Banff Library Teen Site - Fiction Reviews

AGE: 12+
LOCATION: Y MEY
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: ** History in the making
REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff

Reduced to a life of begging and robbery in the streets of Eighteenth century London around the age of 12 or so, Mary lives by her wits with a small gang of other orphans. The “deliverance” she prays for finally presents itself when her friend Charlie is murdered. She disguises herself as a boy in his clothes, cuts her hair, & renames herself “Jacky.” Conniving her way onto the British warship Dolphin, she sets off as a ship’s boy on a high sea adventure in search of pirates. In addition to dealing with the challenges of learning how to do her job on board ship and to staying out of trouble, she must hide her gender while dealing with unexpected changes in her body and her emotions. All this while battling pirates, exploring far-off lands, falling for another ship’s boy, and surviving on a desert island. The endless action in Jacky's tale will entertain readers with a real taste for adventure.

See another opinion in Adventure Fiction.

AGE: 12 - 16
LOCATION: Y NAP
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: ** A good discovery
REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff

14 year old Donata is unsatisfied with a secluded and pampered life in her family's home in 1592 Renaissance Venice. As the daughter of a nobleman, the tedium of her sheltered daily life changes drastically when Donata decides that - rather than hearing about the city second-hand from her brothers, and quietly accepting her womanly fate of entering a convent - she will dress as a beggar boy and explore Venice on her own.

Full of spirit and determination, Donata is as surprised by her own personal discoveries on her adventures as she is by what she learns of her city and its people. Rich in historic detail, close calls, daring, and deception, this carefully woven story provides an interesting look at a complex culture on the brink of change. The glittering city is so vividly described that reading this book is as good as a vacation -- with a few catch-your-breath moments to keep it exciting!

AGE: 12 - 16
LOCATION: J LAS
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: ** History in the making
REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff

These are the fictional diaries of a real-life princess who lived in Japan just as the country was opening itself up to the world after over 200 years of imposed isolation. The teenage princess was treated as a pawn to smooth the politics of the troubled country. Although Kazunomiya’s story is told in a quiet, gentle voice, it expresses an incredible sense of confidence and strength at a time when women were not really respected in public life. She was not given a say in events that took place – including her own marriage -- but she recorded her thoughts and voice in over 2000 poems and is still a well-known poet in Japanese culture.

AGE: 12+
LOCATION: Y SPI
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: *** A monumental discovery
REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff

A curious and naive young boy wanders the streets alone, surviving by stealing what food he can. He understands very little of what is happening around him and doesn't know who he is. Is he what people call him: A Jew? A Gypsy? Was he ever called something other than "Stopthief"? He cannot understand the war, so when Nazis march through the streets, they appear to him as a parade of magnificent boots and when he sees people running, he thinks it's a race. Thankfully, a group of orphaned Jewish boys takes him in under their wing.

This book paints a vivid picture of the streets of Nazi-occupied Warsaw during World War II. The story of this boy and his band of orphans trying to survive on their own has a lovely innocent quality, despite the devastation around them -- our young boy witnesses people digging trenches to stop Nazi tanks, shops exploding into flames, sirens wailing, and buzzing airplanes dropping bombs. Readers will love the young dreamer and his wonderful observations of the world around him, as well as his ability to enjoy small things even when he is surrounded by the horror of the Holocaust. A powerfully moving story of survival.

AGE: 14+
LOCATION: Y UPD
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: *** History in the making
REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff

When a petty thief falls through a glass roof trying to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him actually starts a whole new life. After being patched up and experimented on by a talented new doctor, he soon becomes the most mysterious burglar in Victorian London. By adopting a dual existence as both a wealthy gentleman named Montmorency and his degenerate servant Scarper, the con artist manages to climb the social ladder and make a new life for himself by climbing down… into the newly built sewer system. Readers will find themselves drawn to Montmorency's bizarre life and to his clever and mischievous nature, which eventually leads him to realize his past wrongs while putting his "best" skills to good use. The first book in a series.

AGE: 12+
LOCATION: Y MCK
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: *** History in the making!
REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff

As the Age of Exploration drew to a close in 1914, the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton sailed in pursuit of exploration's last unclaimed prize: the crossing of the Antarctic continent. Most people already know some general details about this incredible story of survival, but few know of 18 year old Perce Blackborow who had stowed away on board. Although fictionalized, this first-hand account by Perce, the youngest crew member aboard, relays a story of grim conditions and amazing characters -- making for great reading! Within months, the ship was trapped in sea ice; the crew was forced to abandon it and live on unstable ice floes. If Shackleton and his men were to survive the most hostile place on earth, they would have to do it on their own because there was no hope of rescue. At times as funny as it is harrowing and as sad as it is exciting, this is a story that deserves your attention and a book that promises to capture it.

AGE: 10 - 14
LOCATION: J PAR
GENRE: Historical Fiction
RATED: *** History in the making!
REVIEWER: Liza, Banff Public Library staff

This timeless tale deals with universal issues of creativity, friendship, perseverance, personal integrity and aspiration. As skillfully crafted as the Celadon pottery described in the book, the story of Tree Ear, a twelve year old boy living in 12th century Korea, transcends cultures and centuries. If this sounds dull, rest assured that it is not! The reader is easily drawn into the life of Tree Ear, an orphan, who lives with wise, compassionate Crane Man, a homeless elder. Sheltering under a bridge, they live a simple, fragile life foraging for food in the fields and rubbish heaps of the local village, renowned for it’s expert production of Celadon pottery which is prized for it’s subtle green glaze with the “radiance of jade, clarity of water”.

As curious as any boy, Tree Ear becomes intrigued by the work of the most accomplished and cantankerous potter, Min. When Tree Ear accidentally breaks an intricate ceramic box, he must work off his debt to the demanding, perfectionist master. Despite hardship, doubt and lack of encouragement from Min, Tree Ear persists in following his intuitive urge to “make a pot” and learn the potter’s craft. He is thrilled when allowed to continue his informal apprenticeship. When Min is requested to present a sample of his work to the royal court, several days’ journey from the village, Tree Ear volunteers to transport the fragile pieces. After an arduous trek, just short of his destination, bandits attack -- must Tree Ear accept defeat, losing Min his chance at a coveted royal commission? Can anything of his own dreams and aspirations be salvaged?

With expert pacing, fine characters and an intriguingly exotic setting, A Single Shard is highly readable, adventurous and insightful. There is also an excellent easily understood description of Celadon pottery; it’s creative challenges and history. I highly recommend this book and, on the strength of this work, will read more of Linda Sue Park including the novels The Kite Fighters and When My Name was Keoko.



		Historical Fiction Bloody Jack: Being an account of the curious adventures of Mary “Jacky” Faber, Ship's Boy - Meyer, L. A AGE: 12+ LOCATION: Y MEY GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: History in the making REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff Reduced to a life of begging and robbery in the streets of Eighteenth century London around the age of 12 or so, Mary lives by her wits with a small gang of other orphans. The “deliverance” she prays for finally presents itself when her friend Charlie is murdered. She disguises herself as a boy in his clothes, cuts her hair, & renames herself “Jacky.” Conniving her way onto the British warship Dolphin, she sets off as a ship’s boy on a high sea adventure in search of pirates. In addition to dealing with the challenges of learning how to do her job on board ship and to staying out of trouble, she must hide her gender while dealing with unexpected changes in her body and her emotions. All this while battling pirates, exploring far-off lands, falling for another ship’s boy, and surviving on a desert island. The endless action in Jacky's tale will entertain readers with a real taste for adventure. See another opinion in Adventure Fiction. Daughter of Venice - Napoli, Donna Jo AGE: 12 - 16 LOCATION: Y NAP GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: A good discovery REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff 14 year old Donata is unsatisfied with a secluded and pampered life in her family's home in 1592 Renaissance Venice. As the daughter of a nobleman, the tedium of her sheltered daily life changes drastically when Donata decides that - rather than hearing about the city second-hand from her brothers, and quietly accepting her womanly fate of entering a convent - she will dress as a beggar boy and explore Venice on her own. Full of spirit and determination, Donata is as surprised by her own personal discoveries on her adventures as she is by what she learns of her city and its people. Rich in historic detail, close calls, daring, and deception, this carefully woven story provides an interesting look at a complex culture on the brink of change. The glittering city is so vividly described that reading this book is as good as a vacation -- with a few catch-your-breath moments to keep it exciting! Kazunomiya - Lasky, Kathryn AGE: 12 - 16 LOCATION: J LAS GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: History in the making REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff These are the fictional diaries of a real-life princess who lived in Japan just as the country was opening itself up to the world after over 200 years of imposed isolation. The teenage princess was treated as a pawn to smooth the politics of the troubled country. Although Kazunomiya’s story is told in a quiet, gentle voice, it expresses an incredible sense of confidence and strength at a time when women were not really respected in public life. She was not given a say in events that took place – including her own marriage -- but she recorded her thoughts and voice in over 2000 poems and is still a well-known poet in Japanese culture. Milkweed - Spinelli, Jerry AGE: 12+ LOCATION: Y SPI GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: * A monumental discovery REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff A curious and naive young boy wanders the streets alone, surviving by stealing what food he can. He understands very little of what is happening around him and doesn't know who he is. Is he what people call him: A Jew? A Gypsy? Was he ever called something other than "Stopthief"? He cannot understand the war, so when Nazis march through the streets, they appear to him as a parade of magnificent boots and when he sees people running, he thinks it's a race. Thankfully, a group of orphaned Jewish boys takes him in under their wing. This book paints a vivid picture of the streets of Nazi-occupied Warsaw during World War II. The story of this boy and his band of orphans trying to survive on their own has a lovely innocent quality, despite the devastation around them -- our young boy witnesses people digging trenches to stop Nazi tanks, shops exploding into flames, sirens wailing, and buzzing airplanes dropping bombs. Readers will love the young dreamer and his wonderful observations of the world around him, as well as his ability to enjoy small things even when he is surrounded by the horror of the Holocaust. A powerfully moving story of survival. Montmorency: Thief, liar, gentleman? - Updale, Eleanor AGE: 14+ LOCATION: Y UPD GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: * History in the making REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff When a petty thief falls through a glass roof trying to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him actually starts a whole new life. After being patched up and experimented on by a talented new doctor, he soon becomes the most mysterious burglar in Victorian London. By adopting a dual existence as both a wealthy gentleman named Montmorency and his degenerate servant Scarper, the con artist manages to climb the social ladder and make a new life for himself by climbing down… into the newly built sewer system. Readers will find themselves drawn to Montmorency's bizarre life and to his clever and mischievous nature, which eventually leads him to realize his past wrongs while putting his "best" skills to good use. The first book in a series. Shackleton's Stowaway - McKernan, Victoria AGE: 12+ LOCATION: Y MCK GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: * History in the making! REVIEWER: Tonya, Banff Public Library staff As the Age of Exploration drew to a close in 1914, the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton sailed in pursuit of exploration's last unclaimed prize: the crossing of the Antarctic continent. Most people already know some general details about this incredible story of survival, but few know of 18 year old Perce Blackborow who had stowed away on board. Although fictionalized, this first-hand account by Perce, the youngest crew member aboard, relays a story of grim conditions and amazing characters -- making for great reading! Within months, the ship was trapped in sea ice; the crew was forced to abandon it and live on unstable ice floes. If Shackleton and his men were to survive the most hostile place on earth, they would have to do it on their own because there was no hope of rescue. At times as funny as it is harrowing and as sad as it is exciting, this is a story that deserves your attention and a book that promises to capture it. A Single Shard - Park, Linda Sue AGE: 10 - 14 LOCATION: J PAR GENRE: Historical Fiction RATED: *** History in the making! REVIEWER: Liza, Banff Public Library staff This timeless tale deals with universal issues of creativity, friendship, perseverance, personal integrity and aspiration. As skillfully crafted as the Celadon pottery described in the book, the story of Tree Ear, a twelve year old boy living in 12th century Korea, transcends cultures and centuries. If this sounds dull, rest assured that it is not! The reader is easily drawn into the life of Tree Ear, an orphan, who lives with wise, compassionate Crane Man, a homeless elder. Sheltering under a bridge, they live a simple, fragile life foraging for food in the fields and rubbish heaps of the local village, renowned for it’s expert production of Celadon pottery which is prized for it’s subtle green glaze with the “radiance of jade, clarity of water”. As curious as any boy, Tree Ear becomes intrigued by the work of the most accomplished and cantankerous potter, Min. When Tree Ear accidentally breaks an intricate ceramic box, he must work off his debt to the demanding, perfectionist master. Despite hardship, doubt and lack of encouragement from Min, Tree Ear persists in following his intuitive urge to “make a pot” and learn the potter’s craft. He is thrilled when allowed to continue his informal apprenticeship. When Min is requested to present a sample of his work to the royal court, several days’ journey from the village, Tree Ear volunteers to transport the fragile pieces. After an arduous trek, just short of his destination, bandits attack -- must Tree Ear accept defeat, losing Min his chance at a coveted royal commission? Can anything of his own dreams and aspirations be salvaged? With expert pacing, fine characters and an intriguingly exotic setting, A Single Shard is highly readable, adventurous and insightful. There is also an excellent easily understood description of Celadon pottery; it’s creative challenges and history. I highly recommend this book and, on the strength of this work, will read more of Linda Sue Park including the novels The Kite Fighters and When My Name was Keoko. Slave Dancer - Fox, Paula AGE: 10 - 15 LOCATION: YP PB F GENRE: Historical fiction RATED: ** A good discovery REVIEWER: Siddharth, Teen Summer Reading Programme participant This book is really good and I liked it. It has interesting history about slaving ships.		Vampire High by Douglas Rees Stuff for Your Space by Ellen Warwick Harry Houdini by Vicki Cobb


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