The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

High School Fiction.

G/A. Kincaid, S.J. The Diabolic. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016. 416p. 978-1-481-47267-8. 17.99.

Feared and reviled, Diabolics were engineered to be super human bodyguards, to bond and to love their masters above all else.  Nemesis is Sidonia’s Diabolic and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do to protect her charge. Sidonia Impyrean is the daughter of Senator von Impyrean, whose love of science and education has earned him the title of heretic.  When her father is caught disobeying the Emperor’s edicts, Sidonia is demanded as hostage at the Chrysanthemum court.  However, Sidonia’s mother has other plans—she intends for Nemesis to take Sidonia’s place, and to go to the Chrysanthemum court in her stead.  Not only does Nemesis now need to learn all the rules of court etiquette, but also how to navigate a court full of political intrigue and danger, fool other Diabolics, fellow courtiers, not to mention the Emperor.   Inspired by I, Claudius, Kincaid weaves a story of friendship and humanism set against a backdrop of a galactic empire on the brink of implosion. Recommended for science fiction fans and for those who enjoyed Marie Rutowski’s Winner’s Trilogy. Camille Campos, Benjamin Franklin Library, LAPL.   

Decelerate Blue

Graphic Novel

VG/A  Rapp, Adam.  Decelerate Blue.  First Second, 2017. 188p.  978-1-59643-109-6. 17.99

In Rapp’s vision of the future, everything is fast paced and the Guarantee Committee makes sure that your every action doesn’t waste any time. Meals are precooked, whenever you are done speaking, you say “go” indicating the next person can respond and contractions must be used as much as possible. Teenager, Angela, doesn’t like this lifestyle and when she finds a banned book called “Kick the Boot” by Kent Van Gough that the resistance movement uses as their bible, she goes underground with the movement. The resistance members take a pill called decelerate blue that makes them go slower, even reducing their heart rates. While Angela is slowing down and falling in love, the outside world is plotting to destroy the resistance. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial

Alex & Eliza: A Love Story

Historical Fiction

G/A  de la Cruz, Melissa.  Alex & Eliza: A Love Story.  GP Putnam’s Sons, 2017.  358p.  978-1-5247-3962-1.  $17.99

Like many people before her, Melissa de la Cruz and her daughter fell in love with and were inspired after seeing the hit musical, Hamilton on Broadway in 2016. The musical immediately made them wonder about Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler’s courtship and inspired de la Cruz. This novel focuses solely on the early days of Alex and Eliza’s relationship. It begins with their somewhat tumultuous introduction, where Alexander was charged with delivering bad news to Eliza’s father, which left Eliza not liking Alex at all. It takes a while, but ultimately Alex’s charm and determination pay off and lead to one of history’s most romantic love stories. You don’t have to be a fan of the musical or even know much about Alexander Hamilton or Elizabeth Schuyler as historical figures to appreciate this rich girl, poor boy romance. If you like historical fiction or just a good old fashioned love story, then this book is a must read. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial

FOR EXTREME SPORTS -- CRAZY BOYS

MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION

G/A  Coy, John.  For Extreme Sports -- Crazy Boys.  Feiwel, 2015.  155p.  978-1-250-04944-5.  15.99.  A predominantly black and white, double-column text plus small snapshots introduce readers to non-traditional sports.  Unlike baseball, soccer or hockey teammates, individual adventurers must be self-disciplined and dedicated to endless hours of practice.  They cannot afford to be ignorant regarding the dangers of mountain biking, pogo stick flips or skydiving, etc.  Nor can they be naive about the risks (including death) of BASE jumping, ice climbing and slacklining.  Informative paragraphs about X Games "heroes," charting of Olympics medal winners and short commentaries by extreme sports' pros make this title a fun browser for middle-school students (boys or girls).  Fitting for book talks.   E.M. Roublow (ret.)

WET CEMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION  

V/A Raczka, Bob.  WET CEMENT.  Roaring Brook, 2016.  43p.  978-1-62672-236-1.  17.99.  Have audible and visual fun by "stepping" into this interesting collection of "poeTRY."  Each poem's shape is unique -- perhaps a maze, a coat hangar or a kite.  Topics are also variable -- a musical instrument, weather, a sport, etc.  A good literary appetizer to be offered to classes at schools or in libraries.  

E.M. Roublow (ret.)

BUBONIC PANIC

GENERAL YA NONFICTION

G/M  Jarrow, Gail.  BUBONIC PANIC.  Calkins Creek, 2016.  195p.  978-1-62091-738-1.  18.95.  It is estimated that an original outbreak of this disease occurred in the sixth century -- long before reaching U.S. shores.  In the early 1900's, when a medical plague developed in San Francisco's Chinatown, the area was unfairly quarantined.  An ignorant diagnosis of who contracted the sickness or where the illness could spread was ultimately disproved.  Politics was sometimes more of a hindrance than a help in determining causes and medical solutions.  This handsome presentation -- complete with drawings, b&w photos, glossary, index and graphs -- is useful as an introduction to more detailed research.   E.M. Roublow (ret.)

RHYTHM RIDE: ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE MOTOWN SOUND

ADULT/YA NONFICTION

G/A  Pinkney, Andrea Davis.  RHYTHM RIDE:  ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE MOTOWN SOUND.  Roaring Brook, 2015.  166p.  978-1-59643-973-3.  22.99.  Detroit's Motown was the music production birthplace for R&B, soul and pop songs performed by that city's young black singers.  Berry Gordy's song-writing skills plus financial aid from his family were the initial investments into a  recording company in 1959.  Some of the voices that matured through that studio were Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, "Smokey" Robinson, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder.  Today, Motown is not what it once was but it will always be remembered for the finger-snapping, toe-tapping melodies plus its many talented artists.  A Timeline, an extensive Discography and a listing of TV and Motion Picture credits are included.   E.M. Roublow (ret.)