#28--Me, the Missing, and the Dead

 Bibliographic Information

Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine. HarperTeen. (2007).

Price: $17.89 for library binding

Pages: 208 for library binding

Plot Summary

Fifteen-year-old Lucas Swain is trying his best to make it through life without his Dad but is finding it difficult. Five years ago his father disappeared. His mother thinks he deliberately ran away but Lucas worries that he was involved in a tragic accident or is being kept somewhere against his will. Lucas, however, is the only one who believes this and it’s hard to hold onto hope when his mother is becoming more bitter and depressed by the day while his sister is constantly involved with men who are bad news. Fortunately, life begins to look up when one night Lucas enters a taxi cab office only to find an old woman’s ashes in an urn waiting to be claimed. Someone had left her in the back of a taxi cab and never returned for her. Although Lucas thinks it’s crazy, he is convinced that Violet, the dead woman, is speaking to him from beyond the grave, begging him to save her from the taxi cab office. Suddenly, Lucas has a purpose in life as he is determined to save her, discover who she was, and why she was left in the back of a cab. Surprisingly, the more he learns about Violet the more he learns about his father making him conclude that Violet may be the perfect person to solve the mystery behind his father’s disappearance.

Critical Evaluation

Me, the Missing, and the Dead is complex story of a family who has experienced great loss. Through reading the book readers quickly learn how devastating the loss of a father can be. While Lucas’ mother tries her best she does not disguise the fact that she wishes she had never married their Dad or had children. This, combined with their Dad’s disappearance, severely affects Lucas and his older sister Mercy leading Lucas to lionize his father while Mercy sleeps with multiple unsavory men. Jed, the youngest of the three and the only one who never knew his father, seems to be the only untouched one of the family making him the one that keeps the family afloat with his continual zest for life coupled with his innocence and wonder.

Family life is further complicated by Lucas’ paternal grandparents who gave Lucas’ mother their home, partly in recompense for their son’s disappearance. While grandmother Pansy is as sharp as ever her husband, Norman, is not because of the multiple small strokes he has suffered. His memory comes and goes leaving him with no friends save his grandson Jed. Over the course of the novel, Lucas learns that his grandparents’ views of his father are just as mixed as those within his own home. While his grandmother remembers her son with fondness, his grandfather calls him a scoundrel.

The complexity of the Swains helps create near perfect pacing for the novel as Lucas’ relationship with them guides him closer to solving the mystery of his father’s disappearance. The dead woman, Violet, is the common thread that runs throughout the novel. She is the catalyst that encourages people to finally share their secret thoughts and feelings just as she is partly responsible for bringing new life to Gran and Lucas. Because of the complex characters, excellent pacing, and intriguing mystery readers will tear through Me, the Missing, and the Dead and when they finish will wish for a sequel.

Reader’s Annotation

Fifteen-year-old Lucas might finally discover what happened to his father when dead woman Violet begin to speak to him.

About the Author

British novelist Jenny Valentine has written nine novels. When she is not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband running their health food store.

Learn more about Jenny Valentine and her books here and here.

Genre

Mystery; Supernatural fiction

Readalikes

Being Billy by Phil Earle

·         Billy struggles with anger after his mother gave him away forcing him to spend eight years in a care home.

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd

·         When Fergus helps uncover the body of child who was murdered centuries ago he tries to help her while he tries to navigate his difficult family life.

Broken Soup by Jenny Valentine

·         Also by Jenny Valentine, Rowan tries to find a mysterious boy whose picture she has while taking care of her younger sister.

Tags

15 yr. old, Cancer, Dentist, Depressed mother, Family secrets, Girlfriend, London, England, Missing father, Mother with cancer, Old movies, Older sister, Piano, Single mother, Younger brother

Awards Won/Lists On

2007 Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize

2008 Branford Boase Shortlist

2008 Carnegie Medal Shortlist

2009 ALA Best Books for YAs

2009 In the book 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up

2009 William C. Morris YA Debut Finalist

Professional Reviews

 Booklist

Buffalo News

Horn Books

 Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly

School Library Journal

Booktalk Ideas

Lucas’ Thoughts on Secrets (61-62)

Wishing for the Impossible (115-116)

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This would be an excellent novel to read for teens who have had a parent disappear or refuse to be involved in their lives. It can also be helpful for those who have lost a parent through death.

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:

·         Adultery

·         Assisted suicide

·         Cocaine usage

·         Ghost?

·         Illegitimate child

·         Lying to children/parents

·         Missing father

·         Pot smoking

·         Promiscuity

·         Shoplifting

·         Single mother

·         Slight profanity

·         Underage smoking

·         Unhappy marriage

Librarians can point out that while this novel contains difficult themes it also discusses the importance of a father within the lives of his children. It also advocates for close family relationships, teens becoming friends with their grandparents, and honesty between family members.

Why Was This Included?

I included this book because I am doing a presentation on ghosts. I also wanted to include it because it was a Morris finalist.

#29--Ironman

Bibliographic Information

Ironman by Chris Crutcher. Perfection Learning. (2004).

$18.45 for hardcover; $8.99 for paperback

Pages: 288 for paperback

Note: This was originally published in 1995.

Plot Summary

When Bo Brewster mouths off to a teacher he is told he has two options—attend Mr. Nak’s anger management group sessions or homeschool with scary Mrs. Conroy. Although Bo is worried about getting along with Nak’s pack the choice is easy as no one would ever choose to work with Mrs. Conroy. Soon, however, he learns that the students that attend anger management are not so bad. There is even an extremely attractive girl who is just as into working out as he is. Initially, Bo wants to leave anger management as soon as possible but he quickly learns that it is one of the best things that has ever happened to him. Finally, he is meeting people who are going through equally difficult things like living with abusive parents or caring for their brothers and sisters by themselves. Everyone in the group has secrets that, when they slowly reveal them, make Bo feel like he can finally start facing his own.

However, while anger management helps him better understand himself it does not fix all his problems. He still needs to find a way to beat bully Ian Wyrack in the Yukon Jack Ironman race, a task that won’t be easy when Bo’s dad buys Wyrack’s team a top of the line bicycle hoping that they will beat Bo. Bo must also figure out where he stands with his abusive father and whether or not their relationship can be saved. But while these obstacles sometimes seem insurmountable Bo soon learns he is not alone in facing them as Nak’s pack comes together to help him face his fears.

Critical Evaluation

*Spoilers Ahead*

Chris Crutcher’s books are never easy to read and Ironman is no exception. Readers will cry and laugh over Bo’s journal entries as he revisits the horrors of his past while relating his hopes for his future. The novel is sure to deeply affect readers as Bo slowly discovers why each member of Nak’s pack is in anger management—Shelly’s multiple foster homes, Elvis’ child molesting father, Hudge’s abusive father. While these situations are partly what makes Ironman so difficult to read the most disturbing element within the book is that of abusive and/or irresponsible adults. Mr. Nak, Mr. Serbousek, and Dr. Stevens serve as counterparts to these adults but even with their caring hearts they cannot offset the damage other adults cause. Because of union contracts, teacher Mr. Redmond is free to belittle and humiliate students for years to come while fear and misunderstanding allow Bo’s father, Mr. Brewster, to continually hurt his son. Even the law cannot protect teens as Hudge’s father is free to shoot Hudge’s dog as long as he doesn’t do it within city limits. These and other injustices cause readers to question their assumptions about adults and the roles they play.

However, while it is clear that there are plenty of evil adults in the world Crutcher never condemns them outright. Fascinatingly, while many readers (including myself) will loathe Bo’s father, Crutcher allows him his say. Mr. Brewster argues that he is just trying to be a good father and when readers learn that Mr. Brewster was abused as a child, they begin to understand his warped reasoning. Crutcher leaves readers with an unresolved ending as Bo does not know if his relationship will ever be mended with his father but hopes that perhaps one day it will. Overall, Crutcher does an excellent job realistically portraying what it is like for teens who live within abusive families. Pair this with Crutcher’s Ironman subplot and he has created a wonderful novel that is sure to inspire and please many readers.

Reader’s Annotation

As Bo trains for a triathlon he must first survive anger management group sessions and interactions with his father.

About the Author

Yet another Margaret A. Edwards award winner (2000) Crutcher’s books seem too unbelievably dark to be true and yet teens still tell him that his books mirror their situations. Happily, Crutcher continues to write the books that are so needed by struggling teens. Currently he has published thirteen books, one of which is an autobiography. His newest novel, Period 8, is due to be published in March 2013.Visit his website here.

Genre

Realistic fiction; School story; Sports story

Readalikes

Stotan! By Chris Crutcher

·         This story is referred to in Ironman & one of the main characters in Ironman is a main character in this book.

Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher

·         Six short stories, one of which includes a character from Ironman

Slam by Walter Dean Myers

·         Also about a teen who dedicates himself to sports while he deals with other troubles in his life.

Tags

Abusive parents, American Gladiators, anger management, Clark Fork, Idaho, Epistolary novel, Ironman, Larry King, triathlons

Awards Won/Lists On

Some but not all awards and lists:

1996 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

1996 Best Books for Young Adults

2003 Mock Printz Survey for 1996

New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

American Bookseller Pick of the List

California Young Reader Medalist

Professional Reviews

Booklist
 Publishers' Weekly

School Library Journal

The New York Times Book Review

Booktalk Ideas

Bo’s Thoughts & Other Ideas

·         “I used to ask you this all the time when I was being sent home, but how come teachers never get in trouble? How come it’s always the kid who eats it?...The kid doesn’t have a union…” (p. 10)

·         “Are you ever embarrassed to be an adult just because of the way other adults act?” (143)

·         “But it’s okay, Mom. I mean, I forgave you a long time ago. It wasn’t your fault. There was nothing you could—…Stop it…don’t ever say there’s nothing I could have done. That diminishes me” (120)

·         “I’m kind of glad I couldn’t really get to you, because I’m afraid you might have said what most adults say: that teenagers aren’t quite done yet, that we’re impulsive and adults intervene because  we aren’t ready to manage our lives” (p. 38-39).

Dark Secrets

·         Elvis—missing father leaving him to care for siblings

·         Hudge—abusive father

·         Shelly—abusive uncle & cruel teacher

·         Joey—abusive parents

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book can be used to discuss father/son relationships, the complexity of blame, and how to overcome the cards dealt to you in life.

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:

·         Abusive father

·         Anger issues

·         Bullying

·         Divorced parents

·         Father burns cigarettes on his son’s skin

·         Father shoots son’s dog

·         Parental favoritism

·         Plagiarism

·         Profanity

·         Pro-homosexuality

·         Racist & sexist slurs

·         Rape

·         Sexually abusive father

·         Sexually abusive uncle

·         Slurs against homosexual people

·         Taking the Lord’s name in vain

·         Vandalism

·         Verbally abusive teacher

Librarians can point out that while this is a gritty book Crutcher spends a lot of time examining issues that are real for many people. He also tries to present a fair perspective of almost all the characters. This book can be a healing book for anyone struggling to manage their anger or get along with abusive parents.

Why Was This Included?

After reading Whale Talk two summers ago (2011) I’ve always meant to read more of Crutcher’s novels. I chose Ironman because I was interested in exploring the topic of anger management and boy, oh, boy! After reading Ironman I want to read everything Chris Crutcher has written!

#30--Anya's Ghost

Bibliographic Information

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol. First Second. (2011).

Price: $15.99 for paperback

Pages: 221 for paperback

Plot Summary

Anya Borzakovskaya does not like her life. Save for nerdy Dima, she is the only student from Russia in her private high school while the rest of her classmates are classic WASPs. Her mother insists on feeding her fattening food even though Anay argues that American boys only want skinny girls and despite nibbling carrot sticks and taking up smoking, she still only has one friend. But Anya’s problems increase tenfold when she accidentally falls down a hold and discovers a ghost. The ghost named Emily is delighted to see her as she hasn’t talked to anyone for ninety years. When Anya escapes the hole one of Emily’s bones ends up in her bag allowing Emily to travel wherever Anya goes. Initially scared, Anya soon learns that having a ghostly friend has its benefits as Emily helps her cheat on tests, look up the schedule of her crush, and serves as a lookout. But soon Anya discovers that things are not always what they appear to be. Her crush is a slimeball, Dima may not be so bad after all, and Emily is much more sinister than she appears…

Critical Evaluation

Told in purplish grayscale Anya’s Ghost is visually stunning. While each character is well drawn Anya & Emily are the most intriguing. Anya’s expressions are varied and complex leaving readers to marvel at Vera Brosgol’s ability to draw embarrassment, skepticism, and fear using only a few lines. Emily’s appearance is similarly fascinating as her personal appearance reflects her growing power and true nature. Not only are the illustrations complex but the plot is as well. Anya’s Ghost moves beyond a simple ghost or coming of age story as it explores the deeper themes of belonging, false appearances, and identity. While this is a supernatural story it is also one that many people can relate to as Anya’s insecurity about her weight and her cultural heritage are common struggles. Overall, Anya’s Ghost is a masterpiece making it easy to see why five different review sources award it some of their highest honors.

Image from here.

Reader’s Annotation

When Anya falls down a well only to find a ghost eager to be her friend she eventually lets the ghost into her life with creepy consequences.

About the Author

Born in Moscow Vera Brosgol moved to the United States when she was five years old. Anya’s Ghost is her first published book. When she is not writing she is working at Laika Inc. creating storyboards.

To learn more about Vera Brosgol visit her website here,

Genre

Coming of age; Graphic novel; Paranormal fiction; School story

Readalikes

Americus by M.K. Reed & Jonathan David Hill

·         Also about a teen who must give up blending in in order to make a difference

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks

·         Also about a girl who is being haunted by a ghost

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

·         Also about a girl enduring school drama & social dynamics

Tags

Family, Ghosts, Immigrant, Russian, Single mother, Younger brother

Awards Won/Lists On

2012 Eisner Award

2012 YALSA Great Graphic Novels

2011 Bram Stoker Award Nominee

2011 Cybils Award for Graphic Novels for YAs

2011 Horn Book Fanfare

2011 Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books of the Year

2011 School Library Journal Best Fiction for Books

Professional Reviews

BCCB

Booklist

Horn Books
Kirkus Reviews
Los Angeles Times
New York Times

School Library Journal

The Guardian

USA Today

Wired Magazine

Booktalk Ideas

Anya Fitting In

·         Mother makes Russian food (2, 172)

·         Doesn’t want to be compared to Dima (57)

·         Has one friend (149)

·         Smokes to fit in (219)

·         Crush on popular boy

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book can be used for those who feel like they do not fit in because of their culture. It can be pointed out that it is more important to be true to yourself rather than living out the role you think society wants you to play.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level:  2^nd grade

Interest Level: 6^th grade and up

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         Body image issues

·         Bullying

·         Cheating on girlfriend

·         Ghosts

·         Murder

·         Single mother

·         Skipping church repeatedly

·         Threats of violence

·         Underage smoking

Librarians can point out that while this book contains supernatural elements it is actually a pretty realistic portrayal of how a teen might feel including discussions of body image, balancing family and school life, and how to identify your true friends.

Why Was This Included?

I included this book because I wanted to re-read it and because it would be useful for my presentation on ghosts. I think this is an exceptional title because it is an honest portrayal of what an average teen goes through. I particularly identified with the body image issues Anya has.