To Say Nothing of the Dog
By Connie Willis


Publisher's Note:  Ned Henry shuttles between the 1940s and the twenty-first century while researching Coventry Cathedral for a patron interested in rebuilding it until the time continuum is disrupted.


Overall Review:  To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis may technically be a science fiction novel, but it feels more like The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde.  You don’t have to be a die-hard science fiction fan to enjoy this book.  (In fact, if you want hard-core science fiction, this isn’t it.)  Willis is amazing in her incorporation of chaos theory, time travel, English history, and literary knowledge.  The true charm of this book is the first-class, dry, understated humor and dialogue.  The pacing is even-handed and the conclusion most satisfying.  After this book, I will never look at an English bulldog without smiling.  Overall Rating:   4.5 out of 5 stars!




Content Review:
VIOLENCE:  one mild instances

PROFANITY:  a few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild instance

MATURE THEMES:  none

RECOMMENDED AGE:   21+

Violence is minimal.   There is one fairly lengthy scene that occurs during a German bombing of a cathedral in London.  Within that scene there are explosions, a fire, and general chaos, but no deaths described.

Mild religious profanity was noted three times. 

Sexual content is mostly non-existent as most of the story occurs in Victorian England.  One character does kiss another character.

This delightful book has nothing that would be inappropriate for ages younger than 21.  However, the pacing and dialogue of the book lend itself to an older, more mature reader who can appreciate its tongue-in-cheek and dry humor.

To Say Nothing of the Dog is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 21+!
_

_This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer

Brain Jack
by Brian Falkner

Publisher's Note:  In a dystopian near-future, neuro-headsets have replaced computer keyboards. Just slip on a headset, and it's the Internet at the speed of thought. For teen hacker Sam Wilson, a headset is a must. But as he masters the new technology, he has a terrifying realization. If anything on his computer is vulnerable to an attack, what happens when his mind is linked to the system? Could consciousness itself be hacked?

Brian Falkner, author of The Tomorrow Code and The Project, delivers an action-packed and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller in which logging on to a computer could mean the difference between life and death.

Overall Review:  Was it ironic, spooky, or prophetic that my laptop died the day I started reading Brainjack by Brian Falkner? Opening with a chilling, foreboding, and awesome prologue, Brainjack has you looking over your cyber-shoulder by page three.  In the mood for action and adventure?  A thriller? Dystopian?  Utopian?  No worries, this book has it all.  The first half of the book was fresh and relevant with its rapid-fire-in-your-face-intense hacker-infiltrator versus hacker-defender military style.  At about the mid-point the narrative took a turn down a more well-worn and familiar path which was disappointing.  Although the story lost its freshness, it continued to flow smoothly through the action scenes with plentiful witty banter by its characters.  Typical of most science fiction, the ending was a bit nebulous and left the reader struggling to understand the author’s resolution.  Atypical of most science fiction, the ending was perhaps a bit too glowing.  The reader is left wondering if it is Big Brother or Santa Claus watching over him.  However, flaws aside, the first half alone is reason enough to read Falkner’s book. If you like computers and action, log on to Brainjack. Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  many mild instances

PROFANITY:  many mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild

MATURE THEMES: a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  16+

Much of the violence is the report of events that have occurred.  Also, much of the action in the book uses military terms to describe events that are happening as people are hacking into computers and systems.  Very interesting, but not really violence since it is happening in the cyberworld.  Violence that occurred in the characters’ real world included the following:  a character points a gun and grabs another character’s shirt; characters are watching a hockey game where the hockey players get into a fight; during a government raid two figures are found unconscious; a character seems in pain and then dies; another character appears in pain with seizure-like symptoms and becomes unconscious; a character is punched; a character is kicked; battling jets and an explosion are seen from a distance; a character is shot at; a character throws bricks at other characters; characters struggle; there are a couple of car chases with shooting exchanged and a car crashes; several military encounters occur between jets, tanks, troops, etc.; a man is shot; gunfire is exchanged between troops; a character suffers an injury and becomes unconscious with blood on his forehead.

Twenty-two mild religious profanities were noted.  Although not technically profanity, a coarse term was used a few times and there was some “guy” banter about body parts and body digestive functions.

Sexual content was very mild and included a character noticing another character’s attractiveness and the characters briefly embrace and kiss once.

Mature themes included guilt, addiction, venerability, manipulation, power, the use and dangers of technology, and mob mentality/group think.

Other content noted was a character skinny-dipping.

With an older protagonist (17 years old), lots of action, and plentiful computer and military lingo, Brainjack is recommended for ages 16+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Books for Young Readers  for a review.

Related titles:  The Maze Runner

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
(The Underland Chronicles #3)
by Suzanne Collins

Publisher's Note:  Book Two left off with Gregor reading the Prophecy of Blood: a prophecy that calls for Gregor and Boots to return to the Underland to help ward off a deadly plague. But this time, Gregor’s mother refuses to let him return to the Underland . . . until the rat Ripred assures the family that Gregor and Boots are just needed for a short meeting, which the crawlers will attend only if their “princess” Boots is present. Gregor’s mom finally relents, on the condition that she go with them. The Underland plague is spreading, and when one of Gregor’s family is stricken, he begins to understand his role in the Prophecy of Blood, and must summon all his power to end the biological warfare that threatens the warmbloodedcreatures of the Underland. Fans of Suzanne Collins’s acclaimed fantasy series will find more suspense and action than ever in this thrilling third saga.

Overall Review:  If I were pulled into an Underland with my kids, would I treat them like little kids even though they were considered warriors?  I think I would!  And I LOVED watching Gregor’s reaction to having his mom along—and she delivers the protective mom lines just as she should!  From telling Gregor off for being gone to the bathroom too long, to telling everyone how they have to travel with a plastic bag because Gregor gets carsick—it was definitely a young person’s nightmare!  It’s always more difficult to act the part of warrior, protector, caregiver, when your parents are present!

In Gergor and the Curse of the Warmbloods, we follow our heroes through the jungle!  The characters continue to charm even in a tropical climate!  Boots is still one of my favorites.  I love her sweet little toddler-isms!  Gregor is still the innocent young boy thrown into something that he needs to grow into.  There are more rats to get to know this time around, and it’s always interesting as they work with the rest of the Underlanders and you get small visions of all that they’ve been through.  Maybe they’re not the evil mortal enemies they appear to be afterall??  The characters are so real!  We feel with them the frustration of defeat; just when you think you’ve finally reached your goal and it is snatched from right under your nose!  There were twists that I was definitely not expecting, and it’s a good thing all the books are out now, so you don’t have to be as overly concerned at the cliffhanger endings!

In this installment, I have a few bones to pick—there were way too many things left undone.  There was a lovely scene where Gregor takes it upon himself to groom one of the rats.  This may sound lame and weird, but it was so sweet and innocent and even powerful in its seriousness.  I loved it, and was sad when nothing else was made of it.  It didn’t seem to help things along the way.  Perhaps in the next book?  Also, why is nothing more mentioned of Hamnet’s life after Regalia?  I kept waiting for a mother to appear.  I’m hoping these things are referenced again in later books, so I may just have to wait.  And my last big issue—the end is very abrupt.  I suppose all of this just means it’s time for me to go on and read some more!  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: One mild instance

VIOLENCE:  Some Mild to moderate instances throughout

SEXUAL CONTENT: NONE

MATURE THEMES: Mild to Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

In following with the rest of the series, there is no sexual content at all, and only one minor word is used that could be considered profanity.

This installment of the series includes a virulent plague that causes a great deal of death.  It also has very disturbing symptoms: Large bumps on the body that burst, inability to breathe, weakness, etc.  A bat with the plague crashes to the ground and dies.  In the jungle, many of the plants are very dangerous.  A character is eaten by a vicious plant.  Many ants are killed by plants.  The ants also attack the characters; two of the characters die, the rest are severely injured.  Characters fight and kill many creatures.  Poisonous frogs kill some creatures.  A character kills one of the frogs with the sword.  A character is executed.  

The themes include a lot of fear, death, and overcoming overwhelming odds to save those you love.  

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods is recommended for ages 14+.

The Skin Map
by Stephen Lawhead

Publisher's Note:  Kit Livingston's great-grandfather appears to him in a deserted alley during a tumultuous storm. He reveals an unbelievable story: that the ley lines throughout Britain are not merely the stuff of legend or the weekend hobby of deluded cranks, but pathways to other worlds. To those who know how to use them, they grant the ability to travel the multi-layered universe of which we ordinarily inhabit only a tiny part.

One explorer knew more than most. Braving every danger, he toured both time and space on voyages of heroic discovery. Ever on his guard, and fearful of becoming lost in the cosmos, he developed an intricate code--a roadmap of symbols--that he tattooed onto his own body. This Skin Map has since been lost in time. Now the race is on to recover all the pieces and discover its secrets.

But the Skin Map itself is not the ultimate goal. It is merely the beginning of a vast and marvelous quest for a prize beyond imagining.


Overall Review: What if ley lines—mysterious lines of electromagnetic energy along which ancient Britons built their monuments—were more than just a scientific puzzle?  What if, in fact, British ley lines held the secret to instantaneous travel through space and time?  Such is the premise of The Skin Map, Stephen Lawhead's rollicking adventure story and the first of his "Bright Empires" series.  Kit Livingstone's very normal (even mundane!) British life is shaken up when he receives a visit from his long-dead great-grandfather, Cosimo, in a stormy alley one day.  Cosimo informs Kit that Kit has a special ability—an innate knack for ley-line travel. Before he can do much protesting, Kit is swept up in a throughly confusing, thoroughly compelling adventure through time and space.  

Although The Skin Map is technically science fiction, I came away from it feeling like it was "science fiction for people who don't read science fiction."  Rather than being bogged down with aliens, other worlds, and technical explanations, The Skin Map reads like a perfectly-paced adventure story that just happens to take place in several different centuries.  Beneath the adventure story, however, are some fascinating and fairly deep philosophical and theological themes that lend depth and richness to the novel.  I loved the complexity of Lawhead's plot; just when I thought I'd figured out how all the different threads of his story connected, the book ended on a cliffhanger!  I will definitely be eagerly anticipating the sequel.  The Skin Map is perfect for those who enjoy British culture, a good adventure, globe-trotting, time travel, or spirited and witty characters.  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Very mild

VIOLENCE: Several mild, a few moderate

SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild

MATURE THEMES: Violent events, Adventure/peril

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

There are a few religious exclamations, all used in context. There is violence throughout the novel, very much in keeping with a time travel/adventure-type story. Several characters are menaced and later beaten by a pair of thugs with a leashed wildcat (they threaten to set the cat loose, and at one point do, but nobody is ever hurt). One character is severely beaten (one of the villains has a knife) and on the verge of being killed when he is rescued. One character receives tattoos; the tattoo process is described as being intensely painful. A few references are made to a map that is made of human skin—nothing violent is ever described, but the image made me a little squeamish! There is mild to moderate sexual content, in the form of one character's physical attraction to another (he never thinks anything especially inappropriate, but does notice how beautiful she is and fixate on physical characteristics such as lips and skin). Mature themes consist of violent events (including the eventual death of two characters by illness) and general adventure-type peril.  

The Skin Map is recommended as a Clean Read for ages 14+.

This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Thomas Nelson for a review

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane 
(The Underland Chronicles #2)
by Suzanne Collins

Publisher's Note:  In the months since Gregor first encountered the strange Underland beneath New York City, he’s sworn he won’t ever go back. But when another prophecy, this time about an ominous white rat known as the Bane, calls for Gregor’s help, the Underlanders know the only way they can get his attention is through his little sister, Boots. Now Gregor’s quest reunites him with his bat, Ares, the rebellious princess Luxa, and new allies and sends them through the dangerous and deadly Waterway in search of the Bane. Then Gregor must face the possibility of his greatest loss yet, and make life and death choices that will determine the future of the Underland.
Suzanne Collins has created characters and a world that are capturing countless imaginations. This second installment of the Underland Chronicles is sure to win her even more enthusiastic fans.

Overall Review:  Get ready for more intense fun as we follow Gregor and Boots on another incredible adventure!  At the end of the first book, another prophecy is mentioned, but only just.  (The prophecies are riddles in poetry form that the characters have to decipher and follow.)  Now, with the entryway into the Underland glued and bolted shut, Gregor feels safe from the wiles of the Underlanders.  Unfortunately for him, however, there are a few more entrances than just the grate in the laundry room wall!  In order to fulfill the next prophecy, The Prophecy of Bane, he and Boots are once more thrust into the world of darkness, tunnels, waterways and giant talking creepy-crawlies!  This time around, they spend a lot of time in the water (sometimes there is the feeling of Voyage of the Dawn Treader or Jason and the Argonauts) and then in the dark Labyrinth of the world of the rats—in search of The Bane!

Once again, I loved the character development.  We see more of Ares, the bat, and what a personality he has!  I also became more attached to the friendly warrior, Mareth , Luxa the future queen, and  Howard, a new character who happens to be Luxa’s cousin.  All who went on the journey to ‘fulfill’ the prophecy went because they cared.  Well, all but the ‘shiners’, but they definitely added some color to their travels!

I think above all the action and adventure of the plot, the thing that I am really loving about this series is the depth of humanity.  There is such a sense of loyalty and responsibility that pervades the lives of the characters!  Gregor, for instance: How many 11 year old boys would find opportunities to work to earn money—then use it to buy food for his family and diapers for his little sister?  And when he goes after Boots (who is kidnapped), how many young boys would think to call home to let them know where he’s going?  Gregor even begs Ares to rescue Boots first—no matter what—even though Ares has sworn to protect Gregor at all costs.  These are just a few examples.  Over and over again, throughout the pages of this book, love and loyalty and caring shine through.  It even comes through as humor, when Temp (a giant cockroach and best friend of Boots) permits Boots to dress him up with doll clothes!  He definitely didn’t enjoy it, and it’s slightly odd to think that a huge cockroach is cute, but how could I not love the little guy for letting a little lost and frightened girl play dressup?

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane is another fast paced ride through the wilds of Underland, and a great addition to a fun series!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: Two mild instances

VIOLENCE: Mild to Moderate instances throughout

SEXUAL CONTENT: NONE

MATURE THEMES: Mild to Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

In keeping with the first of this series, Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane has no sexual content whatsoever. 

There are two mild exclamations of profanity this time around.  And there are two references to the glowing end of a firefly which could be considered crude. 

Above all, there is violence.  There is a short scene of warrior training that includes sword play and some gymnastics.  A character explains briefly the best places in which to kill a rat.  There is a fight against a giant squid that is a little intense.  A character has a brief and disturbing nightmare involving fish with large teeth.  The characters encounter a whirlpool—a craft is destroyed and some characters are almost lost.  A character discovers an ability to fight that is hard to control.  Some very creepy bugs eat a character (it was quick and disturbing).  Some dinosaur-esque serpents attack the characters and most are injured.  Some rats get into a fight—they end up killing each other and it’s a little gory.  The characters are forced to eat raw fish after their supplies are destroyed. 

The main themes are all about accountability, responsibility and dealing with the results of our choices.  There is also the moderate fear factor of facing the unknown along with grief over the loss of loved ones and friends. 

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane is recommended for ages 14+.

When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead

Publisher's Note:  This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.  By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.


Overall Review:  Children have long had many excellent choices in the fantasy genre, but few accessible, outstanding science fiction options so it is refreshing to see a first-rate science fiction contribution from Rebecca Stead in her second novel,  When You Reach Me.  Stead’s debut novel, First Light, was solid writing, but in When You Reach Me she finds her voice.  The story is related in first person by Miranda, fluctuating between a straight-up narrative and musings directed to a mysterious person who has been leaving notes and clues for Miranda.  Miranda’s genuineness as a character and an authentic world wrap the reader in the narrative.  The brilliance of the book is that all the seemingly trivial and mundane details included in the story (and dismissed by the reader) are essential to the conclusion and explanation of the events.  When You Reach Me is a clever puzzle, skillfully resolved, and a deserved Newberry Award Winner.  Overall  Rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

 
Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  two mild instances

PROFANITY:  four mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  none

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP:   9+

Violence included a character punching and hitting another character.  A character breaks some ribs and an arm in an accident.  A character dies in an accident with a truck.

Four mild instances of profanity were noted.

When You Reach Me is a clean read for ages 9+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling for a review

Gregor the Overlander
(The Underland Chronicles #1)
by Suzanne Collins

Publisher's Note:  When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, Suzanne Collin's debut marked a thrilling new talent, and introduced a character no young reader will ever forget.

Overall Review:  Gregor the Overlander is told in true Suzanne Collins style (author of The Hunger Games): ‘Regular’ creatures made larger than life, overwhelming odds, strange companionships that just seem to work, and high adventure…all while fighting for your life!  Here is a world where life-sized bats, cockroaches and spiders are your friends and allies; and the rats, well, in the simple words of the cockroaches...excuse me, crawlers..."Rats Bad"!  Life is all played out in huge caverns far underground: The Underland!  Even with all the adventure and intensity, there is a wonderful humorous edge throughout that I loved.  Gregor’s little sister, Boots, is a special 2 year old treat!  That sweet, innocent little toddler stole every heart she met—including mine!  I loved her rapport with her cockroach friends—so cute!  And when her screaming tantrum helps them escape a tight situation?  Priceless!  Gregor the Overlander is not just another generic fantasy series.  There is depth to the story: the characters are well developed and true to life, and there are some great twists that keep everything moving—and keep you wondering how they’ll manage.  I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: NONE

VIOLENCE: Many mild instances and a few moderate instances throughout

SEXUAL CONTENT: NONE

MATURE THEMES: Mild to moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

While there is no profanity or sex at all in this book, there is quite a bit of violence.  There is a skirmish where rats attack—a character is knocked out, some are bitten, the two rats are killed by the sword.  A war breaks out and many characters die.  Usually, it’s told matter-of-factly (‘so-and-so is dead’), but once in awhile a small amount of blood is involved.  Spiders eat other insects/spiders and it’s a little gross.  Some characters escape a spider web and it’s a little scary.  A character is crushed by a rat.  A group of rats are running across a bridge, the bridge falls, and they land in water full of piranhas.  A character is killed by a rat’s tail.  Many rats (and a character) fall down into a pit and die.  A character discovers that they are a 'rager', meaning that they are a natural born warrior.  The violence is necessary to the plot, and is actually well done (and for those wondering, there is less violence than in The Hunger Games, as this series is aimed toward a younger age group).  It never became overly grotesque and is fairly tame. 

Some of the more moderate themes are dealing with the loss of a parent or family member, and facing scary enemies and death; some of the mild themes are making hard decisions and facing your fears. 

While the violence is fairly mild, due to the sheer amount of it, this is recommended for ages 14+.

The True Meaning of Smekday
by Adam Rex

Publisher’s Note: It all starts with a school essay.

When twelve-year-old Gratuity (“Tip”) Tucci is assigned to write five pages on “The True Meaning of Smekday” for the National Time Capsule contest, she’s not sure where to begin. When her mom started telling everyone about the messages aliens were sending through a mole on the back of her neck? Maybe on Christmas Eve, when huge, bizarre spaceships descended on the Earth and the aliens - called Boov - abducted her mother? Or when the Boov declared Earth a colony, renamed it “Smekland” (in honor of glorious Captain Smek), and forced all Americans to relocate to Florida via rocketpod?

In any case, Gratuity’s story is much, much bigger than the assignment. It involves her unlikely friendship with a renegade Boov mechanic named J.Lo.; a futile journey south to find Gratuity’s mother at the Happy Mouse Kingdom; a cross-country road trip in a hovercar called Slushious; and an outrageous plan to save the Earth from yet another alien invasion.

Fully illustrated with “photos,” drawings, newspaper clippings, and comics sequences, this is a hilarious, perceptive, genre-bending novel by a remarkable new talent.


Overall Review:  The True Meaning of Smekday is not your average alien takeover story.  It’s told from the point of view of an eleven year old girl writing an essay for a contest.  That said, this is more like War of the Worlds meets E.T., complete with the alien in a ‘ghost’ costume (old sheet with holes) and absolutely no one notices that it doesn’t remotely resemble a human!  The aliens have taken over the world, and eleven year old Gratuity just wants to find her mom.  On her way to Florida to the ‘humanskind preserve’, she meets J.Lo—a boy alien that’s in a little trouble from his kind.  By an unfortunate accident, some even bigger and meaner aliens are called down, and it’s time to step it up a notch to save the world!  Gratuity and J.Lo team up, and their antics are hilarious!  Their conversations even more so!  J.Lo to speaks in not so good English and does not to understandings always the Gratuity.  They are always talking in circles with each other.   It was great fun!  J.Lo was a very endearing little creature and I just loved the little guy!  These two meet a great cast of characters along the way such as Chief Shouting Bear (aka Frank) who owns the Area 51 spaceship, Mitch, the guy in the missing persons bureau who always talks in questions?, and Daniel Landry who may not be the fantastically great guy everyone seems to think he is—but they need leaders and he’s rich, so that must make him a good leader!  The future looks dim for the humans and it seems like the new and improved group of aliens may just win the day…except for a little glitch in their nature that Gratuity figures out!  Even if it has a few small loose ends in some of the subplots, The True Meaning of Smekday fulfills its purpose as a fun and wacky recreational read for younger teens.  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Some mild instances

VIOLENCE: Some mild instances throughout

SEXUAL CONTENT: A few mild instances

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 12+

Since this is supposed to be an essay written by a twelve year old (about her experiences as an eleven year old), it’s relatively clean.  There are some instances of profanity—and after every single one, she says, “pardon my language”.  The alien swears in his native language and says, “pardon my language” as well, and that’s funny.  There is also one character in the story who swears a lot—but the narrator mentions that she didn’t like this, so she writes ‘bleep’ in his sentences instead of the swear words.  There are a few crude references, as well, by some characters.  As far as sexual content, there are some vague discussions about babies of the different races and how they’re made/raised.  It’s not graphic.  Some characters think the aliens are there to impregnate the humans (the narrator says they should at least get married first).  Again, this is not graphic or uncomfortable, but there is a short discussion.  There are also two different groups of boys who have formed some sort of club and work really hard to make their acronym spell ‘boob’ just so they can giggle.  There are many different forms of violence, such as shootings, destruction and kidnappings.  Some aliens set fire to an entire city.  One alien hits a human and knocks him out.  A group of aliens hunt cats.  There are shootings and lootings in most of the cities.  Many characters are abducted by the aliens for different tasks such as folding the laundry and tutoring in English, and those left behind are worried and frightened.  There are also themes such as hostile takeovers, destruction of cities/people, the ethics of one group ‘discovering’ the new land and pushing out those who already live there, and being on your own and alone.  On the whole The True Meaning of Smekday is a Clean Read for ages 12+.

Pathfinder
by Orson Scott Card

Publisher's Note:  A powerful secret. A dangerous path. Rigg is well trained at keeping secrets. Only his father knows the truth about Rigg's strange talent for seeing the paths of people's pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him--secrets about Rigg's own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain. Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead. He will be forced to question everything he thinks he knows, choose who to trust, and push the limits of his talent…or forfeit control of his destiny.


Overall Review:  Hats off and congratulations to Orson Scott Card in Pathfinder  for being brave enough, crazy enough, and brilliant enough to tackle time travel and not have the story implode!  Pathfinder begins as really two stories, two timelines, and two different styles of writing (one science fiction-flavored and one traditional hero quest-flavored) which progressively converge.  I am not a hard core science fiction fan, but those sections quickly became my favorite and are what hooked me.  The ability of the protagonist, 13 year-old Rigg, to see paths left by living organisms is truly ingenious and original.
 
Card progresses the plot primarily through dialogue, requiring the reader to work through the thought process with his characters.  Midway through the book, the story did bog down briefly in political intrigue and philosophizing before returning to the truly interesting parts of the story.  Dominated with male characters who like to banter, this book is an engaging read even if you are not a science fiction or fantasy enthusiast.  Ended abruptly—not concluded, the book is obviously the set-up for a series and I will be standing at the front of the line for the next book.  Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

 
Content Review
 
VIOLENCE:  a few mild instances

PROFANITY:  one mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATRUE THEMES:   a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP:   16+

Violence consists of the non-graphic, non-detailed reporting of some murder attempts, mob activity, fisticuffs, and such.  One mild profanity was noted.  While technically not profanity, a few coarse words were occasionally used.  Sexual content was limited to passing references to illegitimate children and river men’s philandering.  Thematic material, while neither difficult nor prominent, consists of ethical issues about truth, manipulation, and colonization.   Although there is nothing in this book that would make it inappropriate for a younger reader, this book is dialogue-driven rather than action-driven and it takes a patient reader to work through the complex concepts of time travel and the political intrigue.  Thus, it would be most enjoyed by older readers.  This is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 16+.

This Review was Written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Simon & Schuster for a review

Trophy
by Paul M. Schofield

Publisher's Note:  Five hundred years in the future, after the collapse of civilization in the 21st century, the Earth has been restored to beauty and peace by the women directed New Victorian Empire under the care of the Guardians and CENTRAL, the ruling super-computer. But mankind's continued existence is in jeopardy, and it seems that time travel through the mysterious Keyhole in space is the only way to rescue the human race. In a classic struggle between good and evil, Lieutenant Janet Rogerton and the determined officers of the Empire pursue the deadly rebel Galen Bestmarke through space and time to stop him from making more living trophies and to gain the knowledge that only he possesses about time travel ... knowledge desperately needed to save humanity. With only two generations left success is absolutely essential to prevent mankind's total extinction.


Overall Review:  Paul M. Schofield's debut science fiction novel is a fantastic look into the possibilities for both what Earth's future might hold, and what may ultimately destroy us.  The creation of a future society, totally ruled by females, who are empathetic to others, yet bold, dedicated leaders, was surprisingly fascinating.  Add to that space and time travel, and Schofield has woven an intricate web of chilling adventure and suspense.  While I enjoyed this novel, I did struggle a bit with the often mechanical dialog and piecemeal character descriptions.  This is a great read for science fiction fans who are looking for an eerily believable story!  Overall Rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

PROFANITY: one instance

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

VIOLENCE: few mild instances, one moderate scene

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 21+

The profanity in this book was limited to one instance, where a character calls another a profanity.  There is no sexual content in this book at all.  As for violence, there were several mild instances, with one moderate scene.  The mild instances include spaceship warfare, where, in one instance crew members are injured and two killed (but no details given, just straightforward), several characters are shot by a rifle throughout the story (their injuries are descibed as bleeding and bloody), and there are a few instances of characters getting bitten by a panther (with bleeding leg and bodily injuries).  The moderate violence is a chapter where a human is literally "hunted" by another human through the forest.  In the end, the hunted is shot and captured, and is taken prisoner.  One character collects live animal heads as his hunting trophies, including two human heads.  The mature themes rating for this book is moderate, for themes of hunting and collecting humans, how the current society evolved, and other futuristic elements.  This book is recommended for ages 21+, due to the themes throughout the book, and as ages 21+ would most enjoy this story.  

This review was written by Melissa
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Paul Schofield for a review