Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Persepolis: The Story of A Childhood
By: Marjane Satrapi

160 pg.
Pantheon

ISBN

Publish Post

-10: 037571457X
ISBN-13: 978-0375714573

Annotation: The great-granddaughter of Iran's last emperor and the daughter of ardent Marxists describes her life of growing up in Tehran--a country plagued by political upheaval and vast contradictions between public and private life.

Summary:
Told through the images and story of a young girl’s experiences during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, this poignant and beautiful novel explains the tragedies and effects of war. At the beginning of the novel, Marjane is a precocious young girl with a curiosity that is encouraged by her family. However, once the regime changes, attempts are made to keep her safe and subdued, even if that means having her relocate. Things like education that have been almost expected by the wealthy Marjane are now a luxury, and things that she has taken for granted are nearly extinct.

This novel will inspire and terrify you. Satrapi does not shy away from the realities of war, such as death and destruction. Images of the then popular culture become images of the rebellion and have to be appreciated in the shadows or in the privacy of one’s own home. A stark contrast to many of the liberties we as Americans take for granted. Great for reader's of Art Spieglman's Maus series, this novel is perfect for the young revolutionary or the artist in us all.

Suite Scarlett

Suite Scarlett
By: Maureen Johnson

p. 353

Point Publications

ISBN-10: 0545096324
ISBN-13: 978-0545096324

Annotation

Fifteen-year-old Scarlett Marvin is stuck in New York City for the summer working at her quirky family's historic hotel, but her out-of-work actor brother's attractive new friend and a seasonal guest who offers her an intriguing and challenging writing project improves her outlook.

Summary

The Hopewell Hotel has been in the family for many generations. However, after many years of declining business the hotel is on the verge of ruin and its up to Scarlett Martin and her siblings to save it from disaster.

Spencer and Scarlett are as close as any two siblings can get, and as Spencer dreams of being an actor, Scarlett knows that he only has a short period before his family forces him to accept the culinary scholarship. While Spencer knows that Scarlett dreams of having adventures of her own, but has resigned herself to act as the personal assistant for the aging actress whom has taken residence in the Empire Suite of the hotel, if that means through her money the hotel can stay in operation.

Through the antics of the Martin clan, this may be the summer no one ever forgets. Who knows it may even lead to a little adventure for Scarlett.

This novel will be sure to delight even the most resistant readers and with Scarlett's humor and wit readers will enjoy their stay at the Hopewell Hotel.

Just Listen

Just Listen

By: Sarah Dessen

p.400

Puffin

ISBN-10: 0142410977
ISBN-13: 978-0142410974

Annotation:

Isolated from friends who believe the worst because she has not been truthful with them, sixteen-year-old Annabel finds an ally in classmate Owen, whose honesty and passion for music help her to face and share what really happened at the end-of-the-year party that changed her life.


Summary:

What could be worse that being caught by all of your friends, with your best friend's boyfriend?

That is exactly what Annabel is asking. Gone is her popularity and her friends, she has accepted a self sentence of social exile, because she can never admit what really happened in that closet.

Annabelle is a nice girl. She is so nice that she is willing to do nearly anything for anyone to keep them happy, even if that means she has to suffer by being the doormat toher friends and family. Until one day when she is she and her best friend Sophie have a falling out and her world comes crashing down. Annabelle is shunned by nearlyeveryone, everyone except for Owen. Owen is a likeable guy who also happens to be a nut for alternative music, knows something isn’t right. As Annabelle begins to come more and more withdrawn and unwilling to speak up, the perfect life she once had is starting to crack at the seams. The only person willing to speak to her is Owen, but can she trust him?

Teens who love novels by author Laurie Halse Anderson will instantly be drawn into the drama that is Just Listen. Beautifully written, this novel will leave you haunted by hungry for more.