#40--What Happened to Cass McBride?

Bibliographic Information

What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles. Little Brown & Company (2006).

Price: $7.99 for paperback

Pages: 240 pages

Plot Summary

David Kirby is dead and his older brother, Kyle, is looking for someone to blame. Enter Cass McBride, popular, pretty, and the first junior Homecoming Queen. Kyle is convinced that Cass’ cruel note about his brother is what sent David over the edge causing him to take his own life. In order to avenge his brother, David kidnaps Cass and buries her alive intending to torment her as she slowly dies. But David has no idea who he has kidnapped. Cass is more than just a pretty girl; she’s resourceful and calculating and always gets what she wants.

Critical Evaluation

What Happened to Cass McBride? is certainly a novel that leaves an impression on the minds of its readers. Horrifying and disturbing Giles’ characters and their motivations are certain to stay with readers long after they have finished the book. The novel can be read at two levels.  Firstly, it can be read as a basic psychological thriller. Told in the first person perspective of two characters and the third person perspective of the investigator, the book reads quickly. In fact, it can easily be read in less than two hours. However, most readers will hopefully enjoy it on a deeper level. Giles’ characters are complex; this is more than just a story about a boy burying a girl alive. Giles explores complicated themes such as guilt, unconditional love, the meaning of life, and justice. Few characters within the novel can be dismissed as either completely good or wholly bad. Instead, readers must examine the complex motivations and backgrounds of each character. For example, Kyle Kirby is more than just a monster who buries girls alive; he is a product of an abusive mother and a submissive father. Kyle has spent his entire existence trying to both protect his brother from their mother while leading his own life. He often feels trapped by his old life and feels conflicted about shielding his brother from abuse. Cass, while popular and manipulative, learned to be so from her unloving father who uses her as a pawn in a chess game, hoping that she will elevate him to a more powerful position in society by one day marrying well. Perhaps the most intriguing character is that of David. Although readers are not privy to his inner thoughts, the portrait Cass and Kyle sketch is of a downtrodden, beaten boy. However, readers later learn that there is more to David as evidenced by his choice of death. It is a pity that we are not able to learn more about him.

Certainly the most powerful themes Giles explores are that of guilt and justice particularly as they relate to David’s death. For example, reader must ask who is really to blame for David’s death. Is everyone exonerated because David made the ultimate decision to take his own life or should blame be assigned to those who drove him to suicide? Is David’s death the fault of his verbally abusive mother who took every opportunity to insult and belittle him? Is his death the fault of his brother who did not do enough to protect him? How about Cass McBride, is she to blame for writing cruel things about him in a note she never intended for him to see? Ultimately, Giles forces readers to examine the hard truths about life, death, love, and hate. What Happened to Cass McBride does not provide any easy answers which is what ultimately makes it a more valuable novel.

Reader’s Annotation

When Cass McBride is buried alive by Kyle who is seeking to avenge the death of his younger brother she must find a way to convince Kyle to let her live.

About the Author

Author of seven novels and contributor to three short story collection, Gail Giles is an established writer of young adult novels. She was inspired to write What Happened to Cass McBride? while living in Alaska. Feeling trapped by the snow and the unflattering words of others, the idea for the book blossomed (Giles, n.d.). Her most recent book, Dark Song was published in 2010.

To learn more about Gail Giles and her books visit her website.

Giles, G. (n.d.) How I wrote Cass McBride. Retrieved from: http://www.gailgiles.com/How_I_Wrote_Cass_Mc_Bride.html

Genre

Realistic fiction, Thriller

Readalikes

Shattering Glass by Gail Giles

·         Also explores the theme of guilt and includes different perspectives

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

·         Also about a teen suicide and the cause behind it

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

·         Also a psychological thriller complete with an unreliable narrator

Tags

17 year old, Abusive parents, Cliques, First person, Homecoming, Justice, Manipulation, Multiple perspectives, Psychological thriller, Unconditional love, Verbal abuse

Awards Won/Lists On

What Happened to Cass McBride has been featured on the following lists:

2007—BCCLS Mock Printz

2007— YALSA Best Books for YA

2007—YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant YA

IRA - Young Adults' Choice

Professional Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

KLIATT

Publishers' Weekly

VOYA

Booktalk Ideas

Buried Segment

·         First person narrative of Cass (p. 12-15, 25-26)

Explain the premise of the novel

·         Start with quote at end of p. 51: “never thought that a few careless words…”

David’s Dead—Who is to blame?

·         Kyle—older brother. Didn’t adequate protect David

·         Kyle’s Mom—abusive. Attacked David at every opportunity

·         Kyle’s Father—ignored the situation

·         Cass—Wrote cruel things about David

·         General student population—excluded/ignored David

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book could be used to help teens who have lived/are living with verbally abusive family members. It could also be used along with Thirteen Reasons Why to explore the causes of suicide.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level: 3rd grade

Interest Level: 9^th-12^th grade

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         A teen being buried alive

·         Absent parents

·         Abusive parents

·         Graphic suicide scene

·         Language

·         Loveless marriage

·         Manipulation

·         Prescription drug abuse

·         Taking the Lord’s name in vain

·         Teenagers disrespectful to authorities

Librarians can point out that while this book can be disturbing it is helpful for exploring what makes a person “snap”. Additionally it is an excellent resource to use when discussing the cause of suicides and how they can be potentially prevented.

Why Was This Included?

I read this novel for two reasons. Firstly, because it was required reading and, secondly, because I enjoy first person perspective novels especially if the narrative includes a variety of voices. I appreciated learning both Cass’ and Kyle’s side of the story. 

#41--Shadowland

Bibliographic Information

Shadowland by Meg Cabot. Avon Books. (2000).

Price: $6.97 for paperback

Pages: 304 for paperback

Plot Summary

Suze is not looking forward to giving up her life in New York City and moving to little Carmel-by-the-Sea in California but she grudgingly agrees to go for her mother’s sake. After Suze’s father died her mother was miserable until she met Andy and married him. Now Suze has a new stepfather, three new stepbrothers, and an entirely new life. Having a fresh start, however, is not so bad. Suze soon makes new friends and even gets asked out on a date by a cute boy. She enjoys the ocean and develops a fondness for David, her youngest stepbrother. But some of the things she wasn’t sorry to leave back in New York follow her all the way to California, namely her ability to communicate and see ghosts. Suze has never appreciated her unusual gift as ghosts, in her experience, are either rude or needy but when Suze finds out that a hot cowboy ghost has taken up residence in her house she realizes her gift isn’t all that bad. Of course there is that ghost intent on murder who haunts Suze’s new school… Clearly Suze needs to reevaluate her opinions on ghosts and fast!

Critical Evaluation

There are many things to like about Shadowland, the main character is a strong, female protagonist with lots of courage and strength of mind, the ghosts are as varied as living people, and the setting is unique. In the Mediator series Cabot creates an intriguing world where a select few can see ghosts while helping them on their way to the afterlife. It is interesting to note that while Cabot skirts around the spiritual she never takes a position on what she personally believes. Instead she includes all sorts of ideas about the afterlife—heaven, hell, purgatory and rebirth—and all sorts of ideas about exorcisms—Roman Catholic and Mecumba. Cabot also chooses not to define the exact role of a mediator. While Father Dominic believes mediators should gently guide ghosts to the afterlife Suze employs more rough and tumble techniques. Because Cabot avoids endorsing either mediators’ methods she ensures that readers will continue on to the next book in the series to see how Suze grows into her role as a mediator.

However, while Cabot creates a fascinating new world populated with a variety of ghosts and a sassy main character, Shadowland is hardly a literary masterpiece. Written in a first person perspective narrative by Suze, the story is littered with slang and colloquialisms. For example, when Suze is talking to Jesse the ghost she says, “Well, listen, the times, you know, they are a-changin’. So what’s your glitch?” Some may be bothered by the novel’s lack of literary merit but it is unrealistic to expect every novel to be a masterpiece. There is merit to beach reads as they are fast to read and usually highly enjoyable. Shadowland is one such novel.

Reader’s Annotation

When Suze moves to California she hopes to avoid seeing ghosts but upon her arrival she meets two—a hot cowboy and a vindictive schoolgirl.

About the Author

A prolific author of more than thirty novels, Meg Cabot is a well-known name in the genre of chick lit. Although she is best known for her Princess Diary series for teens, she has also written for children and adults. She is currently working on Awaken, the third book in the Abandon series.

To learn more about her and her books visit her website here.

Genre

Paranormal fiction, Romance

Readalikes

The Ninth Key by Meg Cabot

·         The sequel to Shadowland

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

·         Also about a girl who can see ghosts and wishes she couldn’t

When Lightning Strikes by Meg Cabot

·         Also about an ordinary girl with special powers

Tags

16 yr old, Carmel-by-the-Sea California, San Francisco Bay Area, ghosts, California missions, Catholic high schools, New York, stepfather, stepbrothers, wrestling, exorcism, cliques, moving, beach read, surfing, priests, private school

Awards Won/Lists On

2002 YALSA Quick Picks for Young Adult Readers

Nominated for the 2009 Popular Paperback for Young Adults

Professional Reviews

Publishers' Weekly
School Library Journal

Booktalk Ideas

New York vs. Carmel

·         Ocean

·         Clean vs. Dirty (p. 8)

·         Calm vs. Confrontational (9)

·         Driving vs. Public transit (12)

Adapt Suze’s Explanation of Herself

·         From “I guess I should explain” to “They always do” (25-26)

·         From “I am pretty much the contact person” to “kick a little ghost butt” (32-35)

Ghosts & Suze’s Role

·         Mediators see all ghosts (27)

·         Ghosts are people who stick around because they have unfinished business (27)

·         Mediator’s role (34)

·         Slightest thing can make ghosts emotional and then physical (47)

·         Ghosts learn their abilities over time

·         Ghosts are solid for mediators (48)

Suze’s New Family

·         Father died & mother remarried which results in Suze moving to CA

·         Andy

o   Stepfather, great chef, owns his own business

·         Jake

o   Aka Sleepy, a senior, works nights at a pizza parlor to save up for a new car

·         Brad

o   Aka Dopey, wrestler, into driving and video games, hopes to be popular, also 16 like Suze

·         David

o   Aka Doc, genius, photographic memory, 12 years old

·         Jesse

o   Hot cowboy ghost who lives in Suze’s bedroom

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book could be used to help teens who have recently moved and have to start afresh. It is also an excellent resource to use while discussing people’s different talents. For example, Suze can speak to ghosts, Andy can cook and build things, Brad has physical prowess, Jesse is compassionate, and David has a photographic memory. All have different talents but all are valuable.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level: 5^th grade

Interest Level: 9^th-12^th grade

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         Cohabiting with a member of the opposite sex

·         Derogatory slurs

·         Discussion of different afterlives

·         Evil ghosts

·         Exorcism

·         Fortune telling

·         Lack of literary merit (in some people’s eyes)

·         Suicide

·         Taking the Lord’s name in vain

Librarians can point out that this can be an ideal book to use when discussing different religious beliefs as topics like the afterlife, Catholicism, compassion, exorcism, and ghosts are present.

Why Was This Included?

I decided to include this title because of my presentation on spiritual beings. I also had read The Princess Diary series and really enjoyed them so was curious what Meg Cabot’s other books were like.

#42--Blood and Chocolate

Bibliographic Information

 Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. Delacorte Books for Young Readers. (2007).

Price:  Out of print for library binding; $8.99 for paperback

Pages: 288 for library binding; 264 for paperback

Note: This was originally published in 1997. The above date refers to the library edition.

Plot Summary

Vivian remembers the good days when her father reigned during a relative time of peace and prosperity. As a pack of loups-garoux, otherwise known as werewolves, peace is difficult to come by. Unless completely isolated from humans eventually one pack member is bound to give in to their blood lust, sating their thirst by killing a human. Vivian remembers when one of the few werewolves her age did just that causing humans to come and set fire to their homes. Her peaceful father was consumed by the flames leaving Vivian and her mother to mourn his death while relocating the pack to Maryland.

Vivian is not only devastated by the loss of her father but by the loss of her community as well. Without a leader much of the pack scatters while those who remain are divided on the pack’s future. Factions arise threatening to tear what is left of the pack apart. Vivian’s mother becomes strange after the death of her husband, as she chases after a loups-garoux almost half her age while Vivian’s once friends repulse her as they were all involved in killing a human. Although Vivian is one of the few loups-garoux that chooses to attend school she finds no comfort there. Despite her best efforts no one wants to be her friend. Soon, however, her life changes when one of her poems is published in the school journal. Next to the poem is a piece of artwork so lovely and wild that Vivian feels sure that its creator must understand the joy a loups-garoux feels once changed. Curious, she seeks him out only to discover that not only is he an excellent artist but a handsome one as well! As days turn to months, Vivian grows to love him and he her. She loves how gentle he is, his fascination with the unknown and his understanding of pack. He admires her wild nature, good looks, and total acceptance of him.

Vivian knows she is playing a dangerous game. How can she continue their relationship without letting him know that she is loups-garoux? Would he be able to accept her and find her beautiful? What of her pack? She cannot ignore her loups-garoux side or the trouble her pack is in. Is she more loups-garoux or human? Does she prefer blood or chocolate?

Critical Evaluation

It’s easy to see why some consider Blood and Chocolate a classic as it is superbly written. Klause ingeniously captures the animalistic nature of the loups-garoux as well as their human side. For example, she includes many scenes where Vivian rejoices in her loups-garoux shape as well as several where she is tempted to violence. However, Klause also includes many moments where Vivian could simply be human. Her quest to find friends at school, her rebellion against her family, and her attendance of concerts and movie nights make Vivian very human. Klause also gives readers several excellent foils to compare with Vivian, namely, werewolves Rafe and Gabriel and humans Aiden and Bingo. Rafe represents everything that is loups-garoux. In fact, it’s hard to believe he is part-human as Rafe enjoys nothing more than running wild, killing, and mating. Gabriel, a fascinating supporting character, is a better balanced loups-garoux. He certainly has a rakish side as he flirts with women old enough to be his mother and he has no qualms about using physical violence to solve a problem. Gabriel, however, also has a softer side that he exhibits to Vivian when he offers a listening ear. Aiden, Vivian’s love interest, is all human. Gentle, naïve, and trusting, he fascinates Vivian who, despite her best efforts, cannot escape her wilder loups-garoux side. Bingo, a human girl, is more direct and confrontational than Aiden but still very human as most of her concerns center around friendships and boys. These foils make readers realize just how much Vivian feels caught in the middle.

                While Klause’s creation of Vivian’s inner conflict is compelling perhaps her crowning achievement in the novel is the tone in which she writes. It’s difficult to explain how Klause’s writing is sensual, it simply is. Perhaps it is partly in the details of the loups-garoux society where most members focus on sating both their carnal and physical hunger. Perhaps is in the way Vivian describes the delights of running through the forest. Regardless, readers’ senses are heightened when reading this book as they focus on every detail Klause gives them from the scent of the trees to the slinky stride of Vivian. Blood and Chocolate is a true masterpiece certain to appeal to teens and adults alike. With Klause’s excellent world building, beautiful descriptions, and appealing plot this book will be read for many years to come.

Reader’s Annotation

As a loups-garoux (werewolf) Vivian loves running and dancing in the moonlight but when violence threatens to tear apart the pack she must decide if she wants to embrace her heritage or turn her back upon it.

About the Author

Perhaps best known for her werewolf and vampire novels, Annette Curtis Klause is not only an author of books for young adults but a past contributor to School Library Journal. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and cats.

To learn more about Annette Curtis Klause visit the following sites:

Cynthia Leitich Smith's Website

A.C.K.'s Bibliography

Wikipedia

Genre

Coming of age, Paranormal fiction, paranormal romance

Readalikes

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

·         Also about shapeshifters who are at war

The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause

·         Also a paranormal book by the same author

Wolf Moon by Charles de Lint

·         Also about werewolves

Tags

16 yr. old, Clan warfare, Cultural identity, Fitting in, Friendships, Murder, Romance, School, Sensual, Single mother, Werewolves

Awards Won/Lists On

This book has won numerous awards and been featured on multiple lists including:

1998—ALA’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults

1998—ALA’s Best Books for Young Adults

1998—ALA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

2000—ALA’s Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

2000—South Carolina Book Award for Young Adult Books

2000—Garden State Book Award for Teen Fiction

2008—ALA’s Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

Professional Reviews

Booklist

Horn Books

Kirkus Reviews
Publishers' Weekly

School Library Journal

Booktalk Ideas

Detail Vivian’s choice

·         Aiden

o   Gentle & respectful

o   Likes magical things & possibilities

o   Popular & understands pack mentality

o   More vulnerable than werewolves

·         Gabriel

o   Dangerous & seductive

o   Strong leader

o   Handsome werewolf

Detail Vivian’s society. Where do her loyalties lie?

·         Human

o   A loner at school

o   Shy among humans although she won’t admit it

·         Werewolf

o   A daughter of a once queen

o   Part of a pack that is falling apart

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This would a wonderful novel to use for teens that are having trouble determining where they fit into society and their family structure.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level: 6^th grade

Interest Level: 9^th-12^th grade

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         20-something man courting a 16 year old girl

·         Almost sex scene

·         Frequent talks of sex

·         Graphic violence

·         Murder

·         Possibly irresponsible mother

·         Sensual writing style

·         Sex outside of marriage

·         Sexual assault

·         Single mother

Librarians can point out that many of the choices confronting Vivian are not that different from those facing teens today. Vivian struggles to fit in and find her place in the world just as we all do. She also must decide whether to follow the path her family wants her to or choose a different one. The book can be used to discuss life choices with teens, namely, those about fitting in, sexuality, and family life.

Why Was This Included?

I decided to include this title because it was part of They Suck, They Bite, They Eat, They Kill by Joni Richards Bodart. I also have heard of this book referred to as one of the first young adult werewolf novels and wanted to understand why it was such a classic.