Book Review: MARTians

MARTians by Blythe Woolston tells a bleak, dystopia story exploring life in the near-future suburbs.

When Zoe’s public school is privatized, she’s fast-tracked for graduation and given the option of working at one of two super-sized, mega-stores. With her mom absent and her house in foreclosure, she moves into an abandoned strip mall. Although she excels at fitting into the system, she knows there must be more to life than her dead-end job in the rotting suburbs.

Librarians will find that this quirky work of science fiction strikes a chord with youth frustrated by the consumer culture and lack of empathy in today’s society.

To learn more about the author, read http://www.blythewoolston.net/.

Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Six

THE SIX by Mark Alpert is a heart-pounding near-future thriller exploring artificial intelligence, digital preservation, and what it means to be human.

Adam’s body is withering away from the effects of muscular dystrophy. Along with five other terminally ill teens, Adam undergoes an operation that allows his brain to be merged with a computer to produce the first human-machine hybrids. Since the army controls the technology, The Six pioneers are obligated to work with the military on a top secret mission to destroy a rouge artificial intelligence known as Sigma who is about the exterminate human life on earth. The conclusion sets up the premise for a new series that’s likely to be popular with YA science fiction fans.

Alpert’s fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and attention to scientific detail will be a draw for many young science and science fiction fans. Librarians will find this adventure-suspense equally popular among both male and female teens. Use this book to inspire youth to go back and read the works of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and others. Also tie this work of science fiction with nonfiction books related to artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics, and physics. The many thought-provoking issues addressed in the text make it a good choice for book club discussions.

Librarians need to be prepared for questions about when the next book in this series will be available. It’s sure to be a YA hit.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 7, 2015.

Book Review: Undertow

UNDERTOW by Michael Buckley tells the story of a clash of civilizations and the families caught in the middle.

Thousands of evolved sea creatures have landed on the shores of Coney Island. Met with fear and distrust, many citizens from the governor to street gang members want to drive them back into the sea. However, others prefer them to quickly acclimate themselves and join society. This near-future fantasy will keep readers wondering whether intelligent beings from different species can live together or will explode into violence. The exciting conclusion sets readers up for the next book in this highly anticipated dystopian fantasy trilogy.

UNDERTOW is likely to have broad appeal with young adult audiences. With just a hint of cross-creature romance reminiscent of the Twilight series and enough violence and conflict for dystopian lovers, this fast-paced novel is sure to be a hit.

Librarians will find this book to be perfect for book clubs or class discussions. From racial (or in this case species) discrimination and class wars to bullying, Buckley examines real-world social issues within the context of a fantasy environment. Teachers will identify endless social studies and history tie ins.

Keep in mind that Michael Buckley is known for his children’s books. While UNDERTOW is not inappropriate for middle grades, it’s clearly aimed at the young adult audience.

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

To find out about the trilogy, go to http://undertowtrilogy.tumblr.com/. Be sure to watch the movie trailer.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Reader on May 5, 2015.