Lucy Long Ago by Catherine Thimmesh

Grades 4 and up--

Lucy Long Ago tells the story of one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century: the uncovering of “Lucy”: the “oldest, most complete fossil skeleton ever found.” The book begins with the discovery of the bones in 1974 and traces the scientific research that followed. It is an intriguing combination of science and imagination written in an engaging narrative style.

Intended audience: Elementary or middle school students interested in evolution, science, anthropology or just generally curious about the world we live in.

Audience to whom it may appeal: This book has the potential to engage young and old audience alike with it’s clear explanations, vivid graphics and images and accessible story structure.

Strengths: Though the book is nonfiction, it is written in a narrative style so it has the potential to appeal to a variety of readers as informative as well as entertaining. The pictures and graphics are well done and help the reader to better understand the scientific research that went into Lucy’s discovery and subsequent theories about the history of humanity.

Weaknesses: Some of the science jargon could be a bit off-putting to lower level readers or those with minimal science education. In a way, it might be considered a challenge to creationism, which might bring about requests for removal in certain districts.

Special considerations: This book very much describes science consistent with Darwin (and others’) theory of evolution and could potentially face challenges from parents who prefer their children to focus on their religious teachings of creationism.

VERDICT: I think Lucy Long Ago would make an excellent addition to any elementary, middle or even high school library. Its unique content, vivid graphics and images and narrative style make it a great book for kids of all ages.

Sex: A Book for Teens by Nikol Hasler

Ages 15 and up--

Intended audience: This book is written for teenagers who are curious about sex, whether or not they are having it or plan to have it.

Audience to whom it may appeal: Although the content may appeal to a younger audience, I think would be difficult to convince a K-8 or younger library to carry this book. It could also appeal to adults who have lingering questions about sex. (I learned a lot!)

Strengths: This book is very straightforward with facts, figures and clear explanations. It is also inclusive of various sexualities and gender identities. The author incorporates humor as well, which could help to alleviate some of the awkwardness of reading such a book.  There are also many resources (websites, phone numbers) for learning more about safe sex including the possibility of STIs and teen pregnancy.

Weaknesses: The cover, style, and content of this book could be construed as giving permission or even promoting teens to have sex. There is also the potential for bits and pieces (chapter titles, cartoons) of the book to be taken out of context and misconstrued. Although the purpose of the book is to inform, I can foresee potential challenges to its forthright (and potentially encouraging) nature.

Special considerations: Clear explanations of sex in all of its variations including GLBT, as well as thorough objective descriptions of the spectrum of gender identities. This may be a book that, although not labeled “reference,” might not wander far from its shelf, though incurring frequent perusal from curious patrons.  

VERDICT: Although the chance of challenge might be high, I would still promote the selection of this book in a high school media center. It is a humorous look at an awkward topic and has the potential to be extremely informative in an area that is often considered taboo. I think that the (mostly) objective explanatory style of the book would be an excellent addition to the library collection.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Grades 8 and up--

Although Between Shades of Gray is a narrative capturing the horrors of WWII, it is unlike any other period novel I've ever read. This is the tale of the Baltics under the reign of Stalin, specifically tracing the journey of 15-year-old Lina and her family as they are deported from their home country (Lithuania) and dragged through Siberia into the frozen tundra if the Arctic Circle.

Intended audience: High school students interested in WWII history.

Audience to whom it may appeal: People of all ages, those interested in art, persevering through life's most unbearable struggles, family and history.

Strengths: The novels two biggest doorways are its story--wanting to know the fate of its characters-- and the characters themselves. Sepetys names few characters, Lina's family and three or four others, while the others are given nicknames such as “the bald man” and “the grouchy woman” which allows the reader to truly experience the events of the novel through Lina's eyes.

Weaknesses: The graphic descriptions of the conditions and violence they experience is quite intense and might be a turn-off for some readers. The ending is also quite abrupt and unexpected which might leave readers whose main doorway was characters a bit disappointed.

Special considerations: Prior knowledge of WWII history is critical to a full understanding of the context. Some Russian is used, but most often defined in context.

VERDICT: Due to the graphic nature and violence of the subject matter, this book best fits in a high school media center where students might be better able to contextualize the events of the novel. High school is also often the time during which WII is taught at length in history classes. This book will engage and likely elicit a visceral reaction from thoughtful readers. It is an important book to have on the shelf, not only for its unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history, but for the beauty and strength of its characters.