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.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
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