Recent Reads: Hate That Cat

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a huge fan Sharon Creech’s book in verse, Love That Dog.

So when I found out that there was a sequel, I had to read it.  I was a little nervous about reading it though, since the title is Hate That Cat, and I’m a definite cat lover.

I soon found that my fears were unfounded.  While not quite up to the level of Love That Dog, Hate That Cat is filled with the same humor and depth as its predecessor, and well worth the read.  In this story, Jack has moved up a grade level, and his beloved Miss Stretchberry has moved up with him.  It is once again time for the class to explore poetry, and through Jack’s journal we learn even more about him.  Jack opens up about his loathing of a neighborhood cat, his hesitance to accept a cat of his own from his parents, and something about his mother that Jack has kept well-hidden until now.

A light read, but a great addition to Creech’s body of work.  Fans of Love That Dog should definitely not miss this sequel, even cat lovers who may object to the title.

Recent Reads: Simon Bloom

After reading a couple of YA novels, I figured it was time to get in a middle grade read.  I chose Simon Bloom, Gravity Keeper based on the recommendation of a young male patron here at the library. 

First, the boy asked one of my fellow librarians about the book because his friend had told him about it.  After he finished the book, he came back to the library raving about it.

On a side note, I found this boy’s reading interests fascinating.  He kept returning to the desk during his visit looking for various books.  First, he asked where the adult science fiction section was.  Then a few minutes later he wanted to know where he could find The Cat Who… mystery series.  I loved the variety!

Anyway, he said that he couldn’t put the book down and finished it in just a few hours.  So, how could I resist picking it up myself?  I’m always looking for more books to recommend to young readers, particularly to boys.

Simon Bloom is just your average sixth-grader until he finds a Book that allows him to control the laws of physics.  He and his friends have fun with his newly acquired skills at first.  Unfortunately for them this Book is a valuable item, and there are some dangerous people who will stop at nothing to get it.  This science fiction adventure is author Michael Reisman’s debut novel.  I’d say he’s off to a great start.  The story is filled with a great balance of humor and action, and there are several highly entertaining battle scenes in the story.  Who knows, maybe some kids will learn a little science when they read about Simon’s adventures, too!

Recent Reads: Octavian Nothing

Next on my reading list was another YA title I had been anxiously awaiting - The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson. 

I had read the multiple-award-winning first volume and was anxious to learn of Octavian’s fate in the sequel.  In the first volume, we meet Octavian, a young slave living in colonial Boston.  He has been raised by a philosophical society as a kind of experiment to find out whether an African has the ability to learn like a white person.  In the course of the novel, the society as well as their slaves, must face a smallpox outbreak.  (This is a really simplified version of the plot, but you’d need to read it to really understand).  I don’t want to give too much away, but at the beginning of the second book, the Revolution is beginning, and Octavian learns he may have a chance at freedom by fighting for the British.  The Royal Governor of Virginia, Lord Dunsmore, promises to free every slave who manages to join his so-called Ethiopian Regiment and help the British forces squash the colonial rebellion.

There are many things about these books that make them great reads.  First, Anderson gives us a fresh look at history and the true meaning of liberty through the eyes of Octavian.  Freedom from the British didn’t necessarily mean freedom for slaves.  Second, the quality of writing is so unusual for contemporary literature, particularly literature written for teens. The novels are written primarily as Octavian’s diaries, with some letters and newspaper excerpts included to fill in the gaps.  The eighteenth century writing style can be difficult, but once you get the hang of it, it does get easier to read.  I love that Anderson doesn’t underestimate the ability of his readers to make their way through some challenging prose. 

However, because of the writing style I might not suggest this book to just every teen I meet.  Lastly, the action in the story is truly life or death, and Anderson has the ability to keep you on the edge of your seat.  Even though we all know how the Revolution turned out, I couldn’t wait to learn of Octavian’s fate.

One of the most impressive things about the Octavian books is how different they are from the other Anderson novel I’ve read, the futuristic Feed.  If you haven’t read Feed, I highly recommend it, particularly if you can listen to the audio version.

Recent Reads: Paper Towns

Even though I never seem to make a dent in my stack of books to be read, I have managed to read a few newer titles lately.

I was eagerly awaiting the publication of Paper Towns by John Green.  So as soon as I had my copy, I began reading.  It didn’t disappoint.

Paper Towns follows the adventures of high school senior Quentin Jacobsen.  About a month before graduation he’s taken on a night-time escapade by his neighbor and childhood friend Margo Roth Spiegelman.  The next day Margo disappears, and even though she’s known for taking off on trips for days at a time, Quentin senses that this time is different.  He starts digging for clues and enlists the help of his close friends to track Margo down.  Looking for Alaska is still my favorite book by this author, but Paper Towns definitely shows Green’s ability to consistently put out great novels for teens.  I think one of the best qualities of his writing is the balance between deeply serious moments and laugh out loud humor.  He writes some of the funniest dialogue I’ve ever read, particularly as spoken by his teen male characters.  However, he also understands the deep emotions felt by teens as they undergo the trials of teenage life – losing friends, learning about yourself, facing an uncertain future.  If you haven’t done so yet, run out and read all of John Green’s books NOW!