Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition

 

Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition 

by Margot Lee Shetterly

Harper Collins, 2016, 231 p. Youth Nonfiction

This is a edition, written for a younger audience, of the now famous book that inspired the even more famous movie, "Hidden Figures". It follows the lives and careers of several pioneering black female mathematicians as they break through color and gender lines in military aeronautics research facilities. I loved the movie, and I found this immensely inspiring as well.  These woman fought prejudice just by being amazing in science and math. Even more inspiring is their confidence and bravery in gradually and gracefully claiming the opportunities and recognition that was their due. The writing is engaging and will keep even reluctant nonfiction readers turning pages. This is a great book to share with any child, but especially with girls that have science or math talents. (240 p. 2016)

The Healer's Apprentice

The Healer's Apprentice
By Melanie Dickerson
Zondervan, 2010, 261 p., Religious Fiction

Frau Geruscha, the town healer, has favored Rose since Rose was a little girl. Now Rose is her apprentice and she is determined to succeed - but sometimes she wonders why Frau Geruscha chose her and whether she can over come her squeamishness towards blood and sickness. Her mother pesters Rose to marry a wealthy old merchant, but Rose can't stand him. Lord Hamlin, the Duke's son and heir, has spent years trying to track down the sorcerer who wants to harm his mysterious betrothed who is in hiding. Rose and Lord Hamlin become close after Rose helps heal Lord Hamlin wounds from a wild boar, but they can never be together and Lord Hamlin has to find the sorcerer before his wedding. Rose starts to court his brother Lord Rupert instead, but can she trust him?

This is the first book in Melanie Dickerson's Hagenhiem series. Each book in the series is a retelling of classic fairy tale, but Dickerson has set each story against the backdrop of Europe in the Middle Ages. Readers may debate whether or not the books have to be read in order. The truth is everyone has their own opinion. Each book is its' own story, so reader do not have to read the first in order to understand the second. However, all of the stories center around member of one noble family and characters from previous novels often are mentioned or appear in later stories. As such, some may enjoy having prior knowledge of other character's backstories. It's entirely up to the reader to decide. These romances are well written and clean, but still fun and exciting. Anyone looking for adventure and romance or a fan of history or fairy tales will enjoy The Healer's Apprentice and other Dickerson Hagenhiem books.

The Last Magician

The Last Magician
by Lisa Maxwell
Simon Pulse, 2017, YA Fiction, 512 p

Esta was born with a magical ability to manipulate time.  She was discovered and raised by a man, Professor Lockwood, to be a super-thief of magical objects.  With the help of a powerful artifact, she goes back in time to try to steal the Ars Arcanum, an ancient book that is said to hold the key to destroying the Brink, a barrier that keeps all magicians imprisoned in New York City.  Once back in 1902, Esta discovers that her mission, and everything she was raised to believe about magic and magicians is much more complicated than she ever dreamed. 

This is a high energy fantasy/sci-fi time travel novel for teens.  At 512 pages, the book is a serious time commitment, but it is not hard to finish.  Instead, it is hard to put down. Esta and the other main characters are complex and their fantasy/steampunk world is intense.  Maxwell's plotting is brilliant, with lots of unexpected twists and turns. This is a great choice for people who liked Hunger Games.

Spy School

Spy School
By Stuart Gibbs
Simon and Schuster, 2012, Intermediate Fiction, 290 p.

Ben Ripley is a wiz with math who has dreamed of one day becoming a CIA agent.  His wish seems to be coming true sooner than he could have believed when he is recruited to attend a secret spy academy. His dream job quickly turns into a nightmare as he finds himself in the middle of a plot that has nothing to do with wearing fancy tuxedos, or carrying high tech spy gadgets.  Only his interest in the beautiful and brilliant spy school student, Erica, keeps him in the game, and out of the cross-hairs.

I am a big Stuart Gibbs fan and this one did not disappoint. Ben is an endearing nerd, and Erica is a super cool strong girl character. The school is cool too, with hidden panels, secret entrances, and a maze of a basement. Add in evil spy agencies and double agents and there is everything a spy story lover could want. If you like this one, there are 6 more in the series. (2012, 290 p.)

Magic Hour

Magic Hour
By Kristen Hannah
Ballantine Books, 2006, Adult Fiction, 416 p.

Little girls don't come from the forest. They don't howl, have wolf pups for friends, or run and climb as fast as animals. Chief Ellie Cates doesn't believe it when she gets a call describing the girl who wanders into town, but where did she come from? Who is she? Why is she the way she is?
Dr. Julia Cates left her small town in Washington behind years ago. But now with her career as a child psychiatrist falling apart in LA, she accepts a call from her sister to come work with a mysterious child who wandered out of the woods. 
Girl doesn't know who all the strange people are, she knows she shouldn't have left her cave - but when Him never came back, and the food ran out ... she had to go Out There.

Kristin Hannah is a masterful storyteller who has the power to keep you reading late into the night. She does not disappoint with this story about family, love, and the variety of experiences that make us who we are. Adults who enjoyed other Hannah books such as The Great Alone or The Nightingale will also enjoy this heart-pounding novel. Readers should know that this book contains some adult content and language. This would be a great choice for anyone who wants a good story of fiction that sucks you in and won't let go.

She Persisted: 13 American Women who Changed the World

She Persisted: 13 American Women who Changed the World
By Chelsea Clinton
Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Philomel Books, 2017, Picture Book
Here is a  collective picture book biography full of "Girl Power." Ms Clinton starts with a short introduction about being a strong girl.  Following that, on each spread, Clinton gives a one paragraph bio and a memorable quote from each of 13 well known American women.  Her subjects are varied and interesting, including crusaders like Harriet Tubman, performers like Maria Tallchief and Oprah Winfrey, and scientists like Virginia Apgar.  Boiger illustrates the book with watercolor and ink drawing that are accessible and child friendly.  This is a great choice for any girl (or woman) who might be facing a challenge and needs a little confidence boost.

I Am Princess X

I Am Princess X
By Cherie Priest
Illustrated by Kali Ciesemier
Arthur A. Levine Books, 2015, Young Adult Fiction, 227 p.

Dead friends don't write super popular web comics. Logically May knows that this is true, but what other explanation does she have? How else can she explain why the character she and Libby created years ago is suddenly all over Seattle when Libby has been dead for three years? Unless Libby isn't dead. If Libby survived, is Princess X the way to find her? May is determined to prove that Libby is really alive, but she is not the only one looking for Libby. Someone else wants to find her too, and they will kill anyone who tries to get to her first.

Priest's thriller novel is action packed, with mild violence and swearing, but otherwise clean. Set in the city streets of Seattle, Washington this story ties together the internet, science, comics, and friendship. Parts of the web comic are mixed into the novel as part of the storytelling. What emerges is a gripping and exciting book that is great for both teens and adults. It's a good choice for anyone who has enjoyed graphic novels, also known as comics. This would also be a great introduction for someone who has never tried graphic novels, but is interested in testing one without picking up a book that is completely in comic format.