PSLA TITLES FOR 2011
FICTION
50 Cent. Playground. New York: Razorbill, 2011. 978-1-59514-434-8. 314p. $17.99. Gr. 8-12. Butterball is thirteen, overweight, and in big trouble. He viciously attacked Maurice on the playground at school and now he has to talk to some therapist, as if that’s going to help him? He knows if he could just get away from Long Island and move back to the city, where his dad still lives, everything would be great. Through flashbacks and therapy sessions, we gradually unpeel the many layers of Butterball’s story. The cover bills this novel as “The mostly true story of a former bully”--and walking a mile in Butterball’s shoes, it’s easy to see how some bullies may be reformed, if they work with caring adults to get to the root of the problem. The end of the novel leaves room for redemption without turning Butterball’s gritty tale into an urban version of Cinderella. Students may pick this up because they recognize 50 Cent’s name, but they will keep reading because they grow to care about Butterball fairly quickly. This would make a good book discussion choice, just be forewarned that there is a fair sprinkling of adult language in these pages. Realistic Fiction Mary Fran Torpey, Friends’ Central School Ackley, Amy. Sign Language. New York: Viking, 2011. 978-0-670-01318-0. 392 p. 16.99 Gr. 6-8. Abby North is blindsided by a series of changes in her young life. As a 12 year old girl who loves her family and cherishes living in her unique and close-knit Michigan neighborhood, she is as blissfully naive about the seriousness of her father’s surgery to remove a kidney as she is about maturing into womanhood. But as her dad's cancer progresses and Abby transitions to middle school, she starts to feel her life unraveling. She is confused about her feelings for Spence, the boy next door who has been her best friend for years and the crush she has on her brother’s friend. When cancer claims Abby’s dad, Ackley vividly portrays her struggle with grief and uncertainty amidst everyday teen drama and dilemmas. Far from depressing, the story is about hope and new life and love that makes readers want to cheer when Abby finally makes peace with herself. The novel is based on the author’s own experience of losing her father to cancer on the cusp of her teenage years. Realistic Fiction Erinn E. Durham, Enfield Elementary Aguirre, Ann. Enclave. New York: Feiwel & Friends, 2011. 978-0-312-65008-7. 259 p. $16.99. Gr. 6-12. Long after most of the world’s population was wiped out by a plague, this story tells of life for the decedents of those left behind in New York City. Deuce is a member of an underground enclave where everyday is a struggle for survival: food is scarce; cannibalistic mutants, called freaks, are increasing in numbers; and twenty-five is unusually old-age. Deuce and Fade, both hunters for the enclave, warn leaders of an increase in Freaks, but they are ignored. Soon Deuce and Fade are banished top side, where they are threatened by brutal gangs. But they are skilled fighters who prevail through repeated violent encounters and physical hardships to eventually make their way north to civilized settlements. Science Fiction Michelle Stone Hankin, Sandy Run Middle School Alban, Andrea. Anya’s War. New York: Feiwel & Friends, 2011. 978-0-312-37093-0. 208p. $16.99. Gr. 5 and up. Set in 1937 Shanghai Anya’s War is a gripping tale of a Jewish family’s move to China to survive. We see China through the eyes of Anya, a fourteen year old girl. One day while Anya is on her way home after bargaining at the market, she falls off her bicycle and hears what she thinks is a kitten, but upon closer inspection, it is actually a newborn baby girl. While trying to find a home for the baby, she learns that a girl’s life has no value in China and if she left the baby at an orphanage, the baby would be left to die. Anya is learning the discrepancies in her own religion: her brother will have a bar mitzvah and she did not because she is a girl, her brother attends synagogue on Friday nights and she questions why she cannot attend. The book has an unpredictable ending that will stun you! Historical Fiction/Holocaust Jill Toye, Jenkintown High School Albert, Susan Wittig. Mourning Gloria. New York: Berkley Crime, 2011. 978-0-425-23913-1. 301p. $25.95. Gr. 10-12. Gloria is planning a getaway weekend all alone and she thinks nobody needs to know where she is going, and indeed, no one does. China Bayles, owner of an herb and plant shop, is driving along when she sees smoke and realizes there is a house trailer on fire. She calls for help and tries to see if there is anyone in the trailer, but before she can get in, the trailer explodes in a huge fireball. There is a body inside, and China realizes that this was no ordinary fire death, but murder. Jessica Nelson, intern-reporter for the local newspaper, is assigned to cover the story, despite the fact that her parents died in a similar fire. China, Jessica, and China’s friend Ruby team up to solve the murder, but not without great danger to themselves. Another excellent addition to the China Bayles series. Mystery and detective stories Nancy Chrismer, Juniata High School Allbritten, Esri. Chihuahua of the Baskervilles. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2011. 987-0-312-56915-0. 275p. $23.99. Gr. 10-Adult. A three-person magazine reporting team goes to Manitou Springs, Colorado, to meet with Charlotte Baskerville and to investigate the claims of her glowing beloved Chihuahua, whom she believes has returned from the dead. Is it really a ghost, or is someone trying to cover up a murder? Charlotte Baskerville, the rich founder of a clothing company for small dogs, thinks that her Chihuahua Petey has returned from the dead, and she’s desperate for someone to verify his appearances. Dog
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