Edgy New Novel Based On 12 Dancing Princesses
I love fairy tale retellings! Jessica Day George’s Princess of the Midnight Ball is a fun, edgy version of the Brother’s Grimm’s Twelve Dancing Princesses. Young soldier, Galen just finished fighting a war and is returning to a home he’s never known. His parents are long gone so he travels to seek kindness and employment from his Uncle’s family. He has a talent for knitting. Which when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. You are in the army, you want socks or a scarf, you better know how to knit. On the road he encounters a strange old woman who gives him two balls of special yarn and an invisibility cloak. She tells him he will need this when he’s in the palace. Of course he has no idea what she is talking about. His purpose becomes clear as he takes a job working beside his Uncle in the King’s gardens. Strange rumors circle around his twelve daughters. Each morning they leave their room exhausted with their shoes worn through. No one sees them leave and no one hears a peep coming from their rooms. The King becomes desperate. He invites princes from around the world to solve the mystery. Not one succeeds and one by one they all die from terrible accidents. Galen thinks he might know what’s going on and with the help of the old woman’s gifts; he tries to save the princesses.
This story is told from Galen’s male perspective, which makes for an interesting change. George beautifully describes both the underworld and the King’s gardens. I love the way the princesses are not wimpy, instead they help Galen save themselves. I also love that Galen’s knitting is a big part of the plot. This skill is what helps him solve the problem, locking the evil down below.
Some ideas for discussion with teens:
Talk about the differences between the original 12 Dancing Princesses and this retelling.
Talk about how Galen knits. Why does it seem weird that a boy would knit? Talk about how this skill helps him win in the end.
Talk about the stronger princesses, why is this so rare?
House of Night Book 4 – Untamed
Ok, I almost gave up part way through this one. The twins really did get on my last nerves. But later on I was hooked once again and enjoyed the last part of the book. I am glad I stuck with it.
A new character, Stark, is introduced. He has a rare gift that makes him a renowned archer. Is his transfer to Oklahoma’s House of Night part of Neferet’s evil plan? MWaa Haa Haa Haa! You bet!
Zoey makes up with her friends and reveals the much changed Stevie Rae. An even more powerful priestess comes to House of Night, and the Goddess Nyx makes an appearance to Zoey and Aphrodite. We learn the extent of Neferet’s evil plan. I love how Zoey’s grandmother becomes involved.
Some ideas for discussing with teens:
1. What should Zoey have shared with the powerful high priestess?
2. Talk about the new friendship between Zoey and Neferet. Can old enemies become friends? Have you ever had that happen?
3. Should Zoey have gotten her grandmother involved?
4. Where do you think the story is going with the red fledglings?
5. Who do you think murdered the professors?
The fifth House of Night book – Hunted comes out on March 10th.
If Your Teens Loved Twilight – Impossible by Nancy Werlin Is A Good Book To Pass Along
Lucy Scarborough is part of a long line of cursed women who become pregnant at age 17. Once the baby is born they descend into madness. When a supernatural creature enters the lives of Lucy and her foster family, he sets the ancient curse into motion. Lucy must complete three impossible tasks to break the curse and keep her sanity. The book is inspired by the folk song “Scarborough Fair.” Lucy is lucky she has the support of her family as they help her attempt the three tasks.
I suggest this book to Twilight lovers because of the supernatural element. Also the boy who loves Lucy is almost too good to be true. The girls who love Edward will enjoy Zach’s character. My supervisor, Kristin said it best, when she said “fairies are more likely to exist than this guy.” Zach loves her and stands by her even though she is pregnant with another man’s child. I think characters like Edward and Zach may give teenage girls higher standards to look for in boyfriends, which is not a bad thing! Impossible is a really interesting story. When I suggested this book to teens in my high school book group they were very excited!
Some ideas for discussing with teens:
1. Read the song lyrics to Scarborough Fair. Discuss what they think the song means.
2. What do the teens think is going on when the women go mad? We get a glimpse later in the book. What do they think is happening to the women’s minds as they are enslaved by the Elfin Knight?
3. Is Zach realistic? Do they know any boys like him? What should they expect from boyfriends?
4. Talk about the three tasks. How would they go about solving the riddle?
Susanne Collins The Hunger Games left me wanting more!
Most of you who know me have heard me gush about Unwind! It was one of my favorite YA novels of last year. When I mention it, people ask if I’ve read the The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins. I finally have! It surpassed all my expectations. I wanted something that would hook and disturb me as much as Unwind. AND IT DID!
Katniss lives in a world that was once the U.S. It is now an oppressive society run by the Capital. The Capital rules 12 Districts with intense fear, not unlike 1984. Katniss lives in District 12 which appears to be what’s left of West Virginia. Food is scarce there. After her father dies in a mining accident, Katniss takes up his job as hunter to keep her mother and little sister, Prim fed.
Each year a boy and a girl between the ages of 12-18 from each district must compete in the Hunger Games. It is a reality TV show where the children fight to the death on live television. The children and their families have no choice in this matter. Each year the names of the contestants, or tributes as they are called in the book, are drawn out of bowls on live television. This year the girl is Prim, Katniss’s sister. Knowing this is a death sentence for her sweet sister, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and a boy named Peeta are carted off to the capital where they become instant celebrities with stylists and plenty of good food and luxury. The difference between what Katniss had to eat in District 12 and at the Capital is staggering. Her relationship with Peeta is complicated, which could keep her alive or become the most dangerous part of the game.
One of the things that struck me in the callousness the Hunger Games people treat the tributes. They actually think the tributes should be grateful for this opportunity. The tributes must perform like trained dogs to entertain the Capital audience with interviews and an opening ceremony much like the Olympics. The Hunger Games people remind me of the doctors in Unwind. They are performing horrific acts against fellow human beings, children no less, and barely bat an eye. If you remember, the nurse is not the least bit bothered while she is talking to a boy while he is being unwound. She doesn’t care. How can she think of him as a fellow human being?
It also makes me think a lot about reality TV. We don’t kill people (yet) but we do enjoy their misery and humiliation. Just watch how Simon Cowell reduces kids to tears. We all laugh, but it is still cruel.
There are not any slow spots in this book. I was engulfed the entire time. The characters stick with you and the ending leaves you wanting more. Some ideas for discussing with teens:
1. How does the Hunger Games compare with reality TV? Are today’s audiences as callous as the people in the Capital? People don’t usually die, but viewers take delight in their humiliation.
2. We think District 12 may be somewhere around West Virginia. What do you think your district would be like in your part of the country?
3. Talk about Katniss’s strategy. Is she using Peeta? Or is he using her?
4. What do you think the Capital will do to Katniss after the games?
5. How would you survive in the arena? What would be your weapon of choice?
6. Talk about the pagentry of sporting events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl. How do they compare to the Hunger Games?
Thank goodness this a trilogy! The sequel, Catching Fire, will be released in September of 2009. I can’t wait!
I Love Young Adult Literature!
I am excited to share my favorites with you. Please comment and tell me what you think!
