For the Win by Cory Doctorow

Hardback or Paperback Hardback

Synopsis You should probably go read this Wikipedia article on MMORPGs (just the intro and the section on economics will be enough). OK. With that background, Doctorow has posited a plausible sweatshop of the near future: third world teenagers "mining" MMORPG worlds for specialized items that first world players will pay for on the black market. The book's conflict centers around those workers' attempt to unionize.

Evaluation This is a book about ideas and social action as much as it is about story. Sure, it's about online gaming and suspense and running from the bad guys, but it's also about politics, unions, economics, and social justice. Doctorow has to do several information dumps (particularly about economics), and he tries to do it gracefully. I found it interesting...but I'm not fourteen. In spite of those sections, it's a fast-paced and suspenseful book, with danger that feels genuine and a message that resonates.

Universal Themes social justice, bravery, standing up to tyranny

Edginess Language (although no f-bombs that I recall) and LOTS of graphic violence. Lots of smoking.

Bonus Factors References to the history of unions, plus lots of information about economics and politics; although the author is white, the cast (and setting) is international; deals with issues of poverty, class, and social justice.

Anti-bonus factors None, really.

Will they like it? I'm honestly not sure. It's long, and there are those information dumps--and understanding the denouement really requires understanding at least most of what he says about investment & trading. But there are also a lot of compelling characters, plenty of action, and suspense galore. It also has that "teenagers against the world" vibe (which is probably what makes it YA vs. adult fiction). I certainly found it compelling

Recommendation I think it's a definite after it comes out in paperback. Maybe even now, because of the ties to the social studies curriculum. (How many books do you find that tie in to civics and economics??)

Matched by Ally Condie

Hardback or Paperback Hardback

Synopsis Cassia is surprised and thrilled that the person Society has Matched her with--her future husband--is her handsome friend. But when she starts to read the digital information about him that she's been given, the face of another friend appears, apparently by mistake. This is the first sign for Cassia that there are problems beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect Society.

Evaluation Lyrical writing, gradual revelation of a society's hidden darkness, and subtle treatment of the tension between safety and freedom mean that this is an excellent book for students to read and discuss. There were parts that I found predictable and unsurprising--but less experienced readers might not. In any case, this flaw is not a deal breaker, because the book is not as much about the revelation of the flaws in Cassia's society as it is about her gradual realizations about herself.

Universal Themes coming of age, freedom vs. safety, the many faces of love

Edginess Nope.

Bonus Factors References to poetry, esp. Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle." Close ties to The Hunger Games and The Giver.

Anti-bonus factors Everyone is white. For some readers, this will feel like a not-quite-as-good version of The Giver, now with kissing! This is clearly the first book in a series and the end is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but it's definitely not resolved, either.

Will they like it? Girls will, especially those who love HG. The love triangle will be a nice bonus. Some boys might, although I'd like to have some test readers. Until the end, most of the action is inside Cassia's head--but the last 50 pages or so are very suspenseful.

Recommendation Terrific for book clubs, possibly now (because this is a book with a lot of buzz), but definitely after it comes out in paperback.

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Hardback or paperback? Hardback

Synopsis Liza, a rich girl fallen on hard times, takes a job as a maid for Princess Victoria. She finds herself in the midst of palace intrigue, as Victoria's mother and an adviser work to try to keep power out of the princess's hands.

Evaluation The setting is fascinating and well-drawn. Because Liza is a lady's maid, we get to see what Victorian life is for both a princess and servants. The voices of the characters feel authentic but are not unduly difficult to read, although at least one character speaks in dialect. It's a bit slow in spots, but has a very satisfying climax and resolution.

Edginess Factor Mild. There's an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, references to rape, and a suicide.

Bonus Factors Historical fiction from an unusual period; the palace intrigue is based on real events; realistically-drawn characters from a variety of classes/ economic levels

Universal Themes Coming of age, overcoming adversity

Anti-Bonus Factors Everyone is white. This book will hold little or no interest for boys.

Will they like it? Bright girls and girls interested in historical fiction will like it. There's a romantic subplot that will hold girls' interest. The slow parts in the middle (and the length) mean that less avid readers will probably not like it as much.

Recommendation This would be a great book club book for the right group. Probably not worth buying in hardback, though.