Book Review: Disappeared

DISAPPEARED by Francisco X. Stork tells the powerful story of siblings navigating a world of kidnapping and crime in Juarez, Mexico.

When her best friend is kidnapped, Sara uses her skills as a journalist to attract attention to her friend’s case despite death threats to herself and her family. At the same time, Sara’s brother Emiliano faces the question of whether to take the easy path into the world of crime or work hard to establish a legal business. Stork’s well-developed characters and authentic situations will draw young adults into this suspenseful story.

Librarians will find this to be a popular addition to the growing number of thoughtful, coming-of-age novels focusing on timely issues related to crime and politics along the American-Mexican border. Although the setting is different than Stork’s other novels, fans will quickly become immersed in this fast-paced thriller.

Published on September 26, 2017 by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: This is Where It Ends

THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp is the gripping fictional account of a school shooting.

Told in “real-time” from the perspective of friends, family, and classmates of the teen shooter, this quick read takes place in one harrowing hour. The tragic story immerses readers in the thoughts, reflections, and actions of people facing the unimaginable horror of a gunman in their high school auditorium.

The author’s use of time stamps for each chapter, flashbacks, text messages, and other literary techniques adds interest for teen readers.

Librarians will find that students are attracted to this timely topic and drawn to the universal themes of revenge, heroism, and hope.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.mariekenijkamp.com/

Published by Sourcebook Fire on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Zeroes

ZEROES by Scott Westerfeld is a superhero action drama featuring a group of teens with unusual powers.

Ethan has a voice inside him who’ll say what people want to hear and Kelsie can control crowds. Along with other special teens, they face dangerous criminals.

While lacking the heart-pounding thrill-ride promised in the blurb, the book does provide a nice introduction to a series likely to be popular with teens.

Librarians will find that fans of shows like The Alphas, X-Men, and Heroes will be drawn to the superhero action and adventure storyline. However, those expecting Westerfeld’s steampunk or dystopian themes may be disappointed.

Published by Simon Pulse on September 29, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: What We Saw

WHAT WE SAW by Aaron Hartzler is a work of young adult contemporary fiction that provides chilling insights into the rape culture found across America.

After a small town high school party, a teenaged girl accuses members of the basketball team of rape. Kate attended the party, but she and her basketball playing boyfriend left the party before the alleged rape. Soon, members of the basketball team are arrested and the media gets involved. Kate listens to all the different perspectives and tries to piece together what really happened.

Librarian will find a broad readership for this work of realistic fiction. The novel avoids strong language and graphic descriptions of rape. Instead, it focuses on the perspectives and actions of those connected with the incident.

While librarians are likely to immediately see connections to the 2012 Steubenville, Ohio gang rape incident, youth may not aware of the many examples of high school party-related rapes. This book provides an excellent opportunity to explore nonfiction works related to sex crimes their impact on the lives of teens.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.aaronhartzler.com/.

Published by HarperTeen on September 22, 2015. ARC e-book.

Book Review: Tommy: The Gun that Changed America

TOMMY: THE GUN THAT CHANGED AMERICA by Karen Blumenthal explores the life of John Thompson and his deadly Tommy gun.

Although originally designed for military use, the Thompson submachine gun because the choice of bank robbers, bootleggers, and gangsters during the first half of the 20th century.

In this carefully researched work of nonfiction for youth, Blumenthal discusses the history of the weapon and the well-known outlaws and law enforcement officers who used it. The author does an excellent job connecting early gun control laws to today’s debate about the role of guns in society.

The book features primary source documents including historical photographs, maps, and diagrams. It also includes an extensive bibliography and notes.

Librarians will find this work to be popular with youth who enjoy books about the military, law enforcement, and crime. The fast-paced, fascinating narrative will appeal to reluctant readers. Look for it on the short list for the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal and other awards for nonfiction writing for youth for 2015.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.karenblumenthal.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook, an imprint of Macmillan USA.