Rachel’s Secret by Shelly Sanders
Summary: Living in 1903, a Jewish girl named Rachel witnesses her friend being brutally murdered by his uncle and cousin. Scared of becoming a target of the uncle’s violence, Rachel keeps what she saw a secret, until the local Russian newspapers use the murder to foster anti-Semitic attitudes. Tension rises is Kishinev, Russia, until on Easter Sunday everything erupts into violent riots against the Jewish community. Rachel has kept the secret of who Mikhail’s true killers are too long, and after that night, Rachel’s life and family will never be the same.
Number of Pages: 243
Age Range: 14-16
Review: Based on actual historic events, Rachel’s Secret by Shelly Sanders is a harrowing read. I understood why Rachel felt she needed to keep Mikhail’s murder a secret, especially since his uncle was a member of the Kishinev police force. What I didn’t understand at first was that Rachel thought Mikhail was killed because he kissed her.
Imagine the guilt she must have felt. I know that was the fictional part of the story, but thinking the murder, which led to the articles about Jewish ‘blood rituals,’ which led to the riots, which led to the deaths and the destruction of lower Kishinev all began because of a kiss must have been devastating.
In the face of all of the hatred building up in Kishinev, I appreciated Sanders’ storyline about Rachel and Sergei falling in love, because it lightened the mood a bit. I enjoyed the complexity of Sergei being the police chief’s son, watching him make bad decisions that escalated the situation because it influences the kind of man Sergei becomes.
I think I’m still a bit in shock after reading Rachel’s story. I didn’t know about the riots in Kishinev before reading Sanders’ book, and once again I am struck by the enormity of everything Jewish people have endured over the years. It’s just one thing after another. Sanders’ does a gut-wrenching job of giving her reader a picture of the devastation left after the riot, to the land and its’ people.
Rachel’s Secret is the first in a trilogy, and is a worthy edition to the historical fiction genre.
Memorable Quotes:
“Even though Cecily has money, she is miserable because she has no purpose other than serving her husband. Rachel would rather be alone, writing and traveling, than be married to someone who didn’t encourage her to follow her dreams.” – Rachel from Rachel’s Secret by Shelly Sanders, page 5
“Rachel couldn’t speak, and she could take her eyes off Chaia. She felt as if she were watching from afar, that none of this was happening. Chaia had done nothing to deserve this. Neither had Mr. Macklin or Mr. Berlatsky or Mr. Grienschpoun – or their children, now fatherless. Their only shortcoming was their faith, a crime in the eyes of gentiles. Rachel peered at Chaia’s listless face, and began to wonder if believing in something you couldn’t even see – faith – was worth all the trouble it brought.” – Rachel from Rachel’s Secret by Shelly Sanders, page 142
“Rachel tossed and turned, groaned, and sat up. A soft light from the moon streamed in through the window just like it had at her house, reminding Rachel that the outside world was unchanged, unaffected by these riots. For people far away in Petersburg and Moscow, life would go on as usual. And the Bessarabetz, filled with the lies that had led to these attacks, would continue to be published without penalty. It all seemed bitterly unfair.” – Rachel from Rachel’s Secret by Shell Sanders, page 153
Rachel’s Secret by Shelly Sanders is published by Second Story Press, (2012).
Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook
Summary: A late night adventure in one of Marty’s grandfather’s classic cars and old outfits changes the lives of best friends Marty and Bill when they end up foiling the escape of a couple of bank robbers. Unknown to them the whole incident was filmed and ends up going viral on YouTube, introducing them to the world as Nothing Man and the Purple Zero, real live superheroes fighting crime in the small town of Faireville. Feeling as though greatness has been thrust upon them, Marty and Bill are up to the challenge, patrolling Faireville’s streets at night looking for crimes to stop heady with their initial success. Joined by Elizabeth and her superhero identity, ObserverX, the trio soon find themselves in over their heads when they come up against the town’s drug dealer.
Number of Pages: 212
Age Range: 13-15
Review: I haven’t laughed so hard since I read Vicki Grant’s books.
Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook is larger-than-life and imaginative, but at its heart it carries an important message for teens: that anyone can be a hero.
I loved it because in Scarsbrook’s book, being a superhero is all a matter of perspective. In reality, Bill and Marty stopping the bank robbers in their tracks was the result of a series of very fortunate coincidences, but in the video created by Elizabeth, it appears as though they both have super powers.
And after growing up being at the bottom of the pack, the oddballs in a small town, it’s a welcome change. Suddenly they are admired by others, even though they have to keep their true identities a secret. Being a superhero gives Bill the confidence to ask Elizabeth out, and Marty the confidence to profess his love for Bill. What begins as an innocent car ride in fun costumes ends up changing their lives and shaking up Faireville in a good way.
Plus, it was funny. Scarsbrook pulls off humour and heart in a story that is well-paced with a satisfying ending. It’s a bit hard to pin down age range for readers, because while it does seem geared for younger teens there is swearing, physical violence with weapons, bullying and the characters themselves are seniors in high school. The romance aspect makes it work for both male and female readers.
After some of the books I’ve been reading it was quite refreshing that Bill and Elizabeth were a great role model for a positive romantic relationship. I also appreciated that Bill wasn’t a jerk when Marty professed his love. Although he was understandably shocked, he didn’t physically attack Marty, call him names, or end their friendship. Even though Marty reminded me a bit of Owen Meany with his DRAMATIC VOICE, Bill was definitely my favourite character because he really was the unsung hero.
It’s a fun read, and I enjoyed how the confrontation with the bad guys ended. I would recommend it for young to mid teens and reluctant readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘Some are born great,
some achieve greatness,
and some have greatness thrust upon them.'” – William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night (Act II, Scene V) from Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook
“Alas, romancing a woman is nothing like rebuilding a carburetor or sharpening the blades on a field mower, so the Mystery of How to Approach Elizabeth Murphy remains unsolved.” – Bill from Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook, page 44
“Bill Brown has never been a man of words; he has always been a man of action.
When Elizabeth was riding her Big Wheel tricycle down the street, and she fell off and skinned her knee, he brought her three things: a Band-Aid for her knee, which was bleeding, a glass of lemonade for her throat, which was raw from crying, and an owl-shaped animal cookie for her heart, because somehow he knew that she loved owls.” – Bill from Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook, page 138
“‘Actually,’ the Purple Zero says, glancing over his shoulder at Nothing Man and Observer X, ‘they’re defaming Mr. Beauregard, not slandering him. Defamation is when you write a malicious, false, and defamatory statement; slander is when you say it. Remember from Law class?’
‘Indeed,’ says Nothing Man. ‘I’m surprised that you remember though, since you barely passed Law.’
The Purple Zero shrugs. ‘Just because I choke on tests, it doesn’t mean that I’m not smart.'” – Conversation between the Purple Zero and Nothing Man from Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook, pages 171-172
“So, who will be the heroes, then?
You. Me. Any of us.
Anyone.
When the circumstances call for it, any one of us can be a hero. A superhero, even.
Greatness can be thrust upon anyone, at any time, on any day.” – from Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook, page 210
Nothing Man and the Purple Zero by Richard Scarsbrook is published by Dancing Cat Press, (2013).
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary
Summary: Sam is an eighteen year-old rock star who likes to be alone. Unfortunately this puts her in serious danger one night when she leaves a concert and bikes home alone through Central Park in New York City. Attacked by two werewolves, Sam is bitten and infected, becoming a werewolf herself. Suddenly her world is turned upside-down as her werewolf status changes her eating habits, body temperature and attitude. Learning to juggle regular life as a rock star with her werewolf needs, Sam also has to find a way to stop the werewolves that infected her from attacking anyone else. In the end, Sam learns to accept herself as a wolf girl, recognizing and embracing the new benefits of being a werewolf.
Number of Pages: 295
Age Range: 14-16
Review: A fast-paced read about a rock star becoming a werewolf, Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary is a smooth read that flows well. My favourite character is Mali, because she is very supportive of Sam even when she isn’t quite sure what is going on with her.
As for Sam, I thought she adjusted remarkably well to being bitten. I also liked that she takes it upon herself to seek out and protect the other girls who have been infected but didn’t become full werewolves. Owen is kind of a serial killer, and Sam does her best to track him down and subdue him to protect other would-be victims. The complexity of the werewolf world; those who think it should be cured and those who see it as a natural part of evolution and therefore something to be embraced was intriguing.
But I’m left with questions. And if you’re going to read this book, don’t read the next paragraph of my review because it contains spoilers.
If Sam is such a well-known rock star, wouldn’t she have bodyguards to protect her from fans? Why was it horrible when Sam thought Owen had infected her, but is fine when it turns out to be Marlon? Does that mean as long as the guy is attractive, it doesn’t matter that he endangered your life making you a werewolf because it was a passion thing, not a creepy thing? What happened to Courtney the bass guitar? How could Sam return to the store she stole the guitar from without incriminating herself? Is Joan the same guitar renamed? Is this the start of a series?
Putting my questions aside, I did like the details of Pohl-Weary’s book, from Sam naming her guitars after rock goddesses to Mali, the character who is gay and accepted as she is by her friends so quickly it is barely even a sub-plot.
This feels like an introductory werewolf story to me; and the action and romance contained in it make for an entertaining, early to mid teen read sure to be enjoyed by any fan of werewolf fiction.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘Well, just know that I’m here for you, Sam. I won’t judge. I know what it feels like to live with a shadow hanging over your head. You are who you are, and that’s natural and beautiful.'” – Mali from Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary, page 242
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary is published by Razorbill, (2013).
The Never Weres by Fiona Smyth
Summary: When the human race loses their ability to procreate, the last generation goes through childhood, rendering everything child-related obsolete by the time they turn fifteen. Friends Mia, Xian and Jesse are growing up in a world without hope, amongst humans who are trying to find the survival of their species in cloning or robotics. All three have reasons to want to escape from their bleak futures, but when they stumble upon a mystery in the tunnels Xian has discovered, they follow the clues that lead them to an unexpected surprise, and hopefully the redemption of the human race.
Number of Pages: 253
Age Range: 13-14
Review: In Children of Men by P.D. James, she explores the impending extinction of the human race from an adult perspective. It’s a bleak world, as babies and children are the world’s hope and the lack of them sends everyone into a profound depression. The Never Weres by Fiona Smyth captures a different angle of the same situation, focusing instead on the world’s last generation, already fifteen years old, looking for purpose and hope for the future.
And they find it, through a mystery with twists and turns and clues the reader can decipher before Mia, Xian and Jesse do if they are reading and looking closely enough. Smyth is great in providing details through her illustrations, and her storyline is just deep enough to provide some satisfaction when the book ends.
I like it because you can read it two ways. It can be read as a lighter mystery, or as social commentary. I enjoyed how Smyth makes her characters easy to care about either way. It’s a bit of an odd book, but it’s worth reading for the illustrations alone. And even though it isn’t specifically identified in the book, it is obvious from Smyth’s drawings that the book is set in Toronto.
Memorable Quotes: In this book, the memorable quotes are Smyth’s illustrations. If you look carefully, you can see a million details you never would have thought she could fit into one drawing. But Smyth does, and it’s just fun. Plus, as an added bonus, her illustrations are diverse and inclusive.
The Never Weres by Fiona Smyth is published by Annick Press, (2011).
Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion
Summary: Best friends since childhood, things start to spiral downward for Simone and Cherry when Cherry decides to leave high school to get a job instead. Simone’s attraction to Cherry has always been used against her, but having more separate lives thanks to Cherry’s new boyfriend and lifestyle gives Simone the chance to make some new friends and find a woman who truly loves her. But as Simone’s life goes up, Cherry’s goes down into drug use and robbing people. Simone can’t stand to see her best friend’s descent, and makes her mind up to try and save her, little knowing just how far down Cherry has actually gone.
Number of Pages: 270
Age Range: 15-18
Review: Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion has grit as it tackles the tough topics of having the confidence to love and be loved, living authentically and taking care of those you love. Even though Simone has been pushed around and played by Cherry on many occasions, she still tries to rescue Cherry from herself time and time again. But Simone’s life isn’t easy; dealing with a mother who has a mental illness, taking flack from the cops for her punk lifestyle, and trying to find a woman who loves her, and learning to take care of herself first takes time.
Dunnion introduced me to the world of Punk. Hairstyles, attitude, music – everything. And though it was a world I have no personal experience with, once I thought over Simone’s story I realised how universal it really was. On the surface it appears our lives are very different, but it’s only on the surface.
What I liked best is that Simone is not bound by convention. She loves freely and she has the courage to be herself. Her hair sounded incredible and despite the crap she had to put up with because of other people’s biases, Simone wasn’t crippled by bitterness. I truly enjoyed reading about her.
That said, it’s a bit of a graphic read and one I would NOT recommend for younger teen readers. For older teens though, it’s a book that will challenge readers to consider who they love, and how far they would go to demonstrate that love.
Memorable Quotes:
“The music was so loud up there by the speakers, it beat through out chests, moved blood to its rhythm. Music sandblasted its way through all those layers of anger, confusion, frustration; it blew the hate right out of you, stripped you of all your petty failures, the endless disappointments and hurts that choked you the rest of your waking hours. Amid the barrage of body parts, in the steaming heat and noise, I offered up my body, my soul, to punkrawk salvation.” – Simone from Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion, page 33
“Then, out of Nowhere, I had a rather unrelated throught. My porn name was going to be Roxy. I imagined her, this mythical beast, part teenager, part rock star, part Neolithic Priestess. Roxy would wear the electric blue bob and lots of eyeliner. Roxy would be a combination of all the bravest girls I knew.
All the girlfriends I ever wanted to have.
All the women I ever wanted to be.” – Simone from Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion, page 100
“Pieces and pictures from the last night were slowly floating back to me and, frankly, I prayed for the kind of amnesia those soap opera characters got, the kind that allowed you to go about your little life anew, never once looking back to all those devastating rents in the old domestic fabric. I prayed for a blameless numbing to coat my wounds.” – Simone from Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion, page 161
“Carol said who cares about the exam. The real test, she said, was to not disappear or dry up and crumble away, dust in the wind. If I didn’t even put my name on the paper she said I’d passed because I’d gotten there, hadn’t I? It was as though she’d been on that same journey and now she was guiding me through it. That lonely, internal spiral. That cocooning, silent face-off with your Ambivalent Self, the completely barren core who doesn’t really want to live anymore. She knew it intimately, I realized much later.” – Simone from Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion, page 169
“The fucking pig had done much worse than bend me to breaking. In one night, he had stolen a part of me that I almost couldn’t name. More than confidence. It was that quintessential part of me, that intrinsic survival element. The part that allowed me to skate along freely, to know myself, and to know how I could handle myself in different situations. I needed to get that back and somehow it was all twisted up with seeing things through with Cherry. In my mind it had become a rite of passage, unavoidable as sin.” – Simone from Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion, page 211
“But she couldn’t have a steady girlfriend ‘coz steady girlfriends sit up late worrying while she’s out working and they get jealous and make her feel bad about her job, and they get all paranoid that she actually might be getting turned on for real when she’s with clients, and then that kills the Lesbo Sex Life entirely. And then steady girlfriends treat her bad because they feel dirty inside and because deep down they also want to own a beautiful girl and when they can’t it kills the romance, and next thing you know it’s all over and no one invites her to the potluck suppers and she’s just a man-hungry slut after all.
I wondered how many steady girlfriends Carol has had, since she knew so much about it. And me, I’d never even been to a potluck.” – Simone from Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion, page 235
Mosh Pit by Kristyn Dunnion is published by Red Deer Press, (2004).
TT: Full Throttle by Nicole Winters
Summary: Scott’s whole world is focussed on competing in the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man. Being invited to even compete was a challenge, but the most difficult part was losing his father to a random motorcycle accident before the big trip. Supported by his best friend Neil, he continues to pursue his dream, making new friends and allies along the way. But when the unthinkable happens, Scott is forced to reconsider things as his plans fall apart. Somehow he has to find a way to pick himself up again, and find the courage to accomplish his goals and take the ride of his life, with help from some very loyal friends.
Number of Pages: 262
Age Range: 15-17
Review: Incredibly well-researched and detailed, TT: Full Throttle by Nicole Winters opens up the world of motorcycle racing for her readers. I’ve never been on a motorcycle in my life, but Winters’ writing helped me to see the appeal, and fostered in me respect for the people who compete in the Tourist Trophy. I identified with the athletic aspect of it all, pushing yourself beyond your limits to achieve something incredible.
In the midst of the action, Winters has some great characters. My favourite was Neil because right from the start he was thoughtful and always seemed to be taking care of others before himself. You can imagine how upset I was when things transpired the way they did, and even though I knew it was wrong, I kind of agreed with Dean when he blamed Neil’s girlfriend.
I liked the sub-plot of women in the motorcycling world with the fabulous character of Mags and the acknowledgement of how few female competitors there were. When I saw Winters’ picture on her website and truly realised just how much research she had done to create such a vivid portrayal of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, I wondered if she ever thought she might like to compete herself.
When it comes to the race itself, I loved that Winters’ writing mixed the believable with a little bit of fantasy. Would a major champion of the TT take the time to show Scott the course? Maybe not. But I liked that it wasn’t an unbelievable, newcomer to what seems like the most dangerous race in the world, takes first prize kind of deal. The best part is that the TT is real, and Winters is actually attending it right now to research another book. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with.
Scott, the main character, is actually twenty-two in the book, but he seems more like a sixteen year-old. This makes TT: Full Throttle a great book for reluctant readers, because along with Scott’s determination and the fast-paced world of racing it is an involving, relatable read.
Memorable Quotes:
“I rush him, but Neil gets in there first. He’s half a foot taller than Dean and has a couple of inches on me, so he made a dividing wall. ‘Guys, guys,’ he says and holds his hands to his sides, palms facing out in a move we call his Jesus Christ peace pose because he once played him in an Easter crucifixion re-enactment.” – Scott from TT: Full Throttle by Nicole Winters, pages 10-11
“Cathy throws her arms around Neil’s neck, pouts, and looks mock-sad and worried. God, if my girlfriend gave me that look before a race, I’d tell her not to come. I don’t need a snapshot of that branded inside my skull. She follows it up with a big, sloppy kiss and a full-body hug. I think some girls are into guys like us because of the whole speed-danger thing, which you’d probably agree is friggin’ awesome because it gets you laid, but when you think about it, on an extreme level, girls being turned on because we play with danger is kind of creepy. I watched my dad get dumped by a woman just because he wasn’t having a good race year. You also don’t want to date a woman who hates that you ride either. Before a big race you’re mentally and physically trying to peak, and the last thing you need is her going on about how dangerous bikes are. The key is to find someone who doesn’t hate it, but isn’t trying to climb the leader-board, or is obsessed with only dating number one.” – Scott from TT: Full Throttle by Nicole Winters, pages 45-46
“‘Does he blame himself for what happened to my dad? Because he shouldn’t. It wasn’t his fault. The investigation concluding that it was neither driver nor mechanical error, but a sudden failure that happened without warning.’
She takes both of my hands in hers. ‘Have you told him that? Maybe you should. He’s never outright said it, but …’ Her voice trails off.
It all makes sense now, why he never comes around and why he can’t look me in the eye. He thinks he killed his best friend. I sigh, thinking about the burden he must be carrying.” – Conversation between Scott and Mags from TT: Full Throttle by Nicole Winters, pages 256-257
TT: Full Throttle by Nicole Winters is published by James Lorimer & Company Ltd, (2013).
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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