Smokescreen by Nancy Hartry
Summary: Fresh from fighting with her mother, seventeen year-old Kerry Williams is banished to the woods of Northern Ontario near Dryden for a summer job. A party thrown on her first night changes her job position when a forest fire is started and Kerry and her roommate Yvette are reassigned to kitchen duty for the revolving door of firefighters now coming through base camp. Accusations of who started the fire run rampant and Kerry and Yvette do their part to solve the mystery, but the truth turns out to be more complicated and dangerous than either one of them could have ever expected.
Number of Pages: 202
Age Range: 15-17
Review: In the face of a surprising lack of parental contact despite serious situation, Kerry and Yvette bond initially over being the only girls in the camp and take care of each other even when they disagree. Kerry begins the novel as a naive seventeen year-old, but falling in love with a Métis named Aubrey and being thrust into the deep end of responsibility mature her quickly as she realises she can be her own person outside of her mother’s expectations for her.
Evenly paced with lots of dramatic action, Smokescreen lives up to its title as several characters have hidden agendas. Veteran author Nancy Hartry’s quick and enticing book will keep readers guessing which characters are genuine and which ones are telling lies right up until the final chapters when all is revealed in a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended for reluctant and recreational readers.
*Review first appeared in the Winter 2014 edition of the Canadian Children’s BookNews.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘Help me out here. You’re from Ontario too.’
‘We should be part of Manitoba. Northwestern Ontario is closer to Winnipeg than Toronto. All’s I’m saying is, maybe you should mix more with the guys and stop giving people those looks like they’re stupid.’
‘I didn’t realize. Thanks for the advice.’ I think. He’s so direct.” – Conversation between Kerry and Didier about the differences between north Ontario and Toronto from Smokescreen by Nancy Hartry, page 72
Smokescreen by Nancy Hartry is published by Tundra Books, (2013).
Jump Cut by Ted Staunton
Summary: At the reading of his grandfather’s will, Spencer is only half listening. But later when he gets his assignment to get a kiss on the cheek from former film bombshell Gloria Lorraine (GL), he feels cheated. While his cousins are headed to foreign countries and his brother Bunny is getting a tattoo, Spencer is headed to Buffalo, New York to film himself getting kissed by a ninety year-old woman. Expecting a dull experience, things quickly take a turn when GL kidnaps him in a stolen car with a person in the trunk and her granddaughter, AmberLea, sprung unwillingly from a house arrest sentence. Heading across the border to Canada with this unlikely cast of characters, Spencer wonders if his grandfather has staged some elaborate movie for him, eventually learning that not all heroes are on the big screen.
Number of Pages: 219
Age Range: 13-14
Review: Jump Cut by Ted Staunton is another book in Seven the Series, and I loved how it fit with Ink Me by Richard Scrimger because the characters, Spencer and Bunny, are brothers. When I read Ink Me, it was hard to tell if Bunny’s view of things was accurate, or if he was misinterpreting what Spencer texted, but Staunton’s addition reveals Bunny had things more sorted out than Spencer did.
I’m sure that’s confusing if you haven’t read the two books, so let me urge you if you are going to read one, you need to read them both to get the full picture of both characters. It is definitely worth it.
Once again, through the story of his grandsons, I got another piece of David McLean’s character. I had my own ideas about how David and Gloria’s lives could have been connected, but I never imagined his interaction with her when she needed it most would have created a lasting impression on her for life.
This earlier story of David McLean’s life reveals perhaps at heart he was most like Spencer; an observer, not quite sure of himself yet, but looking to belong. When I realised how alike they were I appreciated Spencer’s part of the story even more, because Staunton shows him gradually overcoming his initial aloofness and awkwardness. There is no final letter for Spencer because he doesn’t really need it. All his grandfather wants is for him to bear witness to a part of his life no one ever knew about.
It was a bit over the top, but Jump Cut‘s larger than life characters and situations just made Staunton’s story a fun and engaging read. Spencer’s inability to distinguish whether he was in a movie or real life was a cool idea, because I also felt that way as the reader. After reading four of Seven the Series already, it was quite easy to imagine David McLean orchestrating an adventure of that magnitude for his grandson. Jump Cut proves the Mark Twain quote: “Truth is stranger than fiction.”
Memorable Quotes:
“GL nods. ‘My big line in Shadow Street. Just because it’s from a movie doesn’t mean it isn’t true.'” – Gloria Lorraine from Jump Cut by Ted Staunton, page 146
Jump Cut by Ted Staunton is published by Orca Book Publishers, (2012).
When the War is Over by martha attema
Summary: Living in the Netherlands during World War II, Janke and her community face a five year-long Nazi occupation. Working to protect the Jews divers being hidden by the Dutch, Janke is part of the resistance movement against the Nazis, trying her best to help her country survive until the Allies come and liberate them. She and her best friend Alie practice their dancing on a regular basis, preparing themselves for the day when the Nazis will be gone and the celebration that will follow. But after Janke meets Helmut, a reluctant Nazi soldier, previously clear lines become blurred, and their relationship changes Janke’s perspective and life forever.
Number of Pages: 246
Age Range: 15-17
Review: With Janke’s experience of being shunned for loving Helmut, attema’s title begs the question, “When will the war really be over?” The physical expulsion of the Nazis from the Netherlands is just physical as the after effects of war last a life time. attema stunningly develops the black and white attitudes of an occupied country, while telling the story of a sixteen year-old girl named Janke whose view turns from black and white to grey when she meets and falls in love with Helmut, a Nazi soldier.
It’s not an easy choice. Janke knows what she has lived through, and all of the people that have been lost at the hands of the Nazis. As a resistance fighter herself, she is confident in her cause, going on missions to protect others from the Nazis whenever she can. All Nazis are evil until she meets Helmut, and an instant attraction forces her to reconsider. In the beginning, she fights being drawn to him, because even the attraction feels like a betrayal to her country.
I loved it because though it strongly reminded me of The Hunger Journeys by Maggie de Vries (published after attema’s book), I was left stunned. Yes, attema sets things up so it seems Janke and Helmut will have a happy life in Canada, but after such a strong reaction from her family, I’m not sure their life together would end up being happier in Canada or not. Was the stigma toward Germans and former Nazi soldiers any less in Canada? Would Helmut have been prosecuted for his actions during the war?
It’s a compelling story, and another book that challenges preconceived ideas about historical events with real characters. Recommended for mid to older teen readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“Her hands clasped together on the table. ‘The woman who owns the store had heard what happened.’ She stood up, her hands balled into fists. ‘They have no hearts!’ Her voice rose. ‘They think they kill with God on their side!’ Her fist hit the table as she collapsed back onto the chair. Dishes and teacups clattered, tea sloshed into the saucers.” – Aunt Anna from When the War is Over by martha attema, page 13
“‘Why do you do it?’ Janke couldn’t resist the Question.
‘It happened gradually. Somebody asked me to give someone a message and, before I knew it, I was deeply involved.’ She shrugged her shoulders. ‘At first it was like a game. I liked it when we outsmarted those stinking Nazis. Now it’s much more dangerous. A few times I’ve been lucky. But what else can I do? I’m used to it now. I need to feel the danger. It’s like a drug. When the adrenaline rushes through my weins, I feel high. I’m addicted to danger.’ Celia laughed, but it didn’t sound like laughter.” – Celia from When the War is Over by martha attema, page 160
“When Father and Jan left, Mother cried with long sobs. Janke felt helpless. She wanted to go to her mother, but something held her back. Instead of crying, her mother should’ve been grateful for the fact that Father and Jan were both still alive. She should have been proud of them, proud that they were going to fight for the liberation of their country. She would never understand her mother’s actions.” – Janke from When the War is Over by martha attema, page 202
“Janke stood facing her friend. Should she be ashamed of being alive? Should she be ashamed of what she had shared that night with Helmut? A deep feeling settled in her heart. She would never be ashamed of their love. She was no whore. Janke realized she could never share her experience with Alie. She didn’t want to. In those two nights, Janke and Helmut had soared beyond this world, beyond these people so full of hate, including her best friend. She turned away from Alie and started to run. She never looked back at Alie or the hotel.” – Janke from When the War is Over by martha attema, page 232
When the War is Over by martha attema is published by Orca Book Publishers, (2002).
The Kayak by Debbie Spring
Summary: In the year after a hit and run accident that leaves Teresa paralysed from the waist down, she finds herself trying to regain her sense of self in the face of her new limitations. Feeling most in control and independent in the water, swimming and kayaking, it’s no surprise her confidence there leads her to meet not one but two potential summer loves. One is older, and the other has a nasty ex-girlfriend determined to make Teresa’s life miserable. Through her experiences juggling two relationships, Teresa’s confidence grows, revealing that though the accident may have injured her legs, it has only temporarily damped her spirit.
Number of Pages: 190
Age Range: 12-13
Review: It might sound odd, but my favourite part of The Kayak by Debbie Spring was Kat, the bully of the story. Her persistence in making Teresa feel excluded and jealous was actually heartening to me, because it meant she saw Teresa as equal, and perfectly capable of attracting Jamie though she was in a wheelchair. I also loved that Teresa gave as good as she got, although when they ended up becoming friends, I was a bit surprised.
I liked Teresa as a character because she felt genuine to me. She wasn’t a saint and she made mistakes, but her confidence and quick thinking as well as adaptability made her a character I wanted to read about. The use of a wheelchair was just something she needed to get around, not something that defined her.
I had hoped for more depth, especially when Teresa begins to remember the accident in detail and finds out who was driving the car, but it’s a lighter read geared more toward pre and early teens. With the outdoor activities of swimming, kayaking and camping, as well as the romance aspect, it’s a summer-read type of pick.
Memorable Quotes:
“This is my special place. Out here, I feel safe and secure. My parents watch from the shore even though I wear my life jacket and emergency whistle. I am one with the kayak. The blue boat is an extension of my legs. I can do anything; I can go anywhere. Totally independent. Totally in control of my life. It’s so different back at shore.” – Teresa from The Kayak by Debbie Spring, page 7
“There’s something magical about the water. All my troubles disappear. It’s so invigorating; I can stay in for hours relishing the feeling of weightlessness. It’s not until I start to shiver that I decide to get out. Karen loves that I last so long because she’s a kid and kids can play forever, oblivious to the cold.” – Teresa from The Kayak by Debbie Spring, page 33
The Kayak by Debbie Spring is published by Thistledown Press, (2010).
The Courtesan’s Daughter by Priscilla Galloway
Summary: Thirteen year-old Phano has had a complicated life. With a step-mother who is a Courtesan and a father who has mismanaged the money of relatives and friends, it seems her hopes of marrying well are slim. When Phano and her step-mother finally escape the clutches of Phrynion who claims to own them both, a journey begins that will see Phano in love with a man who is shortly to become the most powerful man in Greece. But will her claims to Athenian citizenship hold up under scruntiny Phrynion keeps raising? In a city facing likely invasion, the favour of the gods is not something to mess around with by having a slave married to a king.
Number of Pages: 256
Age Range: 12-13
Review: Author Priscilla Galloway takes the scant details of a court case facing an Athenian jury before 340 B.C.E. and fleshes out an informative and entertaining story surrounding Phano, the Courtesan’s daughter. (A courtesan, by the way, is a woman who sleeps with wealthy clientele.) Despite what some assume to be a lowly birth by Athenian standards, Phano is actually the daughter of two Athenian citizens, making her a citizen herself. But enemies of her family are willing to use gossip to cast doubt, and Phano finds herself having to explain and defend her heritage on several occasions.
I love the historical aspect of The Courtesan’s Daughter as it transported me to Ancient Greece, a country struggling to hold on to democracy and protect themselves from impending war. So much of their fate is tied to status and the gods, and Galloway brings this to life through her vibrant writing with heartfelt characters.
My favourite character was Newby, the goose, because Galloway’s descriptions of her love and devotion to Phano were simply wonderful. I loved the scene after she has her own brood of goslings where she makes Phano lead them all because Newby sees her as the goslings’ grandmother.
With a quick-paced plot, the historical aspect, a bit of romance and intrigue as well as a main character with substance, Galloway’s book is great pick for early female teen readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘Love will keep you warm at night.’ The thought flashed through my mind. ‘But love will not feed you. Love will not keep you or your children safe. What will, then? Respectability, right deeds, a good marriage, surely’ – or so it seemed to me – ‘and the blessing of the gods. From our birth, we are in their hands.'” – Phano from The Courtesan’s Daughter by Priscilla Galloway, page 35
“That’s nonsense. Philip respects Athens. He’d rather trade with us than destroy us. You young men all want war. It’s a quick way to make your fortunes. You mark my words, Theo: it’s a quicker way to die. Better to give up some land to Philip, if we must, a northern city or two, enough to keep him quiet, not enough to hurt us here. Better to keep our rich men strong!'” – Bardian from The Courtesan’s Daughter by Priscilla Galloway, page 121
The Courtesan’s Daughter by Priscilla Galloway is published by Penguin Canada, (2002).
The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little
Summary: The son of a Jewish scribe, Ramon and his family are converts in the face of the Spanish Inquisition during the 1400s. But while Jews and Muslims are openly despised, conversos as they are known are not far behind. Under the ‘Edicts of Faith’ a mistrustful society is fostered as everyone is encouraged to watch and inform on other’s contact with the undesirables. When Ramon’s family takes in Amir, a Muslim teen, Ramon sees himself as being above him and seeks to show him up especially when he notices Amir is becoming close with his father. But what seems like a harmless errand changes Amir’s life, and Ramon’s part in his disappearance haunts him until he must take action.
Number of Pages: 310
Age Range: 17-18
Review: On the cover of Melanie Little’s book, The Apprentice’s Masterpiece, it reads “A story of medieval Spain.” It’s true, Little’s book is specifically about Spain in the late 1400s and the Spanish Inquisition, but it is a story as old as time as it keeps popping up in human history. Think Nazi Germany, the McCarthy Trials, and most recently, the situation in Iraq. Little’s book was published in 2008, but it continues to be relevant, and one hopes that by reading these stories of humanity’s past, we can choose new paths going forward.
In Little’s book, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella begin the Spanish Inquisition, seeking to rid Spain of everyone but ‘old Christians,’ those who can prove their family’s belief in the Catholic church for at least seven generations back. Even converts from Judaism and Islam are suspect, and those who refuse to convert are relieved of all their property and executed.
There’s a part in the story when Little calls into question Queen Isabella’s motivations, making her reader question whether the Inquisition exists because of profound religious belief or greed. The answer remains unclear.
I appreciated the book’s philosophical nature, as it opened my eyes to how easy it is to proclaim someone as the other and then use that status to justify heinous acts against them. This is something Ramon learns as well, as though he is a convert, he still sees himself as being drastically different from Amir, their house servant. It is when he begins to see Amir through his father’s eyes that he realises they have more in common than he thought, and his experiences as an Inquisition scribe convict him in his beliefs.
The Apprentice’s Masterpiece has no happy ending, but instead challenges readers to reflect on what their own actions would be in such a situation. Little tells us Spain was once a country where Jews, Muslims and Christians lived peacefully until the Inquisition, and in light of our world today I hope that is a place we can get back to.
Memorable Quotes:
“You can burn the paper,
but you cannot burn what it contains;
I carry it withing my heart.” – quote from Ibn Hazm from The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little
“Still, books are the finest treasure of all.
You need only feast once with your eyes
and your heart.” – Ramon from The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little, page 17
“Once or twice I have woken in tears, like a child.
Mama tells me, those times, that I’m safe.
We’re all safe.
Everything will be fine.
She knows I don’t really believe it.
Neither does she.
But there’s something amazing
about those bland words.
Those little lies that claim
our lives are normal.
To say them, to hear them,
feels gutsy. It’s as close
to rebellion, maybe,
we will ever come.” – Ramon from The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little, page 41
“I think of that line
Papa once taught me.
‘The man who saves one life
saves the whole world.’
I wonder, then –
is the reverse also true?
What if you take one – or cause it to be taken – to save several others?
If you do this, are you
just a rung on a ladder?
A ladder that leads
to the death of the world?” – Ramon from The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little, page 129
“‘After all,’ I told her,
‘we have nothing to lose.’
Never say that.
As long as there’s freedom,
there is something to lose.” – Amir from The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little, page 193
“‘There are times
when peace just becomes
a broken mouthful.
A word that no tongue in the world
can pronounce.
A.'” – Amir from The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little, page 269
The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little is published by Annick Press, (2008).
About Amy
Amy Mathers has been passionate about reading from a very young age, and hopes others will share her enthusiasm for funding a teen book award. Read more Follow Amy
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