This month I read three fine YA novels:
Recently, I got to read one of the best books I've come across in some time: WINGER, by Andrew Smith. This powerful novel takes place at a boarding school, and showcases attitudes towards coming of age, dealing with dating, and issues of sexual identity. Ryan Dean West, a fourteen-year-old junior at the top of his class, is not gay and he tells us so many times. As do many of the other boys living at Pine Mountain school. But one of their rugby teammates is, and the credo is to accept anyone on the team without question. Winger tells a heart-wrenching tale with plenty of humor. Ryan Dean is far from perfect, but at least he's willing to learn.
THREATENED, by Eliot Schrefer 
, describes one boy's struggle to survive in the jungle with an adopted family of chimpanzees. With his mother and sister dead, Luc is alone on the streets of Franceville, Gabon, in Africa. When Prof shows up, at first all Luc sees is an opportunity to steal a locked case full of valuables. But Luc is offered a job, and a way out of Franceville, so he agrees to help Prof study chimpanzees. Almost as soon as they enter the jungle, they encounter a family of chimps who are both endearing and aggressive. While Prof prefers to watch and take notes, Luc finds himself drawn into the dynamic of his new neighbors. He learns how to communicate with the "mock men," and finds himself becoming increasingly involved with Drummer, Mango, and the other chimps nesting nearby. The complex plot and exotic setting provide a nice background for thoughts on preservation of the species.
And then there is BELLE EPOQUE, by Elizabeth Ross
, who is an SCBWI Success Story in the current Bulletin. Belle Epoque describes the strange practice of hiring an unattractive woman as a foil to make oneself look better, apparently popular in late 1800s France. When Maud Pinchon runs from an arranged marriage in Brittany to the freedom and romance of Paris, she finds life harder than she ever imagined. Unable to find work, she eventually lands a job with the Durandeau Agency, and is placed with the Countess Dubern. Her job? To look homely, thereby making the Countess's daughter Isabelle shine ever brighter to potential husbands.
And three notable picture books:
There's much to admire in
THE WATERMELON SEED, by Greg Pizzoli. I love the bold simplicity of the art, which is printed in three colors only--apparently red, black, and green are the only colors needed to tell the story of a crocodile who swallows a watermelon seed. The short, lively text would be a hoot to read aloud in a group setting, but be prepared for a burping contest. Really nicely done, winner of this year's Geisel Award.
HERMAN AND ROSIE, by Gus Gordon, is a beautiful tribute to falling in love, set in a vibrant New York City. Herman (yes, another crocodile, but this one plays the oboe) and Rosie (a deer who sings jazz) manage to live and work near each other and still avoid meeting, until one fateful day. . . .
And finally there's 
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? by Eric Carle and Friends. In this one, fourteen of the best children's book artists working today answer the question with a double spread containing art and a short story. Very appealing, and I found it interesting to see the different ways each of the fourteen approached the assignment.
--Lynn
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