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1. Bibliographic Information:
Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic Press.
ISBN: 978-0-545-12326-6
392 pages
2. Plot Summary:
Attacked, by wolves at eleven years old, Grace has never been the same. She does not remember the specifics of her attack, except the yellow eyes of a wolf that refused to participate in the attack. Six years later, Grace still sees that same wolf at the edge of the forest in her Minnesota home. She wonders about the wolf, especially after the recent reports of another attack. This time, a young high school student named Jack was mauled. Grace becomes fearful of her wolf’s safety when the entire town calls for revenge on the wolf population. After stopping a hunting party from killing a wolf, Grace returns to her house to find that the wolf with the yellow eyes is naked on her doorstep shot in the neck. Sam, the wolf, who is in human form, requires Grace’s help to keep him alive. Their relationship blossoms, and Sam and Grace become inseparable. However, when news reports state that Jack is not dead, and that reports of wolf sightings become more prevalent Grace and Sam must find a way to survive. Sam is hesitant to tell Grace the truth about his condition, but danger to Grace and her friends forces Sam to come to terms with his past and future. Can Grace find a cure for Sam, or is their no hope for the young couple?
3. Critical Evaluation:
Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver, has many elements that would appeal to older teen readers. The protagonist is a young, independent teenager, who is very much capable of running her own life as well as taking care of an ailing teenage werewolf. The prose switches perspective, alternating between Grace and Sam’s point of view. The author does an excellent job validating teen’s emotions regarding their relationships, both with friends and boyfriends. While the couple themselves faces little conflict, it is the people around them that force Sam and Grace to make decisions based upon their morals and values. This in a sense empowers teens and relates to their growing sense of independence. However, as an adult reader, their relationship seems somewhat melodramatic. Furthermore, the werewolf angle seems overdone in teen literature due to the popularity of the Twilight novels. Overall, Shiver is a light and easy read for teen readers who enjoy fantasy with a touch of romance.
4. Reader’s Annotation:
Grace has been obsessed with a wolf with yellow eyes ever since he refused to attack her when she was eleven. Now, at seventeen, Grace finds out that this yellow-eyed wolf is really Sam, an eighteen-year-old who changes during the warm season. Can Grace and Sam find a way to keep Sam human before a rouge wolf puts Sam and Grace in danger?
5. Information about the Author
Maggie Stiefvater lives in Virginia with her husband, two children and pets. She wrote the series Books of Faerie, and is currently waiting the release of the sequel to Shiver called Linger (Stiefvater, 2010).
6. Genre
I would classify this novel as a fantasy due to its supernatural elements regarding werewolves.
7. Curriculum Ties
I think most teens would read this book for pleasure, so it could have applications in English.
8. Booktalking Ideas
- How does this book’s version of werewolves differ from popular fiction?
- How does Grace’s relationship with her parents affect her relationship with Sam?
- Why do you think that the author chose werewolves for her supernatural creature?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I would consider this novel to appeal to teenage girls ages 15-17.
10. Challenge Issues
Challenge Issues could include teenage sex and magical elements namely the existence of werewolves. If challenges arose consult Paula Laurita’s website:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
11. Why was it selected:
This book was recommended to me by a children’s librarian.
12. Citations
Laurita, P. (2009). Library sciences site: how to handle a book challenge. Retrieved from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
Stiefvater, M. (2010). Maggie Stiefvater. Retrieved from http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/
Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic Press.
ISBN: 978-0-545-12326-6
392 pages
2. Plot Summary:
Attacked, by wolves at eleven years old, Grace has never been the same. She does not remember the specifics of her attack, except the yellow eyes of a wolf that refused to participate in the attack. Six years later, Grace still sees that same wolf at the edge of the forest in her Minnesota home. She wonders about the wolf, especially after the recent reports of another attack. This time, a young high school student named Jack was mauled. Grace becomes fearful of her wolf’s safety when the entire town calls for revenge on the wolf population. After stopping a hunting party from killing a wolf, Grace returns to her house to find that the wolf with the yellow eyes is naked on her doorstep shot in the neck. Sam, the wolf, who is in human form, requires Grace’s help to keep him alive. Their relationship blossoms, and Sam and Grace become inseparable. However, when news reports state that Jack is not dead, and that reports of wolf sightings become more prevalent Grace and Sam must find a way to survive. Sam is hesitant to tell Grace the truth about his condition, but danger to Grace and her friends forces Sam to come to terms with his past and future. Can Grace find a cure for Sam, or is their no hope for the young couple?
3. Critical Evaluation:
Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver, has many elements that would appeal to older teen readers. The protagonist is a young, independent teenager, who is very much capable of running her own life as well as taking care of an ailing teenage werewolf. The prose switches perspective, alternating between Grace and Sam’s point of view. The author does an excellent job validating teen’s emotions regarding their relationships, both with friends and boyfriends. While the couple themselves faces little conflict, it is the people around them that force Sam and Grace to make decisions based upon their morals and values. This in a sense empowers teens and relates to their growing sense of independence. However, as an adult reader, their relationship seems somewhat melodramatic. Furthermore, the werewolf angle seems overdone in teen literature due to the popularity of the Twilight novels. Overall, Shiver is a light and easy read for teen readers who enjoy fantasy with a touch of romance.
4. Reader’s Annotation:
Grace has been obsessed with a wolf with yellow eyes ever since he refused to attack her when she was eleven. Now, at seventeen, Grace finds out that this yellow-eyed wolf is really Sam, an eighteen-year-old who changes during the warm season. Can Grace and Sam find a way to keep Sam human before a rouge wolf puts Sam and Grace in danger?
5. Information about the Author
Maggie Stiefvater lives in Virginia with her husband, two children and pets. She wrote the series Books of Faerie, and is currently waiting the release of the sequel to Shiver called Linger (Stiefvater, 2010).
6. Genre
I would classify this novel as a fantasy due to its supernatural elements regarding werewolves.
7. Curriculum Ties
I think most teens would read this book for pleasure, so it could have applications in English.
8. Booktalking Ideas
- How does this book’s version of werewolves differ from popular fiction?
- How does Grace’s relationship with her parents affect her relationship with Sam?
- Why do you think that the author chose werewolves for her supernatural creature?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I would consider this novel to appeal to teenage girls ages 15-17.
10. Challenge Issues
Challenge Issues could include teenage sex and magical elements namely the existence of werewolves. If challenges arose consult Paula Laurita’s website:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
11. Why was it selected:
This book was recommended to me by a children’s librarian.
12. Citations
Laurita, P. (2009). Library sciences site: how to handle a book challenge. Retrieved from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
Stiefvater, M. (2010). Maggie Stiefvater. Retrieved from http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/
Picture:
Amazon. (2010). Shiver (Hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/0545123267/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266810709&sr=1-1
13. Awards
Debuted at #9 on the New York Times bestseller list
Indies Choice Book Award Finalist
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
Amazon Top Ten Books for Teens
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2009
Border's Original Voices Pick & Finalist
Barnes & Noble 2009 Top Twenty Books for Teens
CBC Children's Choice Awards Finalist
SIBA 2010 Book Award Finalist
Junior Library Guild Selection (Shiver and Linger)
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Nominee
Glamour's Best Book to Curl Up With
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