I know – it’s the end of December and there are still gifts to be bought! Don’t fret. If you need a present for a kid in your life, don’t get toys or, heaven forbid, candy! Check out these great books instead.
Skinny, by Donna Cooner (contemporary young adult )
Based on the author’s own experience with gastric bypass surgery, Skinny tells the story of 15 year-old Ever Davies who weighs 302 pounds and feels like a freak. As if the dirty looks from kids at school aren’t enough, she has “Skinny”, kind of like a “goth Tinkerbell”, hissing depreciating words in her head. My daughter found this book by chance at a school book fair and shared it with me. I’ve not seen much hype about this novel, which is too bad, because it deserves attention.
Cooner beautifully articulates the wounded feelings of her teenaged protagonist. The dialogue from all characters, including Skinny, pierces with bittersweet accuracy. I haven’t had to struggle much with weight gain, but I have worked in the fitness industry, and I know that weight management is a complex issue complicated by emotions and expectations. Skinny highlights these issues without preaching and encourages empathy for kids who struggle with being different.
Skinny also demonstrates the danger of listening to negative voices that crush our self-esteem. Ever, the protagonist, damages several relationships in her life because she believes Skinny’s hateful words. The novel is loosely based on the transformative story of Cinderella, but the references are slight enough that they bring depth, not cheese, to Skinny’s themes and message.
Here’s a quote so you can appreciate the great voice of this novel:
“Ever Davies,” the teacher calls out. “Will you tackle problem number 17?”
It isn’t a request. I’m trapped. Inside and outside my body. I push my way out of the chair, which clings to me like a big inner tube, and start up the aisle.
The Green Glass Sea, by Ellen Klages (middle grade historical fiction)
In 1943, 11-year-old Dewey Kerrigan must go to live with her long absent father in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Her papa, who’s been away for work, not for lack of love for his daughter, is working on a top-secret project for the government. You can guess what it is.
This is a character driven novel, well written and best suited for readers who enjoy great description and thoughtful characters. Although the shadow of The Manhattan Project always hangs over the narrative, Klages focuses primarily on how kids relate to each other and cope with loss.
Dewey is a bright, inquisitive child who is often misunderstood by her peers. I love that she is a girl who likes to solve problems and learn about math and science; we need more protagonists like her out there.
I listened to the audio book version, and the story felt slow in audible form. The print version would allow for more savoring and enjoyment.
The Amulet of Samarkand, Bartimaeus Trilogy #1, by Jonathan Stroud (middle grade fantasy)
If you like fantasy, especially the Artemis Fowl series, then you will enjoy this magical adventure with the great djinni Bartimaeus and his naive but persistent master, Nathaniel. Motivated by revenge, Nathaniel, a young magician in training, summons Bartimaeus to steal a precious magical object. His plan gets him into serious danger.
The Amulet mixes action with character development to keep this story flying, although towards the end I was ready for it to be over. (One crisis too many, you know? But I’m more of a character girl.) Bartimaeus speaks with dry wit that sharp readers will enjoy. And although he’s pompous and primarily interested in self-preservation, I like Bartimaeus, much like I enjoy dear Artemis.
I also listened to this on audio book, and the narrator, Simon Jones, keeps things entertaining with various voices and a gift for sarcasm.
Do any of those appeal? I hope so! Happy shopping.
Can you add any other Kid Lit titles to this list of suggestions? Have you read any of these books?
Favorite Books of 2014
Don’t forget to tell me about your favorite book from 2014 so that you can enter to win a Postertext print. More details at my Favorite Books post.
Julia
Great list, Julia. The girls and I will shop for books right after Christmas. I’d love for them to pick one out to read during the break, and will suggest these titles!
I hope your girls will find something they like. If you need more ideas, just let me know. I’m happy to help. 😉