Zen and the Art of Faking It

By Jordan Sonnenblick

(YA F Sonn)

264 pages. 2007 Humor/Realistic Fiction

When San Lee, age thirteen, moves for the umpteenth time, he seizes the opportunity to reinvent himself to keep from being picked on. Having just studied religion at his former school, and because he’s Asian, classmates believe he’s a Buddhism expert. His Zen-like plans seem flawless until the fearless, outspoken, wild-haired, guitar-playing Woody enters his life. (Grades 6 & Up)

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reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

Hot Pick from TAB - Smoke Signals

Directed by: Chris Eyre
(DVD General Smok)
1998 Realistic


Based on a novel by Sherman Alexie, and winner of the Sundance Film Festival, Smoke Signals is a touching coming-of-age story. Set on an Indian reserve, the story starts with the death of Victor's father in another city. Victor is faced with the challenge of getting to his father without any money. Luckily, his friend Thomas has the money for the trip, under one condition—he has to come along for the ride. And with Thomas being slightly odd, this prospect doesn't thrill Victor, but finally he gives in. Absolutely hilarious at some points, very real to life at others, this is one film that is worth seeing.

reviewed by TAB member Janette D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - The Best of Pooh and Tigger, too

By: Various Artists

(ZM Best BPT D 28)

2001 Children's Songs

O.K., O.K., I know you left Winnie the Pooh behind when you turned five, but I'm sure if I hummed "The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers" you would sing along, at least until you slammed your hand over your mouth. This CD has all the good old songs you remember (Heffalumps and Wozzles, The Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down, Little Black Rain Cloud) and a few newer ones, such as "Wherever You Are" from "Pooh's Grand Adventure.” So check it out "for your little sister" and enjoy all of your favorites again.

reviewed by TAB member Teri G.

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The Lightkeeper's Daughter

By Iain Lawrence

(YA F Lawr)

246 pages. 2002 Realistic Fiction

After her brother’s sudden death, Squid abandons her childhood home on Lizzie Island, vowing never to return. Three years later, she returns with her young daughter for a visit with her estranged parents before leaving for Australia. But as her daughter begins to fall in love with the island, Squid must come to terms with her past to face her future. Told from the viewpoints of Squid and her mother, this is a beautifully woven story about the healing of a broken family (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by TAB member Teri G.

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Uprising

By Margaret Peterson Haddix

(YA F Hadd)

346 pages. 2007 Historical Fiction

This is the tale of Yetta, Bella and Jane; three girls all coming together, under separate circumstances, to live in New York City during the early 1900’s. All three experience hardships, loss and adversity in their young lives and in their pain discover each other. Each girl tells her own story of immigration across seas and social boundaries coming to a climax at the fatal Triangle Shirtwaist fire on March 25th, 1911. (Grades 7 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Meghann M.

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Game

By Walter Dean Myers

(YA F Myer)

218 pages. 2008 Realistic Fiction

It's senior year and Drew Lawson is at the top of his game, his basketball game, that is. He's hoping to have a slam dunk year so he can earn a scholarship to a Division I college, and slide right into the pros. That sure beats hanging on the streets of Harlem like most young men he knows. The only problem is that Coach has brought in two new talented players who are a threat to his game. Can Drew keep a cool head and maintain his determination in order to achieve his dreams? (Grades 9 - 12)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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