Thursday, January 14, 2010
New Book Suggestions
Any ideas? I'm looking for something relatively short - I know - I sound like one of the kids. "The Green Glass Sea" was recommended by our librarian. It has a female protagonist and is historical fiction. It is focused on science which I thought might be a since shift. Real sceince not twirling and spinning centipede like creatures:) Let me know your thoughts.
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"The Green Glass Sea" is supposed to be quite good. I would be totally into it. The current batch of 8th graders had it read out loud to them last year; my son loved it. They also read the sequel, but, apparently, it wasn't quite as memorable. Another idea that might be cool is "The Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld (if not now, then perhaps later). It is an alternative steampunk version of World War I, so it might be a fun thing to teach after the real events are covered in social studies. Even though it clocks in at over 400 pages, at least a third of it is illustrations (which are wonderful). Here is the blurb from Amazon:
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 7 Up—This is World War I as never seen before. The story begins the same: on June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated, triggering a sequence of alliances that plunges the world into war. But that is where the similarity ends. This global conflict is between the [German] Clankers, who put their faith in machines, and the [British] Darwinists, whose technology is based on the development of new species. After the assassination of his parents, Prince Aleksandar's people turn on him. Accompanied by a small group of loyal servants, the young Clanker flees Austria in a Cyklop Stormwalker, a war machine that walks on two legs. Meanwhile, as Deryn Sharp trains to be an airman with the British Air Service, she prays that no one will discover that she is a girl. She serves on the Leviathan, a massive biological airship that resembles an enormous flying whale and functions as a self-contained ecosystem. When it crashes in Switzerland, the two teens cross paths, and suddenly the line between enemy and ally is no longer clearly defined. The ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel, and that's a good thing because readers will be begging for more. Enhanced by Thompson's intricate black-and-white illustrations, Westerfeld's brilliantly constructed imaginary world will capture readers from the first page. Full of nonstop action, this steampunk adventure is sure to become a classic.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO END
What in the world does "steampunk" mean? And then, of course, there is "alternative steampunk." ??? Where do these phrases come from and who is supposed to relate to them besides literary academia? And if I don't understand the ultimate definition why would I want to read it? Sorry, but I'm just full of questions today.
Sorry for the confusion. I guess if one is into science fiction and lives in the world of young adult lit (by virtue of having a boy child :-)), these terms are sort of second nature. Let me try to explain, starting with a definition of steampunk (from Wikipedia, hopefully nobody is offended).
"Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction and speculative fiction, frequently featuring elements of fantasy, that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of "the path not taken" of such technology as dirigibles, analog computers, or digital mechanical computers (such as Charles Babbage's Analytical engine); these frequently are presented in an idealized light, or with a presumption of functionality."
The above is a pretty good definition, especially since it mentions the "alternative history" aspect of the steampunk genre (as opposed to real history). As to why anyone would want to read this type of literature - personal preference, intriguing ideas, "what ifs", and so on. I happen to love this genre, but I have always been partial to it (I had read everything Jules Verne ever wrote by the time I was 12...)
Sharon, I'm so excited you joined. The kids had to explain steampunk to me as well although I think Elina's explanation makes great sense. One book my students always refer to is "The Golden Compass" when they want to talk about steampunk. Last year was the first time I had ever heard the phrase. Elina, I am totally not offended by Wikipedia. Just don't tell our librarian. She would be so upset with me. I have started "The Green Glass Sea" I'm excited for a female protagonist:)
I just finished When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. It just won the Newbery Medal and it is a gem. The characters are engaging and the plot is unique. I haven't been a fan of the past few medal winners but this one shines. There is something for everyone-mystery, science fiction, realistic fiction, adventure. What I loved most is the author's writing style. The book is complex but the language and style are so accessible.
I totally agree with Lazy Daisies (really cute name, BTW :-)) – "When You Reach Me" is a gem. Especially for those kids who love Madeleine L'Engle. And it's nice to have a science fiction-y book with a girl at the center.
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