Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Release Date:  September 2014

Genre: Historical Fiction

When and Where:  Cape Cod, 1972

Protagonist:  Naomi "Chirp" Orenstein, 11 years old

The Story:  Noami "Chirp" Orenstein has a great life; a psychiatrist father, a dancer mother, and a great older sister, plus the comfort of the Cape and the wild birds who live there.  When Chirp's mother is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and her dancing career is derailed, the entire family is thrust into turmoil.  Chirp's closest friend is Joey, the boy across the street, and their on-again, off-again friendship is put to the test when a tragedy involving Chirp's mother occurs.  Life will never be the same for Chirp or her family, but love and friendship can help with healing.

Reaction:  I loved Nest!  The characters are fascinating, and the historical setting puts the reader back into the past in such a way that allows the reader to understand the social dynamics of the time period.  For example, the implications of being Jewish in a mostly Christian area, the way people might turn a blind eye against domestic violence, and the way depression has been stigmatized are all issues addressed in a period-specific manner.  Chirp's passion for wild birds is an essential part of her character, and the author artfully drops in facts about the native birds in a way that helps tell Chirp's unique story.

If You Liked...  Nest is really quite incomparable, as it it quite unique.  If you liked Countdown, then Nest will be a good fit for you!

Rating:  4

Teacher Notes: This novel addresses depression and loss; teachers should offer this book in a sensitive manner.  Nest would also be a nice book for counselors to use in small groups.

Dust of Eden by Mariko Nagai

Release Date: March 2014

Genre:  Historical novel written in verse

When and Where: 1942 America, following the attack on Pearl Harbor

Protagonist: Marina Masako Tagawa, aged 13

The Story:  When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor and waves of nationalism and suspicion sweep across America, Marina Tagawa and her family are forced to abandon their home and are relocated to an internment camp because of their Japanese roots.  Proud to be an American and distraught to be treated as an enemy, Marina struggles to accept her family's treatment by fellow Americans.  Told in verse, Dust of Eden reveals the painful and harsh realities of individuals forced to reside in Japanese Internment camps during World War II. 

Reaction:  Dust of Eden is beautifully and starkly written, and the child's voice shines through the narrative poetry in a way that highlights a child's innocent view of the world that is shattered by the ugly realities of prejudice.  Despite the ugliness of how the Japanese Americans are treated, Dust of Eden also shows how finding beauty, even in impossible circumstances, is anything but impossible.  Dust of Eden is a thought-provoking, lyrical, and painful read.

If You Liked...  Out of the Dust, Monster, or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, then Dust of Eden should be another book on your bookshelf!

Rating:  5 stars

Teacher Notes:  There is a shortage of high-quality, meaningful, and authentic voices in historical fiction, and Dust of Eden is an excellent addition to a classroom library or book group.  This is a quick, subtle read that would be appropriate in a wide span of grade levels, from elementary through middle school, and could be used for a variety of purposes, including interdisciplinary instruction between English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Daughter of Camelot, by Glynis Cooney

Empire of Shadows #1
Mabon Publishing
ISBN:  978098135009
September 2013
Young Adult

Against a backdrop of the Dark Ages and the end of the Arthurian era, author Glynis Cooney introduces fourteen year old Deirdre, who longs for adventure, despite her gender.  All Deirdre wants to do is to live a life of glory, comparable to the lives of the knights who serve King Arthur, and when she is sent to a neighboring kingdom to learn how to be a lady, Deirdre is extremely disappointed.  When news of Lancelot’s betrayal of King Arthur spreads throughout the kingdom, it becomes clear that the kings are willing to take advantage of Arthur’s weakness.  Determined to provide the king with vital information, Deirdre sets off on a quest that will change her life.

DAUGHTER OF CAMELOT is a fantasy based on Arthurian legends, and the tale is written in a manner that expects the reader to have some understanding of the Arthurian legends themselves, as well as the unrest of the time period.  The rise of the Christian church and the persecution of the Druids, the treatment of women and vassals, in addition to political intrigue are embedded through this complex young adult novel.  As the first in the series, the book establishes characters, setting, and a few different mysteries, some of which are deliberately left unanswered at the end of the tale.  I really liked the authentic “feel” of this book, the banter of the characters, and Deirdre’s naïve nature that slowly matures over the course of events.  If you enjoy Julia Golding’s DRAGONFLY or Kristin Cashore’s GRACELING, then DAUGHTER OF CAMELOT is going to be right up your alley – this entertaining fantasy has all the right elements of its genre:   a strong heroine, epic travels, unusual companions, and hints of magic.  Highly enjoyable!

Rating:  3