Review: The S-Word

I found myself comparing this novel to the movie ‘Easy A’ as I was reading it—without the literary and teen movie allusions and humor. After all, Pitcher is playing on a societal truth when it comes to sex and females.

This needs new cover art

Title: ‘The S-Word’

Author: Chelsea Pitcher

ISBN: 9781451695168

Pages: 304

Publisher: Gallery Books

Available: NOW at your local library or bookstore

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.

But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.

Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.

My Thoughts:

I’ve read mixed reviews on this novel, and I too find myself having mixed feelings about it. But, there is only a limited amount I can write without ruining important plot elements, so I will try my best.

I will first start with Angie’s character. I enjoyed following her through the mystery of what really happened the night Angie walked in on Lizzie in the bed on prom night. I guess it’s because I love reading mysteries, but for Angie, that detail seemed to be what haunted her the most. Not so much that she abandoned Lizzie as a friend, after all, she did catch Lizzie in the bed with her boyfriend, but that for her she needed to know the truth. The truth about Lizzie, about their friendship, about the suicide, about prom night.

Lizzie’s character development is quite interesting. Readers learn about her through her diary pages, pages that seem to find themselves popping up all over school. Now at first I took issue with this element of the plot, and then I started thinking about it. I have taught high school for thirteen years, and with the introduction of text messaging and social media into teen lives, I can see something like this happening. After all, high schoolers thrive on gossip. What better gossip than to get the pages from the victim herself? While this may seem a bit over the top, so is high school. And with the introduction of so much technology into their lives, trust me when I say that many teens today seem to have lost the filter that we had when we were their age.

For the overall plot, it was okay. I originally requested this novel because I am always looking for strong YA reads on suicide, but there are not many. I was hoping this would be one I could book talk with my students and get them to read and discuss. While I was not overly enthralled with the plot, I feel that many of my kids will be. After all, they are Pitcher’s target audience.

The pace of the plot is right on the money for teen readers. The chapters are not too long, the idea is interesting, and many teens could find themselves in several of the minor characters. I cannot see many of them connecting with Angie or Izzie individually, but I can see them connecting with their friendship, with betrayal, with loss, with shame, etc. that Pitcher explores throughout the novel.

Elements were predictable, which I’ve read people complain about, but when you read a lot, don’t books become predictable? After all, Joseph Campbell once wrote that there is a single story of man that is constantly being reinvented through storytelling.

Do you have any suggestions on novels for me to read or add to my classroom library that deals with suicide? I have ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ and ‘The Pact.’

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Twerp

I read the majority of this novel while on the treadmill/bicycle/elliptical. It was a great read because it kept me engaged while I was sweating to death - and I did not even notice. I mean, I noticed I was sweating of course, but I guess my point is that Goldblatt had me so enthralled with Julian's story that the time passed quickly.

This cover...love it

Title: ‘Twerp’

Author: Mark Goldblatt

ISBN: 9780375971426

Pages: 288

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Available: May 28th

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

It's not like I meant for Danley to get hurt. . . .

Julian Twerski isn't a bully. He's just made a big mistake. So when he returns to school after a weeklong suspension, his English teacher offers him a deal: if he keeps a journal and writes about the terrible incident that got him and his friends suspended, he can get out of writing a report on Shakespeare. Julian jumps at the chance. And so begins his account of life in sixth grade--blowing up homemade fireworks, writing a love letter for his best friend (with disastrous results), and worrying whether he's still the fastest kid in school. Lurking in the background, though, is the one story he can't bring himself to tell, the one story his teacher most wants to hear.

Inspired by Mark Goldblatt's own childhood growing up in 1960s Queens, Twerp shines with humor and heart. This remarkably powerful story will have readers laughing and crying right along with these flawed but unforgettable characters.

My Thoughts:

I am always looking for books for tween boys because, let’s be honest, this is the age that boys start to step away from books. After all, the demands on their time are great, and reading tends to fall in the bottom of that category. I’m not saying this is true of all tween boys, but my experience and observation has shown that this is the age where boys step away from the printed page.

With that said, it’s important to write for tween boys on topics that interest them. Topics that will make them want to read. For fun. On purpose.

Goldblatt’s book is one of those reads. This novel reminded me of an Andrew Clements’ school story. The feel was the same as was the execution.

When we met Julian, he is in a lot of trouble. But, there is one person in the building willing to take a chance on him, his English teacher. Instead of writing the stereotypical Shakespeare paper that is required, Julian is given a chance to tell his side of the story. Instead, he finds himself writing a book—and finds himself learning life lessons.

One life lesson: do not, under any circumstances, write a love letter on behalf of your best friend. The girl could easily believe that the letter is actually from you, even if you tell her it is not, and chaos will ensue. See, life lesson. And this one is an important one.

The plot is nicely paced for the age group. The chapters are not too long and not too detailed. It’s very conversational—which I believe a lot of tween readers will enjoy and can connect with. Basically, Goldblatt has made it easy for the reader to have a conversation with the text, which would be great to discuss in a classroom. This is what I as a teacher am always trying to get across to my own students—the writer is having a conversation with you, talk back to him/her. A chapter from this book would be a great way to introduce that concept, especially to sixth graders.

As a character Julian is solid. Of course he is flawed, I mean, he is in sixth grade, but he is honest, and true, and has a good heart. His problem is that he does not always surround himself with the best people to call friends. Scratch that. I take that back. His problem is that he is in sixth grade and does things boys of that age will do. It’s just his friends are there with the fallout.

And what friends does Julian have. They will fight until the end of time for one another—unless betrayal happens—and they remind me of the boys from ‘A Christmas Story.’ Talking smack, always challenging one another, and of course shenanigans happen. Instead of a tongue stuck to a telephone poll, eyebrows are singed off.

Basically, this book is for the fourth to sixth grader in your life. While I recommend it for a male audience, I think tween girls will enjoy it as well, if they are big readers.

I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this so much was that I have an eight-year-old little boy, and I can see some of this being his life, but I also teach high school juniors who love to share childhood stories about one another. In that way, I connected with this book both as a mom as well as an English teacher.

What’s the best realistic fiction novel you’ve read in a while? Who is your favorite author for tween boys?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Double Crossed

If you're looking for a cute short story to occupy your time, you've come to the right place.

Title: “Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story”

Author: Ally Carter

ISBN: 9781423187479

Pages: 60

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Available: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

My Thoughts:

I am a fan of Carter’s ‘Heist Society’ series, but I’ve never read The Gallagher girls. After reading this short story, that is going to change. I am going to have to read them because (1) they seem awesome and (2) they seem awesome.

When I requested this from Netgalley, I thought it was a novel. I did not realize it would be a short story about two of her series, but I loved both of them, even though I’ve never read The Gallagher Girls series.

Both short stories are fast-paced, but they don’t tell me much. What I mean is this: it is clear that these short stories are meant for fans of her novels.

I found it hard to connect with Macey since I am unfamiliar with her story(ies), but I have been inspired to learn more about her. Clearly TGG series needs to be in my life. Why they weren’t before I do not know, but I plan to rectify that this summer.

Hale is as adorable as always. I just want to pick him up and hug him. He is such a delightful YA male character full of intrigue.

Carter’s writing style is easy and relaxed and action-packed. As I always describe her writing, “think James Bond for females.” This short story is no exception.

If you are a fan of Carter’s writing, then you should find about an hour—maybe two—to read this short story.

What’s the best action-packed novel you’ve read in a while? Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: School Spirits

My first post in almost a month, yikes! I had a stomach bug of death that took me nine days to recover from, teens to prepare for an AP exam, end of the school year wrap up, and a speech to write and deliver at graduation. So glad that is over and I am back in the blogosphere.

My first “I’m baaaaack…” post is for one of my favorite reads of 2013, ‘School Spirits.’

If you have not been introduced to the writings of Rachel Hawkins, your reading life is empty. Seriously. I have yet to read a YA writer that is able to rival her level of wit.  

OMG - this cover!

Title: School Spirits

Author: Rachel Hawkins

ISBN: 9781423148494

Pages: 304

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Available: NOW at your local book store or library

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!

My Thoughts:

In this ‘Hex Hall’ spinoff, Sophie’s cousin Izzy is a vampire hunter searching for her missing sister, Finley.

Hawkins thrusts readers into a paranormal mystery full of humor, friendship, and awesomesauce

I loved this book. I absolutely loved it.

The plot of the novel is solid—it is nicely paced with the refreshing voice we have to come to love of Hawkins. Here’s what I love about her writing style: as I read, I can picture it like a John Hughes movie. Seriously. Can’t you imagine Dex standing under Izzy’s window holding a boombox above his head while playing a romantic song while waiting on a lawn mower to take her away? No, just me?

Well, I stand by it. I really do. Hawkins’ style is so easy going because she understands what her audience wants from her as a writer—and because she is an easy going person with the best sense of humor. All of this is reflected in her writing, just like John Hughes reflected the plight of the modern teen on the big screen.

Speaking of the plight of the modern teen, Izzy, Dex, and Romy are quite a trio. I loved their on-page chemistry, and the three of them should rule the world. The world would really be a better place if they were in charge. I wrote a note in my reading notebook that said “kick Anderson out.” He did not make a good impression on me as a reader. I felt the trio would stand alone stronger, but that could also be because a trio is what I am accustomed to in YA reading.  

Hawkins’ character development of these four was strong. Izzy is by far my favorite character, which is a good thing since she is the star of the show. But, Dex gives her a run for her money on the page. He is mysterious. He is beautiful. He is awesome. He is all of the things a YA male character needs to be. And he gets some of the best lines too.

And may I say that school would be so much more interesting if we had a Paranormal Management Society? I mean, that is the best idea ever. I want one where I teach. We could investigate Dead Children’s Playground, old cemeteries, take field trips to visit sights that claim haunting. We could have awesome T-shirts and wear awesome headgear at night while filming what we find. We could have a reality show on TLC. See what Hawkins has done—put ideas into my head.

And this is why I love Hawkins. She appeals to readers like me with her magical words and magical ideas of how to make high school a lot more appealing than it is.

Just saying.

Bascially, I loved this book and I loved the characters and I loved the plot. This is such a great follow-up to the ‘Hex Hall’ series where it is clear that Hawkins is a force to be reckoned with in the world of paranormal, and she is here to stay. Thank goodness. I need more Hawkinesque YA paranormal in my life.

Be ready to laugh. Be ready to nibble at your nails. Be ready to enjoy a YA paranormal that breaks the mold. What I mean is this: if you do not usually ready paranormal, you are missing out. ‘School Spirits’ would be a great place to start. Or even the ‘Hex Hall’ series. These novels aren’t the basic lovey dovey YA paranormal. They are filled with kickass female heroines that are smart and funny and amazingly awesome.

What are your thoughts on ‘School Spirits’? What’s the best paranormal novel/series you’ve read recently?

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator