Gifts

Le Guin, Ursula K. Gifts. Orlando, Fla: Harcourt, 2004.

A young man’s eyes are bound to prevent him from using the horrible gift of the Unmaking.

In the desolate Uplands, tribes have supernatural gifts to protect themselves against marauders. Orrec ‘s clan has the gift of the Unmaking, which is as it sounds – the taking of life. Orrec can’t control his power, however, so his father blindfolds him permanently.

Orrec becomes increasingly isolated and spends much of him time with his friend Gry, a girl from a neighboring tribe who has refused to use her inherited gift. But is his lonely existence based on a lie?

I . . . stood watching south, west, north. Watching! Using my eyes! Being of use, not a useless lump in a blindfold being led about by a girl and a dog! What if I had no gift? I had my eyesight, and my anger, and a knife.

What is the truth of Orrec’s gift? Where will his discoveries lead him?

Awards

Booklist Editors' Choice Books for Youth: Older Readers, 2004; Parents’ Choice Foundation Parents’ Choice Award for Fiction, 2004; Margaret A. Edwards Award Author Award.

Jacket illustration © 2004 by Cliff Nielsen. Jacket design by Vaughn Andrews. Scanned May 30, 2009.

Repossessed

Jenkins, A. M. Repossessed. New York, NY: HarperTeen, 2007.

Kiriel, fallen angel and tormentor of souls in Hell, seizes the chance to be human when he takes over the body of a 17-year-old boy.

I’d been watching a number of teens, trying to decide whose body I would choose. The decision was easy when Shaun started to step off the curb in front of that cement mixer. He didn’t see it coming. Bang. I’m in. Bye, bye. Shaun’s gone.

Shaun’s mom is kind. His brother Jason is special. Taking a bath. Wonderful. Smiling. Cool. Cherry tomatoes. Not worth the effort. I hope I have sex.

I had no idea how amazing it is to be human. Now I only have a short time to experience all I can before the Creator discovers me and I am Repossessed.

Awards

Michael L. Printz Honor Book ; New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age; International Reading Association/Children’s Book Council Young Adults’ Choice ; American Library Association Best of the Best Books for Young Adults.

Jacket art © 2007 by Will Staehle. Jacket design by Will Staehle and Jennifer Heuer. Scanned May 31, 2009.

Jenkins, A.M. Repossessed. New York, NY: HarperTeen, 2007. 978-0-06-083568-2. $15.99.