Books for Teens

During 1935, Moose’s family moves to Alcatraz island after his father gets a job working at the jail.  His sister, Natalie, has mental deficiencies and his mother is trying to get her some help with her condition.  His father has to work constantly to keep up with the bills for Natalie’s tutors and special schooling.  When his mother is forced to take a job giving piano lessons to help cover the costs, it becomes Moose’s responsibility to take care of Natalie after school.  The other children on the island befriend Moose, but immediately he sees that Piper, the warden’s daughter, is in charge.  If he doesn’t keep her happy she immediately tells Moose she will tell her father about Natalie.  Moose hates to have anyone pick on his sister, so even though he hates to break the rules he goes along with Piper’s schemes.  Her first scheme is to make money from the mainland school kids by selling the opportunity to have their laundry done by prisoners such as Al Capone.  Everything seems to go fine until one of the parents finds out and complains to the warden.  Moose is punished even though his only role is that he knew about the plan and did nothing to stop it.  The warden tells him if he messes up again Moose’s family will be kicked off the island. 

Moose’s mom tries everything to get Natalie help.  Many people try to convince her to institutionalize Natalie.  When a special school will not accept Natalie, his mother arranges for Ms. Kelly to start tutoring her.  Natalie starts improving.  The more time she spends with Moose, doing everyday things such as playing and walking around the island, the more she improves.  Moose feel’s overwhelmed at times by her demanding nature.  Natalie has to have things done in a certain way.  Birds have to be counted, people have to walk single file.  Moose’s new friends on the island, Theresa, Anne, Jimmy and Piper, accept Natalie and treat her like a human being. When the Esther P. Marinoff school does accept Natalie in their special school, Moose goes to special tactics and enlists the help of Al Capone. He types out a letter asking Capone to help him, because Moose says if anyone can help Al Capone can. With the help of Piper he slips his letter in the inmates’ incoming mail. Before long Moose’s family receives a phone call stating that Natalie will be allowed to come to the new Marinoff school for older children. In the end, Moose goes to put on his shirt and sees a note attached to it with the single word “DONE” printed on it. I just loved this book. I had been curious about reading it because of the title. I am so glad I did. Getting insight into the life of a family with a disabled child is very interesting. Also Alcatraz has always captivated me. I especially enjoyed the historical notes at the end of the novel, they answered many questions for me.

Let me start by saying I love, love, love this book. It is a book that requires more than a simple read. It requires depth of thought. Often I enjoy teen books as a means to become lost in the the easy going nature of the story line or the thrill of young love or to get lost in fantastical lands. This book was so much more. The story takes place in Nazi Germany during the height of Hitler’s power. It is told by Death. He recounts how he first met the main character and follows her throughout her life. Hearing this story through the eyes of Death makes it seem so unique and interesting. Death gives you clues throughout the reading of things to come. However, still I found myself mesmerized longing to know exactly how and why things happen on Himmel Street. Leisel, the main character, is abandoned at the start of the story. Immediately we feel sorry for her as she is dropped off at a foster home. Her “mama” is always berating her. Later we find out that she only does this as a sign of affection. Perhaps she does not know how to show her affection in any other way. Her new family is poor, however despite this her foster father takes in a Jew to hide in their basement. Their family risks everything to hide and protect him. At first little has changed besides having to split their food rations in four instead of three. However, before long the war hits closer to home and Leisel’s family faces bombings in their city. This novel is about great suffering and the importance of hope in the face of adversity. Will their family be caught? Will the bombs hit their home? Who will survive and who has Death come to take? Leisel must face all these things, plus deal with first time love. I longed for Leisel and Rudy to have their first kiss. But will they get their chance before Death comes to visit their street. Be sure to check out this book to find out the answers.

Amari is a 15 year old girl from the Ashanti tribe in Africa. One morning her tribe is viciously attacked by slave traders. Her family is murdered and she is taken away to enter the world of slavery. She is bought by a wealthy land owner as a gift for his 16 year son’s birthday. Amari is assigned to Polly, an indentured white girl, for looking after. Gradually Amari learns to read and speak English. When the plantation owner’s wife gives birth to a black child, Amari and Polly do everything they can to try to cover it up for her. Her husband finds out and they are severely punished. Amari is to be sold to a brothel. On her way to be sold, she and Polly escape. They must travel a great distance to reach Fort Mose a safe haven for runaway slaves. A reward is posted for their capture. Against all odds they never lose hope. This touching story takes us into the reality of slavery and how hope and determination can help you overcome any obstacles.