Novel Review for Nonfiction/Module 8

Novel Review for Nonfiction-Steve Jobs: the man who thought different/ Module 8 Bibliographic Citation: Blumenthal, K. (2012). Steve Jobs: the man who thought different. New York: Feiwel and Friends. 310 pages. Summary: Steve Jobs has been called many names, innovator, intense, perfectionist, overbearing, just to name a few. The man who has been credited with many wonderful accolades, and well as criticized for his temper and zealousness when it came to details in his work, will stand among men who have changed our society. Blumenthal shows the reader the extreme highs, as well as the earth-shattering lows experienced by this man who followed his heart, did what he loved, and tried to live each day as though it really mattered. Analysis: The mind of Steve Jobs was always in motion, analyzing details that most of us would dismiss. However, this attention, sometimes described as overbearing, led to many of the devices that we, as a society, depend on and cannot live without. The author does a tremendous job of allowing the reader to understand why Steve Jobs was so consumed with the smallest of details on any project. The world viewed Steve as an innovator credited with the work involved with any of the Apple products, and in reality he was someone who was always looking for a way to improve the functionality of products. Through Blumental’s work, the reasoning behind his character and his flaws can be better understood. The journey of a young man, who was adopted as a baby, is filled with real-life struggles and triumphs. While we see him as the face of the iphone, ipad, and Macintosh products, he was intense, obsessively detailed oriented, and could even be considered mean by former co-workers. Throughout his life, his work was what he considered most important, and his family took second stage. The author gives a clear view of how his relationships were not his priority. The book gives a very descriptive view of his work ethic, his relationships with his children and sibling, although it scarcely touches on the relationship with his life partner, Laurene. Awards: YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award, 2013 finalist American Library Association Children’s Notable List Booklist Editor’s Choice list, 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection Kentucky Bluegrass Award Middle School list Librarian’s Choices, 2012 Texas Lone Star List, 2012-2013

Novel Review for Historical Fiction/Module 7

Novel Review for Historical Fiction-The Berlin Boxing Club/Module 7 Bibliographic Citation: Sharenow, R. (2011). The Berlin boxing club. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 432 pages. Summary: As those around him are being persecuted for their religion, Karl Stern just wants to be able to defend himself from bullies in his school. The fact that he is a Jew had never been as issue, until Hitler came to power. Through a business transaction in his father’s art gallery, Karl receives a chance to learn the sport of boxing from one of Germany’s most famous fighters and national hero, Max Schmeling. As his training progresses, he learns that each lesson Max teaches him will help him survive not only the atrocities toward his people, but will help him to realize that he is stronger, physically and emotionally. Analysis: The subject matter of the Holocaust is a difficult topic to read about, speak about, or even to try to understand. Sharenow handles the subject matter very effectively as he tells the story of Karl’s journey. The relationship that develops between Karl and Max, as well as the other fighters who help Karl, is the only part of his world that he does have control over. Boxing becomes a saving grace for both Karl and his family. Karl’s religion had never been an issue with his friends or even his family, until the harsh cruel treatment of his people forced him to take a stand. The harsh reality of Hitler’s annihilation of the Jewish people causes Karl to see his father and his business dealings in a new light. Business now means surviving as a family and staying together as any cost. While we see Karl grow more as a young man living in a turbulent world, the reader never understands the effects of mental illness in his mother’s life, or how his younger sister dealt with growing up in a society that considered her to be an animal. Sharenow does an exceptional job to develop the relationship between Karl and his sister through the use of comic strips and Karl’s strength as an artist. The story lends itself to a sequel to follow the lives of Karl and his sister, Hildy and their journey into adulthood.

Novel Review for Adventure- Module 6

Novel Review for Adventure, Sports, Mysteries, and Westerns-I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you/ Module 6 Bibliographic Citation: Carter, A. (2006). I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you. New York: Hyperion. 284 pages. Summary: This novel is the starting of the adventures of Cammie Morgan, and the girls of the Gallagher Academy. All the students at Gallagher Academy are trained to be world-class spies, speak in various foreign languages, as well as be able to kill a man using just the materials in their purse. However, Cammie is faced with the ultimate mission-falling in love. Analysis: Carter’s writing makes the reader feel as if they have been unexpectedly dropped into a James Bond movie. The world of Gallagher Academy is the training grounds for exceptional young ladies to become world class spies. Cammie Morgan is not only a spy-in-training, with access to the coolest gadgets, but she has also suffered tremendous loss with the death of her father. Carter does a wonderful job of allowing the reader to see both sides of Cammie’s world, the elite spy training with access to the most up-to-date, as well as the sadness of seeing her mother crying when no one was around because she misses her husband. The use of secret passageways that could be hidden from outsiders at a moment’s notice, and covert operations for field trips as the girls work on analyzing their subjects without being seen bring the reader into a mesmerizing world in which you can never be sure if people are really who they say they are. This is the first book in the series of the Gallagher girls, as well as the first book written by Ally Carter. The story leaves the reader wanting to know more about Cammie, her friends, her teachers, and her relationships. Awards: Texas Lone Star 2007-08

Novel Review for Fantasy, Science Fiction and the Supernatural-Module 5

Novel Review for Fantasy, Science Fiction, and the Supernatural-The Uglies/ Module 5 Bibliographic Citation: Westerfield, S. (2005). The uglies. New York: Scholastic Inc. 425 pages. Summary: The Uglies is the first of a trilogy in which the reader is introduced to Tally, who is on the threshold of having her life change dramatically. At the age of sixteen, each individual in this futuristic society will undergo an operation that will alter his/her appearance, therefore that individual will always be pretty. As she prepares for her procedure, Tally learns the operation will change not only how she looks, but her thoughts, feelings and beliefs as well. Analysis: Each young person in today’s society strives to be considered beautiful, pretty or handsome by the world’s standards. However, these standards are constantly changing daily, or even by the hour. In Westerfield’s novel, we see that the powers in command decide what is considered pretty. This concept would be fascinating for adolescent readers, who may feel that this type of world would be inviting. They could see themselves in a world where once you were a “pretty”, life would have no problems, no sickness, and life is a constant party. However, is life worth giving up what makes you different from others in order to be beautiful. The promise seems fulfilling in theory, however is it worth sacrificing your individuality. As I read through this book, I found myself wishing that I could read the whole trilogy in one sitting. I had so many unanswered questions as the novel ended, and I feel that these will be covered in the second and third book of the trilogy.