The Field Guide to the North American Teenager is written by Ben Philippe. It is the story of a Canadian teenager who finds himself moving to Texas, USA. The only things he knows about America are based on television sitcoms. How many of us have found our only understanding of a culture to be based on what the television tells us? Well, our protagonist is not very excited about what he expects life to be like in America. But, as he spends time getting to know the people, and lets himself get past his preconceived opinions, he may find that living in Texas just might be okay.
We have found ourselves in a culture where everyone has an opinion and they are determined to have their opinion heard. That's just the way it is. Whether the opinion is based on good research or fake news makes no difference. Well, the whole idea of stereotyping a culture based on opinion is what drew my attention to the book I want to mention today.
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager is written by Ben Philippe. It is the story of a Canadian teenager who finds himself moving to Texas, USA. The only things he knows about America are based on television sitcoms. How many of us have found our only understanding of a culture to be based on what the television tells us? Well, our protagonist is not very excited about what he expects life to be like in America. But, as he spends time getting to know the people, and lets himself get past his preconceived opinions, he may find that living in Texas just might be okay.
0 Comments
Fennbirn is a kingdom that sees a new set of triplets born every generation. These triplets are in line for the throne. But, only one can become queen and rule. In Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake, each of the triplets is born with a special gift that will allow them to manipulate the natural world. One triplet can resist poisons. The second can manipulate the weather, and the third can control nature and the animals. When the triplets turn sixteen, there is a fight to see which will become Queen. This fight is to the death. But, this series has some twists and turns as the sisters fight, and love, and live. Who will remain the rightful Queen. We will have to wait and see. The story continues in books two and three, One Dark Throne and Two Dark Reigns.
With the popularity of reality television shows, it is no surprise that a book would be written that addresses the behind the scenes. What happens when a reality show changes the life of the participant and the family feels the after effects. To Be Honest by Maggie Ann Martin is the story of Savannah. Savannah's mother was one of the participants in a weight loss reality television show. Savannah's world has turned upside down as her sister leaves for college, and she is left to deal with a "new" mom. How can she be true to herself and still keep the peace with all the changes in her world?
Another author that has a history of addressing controversy is S.A. Bodeen. I was challenged to think in her series The Compound. Her new book is The Tomb. Can you imagine waking up from a virtual world to find that you are one of a small group of survivors from the end of earth. But even this small group has a challenge. Their ship has an engine problem and time may be running out. The third book I want to mention is an interesting collection of Asian retellings. Different cultures have collections of stories that are passed down through the ages. A Thousand Beginnings and Endings is a collection by several popular authors sharing retold stories from their cultures. |
Categories
All
AuthorHi! I'm Sonya, the Young Adult Librarian at Algona Public Library. I'll be sharing about YA books - old and new. Archives
June 2022
|