Fire From the Rock

By Sharon Draper

(YA F Drap)

231 pages. 2007 Historical Fiction

It’s 1957 and Sylvia Patterson has been chosen to be one of the first black students to enter Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. She’s proud, but scared and nervous too. It seems not everyone is thrilled about the idea of integrating the schools, and many, even authority figures, will go to great lengths to keep blacks and whites separate. As the first day of school looms, Sylvia must decide if she wants to be a part of history, or if she will do what she thinks is best for her. (Grades 6-10)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Taken

By Edward Bloor

(YA F Bloo)

247 pages. 2007 Science Fiction/Adventure

Charity Meyers lives in a gated community in a world where paper currency is everything, so much that people are willing to kidnap for it. Charity thought that she was prepared, but when she is taken from the safety of her home and held for ransom she discovers that all her preparation means nothing. Surprise endings and plot twists will keep you reading Taken until the last page. (Grades 7 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Meghann M.

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Hot Pick from TAB - The Bourne Ultimatum

Directed by Paul Greengrass

(DVD General Bour)

2007 Action. PG-13

The Bourne Ultimatum is a thrilling end to the trilogy. This movie has great special effects, an amazing plot, and top notch fight scenes. This movie was exactly what a fan of the first two films was expecting. The only thing I can find wrong is if you have not seen the first two movies the Ultimatum will be hard to understand.

reviewed by TAB member Brian K.

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My Mother the Cheerleader

By Robert Sharenow

(YA F Shar)

288 pages. 2007 Historical Fiction

Louise’s mother is a cheerleader, but not the kind that cheers at football games. She’s part of a group of mothers that protest the integration of schools in 1960 New Orleans. Louise, pulled out of school, is not sure how she feels about integration either. It takes a journalist who’s staying at their boardinghouse to show them the other side of things and make them think more about their actions. Based on true events. (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Shelly P.

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Gabriel's Horses

By Alison Hart
(YA F Hart)
161 pages. 2007 Historical Fiction

The year is 1864 and twelve-year-old Gabriel and his father tend to the owner’s race horses. Gabriel aspires to become the owner’s jockey in order to rise above his slave status. Confederate raiders sweep through the area demanding the valuable horses. Gabriel succeeds in saving the horses and is rewarded with his freedom and the treasured jockey status. (Grades 6 & Up)

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