Adult Books for High School Students

By Staff -- School Library Journal, 7/1/2006

Fiction

Adult/High School–Jake Benchley is a good Tennessean who finds himself transformed into the kind of man he usually works to defend. For standing up for a black man who is accused of rape by a bigoted white woman, Benchley becomes the second victim of a lynch mob. He is branded and almost hanged, but is nursed back to a meager health by the son of the murdered black man. The boy, James Johnson, has been left mute from the trauma of watching his father tortured to death. There are four narrators here: Benchley; James; Leroy Steadman, who is nominally the smartest of the family of lynchers; and the unnamed sheriff, who is trying to prevent more murders. At times the book seems a string of run-on sentences–but everything is to a purpose. There are no real chapter breaks, and as the story shifts among the narrators it feels more like a bad rather than a beautiful dream. The beautiful dream is the relationship that develops between Benchley and James Johnson as they try to outrun the Steadmans. Benchley at first thinks of James as “the nigger boy”; by the novel’s end, he feels James may be the son he lost long ago. The construction of the story feels a bit deliberate at times, but teens will see the reality of lynching as it existed only a few decades ago.–Will Marston, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School–This is a lovely, lyrical story of a young woman who does her best to overcome an abusive past and live the happily-ever-after fairy tale. Ruby leaves the Midwest for L.A. and is employed as a nanny when she finds that life, while good, could be so much more if only she could be with the love of her life, an actor named Orion. She goes to England to find his family and to see if she can meet him. Patience and planning put Ruby at the right place at the right time. Alternating voices and a realistic but experimental style, sparked with magic ritual and spells, elevate the story from ordinary to extraordinary. Ruby’s point of view shifts from first to second to third person, mirroring flashbacks that reveal the essence of who she is and emphasizing her mystical connection to her soul mate. In contrast, Orion’s point of view stays grounded firmly in third person. Ruby discovers that while you can leave the past behind, it will never leave you alone unless you confront it. Teens who like Block’s work may miss the urban punk edginess of her “Shangri-LA” books, but this collaboration will definitely draw new readers with its tempered, yet recognizable, style.–Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Adult/High School–In a not-so-distant future, a deadly virus kills off every human on Earth, except for Laura Byrd, a wildlife specialist on an expedition to the South Pole. Readers quickly learn that the dead move on to another life in a fantastic city on another plane of existence; there, they live out a second life free from aging and disease until every person who knew them on Earth dies. The chapters alternate between Laura and those in the city of the dead, often showing how these individuals connect to her. The elegiac, thoughtful tone of the writing is balanced by the survivor’s adventure-filled travels across the frozen landscape as she hopelessly searches for signs of others. A crisis develops in the city as the only ones who remain finally realize that they continue to exist because Laura is still fighting for her life on Earth. Brockmeier’s style–elements of fantasy mixed with a strong sense of character and a wonderful lyricism–will remind readers of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas (Random, 2004). Although lacking some of the far-reaching depth of Mitchell’s work, Brockmeier’s haunting reminder of how connected people are to one another will appeal to readers of fantasy yearning for a bit more to think about than the usual fare offers.–Matthew L. Moffett, Ford’s Theatre Society, Washington, DC

Adult/High School–Just as Daniel Musgrove is about to enter 11th grade in the early ’70s, his father moves the family from Indiana to rural Mississippi. A few months later, Daniel’s older brother, and best friend, joins the Army, and Daniel finds a new best friend, Tim. Both boys are bright, witty, and living with secret demons. Chief among Daniel’s is his father, a bully and a coward. When Tim and Daniel double date for the junior prom, the teens have an accident on the way home and cause the prom queen to fall off her bike and hit her head. Childress’s inspection of race relations–among schoolmates, adults, and lovers–builds from this point: the prom queen of the newly integrated high school is black, but the injury leaves her believing that she is white. The boys hang the accident on a bullying football player, but the girl’s mother knows Daniel was involved and uses that knowledge to gain power over him. Tim’s secret begins to erupt during the summer, although Daniel, preoccupied with his obligations to and feelings for the prom queen, misses warning signs. Childress doesn’t twist the plot so much as he unravels its threads with realistic deliberation, diverting attention from Tim by spotlighting Mr. Musgrove’s literal home destruction, then swinging the focus back in time to catch Tim in his last furious act. Authenticity demands some brutal scenes and rough language, and a loaded interlude with Cher Bono. This is Daniel’s story, so many of the minor characters are one-dimensional, just as they would be in his perception.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School–Echelon, a supersecret global spy system, has been in control of the world’s data portals since shortly after World War II. It has wiped out dissension virtually everywhere, and the peoples of all countries are peaceful and content. Christopher Turing, head of Echelon, suspects a conspiracy and calls in operative Ryan Laing to save the world from villainy. With the help of internal nano-bot drones and a “handler” whose input is inserted directly into his mind, Laing overcomes evil threats–eventually. At times this story is overwhelmed by over-the-top screenplay action scenes and character shorthand. However, fans of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels may find that this tale delivers less action but more ideas. Teens familiar with the novelizations of Star Wars, The Matrix, or Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life will need to slow down if they want to get a full measure of insight from the political and ethical issues proposed by Conviser.–Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Adult/High School–In the middle of the last century, Hitchcock took popular culture by storm in a variety of media, including film, television, and short stories. Not a writer in any genre, his special genius was in identifying noir–and sometimes comic–tales told by others. Collected here are chronologically arranged exemplars of his taste. Opening with a story by hard-boiled champion Jim Thompson that appeared in the magazine in 1957 and ranging through such luminaries as Evan Hunter (writing as himself and as Ed McBain), Bill Pronzini, Lawrence Block, Sara Paretsky, and S. J. Rozan, and ending with Rhys Bowen’s New Orleans-set tale of modern voodoo, these pieces have broad appeal. Each story has a terse paragraph introduction of its theme and its author’s place in the field. The settings and plots are sorted across offices, city apartments, a small-town bank, and other common places. Some tales end with a surprise twist while others develop their momentum in a dreaded atmosphere. Mystery lovers may want to read the whole collection from cover to cover, while those not yet fans of the genre will, nonetheless, find one story or another worth the quarter hour it takes to consume. A good addition for collections serving students enrolled in short-story courses as well as for casual readers.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School–Thirteen chapters provide a monthly snapshot of Jason Taylor’s life in small-town England from January 1982 to January 1983. Whether the 13-year-old narrator is battling his stammer or trying to navigate the social hierarchy of his schoolmates or watching the slow disintegration of his parents’ marriage, he relates his story in a voice that is achingly true to life. Each chapter becomes a skillfully drawn creation that can stand on its own, but is subtly interwoven with the others. While readers may not see the connectedness in the first two thirds of the book, the final three sections skillfully bring the threads together. The author does not pull any punches when it comes to the casual cruelty that adolescent boys can inflict on one another, but it is this very brutality that underscores the sweetness of which they are also capable. With its British slang and complex twists and turns, this title is not a selection for reluctant readers, but teens who enjoy multifaceted coming-of-age stories will be richly rewarded. The chapter entitled “Rocks,” which centers around the British conflict in the Falkland Islands in May 1982, is especially compelling as Jason and his peers deal with the death of one of their own. Mitchell has been hailed as one of the great new authors of the 21st century; with Black Swan Green, he shows again how the best books challenge readers’ complacency.–Kim Dare, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Adult/High School–Just a year after being expelled from space academy, Kylara Vatta, the daughter of an interstellar shipping tycoon, is well on her way to making her fortune and is the veteran of two successful campaigns of space warfare. In Trading in Danger (2003) and Marque and Reprisal (2004, both Del Rey), she proved her mettle as a trader and won a ship of her own, only to lose most of her clan when unknown enemies attacked the Vatta corporation’s headquarters. Now, Ky lays the groundwork for an interstellar military force as a first step toward destroying a large army of pirates, reestablishing safe trading and cargo transport for the law-abiding citizens of her galaxy, and ultimately rebuilding the Vatta empire. She continues to mature as she struggles with inner demons and learns to make the most of her emerging gifts for strategy and leadership. This volume has a transitional feel, telling how the new space navy gets off to a small and rocky start, but leaving the rest of Ky’s quest to future books. While the battle strategies and dogfights are thrilling, the series is also a family dynasty saga, complete with eccentric but brilliant cousins and elders and quirky humor. It should appeal to fans of Anne McCaffrey’s “Rowan” family SF saga (Ace) as well as to those of David Weber’s “Honor Harrington” military SF series (Baen). Moon has created a richly imagined universe of different cultures, replete with intriguing characters and the sense of unlimited possibility that characterizes the most appealing science fiction.–Christine C. Menefee, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Adult/High School–England in the late 17th century is an exciting–if dangerous–home for Jennet Stearne, a teen whose family is a microcosm of the country’s philosophical and religious conflicts. Though she is enthralled by Isaac Newton’s theories and her progressive Aunt Isobel’s scientific experiments, she also takes pride in her father, Walter, who is a highly regarded professional witch-hunter. Jennet’s filial piety and belief system are overturned abruptly when blameless Isobel is burned at the stake because Walter labels her a witch. The girl vows to prevent other unjust executions by using science to prove witchcraft nonexistent. Her stubborn quest goes on for decades, leading her into wild adventures that include being captured by pirates, becoming an adoptive Native American, witnessing the Salem witch craze, and carrying on an affair with the young Ben Franklin. Jennet and her companions dash through an energetic narrative that re-creates the period believably, thanks to the author’s admirable linguistic and historical research. While the protagonist is an appealing character, the real star is Newton’s Principia Mathematica, whose amusing commentary provides a new twist to notions about the power and endurance of the printed word. This is a clever literary fantasy costumed as a traditional historical novel and a treat for fiction lovers.–Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Adult/High School–Rice’s third novel cannot quite make up its mind whether it is a true coming-of-age story or a comedy of manners. The story centers on the friendship between Penelope and Charlotte, two teens in post-World War II England. Penelope lives in a crumbling mansion with her mother and her rock-and-roll-loving brother, Inigo. Charlotte and her cousin, Harry, quickly draw the pair into the London social scene. When Penelope reluctantly agrees to pose as Harry’s girlfriend to make the American socialite who broke his heart jealous, it comes as no surprise that the two end up developing real feelings for one another. The rise of the rock-and-roll era serves as a backdrop to the romantic goings-on, and readers get a thorough education in Elvis Presley precursor Johnnie Ray. The champagne flows freely. This glimpse into the high society of a bygone era is charming and witty enough to gain a following among lovers of British literature.–Kim Dare, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Adult/High School–Two families arrive at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport in August 1997 to claim the Korean infants they have adopted. Strangers until that evening, they are destined to begin a friendship that will span their adoptive daughters’ childhoods. Bitsy and Brad Donaldson are the quintessential middle-class, white American couple. Sami and Ziba Yazdan are Iranian Americans. From the beginning, the differences in the ways they will raise their daughters are obvious: Bitsy’s well-meaning but overzealous efforts to retain her child’s Korean heritage are evident in the chosen name–Jin-Ho–and in the Korean costumes that she dresses the girl in every year as they mark the anniversary of the adoption date. The Yazdans are comfortable with their daughter Susan’s assimilation into their own Iranian-American culture. When Bitsy’s widowed father begins to show romantic interest in Susan’s grandmother, cultural differences are brought to a head. Tyler weaves a story that speaks to how we come to terms with our identity in multicultural America, and how we form friendships that move beyond the unease of differences. She does not dwell on the September 11 attacks, but subtly portrays the distrust that the Yazdans have to endure in the following months. Tyler’s gift, as in her other novels, is her ability to infuse the commonplace with meaning and grace, and teens will appreciate her perceptiveness in exploring relationships within and between families across the cultural spectrum.–Kim Dare, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Nonfiction

Adult/High School–Castor takes as the basis of this scholarly yet readable book the trove of letters written by members of a 15th-century English family who had climbed into the ranks of the lesser aristocracy. Other writers have taken advantage of this incredible collection, but Castor offers both the letters and a comprehensive and nuanced grasp of the world in which the Pastons lived. She has created realistic portraits, from Judge William to his embattled son John and John’s hardy wife, Margaret, to their sons, the irrepressibly optimistic Sir John and his reliable stay-at-home younger brother and namesake, John. The author uses the family’s story to illuminate a nation in which the Wars of the Roses had eliminated all of the old certainties for its inhabitants and forced them to think anew. Good-quality color photos and illustrations are included. For anyone who is interested in history or the Middle Ages, this book is highly recommended. For anyone who thinks that this period was boring, it’s a necessity.–Ted Westervelt, Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Adult/High School–Dornstein’s memoir is characterized by a surpassing drive to express truths as he investigates the emotional landscape of loss following the death of his older brother. In December 1988, David, 25, was flying home on Pan Am Flight 103. A terrorist’s bomb detonated onboard, killing all 259 passengers and the crew. The author, then a college sophomore, shares how he initially deflected the monstrous pain of his loss through denial, gradually working toward acceptance of the tragedy in all its attendant sorrows, and ultimately requiring nearly 17 years’ reflection before he felt ready to compose this story. David is depicted as a vibrant, impassioned, artistic soul, an aspiring writer who left behind voluminous notebooks, correspondence, and intense ruminations permeated with tones of despair over whether he would fail to achieve his literary destiny. The author feels an obligation to assume responsibility for David’s body of work, to organize and somehow wrest from it a timeless “essence” of his brother, to validate his truncated life by bringing the unfinished oeuvre to fruition. The healing process for Dornstein, as he alternately approaches and retreats from this self-assigned task, is laid out with dogged thoroughness. His journey in moving beyond an intractable knot of bereavement is depicted with blunt yet graceful sensitivity. Black-and-white photos are included. This is an ambitious read for teens, but rewarding because of its courage and authenticity.–Lynn Nutwell, Fairfax City Regional Library, VA

Adult/High School–The author’s childhood was not a pleasant one. Her mother’s string of abusive boyfriends and husbands had left her with no choice; after her mom kicked her last stepfather out, Erlbaum told her, “If you take him back, then I’m leaving.” When she was 15, she left her Manhattan home after her mother once again reunited with the man. She spent several weeks in a shelter and eventually ended up in a group home. She had casual, unprotected sex with a string of boys and abused alcohol and drugs. Just over a year after she moved out, she moved back in with her now-single mother, and the book’s title (a play on the author’s last name) was realized: life as a high school student clashed with the cocaine-fueled club scene of the 1980s. This memoir illustrates the conflicting desires of adolescence–to fit in, to be loved, and to be independent. The writing is concise and engaging, but, most of all, it’s honest. Erlbaum doesn’t try to excuse her behavior; rather, she analyzes why she went down that self-destructive path and what made her change her ways. Readers will find solace in the knowledge that, despite the lack of structure in her home life, she managed to pull it all together. She worked at an after-school job, starred in a school play, graduated high school, and got into college.–Erin Dennington, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Adult/High School–This is a thought-provoking, well-researched explanation for early European exploration. According to Fagan, the knowledge and technological innovations that made ocean voyages possible were gained over hundreds of years by ordinary people in pursuit of fish. The appetite for the food was enormous in Europe during the Middle Ages. Rare fish graced the tables of nobles as a delicacy. Stockfish replaced meat during holy days and supplemented the meager diet of peasants. Preserved fish fed soldiers when they were far from home. Political situations, monopolies, and climate changes forced fishermen farther from shore. Better designs for boats followed, as well as new methods of drying and salting the catch. The longer shelf life for fish allowed for even greater distances to be covered. The author’s lively style and use of fascinating details make this an entertaining book that would also be useful for students doing research on specific aspects of medieval life. An analysis of the various claims of who reached the New World first is particularly interesting. Fish recipes, from classical Rome to 17th-century New England, are sprinkled throughout the narrative. A reverse chronological time line is provided, as well as 12 maps and 27 black-and-white illustrations that include reproductions of contemporary paintings of towns and shores and woodcuts showing smokehouses, waterwheels, and other inventions. Drawings of fishing boats, fish, and fishing tools are also featured.–Kathy Tewell, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Adult/High School–Grayling’s purpose is not to condone the atrocities carried out by the Axis or to condemn the Allies for carpet bombing cities in Germany and Japan, but to show that, even in a “good” war, the good guys can do bad things. He examines the decision making, the circumstances, and the contemporary debate over the practice that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the destruction of so many cities. While the author discusses the practical military drawbacks of the tactic, he is most engaged with its moral implications. Black-and-white photos show the effects of the campaign. This is an engaging and readable work, intended to bring readers into contact with the shaded moralities of war.–Ted Westervelt, Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Adult/High School–A well-crafted, clearly organized guide for beginning and experienced genealogists. The book is divided into five sections from “Beginning the Quest” to “Going Global” and includes an extensive international resource directory. The introduction discusses some of the pitfalls and myths of genealogical research. Hull takes readers from the simple to the complex. Each section is logically divided and includes “problem” and “solution” and “dos” and “don’ts” sidebars. Photos of documents and ancestors complement the text; captions explain how they might be used for further research. A listing of genealogy software, supplies, the National Genealogical Society’s recommended publishing standards for sharing information one has gathered in print and on the Internet, and a lengthy index are included, but there is no glossary of genealogical terms. This title could be used for history assignments on the culture of various decades, famous people, and the Holocaust.–Ellen Bell, Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA

Adult/High School–From letters he found in 1991, Kaiser relates the story of Rudolf Kaufmann, a German, and Ingeborg Magnusson, the Swede he loved. The tale begins in 1935, and the course of their beautiful if tragic relationship is captured in the surviving letters he wrote to her. Their first kiss was a paper kiss: Magnusson kissed the photograph that Kaufmann sent to her before they first kissed in the flesh. They were able to visit in person only a few times as their countries and worlds fell apart. Their love affair ended with the letter Kaufmann sent saying that they should accept that the war would never let them be together. They continued writing as friends even after he married a fellow refugee in Lithuania, where he was hiding from the German invasion. The story is compelling, and the experience is similar to reading Anne Frank’s Diary. Kaufmann, a Christian, was also considered Jewish, and was recognized one day by a German soldier who shot him on the spot. Black-and-white photographs and reproductions of letters and documents enhance the text.–Will Marston, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School–The title is something of a misnomer. Although the book is concise, it’s not about prime-time television programming but rather about the regulation of the air waves, communications technology, and networks and their affiliates. The authors cover not only the history of TV, but also that of radio, showing how the FCC and the affiliate and sponsorship systems set up for radio evolved into the basis for television’s business configuration today. There are a number of thought-provoking points, such as an explanation of why wrestling and roller derby were such popular staples early on and how “to true fans of radio, the visual element of television was a limitation” rather than an enhancement. When discussing pioneering programs, the authors partner them with modern shows to illustrate points. Sidebars with plot summaries describe specific episodes, and black-and-white photos provide useful images to enhance program descriptions. Well written and clearly and intelligently laid out, this book’s greatest strength for high-school researchers is the historically grounded contrasting of radio with television for students unaware of the great similarities between the two. This work best serves those concerned with the macro-level of broadcast entertainment, rather than the micro-level of details about specific programs.–Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Adult/High School–This collection of essays written by medical students going from the classroom to their first experiences with live patients gives personal views of the issues doctors face. From communicating diagnoses to patients to balancing medical protocol with patient needs, medical students have a unique perspective. They see established procedures with new eyes and question everything. Each essay conveys a pivotal moment or experience for its author. One individual learning to take medical histories watched a video of himself interacting with patients and realized that he never looked up and was brusque to the point of rudeness. Teens exploring medical careers will find much to think about here.–Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA

Adult/High School–Baseball serves lovers of statistics well. Records and lists are created and maintained on just about every imaginable aspect of the game. There are career, season, and single-game records, and records for walks, strikeouts, stolen bases, wild pitches, home runs, and on-base percentages. Purdy offers a treasure trove for those who cherish such lists. While this volume will not replace The Baseball Encyclopedia (Macmillan, 1993) or Total Baseball (SPORTClassic, 2004), two things set it apart: the focus on team rather than individual statistics, and the inclusion of much more than mere lists of numbers. For each major league team, Purdy supplies well-selected, intriguing anecdotes, histories, trivia, and biographies, as well as the same sets of records and other data. There is much here not found in other sources, and the volume serves equally well as a reference work and a fun book to browse. Surprising features abound, such as the primary starting lineups for every year and every team. Several black-and-white photos, of acceptable if not outstanding quality, are included.–Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School–In this thorough study that is divided into such chapters as work, sex, and politics, Wilson traces the fascination with and misunderstanding of bees throughout history. Early cultures revered the insects for both their social structure and the sweet rewards of their labors. The geometric form of the hive is evidenced in the architectural designs of Gaudí and Le Corbusier. The wax provided light both literally and spiritually in the medieval Christian church. The hive has long been a symbol of social unity, and the happy worker bee is a model for labor. Honey is celebrated for its flavor, aroma, and medicinal qualities. It was even used as an embalming fluid by the ancient Babylonians and later by the Greeks. The “birds and the bees,” “honey I’m home,” and “honeyed words” are all referenced here. Black-and-white historical illustrations appear throughout, and a few recipes are included. Although this may be too much honey for some teen readers, it supplies solid information for popular-science enthusiasts.–Brigeen Radoicich, Fresno County Office of Education, CA