The Treasure Map of Boys: Noel, Jackson, Finn, Hutch, Gideon–and me, Ruby Oliver – E. Lockhart
June 2, 2010
The Treasure Map of Boys is the third in the Ruby Oliver series, following The Boyfriend List and The Boy Book. It has also been reported that Real Live Boys will be the title of the fourth and final Ruby Oliver book and will be published in 2010. It follows the life of Ruby Oliver as she deals with boys, heartbreak, gossip, mean girls, and best friends, all while managing a bake sale, seeing her therapist, and working with smelly feet.
Rating: B+
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I read “The Treasure Map of Boys.” The title, along with the cover (which showcased a marshmallow snowman), seemed incredibly cheesy, so I thought the book would be incredibly cheesy too. But Treasure Map turned out to be really good. From the beginning of the book, Ruby just seemed so funny and real, and I couldn’t help but laugh and feel sorry for Ruby and the situations she constantly got herself into.
When I started this book, I was unaware that it was actually the third in the Ruby Oliver series. The nice thing about Treasure Map is that it was easy to follow, even though I had never read the other two books in the series.
This book has made me want to read the whole series! Very well written and enjoyable.
M.
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This book is available in at in the Mississauga Library Catalogue!
Losers – Matthue Roth
May 21, 2010
Losers describes the trials that loser, Jupiter Glazer, must deal with, as a result of moving to America with a thick-Russian accent, living in the crummy part of town, and being an awkward social outcast.
Rating: B-
The book itself was very well-written, and Jupiter is an amazing character. He is so relatable to anyone that has ever felt left out or awkward. His outlook on life and sarcastic humour is greatly enjoyed as well. To be honest however, I was unable to finish the book because I grew bored. Although the book was enjoyable, the book did not seem to be “going” anywhere. I mean, there was no specific plot or conflict, other than Jupiter’s want to be accepted, which was constant throughout the book. Other than that, I grew tired, and did not finish it. Despite this, I still do recommend the book since my inability to finish the book may have been just due to my impatience, and not on the book’s quality.
M.
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Jumping Off Swings – Jo Knowles
May 21, 2010
Jumping Off Swings tells the story of four teenagers. One gets pregnant. One gets her pregnant. The other two are their friends. While the book moves back and forth from each of their perspectives, the reader watches them deal with lessons of broken hearts, life, and rejection, all while dealing with the birth of a new life.
Rating: B
Me personally, I practise chastity. But that’s just me. Apparently, that’s not the route for Ellie, who has done it .. a couple of times. But yet, amazingly, you still feel sorry for her when she ultimately becomes pregnant. Why? Because she did it for love. As you get to know her, you learn of her insecurity and how much she just wants someone to love her for who she is. And how heart-broken she is each time when she is used and left alone. John has to deal with the broken relationship between his parents, and the fact that he is going to be a parent soon. Caleb is his confidante through the book and Corinne is Ellie’s. Caleb must deal with seeing the love of his life fall through his grasp, something that anyone could relate to. But at the same time, the characters learn to love again.
The book deals mainly with the issues of growing up, and having to deal with leaving your childhood and innocence behind and having to control your own life. Short but sweet, I highly enjoyed this book.
M.
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Josh always knew his family was different. His father is always angry and his brothers are always getting into trouble. It seems as if his family is on their own island, separate from town. Everybody around them works for the park and seems better off. They all love the church’s priest Father Ron and the town’s historical figure John Brown, both whom Josh’s father hates. Why is Josh’s family different?
When a new neighbor offers Josh a path out of isolation and into town life Josh takes it. The consequences are larger than anyone can imagine. Josh desperately searches for answers to questions that went unanswered for years. The result is a clash between all characters in hope of finding the truth and painting the whole picture.
Rating: B+
In this novella the author, John Michael Cummings, draws from the historical town of his childhood to create a story about a family’s struggle to look beyond the anger of the past and let the truth shine.
R.
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ridiculous/hilarious/terrible/cool tells the tale of eight real teenagers who attend the real Walter Payton High in Chicago. The author, Elisha Cooper, spoke with them and wrote all about their high school experience.
Rating: C+/B-
The characters were incredibly believable and the book gave an excellent representation of the stress and life of a typical high school student, and I could relate to it easily. However, despite this, I often became bored, feeling like I was reading a book too much like my life, but not in a good way. The book mainly showcased the stresses a student feels daily and their routine, without much of a plot except for following the students’ typical day. All in all, it was a good book and concept, but simply too slow and unexciting for me.
M.
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Like a Thorn – Clara Vidal
May 18, 2010
Like a Thorn describes the tale of Melie, who must deal with her mother, who transforms from Rosy Mother to Dark Mother in a blink of an eye, and must deal with the trials of mental illness herself.
Rating: C-
When I started “Like a Thorn,” I felt sympathy for the main character, and the lack of support and love she received by her mother, and I felt both comfort because of my own problems with my mother, but also so lucky to have a mother that loved me no matter what. Despite this, I did not enjoy the rest of the book. Regrettably, I found the character’s struggle with a mental illness disturbing, although written with talent.
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This book is available in the Mississauga Library Catalogue!
M.
Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
May 18, 2010
Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is a book so simple a child could understand and yet so strong that even teens feel the message. Told from a series of letters written by Lonnie to his sister (who is with a different foster home), this book explores many issues. It explores the feeling of belonging that Lonnie looks for as a foster child and his struggle to find himself. It explores the simplest things like a friend moving away or the coming of spring. Yet, it explores more complex issues like soldiers returning home and tolls of war. However you look at it, each reader will find what feelings stand out to them. Peace, Locomotion is a book about peace and love.
Rating: B
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This book is available in the Mississauga Library Catalogue!
R.
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