LS 5623 Book Review
Realism, Romance and Censorship
Bibliography
Zarr, Sara. 2007. THE STORY OF A GIRL. New York : Little, Brown and Co. ISBN 9780316014533
Plot Summary
When Deanna was thirteen her father caught her having sex with a seventeen year old boy in his car. The story opens three years later and living in a small town everyone knows about Deanna's father catching her in the act. As Deanna struggles to move beyond the rumors she finds a job, falls in love, and helps her brother and his wife raise their newborn baby.
Critical Analysis
In this problem novel, the protagonist is faced with rumors that overshadow all parts of her life. Zarr does an excellent job of portraying her characters as believable because they all have both good and bad qualities. Readers will empathize with Deanna because everyone has felt like an outsider at some point in their life for some reason. Even though the subject matter of the book is sex Zarr expertly handles the sex scenes without being overly graphic. The biggest selling point of this book is that rumors, sex, and parental conflict are problems that real teens are faced with and can identify with the characters emotions.
The only weakness of the book is, for readers who like a well defined ending, this book does not have it. Readers can infer that Deanna and Lee forgive each other but, it is not specifically stated. The overall tone of the book goes from hopeless to hopeful at the end which is further indication that Lee and Deanna become friends again. The way the ending is ambiguous can let readers infer that Deanna has decided that it doesn't really matter what other people think, even her friend Lee.
Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST (starred review) : "This is a thoughtful, well-executed debut from an author who understands how to write for teens."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review) : "Zarr's storytelling is excellent; Deanna's reactions to the painful things said to her will resonate with any reader who has felt like an outsider. It is an emotionally charged story, with language appropriate to the intensity of the feelings."
National Book Award Finalist 2007
American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
International Reading Association Honor Book
Connections
* Have students create a diary entry about a time when they were the subject of gossip.
* Deanna is trying to move out of her house while working a part-time, minimum wage job. Have students create an imaginary budget for Deanna including things like rent, groceries, and other expenses.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Vegan Virgin Valentine
LS 5623 Book Review
Realism, Romance and Censorship
Bibliography
Mackler, Carolyn. 2004. Vegan Virgin Valentine. Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763621552
Plot Summary
Mara's life is very orderly; she is a vegan, she is in line to be valedictorian, and she is already enrolled at Yale for her freshman year at college. Then Mara's sixteen year old niece, V, arrives and suddenly Mara's life is not so orderly. Mara starts dreaming about her boss at the coffee shop, craving grilled cheese, and confronting V at every turn. Mara travels down the road to self discovery trying to return her life to normal.
Critical Analysis
The turning point in this novel is when Mara starts questioning why she is doing certain things, why is she a vegan? Why does she want to be valedictorian? Teenage readers can appreciate this point in life when you go from doing things your parents and teachers told you to, into transitioning to an adult and making decisions for yourself. The setting of this book, a high school in a small town add to the believability of the situations that occur. Characters are believable and engaging. An added plus to the novel is that V is a foil for Mara but, both characters grow and accept each other along the way.
If teenagers pick up this novel to relate to a vegan they will probably be disappointed. Mara admits at the beginning of the novel that she had secret reasons for being a vegan. "Basically, after Travis Hart broke up with me, I couldn't stop obsessing about him, about the rejection. Finally, after several hellish weeks, I decided I needed to obsess about something else. Something big. Which is why veganism made sense. It's all-consumingly obsessive." So students hoping to read about someone like themselves by looking at the book title will probably be disappointed in the shallow reasoning for veganism from Mara.
Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST : "By the book's conclusion Mara is no longer a virgin or a vegan, but her transformation has been entirely credible and, for readers anyway, thoroughly enjoyable."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL : "This is a fast, often humorous read with some meat but no bite (although Mara does lose her virginity)–just the universal theme of growing up and figuring out what's important. This title will have strong appeal for teens grappling with these same questions."
Connections
* Have students research vegans and discuss pros and cons of this diet lifestyle.
* As a diary entry have students write an apology letter to someone whom they have wronged.
Realism, Romance and Censorship
Bibliography
Mackler, Carolyn. 2004. Vegan Virgin Valentine. Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763621552
Plot Summary
Mara's life is very orderly; she is a vegan, she is in line to be valedictorian, and she is already enrolled at Yale for her freshman year at college. Then Mara's sixteen year old niece, V, arrives and suddenly Mara's life is not so orderly. Mara starts dreaming about her boss at the coffee shop, craving grilled cheese, and confronting V at every turn. Mara travels down the road to self discovery trying to return her life to normal.
Critical Analysis
The turning point in this novel is when Mara starts questioning why she is doing certain things, why is she a vegan? Why does she want to be valedictorian? Teenage readers can appreciate this point in life when you go from doing things your parents and teachers told you to, into transitioning to an adult and making decisions for yourself. The setting of this book, a high school in a small town add to the believability of the situations that occur. Characters are believable and engaging. An added plus to the novel is that V is a foil for Mara but, both characters grow and accept each other along the way.
If teenagers pick up this novel to relate to a vegan they will probably be disappointed. Mara admits at the beginning of the novel that she had secret reasons for being a vegan. "Basically, after Travis Hart broke up with me, I couldn't stop obsessing about him, about the rejection. Finally, after several hellish weeks, I decided I needed to obsess about something else. Something big. Which is why veganism made sense. It's all-consumingly obsessive." So students hoping to read about someone like themselves by looking at the book title will probably be disappointed in the shallow reasoning for veganism from Mara.
Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST : "By the book's conclusion Mara is no longer a virgin or a vegan, but her transformation has been entirely credible and, for readers anyway, thoroughly enjoyable."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL : "This is a fast, often humorous read with some meat but no bite (although Mara does lose her virginity)–just the universal theme of growing up and figuring out what's important. This title will have strong appeal for teens grappling with these same questions."
Connections
* Have students research vegans and discuss pros and cons of this diet lifestyle.
* As a diary entry have students write an apology letter to someone whom they have wronged.
The Year They Burned the Books
LS 5623 Book Review
Realism, Romance & Censorship
Bibliography
Garden, Nancy. 1999. THE YEAR THEY BURNED THE BOOKS. New York : Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 0374386676
Plot Summary
The book begins in the high school newspaper office, Jamie is the editor in chief and she is mediating an argument between two of her newspaper staff (and her two friends). The two friends are arguing about what will become a larger argument that the whole town gets involved in, whether condoms should be made available to high school students. Soon issues of freedom of speech versus protecting student's innocence come into play. A side story running through the book is Jamie's struggle with her sexual identity.
Critical Analysis
The strength of this book is that author does a wonderful job of portraying that each character on both sides of the issue can be passionately defending what that person feels is "right". At one point the main character is talking to her friend and says, "Did it ever occur to you that I might think what you believe is just as immoral? But that doesn't mean I can't like you as a person, respect you, want to be your friend?" Another aspect of characterization that the author handles well is Jamie struggle to find herself; this is portrayed in such a way that all readers can identify with struggle to be accepted while trying to find out who you are.
The strength of this book, the portrayal of so many characters from differing viewpoints, leads to a small weakness in the book. There were numerous characters in this book to keep track of and it will take a fairly sophisticated reader to keep all the characters straight. Numerous characters that are not just stock characters or stereotypes adds a realistic quality to the book even if it does make it more challenging to read.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL : "There is no doubt that Garden has written a book to make a point about important contemporary issues, but the story is believable and never heavy-handed."
BOOKLIST : "Nevertheless, Garden's treatment of her themes is courageous, believable, and fair-minded, and Jamie, Tessa, and Terry are well-realized and sympathetic characters."
Connections
* Have students discuss the first amendment.
* Have students write a mock newspaper editorial on a controversial subject.
Realism, Romance & Censorship
Bibliography
Garden, Nancy. 1999. THE YEAR THEY BURNED THE BOOKS. New York : Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 0374386676
Plot Summary
The book begins in the high school newspaper office, Jamie is the editor in chief and she is mediating an argument between two of her newspaper staff (and her two friends). The two friends are arguing about what will become a larger argument that the whole town gets involved in, whether condoms should be made available to high school students. Soon issues of freedom of speech versus protecting student's innocence come into play. A side story running through the book is Jamie's struggle with her sexual identity.
Critical Analysis
The strength of this book is that author does a wonderful job of portraying that each character on both sides of the issue can be passionately defending what that person feels is "right". At one point the main character is talking to her friend and says, "Did it ever occur to you that I might think what you believe is just as immoral? But that doesn't mean I can't like you as a person, respect you, want to be your friend?" Another aspect of characterization that the author handles well is Jamie struggle to find herself; this is portrayed in such a way that all readers can identify with struggle to be accepted while trying to find out who you are.
The strength of this book, the portrayal of so many characters from differing viewpoints, leads to a small weakness in the book. There were numerous characters in this book to keep track of and it will take a fairly sophisticated reader to keep all the characters straight. Numerous characters that are not just stock characters or stereotypes adds a realistic quality to the book even if it does make it more challenging to read.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL : "There is no doubt that Garden has written a book to make a point about important contemporary issues, but the story is believable and never heavy-handed."
BOOKLIST : "Nevertheless, Garden's treatment of her themes is courageous, believable, and fair-minded, and Jamie, Tessa, and Terry are well-realized and sympathetic characters."
Connections
* Have students discuss the first amendment.
* Have students write a mock newspaper editorial on a controversial subject.
Friday, September 16, 2011
One Whole and Perfect Day
LS 5623 Book Review
Printz Award or Honor Book
Bibliography
Clarke, Judith. 2007. ONE WHOLE AND PERFECT DAY. Asheville, NC : Front Street. ISBN 9781932425956
Plot Summary
Lily lives with her mother in Australia, her brother is attending college, and her grandparents live in a near by town. Lily longs to have a "proper family" where she knows her father and her brother and grandfather don't fight all the time. This wish is extended to have "one whole and perfect day" for her grandfather's eightieth birthday party. Lily tries to take steps to create the perfect day. As the story progresses we are introduced to Lonnie's (who is Lily's brother) girlfriend and her family.
Critical Analysis
This book's strength is the concerns that Lily has will echo with teenagers, everyone wants to have a "proper family". This book moves smoothly from character to character without losing the reader. Another strength of the book is that it touches on racial prejudices without being heavy handed. Lily is concerned about her grandfather's comments about the new Australians, this too will ring familiar with many teenagers who are looking across a generation gap of different attitudes.
A slight weakness of the book is how all the problems are wrapped up and solved neatly in the end. This takes away some of the reality of the story and pushes it into the feeling that this could only happen in a book. It does not go so far as to make the book unbelievable but, it does take away some of the feeling of truth.
Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST : "all of the family members, and many with whom they come into contact, reach new understanding about themselves and their lives, and all make both small and large changes for the better."
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (starred review) : "While Lily's voice dominates, this quiet, moving novel rapidly shifts points of view, giving each family member as well as several secondary characters a voice."
Michael J Printz Honor Book 2007
Best Books of 2008 YALSA
Connections
* Have students research an aspect of Australia.
* Have students create an imaginary celebration for someone in their family.
Printz Award or Honor Book
Bibliography
Clarke, Judith. 2007. ONE WHOLE AND PERFECT DAY. Asheville, NC : Front Street. ISBN 9781932425956
Plot Summary
Lily lives with her mother in Australia, her brother is attending college, and her grandparents live in a near by town. Lily longs to have a "proper family" where she knows her father and her brother and grandfather don't fight all the time. This wish is extended to have "one whole and perfect day" for her grandfather's eightieth birthday party. Lily tries to take steps to create the perfect day. As the story progresses we are introduced to Lonnie's (who is Lily's brother) girlfriend and her family.
Critical Analysis
This book's strength is the concerns that Lily has will echo with teenagers, everyone wants to have a "proper family". This book moves smoothly from character to character without losing the reader. Another strength of the book is that it touches on racial prejudices without being heavy handed. Lily is concerned about her grandfather's comments about the new Australians, this too will ring familiar with many teenagers who are looking across a generation gap of different attitudes.
A slight weakness of the book is how all the problems are wrapped up and solved neatly in the end. This takes away some of the reality of the story and pushes it into the feeling that this could only happen in a book. It does not go so far as to make the book unbelievable but, it does take away some of the feeling of truth.
Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST : "all of the family members, and many with whom they come into contact, reach new understanding about themselves and their lives, and all make both small and large changes for the better."
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (starred review) : "While Lily's voice dominates, this quiet, moving novel rapidly shifts points of view, giving each family member as well as several secondary characters a voice."
Michael J Printz Honor Book 2007
Best Books of 2008 YALSA
Connections
* Have students research an aspect of Australia.
* Have students create an imaginary celebration for someone in their family.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
LS 5623 Book Review
Recent Award Winner
Bibliography
Alexie, Sherman. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group. ISBN 9780316013680
Plot Summary
This is a book about Junior and his journey to try and make something better of himself. At the beginning of the book we find out that Junior was born with water on the brain and subsequently has many health problems. Junior's family also has problems his father is an alcoholic, his mother is a recovering alcoholic, his sister won't come out of the basement and his family is poor. Junior decides that the way to make his life better is to change schools, to all an all white school across town. This creates a whole new set of problems; the Indians on the reservation think he has betrayed his roots and his new classmates ignore him. As Junior navigates his way through the school year we see how he begins to grow and solve some of his problems.
Critical Analysis
This book's strength is the believability. Junior talks about his problems in such a matter of fact way that the reader is immersed in the story; instead of feeling sorry for Junior the reader empathizes with him. Junior frequently pokes fun at himself, a sort of inner dialog on paper, which makes the feelings seem real. For example, when Junior is talking to his friend with a short-temper he relates the following, "I touched his shoulder. Why did I touch his shoulder? I don't know. I was stupid. Rowdy spun around and shoved me." Readers of all ages can relate to this type of hindsight. The feeling of doing something you know is not a good idea is universal. Alexie wisely taps into this type of universal human experience often, which gives the text a feel of reality.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review) : "The teen's determination to both improve himself and overcome poverty, despite the handicaps of birth, circumstances, and race, delivers a positive message in a low-key manner. Alexie's tale of self-discovery is a first purchase for all libraries."
HORN BOOK (starred review) : "The line between dramatic monologue, verse novel, and standup comedy gets unequivocally-and hilariously and triumphantly-bent in this novel."
National Book Award 2007
Best Books of 2007 School Library Journal
Boston-Globe Horn Book Award 2008
California Young Reader Medal 2010
Connections
* Have students research Sherman Alexie's website http://www.fallsapart.com/index
* Have students keep a diary for one week including drawings.
Recent Award Winner
Bibliography
Alexie, Sherman. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group. ISBN 9780316013680
Plot Summary
This is a book about Junior and his journey to try and make something better of himself. At the beginning of the book we find out that Junior was born with water on the brain and subsequently has many health problems. Junior's family also has problems his father is an alcoholic, his mother is a recovering alcoholic, his sister won't come out of the basement and his family is poor. Junior decides that the way to make his life better is to change schools, to all an all white school across town. This creates a whole new set of problems; the Indians on the reservation think he has betrayed his roots and his new classmates ignore him. As Junior navigates his way through the school year we see how he begins to grow and solve some of his problems.
Critical Analysis
This book's strength is the believability. Junior talks about his problems in such a matter of fact way that the reader is immersed in the story; instead of feeling sorry for Junior the reader empathizes with him. Junior frequently pokes fun at himself, a sort of inner dialog on paper, which makes the feelings seem real. For example, when Junior is talking to his friend with a short-temper he relates the following, "I touched his shoulder. Why did I touch his shoulder? I don't know. I was stupid. Rowdy spun around and shoved me." Readers of all ages can relate to this type of hindsight. The feeling of doing something you know is not a good idea is universal. Alexie wisely taps into this type of universal human experience often, which gives the text a feel of reality.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review) : "The teen's determination to both improve himself and overcome poverty, despite the handicaps of birth, circumstances, and race, delivers a positive message in a low-key manner. Alexie's tale of self-discovery is a first purchase for all libraries."
HORN BOOK (starred review) : "The line between dramatic monologue, verse novel, and standup comedy gets unequivocally-and hilariously and triumphantly-bent in this novel."
National Book Award 2007
Best Books of 2007 School Library Journal
Boston-Globe Horn Book Award 2008
California Young Reader Medal 2010
Connections
* Have students research Sherman Alexie's website http://www.fallsapart.com/index
* Have students keep a diary for one week including drawings.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A Day No Pigs Would Die
LS 5623 Book Review
YA Classic
Bibliography
Peck, Robert Newton. 1972. A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN 0679853065
Plot Summary
The book begins with a young boy helping a neighbor's cow with a breech birth, in appreciation for his trouble the neighbor gives the boy a newborn pig. The young boy, Robert, is so excited about his pig because, "She was the first thing I had ever really wanted, and owned." This is a classic coming of age tale with the conflict of the plot foreshadowed by the title, savvy readers will pick up this clue when they read that Robert's father is the pig butcher in the town.
Critical Analysis
This book is very plain speaking and factual while at the same time able to allow the reader empathy with Robert. While clearly depicting farm life readers who come from a more urban setting will still be clear on the necessity of everything having a purpose on the farm because Peck lays it out so precisely. When Robert's pig, Pinky, is unable to breed even the most urban reader will understand what needs to happen. It is a testament to Peck's ability to create a believable character that when Pinky has to be killed that the reader can cry with Robert but then move on to what needs to be done. Through strong characterization the reader can grow a little bit along with Robert our protagonist.
This book would be a good choice for reluctant readers since there isn't a lot of flowery or unnecessary language. The book is also very short at approximately 150 pages depending on your copy, this gives reluctant readers the chance at a quick pay off.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With plenty of Yankee common sense and dry wit, and some pathos as the boy at 13 takes on the duties of a man. For boys of this age and for the young of any age."
NEW YORK TIMES: "You’ll find yourself caught up in the novel’s emotion from the very opening scene. . . . Love suffuses every page."
Connections
* Have children create a book trailer, dust jacket, or an audio clip of A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE.
* Have children research Quakers.
YA Classic
Bibliography
Peck, Robert Newton. 1972. A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN 0679853065
Plot Summary
The book begins with a young boy helping a neighbor's cow with a breech birth, in appreciation for his trouble the neighbor gives the boy a newborn pig. The young boy, Robert, is so excited about his pig because, "She was the first thing I had ever really wanted, and owned." This is a classic coming of age tale with the conflict of the plot foreshadowed by the title, savvy readers will pick up this clue when they read that Robert's father is the pig butcher in the town.
Critical Analysis
This book is very plain speaking and factual while at the same time able to allow the reader empathy with Robert. While clearly depicting farm life readers who come from a more urban setting will still be clear on the necessity of everything having a purpose on the farm because Peck lays it out so precisely. When Robert's pig, Pinky, is unable to breed even the most urban reader will understand what needs to happen. It is a testament to Peck's ability to create a believable character that when Pinky has to be killed that the reader can cry with Robert but then move on to what needs to be done. Through strong characterization the reader can grow a little bit along with Robert our protagonist.
This book would be a good choice for reluctant readers since there isn't a lot of flowery or unnecessary language. The book is also very short at approximately 150 pages depending on your copy, this gives reluctant readers the chance at a quick pay off.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With plenty of Yankee common sense and dry wit, and some pathos as the boy at 13 takes on the duties of a man. For boys of this age and for the young of any age."
NEW YORK TIMES: "You’ll find yourself caught up in the novel’s emotion from the very opening scene. . . . Love suffuses every page."
Connections
* Have children create a book trailer, dust jacket, or an audio clip of A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE.
* Have children research Quakers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)