Harris, R. (2009). It’s perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press
Summary:
This sex education book is very informational based on facts about sexual health and the human body.The reader is guided throughout the book by a bird and bee that explain and comment on all the book's content from puberty, to how babies are made, reproduction, how to take care of yourself, different stages in life, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, homosexuality to heterosexuality. Readers will have a better understanding of the book as it is coupled with explicit illustrations about the content provided in the book. By the end of the book, readers will feel more comfortable with the topics presented and will have most of their questions answered in this easy to read book.
Book Commentary: Genre: Non-fiction ; Division: Middle Grade, Middle School, and Young Adult due to its content. The content presented by Harris and Emberley is done so in a fantastic way that addresses mostly every child's question regarding their sexual curiousity as well as reproductive health that they may not feel too comfortable asking or talking to anyone about.
Book Connections:
Book Trailer:
Books by the same author:
Personal Connections:
I am elated to know that this book exists. As a child, I remember being curious about the human anatomy, sexual health, etc, and had millions of questions, but didn't feel comfortable asking about these particular topics. I now have children and plan on letting them read about these particular topics when the time is right. I believe it is important to talk about these topics and have healthy discussions about them too.
Hautman, P. (2005). Invisible. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Summary:
This captivating story is about a boy named Douglas Hanson who is awkward and mentally unstable. Although he gets picked on and doesn't have any friends, we learn he has a popular best friend by the name of Andy who is very different than he is. As the plot progresses we also learn that he and Andy set an abandoned building on fire (the Tuttle place )and as a result Andy dies. Dougie is taken to a psychiatrist and is prescribed medicine but does not take it because he does not like the way it makes him feel, especially because he can't talk to Andy(in his mind), which appears to be odd behavior to others that are observing him. He obsesses over a town he creates in his basement out of matchsticks for a train set that travels through it. Aside from that obsession he is obsessed with a girl named Melissa Haverman who he stalks for countless hours. Additionally, he makes a bomb threat at school, who he blames on the late Andy, which then prompts his parents to discuss with him about a mentally unstable academy that that are going to visit and possibly consider enrolling him. Out of fear and reluctancy, he sets the matchstick town of Madham on fire and himself.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction; Division:Young Adult; realistic contemporary . Hautman' s story is very unique as he skilfully crafts an original plot that is both contemporary and modern. Hautman sheds light on mental disorders, friendship, and disillusions. We also get a pretty accurate picture of how one with a mental disorder perceives the world and sees everyone as odd, but themselves. Hautman tragically writes about how these individuals are truly troubled and need so much attention, empathy and care.
Book Connections:
Read alikes
Books by the same author
Personal Connections:
Hautman's story about Dougie is a very captivating and enlightening one as far as how people with mental disorders struggle with everyday life, not to mention their family with them. It hurt to hear about Dougie's world and how he is comfortable in his own little world of Madham and how he suffers everywhere else. To see how they are mistreated for something that they didn't ask to have is very saddening and the story is indeed very compelling for developing a sense of compassion and understanding towards these individuals.
King, A. (2014). Glory O’Brien’s history of the future. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Summary:
Glory is a high school student who is approaching graduation. In this novel we learn that she faces many uncertainties in life; however, a lot changes one day when she and her friend Ellie decide to drink up a cocktail of alcohol and the remains of a dusty bat when all of the sudden they are able to see right through everyone's past and present except each other's. Glory sees dark and dreary things while Ellie sees opposite, she sees life. Haunted by her family's past, particularily her mother's suicidal death, after having had that cocktail, she learns of her mother's passing and connects with her through her photography journal and also learns that her and her father had a troubled marriage on this commune on O'Brien land that they created. Glory also begins to have visions of a bleak future involving war, where women's rights will be taken in which she will lead a rebellion. She begins to write all these visions down in order to prepare for them. She then convinces her father to move on as well as she now knows there is a future for her.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction ; Sub genre: Science fiction ;Division: Young Adult
This novel has many contemporary issues that young readers will quickly identify with such as self identity, depression, family, suicide and mental illness. King develops quite a character with Glory and leaves no loose ends as far as character development. Overall, a great read with popular dystopian topics.
Book Connections:
Teaching Resources:
Teacher's Guide
Personal Connections:
I really enjoyed the book and the importance of how one must face their fears, settle their past, and defeat those inner demons in order to proceed with life and and the future. This book gives readers the courage to do just that. It is also interesting to read about the Fair Pay Act in the novel which leads to oppression and women's removal of rights as similar things are currently being discussed. Does this novel somewhat foreshadow the future?
Kraus, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte.
Summary:
Ry Burke, his sister Sarah and his mother Jo Beth live in a farm in Iowa. Ry's family suffered a great due to his father's abusive behavior, until his father was incarcerated. The most troubling part of all is he and his father both suffer from pschizophrenia, which cause both of them to be extremely violent. Although Ry suffers from that mental disorder, he always sought out to protect his family against his evil and oppressive father. After being in prison several years, something unusually strange happens, the prison and the farm the family lives on is hit by a meteorite. Marvin, his father escapes and makes his way back to the farm and seeks revenge on his family. His mother for neglecting the farm he loved and Ry for attacking him. Ry is affected by this and his hospital stay and visits with a psychologist due to his traumatic past. He is consoled and distracted by his 3 childhood toys(his teddy bear, Mr. Furrington, a bendy Jesus Christ figure, and Scowler, a monster with metal teeth ) which all represent different aspects of his personality and come to life as imaginary friends. Scowler in particular gives him the grit and the aggression to ultimately defeat his evil father as he burns in the house he himself caused. Ry, his mother and sister finally escape the monstrous man who was once his father.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction ; Subgenre: Realistic Fiction ; Division: Young Adult due to its content. Kraus is successful in engaging his readers in a suspenseful plot with more than tension keeping the reading on the edge of their seats. His use of vivid imagery is enough to create fear in the reader's mind. The topics in the story present are domestic abuse, depression, family, and mental illness.
Book Connections:
Personal Connections:
Although the novel was a psychological thriller, it definitely was a page turner. All the grief, mental torture, sadness and anger that Ry's family faced was horrific but I felt pretty satisfied knowing that it was finally put to an end and Ry and his family were finally free of their oppressor. Although it was just a fictitious novel, these mental disorders, horror , and conflict are definitely real in our world, fortunately, there is help.
Lyga, B. (2012). I hunt killers. New York: Little, Brown.
Lyga, B. (2012). I hunt killers. New York: Little, Brown.
Summary:
This story is about a seventeen year old boy named Jazz who is living with his grandmother because his father is incarcerated. Turns out his father is a serial killer and taught him a lot about it . In attempt to prove to everyone he is not like his father, he actually turns everything he learned about murder into something good that will benefit him and the community as he seeks to capture a killer who seems to be following his father's ways. After he learns that the killer is after his teacher, he and his two friends, Connie and Howie set out to his teacher's house in attempt to save her, however, Howie ends up badly hurt, the teacher dies, and the killer escapes. He then learns that the killer is on his way to his grandmother's house to take her hostage and as a result captures Jazz as well. Thankfully, Connie and Howie save them, the killer is captured, and the nightmare is over, well at least one. Jazz soon finds out that his father is released and is on the hunt to kill some more. At that point, Jazz makes it his mission to hunt his father down in this first book of the series.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction; Subgenre: Realistic Modern Division: Young Adult
Lyga writes a very mysterious novel but keeps it from being completely submerged on the dark side by inserting Howie's humor and jokes in the novel and Connie as his conscience which keeps Jazz sane and away from doing what is wrong. It is a very interesting take on murder and serial killers as we see it not from the killer's perspective, but rather the child of one.
Book Connections:
Read Alikes:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/similar/10644152-i-hunt-killersInterview with the Author:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/authors/barry-lyga-teen/#assets
Personal Connections:
The book was a great read and lacked no dull moments. It was definitely interesting to see how the book conveys and explicitly shows and teaches that just because your life involves so much negativity and darkness doesn't always mean you have to follow that same path and accept that as your own fate, but rather blaze your own path for the better.
Myers, W. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.
Summary:
Steve Harmon, a 16 yr. old African American is on trial for murder of an innocent store clerk named Aguinaldo Nesbitt. According to the system, he served as the lookout for a murder carried out by Bobo Evans, James King, and Osvaldo Cruz people he hardly is familiar with. The suspects claim that Steve was at the scene of the crime and also agree to a plea bargain to lessen the sentence. Steve tells his story by writing his thoughts down journal style and the trials in movie script. Because he is an aspiring filmmaker, he documents the events as so. The suspects place a lot of blame on primarily Steve as witnesses are brought in and all give different accounts of what really happened that day. Then,Steve's attorney Kathy O' Brian brings in a particular witness that helps Steve's case as he is them found not guilty. As he writes, about all the events that lead up to the trial, we learn that he is afraid; possibly implying he is guilty afterall. The novel ends with Steve questioning himself and wondering if he is truly a "monster".
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction Subgenre: Modern Realistic; Division:Young Adult
Myers does an an excellent job with this novel and its script format including stage directions. The format makes it a lot easier for the reader to follow Steve's case including his feelings and his conscience.The main theme involved is a guilty conscience will haunt you.
Book Connections:
Myers discusses Monster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtlkXnf3-vY&feature=youtu.be
Lesson Plans:
http://files.harpercollins.com/PDF/ReadingGuides/0064407314.pdf
Personal Connections:
I think this is a great book for anyone to read especially young adults. The story in its unique format tells of all issues teens usually face such as self-identity, peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, and the consequences of bad choices. After read this novel, the hope is that teens will hesitate and avoid poor decisions.
Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.
Summary:
The novel is about an orphaned boy named Todd living in Prensitown with his foster fathers, where only men and boys live and can hear each other's "noise" or also know as each other's thoughts. Todd is days/weeks away from turning fourteen, which then means he will be a "man" and can't wait for this next milestone that should come with respect. One day Todd and his dog, Manchee, who he views as a pest, venture out into to the woods to pick apples when all of the sudden they hear something unusual "silence". It turns out that a girl named Viola is The Silence and has just crash landed on their new world. When Todd returns, the other men hear his noise and demand that he leave. Todd runs into the woods to try to alert Viola as they both flee from the Prentisstown men who are right behind them. On their way to Haven, they enter a town that knows the secrets of the men of Prentisstown. They are then approached by the Preacher of Prentisstown, named Aaron who stabs Todd and captures Viola. Todd and Manchee try to outsmart Aaron, who then tragically kills Manchee. Todd is devasted and continues to flee alongside Viola along a river. Dr. Snow kindly helps, cares for wounded Todd as Dr. Snow share that the men of Prentisstown are outcasts because they have killed women. The men of Prentisstown charge through the village as Todd and Viola flee once again, right until they are confronted by Aaron again. They are chased into a church right underneath a waterfall where Viola kills Aaron. When they can finally breathe or take a sigh of relief the mayor of Prentisstown arrives. The story continues in the next book of the series.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction; Subgenre: Science Fiction; Division: Young Adult
Ness narrates an action packed, suspense-filled story that will have readers turning the pages in this unpredictable story filled with topics such as social issues, human- animal relationships, manhood,etc. The plot itself is like no other
Book Connections:
Author Interview
Book Trailer
Personal Connections:
I really enjoyed the novel and completely understood the relationship he had with Manchee , as I too have a dog. Not to mention, the feeling of needing to discover certain truths or having the intuition for knowing that there is yet something to be discovered. The characters were very well developed which made the story more impressionable.
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos
Summary:
Gabi is a Mexican American high school senior who jots down all events of her final year of high school ,which include her own dilemmas as well as those of her friends, in her diary. Gabby is confronted with a lot of adversity and notating them down serves as therapy to her especially because she is passionate about writing and poetry. Some of the events include those of her friend Cindy, who was raped and is now pregnant, who she empathizes and sympathizes with. She also helps her a great deal. Gabi also writes about her friend Sebastian who admits to his family that he is gay who is then quickly disowned by his family. Not to mention, Gabi also has her own issues. She struggles with her body image, tries to stray from the cultural norm and get ahead in life, tries to cope with her meth addict father's death, as well as her sexuality. The novel concludes with Gabi applying to colleges and being accepted into one she favored and finally having an epiphany that she is more that just her weight and discovers and embraces self-acceptance.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction; Sub-genre: Realistic Fiction ; Division:Young Adult
This beautifully written book by Quintero is so raw, honest, and an almost accurate portrayl of teen as well as Hispanic issues in today's day and age. Readers will be able to relate to the characters and issues in many ways. The title definitely matches with the beautiful person and friend Gabi is, hence "A girl in pieces".
Book Connections:
Teacher's Guide
Read Alikes
Personal Connections:
Quintero's story was a delightful read and was very believable on many levels. This story really is a reflection of today's youth and what the struggles they face. Hopefully, young adult readers read this story and find they are not alone and learn that they are more than the minor issues they struggle with. Additionally, that they also finish the book inspired to get ahead in life despite one's cultural norms.
Myers, W. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.
Summary:
Steve Harmon, a 16 yr. old African American is on trial for murder of an innocent store clerk named Aguinaldo Nesbitt. According to the system, he served as the lookout for a murder carried out by Bobo Evans, James King, and Osvaldo Cruz people he hardly is familiar with. The suspects claim that Steve was at the scene of the crime and also agree to a plea bargain to lessen the sentence. Steve tells his story by writing his thoughts down journal style and the trials in movie script. Because he is an aspiring filmmaker, he documents the events as so. The suspects place a lot of blame on primarily Steve as witnesses are brought in and all give different accounts of what really happened that day. Then,Steve's attorney Kathy O' Brian brings in a particular witness that helps Steve's case as he is them found not guilty. As he writes, about all the events that lead up to the trial, we learn that he is afraid; possibly implying he is guilty afterall. The novel ends with Steve questioning himself and wondering if he is truly a "monster".
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction Subgenre: Modern Realistic; Division:Young Adult
Myers does an an excellent job with this novel and its script format including stage directions. The format makes it a lot easier for the reader to follow Steve's case including his feelings and his conscience.The main theme involved is a guilty conscience will haunt you.
Book Connections:
Myers discusses Monster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtlkXnf3-vY&feature=youtu.be
Lesson Plans:
http://files.harpercollins.com/PDF/ReadingGuides/0064407314.pdf
Personal Connections:
I think this is a great book for anyone to read especially young adults. The story in its unique format tells of all issues teens usually face such as self-identity, peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, and the consequences of bad choices. After read this novel, the hope is that teens will hesitate and avoid poor decisions.
Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.
Summary:
The novel is about an orphaned boy named Todd living in Prensitown with his foster fathers, where only men and boys live and can hear each other's "noise" or also know as each other's thoughts. Todd is days/weeks away from turning fourteen, which then means he will be a "man" and can't wait for this next milestone that should come with respect. One day Todd and his dog, Manchee, who he views as a pest, venture out into to the woods to pick apples when all of the sudden they hear something unusual "silence". It turns out that a girl named Viola is The Silence and has just crash landed on their new world. When Todd returns, the other men hear his noise and demand that he leave. Todd runs into the woods to try to alert Viola as they both flee from the Prentisstown men who are right behind them. On their way to Haven, they enter a town that knows the secrets of the men of Prentisstown. They are then approached by the Preacher of Prentisstown, named Aaron who stabs Todd and captures Viola. Todd and Manchee try to outsmart Aaron, who then tragically kills Manchee. Todd is devasted and continues to flee alongside Viola along a river. Dr. Snow kindly helps, cares for wounded Todd as Dr. Snow share that the men of Prentisstown are outcasts because they have killed women. The men of Prentisstown charge through the village as Todd and Viola flee once again, right until they are confronted by Aaron again. They are chased into a church right underneath a waterfall where Viola kills Aaron. When they can finally breathe or take a sigh of relief the mayor of Prentisstown arrives. The story continues in the next book of the series.
Genre: Fiction; Subgenre: Science Fiction; Division: Young Adult
Ness narrates an action packed, suspense-filled story that will have readers turning the pages in this unpredictable story filled with topics such as social issues, human- animal relationships, manhood,etc. The plot itself is like no other
Book Connections:
Author Interview
Book Trailer
Personal Connections:
I really enjoyed the novel and completely understood the relationship he had with Manchee , as I too have a dog. Not to mention, the feeling of needing to discover certain truths or having the intuition for knowing that there is yet something to be discovered. The characters were very well developed which made the story more impressionable.
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos
Summary:
Gabi is a Mexican American high school senior who jots down all events of her final year of high school ,which include her own dilemmas as well as those of her friends, in her diary. Gabby is confronted with a lot of adversity and notating them down serves as therapy to her especially because she is passionate about writing and poetry. Some of the events include those of her friend Cindy, who was raped and is now pregnant, who she empathizes and sympathizes with. She also helps her a great deal. Gabi also writes about her friend Sebastian who admits to his family that he is gay who is then quickly disowned by his family. Not to mention, Gabi also has her own issues. She struggles with her body image, tries to stray from the cultural norm and get ahead in life, tries to cope with her meth addict father's death, as well as her sexuality. The novel concludes with Gabi applying to colleges and being accepted into one she favored and finally having an epiphany that she is more that just her weight and discovers and embraces self-acceptance.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction; Sub-genre: Realistic Fiction ; Division:Young Adult
This beautifully written book by Quintero is so raw, honest, and an almost accurate portrayl of teen as well as Hispanic issues in today's day and age. Readers will be able to relate to the characters and issues in many ways. The title definitely matches with the beautiful person and friend Gabi is, hence "A girl in pieces".
Book Connections:
Teacher's Guide
Read Alikes
Personal Connections:
Quintero's story was a delightful read and was very believable on many levels. This story really is a reflection of today's youth and what the struggles they face. Hopefully, young adult readers read this story and find they are not alone and learn that they are more than the minor issues they struggle with. Additionally, that they also finish the book inspired to get ahead in life despite one's cultural norms.
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos
Summary:
Gabi is a Mexican American high school senior who jots down all events of her final year of high school ,which include her own dilemmas as well as those of her friends, in her diary. Gabby is confronted with a lot of adversity and notating them down serves as therapy to her especially because she is passionate about writing and poetry. Some of the events include those of her friend Cindy, who was raped and is now pregnant, who she empathizes and sympathizes with. She also helps her a great deal. Gabi also writes about her friend Sebastian who admits to his family that he is gay who is then quickly disowned by his family. Not to mention, Gabi also has her own issues. She struggles with her body image, tries to stray from the cultural norm and get ahead in life, tries to cope with her meth addict father's death, as well as her sexuality. The novel concludes with Gabi applying to colleges and being accepted into one she favored and finally having an epiphany that she is more that just her weight and discovers and embraces self-acceptance.
Book Commentary:
Genre: Fiction; Sub-genre: Realistic Fiction ; Division:Young Adult
This beautifully written book by Quintero is so raw, honest, and an almost accurate portrayl of teen as well as Hispanic issues in today's day and age. Readers will be able to relate to the characters and issues in many ways. The title definitely matches with the beautiful person and friend Gabi is, hence "A girl in pieces".
Book Connections:
Teacher's Guide
Read Alikes
Personal Connections:
Quintero's story was a delightful read and was very believable on many levels. This story really is a reflection of today's youth and what the struggles they face. Hopefully, young adult readers read this story and find they are not alone and learn that they are more than the minor issues they struggle with. Additionally, that they also finish the book inspired to get ahead in life despite one's cultural norms.
No comments:
Post a Comment