33 Things Every Girl Should Know: Stories, Songs, Poems, and Smart Talk by 33 Extraordinary Women

Bolden, Tonya, editor. 1998. 33 THINGS EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW: STORIES, SONGS, POEMS, AND SMART TALK BY 33 EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0-517-70999-6

Delving into this book, Tonya Bolden starts by stating, “It’s no secret. This book is about girl build-up” noting immediately the audience she intends to appeal to and the purpose of the collection. Within in the pages, readers will appreciate the variety of literary approaches such as essays, comix, interviews, poems, a campaign slogan, a letter, book excerpts, diary episodes, a commencement speech,and short stories. Each of these written especially for this book by thirty-three strong, vibrant women offering advice on and experience about growing up as a teenaged girl to include actress Sigourney Weaver, author Sandra Cisneros, and successful businesswoman Anita Roddick. “The transition from childhood to adulthood isn’t easy, and the selections here are comforting and inspirational, with the contributors serving as both mentors and coaches (Rosenfeld).” Each of these authors has a unique style, voice, and perspective reaching out to girls of all kinds. Although each addition holds a message of its own, they are organized so each segues into the next with a similar, yet unique message especially building the self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-respect of teen girls. Other subjects dealt with are popularity, overcoming obstables, sexual orientation, speaking up for oneself, talking to boys, success, and dealing with the formidable road to womanhood.

Photographs and graphics are complementary to each authors’ piece such as the photographs of Grechin Rosenkranz from birth to age 14 showing her will to surpass her obstacles with spina bifida or the picture of a diary/journal with Joan Jacobs Brumberg’s piece “It’s Okay to Talk to Yourself” encouraging young adults to keep a diary. Some might consider this a handbook for teenage girls because of its tone of empowerment and encouragement. Judith Oritz Cofer encourages readers to “embrace each and every day,” and Taibtha Soren lets girls know that “the process of self-acceptance takes time.”

The book is well-organized and offers features that enhance its use. The table of contents provides an easy way for readers to find what they are looking for listing the title of the selection, the author and page number. Varied fonts, font sizes, sidebars, speech bubbles, bulleted lists, and borders also add appeal to the text. Those wishing to learn more about the contributor of a selection can read about that person in the “About the Contributors.” The editor, Tonya Bolden also provides information about herself and Acknowledges the original works that these excerpts have been taken from.

Credited as a 1999 Best Adult Book for High School Students by the School Library Journal, 33 Things Every Girl Should Know: Stories, Songs, Poems and Smart Talk by 33 Extraordinary Women was also listed as a 1999 YALSA Best Book for Young Adults. It has also been included in the H.W. Wilson Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog in its eighth and ninth editions, 2000 and 2005 respectively.

References

Rosenfeld, Shelle. 1998. “33 Things Every Girl Should Know: Stories, Songs, Poems and Smart Talk by 33 Extraordinary Women.” Booklist May 15, 1998: 1611+. Literature Resource Center (accessed November 22, 2011).

A Northern Light

Donnelly, Jennifer. 2003. A NORTHERN LIGHT. New York: Harcourt Inc. ISBN 0-15-205310-7

Based on a true story, A Northern Light tells about the death of a young girl in 1906 at a renowned Adirondacks hotel through the eyes of 16-year-old Mattie Gokey who has been given letters from the young girl to destroy. In this first person narrative, this historical novel alternates between Mattie’s life before she became a serving girl at the hotel and her experiences at the time of Grace Brown’s drowning. Mattie yearns to be a writer some day, yet feels responsible for her family and a promise she made to someone. Yet to herself, she emotes,“Voice is not just the sound that comes from your throat but the feeling that comes from your words!”

In her second YA novel, Jennifer Donnelly blends historical fiction, mystery, and romance into an intriguing young adult coming-of-age novel set in the early 1900s. The setting rings true to the time and place showing Donnelly’s dedication to researched details bridging today’s readers to the past. Poverty, single-parent families, racism, and pregnancy are handled honestly and as depicted of that time. Another well-developed theme is the coming-of-age of Mattie and her friends – Weaver an aspiring African-American lawyer, Minnie the mother of twins, and Royal the furture farmer. The chapters alternate between moments on the farm before Mattie goes to her job at the hotel signified by chapter titles of her syllabicated “words of the day” or during Mattie’s job at the hotel (and murder) that are not titled. Donnelly creatively includes the “vernacular of the Mississippi” with local terms which Maggie uses like “tottish” and “meaching” as her words of the day. Aspiring to be a writer, Maggie also refers to literature and authors of the time weaving them into the story yet not dragging the story down. Each character’s personality is distinctive in a way that endears the reader to them or to rally against them. For example, “Cook is snappish” when it comes to working in the kitchen, yet opens her heart to feed Tommy Hubbard, a poor boy from a family of seven. Or Royal Loomis, Mattie’s betrothed, who helps take care of the farm when her father and sisters are sick, but ruthlessly bids on the impoverished Hubbard family’s homestead when they can’t pay the taxes. According to Courtney Williamson of The Christian Science Monitor, “The best thing about this book, however, is Mattie’s smart, vulnerable voice. We share her desires, if not her unique challenges, on every page.”  

“Many teens will connect with Mattie’s deep yearning for independence and for stories, like her own, that are frank, messy, complicated, and inspiring (Engberg, 2003).” Students may like to “word duel” like Mattie and Weaver did or taste candies of the era – lemondrops or maple sugar. Those wishing to discuss the book can use the Multnomah County Library Discussion Guide - http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-northern.html. In the paperback edition, Donnelly includes Author’s Notes about the original event of Grace Brown’s murder, Acknowledgements, Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading, information about herself, an interview with Donnelly, and a Reader’s Chat Page offering additional discussion questions.

A Northern Light received the 2004 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature and was listed on the YALSA’s 2004 Teens’ Top Ten List. It was also listed on numerous best book and state reading lists including the 2004 Amelia Blooomer List a part of the ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table, the 2004 Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth, and the 2003 School Library Journal Best Books list.

References

Engberg, Gillian. 2003. “A Northern Light (Book).” Booklist 99, no.18:1663. MAS Ultra-School Edition, EBSCOhost (accessed November 22, 2011).

Williamson, Courtney. 2003. “[A northern light] [book review].” The Christian Science Monitor (Eastern Edition) 95, 17. Book Review Digest (H.W. Wilson), EBSCOhost (accessed November 21, 2011).

Hole in my Life

Gantos, Jack. 2002. HOLE IN MY LIFE. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 978-0-374-43089-4

Jack Gantos, author of Rotten Ralph children’s books and the Joey Pigza series, shares his life and his ambition to become a writer in this compelling autobiography, Hole in My Life. Gantos starts his story as a prisoner in the medium-security Federal Correctional Institution in Ashland, Kentucky rewinding to his years in high school. He then shares his entire life circling back to his time in prison arriving at the moment he leaves and briefly sheds light on his future endeavors. He begins his novel with a quote from Oscar Wilde – “I have learned this: it is not what one does that is wrong, but what one becomes as a consequence of it.” This is a powerfully meaningful quote describing Gantos’ life in that although he had a troubled life, he used his difficulties to become a writer and a better man. “Above all, this is the story of a young writer trying to find inspiration for his work. Ultimately, he finds the greatest inspiration within himself (Hames, 2002).”

In his autobiography, readers will be lead through the harsh reality of Gantos’ life especially while in prison. Although a writer of children’s books, this is a book for older teens or adults as he describes his experimentation and addiction to alcohol and drugs, the brutal fights in prison, and the gang rape of an acquaintance. Teens will appreciate his candor about the events in his life. Gantos effectively uses descriptive imagery to convey his experiences when he describes his and Hamilton’s ability, or lack of, to steer the boat as “crash(ing) into them like kamikaze yachtsmen,” when he drank too much and “power barfed,” and the moment he entered his new apartment at The King’s Court he encountered “musty smelling sheets folded over an exhausted pillow.” Helping readers related to the time period, he includes events of the 70s such as the racial turmoil in Puerto Rico and culture of easily-attained drugs. Gantos weaves quotes and snippets from authors he admires relating his life at times to things he’s read. The tone of the book seems almost comical when Gantos relates his high school year then becomes fearful and somber as his life spirals into a life of drugs and crime. Students dealing with difficult situations will be able to relate to Gantos’ trials and find hope in that things can get better. “Gantos’s honesty and directness in describing the whole experience make reading this book a gut-wrenching experience (Blasingame, 2002).”

Hole in My Life has received many honors to include the 2003 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award and the 2003 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. It was also included in numerous best book and state book lists such as the 2002 Children’s Literature Choice List, the 2003 YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, the 2002 Smithsonian Magazine’s Notable Books for Children, and the 2002 School Library Journal Best Books list. Students, teachers and librarians wishing to learn more about Jack Gantos and his books can visit his website at http://www.jackgantos.com/.

References

Blasingame, James. 2002. “Home in My Life Book Review.” Voice of Youth Advocates, 25.2. Library Lit & Inf Full Text. WilsonWeb (accessed November 21, 2011).

Hames, Thomas Nigel. 2002. “Clip and File YA Book Reviews: Hole in My Life.” The ALAN Review, 29: 3.http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/v29n3/ (accessed November 21, 2011).

Mockingjay

Collins, Suzanne. 2010. MOCKINGJAY. N         ew York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 978-0-439-02351-1

“Let the 76^th Hunger Games begin!”

Katniss Everdeen returns in this third novel in the Hunger Games trilogy. She’s competed and survived two Hunger Games, angering the Capitol with her clear disobedience. Still taunted by President Snow and his promise of revenge, symbolized by a “perfect white rose,” Katniss must now decide whether to be Mockingjay, the icon for the rebels, in this revolution between the Capitol and rebels. Will she rise and fight with the rebels or hide as a refugee in District 13?

Once again Suzanne Collins keeps her readers spell-bound with the suspensful adventures of heroine Katniss Everdeen in this third and last dystopian novel of the series. Readers will relate to the emotional turmoil Katniss endures throughout the book from the devastation of her home in district 12 to her love for Peeta and Gale.  With rich imagery and powerful language, readers find themselves hurled into the realm of war and it’s effects on those fighting it and their loved ones. Having created a believable setting in her previous novels Hunger Games and Catching Fire, Collins connects each novel with the same familiar settings of outer districts desiring to be like the utopian Capitol to new vividly described pods with their dangerous and deadly traps like one that melts flesh or one with barbed metal nets. In this imaginary yet believable world, “holos,” portable holographic diagrams, and hovercrafts that release silver parachutes with timed explosives connect the future with the technological advances of today. “Collins is absolutely ruthless in her depictions of war in all its cruelty, violence, and loss, leaving readiers, in turn, repulsed, shocked, grieving and, finally, hopeful for the characters they’ve grown to empahtize and love (Baird, 2010).”

With themes of coming of age, war, violence, trust, survival, power, peace, and justice, young adults will be able to evaluate their own beliefs as they relate to the characters of the book. This novel lends itself for great discussions on loyalty, self-sacrifice, war, materialism, and the effects of television or media. In Mockingjay, “propos,” or propoganda videos, are created to help wage the war. Students could create their own “propos” for or against a topic in the book or another focus of interest.

Mockingjay has received a number of honors such as being a USA Today bestseller, 2010 Kirkus Best Book of the Year, and a 2010 Booklist Editors’ Choice. It has also been included on the following lists: the 2011 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices list, the 2010 New York Times Notabale Children’s Books list, and the 2010 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books list.

Reference

Baird, Jane Henriksen. 2010. “Mockingjay.” School Library Journal 56, no. 10:110. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 1, 2011).

The Dead and the Gone

Pfeffer, Susan Beth. 2008. THE DEAD AND THE GONE. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-547-25855-3

The moon has been thrusted closer to Earth after an asteroid collided with it; tsunamis hit, volcanoes erupt, and other natural disasters bombard the Earth. “The world was coming to an end.”Seventeen-year-old Alex Morales becomes the “man of the family” making difficult life decisions for his two sisters since his father is in Puerto Rico for his grandmother’s funeral and his mother has not come home from work.  Will they survive?

Susan Beth Pfeffer uses a journal style to deliver this riveting, heart-wrenching story of survival in New York after the moon has shifted closer to the Earth. This style and its accurate descriptions makes the novel fast-paced and a good book for reluctant readers. Each catoclysmic event seems researched especially in light of our current climate changes making this a believable novel, hinting toward the possible and scary.Intertwined with Spanish terms like bodega and dramatica and devote Catholic traditions, readers will empathize with the characters and their emotions as they deal with the daily events of these catastropic events. Using picturesque words like “quiet as a grave” or “the sun has died” helps readers visualize the world in which they live in. The mood of the story fluidly changes from event to event and from grave to hopeful as Alex deals with tragedy (the death of his newest and best friend) and survival (bartering for cans of food). Themes of faith, family, loyalty, courage and morality make this a powerful novel for young adults. Readers with siblings will relate to the conversations between Alex and his sisters, Julie and Brianna, as they argue, share secrets, protect one another and celebrate. “Moments of humor and affection remind readers of the strength of human connections (French, 2008).” The novel is well-founded on the beliefs and traditions of the Morales’ Catholic faith, yet does not become preachy. “This haunting book will appeal to anyone who likes dystopian novels (Grob, 2008).”

Those that enjoyed this novel may want to read other companion novels in this The Last Survivors series by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Life as We Knew It and This World We Live In. Each centered around the asteroid event yet different plots would make these good books to compare and contrast.

The Dead and the Gone was a finalist in Yound Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction for the 2008 Cybil Award and received Review Stars from Booklist in their May 15, 2008 edition and Publishers Weekly in their May 19, 2008 reviews. It was also included in Booklist’s Core Collection: Science Themed Youth Novels in 2008.

References

French, Cheryl. 2008. “The Dead and the Gone Review.” Voice of Youth Advocates. 31, no. 1 Library Lit & Inf Full Text, WilsonWeb (accessed November 1, 2011).

Grob, Jonah Stewart. 2008. “The Dead and the Gone Review.” Voice of Youth Advocates. 31, no. 1 Library Lit & Inf Full Text, WilsonWeb (accessed November 1, 2011).

Uglies

Westerfeld, Scott. 2006. UGLIES. Narrated by Carine Montbertrand. New York: Recorded Books, LLC. ISBN   978-1-4407-2640-8

“Could you walk away from everything you know?”

Tally lives in Uglyville, but is looking forward to her sixteenth birthday when she’ll receive the operation that will remove all her “ugly” features for a predetermined uniform set and become one of the “New Pretties.” Unfortunately, before she can have her operation, she must assist the Special Circumstances by becoming a spy to find her runaway friend, Shay, and divulge the exhistence of a rebel settlement. But, she learns “the truth about being pretty” and has to decide her own future.

In this quick-paced postapocolyptic novel, Scott Westerfeld writes to the hearts of teens honing in on their desire to be like others and self-consciousness about their looks creating a world torn by this desire and the need to be who they are. Using the details of post-war devastation like rusted metal and “old-fashioned handphones,” Westerfeld combines these with technological advances, such as hoverboards that learn the riders moves, self-programable bunjee jackets, and operations that can make everyone “equal,” to provide the backdrop for this adventurous tale. “Surprising plot twists and dangerous circumstances keep the reader guessing (Hallman, 2005).” Skateboards and surfers alike will relate to the hoverboard adventures as they ride along with the characters escaping cruel pretties and hovercars. Rich language and vivid descriptions fill readers’ minds with accurate images as in “the early summer sky was the color of cat vomit” or “the crackle of dry brush enflamed.” Imaginitive words and items like Littlies, minders, Rusties, and hovercars create this futuristic world and are consistently portrayed making this a believable future.

“Highly recommented for science fiction fans or anyone who likes a good, thougtful adventure (Musher, 2005).” “Teens will be entranced, and the cliffhanger ending will leave them gasping for the sequel,” claims Patty Campbell of Amazon Reviews. Those interested in more of the Uglies series can read Pretties, Specials and Extras.

Carine Montbertrand skillfully narrates Uglies portraying Tally’s emotions throughout the novel. Her ability to alter her voice for various characters adds realism to the telling making this a good choice for those preferring to listen to books.

Throughout the novel, themes of loyalty, betrayal, friendship, social class, justice, free will vs. conformity, and survival help readers relate to this future world. This novel would be a good book for group discussions about these themes and how they relate to events of today. For example, how do students feel about automatically getting an operation to be made the same at the age of 16? What would be the benefits or drawbacks of a society like this one?

Uglies has received numerous  honors and awards and has been included on many prominent book lists. Below is a sampling of these accolades:

• The 2005 American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults
• The 2005 Kirkus Best Children’s Books
• The 2006 American Library Association’s Core Collection: Character Education in YA Fiction
• The 2006 YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

References

Campbell, Patty. 2005. “Uglies.” Amazon Reviews. Retrieved on October 23, 2011 from http://www.amazon.com/Uglies-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/1442419814/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320762068&sr=8-1.

Hallman, Carlee. 2005. “Uglies Review.” Children’s Literature. Retrieved on October 23, 2011 from http://www.amazon.com/Uglies-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/1442419814/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320762068&sr=8-1.

Musher, Samantha. 2005. “Westerfeld, Scott. Uglies.” Kliatt. Mar. 2005:29. Literature Resource Center. Retrieved on October 23, 2011.

Notes from the Dog

Paulsen, Gary. 2009. NOTES FROM THE DOG. New York: Random House, Inc. ISBN 978-0-375-73845-3

During the summer, middle-schooler, Finn Howard Duffy, plans to limit his contact with other people to twelve which includes his single-parent father. Little does he know when he meets the new neighbor, graduate student Johanna Jackson, things are about to change. Also during the summer, Finn’s border collie, Dylan, delivers notes like “You’re not as ugly as you think.” and “Family is who you find.” in his slobbery snout, helping Finn learn about life. Finn and his “true friend,” talkative and confident Matthew, are hired by Johanna to cultivate a garden in Finn’s yard for her to enjoy as she struggles with the effects of chemotherapy while battling cancer. Johanna’s tutelage and friendship have a profound effect on Finn as he breaks out of his shell – dating Karla, speaking in front of construction workers encouraging them to donate to to Johanna’s triathlon fund-raiser, and being there for someone in need.

“Paulsen’s fans may miss his trademarks: the notorious exploits of boys, the page-turning wilderness adventures, or the sled dogs that often take center stage. Yet this candid and tender tale, told with his signature humor, is a salute to the bravest of the brave (Follos, 2010).” Unlike his usual genre of adventure stories, renowned novelist Gary Paulsen creates a believable story about a lonely middle school boy determined to spend his summer isolated from human contact reading novels. Narrated by Finn, readers will be able to relate to typical awkward teenage moments – freezing when the girl you like walks up – and some that not every teen has experienced – using self-tanning solution and having it make you look “like a highway caution cone.” While the setting of a normal neighborhood is downplayed, moments such as when Finn has overwatered and fertilized his backyard turning it into a swamp of “reconstituted cow poop” add to the entertaining and sensitive plot. Reluctant readers will find this a refreshing read due to it’s brevity, humor and connection to real life.

As Tracy A. Fitzwater states in the Library Media Connection (2009), this novel is “dedicated to everyone who has faced cancer, this is a story that will make readers think about what the important things in life are, an d written by Paulsen to show that cancer can’t crush the human spirit.” Included in the back of the novel are Internet resources for those interested in learning more about breast cancer and how women and their families deal with it.

Included on the Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year list in 2010, Notes from the Dog also received the 2009 National Parenting Publications Award as a Gold Book for Children 12 years old and up.

References

Follos, Alison. 2009. "Notes from the Dog." School Library Journal 55, no. 9: 170. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 19, 2011).

Fitzwater, Tracy A. 2009. "Notes from the Dog." Library Media Connection 28, no. 3: 79. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 19, 2011).

Airborn

Oppel, Kenneth. 2004. AIRBORN. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-053180-0

“I was born in the air,” states Matt Cruse, cabin boy on the Aurora, an enormous luxury airship that sails across the Paicificus carrying wealthy passengers bound for foreign lands. During one of the voyages headed to Sydney, Australia, tardy passengers, Kate deVries and Miss Simpkins, her chaperone, board the Aurora via an “ornithopter,”( called mosquitoes by the crew because of their incessant buzzing and flitting). Later, arriving in an unmarked airship, pirates plunder the Aurora, and as they leave, a storm buffets their ship into the skin of the Aurora causing Captain Walken to shipwreck the Aurora on an island considerably off-course. While stranded, Kate and Matt find the “cloud cat,” or “half-bird, half-panther,” Kate’s balloonist grandfather had written about in his journal right before he died; Kate is determined to prove him right. This spellbinding book will keep readers on the edges of their seats as they travel through the many adventures with Matt and Kate.

In Airborn, a 2005 Michael L. Printz Honor Book,Kenneth Oppel creates a suspenseful swashbuckling adventure story with imaginary creatures, pirates, and airships seemingly set about 100 years ago, in the air and on an isolated tropical island. The action begins immediately as the Aurora assists a stray hot air balloon with a dying pilot. Using ficticious language like “hydrium” which is gas lighter than air and “alumiron” parts that hold the ship together, Oppel takes his readers for a flight that’ll surely make them want to read the sequel Skybreaker. Vivid details create lasting pictures yet don’t weigh the story down like the description of the volcano as “a glutenous tongue of black and orange lava oozed” or the pirate ship as a “sleek black raptor.” Readers will identify with the protagonist, Matt Cruse, who yearns to be a “sailmaker” like his father as he tells this coming-of-age story filled with adventure, near-death experiences, and fictitious animals making this fantastical novel believable. Through humorous interactions between Kate, Matt and Bruce Lunardi, the boy who took Matt’s job, boys and girls will be captivated and find themselves pulled into the adventures as they relate to the conflicts, tensions and heroic deeds by each character. Sharon Rawlins (2004) from the School Library Journal states, “This rousing adventure has something for everyone: appealing and enterprising characters, nasty villains, and a little romance.”

As an extension, students and teachers may want to visit Kenneth Oppel’s Airborn website which offers “visuals” of the airship and its parts, newspaper articles about the voyage, and a 123-page literature unit created by Martha Martin  for grades 6, 7, 8 or 9.

Airborn has been listed on a number of best books list including the 2005 ALA’s Notable Children’s Books, the 2004 School Library Journal Best Books, and YALSA’s 2005 Best Books for Young Adults.

References

Martin, Martha. 2004. “Airborn by Kenneth Oppel: Literature Unit for Grades 6, 7, 8 or 9.” http://kennethoppel.com/pages/novel%20studies/Airborn%20Novel%20Study.pdf (accessed October 18, 2011).

Oppel, Kenneth. 2011. “Airborn.” Kenneth Oppel. http://kennethoppel.com/airborn/airborn.shtml (accessed October 18, 2011).

Rawlins, Sharon. 2004. "Airborn (Book)." School Library Journal 50, no. 7: 110. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 19, 2011).

Runner

Deuker, Carl. 2005. RUNNER. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 978-0618-54298-7

Senior Chance Taylor finds himself in the role of parent to his alchoholic Gulf War veteran father as they live moment by moment on a 30-year-old dilapidated sailboat near the locks of Puget Sound. He keeps a low profile at school trying not to draw attention to himself. How does he survive this unusual existence? He runs; he says especially “when I feel like my heads about to explode.” Offered a job to run secret packages for “the fat guy” in the marina office, Chance jumps at the chance to help pay off his father’s debts. Yet as things seem to be getting better, they go from bad to worse. Smugglers, terrorists, and “murder – the instant the word flashed in my mind, I pushed it out,” thinks Chance. Read this intriguing novel to find out how Chance survives through his trials at school and in life.

In this post-9/11 novel, sports enthusiast and writer Carl Deuker offers a fast-paced book filled with emotion and suspense, especially good for boys and struggling readers. The book is broken up into three parts and each of the chapters is short offering readers a sense of accomplishment as each chapter passes by. Readers are kept wondering what will happen next. Gillian Engberg from Booklist states, “Deuker drops plenty of hints about what's in the packages, but the tragic blockbuster ending may still be a surprise.” Those who have dealt with poverty vs. privledge, abandonment by a parent, or parent/child role reversal will relate to Chance’s thoughts and feelings. Ashley C. Mills from Children’s Literature also adds, “The novel addresses some interesting topics relative to today’s youth, such as terrorism, single-parent families, and alcoholism.”  The significance of the setting is subtly revealed as the story unfolds. In this young adult novel, Deuker folds various genres into its pages – realistic fiction, mystery, and romance – inviting those with different interests to read Runner. “Boys will like this book for its male lead and its focus on military issues, and teachers will find it useful in the classroom (Ingram 2005).” After a suspensful climax, Deuker offers a quick yet satisfying ending helping the reader understand what Chance believes.

Runner has been included on a number of state and national book lists to include the YALSA 2006 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and Booklist’s Top Ten Sports Books for Youth in 2005.

Runner would be a good selection for ethical discussions on patriotism, terrorism, military duty and students that work while going to high school. Using a debate format, students could research these topics and present their views.

References

Engberg, Gillian. 2005. "Runner." Booklist 101, no. 19/20: 1782. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 12, 2011).

Ingram, Jenny. 2005. “Runner.” VOYA 28, no. 3. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 12, 2011).

Revolver at OneTrueMedia.com

In honor of Teen Read Week (Oct. 16-22), I have created the following book trailer for Marcus Sedgwick’s novel Revolver. I hope you enjoy it and that the trailer entices you to pick up the book and read it!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

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.