember, regret, and grieve], and 4) praise songs and blessings [to celebrate, thank, or express love]. The poems touch on universal themes that teens and adults can relate to, and the illustrations are a poetic match for the words.  I heard recently that this is becoming a popular gift book among adults, although the target audience is probably teens. Readers of any age will appreciate the beauty of this book.

This is also a good place to note that Joyce Sidman is the winner of the 2013 Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, given by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Hawk Ridge; Minnesota's Birds of Prey

Minnesota ornithologist, Laura Erickson, has created another wonderful book about the birds of Minnesota--this time with a focus on raptors.  Twenty raptor species are profiled in this book including vultures, ospreys, eagles, harriers, kites, hawks and falcons.  Information includes nesting, breeding, and migration habits as well as any special signature traits of the species.  The introduction includes a history of Hawk Ridge near Duluth, as well as information on the challenge of counting and banding hawks there.  Illustrator Betsy Bowen, normally a woodcut artist, switches to painting with acrylics for this second collaboration with Erickson.  This is an excellent classroom resource for high school students studying raptors and bird migration.

Nothing Special

In this sequel to Stupid Fast, Felton Reinstein (whose amazing running ability stunned everyone in the first book of this trilogy) is off on a different discovery.  This story focuses on his younger brother, Andrew, who is very sad and depressed and who runs away to Florida.  This book is actually Felton's journal as he attempts to travel to Florida, retrieve his brother, and return home in time for football practice season to start.  The targeted audience here is high school boys, who like sports, have a slightly weird sense of humor, and who probably have read the first book.  Written by Geoff Herback, this won the Minnesota Book Award in 2013.

Beautiful Music For Ugly Children

High school senior Gabe Wilson has a lot going on.  Graduation is near, he's just started a new radio show, and he has a crush on his best friend Paige.  The only problem is -- everyone still knows him as Elizabeth. His parents don't acknowledge his desire to transition from girl to guy, and he is bullied at school.

Gabe loves music and his grandfatherly neighbor, John -- a former DJ -- is a big help in starting the radio show called Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. The show is successful and soon has its own fan club (The Ugly Children Brigade); until Gabe/Liz's true identity is revealed. 

This contemporary teen problem novel is for advanced high school readers due to the amount of sexuality topics included.  Written by Kristen Cronn-Mills, it made the Best Fiction for Young Adults list in 2013 and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award (young adult division) in 2013.

Twelve Owls

Owls are fascinating predators found in many Minnesota locations.  This book includes profiles of twelve owls known to live in or migrate to Minnesota; ranging from the tiny saw-whet to the magnificent great gray owl.  In addition to general identification and habitat information,  the book includes information on how the environment affects each owls' life pattern and habitat. Written by Laura Erickson, with life size paintings of each bird by Betsy Bowen; this will be a good resource for predator units in science or biology classes.

The Survivors

 

This is a sequel to Memory Boy (published in 2001) by Will Weaver.  Memory Boy is the story of sixteen year old Miles, his sister Sarah, and their family who had to flee their suburban Minneapolis home and move to the north woods after several large volcanic eruptions in the western United States changed the environment for everyone.  (It's a great story, and you must read it if you haven't.)

Survivors picks up the story after they arrive at a remote cabin (the location feels like it might be in the Lake Itasca or Bemidji area), and must find a way to survive the winter.  They also must avoid being identifed as homeless "Travelers", as that could put them in more danger.  Everyone relies on Miles for his commonsense outlook, ability to hunt, and other general knowledge about survival.  But when Miles gets a concussion in an accident, the family is forced to make new adjustments in order to survive. It's a very worthy sequel to the first book.  Don't miss it. 

Frozen

 

Sixteen year old Sadie Rose hasn't said a word in eleven years--ever since the day she was found lying in a snowbank next to her mother's body during a howling snow storm. Set in the 1920's in far northern Minnesota, this is Sadie Rose's story--how she was found in a snowbank, couldn't speak, and had only fleeting memories of her mother.  She is taken in by a corrupt state senator, and has a good life until she stumbles onto some pictures of her mother.  Who was she, and how did she die? There is evidence her mother worked in a brothel, but why? This story is set in a time of historical drama--prohibition, women's right to vote, political corruption, and a fight over lumbering and the use of the wilderness all come into play in this story. This is a suspenseful story about how Sadie Rose finds her voice again; and has several themes including power, corruption, class inequality, the environment, and the strength of family.  Written by Mary Casanova, it is recommended for readers in junior and senior high school. A trailer is available here.

Minnesota in the Civil War

 

The exhibit at the Minnesota History Center entitled Minnesota and the Civil War will be ending soon (September 8).  Hurry and see it if you haven't.  After it ends, here is an excellent resource for American and Minnesota history classes. The book includes many contemporary accounts of the war from diaries, letters, newspaper accounts, photographs, portraits, and pictures of many artifacts from the War that are in the Minnesota Historical Society collection. A great resource for social studies classrooms. 

Kara, Lost

This debut novel by Susan Niz tells the story of Kara, a teen who has run away from her depressed mother and unhappy homelife. Her sister, who also ran away from home, has a live-in boyfriend, who won't allow Kara to live with them beyond a few days. Even though she has no money, and no form of identification, Kara is determined to make it on her on on the streets of Minneapolis. At times, life is scary and harrowing, but bit-by-bit, Kara starts to find her way. This is an edgy novel from a new author with promise.

Unforgettable

Fifteen year old Baxter Green has a perfect memory--for every face, every name, and minute details of everything he has experienced since the age of three. He and his mother have moved from California to Wellington, Minnesota, a fictional town on the Iron Range to escape her ex-boyfriend.
Baxter wants to be a normal kid, and strike up a romance with a girl from his kindergarten class (she has long since forgotten Baxter)--but his unusual memory creates problems at every turn. This coming of age story has several good discussion topics: social issues for kids who are different, environmental and health aspects of taconite mining, and honesty in relationships, for example. It is another thoughtful work by Minnesotan Loretta Ellsworth.

Through No Fault of My Own

This is the diary of thirteen-year-old "Coco" Irving, the daughter of Horace and Clotilde Irving, socialites who lived on Summit Avenue in St. Paul in the early 1900's. Coco loved to write, and also get in trouble. Her diary entries frequently begin with the words "through no fault of my own..." The diary recounts one year of Coco's adventures, romances, and youthful problems.
Coco's writing has been published previously; this new edition is from the University of Minnesota Press and includes an introduction by Peg Meier and historical photographs.
Coco and her sister Olivia donated the family home to the state of Minnesota in 1965, and it became the Minnesota Governor's Residence.
This is a fascinating peak inside early 20th century life on Summit Avenue from a young person's perspective.

The Big Crunch

June has attended six schools in four years, and now she's beginning her junior year in a Minneapolis high school.  She knows she won't stay long because of her father's frequent job moves; so she just wants a few friends, and an okay-kind of boyfriend (no entanglements if possible).  Wes has just broken up with Izzy, and isn't ready for a new girlfriend.  When their paths cross, romance is sparked.  Told in alternating points of view, this book follows their romance through the four seasons.  Written by Pete Hautman, this story explores the emotions and social dynamics of first love, and the relationships between parents and teens at the edge of living independently.  It's an absorbing read for summer (or any season).

Stupid Fast

Fifteen year old Felton Reinstein attends a small Wisconsin high school.  He has just gone through a growth spurt, and is quite surprised when he wins a 600 yard dash in track.  Not known for his athletic prowess, he catches the eye of the football coach who wants him to become the team's star running back next fall.  At home, Felton's physical changes cause his mother to suddenly go into a deep depression.  Other typical teen issues for Felton include a newspaper delivery route, first romance with a piano prodigy, and a little brother who dresses like a pirate; but football is the centerpiece of this first novel by Minnesotan Geoff Herbach.  Teen boys can probably identify with the inner turmoil of Felton who suddenly finds himself in the spotlight.

Birding Minnesota

For serious bird enthusiasts, here is an in-depth guide to Minnesota birds.  Did you know that Minnesota is home to  over 400 bird species?  Arranged by biome (northern boreal, prairie, southern hardwood, northern deciduous, and the Twin Cities), the guide focuses on towns, cities, parks, and other locations around the state where birdwatching is especially good.  There are detailed maps, birds to be found at each site, food, lodging and camping information, and any hazards (poison ivy, etc.) for each area.  Written by Jay Michael Strangis, this is a resource for hard-core birdwatchers, and it might be a resource for high school biology classes.

Hole in the Sky

If swine flu didn't scare you enough in 2010, you need to read this tale of a deadly flu virus that has killed most of the earth's population between the years 2028-2031.  There are 'survivors who are immune to the virus, but they all sufffer losses ranging from sensory impairment to being completely delusional.  A few people have avoided exposure by living in isolated areas, including the Grand Canyon, where this story is set.  The story is told from the viewpoint of four teen characters, giving readers several perspectives on the actions taking place.  It's a little science fiction, and a very good adventure/survival story by Pete Hautman.

Chasing Alliecat

Dumped with relatives in a small Minnesota town (a Mankato suburb) for the summer, Sadie is relying on her mountain bike to save her from total boredom.  Then she meets Allie, a spiky-haired mountain biker who is training for an important off-road race.  Allie leads Sadie and Joe (a cute fellow cyclist) up and down Mount Kato as they train together.  The fun times come to an abrupt end when they find Father Malcolm, a local priest, badly injured and near death, in the woods.  After calling for help, Allie vanishes into thin air.  Sadie and Joe must piece together Allie's past and her connection to the priest.  There are plenty of scary moments, in life and in the bike races.  Don't miss this sports mystery from new Minnesota author Rebecca Fjelland Davis (who lives near Mankato, and rides a bike for recreation--so readers will feel that she knows what she writes about).

Blank Confession

Shane Blank walks into the police station and confesses to having killed someone.  He's the new kid in town, and already in a lot of trouble.  The other kids don't understand him. He's not afraid of anything (or anybody).  But, when he walks into the police station to confess to murder, it's apparent that there is more to Shane's story than what he is saying.  Detective Rawls will need to be very patient, and a good listener to get to the bottom of this case.  Don't miss this latest mystery yarn by Pete Hautman.  It is a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2011.