Citation: Zusak, Markus. The Book Theif. New York:Random House, 2006
Ages: 14 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Theme: Holocaust, Survival, Power of Words, Friendship, Loyalty, Help One Another
Main Character: Liesel Meminger, Hans and Rosa Huberman, Rudy, Max
Plot Summary:
The Book Thief is about a young girl named Liesel who is taken from her mother and handed over to a couple living near Munich, Germany during the years during World War II. The Book Thief is about the many trials of Liesel's life and how she learns to deal with them. First getting used to living in a new home with an overbearing foster mother to finding enough food to feed herself and survive. Soon after moving into her new home, Hans, her foster father begins teaching Liesel to read and she soon learns the power of words. She can not get enough and begins stealing books to satisfy her need to read. Friends such as her neighbor Rudy, the Jewish man living in her basement, Max, and her foster father are the only things making it possible for Liesel to survive these harsh times. The Book Thief describes the horrors of war and what people will do to survive in terrible conditions.
Writing Style:
The Book Thief is told from Death's perspectives. He describes the lives he sees unfolding before him. It gives a strange twist to the story and gives a unique perspective to the novel.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
The Book Thief is a terrific book that makes the horrors of war and the joy of friendship vivid for the reader. It shows how the power of words can help a person survive and deal with the unfathomable. The Book Thief also teaches the reader about friendship and loyalty even in the face of death. Liesel's life comes alive on the pages of the book and a young reader would have no trouble identifying with her.
The Book Thief is a great book to use in Social Studies units about World War II and the Holocaust. It can really show students the horrors of war and the horrible events that those living in Germany had to endure during the war. It would also be a great book for an English class to read to speak about the power of words and how it could help a person through troubling times.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Goonies
Citation: Goonies. Dir. Ruchard Donner. Perf. Sean Astin, Cory Feldman. DVD. Warner Bros., 2001.
Ages: 12 and up
Genre: Action, Comedy
Themes: Buried Treasure, Friendship, Loyalty, Adventure
Main Characters: The Goonies: Mikey, Brand, Mouth, Chunk, Data, Andy, Stef, The Fratellis, Sloth
Plot Summary:
The Goonies is a story about a group of kids who on the verge of loosing their homes to a country club being built in their place, set out on a treasure hunt to save the town they love. They are soon being raced to the treasure by a family of criminals named the Fratellis, a mother and her two sons. Her third son Sloth, named as such for his physical deformities, joins up with one of the group that is left behind to help save the day when the lives of the Goonies are threatened. In the end the treasure is discovered and enough jewels are found to save the Goon Docks.
Assessment of Quality
Each character has their own lovable qualities and The Goonies is a joy to watch. The movie is fast paced and the special effects are decent for the time period during which the movie was made. For me it is a trip down memory lane watching this movie because it was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. Although the movie was made in the 80’s I believe that young adults of this time period would still enjoy watching this movie. It is funny and exciting. It shows what a band of kids can do if they put their minds to it. The Goonies are a close knit group of friends which I believe young adults can identify with. There is even a bit of romance thrown in to catch the most reluctant watchers attention.
Ages: 12 and up
Genre: Action, Comedy
Themes: Buried Treasure, Friendship, Loyalty, Adventure
Main Characters: The Goonies: Mikey, Brand, Mouth, Chunk, Data, Andy, Stef, The Fratellis, Sloth
Plot Summary:
The Goonies is a story about a group of kids who on the verge of loosing their homes to a country club being built in their place, set out on a treasure hunt to save the town they love. They are soon being raced to the treasure by a family of criminals named the Fratellis, a mother and her two sons. Her third son Sloth, named as such for his physical deformities, joins up with one of the group that is left behind to help save the day when the lives of the Goonies are threatened. In the end the treasure is discovered and enough jewels are found to save the Goon Docks.
Assessment of Quality
Each character has their own lovable qualities and The Goonies is a joy to watch. The movie is fast paced and the special effects are decent for the time period during which the movie was made. For me it is a trip down memory lane watching this movie because it was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. Although the movie was made in the 80’s I believe that young adults of this time period would still enjoy watching this movie. It is funny and exciting. It shows what a band of kids can do if they put their minds to it. The Goonies are a close knit group of friends which I believe young adults can identify with. There is even a bit of romance thrown in to catch the most reluctant watchers attention.
Stormbreaker
Citation: Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker. New York: Philomel Books, 2000
Ages: 14 yrs. and up
Genre: Adventure
Theme: Espionage, Adventure, Conspiracy, Secret Agents
Main Characters: Alex Ryder, Herod Sayle, Mr. Grin, Mrs. Jones, Mr. Blunt
Plot Summary
Alex Ryder is a normal kid who has just lost his only living relative, his uncle, in a car accident. However Alex soon finds out that his uncle is not what he seemed but was in fact a spy for the central intelligence agency in England. The same people who Alex’s uncle worked for ask Alex for his help. Alex agrees and is soon on a mission to check on a millionaire who has donated computers to every school in the country of England. They suspect that he is up to no good. Alex is soon in a harrowing race to save the country from certain death.
Stormbreaker is the first novel in a series about Alex Ryder, YA Spy!!
Writing style
Stormbreaker is written in the third person. The author takes an omnipresent narrative approach to tell the story of Alex Ryder.
Assessment of Quality and Utility
Stormbreaker is a very exciting and spell binding story that young adults will enjoy. The story is well written and it is easy to get caught up into the action of the novel. It is a quick read that will interest even the most reluctant readers. There is not a lot of character development taking place which can be good and bad. Good, because you are put right into the action quickly, the author does not waste time introducing you to the characters in lengthy descriptions but bad, because it is a little bit difficult for the reader to identify with the characters of the book. Many of the events in this book seem very contrived but that is fitting for this type of adventure book. The reader is not supposed to believe that this type of situation could actually ever take place.
This book would be a great novel to offer to a reluctant reader or for a young adult who has some reading issues. It is a low level high interest book that is easy and fun to read. I am a slower reader and I was able to finish it in one afternoon.
Ages: 14 yrs. and up
Genre: Adventure
Theme: Espionage, Adventure, Conspiracy, Secret Agents
Main Characters: Alex Ryder, Herod Sayle, Mr. Grin, Mrs. Jones, Mr. Blunt
Plot Summary
Alex Ryder is a normal kid who has just lost his only living relative, his uncle, in a car accident. However Alex soon finds out that his uncle is not what he seemed but was in fact a spy for the central intelligence agency in England. The same people who Alex’s uncle worked for ask Alex for his help. Alex agrees and is soon on a mission to check on a millionaire who has donated computers to every school in the country of England. They suspect that he is up to no good. Alex is soon in a harrowing race to save the country from certain death.
Stormbreaker is the first novel in a series about Alex Ryder, YA Spy!!
Writing style
Stormbreaker is written in the third person. The author takes an omnipresent narrative approach to tell the story of Alex Ryder.
Assessment of Quality and Utility
Stormbreaker is a very exciting and spell binding story that young adults will enjoy. The story is well written and it is easy to get caught up into the action of the novel. It is a quick read that will interest even the most reluctant readers. There is not a lot of character development taking place which can be good and bad. Good, because you are put right into the action quickly, the author does not waste time introducing you to the characters in lengthy descriptions but bad, because it is a little bit difficult for the reader to identify with the characters of the book. Many of the events in this book seem very contrived but that is fitting for this type of adventure book. The reader is not supposed to believe that this type of situation could actually ever take place.
This book would be a great novel to offer to a reluctant reader or for a young adult who has some reading issues. It is a low level high interest book that is easy and fun to read. I am a slower reader and I was able to finish it in one afternoon.
Monday, November 10, 2008
An American Plague
Citation: Murphy, Jim. An American Plague. New York: Clarion Books, 2003
Age: 12 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction
Themes: Yellow Fever, Politics, Life in the 1700's
Main Characters: No main characters
Plot Summary
An American Plague is the story of the Yellow Fever during the late summer and early fall of 1793. It tells about the quick spread of the Yellow Fever throughout the city of Philadelphia and all the events that followed. The misunderstanding of sickness during this time period led to the plague killing thousands of people. During this time many people fled the city to escape the disease while others stayed risking their lives to help the sick and dieing. The American Plague speaks about the many heroes that worked hard to end the plague as quickly as possible. The book goes onto to explain how the real cause of the Yellow Fever was eventually discovered.
Writing Style:
An American Plague is told in the third person narrative.
Assessment of Quality and Utility
An American Plague explains in thorough detail what happened during the Yellow Fever onslaught in 1793. The life of the people during this time is told in great detail as well. This is a great book for students who must learn about this time period because it gives all the facts but in an interesting way. The book keeps the readers attention and helps the reader understand what it would feel like to go through such a devastating event.
An American Plague could be used in a Biology class to show students how the study of disease has evolved over the past few centuries. It could open up discussion on how the misunderstanding of bacteria and viruses has led to many deaths in our nation’s past. This book could also be used in Social Studies classroom to open up discussion of this time period.
Age: 12 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction
Themes: Yellow Fever, Politics, Life in the 1700's
Main Characters: No main characters
Plot Summary
An American Plague is the story of the Yellow Fever during the late summer and early fall of 1793. It tells about the quick spread of the Yellow Fever throughout the city of Philadelphia and all the events that followed. The misunderstanding of sickness during this time period led to the plague killing thousands of people. During this time many people fled the city to escape the disease while others stayed risking their lives to help the sick and dieing. The American Plague speaks about the many heroes that worked hard to end the plague as quickly as possible. The book goes onto to explain how the real cause of the Yellow Fever was eventually discovered.
Writing Style:
An American Plague is told in the third person narrative.
Assessment of Quality and Utility
An American Plague explains in thorough detail what happened during the Yellow Fever onslaught in 1793. The life of the people during this time is told in great detail as well. This is a great book for students who must learn about this time period because it gives all the facts but in an interesting way. The book keeps the readers attention and helps the reader understand what it would feel like to go through such a devastating event.
An American Plague could be used in a Biology class to show students how the study of disease has evolved over the past few centuries. It could open up discussion on how the misunderstanding of bacteria and viruses has led to many deaths in our nation’s past. This book could also be used in Social Studies classroom to open up discussion of this time period.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World
Citation : Armstrong, Jennifer. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World. New York: Crown Publishers, 1998.
Ages: 12 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction
Themes: Adventure, Exploration, Survival, Loyalty, Friendship
Main Characters: Ernest Shackleton, Frank Wild, Frank Worsley, Frank Hurley
Plot Summary
Shipwreck is about the incredible journey that Shackleton and his men made on the Endurance in 1915. They set off to be the first men to cross the continent of Antarctica. On the trip there their boat got caught in the ice off the coast of Antarctica and they had to endure months cooped up on their boat waiting for the ice to break apart enough to go on shore. Unfortunately what happened instead was the boat was crushed in the ice and the men had to attempt to travel across the ice to the open ocean. Once they made the perilous trek they then had to face the open ocean. They finally landed on a small island in the middle of the ocean. They landed on an island with no inhabitants and six men had to go ahead and get help. The captain did not abandon his men and he returned to save them weeks later. None of the men on the Endurance were lost in this harrowing true story of survival.
Writing Style
Shipwreck is in the third person narrative. The story was put together from accounts of the men who were on the Endurance and narrated for the reader. The author does take some artistic license with her description of the goings on throughout the book, such as when she gives the penguins human qualities at different points in the story.
Assessment of Quality and Utility
Shipwreck is a fantastic book which quickly draws the reader in. Soon the reader does not even realize he or she is reading a non-fiction book but feels more like they are reading a novel about survival and adventure. The author does a superb job of describing the setting of the story so that the reader can fully understand the trials and tribulations that each crew member of the Endurance had to go through. By the end of the book the reader fully understands the miracle that their survival was.
This book is sure to catch any young reader’s attention but would probably grab the interest of young adult males best because they tend to be very attracted to survival stories. Shipwreck is a story that could teach readers about perseverance and sticking by your friends throughout the worst of times. A unique use of this book could be in a Science class where students must learn about the ecosystem of the South Pole. While the reader reads the story of these heroic men, they also learn about environment these men had to endure. Of course this book could also be used in a Social Studies class where turn of the century events are discussed.
Ages: 12 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction
Themes: Adventure, Exploration, Survival, Loyalty, Friendship
Main Characters: Ernest Shackleton, Frank Wild, Frank Worsley, Frank Hurley
Plot Summary
Shipwreck is about the incredible journey that Shackleton and his men made on the Endurance in 1915. They set off to be the first men to cross the continent of Antarctica. On the trip there their boat got caught in the ice off the coast of Antarctica and they had to endure months cooped up on their boat waiting for the ice to break apart enough to go on shore. Unfortunately what happened instead was the boat was crushed in the ice and the men had to attempt to travel across the ice to the open ocean. Once they made the perilous trek they then had to face the open ocean. They finally landed on a small island in the middle of the ocean. They landed on an island with no inhabitants and six men had to go ahead and get help. The captain did not abandon his men and he returned to save them weeks later. None of the men on the Endurance were lost in this harrowing true story of survival.
Writing Style
Shipwreck is in the third person narrative. The story was put together from accounts of the men who were on the Endurance and narrated for the reader. The author does take some artistic license with her description of the goings on throughout the book, such as when she gives the penguins human qualities at different points in the story.
Assessment of Quality and Utility
Shipwreck is a fantastic book which quickly draws the reader in. Soon the reader does not even realize he or she is reading a non-fiction book but feels more like they are reading a novel about survival and adventure. The author does a superb job of describing the setting of the story so that the reader can fully understand the trials and tribulations that each crew member of the Endurance had to go through. By the end of the book the reader fully understands the miracle that their survival was.
This book is sure to catch any young reader’s attention but would probably grab the interest of young adult males best because they tend to be very attracted to survival stories. Shipwreck is a story that could teach readers about perseverance and sticking by your friends throughout the worst of times. A unique use of this book could be in a Science class where students must learn about the ecosystem of the South Pole. While the reader reads the story of these heroic men, they also learn about environment these men had to endure. Of course this book could also be used in a Social Studies class where turn of the century events are discussed.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A Northern Light
Citation: Donnelly, Jennifer. A Northern Light. New York: Harcourt Inc., 2003.
Ages: 13 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Turn of the Century Life, Northern New York Culture, Farming, Friendship, Murder,
Main Characters: Mattie, Weaver, Mrs. Wilcox, Mattie's Father and Sisters, Royal Loomis
Plot Summary:
Mattie is a young girl living in the North Woods of New York state during the early 1900's. Her mother has died of cancer and she is now the responsible female in the household taking care of her father and her three sisters. She is a very smart girl and enjoys going to school. Her teacher encourages her to take her Regents exams, get her high school diploma, and go to college but she feels that she can no not break the promise she made to her mother on her death bed, which was to take care of her family. She decides to apply anyway and she gets in with a full scholarship. She longs to go but her father will not allow it. Mattie is soon being courted by a young man in the town and decides perhaps she will not attend college and marry instead. Meanwhile her best friend in school is Weaver Smith, an African-American boy who also wishes to go to college and become a lawyer. They each take a job at the Glenmore Inn to earn cash over the summer and while they are there a young woman, Grace Brown visits the inn with a her fiance, Chester Gillette. The woman is killed in what at first is thought to be an accident but Mattie knows better because before the woman died she gave Mattie a number of letters to burn which reveal the truth about her sudden death.
Writing Style:
A Northern Light is written from Mattie's perspective. The story goes back and forth between past and present tense, or before Grace Brown's death and after. Mattie and her friend Weaver love words and each day Mattie looks up a new word in the dictionary to learn. The way the author distinguishes between the past and present tense is by putting words in bold letters at the beginning of the chapters which tell about Matties life before the young woman's murder.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
A Northern Light is a fantastic book about choosing between right and wrong, sticking up for what is right, friendship, loyalty to family, keeping one's promises and ultimately making decisions that are best for yourself. Mattie is a terrific role model for any young adult reading this book. She evetually learns to believe in herself and in her convictions and turns out to be the one responsible for ensuring that the right man was arrested and convicted of Grace Brown's death in the book. Mattie's friends are also respectable people who show that it is more important to look out for each other then to get ahead in life. A Northern Light truely shows how life was in the past because it is well researched.
A Northern Light could be used in a Social Studies class discussing the turn of the century life. It is particularly interesting to those living in New York state because it takes place here in the northern region of the state and many of the town and city names are recognizable for students, bringing the story home for them. The story is very interesting but at the same time the reader is learnering about a real murder that really took place. A few of the characters are real and many of the facts are real as well. It would be a great book to help students learn what it was really like to live at the turn of the century in Northern New York.
Ages: 13 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Turn of the Century Life, Northern New York Culture, Farming, Friendship, Murder,
Main Characters: Mattie, Weaver, Mrs. Wilcox, Mattie's Father and Sisters, Royal Loomis
Plot Summary:
Mattie is a young girl living in the North Woods of New York state during the early 1900's. Her mother has died of cancer and she is now the responsible female in the household taking care of her father and her three sisters. She is a very smart girl and enjoys going to school. Her teacher encourages her to take her Regents exams, get her high school diploma, and go to college but she feels that she can no not break the promise she made to her mother on her death bed, which was to take care of her family. She decides to apply anyway and she gets in with a full scholarship. She longs to go but her father will not allow it. Mattie is soon being courted by a young man in the town and decides perhaps she will not attend college and marry instead. Meanwhile her best friend in school is Weaver Smith, an African-American boy who also wishes to go to college and become a lawyer. They each take a job at the Glenmore Inn to earn cash over the summer and while they are there a young woman, Grace Brown visits the inn with a her fiance, Chester Gillette. The woman is killed in what at first is thought to be an accident but Mattie knows better because before the woman died she gave Mattie a number of letters to burn which reveal the truth about her sudden death.
Writing Style:
A Northern Light is written from Mattie's perspective. The story goes back and forth between past and present tense, or before Grace Brown's death and after. Mattie and her friend Weaver love words and each day Mattie looks up a new word in the dictionary to learn. The way the author distinguishes between the past and present tense is by putting words in bold letters at the beginning of the chapters which tell about Matties life before the young woman's murder.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
A Northern Light is a fantastic book about choosing between right and wrong, sticking up for what is right, friendship, loyalty to family, keeping one's promises and ultimately making decisions that are best for yourself. Mattie is a terrific role model for any young adult reading this book. She evetually learns to believe in herself and in her convictions and turns out to be the one responsible for ensuring that the right man was arrested and convicted of Grace Brown's death in the book. Mattie's friends are also respectable people who show that it is more important to look out for each other then to get ahead in life. A Northern Light truely shows how life was in the past because it is well researched.
A Northern Light could be used in a Social Studies class discussing the turn of the century life. It is particularly interesting to those living in New York state because it takes place here in the northern region of the state and many of the town and city names are recognizable for students, bringing the story home for them. The story is very interesting but at the same time the reader is learnering about a real murder that really took place. A few of the characters are real and many of the facts are real as well. It would be a great book to help students learn what it was really like to live at the turn of the century in Northern New York.
Persepolis
Citation: Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: A Story of a Childhood. Paris: Random House, 2003.
Ages: 13 and up
Genre: Graphic Novel, Multi-Cultural
Themes: War, Friendship, Religion, Islamic Culture, Protesting, Politics
Main Characters: Marjane Satrapi (Author), her mother and father.
Plot Summary:
Persepolis is a graphic novel written by Marjane Satrapi about her life as a young child in the country of Iran during the Iranian revolution. It gives a child's view of the world during this time, while all around her friends were going to jail for protesting, and her parents are trying to figure out where they fit into the world in which they live. Marjane is just trying to make sense of the situation, she does not quite understand what is happening. She must comfort the relatives and friends around her who are loosing their families while feeling the desire to do her part in the protests. As she grows older she starts to rebel against the strict rules around her. Finally her family decides to send her to Austria so that she will be safe.
Writing Style: Persepolis is written in graphic novel form. There is a lot of dialogue between characters and is narrated by Marjane herself.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
Persepolis does a good job at explaining what it was like to grow up in Iran during the revolution. Marjane Satrapi takes the reader through her life and expresses the emotions one might go through if you were experiencing her life. The confusion and then realization that the world she knows is crumbling down around her.
Persepolis would be a good book to introduce students the Iranian Culture. Also to what it is like to experience revolution and war. It would make a good discussion starter for a Social Studies class discussion of war, and what it feels like live in a world that is unsettled by revolution and strife.
Ages: 13 and up
Genre: Graphic Novel, Multi-Cultural
Themes: War, Friendship, Religion, Islamic Culture, Protesting, Politics
Main Characters: Marjane Satrapi (Author), her mother and father.
Plot Summary:
Persepolis is a graphic novel written by Marjane Satrapi about her life as a young child in the country of Iran during the Iranian revolution. It gives a child's view of the world during this time, while all around her friends were going to jail for protesting, and her parents are trying to figure out where they fit into the world in which they live. Marjane is just trying to make sense of the situation, she does not quite understand what is happening. She must comfort the relatives and friends around her who are loosing their families while feeling the desire to do her part in the protests. As she grows older she starts to rebel against the strict rules around her. Finally her family decides to send her to Austria so that she will be safe.
Writing Style: Persepolis is written in graphic novel form. There is a lot of dialogue between characters and is narrated by Marjane herself.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
Persepolis does a good job at explaining what it was like to grow up in Iran during the revolution. Marjane Satrapi takes the reader through her life and expresses the emotions one might go through if you were experiencing her life. The confusion and then realization that the world she knows is crumbling down around her.
Persepolis would be a good book to introduce students the Iranian Culture. Also to what it is like to experience revolution and war. It would make a good discussion starter for a Social Studies class discussion of war, and what it feels like live in a world that is unsettled by revolution and strife.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
American Born Chinese
Citation: Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second Books, 2006.
Ages : 13-18
Genre: Graphic Novel
Themes: Heritage, Family, Friendship, Loyalty, Modesty
Main Characters: Jin Wang, Monkey King, Chin-Lee, Danny
Plot Summary:
American Born Chinese is three stories in one book. The first story follows an Asian young man, Jin Wang, who has moved into a town and wants to fit in. He does his best to fit in and lay low until another Asian teenage boy moves into the town and wants to be friends with Jin Wang. At first he just wants this boy to leave him alone but eventually decides that he will be friends with this boy. Meanwhile he has met and fallen in love with a Caucasian girl. He wishes to also be Caucasian so that this girl will love him back.
In the second story the reader learns about the Monkey King who is extremely conceded and determined to gain as much power as he can. He teaches himself a variety of skills all aimed at gaining more and more power. He wants to become God. God confronts the Monkey King but the Monkey King is very rude to God. God decides to put hm under a mountain of rock to keep him from doing any harm and show the Monkey King, who really has the power. The Monkey King however is given a chance to free himself by helping anothe individual.
The third story is about Danny a young man who is extremely embarassed by his cousin who comes to visit each year from China. His cousin Chin-Lee is the stereotypical Chinese person and really upsets his cousin Danny. Danny spends the entire story trying to avoid his cousin and get in good with one of the basketball players of his school.
Eventually all the stories come together In a surprising manner.
Writing Style:
American Born Chinese is written as a graphic novel. It is narrated by an unnamed omnipresent being.
Assessment of quality and utility:
American Born Chinese was not an enjoyable read for me. It was hard to follow and I feel I missed certain points of the book. It was a quick read and the pictures certainly do help the reader understand the story, but it was bit too obscure for me to follow. It is the ending that I really did not like. Also although I know Chin-Lee was suppose to be the stereotypical Chinese person it really bothered me how demeaning his characterization was.
American Born Chinese could be used in English class where there could be discussion of the choice of its form. It could be used in a Health class where it could be used to open up discussion on self-esteem and the desire to fit in. Finally this book could be used in a Social Studies class to open discussion on stereotypes and prejudices.
Ages : 13-18
Genre: Graphic Novel
Themes: Heritage, Family, Friendship, Loyalty, Modesty
Main Characters: Jin Wang, Monkey King, Chin-Lee, Danny
Plot Summary:
American Born Chinese is three stories in one book. The first story follows an Asian young man, Jin Wang, who has moved into a town and wants to fit in. He does his best to fit in and lay low until another Asian teenage boy moves into the town and wants to be friends with Jin Wang. At first he just wants this boy to leave him alone but eventually decides that he will be friends with this boy. Meanwhile he has met and fallen in love with a Caucasian girl. He wishes to also be Caucasian so that this girl will love him back.
In the second story the reader learns about the Monkey King who is extremely conceded and determined to gain as much power as he can. He teaches himself a variety of skills all aimed at gaining more and more power. He wants to become God. God confronts the Monkey King but the Monkey King is very rude to God. God decides to put hm under a mountain of rock to keep him from doing any harm and show the Monkey King, who really has the power. The Monkey King however is given a chance to free himself by helping anothe individual.
The third story is about Danny a young man who is extremely embarassed by his cousin who comes to visit each year from China. His cousin Chin-Lee is the stereotypical Chinese person and really upsets his cousin Danny. Danny spends the entire story trying to avoid his cousin and get in good with one of the basketball players of his school.
Eventually all the stories come together In a surprising manner.
Writing Style:
American Born Chinese is written as a graphic novel. It is narrated by an unnamed omnipresent being.
Assessment of quality and utility:
American Born Chinese was not an enjoyable read for me. It was hard to follow and I feel I missed certain points of the book. It was a quick read and the pictures certainly do help the reader understand the story, but it was bit too obscure for me to follow. It is the ending that I really did not like. Also although I know Chin-Lee was suppose to be the stereotypical Chinese person it really bothered me how demeaning his characterization was.
American Born Chinese could be used in English class where there could be discussion of the choice of its form. It could be used in a Health class where it could be used to open up discussion on self-esteem and the desire to fit in. Finally this book could be used in a Social Studies class to open discussion on stereotypes and prejudices.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Brimstone Journals
Citation: Koertge, Ron. The Brimstone Journals. 1st.. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2001.
Grades: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse
Themes: School Violence, Rape, Frienship, Prejudice, Emotional Abuse, Self-Esteem
Main Characters: Boyd, Lester, Jennifer, Joseph, David, Sheila, Kelli, Damon, Rob, Carter
Plot Summary:
Brimstone Journals follow the thoughts of several different high school students who attend the school of Branston High School. Each student has a problem they are dealing with, the main issue being that a few of the students are planning a school shooting, and a few others are trying to decide whether or not they should tell someone about it.
Writing Style: The novel is written in verse which makes the book a quick and easy read. The novel is written from the view point of each character in the book.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
The Brimstone Journals is a intriguing book and the reader is drawn in by each character. There is not a lot of character development but the reader quickly learns which students are in the "in crowd" and which are not. Each student is troubled in their own way. What surprised me is the non-tragic ending which is very believable. Even though the reader does not get to know the students extensively the knowledge that some of them step up and do what must be done is believable and commendable.
The Brimstone Journals could easily be used to open up discussions about school violence, the need to fit in, thoughts about how we treat others and how this affects people more then we know. Also this book shows that one can stand up for what one believes in or for what one thinks is right, and not become an outcast. And that often those who strike out the most are looking for a way out and a helping hand to stop their destructive behavior.
Grades: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse
Themes: School Violence, Rape, Frienship, Prejudice, Emotional Abuse, Self-Esteem
Main Characters: Boyd, Lester, Jennifer, Joseph, David, Sheila, Kelli, Damon, Rob, Carter
Plot Summary:
Brimstone Journals follow the thoughts of several different high school students who attend the school of Branston High School. Each student has a problem they are dealing with, the main issue being that a few of the students are planning a school shooting, and a few others are trying to decide whether or not they should tell someone about it.
Writing Style: The novel is written in verse which makes the book a quick and easy read. The novel is written from the view point of each character in the book.
Assessment of Quality and Utility:
The Brimstone Journals is a intriguing book and the reader is drawn in by each character. There is not a lot of character development but the reader quickly learns which students are in the "in crowd" and which are not. Each student is troubled in their own way. What surprised me is the non-tragic ending which is very believable. Even though the reader does not get to know the students extensively the knowledge that some of them step up and do what must be done is believable and commendable.
The Brimstone Journals could easily be used to open up discussions about school violence, the need to fit in, thoughts about how we treat others and how this affects people more then we know. Also this book shows that one can stand up for what one believes in or for what one thinks is right, and not become an outcast. And that often those who strike out the most are looking for a way out and a helping hand to stop their destructive behavior.
Miracle's Boys
Citation: Woodson, Jacqueline. Miracle's Boys. New York: Penguin Group, 2000.
Grades: 8-12
Genre: Urban, Multi-Cultural
Themes: Family, Loyalty, Brothers, Death, Loss, Grieving, Love, Gang Violence
Main Characters: Tyree, Charlie, Lafayette
Plot Summary:
The Bailey Brothers have been through a lot. First their father dies, trying to save a woman who fell through thin ice, then the middle brother gets caught trying to rob a candy store and is sent to a juvenile home, and then soon after he is gone, their mother dies from diabetic complications. Throughout the book the brothers are faced with the hardship of poverty as well and through it all try to keep their family together. Charlie is back from the juvenile home and is having a hard time keeping himself out of trouble. Lafayette is having a hard time dealing with his brother's new attitude and the grief of his mother's death. Ty'ree is trying to keep his family together and keep them on the straight and narrow. It is through family bonds, determination, and love between brothers that the Bailey family promise to stay on the right track.
Writing Style:
Miracle's Boys is told through the eyes of Lafayette, the youngest Bailey brother. The story is written like a young child would write, with the imagination, and naivete of youth. It is also written in urban dialect and tone.
Assessment of Quality and and Utility:
Miracle's Boys was a high quality novel. The reader really gets a glimpse into the lives a poor family just trying to live their lives and make it through day by day. I felt that telling the story through the eyes of the youngest brother was a smart move, this way the reader does not see things through a filter, children are truthful and honest, and this is what the reader gets.
The dialect of the story however made it a bit rough to read. Although in order to make the book feel realistic this was a necessity. You felt as if you were really reading the thoughts and feelings of a young urban boy and not of a middle aged woman (which Jacqueline Woodson is).
This novel would be great in any Social Studies class for discussion on minority groups, the plight of the impoverished, gangs and gang violence. Also it could be used in Health class or Psychology class when loss and death or the strength of family bonds are the topics. Studying the dialect and writing techniques the author uses in this book would be a great discussion topic in English class as well.
Grades: 8-12
Genre: Urban, Multi-Cultural
Themes: Family, Loyalty, Brothers, Death, Loss, Grieving, Love, Gang Violence
Main Characters: Tyree, Charlie, Lafayette
Plot Summary:
The Bailey Brothers have been through a lot. First their father dies, trying to save a woman who fell through thin ice, then the middle brother gets caught trying to rob a candy store and is sent to a juvenile home, and then soon after he is gone, their mother dies from diabetic complications. Throughout the book the brothers are faced with the hardship of poverty as well and through it all try to keep their family together. Charlie is back from the juvenile home and is having a hard time keeping himself out of trouble. Lafayette is having a hard time dealing with his brother's new attitude and the grief of his mother's death. Ty'ree is trying to keep his family together and keep them on the straight and narrow. It is through family bonds, determination, and love between brothers that the Bailey family promise to stay on the right track.
Writing Style:
Miracle's Boys is told through the eyes of Lafayette, the youngest Bailey brother. The story is written like a young child would write, with the imagination, and naivete of youth. It is also written in urban dialect and tone.
Assessment of Quality and and Utility:
Miracle's Boys was a high quality novel. The reader really gets a glimpse into the lives a poor family just trying to live their lives and make it through day by day. I felt that telling the story through the eyes of the youngest brother was a smart move, this way the reader does not see things through a filter, children are truthful and honest, and this is what the reader gets.
The dialect of the story however made it a bit rough to read. Although in order to make the book feel realistic this was a necessity. You felt as if you were really reading the thoughts and feelings of a young urban boy and not of a middle aged woman (which Jacqueline Woodson is).
This novel would be great in any Social Studies class for discussion on minority groups, the plight of the impoverished, gangs and gang violence. Also it could be used in Health class or Psychology class when loss and death or the strength of family bonds are the topics. Studying the dialect and writing techniques the author uses in this book would be a great discussion topic in English class as well.
Monster
Citation: Myers, Walter D. Monster. New York: Harper Collins Children's Books, 2001.
Grades: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Urban, Multi-Cultural
Themes: The Justice System, Friendship, Loyalty, Expressing Oneself
Main Characters: Steve Harmon, Steve's Lawyer O'Brien, the Prosecutor, Bobo Evans, James King
Plot Summary:
This novel follows the court case of Steve Harmon, an African-American boy accused of felony murder and armed robbery. The book begins at the beginning of the court case and through dialogue and flash backs, the reader sees in snip pits what happened on the night in question. The reader is also privy to the lead characters thoughts and feelings throughout the book and also how what has happened has affected other people in his community.
Writing Style:
The novel is written in screen-play and journal form. The reader reads the story through the eyes of the lead character Steven Harmon. The screen play and journal format of this book makes the book a fast read. The reader is held in suspense until the last few pages of the book.
Assessment of Quality and Utilization
Monster is a fast paced and exciting read. It would appeal to a variety of readers including young adults and adults. The reader really feels the emotions that the lead character is going through as he must sit through day after day of court proceedings, and then go back to his cell in the evening. Although placed in the urban or multicultural genre this book is so well written it would appeal to any young adult from any background. The themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty found in this book are things that young adults deal with every day and touch their lives everyday. This book also brings into question the treatment of prisoners, the judicial system, how it works and if it is fair, and the validity of the witnesses involved in court cases.
This book could be used in a variety of ways. Monster could be acted out in a drama class, and the actors could interpret the story in their own way. This book could be read in a Social Studies class when the judicial system and court cases are being discussed. It would be a great novel to be read by student groups who do mock court cases as well. Monster is a great book to read for discussion on racism, stereotypes, and how this affects the judicial system of our country. Also the over arching themes of how one picks ones friends and how one decides who to or not to trust could also be discussed after reading this book.
Grades: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Urban, Multi-Cultural
Themes: The Justice System, Friendship, Loyalty, Expressing Oneself
Main Characters: Steve Harmon, Steve's Lawyer O'Brien, the Prosecutor, Bobo Evans, James King
Plot Summary:
This novel follows the court case of Steve Harmon, an African-American boy accused of felony murder and armed robbery. The book begins at the beginning of the court case and through dialogue and flash backs, the reader sees in snip pits what happened on the night in question. The reader is also privy to the lead characters thoughts and feelings throughout the book and also how what has happened has affected other people in his community.
Writing Style:
The novel is written in screen-play and journal form. The reader reads the story through the eyes of the lead character Steven Harmon. The screen play and journal format of this book makes the book a fast read. The reader is held in suspense until the last few pages of the book.
Assessment of Quality and Utilization
Monster is a fast paced and exciting read. It would appeal to a variety of readers including young adults and adults. The reader really feels the emotions that the lead character is going through as he must sit through day after day of court proceedings, and then go back to his cell in the evening. Although placed in the urban or multicultural genre this book is so well written it would appeal to any young adult from any background. The themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty found in this book are things that young adults deal with every day and touch their lives everyday. This book also brings into question the treatment of prisoners, the judicial system, how it works and if it is fair, and the validity of the witnesses involved in court cases.
This book could be used in a variety of ways. Monster could be acted out in a drama class, and the actors could interpret the story in their own way. This book could be read in a Social Studies class when the judicial system and court cases are being discussed. It would be a great novel to be read by student groups who do mock court cases as well. Monster is a great book to read for discussion on racism, stereotypes, and how this affects the judicial system of our country. Also the over arching themes of how one picks ones friends and how one decides who to or not to trust could also be discussed after reading this book.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Golden Compass
Citation: Pullman, P (1996). The Golden Compass. New York: Knopf Books. 399 pages.
Grades : 6-12
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Themes: Adventure, good vs. evil, loyalty to friends, witches, travel, perserverence
Main Characters: Lyra, Pantalaimon, Lord Asriel, Ma Costa, Charlie, Mrs. Coulter, Lord Faa, Farder Coram, Iorek, Lee Scoresby
Plot Summary:
At first Lyra is found running around the grounds and halls of Oxford University with her friends and her daemon Pantalaimon. But soon enters Ms. Coulter and Lyra's world is turned upside down. Her bestfriend is kidnapped and Lyra herself comes close to being taken away to some unknown place in the North. She escapes and is rescued by her friends the gypsies. The gypsies are gathering together to try to save their kidnapped children and Lyra joins them armed with her magical tool the Golden Compass, to save her friend. Along the way she meets a multitude of helpful and curious people and creatures.
Writing Style:
The Golden Compass is written from the third person point of view. The story is told from the outside looking in on Lyra and her friends. The language is very descriptive bringing the world Lyra lives in to life for the reader.
Assessment of quality and utility:
The story of Lyra is a decent one. It is fast paced and it features a strong female leading character. As stated above the writing is very descriptive and makes the world of Lyra come alive. The concept of Daemons is very abstract however and it is hard for the reader to fully grasp what one is. This book has strong objections to religious institutions as well which depending on one's beliefs could make this book very offensive to read.
The Golden Compass is the first book in a trilogy and the ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more, wondering what the future holds for Lyra.
This book would be great for a book discussion group to use. There is a lot of discussion fodder in this book including a discussion on daemons and dust. The betrayal of Lord Asriel and his relationship with Ms. Coulter. One could compare the leading character Lyra with other leading female characters in other books. The list of discussion topics is extensive.
Grades : 6-12
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Themes: Adventure, good vs. evil, loyalty to friends, witches, travel, perserverence
Main Characters: Lyra, Pantalaimon, Lord Asriel, Ma Costa, Charlie, Mrs. Coulter, Lord Faa, Farder Coram, Iorek, Lee Scoresby
Plot Summary:
At first Lyra is found running around the grounds and halls of Oxford University with her friends and her daemon Pantalaimon. But soon enters Ms. Coulter and Lyra's world is turned upside down. Her bestfriend is kidnapped and Lyra herself comes close to being taken away to some unknown place in the North. She escapes and is rescued by her friends the gypsies. The gypsies are gathering together to try to save their kidnapped children and Lyra joins them armed with her magical tool the Golden Compass, to save her friend. Along the way she meets a multitude of helpful and curious people and creatures.
Writing Style:
The Golden Compass is written from the third person point of view. The story is told from the outside looking in on Lyra and her friends. The language is very descriptive bringing the world Lyra lives in to life for the reader.
Assessment of quality and utility:
The story of Lyra is a decent one. It is fast paced and it features a strong female leading character. As stated above the writing is very descriptive and makes the world of Lyra come alive. The concept of Daemons is very abstract however and it is hard for the reader to fully grasp what one is. This book has strong objections to religious institutions as well which depending on one's beliefs could make this book very offensive to read.
The Golden Compass is the first book in a trilogy and the ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more, wondering what the future holds for Lyra.
This book would be great for a book discussion group to use. There is a lot of discussion fodder in this book including a discussion on daemons and dust. The betrayal of Lord Asriel and his relationship with Ms. Coulter. One could compare the leading character Lyra with other leading female characters in other books. The list of discussion topics is extensive.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Postcards from No Man's Land
Citation:
Chambers, A (2002) . Postcards From No Man's Land. New York: Dutton's Child's Books.
Genre: "GLBTQ" fiction
Theme: love, homosexuality, self-realization, traveling
Main Characters: Jacob, Geertui
Plot Summary:
Postcards from No Man's Land is two stories in one book.
Jacob's story takes place in modern times and is about a young boy, Jacob, who travels from England to Amsterdam to visit his grandmother's friend. During his stay in Amsterdam Jacob meets a young man who dresses and speaks like a woman and finds himself attracted to him in a way he does not understand. Jacob also is introduced to his grandmother's "friend" and soon realizes that there is a lot he did not know about his grandfather, who was a soldier in the second world war.
Geertui's story takes place during World War II when soldiers from Britain came to Holland and fought to free the people there from German rule. Geertui tells of her adventures helping to save these soldiers and in particular one soldier who she soon falls in love with. The two young people find themselves in a relationship that can only end in heart ache.
Writing Style:
Both stories are told in first person and both are told from the perspective of the main characters in their perspective stories.
Assessment of quality and Utility:
Postcard's from No Man's Land is a superb book. The author does a terrific job at blending the two stories together so that when one is reading the book, one does not feel that the book abruptly switches back and forth. I found that I enjoyed reading Geertui's story more. I felt that each piece of Geertui's story had its place and each character fit and I read the book wishing that it was only the story of Geertui. While the character's in Jacob's story each played their part, and were needed to help him grow as a person, I found myself rushing through his parts of the book. Jacob's storyline did not capture my attention as Geertui's story did. This is not to say that Jacob's story was any less well written or did not play an important part in the book, I just enjoyed the World War II storyline better.
Postcard's from No Man's Land would be a great book to use in an Social Studies class, because it shows the reader how much our lives are intertwined and how actions that might be small to us, can affect others in the future a great deal, having lasting affects for generations. The fact that Jacob was questioning his sexual preferences did not seem to play a huge part in this book as much as it could and it seemed that it was more about Jacob growing as a person and experiencing new things then finding out that he might be gay or bisexual. This fact could make this a good coming of age story for any young adult who might be questioning the direction their life might be taking. Postcard's from No Man's Land should be on every library's shelf for the young adult reader.
Chambers, A (2002) . Postcards From No Man's Land. New York: Dutton's Child's Books.
Genre: "GLBTQ" fiction
Theme: love, homosexuality, self-realization, traveling
Main Characters: Jacob, Geertui
Plot Summary:
Postcards from No Man's Land is two stories in one book.
Jacob's story takes place in modern times and is about a young boy, Jacob, who travels from England to Amsterdam to visit his grandmother's friend. During his stay in Amsterdam Jacob meets a young man who dresses and speaks like a woman and finds himself attracted to him in a way he does not understand. Jacob also is introduced to his grandmother's "friend" and soon realizes that there is a lot he did not know about his grandfather, who was a soldier in the second world war.
Geertui's story takes place during World War II when soldiers from Britain came to Holland and fought to free the people there from German rule. Geertui tells of her adventures helping to save these soldiers and in particular one soldier who she soon falls in love with. The two young people find themselves in a relationship that can only end in heart ache.
Writing Style:
Both stories are told in first person and both are told from the perspective of the main characters in their perspective stories.
Assessment of quality and Utility:
Postcard's from No Man's Land is a superb book. The author does a terrific job at blending the two stories together so that when one is reading the book, one does not feel that the book abruptly switches back and forth. I found that I enjoyed reading Geertui's story more. I felt that each piece of Geertui's story had its place and each character fit and I read the book wishing that it was only the story of Geertui. While the character's in Jacob's story each played their part, and were needed to help him grow as a person, I found myself rushing through his parts of the book. Jacob's storyline did not capture my attention as Geertui's story did. This is not to say that Jacob's story was any less well written or did not play an important part in the book, I just enjoyed the World War II storyline better.
Postcard's from No Man's Land would be a great book to use in an Social Studies class, because it shows the reader how much our lives are intertwined and how actions that might be small to us, can affect others in the future a great deal, having lasting affects for generations. The fact that Jacob was questioning his sexual preferences did not seem to play a huge part in this book as much as it could and it seemed that it was more about Jacob growing as a person and experiencing new things then finding out that he might be gay or bisexual. This fact could make this a good coming of age story for any young adult who might be questioning the direction their life might be taking. Postcard's from No Man's Land should be on every library's shelf for the young adult reader.
Annie on My Mind
Citation : Garden, N (1982). Annie On My Mind. New York: Aerial Fiction
Grade Level: 9-12
Genre: "GLBTQ" Fiction
Themes: young adult relationships, homosexuality, stereotypes, prejudices, love
Main Characters: Liza, Annie, Annie's family, Ms. Stevenson, Ms.Widmer, Mrs. Poindexter
Plot Summary:
Annie on My Mind is a story about two girls who realize their love for each other. It is also a story about how this love is received by others in both their lives. Liza is at first unsure of her feelings for her new friend Annie. Once she realizes that she loves her, they begin a relationship which unfortunately tangles many people's lives together in an very inconvenient way.
Writing Style:
Annie on My Mind was written in the first person, from the point of view of Liza, the main character in the book. The author does a good job at capturing how it must feel to begin realizing your feelings towards not just another person but also a person of the same sex. The awkwardness and troubled thoughts are captured well. When Liza finally realizes that she does not need to be embarrassed by her feelings towards another human being the reader begins to relax a bit with Liza as she experiences the joys of a new relationship.
Assessment of quality and utility:
Annie on My Mind was a wonderful book and a very fast read. The characters are very real and the story is a believable one. The author does a wonderful job capturing what it is like to enter into a relationship that maybe one is not sure of.
Annie on My Mind has been challenged before for its content. However this book has its place in the library. Students need to have books that tell of experiences they are having and emotions they are feelings. Homosexual students need to feel that their experiences are given as much time in books as any heterosexual student. This book would be very useful for any young adult to read to understand better what it is like to be homosexual in today's society. Although this book was written back in the 1980's the feelings and experiences Liza goes through are still very true today. Parents could also read this book to better understand what their homosexual child might be going through and thinking as they experience the feelings of a romantic relationship.
Grade Level: 9-12
Genre: "GLBTQ" Fiction
Themes: young adult relationships, homosexuality, stereotypes, prejudices, love
Main Characters: Liza, Annie, Annie's family, Ms. Stevenson, Ms.Widmer, Mrs. Poindexter
Plot Summary:
Annie on My Mind is a story about two girls who realize their love for each other. It is also a story about how this love is received by others in both their lives. Liza is at first unsure of her feelings for her new friend Annie. Once she realizes that she loves her, they begin a relationship which unfortunately tangles many people's lives together in an very inconvenient way.
Writing Style:
Annie on My Mind was written in the first person, from the point of view of Liza, the main character in the book. The author does a good job at capturing how it must feel to begin realizing your feelings towards not just another person but also a person of the same sex. The awkwardness and troubled thoughts are captured well. When Liza finally realizes that she does not need to be embarrassed by her feelings towards another human being the reader begins to relax a bit with Liza as she experiences the joys of a new relationship.
Assessment of quality and utility:
Annie on My Mind was a wonderful book and a very fast read. The characters are very real and the story is a believable one. The author does a wonderful job capturing what it is like to enter into a relationship that maybe one is not sure of.
Annie on My Mind has been challenged before for its content. However this book has its place in the library. Students need to have books that tell of experiences they are having and emotions they are feelings. Homosexual students need to feel that their experiences are given as much time in books as any heterosexual student. This book would be very useful for any young adult to read to understand better what it is like to be homosexual in today's society. Although this book was written back in the 1980's the feelings and experiences Liza goes through are still very true today. Parents could also read this book to better understand what their homosexual child might be going through and thinking as they experience the feelings of a romantic relationship.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fairest
Citation: Levine, G.J (2006) . Fairest . New York : Harper Collins.
Grade Level: 10-14
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: fractured fairy tale, specifically Snow White, self-esteem, love, adventure, loyalty, forgiveness, family, beauty, loving yourself the way you are
Main Characters: Aza (Main Character), Ijori (Main Characters love interest), Ivi (Antagonist)
Plot Summary:
Fairest is based loosely on the fairy tale Snow White. Aza lives in a kingdom where singing is part of everyday life. The residents often sing instead of speak to each other. At the beginning of the book the reader is introduced to Aza as a child left on a inn keeper's door step. We eventually find out that Aza has a beautiful voice but not an attractice appearance and she longs to be pretty. She is invited to accompany one of the inn's lodgers to the King's wedding and it is there that she meets Ivi, the new queen. Ivi, is impressed with Aza's voice and her ability to illuse (throw her voice). She employs Aza as her lady in waiting and then tells her she must illuse for her, because Ivi can not sing well and is embarassed about her voice. While living in the castle Aza meets Ijori, the Kings nephew and instantly falls in love. The plot begins to thicken but eventually all ends happily ever after.
Writing Style:
The story is told in the first person from Aza's point of view. The author descibes the life of this fantasy character very well and makes it believable for the reader.
Assessment of quality and utility:
I felt that the messages in this book were very positive. The characters are believable and although the story is a fantasy the reader can identify with many of the emotions the characters experience throughout the book. Aza begins the story feeling extremely embarassed about her appearance and throughout the book is trying with out a lot of success to accept her looks and believe in herself. At the end of the book Aza has come closer to acceptance although she still has a long way to go. This is a great message to give young readers. That self-acceptance is not an easy thing, takes a lot of dedication, and may take a long time to acheive but it is possible. The author also does a superb job to show that the pursuit of beauty, riches, or power can also lead to evil acts, and betrayal. The author shows us that a kind heart and loyalty to friends and family are far more important then beauty or power.
The story does get a bit contrived towards the end. It seems like the author suddenly feels the need to put the "magic mirror" from the Snow White fairy tale in the story and makes quite a stretch to do this. The mirror could have been worked into the story in a much simpler and less confusing way.
This book would make a terrific addition to the English curriculum because it has a lot of discussion fodder in its pages. One could talk about not only fractured fairy tales with this book but also good versus evil, and a variety of other topics. It could also be used in the Health classroom where the discussion of self-esteem and what constitutes beauty are topics covered there. Young girls will identify with Aza and will embrace her as she goes through her many trials both real and mental. This book is terrific for any young girl struggling with poor self esteem to read. The story is also very enjoyable and fun to read and it is interesting to see how the author has taken elements of the original fairy tale and woven them into this novel.
Grade Level: 10-14
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: fractured fairy tale, specifically Snow White, self-esteem, love, adventure, loyalty, forgiveness, family, beauty, loving yourself the way you are
Main Characters: Aza (Main Character), Ijori (Main Characters love interest), Ivi (Antagonist)
Plot Summary:
Fairest is based loosely on the fairy tale Snow White. Aza lives in a kingdom where singing is part of everyday life. The residents often sing instead of speak to each other. At the beginning of the book the reader is introduced to Aza as a child left on a inn keeper's door step. We eventually find out that Aza has a beautiful voice but not an attractice appearance and she longs to be pretty. She is invited to accompany one of the inn's lodgers to the King's wedding and it is there that she meets Ivi, the new queen. Ivi, is impressed with Aza's voice and her ability to illuse (throw her voice). She employs Aza as her lady in waiting and then tells her she must illuse for her, because Ivi can not sing well and is embarassed about her voice. While living in the castle Aza meets Ijori, the Kings nephew and instantly falls in love. The plot begins to thicken but eventually all ends happily ever after.
Writing Style:
The story is told in the first person from Aza's point of view. The author descibes the life of this fantasy character very well and makes it believable for the reader.
Assessment of quality and utility:
I felt that the messages in this book were very positive. The characters are believable and although the story is a fantasy the reader can identify with many of the emotions the characters experience throughout the book. Aza begins the story feeling extremely embarassed about her appearance and throughout the book is trying with out a lot of success to accept her looks and believe in herself. At the end of the book Aza has come closer to acceptance although she still has a long way to go. This is a great message to give young readers. That self-acceptance is not an easy thing, takes a lot of dedication, and may take a long time to acheive but it is possible. The author also does a superb job to show that the pursuit of beauty, riches, or power can also lead to evil acts, and betrayal. The author shows us that a kind heart and loyalty to friends and family are far more important then beauty or power.
The story does get a bit contrived towards the end. It seems like the author suddenly feels the need to put the "magic mirror" from the Snow White fairy tale in the story and makes quite a stretch to do this. The mirror could have been worked into the story in a much simpler and less confusing way.
This book would make a terrific addition to the English curriculum because it has a lot of discussion fodder in its pages. One could talk about not only fractured fairy tales with this book but also good versus evil, and a variety of other topics. It could also be used in the Health classroom where the discussion of self-esteem and what constitutes beauty are topics covered there. Young girls will identify with Aza and will embrace her as she goes through her many trials both real and mental. This book is terrific for any young girl struggling with poor self esteem to read. The story is also very enjoyable and fun to read and it is interesting to see how the author has taken elements of the original fairy tale and woven them into this novel.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Cut
Citation: McCormick, P. (2000) Cut. New York, NY : Push Books
Grade Level: 14 years and up
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: cutting, therapy, group homes, anorexia, bulumia, overeating, drug use, frienship
Main Characters: Callie, Therapist, Callie's mother, father, and brother, Sydney, Debbie, Becca, Tiffany, Tara, and Amanda
Plot Summary
Callie is a young girl who is in a group home for girls with a variety of mental health issues. Callie cuts herself. Throughout the book the reader is introduced to Callie's family and the girls who Callie deals with on a regular basis at the group home. Eventually the reader learns the reasons behind Callie's destructive behavior and you go through her many ups and downs of her life at Sea Pines. The reader is also introduced to Callie's therapist who Callie slowly warms up to throughout the book. The reader experiences with Callie an awakening as she realizes what are the roots of her problems and that she can allow her friends "in" to help her through her healing process.
Writing Style:
The story is told through the eyes of Callie. She writes as if she is writing a journal to her therapist. You see the world as Callie would see it, at first scary and suffocating. Eventually as bright and optimistic. The relationship between Callie and her therapist grows slowly throughout the book and with it the reader's relationship with the characters grows as well.
Assessment of quality and utility:
Cut is a very emotionally driven and gut wrenching book. As each character deals with her own demons the reader can not help but feel empathy towards them. The writing of this book is well researched and touches upon several sensitive subjects. The author does a superb job at dealing with these subjects in a heartfelt and knowlegable way.
This book would be very useful for a therapist to use with his or her patient. The feelings that the characters experience in this book are real. The story is real and does not try to sugar coat anything. The reader struggles along with the characters and it could show a young reader that they are not alone in their struggles to make sense out of the emotions they are feeling. This book would also be a wonderful book for a parent with a child who cuts themselves to read. It would help that parent to better understand what might be going through their child's mind that would provoke them to take such actions against their bodies. Cut is also a great book to introduce the idea that one cannot blame oneself for the choices that other people make.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My first book review will be a classic written back in the 1970's.
Blume, J (1976). Forever. New York: Pocket Books. 220 pages.
Grade Level: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Young Adult relationships, Sex, Suicide, Homosexuality, Birth Control, College
Main Characters: Katherine, Michael, Erica, Artie, Jamie (Katherine's sister) Katherine's Parents
Plot Summary:
Katherine is a senior in high school, she meets Michael at a New Year's Eve party and a relationship begins between the two. The book continues to tell the story about the relationship between the two young adults and all the emotions that go along with it. They find themselves talking about being together "forever". They face together decisions about sex, birth control, going away to college and seperating from each other. Katherine's friend Erica meets a boy named Artie who is struggling with his sexual preferences and there is an underlying story line about these two young adults as well. Artie finds himself depressed and attempts to commit suicide and the whole group of friends is forced to deal with their friend's depression in different ways.
Writing Style:
The story is told through the eyes of Katherine. The author captures the thoughts and feelings of a young teenage girl very well. The reader can really identify with the storyteller and is drawn in very quickly into Katherine's life.
Assessment of quality and utility:
Forever is a great book to introduce any young person to the feelings and thoughts they might be having in a new relationship. Judy Blume characters feel real feelings and think real thoughts. They experience what many other young adults might experience as young adults facing situations like the pressure to have sex, homosexuality, depression or the realization that the person you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with might not be "the one".
Although written in the 1970's this book still hold true today in many ways. This book would be a terrific book for a health teacher to use in their classroom. Yes the book does have sex scenes in it but nothing very descriptive and it opens up the door to many hard to discuss issues that many teens are still facing today. It could also be a good piece of fiction for a mother-daughter book club to use to open up lines of communication between parent and child.
Blume, J (1976). Forever. New York: Pocket Books. 220 pages.
Grade Level: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Young Adult relationships, Sex, Suicide, Homosexuality, Birth Control, College
Main Characters: Katherine, Michael, Erica, Artie, Jamie (Katherine's sister) Katherine's Parents
Plot Summary:
Katherine is a senior in high school, she meets Michael at a New Year's Eve party and a relationship begins between the two. The book continues to tell the story about the relationship between the two young adults and all the emotions that go along with it. They find themselves talking about being together "forever". They face together decisions about sex, birth control, going away to college and seperating from each other. Katherine's friend Erica meets a boy named Artie who is struggling with his sexual preferences and there is an underlying story line about these two young adults as well. Artie finds himself depressed and attempts to commit suicide and the whole group of friends is forced to deal with their friend's depression in different ways.
Writing Style:
The story is told through the eyes of Katherine. The author captures the thoughts and feelings of a young teenage girl very well. The reader can really identify with the storyteller and is drawn in very quickly into Katherine's life.
Assessment of quality and utility:
Forever is a great book to introduce any young person to the feelings and thoughts they might be having in a new relationship. Judy Blume characters feel real feelings and think real thoughts. They experience what many other young adults might experience as young adults facing situations like the pressure to have sex, homosexuality, depression or the realization that the person you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with might not be "the one".
Although written in the 1970's this book still hold true today in many ways. This book would be a terrific book for a health teacher to use in their classroom. Yes the book does have sex scenes in it but nothing very descriptive and it opens up the door to many hard to discuss issues that many teens are still facing today. It could also be a good piece of fiction for a mother-daughter book club to use to open up lines of communication between parent and child.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Welcome...
Hello My name is Sarah. I am currently a Information Studies Graduate student at the University at Albany in New York. In the fall I will be taking a class in Young Adult Literature. This requires me to read a variety of young adult literature and I figured I would begin using this blog to give my thoughts on the books I must read. I also figured that since blogging is the current wave of the future I might use this space to give my thoughts and opinions on other topics and keep those interested updated on my current interests and goings on.
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