Draper's: Romiette and Julio

The developing romance and lives of two teens of differing socio-economic backgrounds are threatened by a local gang. There is not much in the way of Shakesperean style or element here except for perhaps the main character's names: Romiette Capelle, an African American teen from Cincinnati and Julio Montague, an hispanic teen from Corpus Cristi. This book may be enjoyed by the teen reader glossing over references to car phones, cellular phones, and chatrooms. The two main characters and their supporting sidekicks are written charmingly enough and seem to have more sense than their respective sets of parents. The parents, though their dialogue at times is somewhat telling and awkward, actually experience more change than their children. The ditzy co-anchor subplot dialogue tends to be insulting rather than providing the comic relief as it was probably intended. Note: this title is not in CLC's library.

Hale's: Goose Girl

I love this book. Intrigue, murder, romance and humor combine here with a touch of magic to retell Grimm's story of the same name. Shannon Hale builds a world with gentle language and dialogue which is convincingly old world at least enough for the purposes here. With a somewhat slow beginning Hale gradually pulls her readers through the Crown Princess's joys and miseries showing how happiness can be found in life's simple gifts. A diverse cast of well-developed primary and secondary characters work their way in and out of the princess's life learning lessons about prejudice, courage, and loyalty. An uplifting, feel-good read.

Watch a trailer

Angelou's: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I decided to read Maya Angelou's autobiographical I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings after reports on a listserv of its being challenged in two Orange County high school districts. I was struct by Angelou's brutal honesty told in such an innocent voice. Her love and connection to her brother compelled me through the beginning chapters. Her guilt over her rape and the events leading to it she was able to make both understandable and shocking in the same innocent voice. The racial prejudices she experiences, learns, overcomes, and feels herself are described in unabashed manner to allow the reader a clear understanding of what it meant to grow up in a small Alabama town and then be transplanted to an urban setting as a teen. Probably not the best choice for most tweens, but definitely a popular choice for some of our library's more mature middle school readers.

Another review