The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Alexie, S. (2009). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York, NY : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Summary :
In this National Book Award Winner, Sherman Alexie loosely mirrors events that happened in his own life with Junior, a young boy growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Junior was born with a disability, but he tries not to let that stop him from trying hard and making something out of himself. His family is poor and he struggles to fit in amongst his peers. He makes the difficult decision to move to a school outside of the reservation so that he can have a better life, a decision which does not sit well with many on the reservation. At the new school he finds himself an outcast again, this time because of his cultural differences. Junior has to work hard to make others see him for who he really is, and he does so in the midst of many personal tragedies. and tribulations.
Commentary :
This work of realistic fiction does a great job of giving teens issues they can connect to, even though the setting and culture is that of an Indian reservation. The main character struggles through the themes of acceptance, understanding, loss and finding himself, issues that could have easily taken place in settings such as Texas or New York. Alexie does a great job of giving readers a glimpse into the way of life on the reservation and the traditions that define them, such as funerals and staying put where they are at.
This is a book I enjoyed a lot, and would recommend it especially to teen boys who are trying to find a book with a strong male lead they can identify with!
Connections/Textbook Connections
Alexie accepting the 2007 National Book Award for this title : National Book Award
Since I recently read all the Bluebonnet Winners, I made a comparison with In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse. Both showcased characters with Native American backgrounds who at the beginning were struggling with who they were, but at the end had a new understanding of themselves and their culture.
The biggest takeaway I had with this book in relation to the textbook was the criteria on theme. Realistic fiction “encompasses more than one theme,” and themes emerge “slowly and consistently.” I definitely felt that with Diary of a Part Time Indian readers could take away from it so many themes that they could apply to other books and to their lives as well!
Speak
Anderson, L. (2011). Speak. New York, NY : Penguin Books.
Summary :
In Anderson’s Golden Kite Award Winner, the reader is introduced to Melinda, a young girl entering her first year of high school. Within the first couple of pages you realize she has a terrible secret she is hiding. You do learn that the previous summer she attended a party and called 911, resulting in the party getting broken up and people getting arrested. Because of this, her closest friends hold a grudge against her. Her parents know that something is going on, but in their disjointed lives they do not know what to do to help. Melinda joins an art class where she finally feels like she has a place to express herself. Slowly through flashbacks, readers learn that she was raped at that party by a classmate she still has to see everyday. She must learn to “speak” up for herself, before one of her former friends is hurt as well.
Commentary :
This book was an eye-opening book in so many ways, and the title spoke volumes after the reader was finished. It is a real issue that could happen to anyone, especially when they least expect it. So many young girls who have faced similar issues could possibly get the courage to speak out after reading this book. Relating to modern readers, it tackled the subject of rape, a subject which many authors avoid because they feel it is too sensitive to talk about. Speak is powerful for the reader, and I hope that librarians and schools are able to see it’s importance.
Connections/Textbook Connections :
When thinking of the subject matter and how Melinda was ostracized from her friends, I was able to make connections to Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, where the character of Annabel goes on a similar journey.
Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson include :
- Winter Girls
- Chains
- Fever 1793
- Ashes
- Forge
In connecting it to the textbook, I felt that criteria #1 was especially true in this book. Speech, behavior and every element reflected the contemporary world. The life of high school kids can be so rough, full of gossip, drama and a type of cruelty that so many should not have to experience! Melinda experienced that to the fullest when she was set apart for her actions, even though no one knew what had really happened, they chose to judge her anyway. YA readers would probably be able to draw on an experience when something similar happened to them and they were made to feel the outcast.
Annie on My Mind
Garden, N. (2007). Annie on my mind. New York, NY : Square Fish.
Summary :
In Annie on My Mind, Nancy Garden tells the story of two teenage girls coming to terms with their sexuality. The main character, Liza, is a private school class president, and Annie is the girl she meets from a public school. The two develop a strong friendship that begins to blossom into more, as Liza struggles with life at school and accepting what Annie really means to her. Just as the girls’ relationship reaches a turning point, they are discovered. A hearing ensues and Liza seems to escape unscathed, but she loses her favorite teachers and eventually Annie in the process. At the end she must decide if she has the courage to keep what really matters most.
Commentary :
In looking for this book to read, it was the first time I had trouble locating a book from the library. Even though I come from a large city with 20+ public libraries, only 2 copies could be found, which speaks to its controversial nature. It’s topic is one that is rarely written about for the YA reader, but it is one that needs to be spoken of, in part for the young girls who may be struggling with the same issues. They need to find places to turn in order to identify, and books can often be that source. In this work of realistic fiction, the author gives you characters who young girls would be able to relate to, because they may be like someone they know or they may be like themselves. It tackles one of those sensitive topics that the textbook talked about : sexual orientation.
Connections/Textbook Connections :
A NYT article about the death of Nancy Garden and the controversy surrounding Annie on My Mind. The Death of Nancy Garden
In relation to Criteria #3, Realistic YA Fiction tackles tough topics, and this is one of the toughest and one that you rarely read about for this age group. Nancy Garden addresses a same sex relationship amongst girls, a topic which was once taboo. In doing so, she opened the doors for so many other authors, and so many young girls who may be struggling as well.
Lily and Dunkin
Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York, NY : Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
Summary :
Timothy McGrother (Lily) and Norbert Dorfman (Dunkin), are two teenagers harboring secrets who form an unlikely friendship. Timothy has always felt as if he didn’t belong, is bullied, and longs to be able to come out as his true identity, Lily. Norbert is the new boy in town, hiding a secret as well and struggling with bipolar disorder. Throughout the book, you learn about both their journeys, and how they seem to find solace in their friendship. Along the way, Lily must convince her father that she will be safe in her true identity and Dunkin must come to terms with what happened with his father. The world must finally see who they really are!
Commentary :
Donna Gephart does a masterful job of portraying two characters who are on similar and difficult journeys for young adults. This work of realistic fiction has various themes woven throughout, such as self-acceptance, self-actualization, courage and friendship. It compares to Annie on My Mind in subject matter, and tackles similar sensitive issues. Young readers who are struggling with their sexual orientation, as well as those who may be suffering from mental health issues, would find this book a welcome refuge and a place in which to turn. What I liked about it is that it featured characters in which both sexes could identify with, and maybe be able to feel for a little of what they were going through.
Librarians across the country should read this book, because these issues are becoming more and more prevalent in our schools.
Connections/Textbook Connections :
Again with Criteria #3, this book brought forth the subject of transgenderism, a subject which is getting books banned in many conservative areas. The author was not afraid to shy away from a hard topic, and she introduced characters that the reader instantly felt for and had a connection with.
It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health
Harris, R. & Emberley, M. (2014). It’s perfectly normal : Changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. Boston, MA : Candlewick Press.
Summary :
It’s Perfectly Normal has been updated in this 20th Anniversary edition and is sure to help a lot of parents! Guided by a bird and a bee, this groundbreaking book addresses almost any question that a tween/young adult may have, from menstruation, sex and HIV to gender identity and internet use. One illustration even shows students how though their body may be different, there are so many bodies out there that are different as well! Throughout the book, the theme of It’s Perfectly Normal assures young readers that even though “strange” things may be happening to them for unknown reasons, it is all “perfectly” normal!!
Commentary :
This is a work of nonfiction different than others you may find in your library! Robie H. Harris has written many books for children on informational topics such as where babies come from, so she is almost an expert on those “tough” subjects. Her facts are well-documented with research, with her way of introducing the research done in a way that makes kids feel comfortable and at home. The organization of the book into chapters and subtitles helps kids find the information they are looking for quickly and efficiently. Finally, the visuals play an important role in adding detail to the subject matter and explaining a little more to the students what may be happening to them.
Since the subject matter and pictures are so detailed, librarians would have to be sure about what age group was able to access it. It would be a little too advanced for elementary ages, but I am glad to hear that the author has another title appropriate for them. It would be best suited for kids in junior high and above, where those types of questions are more common!
Connections/Textbook Connections :
Other books by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley:
- It’s So Amazing
- It’s not the stork!
- Who Has What?
- Who’s in My Family?
Looking back at Criteria #3, I love the underlying scope and purpose of the book and the way in which it would assure so many young adults about their changing bodies. The colorful illustrations and their almost cartoon-like appearance would even draw in those hesitant individuals who weren’t for sure at first!
GO : A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design
Kidd, C. (2014). A Kidd’s guide to graphic design. New York, NY : Workman.
Summary :
GO is a great introduction to graphic design, a concept that is becoming a favorite among young adults. It walks the reader through the definition of graphic design, what it is and a little about it’s history. It then delves into all the aspects that make up graphic design, starting with form. It talks about such things as big and small, scale, and left to right, and what impacts they can have on a design. Typography is also covered, with the ends and outs of different fonts you can use. Content and concept in graphic design help bring a piece together and form appeal in the eye of the reader/consumer. Finally at the end of the book Kidd gives the reader 10 projects they can try at home if they want to learn more about graphic design!
Commentary :
GO was a great book that would grab the attention of young readers. They tend to flock to nonfiction books, and this one is about a concept that is seldom written about.
Strengths of the Book
- Colorful visuals that provide examples for the concepts
- Layout draws the reader’s attention
- Quick read
- The author has a lot of experience in the craft, being a graphic designer himself and provides accurate facts
- Does a good job of selling why graphic design is important and all that it encompasses
Weaknesses of the Book (harder to come up with these!)
- It is too complicated for elementary readers
- A lot of the examples provided are not well-known, may be harder for readers to connect with
Connections/Textbook Connections :
Teaching Ideas : Have students research careers that are out of the ordinary, such as graphic designers. If they were to write a book about that profession, what would they include?
Also they could research Chip Kidd in more detail and find out more about him, such as his education and other works he may have made.
A lot of the questions to ask kids about nonfiction books would be interesting to ask the kids about GO. Some specific ones are :
- How would this book be different if it were written 50 years ago? 50 years in the future?
- Would it make a good documentary?
- What type of teacher would the author make?
- How would you try to persuade a book company about the value of the learning?
Monster
Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY : Harper.
Summary :
This novel awarded Walter Dean Myers the Michael L. Printz Award in 2000. It tells the story of Steve Harmon, a young Harlem boy who is in jail for his part in a robbery gone wrong. Through play dialogue and journal-type format told from Harmon’s point of view, the crime is reenacted for the reader as they wonder whether or not he is innocent or guilty. What is for certain is that Harmon was in the wrong places at the wrong times, and is becoming a product of his environment. Even though Harmon is eventually pronounced innocent, he still struggles internally as to whether or not he is truly a “monster.”
Commentary :
Walter Dean Myers paints a picture in this work of realistic fiction of the rough world in which Steve grows up in. The use of dialogue does a great job in such aspects as the speech and culture, and reader can understand what the life in Harlem is really like. The theme of the judicial system and how it affects African Americans emerges gradually, and the scene at the end with the lawyer drives it home. The tough topics of racism and violence are introduced, topics that have been written about before, but not as much in YA titles. The author is masterful in creating a believable character caught in an unbelievable situation where there is no turning back.
Connections/Textbook Connections :
Some weaknesses of the book are that at first it is hard to get into, and then the flashbacks and jumps between dialogue and journal-writing make it hard to follow
for a young reader. They have to be sure they are paying close attention to know what is happening with the plot. The serious topics covered in this book make it more suitable for YA readers and above. They would better understand the format and what the author was trying to convey.
Monster is a book that could have been ripped off of the newspaper headlines. It is realistic fiction because it is something that could happen, especially in today’s day and age. You may have some children who come into your library who connect with this book because it speaks to their life, or the life of someone in their family.
The Knife of Never Letting Go
Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA : Candlewick Press.
Summary :
In this science fiction thriller, you are introduced to Todd, a young boy from the settlement of Prentisstown. Quickly you realize the town is not what it seems, and because of a germ everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts or “Noise.” On the cusp of his birthday into manhood, Todd flees the town to stay safe and find answers, along with his trusty dog Manchee and a “silent” girl named Viola. The three begin a journey that none of them are prepared for, as they encounter terrors and race from the army that is following them. The first of a series, the cliffhanger at the end makes you want to rush and check out the next book.
Commentary :
In relating the book to the criteria for science fiction, the author meets every single one. In Todd, he creates a character who acts in believable ways, even though unbelievable things may be going on around him. While his world seems to be falling apart, he still tries to make sure that those around him are safe. You think that you would do similar things in his circumstances. Rules were in place for the world that Todd was living in, though some were hard to believe and some he was trying desperately to find answers to. Even though magical and unreal things seemed to be going on, such as Noise, talking animals and creatures that spread germs, the reader finds it hard to put the book down, because they want to know what happens next. There were also common themes/universal truths in the book, such as society vs. individual and the coming of age.
Connections/Textbook Connections :
In The Knife of Never Letting Go, it was hard for me not to draw comparisons to other dystopian science fiction novels such as The Hunger Games and Divergent, both series books as well that were talked about in the textbook video. All involve characters who come from an organized, at times oppressive society that governs their every move. All 3 characters are strong leads, and they go on journeys that at the end will define who they are, and change their views on themselves and life in general. Though there are many more similarities that could be drawn upon, another is that they all are set in the future, and involve what would happen if only certain social groups/colonies were left in society.
As for the age group of kids that would do best with this book, I would say upper junior high and above. The reading level was high and the book was complex, with a plot you would really have to pay attention to so that you did not miss any important details!
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