Rebel Angels, by Libba Bray

• Title: Rebel Angels
• Author: Libba Bray
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Date: December 26, 2006
• ISBN-10: 0385733410
• • Reading level: Young Adult
    
  • Paperback: 592 pages
  • Classification: Fiction
  • Genre: Historical Fantasy

Series Title: Gemma Doyle Trilogy

Reader's Annotation: The second book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, the adventure of Miss Doyle continue on. She continues her mission to search for and destroy Circe while at the same time facing more complex barriers and difficulties between both the magical worlds and the high society 19th Century London.

Summary: After initially breaking through to the "realms" and Gemma finds out her connection to magic, she and her friends continue to fight to bind the magic of the realms (as much as the resist). But as they do this they are seduced by London society and the temptation to be proper young ladies and all that entails. Meanwhile, Gemma continues to brake the "rules" of being a proper young lady by being more and more captivated by Kartik who is squatting with gypsies outside her proper boarding shcool and is a messenger of the Rakshana, an questionable organization that may be out to get her. This makes Kartik even more dangerous and alluring.

Evaluation: I found this book the be the best of the three. Beautifully woven pictures of London, the gypsie camp, and the artwork Rebel Angels, at the turn of the Century juxtaposed by the magical world the three girls of The Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Bray creates a world poetic by nature and conflicted by harsh reality.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: The relationship between Kartik and Gemma serves as a go way to look at racial and economic divides and/or when people don't approve of interracial relations. There is magical, anti-religious themes even if the don't tend to be-but if you look closer there are classic battles of good and evil, self-discipline, and friendship. Also, an interesting look at the role of women in the Victorian era which gives a lot of insight into the role women play today and how we got to this point in women's lib.

Reason this Book was Chosen: Again, I wanted some depth in my genre choices, and was impressed by the story telling and the racial undertones. I also wanted to look at the history of women in society in the past. relation

Notes:

WINNER 2006 - ALA Best Books for Young Adults

NOMINEE 2007 - Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

Official Trilogy Website:

http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/gemmadoyle/home.php

Official Trailer Link: http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/gemmadoyle/parlor/bktrailers.html

One of My Favorite Fan Trailers:

Identical, Ellen Hopkins

Title: Identical

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Publish Date: August 2008

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Pages: 576pp

ISBN: 1416950052

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: 12 and up

Price: $12.95

Annotation: Kaeleigh and Reanne are identical twins, completely the same on the outside. But on the inside they have lead completely different lives.

Summary: Identical twins Kaeleigh and Reanne are daughters of a Norman Rockwell appearing family. With a mother on the campaign trailer and the father a judge this horrifying tale takes a dark turn. One sister is the object of fathers love. The other is always fighting for equal attention. But, when the reason becomes clear for the actual motives behind this misplaced love both sister need face reality and stand up for each other. Both sister are having troubles, both different, both desperate. Who will be the one to help the other one?

Evaluation: I can't say enough all the things I love about this book. The fact that it's written in verse is stunning. It's wonderful to see expression in this form, I often write my feelings in verse. This book was so emotional and seeing it from the perspective of identical twins was mind-blowing. There is so much dysfunction in this book it makes it hard to breathe. But, it was awfully honest and a great read for someone who is looking for a book that can help them feel not so alone.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Standing up to your abuser, asking for help, drugs, feeling out of control, abusive and absent parents, issues with siblings

Reason this book was chosen: Ellen Hopkins is amazing. Her subject matter is frank and unapologetic. And her style is beautiful.

Website: http://www.ellenhopkins.com/

Fan Made Book Trailer:

Interview with Ellen Hopkins: