Annotations

Bradbury, Ray. (2009). Ray Bradbury’s fahrenheit 451: the authorized adaptation. Ill: Tim Hamilton. New York, NY: Hill and Wang. 080905101X.

This graphic novel is an authorized adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451. The story of Guy Montag, the firefighter who lives in a world where firefighters start fires, still follows Bradbury’s original character through his search for something more in his book-free world. Readers will enjoy the quick, deep read and beautiful illustrations that portray the ugliness of Guy’s world and the decisions he must make. All readers can enjoy this book as it does not require a previous reading of the original novel, yet it provides a new perspective to those who have already read it in its word form.

Bray, Libba. (2003). A great and terrible beauty. New York, NY: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers. 0385730284.

Fans of fantasy will enjoy Libba Bray’s first book in her Gemma Doyle trilogy. Set at Spence, a boarding school in Victorian England, this book follows Gemma, a spirited 16-year-old who spent her life in India, and her adjustment to English society after the death of her mother. Behind the prim, wife-making façade of Spence hides a magical world, a lost order and an old diary that helps Gemma understand her mystical visions. Readers will enjoy Gemma’s humor and courage in a school that teaches women to be quiet and subservient.

MacLeod, Elizabeth. (2008). Royal murder: the deadly intrigue of ten sovereigns. New York, NY: Annick Press. 1554511275.

MacLeod brings the history of more than ten murdered sovereigns to life with interesting text, authentic pictures and informational side panels. These stories span across more than 2000 years and dispel myths about some of the most famous and infamous monarchs that have ever ruled. Each story, however, ends with a fascinating, detailed account of the royal murder. MacLeod’s writing brings personality and character to each of these sovereigns and ensures their tragic ends will not become just a footnote in a history textbook.

San Souci, Robert. (1992). Sukey and the mermaid. Ill: Brian Pinkney. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. 0027781410.

Bright, colorful images frame this traditional Caribbean and West African folktale about Sukey, a black girl who lives on an island off the coast of South Africa. After escaping from her abusive stepfather, Sukey runs to the beach, sings a traditional song and calls forth the mermaid named Mama Jo. Mama Jo grants Sukey’s wishes about money, love and a safe place to live. Readers will enjoy the compassion and determination of Sukey along with the rich, rhythmic vernacular.