Book Blogs #1- #8
LSSL 5385 02 Book Blogs #1-#8
1. Young Adult Novel Required
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/banned-absolutely-true-diary-part-time-indian/
Alexie, S. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York, NY: Little, Brown & Company.
230 pages
Book Summary:
Arnold Spirit, Jr. a poor Native American who wants to experience what his life would be like by going to school outside of their reservation. He meets up with other students and learns the "rules" of high school. Arnold befriends Penelope who now makes him popular by association. Arnold's family discovers that his sister runs away to follow her dreams. He blames himself. In high school, Arnold tries to keep up but with so many opportunities that cost "money", he finds himself in a predicament. His arch enemy Roger pays it forward. Arnold discovers he has a talent for basketball and is very successful which earns him fame. Rowdy, Arnold's best friend on the reservation, has been his connection back on the reservation but despises the move to the high school off the reservation. Over time, Rowdy accepts the move and they both remain friends through thick and thin.
Arnold Spirit, Jr. a poor Native American who wants to experience what his life would be like by going to school outside of their reservation. He meets up with other students and learns the "rules" of high school. Arnold befriends Penelope who now makes him popular by association. Arnold's family discovers that his sister runs away to follow her dreams. He blames himself. In high school, Arnold tries to keep up but with so many opportunities that cost "money", he finds himself in a predicament. His arch enemy Roger pays it forward. Arnold discovers he has a talent for basketball and is very successful which earns him fame. Rowdy, Arnold's best friend on the reservation, has been his connection back on the reservation but despises the move to the high school off the reservation. Over time, Rowdy accepts the move and they both remain friends through thick and thin.
Book Response and Connections:
Aside from vulgar language and adolescent discoveries, this fiction contemporary novel has won the 2007 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. The autobiographical novel of reservation life transitioning to another high school with the "hope" of a better life seems to flow from start to finish. "The grass is not always greener on the other side" away from the reservation, poverty, drugs, death, racism, and relationships. This young adult novel may be a good one to go along with a few of Havighurst developmental stages: help with developing morals and values and learning to get along with peers, not to mention self discovery of the physical body. Lastly, and equally important in the fact that friendships can have a long lasting comfort of security and unconditional love.
Books with similar themes of dealing with adolescent identity:
Absolutely, Positively Not by David LaRochelle
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
Eight Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Far From Normal by Kate Klise
Geronimo by Joseph Bruchac
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
Eight Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Far From Normal by Kate Klise
Geronimo by Joseph Bruchac
Other books by Sherman Alexie:
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“Flight”“Reservation Blues”“The Business of Fancydancing”“The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven”“The Toughest Indian in the World”
Teaching ideas:
Scholastic has an excellent teaching guide.
https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/lesson-plans/migrated-featured-files/absolutely-true-diary-storia-tg.pdf
https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/lesson-plans/migrated-featured-files/absolutely-true-diary-storia-tg.pdf
Check out Sherman Alexie's 2007 Texas Book Festival! He talks about himself and his novel.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?202083-3/the-absolutely-true-diary-part-time-indian
Book trailer from
Winning entry for the 2011 KCLS Read Flip Win Contest
https://youtu.be/iQMyOkvbu7A
2. Young Adult Novel Required
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/
Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. NY: Farrar Straus Giroux.
198 pages
Book Summary
Melanie Sordino is trying to find someone she can trust or tell someone about being raped. Heather seems to be a good choice even though some of the outings with Heather make her feel uncomfortable. Melanie also finds a closet at school that she uses as a safe haven, and goes there for solitude and slowly works her way through her dreadful experience of rape at a party. Grades fall, social circles crumble, parents, and school administration hound her. Melanie works up the courage to share her story. Rachel, her former friend, is caught between her social circle and what actually happened to Melanie. Andy, the antagonist, attacks Melanie, who finds her voice, defends herself, completes her art projects, and year. Mr. Freedman, the Art teacher and indirect confidant throughout the entire ordeal. Finally, Melanie tells all and ordeal is on the mend.
Book Response and Connections:
Young adult readers who are contemplating their lives in fear and hiding, will be uplifted after reading the journal style narrative. Feeling depressed and overcoming adversities with a touch of empowerment when finding your voice resonates throughout this young adult novel. Sadly, Speak is a modern contemporary realistic fiction which mirrors the lives of many of our youth today. On the bright side, Speak is a well written novel that gives young adults a descriptive account of a young girls experience from various delicate stages: depression, anger, fear, imploding friendships, resolve, and onto acceptance. I believe more young adult readers will find themselves reading various by Anderson not only for popularity, but because of her way of relating sensitive topics that may be too difficult to discuss openly.
Young adult readers who are contemplating their lives in fear and hiding, will be uplifted after reading the journal style narrative. Feeling depressed and overcoming adversities with a touch of empowerment when finding your voice resonates throughout this young adult novel. Sadly, Speak is a modern contemporary realistic fiction which mirrors the lives of many of our youth today. On the bright side, Speak is a well written novel that gives young adults a descriptive account of a young girls experience from various delicate stages: depression, anger, fear, imploding friendships, resolve, and onto acceptance. I believe more young adult readers will find themselves reading various by Anderson not only for popularity, but because of her way of relating sensitive topics that may be too difficult to discuss openly.
Books with similar themes:
https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2017/10/05/books-like-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/
https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2017/10/05/books-like-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson/
Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySpPkHZ66aI
Additional References:
Need Help??
Speak Resources
3. Young Adult Novel Required
Harris, R. and Emberley, M. (2009) . It's Perfectly Normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.
96 pages
Book Summary:
This non-fictional book is very informative and could be used by young adults on the verge of puberty. Questions about our physical bodies, to body comparisons, sex, and one's sexual health are covered with extreme detail and accuracy. The main characters are the Bird and the Bee who carry on conversations like two trusted friends. Changes in both male and female bodies have specific functions. The way humans handle sexual feelings or touching is explained as "natural feelings' and "perfectly normal". Simple definitions with comic graphic designs help with the visuals. Religious comparisons and ways to have and prevent babies, and issues regarding sexual abuse lead to the overall theme of staying healthy by making responsible decisions with one’s body.
This non-fictional book is very informative and could be used by young adults on the verge of puberty. Questions about our physical bodies, to body comparisons, sex, and one's sexual health are covered with extreme detail and accuracy. The main characters are the Bird and the Bee who carry on conversations like two trusted friends. Changes in both male and female bodies have specific functions. The way humans handle sexual feelings or touching is explained as "natural feelings' and "perfectly normal". Simple definitions with comic graphic designs help with the visuals. Religious comparisons and ways to have and prevent babies, and issues regarding sexual abuse lead to the overall theme of staying healthy by making responsible decisions with one’s body.
Book Response and Connections:
Depending on when It's Perfectly Normal is read, the young adult reader may be reading for unconscious delight, autobiographically, vicariously, or for philosophical speculation. As one of the top banned books of 2009, I believe this book deserves to be on the shelves in homes as well as schools where someone is able to help explain the content in a respectful manner. With its directness and adapting to our physical bodies, It's Perfectly Normal will make sexuality not seem so mysterious and hidden. Rather with straightforward facts, readers will be well informed and allowed to reflect on the text in real life situations, should they occur, and where those feelings or physical aspects came from.
Additional References:
Christine Hepperman write an excellent article that helps readers evaluate a "good sex ed book", and offers a couple of other titles for young adult readers or younger.
https://www.hbook.com/2007/09/using-books/sexed-makes-good-sex-ed-book/#_
https://www.hbook.com/2007/09/using-books/sexed-makes-good-sex-ed-book/#_
Other books by Robie Harris:
http://robieharris.com/?page_id=1874
. 
http://robieharris.com/?page_id=1874
. 
Teaching ideas:
Learning about adolescent life lesson plan. Includes teacher resource document with the inclusion of reading part of the book It's Perfectly Normal.
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/research/centers/CAIANH/colteacherresource/Documents/Lesson%202.pdf
Learning about adolescent life lesson plan. Includes teacher resource document with the inclusion of reading part of the book It's Perfectly Normal.
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/research/centers/CAIANH/colteacherresource/Documents/Lesson%202.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFWQsZGwXyo
4. Young Adult Novel Required
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/monster/9780064407311-item.html
Myers, W. D, (1999). Monster. New York, NY: Harper Collins Children's Books.
281 pages
Book Summary:
Steve Harmon is a 16 year old boy on trial for murder. From the point of view of the adolescent mind, he contemplates his future and what his life will be like, he simultaneously tries to find out who he is and what he stands for. Mr. Nesbitt, a clerk, was murdered and robbed at gun point. Cigarettes were stolen and cash register open were clues as to who is responsible. Few pictures are included in the young adult novel to add an effect of relationship building, maybe to get an idea of who the main character was. In the end, another character, King, is found guilty and Harmon not guilty. Harmon now creates films about his life and to tell stories about himself.
Steve Harmon is a 16 year old boy on trial for murder. From the point of view of the adolescent mind, he contemplates his future and what his life will be like, he simultaneously tries to find out who he is and what he stands for. Mr. Nesbitt, a clerk, was murdered and robbed at gun point. Cigarettes were stolen and cash register open were clues as to who is responsible. Few pictures are included in the young adult novel to add an effect of relationship building, maybe to get an idea of who the main character was. In the end, another character, King, is found guilty and Harmon not guilty. Harmon now creates films about his life and to tell stories about himself.
Book Response and Connections:
Looking from the outside in and being extra careful of who you consider true friends helps readers learn vicariously consequences to such dreadful acts. Not to mention what may happens to a person while they are in jail! It's not all unicorns and rainbows! With evidence and alibis stacking up against Harmon, he still had his parent's support which helped him get through tough times while in jail. With a novel such as this, a young adult reader will be able to develop morals and values while dealing with contemporary issues along with real life consequences of illegal actions. The crime/drama fiction novel won the Michael L. Prinz Award and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner in 2000.
Looking from the outside in and being extra careful of who you consider true friends helps readers learn vicariously consequences to such dreadful acts. Not to mention what may happens to a person while they are in jail! It's not all unicorns and rainbows! With evidence and alibis stacking up against Harmon, he still had his parent's support which helped him get through tough times while in jail. With a novel such as this, a young adult reader will be able to develop morals and values while dealing with contemporary issues along with real life consequences of illegal actions. The crime/drama fiction novel won the Michael L. Prinz Award and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner in 2000.
Award winning African American Teen novel list:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/award-winning-african-american-books
Looking for teaching ideas and books by Myers?
All-in-one document:
Excellent Walter Dean Myers Bibliography
by age, grade, and topic.
http://walterdeanmyers.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/WDM-Bibliography-by-Category.pdf
Walter Dean Myers discusses his novel
https://youtu.be/QtlkXnf3-vY
5. Young Adult Novel Required
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knife-of-never-letting-go-patrick-ness/1100306233#/
Ness, B. (2008). The Knife of Never Letting Go: Chaos Walking Book One. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.
512 pages
Book Summary:
As Prentisstown's last boy to turn 13, Todd Hewitt, protagonist, has been raised to know that all women have been killed off by Spackle's and hears noise that can be heard by everyone. Todd has a devoted canine named Manchee who accompanies him on this journey to eventually to find silence. Todd and new companion, Viola, travel from the settlement to settlement fleeing from Prentisstown army. As part of Todd's "coming of age", he learns he is supposed to kill Aaron, protagonist, as a "blessing" and acceptance in their community. In the end, transitioning into the next book, Viola is shot and Todd tries to save her. This is the first book of the Chaos Walking science fiction/horror trilogy.
As Prentisstown's last boy to turn 13, Todd Hewitt, protagonist, has been raised to know that all women have been killed off by Spackle's and hears noise that can be heard by everyone. Todd has a devoted canine named Manchee who accompanies him on this journey to eventually to find silence. Todd and new companion, Viola, travel from the settlement to settlement fleeing from Prentisstown army. As part of Todd's "coming of age", he learns he is supposed to kill Aaron, protagonist, as a "blessing" and acceptance in their community. In the end, transitioning into the next book, Viola is shot and Todd tries to save her. This is the first book of the Chaos Walking science fiction/horror trilogy.
Book Response and Connections:
Although, it took several chapters for me to really understand what exactly was going on, the plot has several avenues of entertainment for young adult readers interested in science fiction, animals talking, society conflicts, futuristic communication telepathy, and revenge. Todd Hewitt was clever in realizing that he had been manipulated into thinking this "new world" only existed and no other until he started to want to 'break the rules", including to find out there may not even be a 13 month calendar to follow. The knife is symbolic throughout the entire book representing guilt and strength. The book also was a symbol of hope and encouragement when time permitted, it lifted Todd and Viola's spirits when they were looking for clues to their final destination settlement.
Book trailer by Summer Killeen
https://youtu.be/kwHHl0k5Rq4
Books with similar themes:
Teaching ideas:
Reading and study guide
https://jwpblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/a-reading-guide-to-the-knife-of-never-letting-go.pdf
Reading and study guide
https://jwpblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/a-reading-guide-to-the-knife-of-never-letting-go.pdf
https://webertube.com/video/19352/book-trailer---the-knife-of-never-letting-go
6. Young Adult Novel Required
https://www.npr.org/2014/12/14/370098154/this-weekend-pick-up-the-pieces-with-gabi
284 pages
Book Summary:
Gabi Hernandez is a high school senior journaling her summer before senior year and grabs your attention by talking about one of their friends, Cindy, who has become pregnant. We follow Cindy's experience throughout the entire pregnancy, through Gabi's point of view. Gabi introduces us to more of her friends, enemies, boyfriends, father that is a meth addict, a mother and aunts who talk about not getting pregnant. Gabi holds herself to high standards within her circle of close friends and is very cautious even though her mother and aunt constantly tell her to "keep her legs closed" and don't become pregnant or it will ruin her life. Gabi is successful in the end and gets into the college of her choice with confidence.
Gabi Hernandez is a high school senior journaling her summer before senior year and grabs your attention by talking about one of their friends, Cindy, who has become pregnant. We follow Cindy's experience throughout the entire pregnancy, through Gabi's point of view. Gabi introduces us to more of her friends, enemies, boyfriends, father that is a meth addict, a mother and aunts who talk about not getting pregnant. Gabi holds herself to high standards within her circle of close friends and is very cautious even though her mother and aunt constantly tell her to "keep her legs closed" and don't become pregnant or it will ruin her life. Gabi is successful in the end and gets into the college of her choice with confidence.
Book Response and Connections:
I enjoyed the Spanglish used throughout the book including, adolescence, friends, and situations everyone has to deal with to get through high school was the central focus of the novel. In diary form, it seems like you get to know Gabi on a very personal level with her personal and inner thoughts. This is a realistic fiction and young adult fiction novel with the Mexican culture at the heart of the characters lives. Each of these characters, Gabi, Cindy, Sebastian carry the book with glimpses of their struggles and triumphs as told by Gabi, herself. I can see why this fictional literary work has won the William C. Morris Award for young adult debut novel.
I enjoyed the Spanglish used throughout the book including, adolescence, friends, and situations everyone has to deal with to get through high school was the central focus of the novel. In diary form, it seems like you get to know Gabi on a very personal level with her personal and inner thoughts. This is a realistic fiction and young adult fiction novel with the Mexican culture at the heart of the characters lives. Each of these characters, Gabi, Cindy, Sebastian carry the book with glimpses of their struggles and triumphs as told by Gabi, herself. I can see why this fictional literary work has won the William C. Morris Award for young adult debut novel.
Other books written in diary format:
Sarah Skilton
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/gabi-a-girl-in-pieces-and-9-more-diary-style-yas-we-love/
Sarah Skilton
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/gabi-a-girl-in-pieces-and-9-more-diary-style-yas-we-love/
Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison
Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose, edited by Gillian
McCain & Legs McNeil
I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith
Life As We Knew It, Susan Beth Pfeffer
The Carbon Diaries 2015/2017, by Saci Lloyd
The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used
Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them, with Erin Gruwell
The Black Book: Diary of a Teenage Stud, by Jonah Black
The Bunker Diary, by Kevin Brooks
The Keysha Diaries, by Earl Sewell
Teaching resources:
https://www.cincopuntos.com/teacher_resources.sstg
Latin American and Iberian Institute put together an Educator's Guide:
https://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/vamos-a-leer_gabi-a-girl-in-pieces_educators-guide.pdf
https://www.cincopuntos.com/teacher_resources.sstg
Latin American and Iberian Institute put together an Educator's Guide:
https://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/vamos-a-leer_gabi-a-girl-in-pieces_educators-guide.pdf
Darcy Davidson Armstrong created this simple book trailer. Take a look.
7. Young Adult Novel Required
https://www.amazon.com/Persepolis-Childhood-Pantheon-Graphic-Novels/dp/037571457X
Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. New York, NY: Patheon.
153 pages
Book Summary:
Marjane Satrapi, of Tehran, tells the story of her life as a young girl growing up in Iran. She wanted to be a prophet but had her own view of the veil, friends, ceremonies, aspirations of her occupation when she grows up, eventually wanting to demonstrate as her parents do. She discovers her family lineage and that her great-grandfather was an Emperor. Marjane realizes her family has many heroes and is very close to her Uncle Anoosh who is eventually executed. She also learns of the "gold key" in exchange for military service of the young boys in her village. Finally, Marjane's parents feel it is necessary for her to leave the country and go to Europe/Austria without her parents. This all happens during the Iranian Revolution.
Book Response and Connections:
Marjane Satrapi, of Tehran, tells the story of her life as a young girl growing up in Iran. She wanted to be a prophet but had her own view of the veil, friends, ceremonies, aspirations of her occupation when she grows up, eventually wanting to demonstrate as her parents do. She discovers her family lineage and that her great-grandfather was an Emperor. Marjane realizes her family has many heroes and is very close to her Uncle Anoosh who is eventually executed. She also learns of the "gold key" in exchange for military service of the young boys in her village. Finally, Marjane's parents feel it is necessary for her to leave the country and go to Europe/Austria without her parents. This all happens during the Iranian Revolution.
The graphic
autobiography is written from a child's perspective, which
helps young adults understand the reality of war and oppression that may not be
easily understood for children this age. Young adult reluctant
readers and others who understand text with pictures will have no trouble
reading this novel. Each chapter describes the cost of war, whether it be
directly related to money, loss of lives, death of a friend or religious
freedoms, Satrapi's family perseveres with strength and love. Satrapi also develops her own political development honoring her past relatives and
their causes. Another critical piece was Satrapi's view of education
especially for girls. She continues to fight her personal battles and
lets the world understand her views through her books.
Palestine
by Joe Sacco
by Joe Sacco
Heartbreak
Soup (Luba and Palomar, #1)
by Gilbert Hernández
by Gilbert Hernández
Barefoot
Gen, Volume Three: Life After the Bomb
by Keiji Nakazawa
by Keiji Nakazawa
Skim
by Mariko Tamaki
Teaching ideas: Learning vocabulary and techniques using graphic novels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9onZpQix_w
8. Excellence In Non Fiction for Young Adults
https://www.amazon.com/Vincent-Theo-Van-Gogh-Brothers/dp/0805093397
Heiligman, D. (2017). Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers. New York, NY: Godwin Books.
454 pages
Book Summary:
Vincent and Theo is based on letters and research about the Van Gogh brothers. Vincent's early relationships, money, temperament, and finding a sustainable job weighed heavily on Vincent's younger brother Theo. Theo, an art dealer, supported Vincent, but also their mother, father, and later on Theo's wife and child. The letters and correspondence were written amongst the family members, these in particular regarding Vincent's health and mental stability. Eventually, Vincent was placed in a mental facility where he continued to paint until his likely demise and died in Theo's arms. Sadly, Theo was placed in a mental facility, as well. Theo's wife, Joanna kept the letters written and continued to promote the artist and his brother's legacy. The world will not forget Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo, because one was not happy without the other, both are now placed together side by side in Auvers-sur-Oise Town Cemetery.
Book Response and Connections:
As an Art teacher, I enjoyed reading this book. The biography helped me to understand more about the artist and his close family. Non fiction can be intimidating to young adult readers but Vincent and Theo is a non threatening novel even adults will gravitate to. Families may even take this book as an opportunity to talk about mental illness and the compassion individuals can offer to those in need of assistance. The struggles a person faces to fulfill their dreams and hopes can be obtained with the love and kindness of close friends/family who believe in the same cause is a strength I have taken from the novel.
Read more about Deborah Heiligman from her website:
As an Art teacher, I enjoyed reading this book. The biography helped me to understand more about the artist and his close family. Non fiction can be intimidating to young adult readers but Vincent and Theo is a non threatening novel even adults will gravitate to. Families may even take this book as an opportunity to talk about mental illness and the compassion individuals can offer to those in need of assistance. The struggles a person faces to fulfill their dreams and hopes can be obtained with the love and kindness of close friends/family who believe in the same cause is a strength I have taken from the novel.
Read more about Deborah Heiligman from her website:
Books with similar themes:
Leonardo
da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Wonderful
Feels Like This by Sara Lovestam
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
Teaching guide for Vincent's paintings from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.:
https://www.nga.gov/content/dam/ngaweb/Education/learning-resources/teaching-packets/pdfs/Van-Gogh-tp.pdf
https://www.nga.gov/content/dam/ngaweb/Education/learning-resources/teaching-packets/pdfs/Van-Gogh-tp.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk
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