This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

THIS TENDER LAND by William Kent Krueger (author of Ordinary Grace and Cork O’Connor mysteries) is a new work of historical fiction that received a starred review from Library Journal and was a LibraryReads selection for September.  In an author’s note Krueger says, “I’ve poured the best of myself into this story … [as a key character says] ‘open yourself to every possibility, for there is nothing your heart can imagine that is not so.’”  Set in Minnesota in the summer of 1932, Krueger’s novel deals with themes of social justice, survival, and belonging. THIS TENDER LAND tells the story of four orphans, “impish” Odie (the narrator) and his older brother, mechanically minded Albert, plus their very strong Sioux friend Mose/Amdacha and little Emmy whom they all try to protect. Together, the four take a canoe on the Gilead River towards the Mississippi in the hopes of eventually finding family in Saint Louis. Along the way, they encounter cruelty and kindness, sickness and hunger, as well as joy through friendship and music. Booklist also recommends THIS TENDER LAND, saying “teens will enjoy this historical crossover novel of adventure, and identify with its young protagonist.” My only concern is the length – 464 pages is too long for a required read and only the more motivated students will select it as an independent choice. Those who do will find that the characters are appealing and their travels and adventures certainly pull readers through the story. Adults and book groups, particularly those who liked Where the Crawdads Sing, should definitely consider this heartland tale, too. Highly recommended.

Young Adult Fantasy titles

I have been meaning to read and review these Young Adult Fantasy titles for a while. Spring break has finally given me a chance to spend some time with them, the first two of which are shelved in the Junior High fiction section at the local public library.

LAST STAR BURNING by Caitlin Sangster (Oct. 2017; Simon Pulse; SLJ: Grade 6 up) received a starred review from Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.  This dystopian fantasy novel tells the story of Sevvy, a young girl who has been demoted from the Firsts to the lower caste Fourths and must undergo re-education because of her mother’s treasonous actions.  Sevvy eventually joins forces with Howl (surprisingly, the Chairman’s son) in an exciting, action-packed survival story.  Interestingly, Sangster bases her story in part on her time in China and alludes to the Cultural Revolution. Readers will eagerly anticipate Shatter the Suns, book two in this trilogy, which is projected to be available later this year.  

TESS OF THE ROAD by award-winning Rachel Hartman (Feb. 27; Random House; SLJ: Grade 9 up) is a long (536 pages!) saga, but will certainly be appreciated by fans of Hartman’s earlier work, Seraphina and Shadow Scale, set in that Southlands world. Here, Tess (half-sister to Seraphina) disguises herself and takes to the road after drunkenly punching her other sister’s bridegroom. Tess’s journey is both physical – doing manual work, pretending to be a priest, and searching for a serpent -- and spiritual; contrasting current adventures with previous traumatic events as readers learn of her past rape.  TESS OF THE ROAD is a gripping tale with an important message and received starred review from Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and Kirkus.

DEVILS & THIEVES by Jennifer Rush (Oct., 2017; Little Brown; SLJ: Grade 8 up) is filled with plenty of magic – most characters have their own special traits and world building explanations are necessary. Many are members or affiliated with competing motorcycle gangs in a “kindled world” that exists alongside humans and doesn’t deal in money – it deals in power. Jemmie is a strong female character who is attracted to Crowe Medici, brother of her friend Alex and leader of the Black Devils. Once Alex is kidnapped, adventures really begin and secrets abound as Jemmie (often muting her sensitivity to magic with alcohol) and Crowe attempt to rescue her.  DEVILS & THIEVES is the first in a planned series which I would describe it as a not very demanding, relatively fast read; Booklist gave a starred review to this twist on urban fantasy.