A Girl Named Mister

A Girl Named Mister
by Nikki Grimes
Zondervan, 2010

We librarians see some authors in many different places: public and school libraries, early, juvenile and young adult collections. So they must be versatile writers. And one gets the impression the authors are "good" because they appear so frequently.

A Girl Named Mister (from Mary Rudine, to MR, to Mister) was my first read of author Nikki Grimes' many books, and it was a GREAT experience.

What's different about this book?

• It's a novel-in-verse, a challenging way to write because the story must be conveyed in terse, rhythmic style and yet still convey all the context and story line. Grimes does this powerfully.
• It deals with a heavily emotional theme, teen pregnancy. But Grimes does so in a deft and true-to-life style. I could hear the teens around me speaking in those same tones and phrases, using the language and perspectives truly authentic to this age and culture.
• Grimes' deft touch keeps the book from being a downer. Her elegant weaving of Mister's tale with the Biblical Mary's tale of teen pregnancy elevates the story to one of hope and with a non-condemning tone.
  
• It was a quick, compelling read for me: open the book, read, read, read -- and then the tale is told, without thoughts of "I should be doing something more urgent."

Evaluation -- what will I do now that I've read this?

• I want my middle and high school students to have a chance to read this story with its many implications for decision-making, social commitments and values. I'll provide a copy for the libraries that serve this population of students: a compelling, sympathetic yet realistic fiction that they will enjoy.

• For my church library, this will be a must-have. We haven't begun a YA collection yet, but this book will be on the first list we acquire.
  

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Mercy

Mercy
by Rebecca Lim
Hyperion, 5/17/2011

Awaking abruptly in an unknown body and in an unknown place, the reader finds herself as disoriented as the protagonist.

Skillfully written, the story line slowly evolves to allow both Mercy and the reader some glimpses of who Mercy is and where she comes from. Even more startling, Mercy has glimpses of WHAT she is, and it's complicated.

What's different
Paranormal, yes. Trite and over-used, it's not. And it's not the expected fluffy angel tale but rather a rough and not always comfortable tale of adolescents, competitiveness and abduction. It's a more serious YA read -- but worth the weight.

Evaluation -- what will I do now that I've read this?

• Definitely buying this one for my teen readers. It offers a fresh and, like, totally realistic inside look at teens navigating their lives. Serious stuff but not overwhelming for mood-absorbers like I am.
  

• This will be a fun one to share with other librarians and YA lit followers. We'll enjoy talking this one over.

• Not on the order list for my church library -- great read and completely without offense, but not high enough on the priority list for our space-deprived library.

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Queen of the Dead

Queen of the Dead
Stacey Kade
Disney-Hyperion

This sequel to The Ghost and the Goth continues the great tale of Alona Dare, killed in her teen prime, and her complex and interesting relationship with Will, he who speaks with the dead. They need each other -- in more ways than one.

What's different:
This second book isn't an obviously series second. There is new and significant character development, a new and engaging plot line, and there is actually a satisfying ending -- if a little abrupt and somewhat stilted feeling. That said, there is room for a third book, but I don't need it after reading this second. That's a rare quality in the popular YA titles I am reading these days.


Evaluation: what will I do now that I've read this?

• I have already bought this for my school libraries. I think it will be a hit with those readers who enjoy some supernatural fluff but also appreciate some down-to-earth reality.

• I probably won't suggest this title for my fellow librarians and BOOK READERS unless we are talking about a fluff but enjoyable weekend read.
  

• And it is not on the horizon for my church library -- entertaining YA lit is not on the priority list at this point, though this is a wholesome, non-offensive read.

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