Book review - Salt to the Sea

Title: Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Genre: historical fiction
Similar books: Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
                     The Extra by Kathryn Lasky
Rating: 

fascinating, tragic

Summary (provided by publisher): The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.

In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

Told in alternating points of view, and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's critically acclaimed #1 New York Times bestseller Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff--the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

My opinion: At face value, this is a relatively easy read. The plot is relatively straightforward. Emotionally, though, it's  far from easy. It's uncomfortable and hard to handle. War is tragic. Terrible things happen. People survive months of tribulation and near death, find what promises to be their salvation only to have that promise of safety torn away. This book is so beautifully written that, even when we know dreadful things are about to happen we are compelled to keep reading. This book is not for the faint of heart, especially as some scenes are overly descriptive and gruesome. For those willing weather the discomfort, though, this is a fantastic read.

More information: Salt to the Sea releases February 2.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Pick 6: Survival Stories

Ever since reading Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, I've been a fan of books about struggles to stay alive. Talking with middle grade readers, I know I'm not alone in this preference. Publishing companies know this too. Book catalogues tend to feature at least one survival story. Here are six new stories of survival published in the last six months.

6 new survival novels

1. Finding Someplace by Denise Lewis Patrick

2. The Detour by S A Bodeen

3. On the Run by Tristan Bancks

4. Calvin by Martine Leavitt

5. Instructions for the End of the World by Jamie Kain

6. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key

I'm back!

Well hello there! I sort of dropped off the map for a month so if you've stuck with me this long, thanks. I started a new job just before Christmas and moved into a new apartment just last week so my life has been a little hectic. But, things are settling down and my internet got installed last night (yay!) so you can expect to see me back to my regular schedule of 4-5 post a week from this point on. 

Book review - Crystal Cadets

Title: Crystal Cadets
Author: Anne Toole and Katie O’Neil
Genre: graphic novel/fantasy
Similar books: Princeless by Jeremy Whitley
                     Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
Rating:

Nicely done but not really my style

Summary (provided by publisher): Cadets Go! Join this team of darkness-fighting, world-saving, power-packed teen girls from all over the world on their first adventure!
Zoe has always felt out of place; her foster parents are great and all, but she’s long felt like something was missing. That is, of course, until she discovers a mysterious gem left to her by her birth mother and her whole universe gets flipped around! When the crystal grants Zoe mysterious powers of light she becomes the Diamond Cadet, and she’s not the only one; suddenly she’s meeting new friends who shoot flames and glowing green arrows. It’s all fun at first, but when The Darkness possesses Zoe’s foster parents her only choice is to join this wild group of action-hero girls, traveling the globe to defeat The Darkness and find a cure!

My opinion: This book is solidly plotted and well drawn. I’m all for girl power and teamwork. It is perhaps more girly, froo-froo, clear good and evil, hugs and kisses, sunshine and rainbows than I prefer but it would make a solid choice for mid to upper elementary school girls. Nothing overly violent or objectionable and no romance either.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Door by the Staircase

 

Title: The Door by the Staircase
Author: Katherine Marsh
Genre: retelling
Similar books: Baba Yaga’s Assistant by Marika McCoola
                     Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee
Rating: 

a nice change of pace

Summary (provided by publisher): Twelve-year-old Mary Hayes can't stand her orphanage for another night. But when an attempted escape through the stove pipe doesn't go quite as well as she'd hoped, Mary fears she'll be stuck in the Buffalo Asylum for Young Ladies forever.

The very next day, a mysterious woman named Madame Z appears at the orphanage requesting to adopt Mary, and the matron's all too happy to get the girl off her hands. Soon, Mary is fed a hearty meal, dressed in a clean, new nightgown and shown to a soft bed with blankets piled high. She can hardly believe she isn't dreaming!

But when Mary begins to explore the strange nearby town with the help of her new friend, Jacob, she learns a terrifying secret about Madame Z's true identity. If Mary's not careful, her new home might just turn into a nightmare.

Award-winning author Katherine Marsh draws from Russian fairytales in this darkly funny middle-grade fantasy novel

My opinion: Baba Yaga is truly an underappreciated folk character. Unlike European fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not all bad. Sure she’s a witch and she eats children. She also, occasionally, rescues them. She helps them out of desperate circumstances. In short, of all the fairy tales witches she is the most human. And that is the idea behind this novel. I suspected the true identity of Madame Z fairly early on but more in an anticipatory way than any real annoyance or impatience. Mary is a great character, a heroine with spirit and sturdiness yet with fears and weakness. Add in a town full of wonder in Iris and a delightful sense of atmosphere and this book is a joy to read. It is historical fiction but touches of magic will entice upper elementary readers. This is a great pick for kids who enjoy fairy tale retelling but are ready for something other than the standard princess tales.

More information: The Door by the Staircase releases January 5.

Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Picture books for everyone

Mouse and Mole and the Christmas Walk by Doug Cushman

There is a lot to admire in this book. First of all, it encourages a holiday with a low ecological impact as Mouse and Mole make their own edible decorations which they put on a tree out in the forest (rather than cutting one down). It encourages experiences and the joys of sharing rather than the consumption. The illustrations are simple but charming. And the bottom of each page has brief, mostly scientific, facts about winter to sustain the interest of older readers.

Book review - The Runaways Gold

Title:  The Runaway’s Gold
Author: Emilie Christie Burack
Genre: historical fiction
Similar books:  Listen to the Moon by Michael Murpurgo
                      My Near Death Adventures by Alison DeCamp
Rating: 

Intriguing but perhaps overly convoluted

Summary (provided by publisher): In 1842, Christopher Robertson's family lives a difficult life as “crofters,” farmers and fishermen so in debt to the landowner that they have no hope of ever breaking free. To make matters worse, Christopher also lives under the thumb of his morally questionable father and devious brother. When his brother frames him for the theft of their father's secret bag of coins, Christopher must leave his home and embark on a journey across the island to return the coins and clear his name. It's a journey that takes twists and turns, including stops in prison, on a smuggler's ship, and at the house of a beautiful girl—and it ends with him escaping to a new life in America, which has dangers of its own.

My opinion: Interesting. I have some fondness for tales of poverty and hidden treasure. This one is a little Dickensian, what with the plucky and virtuous young man in desperate circumstances, trying to find a way to clear his name and help his family in spite of dishonest rich men and greedy grasping acquaintances. Of the historical fiction I’ve read lately, though, this is the one I have the hardest time imagining recommending to young readers. Perhaps too complex for many. The focus of the novel switches back and forth between Christopher’s present, in New York, and the circumstances in Shetland that led him to run away. With situations that will have young readers crying out “unfair” and dialogue that leans heavily on Scottish terms and historical situations that are unfamiliar to the modern reader, this book is not likely to keep most readers engaged all the way to the end.

Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley