“The Dead and The Gone,” by Susan Beth Pfeffer

“The Dead & The Gone,” by Susan Beth Pfeffer is a stunning science fiction fantasy about the effects of a disastrous asteroid strike that jars the moon into a new orbit closer to earth.

When seventeen-year-old Alex Morales heard that an asteroid was predicted to strike the moon he didn’t realize that it was the end of the world as he knew it. He thought that this was just another overplayed media event, or maybe just something interesting for the astronomers to study. Alex was more concerned about getting elected as senior class president at his exclusive New York City school.

But all Alex’s plans are put on hold when the asteroid strike knocks the moon into a much closer orbit around Earth. Read the rest »

“The Beloved Dearly,” by Doug Cooney

“The Beloved Dearly,” by Doug Cooney is a heart-warming novel about a young boy who learns the true value of friends while trying to run a pet burial service.

Ernie may be only twelve years old, but he has plenty ideas about how to make money. When he gets in trouble for selling his own cheeseburgers in the cafeteria at school its the last straw, though. Ernie’s father tells him that if he finds out that Ernie is trying to make money off people again he will ground him.

But then Ernie finds an abandoned lot, and the perfect business: pet burials. Read the rest »

“The Adoration of Jenna Fox,” by Mary E. Pearson

“The Adoration of Jenna Fox,” by Mary E. Pearson is a science fiction novel about medical technology ethics in the future.

When seventeen-year-old Jenna awakes from a year-long coma she doesn’t even remember her name. At first she is in a daze, unable to think clearly about anything, but as she gradually recuperates memories and questions begin to surface in her mind. Not only are the memories that are coming back to her strange, but so is her parent’s behavior. Why did they move to an old home in a remote country location just days before she woke up? And why are they so hesitant to let other people see her? Read the rest »

“Waiting for Normal”, by Leslie Connor

“Waiting for Normal”, by Leslie Connor is a touching novel about a young girl who must cope with her rather unreliable mother after being separated from her stepfather and half-sisters.

Addie loves her mother, but unfortunately Addie’s mom tends to take an all or nothing approach to life. One day she will work hard to clean up their small trailer near the railroad tracks, and then the next day she will lay around in bed all day and let the dirty dishes pile up. Some days she comes home with bags full of groceries and makes wonderful meals for Addie, but then she’ll be gone for weeks on a “business trip.” Just when the pantry is beginning to get empty, though, Addie’s mom will return again and Addie can’t really be mad at her then. Read the rest »

Critical Analysis of “The Pearl,” by John Steinbeck

“The Pearl,” by John Steinbeck is the story of a poor Indian couple who find a pearl of immense value.

Kino and his wife Juana live in a small brush hut with their young baby Coyotito. At the start of “The Pearl” John Steinbeck shows Kino and his family living a peaceful life filled with the sound of the whispering surf, and the beautiful “Song of the Family,” the song of safety and warmth.

In the midst of this pleasant scene Steinbeck introduces the first evil which will touch Kino and his family: a scorpion which threatens the baby Coyotito. Read the rest »