Book Blogs #9-#16
Book Blogs #9-#16
LSSL 5385 02
9
Young Adult Required Novel
Garden, N. (1982). Annie on My Mind. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.
263 pages
Book Summary:
Liza starts by her memoirs of her and her dear friend Annie whom she met at a museum one November. Over the course of their meetings and outings with family members, the girls knew there was a stronger connection between them. Annie and Liza were "cat sitting" for two teachers who lived together. This was time spent by themselves to discover one another, too. Ms. Baxter and another student Sally went to the teachers home and found Liza and Annie in a compromising situation and alerted the school board. Unfortunately, through accusations and deliberations, the two teachers Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Wilfred had to find jobs else where. Liza and Annie were now outed as lesbians and the school students dealt with it as best as they knew how. It was a new situation for many.
Book Response and Connections:
Annie and Liza were protagonists while Ms. Baxter was the antagonist in the novel for young adults. The novel seems to be a good choice for teens questioning their sexuality and potential social reactions. Feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, embarrassment, and anxiety about a persons sexual orientation are all rolled into this book. Although this book was written in 1982, I wonder what kinds of reactions there were back then compared to todays young teens and social circles. The novel is not too edgy and focuses on their "love" and devotion rather than their sexual relationship. The reference to the "mountains"and their journey to a happy ending where they will make it then "conquer the next mountain".
Complete booklist and Awards
http://www.nancygarden.com/books/booklist-awards.html
Teacher Resources:
Bookrags.com discussion and guides for purchase
http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-annie-on-my-mind/topicsfordiscussion.html#gsc.tab=0
Book Trailers:
10
Young Adult Required Novel
Kidd, C. (2013). Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design. New York, NY: Workman Publishing.
150 pages
Book Summary:
Copyright information grabs you from the beginning. Everything is made by someone. Descriptive examples of Kidd's work and his successes are pictured very vividly with explanations as to why the images are used in the book. History of various graphic designs: big, small, scale, vocabulary within the graphic design realm are used in elementary curriculum for visual arts classes, as well. Using the elements of art and principles of design help the graphic designer form what the next project will look like. The book explains color theory, positive and negative space, simple, complex, and abstract visual terminology. Clear images help curious minds of young adults and anyone interested in making pictures grab the attention in order to understand the terminology and how to use it in
Book Response and Connections:
As an Art teacher, I really would like to use this book in my Art classes. In elementary, we use these same concepts and it would be great for students to see what careers are available to those who love art and media design. Graphic design careers can also be another avenue for those students who are reluctant readers but strong in multimedia and visual design. Furthermore, Kidd's graphic design book could be used in language arts classes for journalism, creative writing, media design, and advertisement designs. Informational non-fiction books are an excellent way to keep the students entertained while learning new concepts or introduce students to a new area of interest for those visual learners.
Books of similar genre:
Goodreads best graphic designers list of books to read for inspiration.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/32336.Best_Books_In_Graphic_Design_and_Inspiration_for_Designers
Teacher Resources:
Great author study and interview video
http://chipkidd.com/home/
Penguin Random House has an interesting video about the process graphic designers go through in order to choose the right book cover.
11 Young Adult Required Novel
Gephart, D. (2016). Lily & Dunkin. New York, NY: De la Corte Press.
340 pages
Book Summary:
Two stories in one. Lily, who's real name is Timothy McGrother is ready to tell the world that her body is not the one she is meant to be living in. She is struggling to finally be herself and wear dresses, nail polish, make up, lipstick. The only problem is her father, boys at school, and society keep holding her back. Lily is a brave girl and gets more adamant and stronger by each set back. Dad wants to protect her, "jock" boys want to expose her, and luckily she has Dunkin who wants to save her. Dunkin has his own issues of bipolar disorder which he closely regards, but when he doesn't take his meds like he is supposed to, he ends up having to go to a mental facility until he recovers.
Book Response and Connections:
I loved this book. There are so many current issues regarding both topics that this book really made sense to young adults as to what transgender individuals are actually going through. I think the secondary topic of bipolar is slowly making its way out in the open. In schools, children are medicated but not necessarily exposed the way Dunkin (Norbert) is portrayed. With understanding and talking about both these issues, young adults may soon be more tolerant of others and get to know someone before passing judgement on their situation or medical diagnosis or the connection of family members with the same issues. I was very proud of Lily and Dunkin and their triumph over braving social stigmas.
Books by the same Author:
Donna's website with books listed on the left.
http://www.donnagephart.com/
Teacher Resources:
Excellent Perma-bound's Educator and Counselor's Guide
https://www.perma-bound.com/static/TPR/000457607.pdf
Book Trailers: Donna Gephart talks about her book Lily and Dunkin
12
Young Adult Author
Crutcher, C. (2001). Whale Talk. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
304 pages
Book Summary:
TJ is a young multicultural mixed African American /Japanese American teenager who has the opportunity to help create a swim team at Cutter High School. He gathers recruits, guys that seem to be misfits, but all work equally hard to reach a long term goal to be the best. The Athletic Committee is one focal point in the novel that drives much of the conversations with TJ and the coordinator. TJ's father offers advice throughout the book as the father works through a tough past event. High school jackets are an item of accomplishment and obtaining a jacket for a fellow classmate, Chris Coughlin, who has been treated cruelly is the other piece of the puzzle in winning the swim meets and gaining points. In the end, TJ triumphs over all!
Book Response and Connections:
This realistic fiction, coming of age book includes both triumph and tragedy. Three main themes I picked up on were: how people overcome a tragedy that has happened in their lives to make change, physical disabilities and mental disabilities can be celebrated in many situations and not taken advantage of, and rough or abusive relationships can and will affect future outcomes and other relationships. Aside from the language and explicit details of language I may deep inappropriate, young adult readers have the right to read this book and decide for themselves what the author is trying to convey across to young readers. Books are free to be read by anyone of any age.
Jack Fishburger created this book trailer 2017
Books by Chris Crutcher:
http://www.chriscrutcher.com/crutcher-books.html
Teacher Resources:
http://www.chriscrutcher.com/uploads/1/0/9/8/1098293/whale_talk_aasl_discussion_guide.pdf
13 Young Adult Author
Stead, R. (2012). Liar and Spy. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.
180 pages
Book Summary:
Georges is a seventh grader still trying to figure out who to be friends with at their new home in New York. Georges befriends a boy named Safer who acts like a spy and sets up elaborate missions to figure out the intentions of a Mr. X. Georges is a trusting character and wants to please his friend, but notices small details that makes him wonder what a true friend really is and do you trust them? The missions turn out to be fictitious and Georges starts to back track and learns the real truth that Safer has been telling him stories that are not true. Turns out that Mr. X is a nice neighbor that travels and Safer walks his dogs.
Book Response and Connections:
Funny how books relate to real life and situations that young adults come across. Subtle themes that come to my mind from this book are: you need to get to know people well before you start calling them friends and being confident in yourself to stand up to someone you think is taking advantage of you. Family is first and foremost your ally when trying to figure out who to be friends with. Talk about your friends with your family or meet up with other family members to see what your friends are really like when others interact with them. The book is an easy read for 9-12 year olds and the chapters move rather quickly.
Books by Rebecca Stead:
http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/books.html
Teacher Resources:
Lier and Spy educator's guide
https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780375850875_3366.pdf
14
Young Adult Author
Telgemeier, R. (2016). Ghosts. New York, NY: Graphix.
240 pages
Book Summary:
Maya is the younger sister of Catrina, also called Cat. The girls' parents moved their family to Bahia de la Luna with hopes of Maya to get healthier because of her cystic fibrosis. Cat goes to a new school and meets Carlos, a neighbor. Maya eventually wants to make an "ofrenda" for their grandmother on Dia De Los Muertos. The children come in contact with the spirits from past family members of others. Cat invited Carlos' uncle to visit with Maya. The "spirit" uncle meets up with Maya and helps with questions about dying. Talking about death may be difficult for children and this graphic novel makes it possible to open up further conversations on the topic.
Book Response and Connections:
Within the book it is fun to see the use of onomatopoeia so colorfully added within the panels of the graphic novel. Also, the Dia De Los Muertos celebrations give a little information about the Mexican/Hispanic culture in cartoon fashion. Telegemeier has a colorful way of displaying images enticing to all genders and discusses topics that children may be thinking about but not sure where to start with questions. I do appreciate the fact that within the context of the graphic novel, death is beautifully written and the language is simple enough for children to relate to with a happy ending or comfort to all affected by dying.
Books by Raina Telgemeier:
https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/raina-telgemeier/198863/
Teacher Resources:
Classroom guide
https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/lesson-plans/migrated-featured-files/ghosts_classroom_guide.pdf
Kwame, A. (2014). The Crossover. New York, NY: Houghton Miffin Harcourt Publishing Company
237 pages
Book Summary:
Basketball is the name of the game. Written in free verse poems that fill the pages with conversations between Josh and his twin brother Jordan. Josh's motivation to keep going through difficult times is successful as he used basketball as his coping mechanism. Since this book is about basketball, you can feel the sense of the rhythm of basketball through the verses in the novel. Josh's mother is an assistant principal and keeps a close eye on her boys with a good disciplinarian persona. Josh's father suffers from a medical condition and encourages his children until he cannot encourage them any further. Finding out that the father does not get surgery he once needed, concerns the family.
Book Response and Connections:
The Crossover received the John Newberry Award in 2015. The novel is great for reluctant readers because it is short, concise, and about basketball, a popular sport today. I would place this book under contemporary realistic fiction because of the story line about the father's illness and basketball. The close nit family is refreshing and looked upon as stronghold for both Josh and his brother Jordan. End the end, the father dies and the family must move on, a topic that many students may face in their lifetime. Even though family members pass away, we still have a life to life and pay tribute to those who have paved the way for us.
Books by Alexander Kwame:
http://kwamealexander.com/product/
Teacher Resources:
Kwame's Writing Workshop Curriculum
http://kwamealexander.com/about/teachers/c/92
Book Trailers:
Extended book trailer for The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.
16
Best Fiction for Young Adult Top Ten 2017
Bardugo, L. (2017). The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic. New York, NY: Imprint.
280 pages
Book Summary:
Six tales/stories in one novel. The stories are about both good and evil in fantasy worlds that will entice young adult readers. Ayama and the Thorn Wood, The Too Clever Fox, The Witch of Duva, Little Knife, The Soldier Prince, When Water Sang Fire, and a note left by the author herself. Each story has an eerie tone of mystery and the unexpected outcomes. A twisted take on some old fairy tales that are familiar with previous generations can be felt as an influence within the text. Without giving too much away in the stories, the reader will find innocence and betrayal, sacrifice, wit, magic, compromise, and greed fill the pages of the beautifully sculpted book.
Book Response and Connections:
Definitely for older readers because of the situations or detailed moments within the stories that maybe suitable for older students: drinking, insinuation of sex, killing of animals, etc. Readers may need to read other books by Bardugo to get some background knowledge of some of the stories or the Grishaverse and Ravka in which these take place and some are companions to other stories previously written by Bardugo, as well. Definitely Science Fiction Fantasy displayed within the colorful illustrations by Sarah Kipin. Keeping the colors with limited value add to the intrigue of simplicity and awe. The book jacket is also very inviting because it is beautifully embossed. Teens will gravitate to it just for pure beauty and touch.
Lengthy but very informational interview with Leigh Bardugo:
Books by Leigh Bardugo:
http://www.leighbardugo.com/books/
Teacher's Guide:
LSSL 5385 02
9
Young Adult Required Novel
263 pages
Book Summary:
Liza starts by her memoirs of her and her dear friend Annie whom she met at a museum one November. Over the course of their meetings and outings with family members, the girls knew there was a stronger connection between them. Annie and Liza were "cat sitting" for two teachers who lived together. This was time spent by themselves to discover one another, too. Ms. Baxter and another student Sally went to the teachers home and found Liza and Annie in a compromising situation and alerted the school board. Unfortunately, through accusations and deliberations, the two teachers Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Wilfred had to find jobs else where. Liza and Annie were now outed as lesbians and the school students dealt with it as best as they knew how. It was a new situation for many.
Book Response and Connections:
Annie and Liza were protagonists while Ms. Baxter was the antagonist in the novel for young adults. The novel seems to be a good choice for teens questioning their sexuality and potential social reactions. Feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, embarrassment, and anxiety about a persons sexual orientation are all rolled into this book. Although this book was written in 1982, I wonder what kinds of reactions there were back then compared to todays young teens and social circles. The novel is not too edgy and focuses on their "love" and devotion rather than their sexual relationship. The reference to the "mountains"and their journey to a happy ending where they will make it then "conquer the next mountain".
Complete booklist and Awards
http://www.nancygarden.com/books/booklist-awards.html
Teacher Resources:
Bookrags.com discussion and guides for purchase
http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-annie-on-my-mind/topicsfordiscussion.html#gsc.tab=0
Book Trailers:
mspadafora created this short book trailer
https://youtu.be/v3aChHmZYac
10
Young Adult Required Novel
Kidd, C. (2013). Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design. New York, NY: Workman Publishing.
150 pages
Book Summary:
Copyright information grabs you from the beginning. Everything is made by someone. Descriptive examples of Kidd's work and his successes are pictured very vividly with explanations as to why the images are used in the book. History of various graphic designs: big, small, scale, vocabulary within the graphic design realm are used in elementary curriculum for visual arts classes, as well. Using the elements of art and principles of design help the graphic designer form what the next project will look like. The book explains color theory, positive and negative space, simple, complex, and abstract visual terminology. Clear images help curious minds of young adults and anyone interested in making pictures grab the attention in order to understand the terminology and how to use it in
Book Response and Connections:
As an Art teacher, I really would like to use this book in my Art classes. In elementary, we use these same concepts and it would be great for students to see what careers are available to those who love art and media design. Graphic design careers can also be another avenue for those students who are reluctant readers but strong in multimedia and visual design. Furthermore, Kidd's graphic design book could be used in language arts classes for journalism, creative writing, media design, and advertisement designs. Informational non-fiction books are an excellent way to keep the students entertained while learning new concepts or introduce students to a new area of interest for those visual learners.
Books of similar genre:
Goodreads best graphic designers list of books to read for inspiration.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/32336.Best_Books_In_Graphic_Design_and_Inspiration_for_Designers
Teacher Resources:
Great author study and interview video
http://chipkidd.com/home/
https://youtu.be/l2Z86L25v30
11 Young Adult Required Novel
340 pages
Book Summary:
Two stories in one. Lily, who's real name is Timothy McGrother is ready to tell the world that her body is not the one she is meant to be living in. She is struggling to finally be herself and wear dresses, nail polish, make up, lipstick. The only problem is her father, boys at school, and society keep holding her back. Lily is a brave girl and gets more adamant and stronger by each set back. Dad wants to protect her, "jock" boys want to expose her, and luckily she has Dunkin who wants to save her. Dunkin has his own issues of bipolar disorder which he closely regards, but when he doesn't take his meds like he is supposed to, he ends up having to go to a mental facility until he recovers.
Book Response and Connections:
I loved this book. There are so many current issues regarding both topics that this book really made sense to young adults as to what transgender individuals are actually going through. I think the secondary topic of bipolar is slowly making its way out in the open. In schools, children are medicated but not necessarily exposed the way Dunkin (Norbert) is portrayed. With understanding and talking about both these issues, young adults may soon be more tolerant of others and get to know someone before passing judgement on their situation or medical diagnosis or the connection of family members with the same issues. I was very proud of Lily and Dunkin and their triumph over braving social stigmas.
Books by the same Author:
Donna's website with books listed on the left.
http://www.donnagephart.com/
Teacher Resources:
Excellent Perma-bound's Educator and Counselor's Guide
https://www.perma-bound.com/static/TPR/000457607.pdf
Book Trailers: Donna Gephart talks about her book Lily and Dunkin
https://youtu.be/07KniLJp7q4
12
https://www.google.com/search?q=Whale+talk+image+book&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiL-5r9yobaAhXQuFMKHef5BL0QsAQIUg&biw=1680&bih=953#imgrc=6pazZ9Tao_Iv2M:
304 pages
Book Summary:
TJ is a young multicultural mixed African American /Japanese American teenager who has the opportunity to help create a swim team at Cutter High School. He gathers recruits, guys that seem to be misfits, but all work equally hard to reach a long term goal to be the best. The Athletic Committee is one focal point in the novel that drives much of the conversations with TJ and the coordinator. TJ's father offers advice throughout the book as the father works through a tough past event. High school jackets are an item of accomplishment and obtaining a jacket for a fellow classmate, Chris Coughlin, who has been treated cruelly is the other piece of the puzzle in winning the swim meets and gaining points. In the end, TJ triumphs over all!
Book Response and Connections:
This realistic fiction, coming of age book includes both triumph and tragedy. Three main themes I picked up on were: how people overcome a tragedy that has happened in their lives to make change, physical disabilities and mental disabilities can be celebrated in many situations and not taken advantage of, and rough or abusive relationships can and will affect future outcomes and other relationships. Aside from the language and explicit details of language I may deep inappropriate, young adult readers have the right to read this book and decide for themselves what the author is trying to convey across to young readers. Books are free to be read by anyone of any age.
Jack Fishburger created this book trailer 2017
https://youtu.be/qodkZUoN4WA
Books by Chris Crutcher:
http://www.chriscrutcher.com/crutcher-books.html
Teacher Resources:
http://www.chriscrutcher.com/uploads/1/0/9/8/1098293/whale_talk_aasl_discussion_guide.pdf
Activity discussion guide for Whale Talk
http://projectaccess.uoregon.edu/teachers/behavioral/bullying/Bully%20Suicide%20Read%20Guide%20for%20Whale%20Talk%20DONE.pdf
http://projectaccess.uoregon.edu/teachers/behavioral/bullying/Bully%20Suicide%20Read%20Guide%20for%20Whale%20Talk%20DONE.pdf
13 Young Adult Author
180 pages
Book Summary:
Georges is a seventh grader still trying to figure out who to be friends with at their new home in New York. Georges befriends a boy named Safer who acts like a spy and sets up elaborate missions to figure out the intentions of a Mr. X. Georges is a trusting character and wants to please his friend, but notices small details that makes him wonder what a true friend really is and do you trust them? The missions turn out to be fictitious and Georges starts to back track and learns the real truth that Safer has been telling him stories that are not true. Turns out that Mr. X is a nice neighbor that travels and Safer walks his dogs.
Book Response and Connections:
Funny how books relate to real life and situations that young adults come across. Subtle themes that come to my mind from this book are: you need to get to know people well before you start calling them friends and being confident in yourself to stand up to someone you think is taking advantage of you. Family is first and foremost your ally when trying to figure out who to be friends with. Talk about your friends with your family or meet up with other family members to see what your friends are really like when others interact with them. The book is an easy read for 9-12 year olds and the chapters move rather quickly.
"Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead. Books for
Teens: 60second Book Review by Jenny Sawyer.
Books by Rebecca Stead:
http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/books.html
Teacher Resources:
Lier and Spy educator's guide
https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780375850875_3366.pdf
Young Adult Author
Telgemeier, R. (2016). Ghosts. New York, NY: Graphix.
240 pages
Book Summary:
Maya is the younger sister of Catrina, also called Cat. The girls' parents moved their family to Bahia de la Luna with hopes of Maya to get healthier because of her cystic fibrosis. Cat goes to a new school and meets Carlos, a neighbor. Maya eventually wants to make an "ofrenda" for their grandmother on Dia De Los Muertos. The children come in contact with the spirits from past family members of others. Cat invited Carlos' uncle to visit with Maya. The "spirit" uncle meets up with Maya and helps with questions about dying. Talking about death may be difficult for children and this graphic novel makes it possible to open up further conversations on the topic.
Book Response and Connections:
Within the book it is fun to see the use of onomatopoeia so colorfully added within the panels of the graphic novel. Also, the Dia De Los Muertos celebrations give a little information about the Mexican/Hispanic culture in cartoon fashion. Telegemeier has a colorful way of displaying images enticing to all genders and discusses topics that children may be thinking about but not sure where to start with questions. I do appreciate the fact that within the context of the graphic novel, death is beautifully written and the language is simple enough for children to relate to with a happy ending or comfort to all affected by dying.
Books by Raina Telgemeier:
https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/raina-telgemeier/198863/
Teacher Resources:
Classroom guide
https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/lesson-plans/migrated-featured-files/ghosts_classroom_guide.pdf
Book Trailers: I love this book trailer by Scholastic! Very cute!
https://youtu.be/P6f6wFWmAEU
15
Young Adult Author
Kwame, A. (2014). The Crossover. New York, NY: Houghton Miffin Harcourt Publishing Company
237 pages
Book Summary:
Basketball is the name of the game. Written in free verse poems that fill the pages with conversations between Josh and his twin brother Jordan. Josh's motivation to keep going through difficult times is successful as he used basketball as his coping mechanism. Since this book is about basketball, you can feel the sense of the rhythm of basketball through the verses in the novel. Josh's mother is an assistant principal and keeps a close eye on her boys with a good disciplinarian persona. Josh's father suffers from a medical condition and encourages his children until he cannot encourage them any further. Finding out that the father does not get surgery he once needed, concerns the family.
Book Response and Connections:
The Crossover received the John Newberry Award in 2015. The novel is great for reluctant readers because it is short, concise, and about basketball, a popular sport today. I would place this book under contemporary realistic fiction because of the story line about the father's illness and basketball. The close nit family is refreshing and looked upon as stronghold for both Josh and his brother Jordan. End the end, the father dies and the family must move on, a topic that many students may face in their lifetime. Even though family members pass away, we still have a life to life and pay tribute to those who have paved the way for us.
Books by Alexander Kwame:
http://kwamealexander.com/product/
Teacher Resources:
Kwame's Writing Workshop Curriculum
http://kwamealexander.com/about/teachers/c/92
Extended book trailer for The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.
https://youtu.be/BONWz5Ao82E
16
Best Fiction for Young Adult Top Ten 2017
280 pages
Book Summary:
Six tales/stories in one novel. The stories are about both good and evil in fantasy worlds that will entice young adult readers. Ayama and the Thorn Wood, The Too Clever Fox, The Witch of Duva, Little Knife, The Soldier Prince, When Water Sang Fire, and a note left by the author herself. Each story has an eerie tone of mystery and the unexpected outcomes. A twisted take on some old fairy tales that are familiar with previous generations can be felt as an influence within the text. Without giving too much away in the stories, the reader will find innocence and betrayal, sacrifice, wit, magic, compromise, and greed fill the pages of the beautifully sculpted book.
Book Response and Connections:
Definitely for older readers because of the situations or detailed moments within the stories that maybe suitable for older students: drinking, insinuation of sex, killing of animals, etc. Readers may need to read other books by Bardugo to get some background knowledge of some of the stories or the Grishaverse and Ravka in which these take place and some are companions to other stories previously written by Bardugo, as well. Definitely Science Fiction Fantasy displayed within the colorful illustrations by Sarah Kipin. Keeping the colors with limited value add to the intrigue of simplicity and awe. The book jacket is also very inviting because it is beautifully embossed. Teens will gravitate to it just for pure beauty and touch.
Lengthy but very informational interview with Leigh Bardugo:
https://youtu.be/FsirkdSZnXk
Books by Leigh Bardugo:
http://www.leighbardugo.com/books/
Teacher's Guide:
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