2008 Printz Award Book
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Symone, a 14 year old girl who is obsessed with not only Antarctic exploration, but with Captain Titus Oates is the main focus in this novel. He was one of the explorers that were lost in the Scott expedition that ended tragically. She talks to Titus in her head about various things and seems to get advice from him as well.
In the “real world” Symone is rather alone because she is dealing with her father’s death. The only person who gives her attention is her odd Uncle Victor. One day Uncle Victor arranges for a trip to the Antarctic, which quickly captures Symone’s attention. “White Darkness” awaits them in the Artic, which is the phenomena where the sun never seems to set. It is daylight all the time.
During the trip, her Uncle’s true colors come out and Symone’s life becomes in danger. His hidden agenda was the search for the Symme’s Hole, which is the portal to the interior of Earth. She must decide whether to trust her uncle’s words or those of her imaginary Captain. Symone is able to survive the treacherous trip thanks to her ample knowledge of the Antarctic and the advice of Captain Oates.
I really enjoyed reading this novel; I enjoyed the narration offered by Symone. The literary devices used by Geraldine McCaughrean help the reader gain imagery of what the main character is experiencing both physically and emotionally.
Symone, a 14 year old girl who is obsessed with not only Antarctic exploration, but with Captain Titus Oates is the main focus in this novel. He was one of the explorers that were lost in the Scott expedition that ended tragically. She talks to Titus in her head about various things and seems to get advice from him as well.
In the “real world” Symone is rather alone because she is dealing with her father’s death. The only person who gives her attention is her odd Uncle Victor. One day Uncle Victor arranges for a trip to the Antarctic, which quickly captures Symone’s attention. “White Darkness” awaits them in the Artic, which is the phenomena where the sun never seems to set. It is daylight all the time.
During the trip, her Uncle’s true colors come out and Symone’s life becomes in danger. His hidden agenda was the search for the Symme’s Hole, which is the portal to the interior of Earth. She must decide whether to trust her uncle’s words or those of her imaginary Captain. Symone is able to survive the treacherous trip thanks to her ample knowledge of the Antarctic and the advice of Captain Oates.
I really enjoyed reading this novel; I enjoyed the narration offered by Symone. The literary devices used by Geraldine McCaughrean help the reader gain imagery of what the main character is experiencing both physically and emotionally.
2008 Printz Honor Award Books
Dream Hunter: Book Two of the Dream Hunter by Elizabeth KnoxThis book is a sequel to dream Dream Hunter, but I never read that book. This book was a very interesting read and made a lot of sense even though I had not read the first one. The books tells the tale of Laura Hame, a dreamhunter who helps uncover a big government conspiracy. This book is obviously fantasty, but it offers some possible "real" relationship dynamics. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Laura and her sandman. I really enjoyed reading this book and it kept me fully interested until the very end. I am now looking forward to reading the first part of this book.
One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith ClarkeThis book is the classic tale of a dysfunctional family and how the main character, Lily wishes the situation were different. She is a very responsible young lady, but because of this attribute her mother and brother often rely on her a little too much. Lily's father has never really been a part of her life, he has only been a voice on the phone. It is interesting how her opinion changes about her father from the beginning to the end of this book. The big ruckus that Lily has to deal with is the party that her grandmother is planning a party in which she plans to reconcile Lily's grandfather and Lily's brother. Each character is decribed thoroughly and are given a good deal of depth. The story line is a bit predictable, but still enjoyable to read. It is easy for most adoloscence to identify with the main character and find similarities withLily's family and their own family. I know that as I read this novel I kept comparing several characters with some of my family members. Lily's brother Lonnie, reminded me so much of my brother. I absolutely can see using this book in the middle school and high school level.
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Tell us a little bit more about Afganistan!
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