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March 22, 2007
Espionage, Mystery and Sports
Tamar: A Novel of Espionage, Passion and Betrayal by Mal Peet
Tamar is: (i) the name of a 14-year-old British girl, (ii) the name of a river in England and (iii) the code name of a Dutch Special Operations Agent during World War II. Tamar, the special agent, is Tamar, the girl's, grandfather. A lover of puzzles, when he commits suicide, he leaves a puzzle for his granddaughter. Intertwining 1945 and 1995, the story alternates between Tamar's action during the war and his granddaughter's attempt to unravel the puzzle. What happened during the war? Who spied on who? Who was in love with who? And, who got betrayed? Tamar, the book, is an absorbing read, full of 'espionage, passion and betrayal'. This is definitely in my Top 5 of the year, so far.
Ice Time: The Story of Hockey by Michael McKinley
From the nostalgic cover photos to the colorful action shots inside, this ice hockey history is a winner. Initially limited to cold climates, the game moved indoors in 1875. With Canadian Governor-General Lord Stanley's donation of the Dominion Challenge Trophy in 1892, cross-Canada rivalries exploded. Early challenges for Stanley's Cup required skill and character. The Dawson City Nuggets walked, cycled, and journeyed by train to Ottawa. The outcome, 23-2 for Ottawa, still stands in the Stanley Cup records, and likely Albert Forrest's 300-mile walk back to Dawson City does as well. Tales of early hockey legends, such as "Cyclone" Taylor and his "backwards goal," and superb photos, some vintage, add appeal. The author highlights hockey superstars as well as the first black NHL player and the first woman to play in the NHL. Also included is coverage of international competition including the U. S. "Miracle on Ice" gold medal in 1980 and Canada's gold medal in 2002 at Salt Lake City. A must for hockey fans.
Edenville Owls by Robert B. Parker
Eighth grader, Bobby, sees a man slap his teacher, Ms. Delaney, outside school. Yelling out the classroom window, he scares the man away. When confronted, Ms. Delaney tells Bobby nothing is wrong. But, something is definitely wrong. Meanwhile, Bobby and his Edenville Owls basketball team are trying to gain a slot in the state championship. A ragtag team with no coach, they look to Bobby to prepare them. Lastly, Bobby is jealous when Joanie, a lifelong friend, dates his best friend and teammate. Joanie and Bobby are determined to protect Ms. Delaney. Will they discover who the mystery man is and save Ms. Delaney? Do the Edenville Owls get to the champsionship? Set in 1945, readers will learn out about life after World War II as well as enjoy a good story in this fast reading mystery by a mystery master--writer of the adult Spenser series.
Ed Goldberg
Teen Services Librarian
Posted by egoldberg at March 22, 2007 2:51 PM