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Stratton, Allan
5 Reviews
(3)
4-6
When evil Archduke Arnulf sets out to marry, then murder, twelve-year-old Angela Gabriela von Schwanenberg, the spunky young countess concocts first a death-ruse, and then a perilous journey to Peter the Hermit to foil him. Hans, a grave robber's apprentice, aids her and discovers his own secret past along the way. Stock adventures and stereotyped characters are refreshed and stylized in this vivid and compelling work.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
(3)
YA
This timely, tautly written political thriller explores unsettling issues surrounding prejudice. Fifteen-year-old Sami Sabiri, a Muslim, is bullied, but his school troubles are relatively minor: his home has been raided and ransacked by the FBI and his father jailed for terrorist collaboration. Sami daringly strikes out to learn the truth; his adventures provide fast-paced, provocative (if occasionally credulity-stretching) reading.
Reviewer: Carolyn Shute
(2)
YA
In this story set in a fictitious African country, Chanda (Chanda's Secrets) and her siblings, Iris and Soly, agree to visit their grandmother, who abandoned their mother when she contracted AIDS. Rebel soldiers invade Granny's village, and Iris and Soly are forced into military slavery. The inhumanity of which humankind is capable emerges clearly along with Chanda's unwavering strength and determination.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2008
(3)
YA
Sixteen-year-old Chanda, living in a fictional sub-Saharan African country, has family and friends afflicted with AIDS who, because of shame and fear, keep their disease a secret. In this moving story, Chanda must first admit a problem exists and then deal with it through her own resources, making one small break in the cycle of secrecy.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
(3)
YA
Leslie, a tough teen with a quick mouth, melts like butter when heartthrob Jason shows interest in her. He sweet-talks her past his controlling behavior and her bruises, and when sweet-talk stops working, he starts stalking her. Stratton captures the rhythms of teen speech, and the subject matter is treated subtly enough that readers will stay with Leslie as she realizes what's going on and decides to take a stand.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
5 reviews
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