Cleopatra Rules! (Biography)

Citation: Shecter, V. A. (2010). Cleopatra rules! The amazing life of the original teen queen. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. Tr. $17.95. ISBN: 9781590787182. Format: Hardback.

Annotation:  Cleopatra Rules! is the biography of Cleopatra VII, the last of Egyptian pharaohs. This biography tells a story that is much different that the popular depictions of Cleopatra throughout Hollywood history.

Book Review:  Did you know that Cleopatra was actually Greek? No? This is something you learn along with many other interesting details about Egypt’s last pharaoh and teen ruler. V. A. Shecter does a great job of giving us an upbeat and updated version of Cleopatra’s story. She tells the story chronologically and provides extra details in little excerpts throughout the book. We learn about Cleopatra’s life as well as Egyptian, Roman, and Greek society and history. You will have a great time learning about Cleopatra thanks to funny and current comparisons to modern day life. 

“I think teens will eat it up…Hand this one to a teen needing to do a project on a person from history or just as an interesting read. It's definitely readable and you (or your teen) will walk away knowing a heck of a lot more about Cleopatra than you ever had before. I'm certainly inspired to pick up more about this famous teen Queen!”- A.Snow, Youth Services Librarian, http://apatchworkofbooks.blogspot.com (found on http://www.vickyalvearshecter.com/).

Awards:  None

More: 
If you would like to learn more about the author, visit http://www.vickyalvearshecter.com/.

The Ousiders (Classic)

Citation: Hinton, S. E. (1967). The outsiders (platinum ed). New York, NY: Penguin Group. Tr. $10.00. ISBN: 9780142407332. Format: Paperback.

Annotation:  The Outsiders is a coming-of-age book about a boy named Ponyboy, his two brothers, and his gang, the Greasers. Ponyboy and the Greasers have an outstanding feud with an upper-class group of kids called the “Socs.” The Socs have a tendency to beat up a Greaser if they catch them alone. One night, a beating goes wrong and Ponyboy and another Greaser, Johnny, end up on the run. During their time on the run, Ponyboy and Johnny happen upon another event that turns them heroes.

Book Review:  S. E. Hinton gives us a wonderful novel about class wars, friendship, brotherhood, love and loss. The Outsiders is the perfect novel for any of you interested in classic or realistic fiction. While some of you will relate more to Ponyboy, others will find easy relation with his older brothers and some of the older gang members. It is a great read for young men or young women; however, young men may have a greater understanding of the male friendships and turf wars. Highly recommended.

Awards:  New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967; Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967; Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975; ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975; Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979

More: 
If you would like to learn more about S. E. Hinton, visit her website at http://www.sehinton.com/.


Did you know that The Outsiders was made into a movie? It starred many BIG Hollywood names to include Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, and C. Thomas Howell. Check out the trailer below.

The Book Thief (Historical)

Citation:  Zusak, M. (2005). The book thief. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. Tr. $17.99. ISBN: 9780375831003. Format: Hardback.

Annotation:  The Book Thief is a story narrated by Death about a girl named Liesel Meminger who grows up in the era of Nazi Germany when shortly after the death of her younger brother, Leisel comes to live in a foster home in the town of Molching with Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Once Leisel’s foster father discovers her first stolen book, her story quickly progresses through the years where she learns to read and write, she learns of politics, and, with the help of her books, she learns to survive regardless of the tragedies.

Book Review:  M. Zusak’s novel is sad and beautiful. A wonderful book that is a great historical fiction read that is a fabulous for both young and old. You will have great empathy for Leisel’s story as she ages in a scary, war-torn world and you will have great appreciation for Leisel’s story as she progresses from grade school level through adulthood. If you are interested in reading a period novel with lots of drama and intensity, this is the book for you! Highly recommended.

Awards (From randomhouse.com): NOMINEE 2006 Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book (South East Asia & South Pacific); WINNER 2007 Book Sense Children's Pick List; WINNER 2007 ALA Best Books for Young Adults; WINNER 2006 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book; WINNER 2006 Horn Book Fanfare; WINNER 2006 Kirkus Reviews Editor Choice Award; WINNER 2008 Kentucky Bluegrass Master List; NOMINEE 2007 Michigan Reading Association Great Lakes Book Award; WINNER 2006 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; WINNER 2007 Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year; NOMINEE 2008 Rhode Island Teen Book Award; WINNER 2007 Texas TAYSHAS High School Reading List; WINNER 2007 Virginia Young Readers Program Master List; WINNER 2006 IRA Notable Books for a Global Society; WINNER 2007 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age; WINNER 2007 Michael L. Printz Honor Book; WINNER 2007 Book Sense Book of the Year; WINNER 2006 Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year; WINNER 2006 Booklist Children's Editors' Choice; WINNER 2009 Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Master List

More: If you would like to learn more about Mark Zusak, The Book Thief, or other books written by the author, or to even follow Mark on Twitter, visit http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/.

Check out this video of Mark Zusak discussing the book!