Review: The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


Colby's post-high school plans have long been that he and his best friend Bev would tour with her band, then spend a year in Europe. When Bev announces that she will start college just after the tour, Colby struggles to understand why she changed her mind and what losing her means for his future.


I have been looking forward to the release of this novel since I read LaCour's debut Hold Still over the summer.  Her ability to create believable characters and beautiful writing made me an instant fan.  And as much as I loved her first novel, I'll be honest, I loved the second one even more.


Even though Colby is the narrator in this book, rather than the love interest, he might be my new favorite YA man.  He is creative, loyal, and just the right amount of hung up on Bev to be romantic.  Because I was so staunchly in Colby's corner, though, I probably disliked Bev more than I should have.  Her aloof and secretive nature, especially at the beginning of the novel, soured me a bit.  However, the more I got into the story, the more I started to appreciate Bev; there is a deeper reason why she wounded my guy so badly.  However, by far my two favorite characters were Meg and Alexa, the other members of The Disenchantments, who, along with Bev, hope to be a new riot grrrl band a la Bikini Kill (though Bev's favorite band is Sleater-Kinney.  Worth YouTubing by the way - they are excellent!).  Meg and Alexa are quirky, cute, and well-designed, especially for supporting characters.  


The plot of the novel is driven by the "great journey" theme as The Disenchantments travel up the coast of California, touring in small towns on the band's way to drop Meg off at Lewis and Clark University in Portland.  This trip throws the characters into new experiences, which in turn causes them to have moments of self-discovery, and brings them to new understandings of one another.  While it perhaps is not the most exciting plot in the sense of thrilling, breathtaking suspense, it has a different sort of charm.  Plus, LaCour's writing is some of the best writing I have read in a long time, which keeps me engaged.  Personally, my favorite part of the story was the sub-plot involving Colby's father, uncle, and mother.  The two guys were also in a band, which leads to some touching parallels between the two groups.


Though I would have read this book if it was bound in a brown paper bag, I absolutely ADORE the cover.  The whole "Instagram" photo quality the cover fits perfectly with the art-student, bohemian flavor of the characters.  Content-wise, there isn't a whole lot with which to be concerned.  There is some language, and a few moments involving sex.  Nothing is described explicitly, but it is not exactly left up to the imagination either.  Between this and the more nuanced plot, I would recommend this book for older or more mature readers.


I can only hope that LaCour comes out with a third novel soon.  Without a doubt, she has become one of my favorite rising YA authors, and I can't wait to share this novel with my students.  What a great sophomore read!

Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them both legions of faithful fans.

I was talking with one of my students on Friday in the library, and he told me, "Everyone I know is on a John Green kick, including you."  I didn't really think about it until then, but he is completely right.  I am on a bit of a John Green kick, and am enjoying it immensely.  Will Grayson, Will Grayson did not disappoint!

Obviously, as with any Green novel, the characters' hilarious voices are what makes it so special.  Adding in the collaboration with Levithan just made the characters even more charming and unique.  Though the two Will Graysons are the central characters, my personal favorite was Tiny Cooper, the "original" Will Grayson's gay best friend.  His eternal optimism, even in the face of disappointment (not to mention his fabulous song lyrics) made me cheer for him more than any other character.  However, both Wills were also written with such complexity; I felt like they were real.

The plot of this novel is not filled with a whole lot of action, but more the internal conflicts of the two Wills.  However, the narration is so well done that their personal thoughts and feelings seemed very eventful, even though most of what they are experiencing are "typical" teenage doubts.  Relationships, loyalty, trust, and fear of relying on someone else - I found myself genuinely caring about how the characters felt, and that's what compelled me to keep reading.  However, the humor in the novel certainly didn't hurt!

Content-wise, I will be honest, this book could offend some.  Though I absolutely adored it, I'm not sure I could handle the potential issues having it in my classroom could spark.  Language and plenty of sex references ran throughout the book, but added to what I felt were authentic teen voices.  Furthermore, it does explore the issue of homosexuality, which could be problematic in a more conservative school setting (as mine is).  However, I don't think these things were gratuitous, and literature should represent all types, even if some disagree.  In a larger library setting, this book would be entirely appropriate.  Moreover, for the right student, I think this book could have a profound effect and powerful message:  you are appreciated.

For now, I will be leaving my slight John Green kick as I embark on a few TBR books, and then devouring the Virginia Reader's Choice list.  Though no John Green is on there, I am thrilled that another David Levithan book is - Dash & Lily's Book of Dares.  Can't wait to try my second Levithan novel!

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.


I was thrilled when this book came into our school library.  After devouring Green's Looking for Alaska, I was eager to see what else he had written.  His newest offering is certain to satisfy!


Given the nature of this story, the characters have to be what drives the plot.  The narrator, Hazel, is a fantastic character.  Despite the fact that she is dying, she is humorous, insightful, and extremely compassionate.  Green did a great job making her intelligent and self-deprecating to lighten the otherwise dark mood of the story.  Augustus, or Gus as his family calls him, is one of my favorite YA love interests.  He is funny, intellectual, and 100% romantic.  Though these characters are in a situation that many teenage readers (thankfully!) have not encountered, I found them relatable and engaging the entire story.


The plot is simple, yet interesting.  Again, this was largely due to the characters and the fact that readers are invested in their story from the outset of the novel.  There were just enough twists to keep me guessing, which I also appreciated.  I feel as though I knew somewhat what was going to happen, as it is a novel about teens with cancer, but there were still surprising elements.  Watching Hazel and Gus's romance bloom was pure magic, and by the end of the book, I was sobbing (ask my husband - I woke him up!).


Content-wise, this book is actually pretty tame for a John Green novel.  There is a bit of language, but nothing that other YA books don't have.  There is also some sexuality, but everything occurred a bit more offstage than is typical in a Green book (so I understand, at least).  Certainly, there was nothing in this book that would alarm most readers.


My only (tiny!) beef with this book would be the cover art, as it is not necessarily something that would catch the eye of picky readers.  I think a lot of that could stem from the loyalty of Green's audience.  Most readers will pick up his books simply because they are written by him - and readers can probably assume they'll enjoy!  For unfamiliar readers, though, this book might need a bit of "talking up" to get them to take it home.


Overall, I would say this book is a magical novel, one that is both joyous and heartbreaking to read.  I would recommend this to both guys and girls, as it contains a little bit of something for everyone.  This is a 2012 novel not to be missed!

Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.
 
PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.
 
Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.
 
Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.


This book has been one that's sat on my bookshelves FOREVER, collecting dust.  I bought it to add to my classroom library, but wanted to preview it first before handing it out to students.  Very glad that I took the time to read it!  It's one that might be tough to sell to students, so having some talking points about it will be helpful.


The characters in this book were fantastically created.  Andi, the protagonist, absolutely broke my heart.  Sadly, I think her extreme guilt and depression over what happened to her brother resonate with teen readers, as so many of them carry burdens they shouldn't.  My heart went out to Andi, which helped excuse some of her oblivious moments or bad behavior.  The other important characters, though many in number, were also created deftly.  I found myself taking a personal interest in them, which is a must when trying to hook readers!


For me personally, the plot was exciting and engaging, but a bit convoluted, especially the portions that are narrated through Alexandrine's diary.  She mixes the timeline up a bit in those, and since the reader is already being transported back in time, it can get a bit confusing.  There were also just A LOT of diary entries - perhaps more than were necessary.  Though I was curious to find out about the Revolution and Alex's story, I was much more interested in Andi's journeys in Paris.  The ending, however, was absolutely WONDERFUL and worth pushing through some of the other overly "twisty" parts to reach.


Andi's narration draws readers in, but for this reason I offer a bit of caution.  She's a very messed up girl.  For some of my little tenderhearts, she might even be too messed up.  I can think of some, however, who have admitted to liking dark books, and for them, Andi is a perfect narrator.  Even in the midst of a serious personal crisis, she does have a fantastic sense of humor, which I appreciated.


One other caveat to this book when it comes to recommendations.  It references music throughout the entire narrative.  Personally, I enjoyed the references, as Andi's thesis (and iPod playlist) is based largely off the work of my favorite band - Radiohead (*dreamy sigh*).  While I'm not sure I'd deem a knowledge of their work and other indie bands (as well as some classics, Led Zeppelin most notably) a necessity to reading the book, it did enhance my enjoyment because I knew to what songs she was referring.  For picky readers, this might be a stumbling block.  Or, as I am going to look at it, a fun conversation starter!  I made a list of a few of the songs that are mentioned several times, and I plan to hand that to kiddos who borrow the book.  They can look the songs up on Youtube and enjoy if they want!  I'm all about spreading the Radiohead... errr, not sure you can call it cheer, but you know what I mean.


So, overall, I would say this book is one that I enjoyed reading, but not one I plan to hand out to just anyone.  It will take a mature reader to follow the plot and comprehend Andi's character.  To some of my more capricious readers, though, I think this book is well-researched and could spark some authentic curiosity.






Any other historical fiction recommendations?  I love the genre, but I have a hard time digging up new titles!

Review: Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Publication Date:  February 28, 2012
Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.




This book is exactly what the summary makes it out to be:  cute, light, and humorous.  While it is not my typical cup of tea (I tend to stay away from the romantic realistic fiction books, as any of my students will tell you after one of my Sarah Dessen diatribes), I did enjoy spending time in Zo Jo's world.


The characters in this book were well-developed enough to put you on their side.  Jo, the protagonist, instantly disarmed me with her humorous voice and passion for the future.  I always admire a female character with goals!  Rushby does an excellent job of creating a dynamic character that evolves throughout the story indirectly - instead of bludgeoning the reader with tidbits about Jo, she shows us Jo's growth.  Ned, the love interest, is also well done.  He had a kindness and vulnerability that was unexpected, but appreciated.  Though both characters were lightly done, and we don't really get into deep territory with them, it was appropriate in this novel.


The plot, though somewhat predictable, had enough surprises in it to keep readers engaged.  Examining celebrity through the eyes of the paparazzi was a fun twist - I've certainly never read a book from that point of view.  It exceeded the expectation of the "boy meets girl, they fall in love, girl renounces her erroneous ways to keep the relationship" pattern that I was expecting.  Jo's actions instead lead her to be someone you can cheer for while avoiding the cliche.


Without a doubt, my favorite part of this novel was the humorous voice given to Jo.  Her self-deprecation is light and funny, and her sarcastic inner monologue kept even heavier situations, like group therapy, appropriately light and fun.  My only beef (and this is probably just because I am a word nerd) was the use of the word "papping."  As in, "Saving money for real photography class has forced me to fall into papping and hounding celebrities."  So... do you say it like popping?  Or, papping, as in Mammy and Pappy?  Just a bizarre word.  Not sure that paparazzi has a verb form.  English nerd rant is complete now.  :)
The cover on this book is also cute and sweet, just like the novel itself.  I think that it would be something that would catch the eye of potential readers, and it certainly matches the content of the novel.  It certainly caused me to take a second look, which is why I requested the title!


Overall, I would recommend this book for any of my chickadees who love realistic, romantic fiction.  While perhaps not the next great American novel, it is fun and engaging - a perfect weekend read with a cup of hot chocolate, or poolside with some sweet tea (and adequate SPF ladies!).  What a fun debut novel!

Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Image and summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.


First of all, a big thanks goes to The Page Sage for turning me on to this fabulous author. This was a book that I bought on a whim (the book aisle in Wal-Mart, especially when you're supposed to be buying a vacuum cleaner, is a very dangerous place), but I am so glad that I did. It truly touched my heart.

Without a doubt, the characters in this book are the best part of it. Green does a wonderful job of giving his characters little eccentricities that make them seem all the more real - and loveable. Miles "Pudge" Halter's is his love of memorizing famous last words; his roomate, Chip aka "The Colonel" loves milk and vodka cocktails and mooched cigarettes; their friend Takumi is a budding rapper. And of course, Alaska Young has so many, many quirks she manages to become as fascinating to the reader as she is to Miles. What I liked best about Alaska is even though she is the love interest, she is not idealized by Green - or even by Miles, most of the time. The other characters are up front about the fact that she can be selfish, moody, and purposefully cryptic. Making the "love interest" seem like a fresh idea, by having her be so flawed and yet sweet and caring at the same time, gave this "boy meets girl" story a welcome slant.

The plot takes a backseat to the characters in this novel, but was also completely enjoyable. Though options are limited with a boarding school as a setting, Green made the ins and outs of high school life humorous and exciting without being cliche. Although never a prankster myself (I am one of the worst liars in history), the practical jokes pulled in this book cracked me up. Perhaps my only concern as a teacher would be the amount of underage drinking (and smoking, which is nearly constant) in the novel. Though Miles himself rarely partakes, the other characters do quite often - and this frequently becomes an excuse for other mischief. Furthermore, the book is narrated by a teenage boy, and one with a very big crush. Sexuality becomes a part of the story as well.

That being said, Miles' voice makes this story compelling. He is funny, quirky, and introspective. I think that he is someone that both male and female readers can relate to, which is always welcome to teachers looking for books! Though the cover art makes more sense after reading the book, this is probably not one that would sell itself because of it. Once readers are hooked, however, they will definitely fall in love.

Overall, I would say that this book is one that can come with a cautious recommendation. The sex and partying make it questionable for all audiences. Though the sex isn't graphic, it leaves very little to the imagination. The drinking is much more in the forefront, which could also be a concern. For a more mature reader or audience though, this book comes highly recommended. I can't wait to read another of his novels!

Review: First Date by Krista McGee

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Image and summary from goodreads.com:

The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she's selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son's prom date-a show she didn't audition for-she's suddenly in America's spotlight.

The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren't always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn't random at all and that she's on this show "for such a time as this."

Generally speaking, I am not one to be drawn by Christian fiction. However, I have found at both schools at which I've taught that this is not necessarily the case for my students. There seems to be a growing interest in Christian fiction, especially books that are written about high-interest topics. In the interest of broadening my horizons, I decided to give First Date a try. Though probably not a book I would have otherwise selected, I am glad that I did.

The protagonist, Addy, is someone to whom many teen girls can relate. Amidst the large crowd of sparkling, vivacious girls, Addy feels like a typical "Plain Jane." What I liked about her, though, was that she doesn't let this ruin her experience on the TV show. Instead, we get to see Addy grow and become more comfortable with who she is, instead of wishing she was someone else. Also, and perhaps this is just me, but when I read that this book was Christian fiction, I was afraid that Addy would seem "untouchable." However, I was pleased to see that instead of her being someone who always knows right from wrong, the reader gets to watch her grapple with serious and timely issues - confidence, love, and the omnipresent "mean girls." When she is continually insulted, Addy is tempted to fire back, rather than always just taking the moral high road. This made her seem particularly realistic. Moreover, it was nice to see a character have a source of strength to help her through the various conflicts she encounters.

In researching the book before I read it, I learned that this novel is a re-imagining of the story of Esther from the Old Testament. For those unfamiliar (as I was), Esther is a Jewish orphan who is one of many women presented to a king who is searching for a new wife. Chosen for her beauty, Esther hides the fact that she is Jewish. When her cousin Mordechai, with whom Esther was living after the death of her parents, saves the king's life, he is also appointed into the king's favor. However, Mordechai becomes a target for the new prime minister Haman, who plans to not only kill him but the entire Jewish race. Esther finally chooses to reveal her faith to the king, thus allowing the Jewish people to fight and save themselves. (source here. Yes, as an English teacher I used Wikipedia. One of my students wrote a fabulous essay about the reliability of the website. But I digress...).

So, anyhow, taking what seems to be an archaic plot into the twenty-first century seemed to be a daunting task. However, McGee managed to deliver a book that was funny, exciting, and very relevant to our current day. Who hasn't seem some sort of elimination reality show, after all? Though it seemed a bit obvious what was going to happen throughout most of the plot, Addy's voice managed to keep me interested. My favorite parts were probably the "behind the scenes" glimpses McGee gives the reader into the world of reality television. It was amusing to see how characters were influenced by the presence of cameras - after all, I am always curious about how "realistic" reality TV is. The translation of an evil prime minister to an overly ambitious producer was creative too. Addy's interactions with Hank, said producer, ended up leading the story to a satisfying conclusion.

As I said before, Addy's voice is truly what makes this story captivating. Her continued prayers for strength, confidence, and the ability to do what's right are something that so many of us could probably use daily. Her faith is a driving force behind many of her actions, but rather than feeling "catechized," I empathized with her. After all, the debate over revealing who we really are is something we all grapple with daily.

Overall, I would recommend this book to any girl who is looking for Christian fiction, or even just a light-hearted romance. If a student is open to the idea of Christian fiction, but not necessarily seeking it out, this might even be a good foray into the genre. It was charming, refreshing, and a quick read - perfect for a few nights of relaxation.

Any other good suggestions for Christian fiction? I am open to all ideas!

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

New Girl by Paige Harbison

Publication date: January 31, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Image and Summary courtesy of Amazon.com:

Welcome to Manderley Academy

I hadn't wanted to go, but my parents were so excited…. So here I am, the new girl at Manderley, a true fish out of water. But mine's not the name on everyone's lips. Oh, no.

It's Becca Normandy they can't stop talking about. Perfect, beautiful Becca. She went missing at the end of last year, leaving a spot open at Manderley—the spot that I got. And everyone acts like it's my fault that infallible, beloved Becca is gone and has been replaced bynot perfect, completely fallible, unknown Me.

Then, there's the name on my lips—Max Holloway. Becca's ex. The one boy I should avoid, but can't. Thing is, it seems like he wants me, too. But the memory of Becca is always between us. And as much as I'm starting to like it at Manderley, I can't help but think she's out there, somewhere, watching me take her place.
Waiting to take it back.

When I first saw that this book was going to be a modern twist on Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, I got extremely excited. Without a doubt, it's one of my favorite novels. So, I think I went into this particular book with extremely high expectations - perhaps too high. Sadly, this novel was not what I expected it to be.
One of my biggest issues with this book was the antagonist, Becca Normandy. Though I understand the author's aim to make her seem an extreme version of the insecure teen, one driven to desperation by her own desire to be envied, Becca was just a few steps too far to the left. I felt that her promiscuity was a bit gratuitous; her need to be "wanted" by the hottest guys in school surely could have been conveyed without having her sleep with multiple partners - within the same night! Likewise, very few meaningful conversations took place between characters, at least while they were sober. Similar to the sex, I felt that the underage drinking was unnecessary. A bit of teen partying while away at boarding school? Sure. All major plot points taking place only after several shots have been consumed? A bit too far.
Furthermore, the plot itself lacked the subtlety of DuMaurier's work (though admittedly, that is an extremely high mark to meet!). Rather than much of the conflict being the narrator's internal issues, the stereotypical "mean girls" and rumor mill drove much of the action. Certainly a boarding school is a hotbed for these sorts of problems (at least, I'd imagine - I've never been to one), but I felt that the narrator (whose name isn't revealed until the end) suffered a bit from a lack of depth. This lack, I felt, came largely from the fact that her insecurities were externally motivated, not internally like the original. Also, I felt that the conflicts that arose, largely out of the narrator's romantic interest in Becca's "off limits" ex, were repetitive. Some variety in the routine "He likes me! We hooked up! Wait... why is he ignoring me?!" formula would have been appreciated.
All of that being said, there were certainly some positives about this novel as well. I really enjoyed the translation of Manderley the estate into a boarding school. It was a great way to make a classic setting into something more modern and high-interest to current audiences. Also, the narrator had one really redeeming trait, and that was her desire (though tempered with hesitation) to break free of everyone's expectations and push herself to experience new adventures. She debates whether it would be better to stay with her high school friends at the hometown college, or "spread her wings" by going far out of state. I think this particular struggle is one that resonates with many teen readers - and adults! Her journey of self-discovery, albeit perhaps too driven by others' opinions, was something with which I could identify. The ending of the book was also satisfying. I won't spoil it, but there was an excellent allusion to the end ofRebecca that made me smile. The cover art of this book is an additional strength. It certainly caught my eye, and I know it would do so for teenagers too!Overall, this is a book that I wouldn't personally recommend for a classroom library, or even a conservative school library. The partying and sex, though not graphically described, just played too big a role in the plot, and I wouldn't feel right recommending that as a role model. They became the focus, instead of the intriguing mystery that had so much potential. However, for a light and enjoyable independent read, perhaps this book would have been more appreciated.


Has anyone else had a similar disappointing experience with a modernized old favorite? I had to admit - I was seriously bummed!

My First Review: Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King

Image courtesy of http://www.geneva.lib.il.us/teen/node/196

Imagine being stuck in multiple worlds, but not quite feeling right in any of them. For Lucky Linderman, a soon-to-be sophomore in Pennsylvania, that is his reality. Bullied at school, lonely at home with absent parents, and unable to rescue his Grandpa, a POW in Laos whom he visits in his dreams, Lucky tries the best he can to cope with reality while simultaneously wishing he could escape it. But when a bully takes it too far, and he is forced to leave town, Lucky takes a trip that changes his life.

What I liked about the plot in this novel is that it artfully toggled between three stories - the frame story, in which Lucky is on his "coming of age" trip to Arizona, the flashback stories, in which he explains the unfortunate events of his freshman year that led up to his needing to leave, and the fantasies/dreams, in which Lucky gets to be his "macho" self and battle the jungle to rescue his Grandpa. Though the story moved between these three ideas, it was so well done that I didn't feel confused or lose track of which event happened when. That being said, perhaps my only critique would be that the ending is a bit predictable (though in a "coming of age," boy vs. bully story, what ending isn't?). The story was well paced, and an appropriate length for many readers.

What really made this story fun was the engaging voice of the narrator, Lucky. He has a dry sense of humor that many readers can relate to, and his inner pain and self-loathing are believable without being overwrought. Teachers be warned, though: he is a teenage boy. So, his narration is peppered with what one might imagine goes through a teenage boy's mind, namely swear words (several "f bombs") and thoughts of girls' breasts.

However, for a more mature reader (or one with parents who take a relaxed attitude about their child's reading material), I would highly suggest this book. I am always on the hunt for the elusive male narrator, as so many YA books right now are marketed towards females. This book would absolutely appeal to boys, though the complicated plot structure might intimidate some struggling readers. However, as a female I also loved it, so I wouldn't hesitate to suggest it to the (right) girls.

The cover on this book might lead to kiddos not necessarily picking it up right away. However, my biggest worry about this would just be that that title is a bit cryptic - what are the "ants," after all? But, rest assured, the title comes full circle in a very touching way that would reach even the hardest of teenage hearts.

Overall, I would give this one a recommendation for mature readers. There are many swear words, as I said, some sexual discourse, and a few very disturbing war and bullying scenes. While much of the graphic depiction happens off-stage, one is left to infer some really difficult ideas, which could upset more sensitive readers. However, for the right reader, this book is truly magic.

Also recommended: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson.