Please post on your choice reading in this category. Remember, you are reading like a media specialist, so it is not about your personal likes and dislikes. Include in your post:
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
a. Audience for whom the book is written
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.)
c. Particular strengths of the book
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc)
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s format: Your verdict, supported with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
ReplyDeletea. This book is recommended for grades 10 and up.
b. This book would appeal to grades 9 and up.. I would recommend it to readers who like reading realistic books with a lot of drama and romance. It would not be appropriate for younger students due to alcohol consumption and sexual content.
c. Strengths: Teen readers will find relatable characters and problems in this book. Ever struggles with the rules and expectations that her parents have set for her and how to balance her own wants and desires for her life. The four main characters are well rounded and all have to work through a different set of obstacles. Their relationships are complicated and ever changing throughout the book. In particular, the relationship between Ever and her parents in this book is well developed, with both her and her parents showing growth. The majority of the story takes place in Taipei, and enough details are included to create a well developed sense of the place and culture.
d. Weaknesses: There seemed to be endless side characters introduced in this book, particularly in the beginning, and it was challenging to keep track of who might end up being important later on.
e. Special Considerations: While this book is written in English, there are three different Chinese dialects included, and the author talks about the challenge of writing this way in the author’s note at the end.
f. Verdict: This is a must have addition to high school libraries, as readers will be captivated by relatable characters and conflicts.
Thanks for the head's up about the target audience for this book Carrie based on the content. You can watch a book trailer here: https://youtu.be/5UZVfR1nOoA
DeleteContemporary Realistic Fiction
ReplyDeleteBook Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
The recommended audience for this book is 14 +. This book was written from the perspective of a high school freshman and it would appeal to students from middle school through high school and beyond. I think the book’s biggest strength is its honesty. Many coming-of-age issues are explored from the perspective of a 14 year old boy, including sexuality, popularity, socio-economic differences, abuse, alcoholism, and family dynamics, as well as the very particular issues related to a Native American teenager who divides his time between his life on a reservation and a mainly white town. The main character, Arnold Spirit, addresses all of these facets of his life in a very matter-of-fact and humorous way.
I think this strength is also somewhat a weakness. Because the topics are addressed in a humorous way the seriousness of some of these issues, particularly alcoholism and child abuse, are not fully appreciated. But at the same time, because these challenges are addressed somewhat lightly, it makes it less scary to bring them out into the light to analyze and discuss as well as relate to in some way. Some special considerations particular to this book are its illustrations by Ellen Forney. The cartoon imagery that the character creates to illustrate his life make his particular challenges more palatable as well as relatable, bringing the reader closer to Arnold. This book also sheds light on the challenges faced by those living on a reservation that the majority of popular American culture either doesn’t see or chooses to ignore. Verdict: This is a strong addition to any high school library. It provides an intimate connection to a very marginalized culture through the lens of adolescence that is relatable to all.
This is a popular book that I've heard much about! I think this recap is done nicely: https://youtu.be/It-XG0hLvMU
DeleteLook Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
ReplyDeletea. This book is intended for 10-14 year olds
b. This book would appeal to 10-14 year olds. Might be a hard sell for some 8th graders who are already thinking about high school as the book is set in a middle school. Grades 5-7 would devour it.
c. The strength of this book lies in the 10 different stories Reynolds tells. As a collection of short stories, each protagonist is unique, colorful, and well-developed in a limited number of pages. Reynolds captures the variety of experiences that kids have when they leave school. It shows that there can be so much joy and sadness in a child's life when the bell rings at the end of the school day. Middle school readers will be able to connect to the uncertainty, happiness and pain that the characters face. The 10 short stories are artfully connected with some of the characters showing up in other's stories. So it is both a collection of short stories and a complete novel.
d. For readers who REALLY want to get to know a character, the short story format will leave them wanting more. For example, the story/chapter about Simeon and Kenzi is hilarious. Kids who fall in love with those characters will be disappointed that there isn't more.
e. Reynolds uses this book to show readers rich, diverse neighborhoods. Kids from a variety of backgrounds will be able to connect to characters in the stories whether it is because of race, socio-economic status, body type, or sexuality.
f. VERDICT: A middle school must have, as Reynolds has captured the complexities of being an adolescent in a way that would be appealing to a range of readers.
Jason Reynolds is so talented and does not shy away from the challenges of adolescence.
DeleteBecause of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
ReplyDeleteThe book is about a fifth grade class. It is written for grades 3-7. The readability is good for the lower range (with some “dollar words”), but the book may be better suited for grades 5-7 due to its conceptual level. It is in my elementary library; several 5th graders have expressed their approval of it this year.
There is natural appeal for fifth graders. Buyea was an elementary and high school teacher before becoming a full-time writer. If I was teaching a middle-grade methods course, I may require teacher candidates to watch The Goonies and read this book to show how project-based learning drives engagement and how to lead a classroom despite vindictive drama makers. Engagement truly decreases behavior issues and the seven distinct voices in this book are engaging.
The story is revealed with chronological acts and scenes (September - June) using short chapters (some only one sentence long) from the perspective of each of the seven characters, so readers learn the events from multiple angles and see the machinations of the class bully before the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan. Readers will identify with having a favorite teacher, one who may be somewhat unconventional but highly motivational. Also, readers may connect with the character “types” that include the class clown, the new girl, the brain, the queen bee, the slacker, the pushover, or the introvert. It is interesting to see how a tragic event, a major turning point involving Mr. Terupt, halfway through the book changes the dynamics.
Few weaknesses to discuss. People do mean things. There are bullies, divorces, teenage mothers, and overweight youth. Despite the inclusion of these realistic challenges, which are only weaknesses to the extent some parents may dislike the realism, Mr. Terupt’s class, individually and collectively, work through their issues and conflicts by uniting behind their special teacher.
Two of the main characters have parents who are divorced (because of affairs) and one character was born while her mom was a high schooler. At several points in the book, one of the characters prays and the text of the prayers appear in the book. The book is realistic and reflective of our world. Some caregivers of younger students could take issue with such realism.
Verdict: A well-crafted selection for elementary and middle school libraries that plays into the cliques and drama of a fifth grade class with a new, change-agent of a teacher. Have enough copies for students to read in book clubs or Lit. Circles. --Kendrick Davies, Library Media Specialist Candidate, Earle Brown Elementary STEAM, MN.
I LOVED this book! What really struck me was how the students came together in the class because of a tragedy. I think that is a lesson in unity that is good for kids to think about. The different voices in this book also make it engaging.
ReplyDeleteIt would make a good movie.
DeleteAgreed!
DeleteMy Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi
ReplyDeleteAudience. This book is written for upper elementary and middle-grade readers, as the main character, Ebony-Grace Norfleet (Space Cadet E-Grace Starfleet), is 12 years old and is definitely coming of age as she transitions from her quiet, spacious home in Huntsville to the gritty, “minion-filled” streets of Harlem (No Joke City). At the end of the book, Ebony-Grace experiences a significant life-changing event that many 10-12 year olds may have experienced.
Audience appeal. Science fiction aficionados of all ages will love the Star Wars and Star Trek references, especially to the Starship Uhura and the significance of Nichelle Nichols’ role in the original Star Trek series. Ebony-Grace has a special relationship with her grandfather, who worked for NASA, and this lends to additional appeal, tenderness, and realism. Anyone who has moved to a new, different place, while feeling some powerlessness about it, will understand why Ebony-Grace finds solace in her “imagination location.”
Strengths. First, imagination. Ebony-Grace is smart, quick, cerebral, imaginative, insolent, and precocious. Readers will love her sly tone and specific knowledge about real space missions like the Columbia and Challenger. To endure a supposedly short stay in Harlem with her father, she uses her “imagination location” to protect her inquisitive nature from her new “friends,” whose main interests are their double-dutch crew—The Nine Flavors Crew—and “fly” clothes. None of this computes in Ebony-Grace’s mind: she wants to liberate No Joke City.
Second, coming of age. Sometimes the world requires people to conform and they bend, while still negotiating their own way of being. This is Ebony-Grace’s journey once she gets to Harlem. Ebony-Grace understands the world through the lens of the epic space adventures her grandfather plants in her mind. Not everyone is willing to entertain her constant allusions to science fiction stories, and she has to grapple with that and come to accept her new surroundings.
Third, relationships and characterization. One of the coolest things in this book is how Ebony-Grace interacts with all the other characters contrasted with her internal thoughts. The dialogue with her grandfather and with the other “ice cream flavors” is so endearing and fun to read.
Fourth, music and sound parallels are interwoven into Ebony-Grace’s internal story and the real-world events.
Weaknesses. Few come to mind. There is an urban/rural dichotomy set up when Ebony-Grace starts to experience Harlem: the urban is sophisticated and worldly while the rural is lackluster and unfashionable. Her mom feeds her prejudices about this before she arrives. The setting is mostly 1984 Harlem and younger modern readers may need help with a few historical references or what video cassettes are or how they used to be played in VCRs.
Special Considerations. The book contains several pages of black and white graphic-novel-like panels at turning points to illustrate those major imaginative events in the story-filled mind of Ebony-Grace. All of the “monsters” in real-life Harlem have fictional correlates in Ebony-Grace’s galactic quest. Ebony-Grace’s uncle lives with her in Harlem and he is portrayed as a womanizer; when she reports the frequent female visitors while her father is at work she is told to mind her own business.
Verdict: Promote this book to science fiction (or just science) fans along with Hidden Figures. All the space clichés apply in good ways. To Boldly Go Where no Woman Has Gone Before. We can HOPE for a movie. --Kendrick Davies, Library Media Specialist Candidate, Earle Brown Elementary STEAM, MN.
Hi Kendrick this book sounds like it has many layers. And as a Trekkie, I think I would like it! What genre does this book fall into, perhaps several? Historical fiction, science fiction, realistic fiction?
ReplyDeleteThe book certainly has elements of all those genres but I think it fits best within realistic fiction (with historical and science fiction strands).
DeleteTowers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
ReplyDeletea. The audience for this book is ages 8-12.
b. I think that it would appeal to students in upper elementary and middle school although 3rd graders may be a little young for the content. This book is set in present day showing how the events of September 11th affected three different friends and their families. I think that students could relate to the characters because they were also not alive during this tragedy, and they are curious about what happened.
c. Strengths - The characters are relatable and each one has had their family affected by September 11th in one way or another. The characters also have different amounts of knowledge about this event, and their families have different struggles. This is a difficult topic to write about, and the author writes a novel that can be used in classrooms to discuss what America means, and how communities can heal after tragedies.
d. Weaknesses - I would have liked to have more information about September 11th at the beginning of the book, and be able to see how the characters change and grow as they process the knowledge of September 11th.
Special Considerations - This might be a good high interest, low level book for high school. Teachers could also use it as a way to discuss September 11th in ELA or Social Studies classes.
e. Verdict - This book is valuable to have in elementary and middle school libraries for students to learn more about what happened on September 11th and how this tragedy continues to affect many families and communities.
I think it is valuable to find a book about 9/11 so that readers can make a personal connection to the past. I love your idea of even using this at the HS level in a social studies class. I think it is a good recommendation.
ReplyDeletePaper Towns by John Green
ReplyDeletea. The audience for this book is 14+ with an emphasis on young adults.
b. I think that the audience for this book could go beyond young adults because it is a story that most can relate to with a main theme being the end of high school.
c. I think that the characters are relatable and everyone could find themselves in one of the characters. I think that the story is strong with a theme about friendship and things ending. There is humor and lightness to this book but also there are some dark moments that contrast with it.
d. I think a weakness to this book is that while it may be about friendship, 90% of the book is about a crush (Margo) from Q (the main character) and everything is driven around her. I think that it might've been nice to see a little more character development from Q's friends.
e. I think one thing that could be brought up from this book is how people react to tragedy. Margo and Q find a tragedy right away in the book and react to it differently, especially because Q's parents are psychologists.
f. A must have book for high schoolers that want to read about a group of friends and how they end their senior year of high school together.
And here's the movie trailer! https://youtu.be/rFGiHm5WMLk
ReplyDeleteContemporary Realistic Fiction
ReplyDeleteBook Title: Refugee
Author: Alan Gratz
a.
This novel is written for an upper middle school to high school audience. There are some graphic themes of war and genocide that may not be age appropriate for a less mature audience.
b.
Refugee could be appealing to any teen to adult who is interested in war history. It also could be appealing to any person who has experienced the refugee story.
c.
A strength of this book is the strong narrative. There are very vivid characters who draw you into their story through first person point of view. The setting is well described and paints a clear picture in my mind of the three time periods and settings.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
I found the book a little hard to follow at the beginning. It has three separate story lines and jumps between the three every chapter. Eventually these storylines come together and it becomes easier to follow.
e.
This can be a poignant story for the current events surrounding refugees coming to America. It can allow for readers to feel more connected to the immigrant/refugee experience. This can help to build empathy and compassion for the people involved in these complicated struggles.
f.
Refugee is a must read for any high school student. The interconnected storylines of Mahmoud, Josef and Isabelle draw readers into the refugee experience.
So, do you think it should be called Refugee or Refugees?
DeleteI am torn. I see "Refugee" as suggesting more of the refugee story as a whole, whereas "Refugees" would be about these particular characters in this book.
DeletePS. This is Monica. I can't figure out how to change it from my blogger profile name.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
ReplyDeleteBook Title: Wonder
Author R. J. Palacio
a.
This novel is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school. It is probably too young for high school, but could potential be a good high low book for students.
b.
This book will appeal to the age ranges mentioned above, but will also appeal to adults, parents, and teachers. The themes and lessons are universal, and it is easy to find yourself in the story.
c.
August's character development is a strength. The book uses multiple points of view to tell the story, and the way each point of view is written is very distinct.
d.
Secondary characters could use a little more development. For younger readers, the time-jumping at the beginning of some of the sections could present challenges.
e. Choose Kind. The idea of kindness and getting to know someone before passing judgment on them are huge. "Don't judge a book by its cover" also comes to mind as Auggie is as smart as many of his peers.
f.
Wonder should be read by all upper elementary and middle school students. Life lessons abound, bringing kindness and authentic relationships to the forefront, providing the opportunity for rich conversations amongst classmates.
I agree with you that the book itself is a little low for HS, but the message is universal.
ReplyDeleteBehind You by Jacqueline Woodson
ReplyDeleteAudience: This book is a sequel to Ms. Woodson’s popular book, If You Come Softly. It is about grief after a sudden loss, and it is told from the perspective of multiple characters. I believe it is intended for eighth graders and up.
Appeal: I think this would appeal to students that enjoyed If You Come Softly. It’s great to catch up with the characters from that book, since they are so memorable. Also, this might be for students dealing with loss or grief. Ms. Woodson was inspired to write this book after 9/11, when she realized so many people were experiencing loss.
Strengths: Including multiple perspectives illustrates how grief can be different for every individual. I think it shows how there is no right way to grieve and each person finds their own way to cope, on their own timetable. The characters also find they are not able to process their grief independently; by connecting with each other they are able to find their way again.
Weaknesses: It was too short for me! I think this may appeal to some students though, that are looking for a quick read.
Special Considerations: Was included on the YALSA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults for 2005 and ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Touches on many topics like interracial relationships, police brutality, white privilege, and features African American and LGBTQ+ characters
Verdict: A hopeful and realistic portrait of grief, it is worth including in your middle or high school library.
I love Jacqueline Woodson! I think grief is a common yet challenging life experience for many. I am glad it is addressed in books like this one.
Delete