Feature Editors:
Kennysha Wrencher, 15
Dilva DePina, 14
Massachusetts

Read It

A female soldier’s memories of her time in the Israeli army, a girl recovering from a small town tragedy, a “priceless” new pop group, and a critical look at Avril Lavigne’s latest release – all this and more of the latest book and CD reviews.

When I Was a Soldier,
by Valerie Zenatti
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2007

Marissa Blair Gofberg, 17
Pennsylvania

When I was a Soldier, by Valerie Zenatti

When I Was a Soldier is a memoir that details a woman fighting to defend herself as well as her country. At the age of 18 every Israeli citizen—female and male— is required to serve in the military. Valerie Zenatti was no different. Born in Nice, France, she moved with her family to Israel when she was 13 years old. Due to this, she had to join the military after she was done with high school. This book is a journal that Zenatti wrote while she was in the military.

There were times in this book where I wanted to laugh and other times where I wanted to cry. Many girls can relate to the changes Valerie goes through while she’s in Tzahal (the Israeli military). Valerie goes into the military not having any clue about what she wants to do with her life or who she wants to become. Even though she’s in the military she still faces all of the normal trials and tribulations of life. However, she deals with them, and ultimately comes out of the service as a better person. I would highly recommend this book for its portrait of an extremely courageous young woman.

Upstream,
by Melissa Lion
Wendy Lamb Books, 2006

Demi Wetzel
Ohio

Upstream, by Melissa Lion

Homer, Alaska is a small town where everyone knows you and all of your secrets. Marty starts her senior year in high school trying to come to grips with the accidental death of her boyfriend Steven. Marty can’t stop reliving her memories of Steven, and the mystery around his death is slowly revealed by the end of the book. Marty’s mom and two sisters help her mourn, but meeting Catherine, the new owner of the local cinema, provides her with a sounding board for all of her most private thoughts.

This isn’t a story filled with riveting action sequences; it’s about how even a simple life is sometimes overwhelming. Ultimately, it’s the story of how one moment can change your life.

Swordbird,
by Nancy Yi Fan
HarperCollins, 2007

Catherine Newhouse, 16
Illinois

Swordbird, by Nancy Yi Fan

When I first picked up Swordbird, I was skeptical. I glanced at the cover, skimmed the description, and thought, “This is just some kids’ story about talking birds.” However, I was very wrong.

Nancy Yi Fan artistically portrays the war between the Blue Jays and the Cardinals. After much bloodshed, these two bird tribes discover that the Crows and Ravens have tricked them into fighting with each other. At last, the Cardinals and Blue Jays make peace, but their war has caused devastation for both tribes. Fan points out that what our world needs most is peace and freedom. She writes, “What does fighting bring us? Fear, hatred, misery, and death.”

The characters’ unique personalities bring every bird to life. When tragedy strikes, Fan’s captivating language allows the reader to experience the full impact of the birds’ emotions.

Most impressively, Nancy Yi Fan started writing Swordbird at the age of 10, drawing on her feelings about September 11th and a desire for peace. Her powerful messages, enchanting bird world, and expert symbolism reflect the depth of her writing. Swordbird may be aimed at ages 8 to 12, but as a teen I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hear It

Rachael Sage,
The Blistering Sun
Mpress Records, 2006

Abby Cooper, 18
Minnesota

Rachel Sage, The Blistering Sun

Decorated in bright colors and eye-catching pop art pictures, this CD caught my attention simply with its cover. However, that was only the beginning. Rachael Sage’s music is like nothing I’ve ever heard, though it bears some similarity to singers like Norah Jones, Lily Allen, and Anna Nalick.

The first song, “Alright, OK,” is what I consider the best song on the CD. It’s catchy with a good, jazzy beat, and her soothing-yet-sassy voice makes it even more fun to listen to. The rest of her songs were just as great, although they don’t really make you want to jump up and have an impromptu dance party. Though they are a little more relaxed and mellow, her heartfelt yet humorous lyrics are enough to keep me listening.

In the song “Older” she sings: “Upon only one condition should be banished as a phrase/ I know it has held us long in prison/ but every time I call you up I feel I’m enslaved/ like a little girl to long division.” I don’t know about you, but I definitely remember my enslaving long division days. Incredible lyrics such as these are truly what make Sage’s CD stand out.

The Gemz,
Blue is for Girls
Street Beat Records, 2006

Eri Mizobe, 14
Hong Kong

The Gemz, Blue is for Girls

Put a group of five energetic girls and lively, positive pop music together, and what do you get? The Gemz! The Gemz consists of five girls ages 10-15: Sammi Jack, Margaux, Carlie, Sarah, and Samantha. At first I thought, “OK, these are young girls like me…what kind of songs do they sing?” I checked out their website (www.thegemz.com) and was intrigued to learn more about them.

Listening to the first song, “Girls Love,” I knew that it wasn’t the last time I would listen to it. The CD ranges from the mellow sounds of “Blue is For Girls” to the more upbeat, energizing sounds of “Dance the Night Away,” and from the funky ideas of “Living on a Spaceship” to the joys of being a girl in “Young Boys.”

The Gemz are just like real gems – unique, vibrant, and simply a fun group of girls who know how to enjoy life. Their music is calm enough for evenings alone and bubbly enough for girly sleepovers with all of your friends.

Avril Lavigne,
The Best Damn Thing
Sony Music Entertainment, 2007

Verdah Bismah, 14
Canada

Avril Lavigne The Best Damn Thing

It's stuff like The Best Damn Thing by Avril Lavigne that's taking a toll on the self-esteem of teenage girls today. The whole CD is filled with stereotypical messages, like how a girl is nothing without her guy, and promotes the idea that it’s OK to steal someone else’s boyfriend, as made clear in “Girlfriend.” Then there’s “I Don’t Have To Try,” where it’s completely OK to do whatever you want to, without any respect for anyone else’s feelings. “When You’re Gone” also harbors the same message: a girl needs a guy to live, and will be crushed to nothingness if he isn’t there. Someone needs to tell Avril Lavigne that making a music CD does not just involve talking, or more accurately, shouting, over some cheesy background music.

However, despite the lack of good music, I did find one song fairly unique, compared to the rest of the CD. “I Can Do Better” tells the story of a girl who is convincing herself that she can do better, that she doesn’t necessarily need a guy to live happily, especially one who is abusive. Even though I don’t agree with the messages of a lot of her songs, the music is kind of addictive, and makes you want to listen to the songs over and over and over again.