The Body Eclectic : An Anthology of Poems

The first poetry anthology for teens to address one of their foremost concerns-the body. Experienced anthologist and teacher Patrice Vecchione has put together an immensely powerful group of poems, all of which address a unifying theme of major interest to teens-the body. Drawing on poems both serious and silly and poets from Shakespeare to Lucille Clifton, The Body Eclectic looks at what our bodies are, what they are not, how we love them and taunt them, what they give us, and what they take away. A wonderful collection of poems on a hot topic for teens, and a perfect gift and companion in one of the most universal struggles of adolescence.

Check Our Catalog

All Unquiet Things

by Anna Jarzab

With smooth assurance, Jarzab transforms what could have been a formulaic story of boarding-school students behaving badly into a fresh, compelling tale. Part mystery, part character study, the story hooks readers immediately, propelling them through a serpentine path of secrets and lies. Seventeen-year-old Neily found the body of his ex-girlfriend, Carly, on the Empire Creek bridge. A year later, Carly's uncle is imprisoned for the crime, but neither Neily nor the victim's cousin, Audrey, is convinced that he is the murderer. Forming an often-acrimonious partnership, the two teens narrate the chapters in alternating voices as they follow the clues to a nail-biting conclusion and discover the truth not only about the murder but also about themselves. The characters are distinct and memorable, but it is Neily who stands out with a pitch-perfect, sarcastic voice and a personality that surges from the pages of this promising debut.

Check Our Catalog

Liar

by Justine Larbalestier
Gr 9 Up-Biracial Micah Wilkins, 17, is the quintessential unreliable narrator. On the first page, she readily admits she's a liar though now she wants to tell her story straight. She attends a progressive private high school in New York City. She's a bit peculiar, with extra-human speed and sense of smell, and has few friends. After another student, a popular senior named Zach, is found brutally murdered, it comes to light that he and Micah had a relationship outside of school. Now she is considered a suspect. Her suspenseful, supernatural tale is engrossing and readers will be tempted to fly through it, though the wise will be wary of her spin and read carefully for subtle slipups and foreshadowing. The chilling story that she spins will have readers' hearts racing as in three sections she goes from "Telling the Truth," to "Telling the True Truth," to "Telling the Actual Real Truth," uncovering previous lies and revealing bizarre occurrences in the process. Micah's narrative is convincing, and in the end readers will delve into the psyche of a troubled teen and decide for themselves the truths and lies. This one is sure to generate discussion.

Check Our Catalog

The Manga Guide To Physics

If this reviewer were an undergraduate student having a hard time understanding basic Newtonian physics, this book would certainly provide an alternative view of the subject. About two-thirds of the book is written in manga style and format. The other third consists of textbook-like discussions of the mathematics and calculus involved. The book has two main characters. Ryota, a noted physics student, teaches Megumi about the basics of Newtonian physics. Ryota is a stereotypical bookish physics nerd--he is somewhat clumsy, and his socialization skills are less than perfect. Megumi seems somewhat emotional, but thankfully, Nitta (physics, Tokyo Gakugei Univ.) and Takatsu do not give her a stereotypical "dumb jock" personality. Since Megumi is involved in tennis and other sports, these activities are used in the demonstrations and illustrations. To keep the reader's interest, superheroes pop in and out of the book, and the main characters suddenly find themselves in different settings or outfits. The academic content seems fine. There is not enough material to warrant its use as a textbook, but students should enjoy reading this work to see basic Newtonian physics from a different perspective. Summing Up: Recommended.

Check Our Catalog