Our Wildwood, Summer 2017, Volume 41

Book Shelf

by Michelle Simon HEAD LIBRARIAN MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL

Readers have the opportunity to reflect as they relate to both fictional and real characters, on a book in parts or as a whole. The process of reviewing books encourages readers to consider the reading experience and ponder new ideas and understandings of themselves and others. Enjoy these reflections from our newest Book Shelf reviewers.

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon Reviewed by Alex Cussen , HUMANITIES TEACHER

“How will you contribute to making America greater?” That’s one of the questions the protagonist of The Sun Is Also a Star needs to answer before an immigration lawyer can help her make a last-ditch effort to stay in the United States. Natasha, a Jamaican-born 17-year-old, has been living in New York for almost a decade when she finds out she will be deported that night. Her life collides with Daniel’s, a Korean- American, also 17, on the day of his Yale University interview. Natasha and Daniel’s diverging paths meet and take them on a whirlwind tour through Manhattan. Will Natasha’s family be deported that night? She

can’t help but feel cynical about the American dream—and she lets Daniel know this when he talks about his plans for the future: “We’re put here to evolve and survive. That’s it.” Author Nicola Yoon speaks for those in our society who are unable to afford to dream, ponder, or reflect. In this world, evolving and surviving are tantamount to dreaming.

SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo

Reviewed by Hudson J., 6th GRADE

Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone is an imaginative story set in the land of Ravka, an 1800s Russia- inspired landscape that is influenced by magic. Alina Starkov is a cartographer for the army. She is tasked with assisting a convoy across the Fold—a dark, creature-ridden space that separates the land in two. Her convoy is attacked, and she ends up releasing a rare power from deep down. As the story progresses, she delves into the world of magic while holding the key to the end of the Fold, and the worries of many.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed by David Silverman, WILDWOOD PARENT

We have a fairly strict rule in our house—you have to read the book before you see the movie. Both our kids were too young for The Hunger Games when it first came out, but a year or two ago Zoe read it and loved it. This year, when Izze read it, too, and asked to see the movie, I checked the book out of the Wildwood library and finally got around to reading it myself. I loved it. It is gripping from the start. The book lets you inside Katniss’ head in a way a film just can’t. You learn as much about her from the way she talks as you do from her actions. And while the movie is definitely fun, the book gives you more insight

into her character—what she thinks and how she feels every step of the way. When you read the book, you get to watch your own movie—you’re the casting director, the director, etc. I enjoy that. Of course, it’s always fun to see the movie afterward and compare my movie to the one that got made. But we’re sticking with our rule—read the book first!