NYT Bestseller List
Alex and Eliza : A Love Story
De La Cruz, M. (2017). Alex and Eliza : A love story. NY : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.
Summary :
In this work of historical fiction based loosely on the widely popular Broadway play Hamilton, de la Cruz tells of the romance of Eliza Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton. Eliza was the middle daughter of one of America’s prominent families, who were experiencing a fall from power during the Revolutionary War. While her two sisters, Peggy and Angelica, preferred the social scene scene and looking for possible suitors, Eliza looked for political causes she could support. From her first confrontational meeting with Colonel Hamilton, George Washington’s top aide, sparks flew. The book chronicles their introduction and meetings thereafter, where Alexander struggles to voice his true intentions. This struggle almost costs him the woman he loves, as she becomes promised to a more “eligible” bachelor in her parents’ eyes.
Commentary :
This book chronicles a love story that YA romantics will flock to, especially with the popularity of Hamilton and wanting to find out more about the central couple. Many of the elements of YA literature are evident throughout. It involves a youthful, highly independent main character who readers, especially young girls, will identify with as she navigates the tricky waters of young romance and courtship with the societal rules of the time period sometimes working against her. Since it is told through the eyes of Alex and Eliza, young readers will feel more as if they are part of the story, even though it is set in a historical time period. It is a but a brief glimpse into the romance of Alex and Eliza, and you are left wanting to read more about their story, which is probably why the author decided to write a sequel!
Connections :
Other books related to Alex and Eliza : A Love Story if you want to learn more about it :
- The Hamilton Affair : A Love Story by Elizabeth Cobbs
- Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
- Love & War : An Alex and Eliza Story by Melissa de la Cruz
Textbook Connections :
The societal norms of the time were really brought to life in the book, as Eliza endured such issues as arranged marriage, slavery and gender roles. But even though it was set in a historical time period, young readers could relate many of the events/issues in the book to things that happen in present day. Eliza wanted to please her family, but she also longed to be her own self, something many young girls face even in today’s day and age. The YA age is one where so many events take place that can shape the future, just like those events that happened to Alex and Eliza!
The Crossover
Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. Boston, MA : HMH Books for Young Readers.
Summary :
In this novel set to verse, the reader learns about Josh (Filthy McNasty), and his love for the game of basketball. He comes from a solid family with his mom the vice principal of his middle school and his dad a former basketball player himself, and he is joined on the court by his twin brother JB. Throughout the course of the book you learn a lot about his family dynamic and his relationship with his brother, which turns sour as the book progresses. You also see how Josh is struggling with his father’s declining health, and how that affects him personally and on the court. The ending is filled with sorrow, but also unites brothers in a time when they need each other the most.
Commentary :
This novel is a quick read and is an example of poetry in the realistic fiction genre. YA readers, especially boys, would be drawn to the main character and his love of sports. The book fits into Jean Le Pere’s six reasons to share poetry with children. Some examples would be for enjoyment, because they would find they are actually enjoying poetry as they are taken through Josh’s journey. Also readers would find that they identify with people and situations, as they would feel sympathy and root for the main character as he struggles with his relationship with his brother and making sense of his father’s illness. Finally it may help children understand their feelings about things such as siblings and death, as Josh has to deal with those same issues as well.
Connections :
Book Trailer for the Book
Website for Kwame Alexander
Textbook Connections :
What a fantastic book that I can’t wait to share with some of my YA readers, especially the young boys who so often struggle to find a book that they like! I think the best part of the book, besides the organization and structure, was how relatable and consistent it is with the real world in which kids live. Josh could have easily been one of their friends, or even themselves. How he goes about his life and navigates his relationships with his parents and his brother are believable and would draw young YA readers in. It avoids stereotypes and creates characters audiences will love to read about.
Gabi : A Girl in Pieces
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi : A girl in pieces. El Paso, TX. Cinco Puntos Press.
Summary :
In Quintero’s debut novel, young girls are given a character they can identify with in Gabi, a Hispanic teenager who is struggling with a lot in her young life. Through diary entries and poetry, you see that she is growing up in a family strong in it’s culture, with a mother who has strong beliefs about such things as gender roles, and a father who can’t kick his meth habit. Her relationships with her friends make her grow up faster than she should and bring up tough modern day issues such as homosexuality, rape and teen pregnancy. Through it all, Gabi tries to form her own identity, and decide which beliefs she wants to call her own.
Commentary :
With Gabi, Quintero creates a character who is true to life and one is which many young girls can relate to. The struggles she goes through, such as trying to define herself in her culture and with her friends, are ones that more books should explore. The fact that the story is told through Gabi’s point of view, with excerpts from her journals and poetry, make the story come to life for the reader. She is a character who is fiercely independent and is looking for her place in the world, the same situation that many young adults find themselves in today. Quintero does a great job of showing her journey, and how circumstances in her life help shape how she turns out at the end.
Connections:
Books about encouraging girls with their body image :
- Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
- Eleanor + Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Hold Me Closer : The Tiny Cooper Story by David Levithan
- Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
- Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill
Textbook Connections :
I think one of the best things about Gabi : Girl in Pieces is how it tackles tough issues that so many young adults face today. Much like The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Gabi is struggling to define herself among her culture, and also trying to not let her culture be the only thing that defines her. More books need to be written about those struggles and how they are overcome. Gabi also deals with teen pregnancy, rape and homosexuality with her best friends, issues that many children face today but are just now being written about. The theme of encouraging girls with their body image is so important throughout this book. So many young girls face this struggle and have little places in which to turn. Hopefully this book will be able to help some of them!
Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten (2016)
Roller Girl
Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller girl. New York, NY : Dial Books.
Summary :
This Bluebonnet Award winning graphic novel tells the story of Astrid, who thinks she has finally found her niche when her mother brings her to a roller derby competition. She immediately wants her best friend Nicole to sign up for roller derby camp with her, but when Nicole doesn’t feel the same way and instead chooses dance camp, Astrid thinks her life is over. She goes ahead with the roller derby, and finds it harder than she anticipated. But she perseveres, and learns more about herself and her relationships in the process. In the end, it is actually a blessing in disguise!
Commentary :
Roller Girl is a true story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, as well as the growth that is seen in the process. Readers can easily identify with Astrid as she feels like she is losing a friend, as well as when she struggles to learn something new. It is also easy to predict what will happen in the end. Jamieson’s dialogue is easy to follow and would attract even the most disgruntled readers.
The pictures that Jamieson uses in her graphic novel are vivid and very much comic book type style, reminiscent of old Archie comics. The bright colors and short pages keep the reader entertained while telling a real-life story many can relate to.
Connections:
Announcement of Roller Girl winning the Bluebonnet Award for 2016-2017
Bluebonnet Book Trailer
Textbook Connections :
One of the appeals of a graphic novel, as shown in the slide show, is that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages, from elementary school to YA and above. They are not just for struggling readers or those who are unmotivated. Roller Girl is such an example in a contemporary fiction graphic novel. It has all the parts of a graphic novel talked about, such as thought and dialog balloons, captions and gutters. Just like other YA contemporary novels in different formats, a character is created who readers can identify with and hope the best for, as well as one whose struggles could mirror their own.
Period. 8
Crutcher, C. (2103). Period. 8. New York, NY. Greenwillow Books.
Summary :
Period 8 is a safe place for students to go where they can get their opinions heard, talk, or listen, whatever they prefer to do. But what is said must be the truth, and must stay inside the walls of the room. Paul Baum decides to tell the awful truth to his girlfriend, and it makes things in his life start spinning out of control. Quickly events start to happen among the students of Period 8, such as a girl mysteriously going missing, and it becomes known that someone is lying. Paul must race against the clock with his teacher to save the other students, and to ultimately find out which one of his classmates is behind it all.
Commentary :
In this book, Chris Crutcher has created yet another mysterious page turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. He does a great job of incorporating the literary elements in his work, as you are introduced to the protagonist in the story and quickly gather what character will serve as the antagonist. The main characters storylines are developed throughout and defined by the different conflicts that arise between them. The plot of the story is well developed without being predictable, and you are somewhat surprised with the twists at the end. The setting of the school and the lake play central roles in the story and add to the resolution.
Connections:
Other books by Chris Crutcher
Chris Crutcher is the author of MANY books! Some of them are :
Whale Talk
Running Loose
Stotan!
Deadline
Chinese Handcuffs
The Sledding Hill
Ironman
Angry Management
The Deep End
Loser’s Bracket
Textbook Connections :
This book encompasses the theme of telling the truth and not telling the truth, and the fallout that can happen with both options. As young adults, this is “consistent with the world in which they grow up in,” one of the elements we look for in a good work of realistic fiction. Many are faced with those questions in relation to their friends and family. Though telling the truth is so important, sometimes the “truth hurts” and can damage relationships. Crutcher tackled that issue with Paul and the other students in Period 8, as they preached the importance of truth in their class, but then it was evident that not all of them were following that belief. Paul also grappled with it when he told Hannah what really happened with Mary.
Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults (2015)
The Family Romanov : Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia
Fleming, C. (2014). The family Romanov : Murder, rebellion and the fall of Imperial Russia. New York, NY. Schwartz & Wade Books.
Summary :
In this riveting Robert F. Sibert and YALSA Nonfiction Award Winner, the reader learns about the lives of the Romanovs of Russia. Brought up into a powerful empire, there seems to be nothing that Tsar Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra and their children can’t have or accomplish. But with great power comes great responsibility. The reader also learns about the peasant society of Russia during the early 1900s, and how they were made to suffer at the hands of Nicholas II and his family. Eventually their empire begins to fall to pieces around them, and they meet a tragic and mysterious end that the world still wonders about today.
Commentary :
Many books have been written about the Romanov saga, but Candace Fleming sets herself apart with The Family Romanov . This work of nonfiction reads like a novel and gives you characters you grow to love and loathe. The chapters are named creatively and set up in an organized fashion. They give you great detail into the story of their lives. The author paints both sides of the Romanovs, especially when you see how their rule affected the peasant population in Russia at the time. Fleming’s notes and bibliography were almost as detailed as the book itself, and you see where almost all her quotes are drawn from. Her interesting style encourages the reader to want to know more about the end of the Romanov’s lives, and how it all really happened. Finally the photographs placed in the middle of the book give you a more indepth look at the characters, and you are able to put names to faces.
I have researched the Romanovs in the past, but have never read about their lives in such entertaining and captivating detail before. I think students would find their lives fascinating, and also as hard to put down as I did!
Connections :
Other books about the Romanov Family:
- The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore
- Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie
- The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport
- The Romanovs : The Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie
This book would lend itself easily to research on Imperial Russia, or rulers who have not used their power for good.
Textbook Connections :
This book of nonfiction read like a novel and flowed easily. The chapters and the timeline way in which they were set up made it easy for the readers to locate information . The photographs also added to the book and transported the reader to that time and place. As to questions you could ask students about this book, a great one would be whether or not it would be a good documentary, and the answer would be that it would! The subject matter lends itself to a movie type format, with the events leading up to a horrible climax.
Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults (2013)
Bomb : The Race to Build - and Steal - The World’s Most Dangerous Weapon
Sheinkin, S. (2012). Bomb : The race to build - and steal - the world’s most dangerous weapon. New York, NY. Roaring Book Press.
Summary :
In this historical work by Steve Sheinkin, a pivotal turning point in world history is addressed. In the late 1930s and the beginnings of World War II, scientists made a shocking discovery when they realized how bombs could be made. As a result, three countries raced to create the ultimate weapon of destruction - the atomic bomb. Sheinkin tells the story from the eyes of the scientists, spies, military operatives and world leaders who were involved, so the reader learns about what happened from all sides. Though the ultimate goal was achieved through great displays of teamwork, many lives were destroyed in the process. And an invention was created which could create a nightmare scenario, even today!
Commentary :
This Newbery Honor Book does an outstanding job of informing readers about a difficult subject matter. Through biographies, letters, journals, and other accounts
of the events, the author lays a timeline of how the atomic bomb was created. The real-life photographs help introduce the reader to the major players of the story, as well as descriptions that told what their role entailed. By looking at the many sources in the bibliography, it was obvious that Sheinkin did his homework. He wrote an entertaining and informative book about a subject matter the reader could tell he was passionate about!
At first I had a hard time delving into this book, but once I was involved with it the last several pages were hard to put down! I liked especially how you felt for the characters as they were so excited to finally achieve their goal, but then sad as well when they realized the ramifications of what they had done. It made me want to research more about some of them, such as Robert Oppenheimer!
Connections :
Other books by Steve Sheinkin:
The Port Chicago 50
The Notorious Benedict Arnold
Most Dangerous
Lincoln’s Grave Robbers
King George : What Was the Problem?
Undefeated : Jim Thorpe
Website for Steve Sheinkin:
Textbook Connections :
Steve Sheinkin is a noted author who has written many nonfiction books about important events in history, such as Jim Thorpe and Benedict Arnold. All of his books seem to be grounded in research and contain facts which can be verified. The main purpose of this book seems to be to make readers more familiar with the events that led to the making of the atomic bomb, and how it was of course a great achievement, but one that brought great sorrow as well.
As for a question to ask students about the book, I think a great one would be to explain what the author did to research this book. It would be interesting to think about the different interviews and sources Sheinkin must have consulted in order to paint an accurate picture of the events!
Persepolis
Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. New York, NY : Pantheon.
Summary :
In this autobiographical graphic novel, Satrapi tells the story of her childhood growing up in Iran. The reader learns about the overthrow of the Shah, the Islamic Revolution and the beginnings of the Iraq War, told through the eyes of a child who lived it. In striking black and white images pictures are painted of how repressive and stifling life became for those who decided to stay in Iran , and how they had to change many things about themselves in the public eye in order to survive. Opinions on such historical events as the closing of schools, the imprisonment and whipping of revolutionaries, demonstrations and the wearing of the veil by women are talked about from her point of view, and make this a book unlike any other!
Commentary :
This is definitely a complex graphic novel that aims to promote a message through it’s reading, one of overcoming adversity in the midst of war and oppression, as well as showing the human side of what was going on in the country at the time. It would be a great resource to add to the social studies curriculum if one were studying such topics as the Iraq War or the history of Iran, because it gives a point of view that is often not written about in the history books! The pictures also play a central part in the story and the black and white images do a lot to create the tone and mood for the author, which was one of sadness and repression.
Connections :
Another graphic novel about survival and history :
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Interview with the author about the book and the movie adaptation:
Textbook Connections :
A stand-alone story was told through this graphic novel, with all the essential literary elements included. It could be categorized as a “personal narrative graphic novel, or perzine,” because it is written from the author’s personal experiences, opinions and observations. It drew the reader in and made them want to learn more about the central character in the story, and maybe even to research more about her life and life in Iran at the time. Because of the complexity of the plot, it is geared more towards YA readers and above because they would understand and get the most out of it’s message.
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