Adult Books for High School Students

Adult/High School–Set in a war-torn future, this novella moves from the series hero to Zeck, son of an abusive fundamentalist preacher. His phenomenal abilities for memorization and judging a situation make him an ideal candidate for the International Fleet’s Battle School, an academy that trains boys to be brilliant military leaders in an ongoing interstellar war. Despite his mental aptitudes, Zeck proves an unwilling pupil when he refuses to participate in battle simulations, claiming them to be against his religion. These beliefs make Zeck a pariah within the school, pushing him to cry foul when he sees two Dutch students quietly celebrate Christmas–or Sinterklaas Day–by exchanging satirical poems. This kicks off a cultural revolt, pitting students of different religions against one another and against the school in the name of religious freedom. Ender himself plays a small but pivotal role by confronting Zeck and forcing him to deal with the dark issues of his past. Sci-fi purists may be let down by the lack of technology and big-scale military drama that Card is often associated with, but readers looking for a short tale dealing with issues of cultural conflict, religious freedom, and personal discovery will have much to enjoy. Card’s well-imagined characters take this story to places that are both moving and satisfying.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School–Set more than 1000 years ago, this tale of “Jews with Swords” follows two swindlers, Frankish physician Zelikman and giant African Amram, on their adventures. The young, recently orphaned and dethroned prince known as Filaq is traveling under duress to his grandfather’s house with his guardian when they come across Zelikman and Amram. When the guardian is murdered by pursuers, these two endeavor to complete his task and collect the reward for Filaq’s safe delivery. The prince is later kidnapped by a usurper’s followers, and Amram and Zelikman, along with a cast of soldiers, thieves, religious men, and merchants, set their sights on his rescue and restoration. The Kingdom of Arran and the little-known Khazar Empire, despite the historical distance, ring true, and Chabon clearly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the region. Gianni’s illustrations help convey the setting and characters clearly. Through these characters’ travels, the author introduces numerous unfamiliar topics (rabbinates, shatranj, and ancient Middle Eastern politics, to name a few) and leaves readers both satisfied and eager to learn more. Although the vocabulary may challenge some teens, the story moves at a rapid pace and is full of surprises. It is sure to find a wide readership among those with an interest in Jewish history or swashbuckling adventure.–Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Adult/High School–Secrets, responsibilities, truths, lies, and justice are some of the issues woven into this story, which begins with Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, driving home in the rain. They are arguing and Grace is at the wheel when out of nowhere a man appears and she hits him. Deborah immediately decides to take responsibility for the accident and sends Grace running home. Being a doctor, she quickly checks for vitals and waits for the police and EMTs. When they arrive, Dr. Monroe answers all their questions and, although she never really lies, she does neglect to tell the sheriff that it was Grace who was driving. Her lies continue as she lets the entire close-knit community and her family believe that she was responsible for the accident. Grace suffers for her mother’s well-intended lie, and circumstances become more complicated when the victim is identified as her history teacher. As the investigation gets underway, it is discovered that Mr. McKenna’s life wasn’t all it appeared to be. As the story continues, readers meet more people whose lives and secrets are exposed. This novel will have teens considering their own moral compass and asking just how honest, dishonest, and secretive anyone can be.–Joanne Ligamari, Rio Linda School District, Sacramento, CA

Adult/High School–Set in a small town outside Istanbul after the 1999 earthquake, this remarkable debut novel chronicles the complex relationships within and between American and Kurdish families. United by the illicit romance of Dylan, 17, and Irem, 15, two families cope with the losses presented by the quake and the challenges created by their cultural differences. Dylan’s father is one of the Christian Americans providing aid in the camp where Irem’s family has taken refuge. Her father, Sinan, must spend hours away from home working to support his family while also fighting to preserve their values amid incompatible cultural influences. As the relationship between Dylan and Irem develops, Sinan’s inner struggle between love and honor escalates, causing him to make a devastating decision that will end in tragedy for both families. The power and brilliance of this book lie in the skillfully crafted levels of the plot. Readers will find themselves engaged in Sinan’s fight to hold his family together while empathizing with Irem’s desire to redefine herself outside of her conservative Muslim heritage. At the same time, they will be engrossed in the emerging romance while also questioning the motives of the American aid workers in the camp. Sophisticated teens will be further rewarded with the exploration of changing cultural, political, and religious boundaries. This novel will generate a variety of interesting classroom and book club discussions.–Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Adult/High School–When a dying enemy gaspingly tells Flinx where his father might be found, the young space adventurer is unable to resist the chance to learn about his parentage. Flinx and his empathetic minidragon take a break from their quest to save the Commonwealth and travel to the planet of Gestalt. Under the pretense of doing sociological research on its inhabitants, Flinx gains information about a hermit who fits the criteria he has set for his father, known to have been part of a group experimenting in eugenics. When his skimmer and native Tlel guide are shot out of the sky and Flinx is stranded alone in the wilderness, he realizes that he must not only survive the bitter cold of an unknown planet, but also escape the bounty hunter out to collect the price on his head. Equal parts space opera, survival adventure, and bildungsroman, Patrimony is an exciting adventure that takes place in an interesting world. The setting and its inhabitants are fully realized: the Tlel, like most of the creatures on Gestalt, sense the electrical currents of everything around them and have no sense of smell; the plant life has its own defenses; various animals attack in surprising ways. While knowledge of the series would be helpful, this title stands fairly well on its own. Teens will relate to the protagonist and be engrossed in this fast-moving story.–Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Adult/High School–This prequel to Humphreys’s Revolutionary War adventure Jack Absolute (Thomas Dunne, 2006) thrills as it broadens the background of the titular character. The novel opens with a young Jack living in rural England under the heel of his cruel cousin Craster and drunken Uncle Duncan. The somewhat accidental death of Duncan puts him in conflict with the local magistrate until his long-absent parents return and save him from punishment. His family then moves to London, where Jack schemes his way through high and low society, pretending to be a poet, developing underhanded moneymaking plots, and falling in love with every pretty girl he meets. He’s caught mid-dalliance with the alluring mistress of Lord Melbury, and he escapes only when his father kills the man in a duel. To avoid more trouble, Jack joins the military and ships out to Canada to fight in the Battle of Quebec. That explosive introduction to the Americas is just the beginning, though, as the protagonist encounters suspicious Indian tribes and gets lost in the winter wilds of the north with Craster. While Jack is not yet the brilliant spy of the earlier book, readers see glimmers of his skills. He is rash and brash, but also funny and charming. History buffs will find the historical details fairly accurate, but that’s not the point of this raucous tale. It’s best just to sit back and enjoy the wild, colorful adventures of a young man as he connives his way into adulthood.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School–Hyde’s coming-of-age novel is a reimagining of the classic tale of star-crossed lovers–intentionally reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, but fresh and new as well. Sebastian, 17, and Maria, 24, meet while riding New York’s subway trains ’til the wee hours of the morning. He’s a sheltered homeschooler who sneaks out of the apartment after his controlling father takes his nightly sleeping pill. She’s a mother of two who’s afraid to tell her abusive husband that she’s lost her night-shift job. There’s also a fairy godmother–Delilah is a wise old woman who introduces Sebastian to the delights of pizza and DVDs and counsels him on love and the ways of the world. Sebastian and Maria alternate as narrators; short chapters make for a page-turning read and the distinct voices are sweet, soul-baring, and honest. Hyde writes evocatively of the visceral nature of first love. Her characters are well developed, and she describes settings (New York City, a cross-country bus trip, the Mojave Desert) economically but effectively. The ending is realistic and satisfying. Chasing Windmills will appeal to teens who enjoy realistic fiction and a good story about relationships.–Sondra VanderPloeg, Tracy Memorial Library, New London, NH

Adult/High School–The mainstream popularity of poker and the intrigue of mystery and crime will ensure demand for this anthology. However, poker enthusiasts may be less satisfied than mystery fans, who will be attracted by such authors as Laura Lippman, Michael Connelly, and Alexander McCall Smith. Stories vary with respect to the depth to which the game is the central theme, but what they all have in common is their accessibility to readers who are not seasoned players. Mystery aficionados will enjoy John Lescroart’s “A Friendly Little Game,” in which the repressed memories of a father’s death lead to new clues in an old crime. Other stories, including Rupert Holmes’s “The Monks of the Abbey Victoria” and Jeffrey Deaver’s “Bump,” use poker as the façade to cover up larger crimes. Teens will be particularly attracted to the tales that portray young adult protagonists. In Joyce Carol Oates’s “Strip Poker,” a teen finds herself in a potentially dangerous poker game, only to turn the tables on her would-be attackers. Christopher Coake’s “Pitch Black” depicts the lengths to which fear and anger can take a teenage musician, and Sue DeNymme’s “Poker and Shooter” is a common yet chilling story of the popular crowd preying on less-fortunate students. Despite the variation in both quality and suspense, teens will find this volume more accessible, plausible, and entertaining than other recently published poker collections, such as Pete Hautman’s Full House (Putnam, 2007).–Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Adult/High School–Living on the streets of 14th-century Florence at age nine, Luca is abducted by a cruel brothel keeper who holds him captive for many years. Slatton paints a rich, skillfully crafted portrait that immediately draws readers in to the beauty and depravity of Florence over two centuries as she unveils Luca Bastardo’s mystical and mysterious life, continuing through the rebirth of the arts and sciences. In his search for his origins, Luca meets an alchemist who answers some of his questions while raising many more. When the Plague comes to Florence, he learns more about his special gifts, and the course of his life changes. He is befriended by the powerful leader and patron of the arts Cosimo de’ Medici, his ruthless grandson Lorenzo de’ Medici, the painter Giotto, the brilliant young Leonardo da Vinci, Boticelli, alchemists, philosophers, and physicos, as well as by many beautiful women. He inevitably comes face to face with the fanatical Savonarola. Immortal is a fulfilling treat. It could enhance an art-history or world-history class, the study of philosophy, or be read for pure pleasure. An outstanding debut.–Ellen Bell, Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA

Adult/High School–For those teens who are in love with DIY and thrift shops, this wonderful book is chock-full of ideas. However, some sewing knowledge, a sewing machine, a sharp eye, and a bit of perseverance are needed. “Sewing 201” provides a brief review of techniques necessary to complete projects, from pivoting skills and zigzag stitching to lettuce edging, darts, and more. The authors also have suggestions for shopping the thrift-store circuit: Does the garment smell, is it dry clean only, will it require ironing? Also included are instructions for creating a Duct Tape Dress Form–a full-scale duplicate of one’s body, made with the help of a trustworthy wrapping buddy. The rest of the book covers actual projects: turning a dated leather vest into earrings, making mittens from sweaters and a flouncy skirt from a basic A-line, etc. While the specific activities serve as guidelines, those who pick up this title will be able to put their own spin on their creations.–Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA

Adult/High School–This book delivers exactly what its subtitle promises and more. The profiles range from Panda the Magic Serpent (1958), the first color animated feature, to “Naruto,” which is still being produced, and include single films, movie series, and TV series. Each entry contains a short synopsis as well as a more detailed summary; comments about the film’s production, history, or importance to the genre; and a viewer-discretion tag that warns of sexuality or violence. (Each of these sections is denoted with an icon; humorously, the one for “viewer discretion” is a bra/bikini top). The content varies widely from kiddie-friendly fare like Pokémon to extreme violence, although the vast majority of titles falls somewhere in between. Easy-to-find DVDs are included, as are others that have never been officially released in the U.S. The book will be of interest to teens and also serve as a great reference for collection development as all of the movies are considered classics by the authors. Several stills are included. Indispensable for anyone with an interest in anime.–Jamie Watson, Harford County Public Library, MD

Adult/High School–Ghahramani was a 20-year-old university student in Tehran when she was arrested. In Evin prison, she was subjected to verbal, psychological, and physical abuse over a period of weeks, and then taken to a courtroom and convicted of a long list of crimes, including writing and speaking against the government and encouraging other students to cancel classes and participate in protests. Her memoir intersperses descriptions of her time in jail with reflections on her life growing up in Iran in a prosperous family that encouraged learning and political discussion. She muses on the beauty of the Farsi language and on her own teenage love of philosophy and literature. She remembers incidents from her childhood and inspiring teachers, and examines her relationships with family and friends. She ranged from defiance to despair as she underwent senseless and sadistic interrogation and torture. This compelling book is a coming-of-age story in which the author examines her beliefs and emotions while she tells of a country in turmoil.–Sarah Flowers, Santa Clara County Library, CA

Adult/High School–In 2005, Natalee Holloway disappeared during her senior trip to Aruba. Family and friends tirelessly searched for her and demanded justice. They were unable to find the teen or discover the truth. They struggled with an unfamiliar justice system, a community determined to maintain a positive image to support its tourist trade, and a suspect well connected within the Aruban justice system. The details, facts, and rumors of the case have been well documented in the media; this book is the compelling account of Natalee’s mother’s experience. In a society familiar with 24/7 media coverage of tragedy, reality television, and numerous published personal accounts, there is nothing surprising in the struggle between hope and despair that Beth Holloway endures. And yet her account is at times touching. The matter-of-fact narrative is laced with her personal brand of faith and ends on a note that encourages personal safety in international travel. Because of the attention given to this case and the age of the victim, this book will interest teens.–Mary Ann Harlan, Arcata High School, CA

Adult/High School–This first full-length biography of one of America’s treasures is a good starting point for teens. There are many Shel Silversteins to get to know: the author of The Giving Tree (1964) and Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974, both HarperCollins); the composer of the classic songs “A Boy Named Sue” and “The Unicorn”; the author of many one-act off-Broadway plays; the creator of innumerable hilarious Playboy magazine cartoons; and a creative force in many other areas. The man was a self-confessed lover of many art forms, foreign places, and women, and his association with Playboy contributed to a very free lifestyle. His wanderlust meant that he would pick up and leave wherever he was at a moment’s notice; his success gave him the freedom to end up in any of a dozen countries from which he’d send back travelogue cartoons. Rogak describes Silverstein’s character and his relationships well enough, but, in the end, Silverstein’s love of privacy and his friends’ respect for it made it hard for the biographer to get many of the details that would fill in the portrait. The strength of this biography is in leading readers back to Silverstein’s art, which is, after all, where he would have us find him.–Will Marston, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School–From the letter-press cover on thick cardboard to the simple, step-by-step instructions that are accompanied by illustrations and photos of finished products inside, this how-to will be the favorite of anyone who wants to make a book. Absolute beginners can be successful from the first page with an instant book–all that is needed is a sheet of paper. Besides paper, most projects call for the same three materials: awls, curved needles, and waxed thread. The most complicated one involves Coptic binding, which might take a couple of tries to get right but, even so, is doable. A resource list is included, as well as a bibliography of titles the author recommends. It is easy to see that bookmaking could become addictive. Crafty teens as well as those who create their own zines will want to take a look.–Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA

Adult/High School–Jack O’Brien expects success in his players, on the basketball court and off. His program at Charlestown High School, Boston, has achieved that goal, winning four state championships and, more impressively, sending a large percentage of players on to colleges–Division I, II, and III. The program is not without its problems and controversies, however; O’Brien’s single-minded dedication alienates some players, and working with boys from the city’s projects is difficult. Swidey avoids the trap of so many others following in the footsteps of H. G. Bissenger’s Friday Night Lights (De Capo, 2000): he manages to avoid inserting himself into the story of Charlestown’s season. He is both complimentary and subtly critical of O’Brien’s methods. He recognizes the boys’ basketball limitations, is critical of Boston’s racial past and disastrous bussing policies, and admires the school’s headmaster. The author doesn’t spend much time on the actual games; the book is more an examination of the forces that drive O’Brien and his players, the sociology of public education in Boston, and the forces of life on the streets. This is a fine piece of journalistic literature; do not make the mistake of thinking it is for sports fans only.–Mary Ann Harlan, Arcata High School, CA

Adult/High School–This little book is an homage to the home economics of pioneer life. In a nostalgic tone, Worick describes everything from curing meat to making poultices to creating calling cards. No more than a couple pages are dedicated to most projects, and each chapter is accompanied by an idea for a party, from teas to quilting bees to making soap. The projects are illustrated with simple, small drawings. The author shares relevant Web sites and encourages using modern conveniences for many activities. While this volume will not jump off the shelves, many teens will be charmed by it and be inspired by the pioneer spirit. It’s a natural for those who loved Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” books (HarperCollins).–Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA