Odd and the Frost Giants

Title: Odd and the Frost Giants

Author: Neil Gaiman

Level: J

Location: J Gaiman

In this short read Odd, a Viking boy who's name means luck, just doesn't have any good luck. The story progresses quickly to the forest where Odd is lead by a fox to a bear he frees from a tree. These aren't any regular forest animals. They're Norse gods. Find out how they became animals and why they need Odd's help. How can a twelve year old boy with a bad leg defeat a Frost Giant?!

Bottom Line; A short, simple and to the point, quick adventure read. Good for boys and reluctant readers. No complaints about this one. Enjoy the artistry of Neil Gaiman.

The Battle of Jericho

Title: The Battle of Jericho
Author: Sharon Draper
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: YA Draper



This book is about three friends who are pledging to join an elite high school group, The Warriors of Distinction. The main character, Jericho, has always been on the outside and is very pleased when he is invited to become a member of the pledge group. Everything seems to be going his way, especially when the girl he has a crush on agrees to go out with him. When a girl sneaks into the pledge group, the stakes are raised even higher- every pledge must complete all activities or no one will make it into the group. Jericho is an excellent trumpet player and must decide between playing his trumpet in a competition where he will be observed by a representative from Juilliard and doing a pledge week activity. As the week goes on, we see the pledge week activities go from bad to worse. Jericho must decide how far he will go to fit in with this elite group.

The Bottom Line: I loved this book and think everyone should read it. It makes you think about what you are willing to do to be part of a group. You really get inside of Jericho’s head to see the struggle he goes through and you really get to think about the decisions that you would make if you were in his situation.

David Inside Out

Title: David Inside Out

Author: Lee Bantle

Reading Level: Young Adult

Location: YA Bantle

High school senior, David Dahlgren has a pretty good final year of high school ahead of him. He is becoming one of the stronger runners on his track team, applying to colleges and hanging out with his friends. David’s life takes a complicated turn when his best friend, Eddie, comes out of the closet and his girlfriend, Kick, suddenly decides she wants to take their relationship to “the next level.” David’s doubts about his own sexuality coupled with his long-time crush on track teammate, Sean, worsen when Kick decides to make their relationship more physical. While David tries to rekindle his desire for Kick, his relationship with Sean takes an exciting turn for the better.

David Inside Out seems like the classic “coming out” novel and it certainly has all the elements. What makes this novel standout is the author’s convincing characterization of David as a conflicted teen. His authentic voice allows the reader to really experience the emotional roller coaster of David’s first love which is complicated by his own internal discord. The text is clear and concise without any flowery language or unnecessary digressions. With his unique writing style, Lee Bantle turned what could have been another typical novel about first love and embracing ones sexuality into an authentic representation of truly difficult life experiences.

The Bottom Line: I absolutely enjoyed this book! I think this could definitely appeal to guys particularly due to the short length and concise writing style. Recommend this to teens who enjoy realistic fiction, GLBTQ fiction, and stories about first love.

Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom

Title: Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom

Author: Eric Wight

Level: J

Location: J Wright

This is the first book in a new early chapter book series. I'm glad we were able to get it. Guys try it! It's short (short chapters), has a picture on almost every page, and mixes regular chapter book style with graphic novel. In the Closet of Doom Frankie's Mom is tired of trying to get him to clean his room and tells him as long as the mess stays in the door she won't say anything. Sounds good to you? It gets so bad even Argle, his dog, won't sleep in his room anymore! Frankie has a great imagination and with all the stuff in that room he's having a great time. Will he be able to handle the consequences?

Girls the way the graphic novel style shows Frankie's imagination may remind you of Babymouse. He also has a sister, Piper,who makes a few short appearances in this book.

Bottom line: Read it! Once again -short, plenty of pictures, mixed with graphic novel style, and Frankie's imagination adds adventure. Reluctant readers may enjoy this book. The next title will be Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000.