We Are Not Alone

Earth & Sky
By Megan Crewe

Skylar, 17, is bothered by passing feelings that parts of the world around her are wrong. When it happens, she has panic attacks. Then she meets Win. Suddenly her whole life is explained to her and the answer is both cool and terrifying at the same time.

ALIENS!

No seriously. Aliens. And time travel. This book was such a happy surprise!


Ok, clarification - generic without spoilers, I promise. Our planet is the subject of alien experimentation. Whenever Skylar feels something wrong, that's because they have been interfering. They mess with time.

Win is a part of the rebels who want to end this interference. So yes, he is alien. Having fun yet?

Crewe took this really cool idea and turned it into this crazy, time hopping chase between the rebels, the human Skylar, and the alien scientists. So neat!

How did she manage to create this story and keep it from being off-the wall cheesy? Her characters are believable and very flawed, details of the world are explained slowly (apart from one possible info-dumping section that I'm going to ignore because I loved this book so much), and her world is created with real science. In order to get the reader's mind around the complexities of time travel, Crewe was able to explain it in such a way that felt neither dumbed down nor overly unnecessary.

For the most part, the book focuses on the interactions between Win and Skylar. There's conflict - believeable conflict - between them, but also a mutual push to save the world.

My ooooone complaint. At the beginning of the book, I was pleased to be reading about a girl with anxiety issues. I was loving the way it was explained. Her coping mechanism was real and carried throughout the book. My complaint is that part of her anxiety is explained away by the alien interference. On one hand, wouldn't it be cool if all those with anxiety be given a logical (loosely logical... because aliens) reason as to their paralyzing panic attacks. On the other, it's a real issue that cannot be fixed that easily. The redeeming factor of this thread is that she continues to feel panic, even though now she knows what causes it and she retains her coping mechanism. In the grand scheme of things though, it's a minor complaint.

I'm a sucker for anything time travel related... so this book was right up my ally. AND, Megan Crewe is Canadian. Whoo Canadian writers!!!

Highly recommend for the young adult, sci-fi enthusiast.

4.5/5 STARS

Northern Land

Skraelings (Book 1: Arctic Moon Magick)
By Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley

Kunnujaq (kun-noo-yuq) drives his dogsled across the tundra alone. He has heard of the shy, strange Tuniit (too-neet) tribe, only a fable in stories from his elders. When he finds himself in the midst of a Tuniit tribe that's being attacked by murderous men he joins the Tuniit to save their tribe.

When I came across this book, I believed it to be fantasy folded in with Inuit myths and culture. It is not quite the case. It is fiction, but not fantasy. It is historical, based on the tribes of men that lived in the Arctic - where we might call Baffin Island today.

This book is incredible.

It starts as if you were sitting down around a fire and a narrator was beginning the story. It's informal and personal, asking the reader questions. This would do well for reading aloud. Then it switches to a more formal narrative when the story is being told. There are two layers to the telling.

I'd like to know if this tale is based on an Inuit tale. Unfortunately, there isn't a background for the conception of the book. However, there is a wonderful glossary at the back that gives the pronunciation, the words written in syllabics, the defition along with cultural significance. These all-new concepts were described so well, I immediately attached to the culture. I was fascinated.

Othering is a big topic in this book. Kunnujaq, the protagonist, is a solitary wanderer. He does not mind being alone. He then encounters a Tuniit tribe, people of the same land, but one he has never encountered before. They request his help and he is torn between helping them or continuing his wanderings. Then we have the Siaraili, the murderous invaders. They are pale and bearded, hailing from Gronland (Greenland). These are the vikings - the ones on the front cover of the book. Already we have more than one layer of others, foreigners, and Kunnujaq gives his honest reaction to each. It is what I liked the most of this book.

I liked Kunnujaq as the main character. He made very human decisions, not always right.

The story is a short one and I highly recommend it for anyone remotely interested in elements of the Inuit cultures, pre-colonial (before Europeans came and took over). Fascinating.

4/5 STARS

Classroom: Recommended highly. 79 pages, reads quickly. Suggested age group Grade 5-7.

Dragons Be Everywhere

The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim

By E.K. Johnston

In a parallel world, one like our own, there are dragons. With dragons comes dragon slayers. Tales are told of these brave men and women by loyal bards, sung in halls, passed down through the generations. Present day, the dragons are threatening the normalcy everyday living especially in rural Ontario, Canada. Here, our story teller, bard-in-training, Siobhan tells the story of Owen Thorskard, Dragon Slayer of Trondheim.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH, PERFECT! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!

Picked this one up at the library, completely random, excited for a story about dragons. Boy, what a find. Incredible. Honestly, I swear this book was written for me - music, dragons, Canada, history with a twist.


If I could pick one problem, the choice of calling the main character Siobhan. Constantly I had to remind myself that it was Chev-onne not Sie-Oh-Ban. How many people are familiar with this name. And there's no pronunciation guide.


A potential problem, that I really, REALLY enjoyed was the alternative history lessons. Think you knew WWII, think again. A book like this I savoured and didn't mind these stops in action.


LOOOOOVED it. And, the writing was impeccable. It was like a rich dessert, one that you love but have to eat slowly to savour it. I recommend this book to ANY dragon lover, young adult or adult.


Canada represent!


5/5 STARS


Classroom: Probably not... that won't stop me from recommending it to everyone!!!

3 for 1: Eagle Glenn Trilogy

Eagle Glen Trilogy

By KC Dyer

Seeds of Time (1)

After an accident that claims Darrell's foot and her father, she's struggling to find herself again. Her mother enrols her in a summer school, Eagle Glen. The teachers encourage self-exploration, developing each students' talents and expanding their interests. Darrell is immediately taken by the history classes – then suddenly she finds herself taken back to Medieval Scotland at the time of the Black Plague.

Time travel, mystery, and history. Loved it! Darrell is a relateable character. She's going through a hard time, but she is surrounded by people that want the best for her. She is curious as well as quick thinking.

4/5 STARS

Secret of Light (2)

Darrell has found a group of friends who embrace all her flaws. Deciding to spend the year at Eagle Glen while her mother is participating in Doctors without Borders, she encounters time travel once again. This time she meets someone she idolizes, Leonardo DaVinci... as a teenager.

While I liked this story, I didn't like it as much as the first. DaVinci was grating, understandably for the time period, and his views that women can't be artists angered Darrell. It brings out good discussions.

3/5 STARS

Shades of Red (3)

By far, the best of the three. Darrell and her friends find another portal in time that takes them to the time of the Spanish Inquisition and the court of Henry VIII. Entwining many issues materfully, Dyer is able to bring up religion and beliefs in a non-alienating way. It's historical, however, she makes it human.

When revealed the reason for the title of the book, I cried. The story was compelling and real. Incredibly recommended.

5/5 STARS

Classroom: I would push this series. I might read it out loud during the year. All three. They would tie in nicely in grade 6-8 social studies and current events. And, supporting a West Coast Canadian author!

Princesses, a Prince, and a Peasant, Oh, my!

Falling Kingdoms

By Morgan Rhodes

A high fantasy with multiple points of view, a complex world separated by differing interpretations of the same mythology, very real characters that are neither good nor bad, and plot that moves at breakneck speeds. Rhodes has written the story in such a way that we see all sides to the same story. It all depends on who sees it.

You have four main characters (as the back of the book blurb helpfully describes with my additions):

Princess – Cleiona, the most frustrating of the characters. She's a spoiled child that does what she wants. Only knowing a sheltered life of privilege until one day, things start happening. Not happy things. Her sister's health is failing, she becomes engaged to a drunk, and she is haunted after witnessing a marketplace murder.

Rebel – Jonas is enraged at the oppression of his country and people. His motives are driven by the sudden death of his brother and he finds himself sparking a revolution against the oppressing country. Blinded by anger, all decisions are vengeance based.

Heir – Magnus is rich, entitled, cold, and suffers the abuse of his father, the King of Blood. Cruelly treated since he was a child, he has become hard to bear the burden of being his father's son. The only light in his life is his sister. Wanting approval of his father, he will do anything.

Sorceress – Lucia is adopted by a royal family. Young and naive, she is the prophesied sorceress that will save the world. Of all the characters, she is the least rounded, but I assume she'll become a force in the second book.

I thoroughly enjoyed how complex Rhodes made this book. It was easy to follow, but the twists and turns made for an incredible reading experience. I admire how she was able to seamlessly pass one character's storyline onto the next without stalling the overall story. In fact, it takes real creative thinking to have these four characters encounter each other, especially being from different class systems.

Recommended to those who are wanting to delve into high fantasy, but feel too daunted by the 800 page tomes or 12 book series.

4/5 STARS

Classroom: This book could be acceptable in a classroom, however, fantasy is rarely used because of magic. Forgo this one, but recommend it to the struggling reader who wants to read Lord of the Rings or Song of Ice and Fire.

Fresh Fairy Tale

Keturah & Lord Death

By Martine Leavitt

Genre: Fantasy

A story of life and love, death and triumph. A fairy tale in an ordinary world with an extraordinary character at the heart of it.

Keturah is young and beautiful. When she ventures off into the forest, chasing the Lord's prized white Hart, she encounters Death. This is not the first time she has met him. He has been intrigued by her and he has followed her her whole life. However, this time he refuses to let her go. She uses quick thinking to tell him a tale, for she is a gifted story-teller, and refuses to tell him the ending unless he gives her one more day.

A lovely piece of writing, I read slowly, enjoying every sip. Fairy tales are back in fashion and many authors rewrite and rehash the old ones – Grimm Brothers and Anderson. Leavitt, instead, creates her own (with a nod to Scheherazade).

Not sure if you can see the cover clearly with the image I've attached, but I didn't notice this on my own copy until halfway though the book. There's the figure of Keturah in the red dress, but then opposite, on the left side, is a dark, shadowy figure of Death in a riding cloak and hat.

4 STARS

Classroom: From experience, most boys would not enjoy this book. Independent reading for 12+.

Ancient Witches

Witchlanders

By Lena Coakley

Genre: Fantasy

After the death of his father, Ryder is struggling to harvest enough food for his family – two younger sisters and a mother that's obsessed with predicting the future by casting bones. They are Witchlanders, white-haired and pale-eyed, governed by a coven of witches that Ryder mistrusts. A generation ago, the Witchlanders were at war with the dark-haired Baen across the mountains. Ryder's world changes when the village is attacked and his mother predicts an assassin Baen living in the mountains, itching to start the war again.

A shot in the dark, I picked up without knowing too much before reading. I am so glad I found this book, it has easily become a new a favourite on my shelf. The world was rich; characters relateable and believable; and there was always something at stake. The reveal of the depth to this world is mind-boggling and expertly crafted.

The first third of the book burned slowly, giving us a “slice of life” for the main character Ryder. The second third gave us more questions than answers. And the last third flew by with gripping action.

Overall, the atmosphere was ancient and mysterious. It reminds us there are no sides, and that sometimes, traditions lose their original meaning.

Highly recommended for the fantasy lover.

5/5 STARS

Classroom: The topic of religion is constant and may not be suitable for classroom use, unless you are wanting religion-based discussions. Other discussion-worthy issues are war, familial duties/expectations, tradition for the sake of tradition, substance abuse, obsession, and racial judgements/stereotyping.

Celestial Shades

Shadows Cast by Stars

by Catherine Knutsson

Genre: Sci-Fi

Drawn to the beautiful title and cover, and then to its setting, this was find of the year. I read the back, then the author's bio and was sold. From my Christmas gifts, I was most excited to read this one.

Set in the future, on the West Coast of Canada, on an island very much like Vancouver Island, we are introduced to a world where a plague ravages the people who have survived land-destroying earthquakes. Cassandra, a Métis, lives in the Old Way with her twin brother, Paul, and her father. There is something in the blood of aboriginal people that protect them from the plague and the government actively searches them out to harvest (for lack of a better word). They escape to the island where they must integrate with a Band that is also in hiding. Here they are met with challenges of social order, personal struggles, and the ever present fear that something is wrong with the Spirit World.

Knutsson drew me in with her poetic descriptions of the landscape and everyday life on the island. She wove intricate myths and tales into the fabric of this story in a delicate and relateable manner. As Cass learns to be a medicine women, she travels further and further into the Spirit World. Here is where reality blurs and I loved it. Honestly, I wish there were more books out there like this. Finally, a Canadian author that I want to recommend to friend after friend. Beautiful.

The beginning is a little slow, but soon after Cass and her family arrive on the island it picks up and runs. Believable and complex characters, you get the sense that something else is going on with everyone that you meet. Nothing is as it seems. Some secrets never get revealed completely and that's like real life isn't it? We never truly know a person to their core.

Because I know Vancouver Island well, I felt a personal connection with this novel. My nagging fear of an earthquake surfaced. And Cass can see people's totems, or Spirit animals. I wonder what mine would be?

5/5 STARS

In the Classroom: Individual or Literacy Circles. There are many serious topics and cultural issues to discuss. Perfect jumping board to discuss West Coast aboriginal myths. Recommended for age 14 and up.

I think therefore I am

Alice, I Think

by Susan Juby

Genre: Fiction

I was drawn to this book because it was set in Smithers, BC (Go Canada) and the author is from BC. It is difficult to find books that are set in Canada, at least, I find it to be so. I will admit that I picked this book up because I got it confused with "Go Ask Alice", but that's ok. I had high hopes for this book, DO NOT LET ME DOWN... and it did...

Alice is a home-schooled girl who's had many problems integrating with "normal" school students. Her new therapist tells her to make a list of goals and the book follows her as she tries to achieve them. It it written in diary form.

I quite enjoyed the voice of the character, however, I did feel that the voice and use of language was too old for her actual age. Some of the scenarios were crazy and fun, but somewhat unrealistic. While I did laugh at many of these, it seemed as though Alice and her family were so unusual it was hard to believe. Suspend my disbelief I can do, but it was to wacky for me.

Great and smart writing style, excellently wacky character, laugh out-loud commentary, highly unbelievable, hard to relate to (this coming from a small town girl), and overall, I did not like it.

 2/5 STARS

Use in the classroom:
This is a good book to discuss being yourself. Alice is unafraid of being herself, but like most of us, suffers an identity crisis only to overcome it all on her own. Some readers might struggle with the high level of vocabulary. Best suited for an individual book study.