Armada
written by Ernest Cline
four stars
Armada is Ernest Cline's sophomore effort after his runaway best seller Ready Player One. This time around, he introduces his readers to the world of MMOs. (That's massively multiplayer online games for you n00bz.) This highly readable novel is a fun science-fiction romp from beginning to end and there are a multitude of pop culture references, which Cline's fans have come to expect. Read it before the movie is released! The film rights have already been picked up by Universal.
How to Train a Train
written by Jason Carter Eaton
illustrated by John Rocco
four stars
Do you know a budding train lover? How to Train a Train is the perfect book for kids who can't get enough trains in their life. Jason Carter Eaton's lighthearted look at choosing a train for a pet will have even non-train enthusiasts laughing. John Rocco's illustrations are completely wonderful. Kids will want to read this K-2 grade Magnolia Award nominee over and over and over...
ODY-C #1
written by Matt Fraction
illustrated by Christian Ward
four stars
ODY-C #1 is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey set in space. What interested us most about this graphic novel was that most of the characters were genderbent from the original Odyssey. Fraction's story was great and Ward's illustrations were unique. Ward used a lot of vibrant colors and bold drawings to make the plot and text come together. This graphic novel was very different, to say the least, but it was a great read!
Life by Committee
written by Corey Ann Haydu
four stars
Life by Committee takes a look at the world of online communities. Tab's friends have dumped her and she feels like she has nowhere to go. But, LBC is open and accepting--to a point. She has friends cheering her on again, but she doesn't necessarily like what they're encouraging her to do. Author Corey Ann Haydu explores the concepts of bravery, secrecy, and what it means to grow up. Even though Tab's decisions are sometimes pretty poor, her motivations and struggles to find her place are definitely relatable. Older teens will like this one --it's a 9-12 grade Magnolia Award nominee!
A Chosen Exile: A History of Racial Passing in American Life
written by Allyson Hobbs
four stars
The cover and the title grabbed our attention and lured us in. A Chosen Exile is well researched and provides insight into the myriad of reasons pro and con of passing as white in America. Ms. Hobbs explores the history surrounding this choice, what was gained, and what was lost. Most of all, A Chosen Exile explores the psychological and social impact of identity and the personal consequences of denying a part of oneself and the toll that is exacted on the individual, friends, and family. It's a good read!Join us next week for our take on these books:
- Between the World and Mewritten by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- The Lion Who Stole My Armwritten by Nicola Davies
illustrations by Annabel Wright - Go Set a Watchmanwritten by Harper Lee
- Legendwritten by Marie Lu
- Boxers
written and illustrated by Gene Luen Yang
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