Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd

In 1981, the height of Ireland's "Troubles," eighteen-year-old Fergus is distracted from his upcoming A-level exams by his imprisoned brother's hunger strike, the stress of being a courier for Sinn Fein, and dreams of a murdered girl whose body he discovered in a bog.

Is something set in the 1980s old enough to be considered historical fiction? It felt like historical fiction.--it felt like it should have been in a much earlier setting. I liked the subplot about the Hunger Strike almost as much as the finding of the child's body in the bog.

Rating: 8 of 10.

Peeled by Joan Bauer

In an upstate New York farming community, high school reporter Hildy Biddle investigates a series of strange occurrences at a house rumored to be haunted.

I wasn't as fond of this novel as I have been other Joan Bauer works. The whole thing seemed weak and contrived. I liked the description of the town and enjoyed the whole play on the "apple" theme. I just can't imagine anyone getting so excited about a school newspaper.

Hush by Donna Jo Napoli

Fifteen-year-old Melkorka, an Irish princess, is kidnapped by Russian slave traders and not only learns how to survive but to challenge some of the brutality of her captors, who are fascinated by her apparent muteness and the possibility that she is enchanted.

There's a lot to like about this book....historical fiction set in early Ireland, strong female character faced with very difficult changes, good storytelling. I really liked the book. I doubt if it will have many student readers, but I enjoyed it.

Rating: 8 of 10.

Broken Moon by Kim Antieau

When her little brother is kidnapped and taken from Pakistan to race camels in the desert, eighteen-year-old Nadira overcomes her own past abuse and, dressed as a boy and armed with knowledge of the powerful storytelling of the legendary Scheherazade, is determined to find and rescue him.

The story had a historical fiction feel, but yet there were computers and televisions mentioned. I'll admit that I am a sucker for the poor, strong female overcoming huge obstacles type of book. Set in Pakistan it involves customs that are foreign to us. The story started out strong, but I felt the ending was too "pat". This was an enjoyable read, but not a great one. Unfortunately, I will probably not be able to get any students to read this book...they don't seem to be interested in anything "multi-cultural".

Rating: 8 of 10

Cupid by Julius Lester

Cupid, the spoiled and mischievous god of love, is attracted to and marries the beautiful mortal, Psyche, and both learn many lessons about the nature of love.

I had a student recommend this book to me and I thought I would like it....but I didn't. The narrator irritated me...just get on with the story! I think the whole problem is that I thought the narrator was full of himself and I just didn't like him! I enjoyed the plot, but it wasn't enough to overcome my aversion to the narrator.

Rating: 7 of 10