The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

A Small Fact: You are going to die. So begins the tale of Liesel Meminger, the Book Thief, narrated by Death himself; the story of a girl in Nazi Germany whose world will never be the same.

Liesel is an orphan in a world at war, adopted by warm-hearted accordionist Hans Hubermann and his stringent wife Rosa into their life on Himmel Street. Liesel's only possession is a book taken from the tomb of her brother, The Gravedigger’s Handbook. Set apart by her ancestry in a post-World War I Germany, Liesel finds friendship with neighborhood scoundrel Rudy Steiner, and education through her adoptive father. Being taught in secret by Hans to read her stolen books, she soon develops an immense appreciation for words and their descriptive power. But everything changes once the Hubermann’s must hide Max, a Jewish fist-fighter, from their Nazi community, a man who will define the way Liesel sees her world. As the years go by, Liesel and Max become close friends and their secret is kept, but every secret must come to an end. Death, after all, forgets none.

I have read few historical fiction books in my time, and even fewer as influential as The Book Thief. As a story told through Death’s eyes, I gained a compelling window into the lives of a family that must constantly mask its beliefs from those of their Nazi-supporting neighbors. The stress of a warring nation is mirrored in the little people of Himmel Street; a much clearer picture than any history text. Death is a simple narrator, patient, agreeable, but painfully straightforward in the passing of characters.

Readers can expect to be emotionally pulled and prodded through every page of this heart-wrenchingly honest tale. Needless to say, The Book Thief is not for the young, with intense themes and provoking questions that only adolescents and above will comprehend and appreciate. Despite the turmoil of the era, violence and bloodshed are minimal, and the higher age rating is due simply to the intellectual age of the book itself. Recommended to readers of historical fiction, books about the Holocaust, dramas, and those who seek other ways to look at the world.

Randoms by David Liss

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

There is absolutely nothing special about Ezekiel Reynolds. Stumbling through middle school life with a sick mother and a deceased sci-fi-obsessed father, Zeke has enough to worry about before he is forcibly inducted into the greatest foreign exchange program in human history—alien contact. Four juvenile delegates from Earth have been chosen to represent their world’s candidacy in an intergalactic coalition: The Confederation of United Planets.

To best represent the diversity of the planet, three representatives are handpicked prodigies while one is indiscriminately selected from the billions—a Random.
Along with two other representing worlds, the Earthen delegates must prove their civilization through the gaining of skill points; a measuring system for an individual’s contributions to society. Success will grant Earth invaluable technology, knowledge, and resources as well as upgrades to the body-enhancing nanites all delegates receive; failure, the rejection of the world from consideration. Deemed unnecessary by his peers, Zeke quickly teams up with attractive, tech-savvy feline Tamret and carjacker reptilian Steve to rack up skill points, armed only with his considerable sci-fi knowledge and his hacked nanites. But when an accidental dispute with the Confederation’s longtime aggressor flares tensions, the Randoms find themselves in the center of a political conspiracy that runs deeper than anything they could have ever imagined.

I found the character of Zeke to be refreshingly human in his struggles to fit in with his diverse peers. Even with so many other interesting beings integrated in the story, Zeke still manages to shine through as a lovable and engaging protagonist in his quest for the galaxy and his friends.

No doubt about it, Randoms is one for the nerds, with several Star Wars, Star Trek, and Firefly references only true fans will recognize. Science-fiction lovers will find themselves quickly caught up in the vast network of the Confederation and the logic behind the gadgetry.

Unpredictable and enticing, readers will find themselves drawn in until the thrilling conclusion. Recommended for ages 12 and up, fans of science-fiction, and action-adventure.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

For centuries, the fairy People have hidden undisturbed from the perils of humanity--that is, until one criminal mastermind dares to con them of their wealth. The catch? He’s only 12.

Artemis Fowl is many things; a criminal, a millionaire, and a child prodigy, but he is no fool. So, when he attempts the impossible, cheating a fairy of their gold, he is well prepared for anything the People have to counter--until they change the rules. Artemis Fowl delivers superbly, from the brilliant mind games and ploys, to the compelling, diverse nature of the players, and the vast magnitude of the hidden Fairy world, one which is both believable and imaginative. Fowl serves as an enticing, yet diabolical character; one will easily empathize with the boyish sentiments behind the calculating genius. Supporting characters Butler and Juliet shine in their immense trust of their young charge, and the charismatic presence of Commander Root will be sure to bring a smile. The brightest player, though, is undoubtedly the spunky Holly Short, whose street smarts and gut instincts provide a perfect contrast to the scheming mind of the young master Fowl.

In short, Artemis Fowl is recommended to young readers over the age of 11-12, fans of detective dramas, heist stories, fantasy adventure, and anyone intrigued by the summary.
Language count is at a minimum, and hardly a problem excepting the concerned parent; at least one count of ‘damn’, ‘dammit’ , and ‘hell’ each; a fairy fill-in cuss word “D’Arvit’ is quoted at times.

Drugs/Alcohol; A fairy drinks whiskey, another has a habit of smoking. Sleeping pills are taken with champagne in a scene, but is a minor part of a scene, the major emphasis is elsewhere. Truth serum is spoken of/administered. Dock workers illegally roll cigarettes in a brief scene. In all honesty, book content should be treated separately than film content, and all of the above, including language mentioned are small turns of phrase, such as ‘he lit a cigar’ and easily overlooked in the grand story.

Violence: Nothing above a PG-13 equivalent rating. A character is nearly mauled to death, with graphic language at a medium.

Adult Content; None.

Spiritual/Religious themes: Magic is naturally a major part of the story, but is treated more as a currently inexplicable science, and seen as a natural ability of the fairy kind. Fairies all possess a Book that holds their laws and could be seen as a ‘fairy bible’. Fairies also have a limited amount of magic that is refilled through ‘The Ritual’ which involves a brief chant and superstitious tie-ins; while a critical portion of the story, superstitions and religion are not present.

Concepts to discuss; The character development and morality of Artemis Fowl and his decisions serve as excellent discussion material for children and teens alike to consider.

For the Teen readers; Childish and toilet-level humor are present in small doses to appeal to a younger audience, particularly showcased in the magical abilities of one character, but it is kept minimal.