Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Sonnenblick, Jordan. 2004. DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0-439-75519-0

Thirteen-year-old Steven Alper, drummer extraordinaire, writes in his journal about things that annoy him - journal assignments, being a skinny geek, and of course, his little brother Jeffrey while daydreaming about Renee Albert, the HOTTEST girl at school. On October 7th, Jeffrey, who likes to eat “moatmeal,” use Steven’s “special sticks” to make dangerous pie, and teases Steven incessantly about girls, gets diagnosed with leukemia which “turns everything upside down.” Drums become Steven’s escape as his family is enveloped by the overwhelming effects of cancer. To Steven, his dad is “faking human interaction,” his mother quits to work to take care of Jeffrey and becomes the target of Steven’s emotions, and yet he doesn’t see what’s right in front of his face when it comes to his friend Annette. Riding the emotional roller coaster about his brother’s cancer, Steven stops doing schoolwork, tries to keep his friends from finding out about Jeffrey, wonders when his ‘rents will notice him again, and begins to bargain with God. By graduation, Steven has been the brief star drummer in his spring jazz concert, returned to academia, and comes to understand that people aren’t always who you think they are. His greatest realization – don’t get caught up on what you can’t change, just the things you can change.

In his first novel, author Jordan Sonnenbeck skillfully and humorously deals with the ordinary traumas haunting middle schoolers like dances, infatuations and braces. He also lets his readers understand what it’s like to have a family member get diagnosed with cancer without over-dramatizing it or burdening it with extraneous details about treatments, and he artfully handles the emotions involved through italicized dialogue or Steven’s thoughts. “A story that could have morphed into melodrama is saved by reality, rawness, and the wit Sonnenblick infuses into Steven's first-person voice (Cooper 2005).” Claire Rosser concurs by writing, “Sonnenblick describes family life with great skill, and the frequently humorous anecdotes are entertaining, even when the basic story is grim. He manages to balance between horror and humor.” People handle grief and difficult situations differently, this novel would be an excellent book for discussion groups about grief or how people still navigate life while dealing with a crisis. This hilariously funny, yet heartwarming story about a teenage boy and his family in crisis is sure to be a hit with young adults.

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie has received many state awards and has been included on many state and national book lists like the American Booksellers Association 2005 Book Sense Kid’s Picks, 2005 Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth list, and the 2005 YALSA Teens’ Top Ten list.

References

Cooper, Ilene. 2005. "Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie." Booklist 102, no. 2: 63. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 29, 2011).

Rosser, Claire. 2005. "Sonnenblick, Jordan. Drums, girls & dangerous pie." Kliatt. 39, no. 5: 15. Literature Resource Center. (accessed September 29, 2011).

Along for the Ride

Dessen, Sarah. 2009. ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Narrated by Rachel Botchan. New York: Penguin Group USA Recorded Books. ISBN 978-1-4407-3027-6

Before she starts college in the fall, Auden impulsively decides it’s to get a break from her haughty controlling mother and spends the summer with her novel-writing father, his new young wife, Heidi, and their new baby, Thisbe, at their beach house in the tiny town of Colby. As she begins her summer “retreat” receiving occasional calls from her vagabond brother, she realizes not all is well with her father and Heidi and ends up reliving her insomniac nights, avoiding the turmoil at the beach house and the colicky baby, by driving from coffee shop to coffee shop. To help out and get out of the house, Auden starts doing the books at Heidi’s boutique shop, Clementine’s. Always having had to be a grown-up and feeling like she’s on the outside looking in, Auden watches and listens as the other employees, who’ve also just graduated from high school, chat away about benign frivolous things that in her mind, really don’t matter. As the summer progresses she develops friendships with “store-goers” and falls in love with another insomniac, Eli, who’s facing challenges after his best friend’s death. While fulfilling “quests” like learning to ride a bike, starting food fights, bowling for the first time, and going to the prom, Auden recaptures her youth and learns that “failing sucks, but it’s better than the alternative…not even trying.”

Rachel Botchan’s narration is perfectly suited the main character Auden capturing her teenage attitude, thoughts, and awkward personality. Susie Wilde (2009) states, “Botchan perfectly renders the teenage dialogue and emotionally charged situations upon which Dessen has built her reputation.”

The author Sarah Dessen accurately portrays the personality of Auden, a young adult that escapes from life’s stresses by exceeding at academics and her evolution to the realization that “people change.” “Taut, witty first-person narration allows readers to both identify with Auden's insecurities and recognize her unfair, acerbic criticisms of people (Kirkus 2009).” Her secondary characters also have substance as they deal with their own hurts and triumphs through typical teenage events like bonfires with alcohol, deciding what to do after work, and learning there’s more to life than bikes and jeans. This book offers readers an opportunity to examine relationships between families and friends. Comparing and contrasting these characters can give readers insight to their relationships with their own families and friends. Young adults will enjoy this witty, light-hearted novel about teens that are smarter than their parents and growing up.

Along for the Ride was included on the 2010 YALSA Teens’ Top Ten list and was nominated for two of the 2010 Indigo Teen Read Awards in Canada.

References

Wilde, Susie. 2009. “Audiobook Reviews.” AudioFile Magazine. http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/dbsearch/showreview.cfm?Num=47119 . (accessed on September 28, 2011).

2009. "ALONG FOR THE RIDE." Kirkus Reviews 77, no. 10: 198. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed on September 28, 2011).

Before I Die

Downham, Jenny. 2007. BEFORE I DIE. New York: Random House. ISBN 978-0-385-75183-4

“Life is made up of a series of moments, each one a journey to the end.”

Before I Die shares the last days of seventeen-year-old Tessa when she finds out she’s dying of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In a form of rebellion, Tessa’s new habits are writing on walls and creating and carrying out a list ten of things to do before she dies including having sex, doing drugs, and breaking the law. Tessa’s relationships with her divorced parents, brother Cal, and best friend Zoey, are revealed as she stops going to school, cocooning herself in her room, trying to deal with the hospital visits, visits from the home nurse, and inevitably death. At the age of twelve and when Tessa was diagnosed, her mother left. Her father, dedicated to Tessa, quit his job to take care of her and doesn’t understand her quest to complete the items on her list. When her best friend Zoey becomes pregnant, Tessa’s life values and views begin to change. And as she begins to fulfill her list and do random acts, she meets someone willing to be there for her until the end; she begins to escape the walls of her room and her list evolves to include those around her.

Not a typical angst young adult novel, yet the British author Jenny Downham captures the anguish a teen would feel knowing that life won’t last much longer through a first person point of view. With vivid descriptions as Tessa’s sense heighten, the reader experiences that which Tessa does. Hazel Rochman of Booklist writes, “The clear, beautiful prose brings out all the elemental emotions—especially Tessa’s anger and frustration at being stuck in bed while others get on with their lives—and the passionate present-tense narrative will draw readers deeply into story and make them wonder, “What if it was me?” In the end, Downham uniquely uses white space and clipped sentences to portray Tessa’s semi-consciousness and final moments of her life.

Before I Die has been included on a number of best book lists like the 2008 YALSA Teens’ Top Ten List, 2007 Kirkus Best Young Adult Books List, and The Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books of 2007. It has also received honors and awards such as United Kingdom’s 2008 Branford Boase Award and the 2008 Sheffield Children’s Book Award.

There are many dealing with grief. This novel offers an opportunity for deep discussion on the various emotions such as sorrow, anger, loneliness, anxiety and guilt. By looking at each character, students can see how different people deal with the same event in different way helping them to understand the nature of others and learn about themselves.

References

Rochman, Hazel. 2007. "Before I Die." Booklist 104, no. 6: 53. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text, EBSCOhost (accessed September 28, 2011).

Nation

Pratchett, Terry. NATION. New York: HarperCollins Publishing. ISBN 978-0-06-143301- 6

Two worlds “collide” when a tidal wave hits the area around the islands in the Great Pelagic Ocean and the Russian Plague invades England. Mau, “demon boy,” returning to his island home in his dugout canoe after isolation on Boy Island, finds he’s lost all he’s ever known. After surviving a mutiny, “ghost girl” Daphne, an English girl of nobility sailing on the Sweet Judy to meet her father, becomes shipwrecked on this same island. Is their meeting by chance, or have the gods orchestrated it? Each of their wills and faith are tested by the death of those they love and respect, murder, and adaptation to the unknown. Together they create a “Nation” of refugees who are washed ashore and also devastated by the tidal wave, building new huts, learning new customs and even going to trial.

New York Times bestselling author, Terry Pratchett, takes his readers on adventure in raging seas and through a dense rain forest dodging sharks, bullets, falling bodies, and the VOICES of the gods. Narrated by both Mau and Daphne, readers of all kinds will relate to the two protagonists as they change becoming stronger and find their own identity. They learn what truly matters. Also connecting readers, “is a cast of colorful and interesting supporting characters to move the plot to its satisfying conclusion(Decker 2009).” In this fast-paced novel, Pratchett successfully weaves historical and imaginary events, myths and a story about survival. “Leadership, fear, questioning authority, and a sense of wonder all come together to make an unforgettable journey” (Vess 2008).The setting is believable and vividly pictured in the minds of readers. Throughout the novel subtle sub-themes of racism, tradition, feminism, maturing, and religious views permeate. “The theme of carrying on despite grief and in the face of death seems especially poignant and apt, as Pratchett has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease (Rohrlick 2008).” Humor such as the interpretations of Mau and Daphne as they try to communicate with each other and the foul-mouth captain’s parrot are added elements making this a book that should be on everyone’s “must read” list. “An absorbing novel of survival and discovery, liberally infused with Pratchett's trademark wit (_____ 2009).”  

Nation has received numerous honors and has been on many best books lists to include:  the Michael Printz Honor Book Award in 2009, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature in 2009, Odyssey Honor Award in 2009, Booklist Best Books for Young Adults in 2009, ALSC’s Outstanding International Books in 2009 and YALSA’s Best Books for Young Adults in 2009.

References

_____. 2009. "Nation." School Library Journal 55, 40. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 13, 2011).

Decker, Charlotte. 2009. "Nation." Library Media Connection 27, no. 4: 76. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 13, 2011).

Rohrlick, Paula. 2008. Pratchett, Terry. Nation. Kliatt, 42, no.5: 20. Literature Resource Center via Gale: http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2263/ps/start.do?p=LitRC&u=txshracd2583 (accessed September 13, 2011).

The Tequila Worm

Canales, Viola. 2005. THE TEQUILA WORM. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0-85-74674-1

Sofia yearns to be a comadre, “someone who makes people into a family,” yet she’s unsure how to become one. Growing up in the barrio of McAllen, Texas with her tightly woven family, Sofia finds herself torn between the Mexican-American heritage of her family and the desire to become herself in the immense world and “be brave enough to eat a whole tequila worm.” In her mule-headed way, she “kicks” the girl who called her Taco Head and earns a scholarship to a boarding school, St. Luke’s Episcopal School, which is three hundred and fifty miles away in Austin. Determined to gain her family’s blessings to attend, she reminisces about her childhood and begins to embrace the traditions of her family and church. Her best friend and cousin, Berta, aspires to be a wife and mother, yet Sofia dreams of going to Harvard and becoming a lawyer. After deciding not to have a quinceanera, she works diligently sorting cucumbers to earn the extra money it will take to attend the new school. She begins her sophomore year at the new school, and then becomes homesick. To fill that void and as a member of a family of storytellers, she writes vivid and humorous stories about her youth, strengthening her ties to her family and their rich customs.

The author, Viola Canales, winner of the Pura Belpre Award in 2006 and many other honors, mirrors her own life in the barrio of McAllen, Texas with warmth and charm. “Canales shows snapshots in the life of her protagonist from childhood squabbles to her return to the barrio as an adult (Semifero 2005).” She richly blends Mexican-American traditions throughout the novel peppering the paragraphs with Spanish words and phrases. “It combines wonderfully absurd humorous moments with serious issues like discrimination, family separation, and the death of a parent (Semifero 2005).”

“Absolutely essential for multicultural literature collections,” exclaims Claire Rosser, a KLIATT reviewer.

Interested in another book by Viola Canales or about Mexican-American heritage? Read Canales’ first book Orange Candy Slices (2001) ISBN 978-1558853324.

References

Semifero, Angela. "The Tequila Worm." Voice of Youth Advocates 28.3 (2005): 212-213. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text. EBSCO. Web. 8 Sept. 2011.

Rosser, Claire. "Canales, Viola. The Tequila Worm." Kliatt July 2005: 8. Literature Resource Center. Web. 8 Sep. 2011.

The Pigman

Zindel, Paul. 1968. THE PIGMAN. New York: HarperCollins Publishing. ISBN 0-06-026827-1

“We murdered him!” captures the essence of why two high school students create an oath to tell “the truth and nothing but the truth, until this memorial epic is finished.” This oath signed by the two students humorously, yet seriously, starts the novel setting the tone; it makes the characters realistic especially with their signatures at the bottom.

Now in their sophomore year, John, the rebel who smokes and drinks, and Lorraine, riddled with self-loathing and whose mother is overprotective and critical of her looks, find friendship in their freshman year of high school while laughing hysterically on a bus ride home. The author, Paul Zindel, with his accurate character identification, alternates between Lorraine and John narrating the chapters telling “the facts about their experiences” with “the Pigman.” During one of their many practical jokes, they befriend the lonely old widower, Angelo Pignati, who seems just a little crazy with his big sparkling smile. This unusual life-altering friendship blossoms and they begin to spend more and more time at Mr. Pignati’s house becoming more comfortable there than in their own homes. The School Library Journal review expresses it as “conflicted teens [who] feel alienated from everything, but the Pigman's enthusiasm for life soon spills over onto them.”

In the beginning, John says, “Actually, I hate school, but then again most of the time I hate everything” hooking some of Zindel’s reluctant readers with similar feelings that they may be having. Interacting with their classmates, parents’ and “the Pigman,” John and Lorraine exhibit their adolescent lives at parties, trips to the zoo, nights at the cemetery and hospital stays. This story is as relevant to today’s teens as it was when it was first published in 1968. Only a few items like typewriters and telephones with dials date it. Zindel says of his writings, "I believe I must convince my readers that I am on their side." He accomplishes that with honesty, dignity, and humor (Scales 2002).

Those who enjoy The Pigman can also read The Pigman and Me, an autobiographical tale about Zindel’s own turbulent childhood and his relationship with his own “Pigman” or the sequel The Pigman’s Legacy about a vagrant living in Pignati’s abandoned house.

Looking for a way to use this novel in the classroom? Check out the Glencoe Literature Library Study Guide at http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/pigman.pdf.

Do you know a teen that needs support or information on alcoholism? They can visit http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/for-alateen.

Reference

Scales, Pat. "The Pigman and He. (cover story)." School Library Journal 48.6 (2002): 52. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text. EBSCO. Web. 8 Sept. 2011.