7.27.2014

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

Part-mystery, part-coming-of-age realistic fiction book, and all intrigue. Georges, grade 7, would like to move back into his old house.  And not just because of the cool fire-escape bed he had in his bedroom- but also because his mom wouldn't have to work doubles back and his dad would still have a job.  

Georges' new apartment is full of quirky neighbors, especially siblings Candy, Safer, and Pigeon.  All three are siblings of an eclectic family whom he meets after his dad signs him up to be in the building's Spy Club. His friendship with Safer revolves around espionage, solving mysteries and dealing with Candy, Safer's omni-present younger sister.

School is barely tolerable for Georges even with a teacher who celebrates every Friday with him and a interesting, quiet and noble friend who goes by Bob English Who Draws.  Jerky, bullying kids taunt him by calling him "Gorgeous" and bug him about the upcoming science lab, his volleyball skills, and other mundane middle school matters.  Until Bob English Who Draws and Georges form a coalition...

Readers will find themselves rooting for Georges and his family, inquisitively wondering about Safer and his siblings, and searching for the meaning of the title of the book.  Readers will also likely find themselves content in the end and happy to have known Georges and his crew.


P.S. For any grown-ups and/or parents: the Scrabble tile messages between Georges and his mom are lovely. One of my favorite parts of the book. So sweet.

7.17.2014

Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

Kids will love the humor in this book.  Some will love the man-eating grasshoppers and the grasshopper-violence.  Others will love the complicated friendships and relationships.  This book seems like one of the bravest books I've read in a while. The end of the world is coming because of man-eating grasshoppers and the protagonist, Austin, and his best friend, Robbie, are responsible. Austin is as confused about what he is feeling in his heart as he is certain about it. The small-town setting is familiar even to those of us who have never lived in a small town. It's a coming-of-age tale complete with an army of grasshoppers meaner than the bullies, all sorts of sexual urges,  true friendship, and a search for what really matters in life.

Here's what the NY Times said about it...
Here's what The Onion's A.V. Club thought about it...
Here's what Common Sense media said about it...

It's definitely a book for Gr 8 or high school (lots of f-bombs and erections), and it is a book that stands up to classic YA literature: Catcher in the Rye and Slaughterhouse 5, for example.  I'm so thankful there are books like Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smtih in this world.  My boys, my students, all teenagers need books this funny, complicated, and honest.