Module 6 Reviews

 

Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced 

Autism and Changed the World. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.  ISBN: 978-

0-547-44315-7

Plot Summary

This book is a biography about the life of Temple Grandin. Temple was diagnosed at an early age with Autism. In those days people were not familiar with the disorder and were not sure what to do with her. Her own father wanted her put in a mental institution. Temple’s mom however was a warm and loving woman who refused to give up on her daughter. Her mother gave her opportunities to grow and learn and become a wonderful woman. Temple became interested in animals and the humane treatment of animals in slaughterhouses and ranches. She uses this interest to revolutionize the livestock industry and fight for the humane treatment of animals raised for food.

Analysis

This book includes several photographs of Temple’s designs and of her growing up in the north east. Each chapter is on a different color of paper, alternating between blue, green, and yellow. Also included in the back of the book is Temple’s advice for kids on the spectrum. "It isn't easy to describe how the mind of someone with autism works, but Montgomery's biography effectively breaks the disorder down for a younger audience while introducing the extraordinary life of activist Temple Grandin."--Booklist. Also in the back of the book are resources about Autism including: books, websites, and articles. This book does a great job of explaining some of the behaviors of autistic children that lead to empathy and understanding. Montgomery also explains how being autistic has given Temple an advantage to understanding animals. He also explains that autism is a lifelong condition and one that Temple would not change about herself.

Reviews

"A well written, admiring and thought-provoking portrait."--Kirkus

"Montgomery's book not only tells the powerful story of one amazing woman's life journey, but also has potential to help readers understand autistic people and animals."--Horn Book

"Lively, well-worded narrative...For librarians who struggle to find well-written biographies of women, this is a must-buy."--School Library Journal, starred review

Other books by Sy Montgomery include: The Good Pig:The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood, How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals, and The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty. 

Ogle, R. (2019). Free Lunch. Norton Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-324-00360-1

Plot Summary

This story is about a boy named Rex who is just starting middle school and lives in poverty. Rex’s mom signs him up for the free lunch program and he is embarrassed which adds to the fact that he is wearing second hand clothing and attending school with wealthy classmates.. Rex’s mom and her boyfriend are out of work and abusive so Rex is often left to care for his younger brother. Then they are evicted from their apartment and must live in government subsidized apartments right across the street from the school. Rex faces many obstacles each day all while being hungry.

Analysis

This true story of one child’s upbringing is a heart wrenching read. Rex gives readers insight into the silent epidemic of hunger that many of our children face. "With candor and vivid detail, Ogle’s debut captures the experience of chronic poverty in the United States...Ogle’s emotional honesty pays off in the form of complex characterization and a bold, compassionate thesis." ― Publishers Weekly (starred review). This story also discusses abuse by a parent or in this case a parent and her boyfriend which leaves Rex with anger issues of his own. Rex is constantly fighting the inner dialogue within himself that wants to lash out like his mother even when he knows it is not right. Rex covers up the abuse by claiming to be clumsy and is often forgiving his mother because he thinks that he is the one to blame. This book gives an honest review of growing up in poverty in America and is a must read for everyone.

Reviews

"Outstanding, gracious writing and a clear eye for the penetrating truth. A mighty portrait of poverty amid cruelty and optimism."

― Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Heart-wrenching, timely, and beautifully written, this is a powerful and urgent work."

― School Library Journal (starred review)

"Ogle’s engrossing narrative is rich in lived experience."

― Booklist

Winner of the 2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award

Other books by Rex Ogle include: Punching Bag and The Supernatural Society.  

Soontornvat, C. (2020). All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys 

Soccer Team.  Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0945-7

Plot Summary

In June of 2018 twelve boys and their coach head into a cave after soccer practice for a fun hiking trip. After several hours hiking through the cave they realize that it is getting late and they must head back. While on the journey back they quickly realize that the cave has started to flood and their way out is blocked. Soon the boy's families begin to wonder where they are. Other members of the team that did not go on the cave hike told authorities where the boys had planned to go. Once they are convinced that the team is in the cave experts from around the world and locals alike show up to help in the rescue mission. This incredible story shows what can happen when people work together for a common goal, to save the lives of thirteen boys.

Analysis

This incredible story is told by Christina Soontornvat who is Thai American and happened to be in Thailand when the boys went missing visiting family. The author includes not only the story of the boys themselves, but facts about scuba diving, Buddhist religion, meditation, and Thailand’s stateless people. Also scattered throughout are photographs of events and landmarks as well as maps of the cave and locations of the boys. “Soontornvat selects details and measures her pacing with the practiced hand of a master storyteller, and while everything is supported by meticulous research, the prose never suffers from information density; rather, every aside—whether on hypothermia, ketamine, or Navy SEAL training—adds tension through understanding. Readers who already know the outcome will nonetheless be enthralled by this singular tale that captures the importance of STEM education, the beauty of Thailand, and the best of humanity—collaboration, innovation, sacrifice, family, and love. —Booklist (starred review). The author also goes into depth about the local people who also played a large role in the rescue but often tend to be overlooked by traditional media. Soontornvat gives a full picture of the events and all of the details that went into the rescue mission. “In lucid prose written in third-person-present tense for a heightened sense of immediacy, Soontornvat gives readers a journalistic account of the difficulty and complexity of the rescue effort. Using interviews and other primary sources, she keeps a tight focus on the unfolding story, with its inherent edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-your-throat drama, adroitly juggling a parade of characters, clearly laying out the technical and engineering challenges, and judiciously parsing out expository information in the occasional sidebar.” —The Horn Book (starred review). Also included is an author’s note that explains why the author chose to write the book as well as details about her meeting with the Wild Boars soccer team. This incredible story is a must read and a perfect addition for any library.

Reviews

An in-depth account of a harrowing real-life mission that succeeds against all odds...Masterful storytelling fleshes out the complex human emotions behind key decisions, illuminates diplomatic and political negotiations, and underscores an unwavering faith—in maintaining hope and in harnessing powers of the mind. Thoughtfully researched, expertly crafted.

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Soontornvat masterfully chronicles this amazing undertaking, in which incredible ad hoc feats of engineering became commonplace. Her narration and the testimonies of the numerous figures she interviewed are suspenseful and deeply felt. Interspersed with All Thirteen’s gripping account are fascinating, accessible analyses – supplemented by photos, diagrams, maps and more – of the cultural, technological, scientific and spiritual considerations that affected the rescue effort, from Buddhism to climate change to political protocol...All Thirteen is an inspiring testament to those 18 fateful days of communal empathy, determination and hope. In Soontornvat’s talented hands, it’s at once a nail-biter and a revelation: “This rescue was impossible, and they did it anyway.”

—BookPage (starred review)

Winner of the 2021 Kirkus Prize for Young People's Literature

A 2021 Newbery Honor Book

A 2021 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

A 2021 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist

A 2021 Orbis Pictus Honor Book

Other books by Christina Soontornvat include: The Last Mapmaker, A Wish in the Dark, and The Changelings. 

Module 5 Book Reviews

 

McKinley, R. (1978). Beauty. Open Road Media Teen and Tween. ISBN: 9781497638563

Plot Summary

This story is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast.  This story is of three sisters, two sisters named Grace and Hope are beautiful, their sister Honour however is plain and average looking.  The nickname of Beauty is bestowed upon Honour as almost a joke but over time she grows into the meaning of her true name as well as her nickname.  When Beauty’s father gets lost in a snowstorm he stumbles upon the enchanted castle of the Beast.  There he commits the crime of stealing a rose and must hand over one of his daughters as payment.  Brave Beauty volunteers to go and soon falls in love with the Beast.  As in all fairytales there is a happy ending.

Analysis

This story takes the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast and gives it more depth. “This much-loved retelling of the classic French tale Beauty and the Beast elicits the familiar magical charm, but is more believable and complex than the traditional story.” -Amazon Reviews. There is more depth into the back stories of Beauty’s family and how they came to live on the outskirts of the enchanted forest. Each of her sisters also has their own storyline for the reader to follow. “If McKinley doesn't bring Beauty and her family to memorable life, she does give them separate personalities, situations to respond to, and a stage on which to interact. And her choice of a tale for such treatment couldn't be more fortunate; it's a natural for girls who have outgrown fairy tales but not the sort of romance that this one embodies.”-Kirkus Reviews. The author touches on themes of selflessness and honor with Beauty’s character giving up her own life to spare the life of her father. It is also a true love story with Beauty seeing past the Beast’s tough exterior to his caring heart. A new take on an old classic and a perfect book for those who love fairy tales and romance.

Reviews

 "A captivating novel."-- ALA "Booklist""A splendid story."-- "Publishers Weekly"

Newbery Medalist Robin McKinley’s beloved and acclaimed novel has been delighting readers for more than forty years. ALA Booklist called Beauty “A captivating novel.”

“A reader feels as though it’s all unfolding for the very first time.”—The Guardian

An ALA Notable Book for Children

A Best Book for Young Adults

Other books by Robin McKinley include: Sunshine, The Blue Sword, and The Hero and the Crown. 

Shusterman, N. (2016). Scythe. Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 9781442472426

Plot Summary

This story is about a futuristic society where disease and death by natural causes has been eliminated. In order to control the population there is a group of people called scythes who are commanded to kill in order to keep the population under control. Citra and Rowan are both chosen to apprentice to another scythe. Each of the teens are troubled by this nomination and struggle with the responsibility of taking another life. In a strange turn of events the teens are pitted against one another and now they must fight for their own life.

Analysis

This story is told by going back and forth between the two main characters Citra and Rowan. Also mixed in are journal entries from both Citra and Rowan as well as a few other important scythes. The journal entries give the reader a behind the scenes peek at the characters thoughts and move the story along nicely. This story also raises the question about what would we do if there was no more hunger, death, or disease? What would be the purpose of our lives? “The futuristic post–2042 MidMerican world is both dystopia and utopia, free of fear, unexpected death, and blatant racism—multiracial main characters discuss their diverse ethnic percentages rather than purity—but also lacking creativity, emotion, and purpose.” Kirkus Reviews. The concept of the scythes being used to “glean” people to control the population is a major point running through this book leaving the reader to wonder about the morals they have surrounding killing for a purpose. “Shusterman’s story forces readers to confront difficult ethical questions. Is the gleaning of a few acceptable if it maximizes the happiness of all? Is it possible to live a moral life within such a system? This powerful tale is guaranteed to make readers think deeply.” Publishers Weekly Reviews.

Reviews

Shusterman…writes prose with the sort of spring in its step that says: "Stand back. I know what I'm doing"…Scythe is full of sly plot twists and absorbing set pieces. The novel is the first in a planned series, but one emerging theme has a nice sting to it: Maybe we should give computers the keys to what's left of the kingdom, because human beings can't be trusted. The New York Times Book Review - Jeff Giles

Gr 8 Up—In a world where humanity has conquered death and a fraternity called Scythes are the only ones allowed to kill people in order to curb overpopulation, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch must cope with their newfound and terrible responsibilities as apprentices in killing. A brilliant and gripping sci-fi thriller that acutely explores the consequences of worldwide immortality and asks readers to think critically about the nature of morality. School Library Journal

ALA Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book

ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults – Top Ten

Book Trailer

Other books in this series include: Thunderhead and The Toll.

Bardugo, L. (2015). Six of Crows.{Audiobook}. Audible Studios. 

Plot Summary

In this story six outcasts of Ketterdam come together to try and pull off a dangerous and deadly heist. Kaz Brekker is the leader of a deadly street gang. He is contracted to kidnap a scientist who turns grisha magic into a dangerous weapon of war, he cannot do it alone and sets out to build his team. Kaz gathers a convict, a sharpshooter, a runaway, a spy, and a heartrender. Can they overcome past experiences and grudges in order to execute their plan? A lot of money is at stake and they must work together in order to survive.

Analysis

I chose to listen to the audiobook version of this story. The book is mostly told by five of the main characters Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, and Jesper. There was a different narrator for each of the main characters which was a nice feature. It helped the listener to differentiate between whose perspective you were hearing. This story is a “cracking page-turner with a multiethnic band of misfits with differing sexual orientations who satisfyingly, believably jell into a family.”-Kirkus Reviews. There are themes of loyalty and love woven through this story which makes it an engrossing read. The author pulls you into the world of Ketterdam and has you rooting for the unlikely hero Kaz. Each protagonist has an in depth backstory that explains how they came to be in Ketterdam and with each other. “Taking what could have been stock characters of young adult fiction—the loner, the rebel, the outcast, and the con artist, the author has fashioned fully fleshed out, dynamic protagonists who will engage and enchant readers. What a thrill it is to return to the world she created with her popular “Grisha Trilogy” (Holt).” – School Library Journal Review, STARRED REVIEW. This story ends with a cliffhanger that will have the reader wanting more.

Reviews

“There are heist stories with ingenious plotting, and then there are heist stories like this one that raise the ante with luminous writing, fully credible characters, a richly developed world, and internal dangers as threatening as the enemy the team faces.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED REVIEW

“Wildly imaginative, addictive and fast-paced, this spinoff to Bardugo’s popular Grisha trilogy is sure to leave readers begging, bartering and stealing for more….This is a standout novel of the year!” – RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

#1 New York Times Bestseller

USA Today Bestseller

New York Times Notable Book of 2015

Other books by Leigh Bardugo include: Crooked Kingdom, The Lives of Saints, and Shadow and Bone. 

Module 4 Book Reviews

 

Medina, M. (2016). Burn Baby Burn. Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0-7636-7467-0

Plot Summary

Nora is almost 18 and almost free of her chaotic family. It’s 1977 and New York CIty is a mess. Following a freezing winter comes a boiling heat wave and a serial killer who favors brunettes and couples in cars. Nora is a senior in high school and is just finishing up the school year. She longs to turn 18 and move out on her own to escape her brother who becomes more and more violent by the day. Her mother always makes excuses for him and struggles to keep food on the table and rent paid. When fires start erupting all over the city Nora begins to see an even darker side to her brother. Nora faces her brother, a heatwave, and the threat of a serial killer everyday when all she wants to do is dance with her best friend Kathleen and be free.

Analysis

        This novel gives an accurate depiction of life as a teenager in Brooklyn in 1977. The author captures the moment in history and allows the reader to be transported into that time and place. “Numerous references to New York’s budget crisis, arson wave, and “Son of Sam” newspaper stories deliberately ground the story in a real time and place, while an ample sprinkling of seventies disco and funk song references creates a brighter soundtrack for the dreams and romance of teenage girls, hinting at a hopeful future for Nora.” —The Horn Book (starred review). Medina also includes aspects of Nora’s life that readers can relate to. The unknown after graduating from high school, teenage love, and friendships. She also gives a voice to domestic violence through the character of Hector, Nora’s brother. Hector is not only abusive to Nora but to her mother as well. Her mother often makes excuses for Hector and wants Nora to as well. Nora is surrounded by the feminist movement all around her and struggles to decide what is right for her life. “Her feelings are believably complicated...While Nora’s milieu may be different, contemporary readers will respond to her doubt about the world’s and her own possibilities, and they’ll be glad to see her bravely moving forward nonetheless.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.

Reviews

Historical fiction is sometimes a hard sell for contemporary teens; however, Medina’s novel entices readers by developing realistic characters and a strong plot framed by the turbulence of 1977 in NYC. At its heart, this is a novel about growing up. Nora struggles to find her identity outside of her family and make choices that will impact her future. There is a strong theme of feminism and redefining a woman’s role during that time in history. Nora’s outlook on relationships and life in general is frank but refreshingly honest...this novel is a strong choice for its message, characters, and historical perspective. —VOYA

Rooted firmly in historical events, Medina's latest offers up a uniquely authentic slice-of-life experience set against a hazy, hot, and dangerous NYC backdrop. Rocky and Donna Summer and the thumping beats of disco, as well as other references from the time, capture the era, while break-ins, fires, shootings, and the infamous blackout bring a harrowing sense of danger and intensity . . . An important story of one of New York City's most dangerous times. —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Kirkus Prize Finalist

American Library Association Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Other books by Meg Medina include: The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind and Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass. 

Donnelly, J. (2010). Revolution. Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 978–385-73763-0. 

Plot Summary

        Andi has had a traumatic last few years following the sudden death of her younger brother. Her life is a mess, she is failing out of school and she is having to care for her mother who is struggling with her grief. Andi herself has developed a dangerous drug habit to cope with her brother’s death. Then her estranged father swoops in and takes her to Paris with him on a work trip in order to give Andi’s mother time to recover in a mental hospital. While in Paris Andi discovers a secret diary hidden in an old guitar of her fathers friend, a French scholar. Her father is an award winning scientist who is working on identifying an old heart believed to be the dauphin of France. After finding the diary, Andi starts to read it and discovers many similarities between herself and the owner of the diary Alex, who is telling her story from the 18th century during the time of the French Revolution. Andi becomes more and more invested in the diary and its owner as she reads ghosts seem to be coming right out from the pages into her already chaotic life.

Analysis

        This beautifully written story compares the lives of two girls the same age but in two different centuries. Andi and Alex have similar personalities and want to help the little boys in their lives. In this story the reader goes back and forth between contemporary and historical to see each girl try to make sense of the crumbling world around them. “This beautiful and complicated story effortlessly blends history, romance, music and tragedy into a must-read about two girls who connect across centuries.” -Justine Magazine. This story includes struggling with grief and drug abuse. The author shows Andi trying to use the drugs to push away her grief instead of dealing with it head on. This leads Andi into a downward spiral and the lines between reality and fiction are blurred. The author also includes many musical references with the storyline of Andi’s school research project on a composer from the eighteenth century. “While teens may search in vain for the music of the apparently fictional Malherbeau, many will have their interest piqued by the connections Donnelly makes between classical musicians and modern artists from Led Zeppelin to Radiohead.” -School Library Journal, Starred. This novel has everything that a teen could ask for romance, music, history, and the realistic problems teens today must deal with.

Reviews

  "Before the book is done ... we'll have taken a long strange trip of our own in Andi's company: back and forth between present-tense Andi and past-tense Alexandrine, between contemporary Paris and the filthy, terrorized streets of Robespierre's day, and deep into the clammy, bone-filled catacombs that underlie the city and where, in this ... memorable novel, past and present connect in a frightening, disorienting fashion." -The Wall Street Journal

[STAR] “Andi Alpers, a 17-year-old music lover, is about to be expelled from her elite private school. Despite her brilliance, she has not been able to focus on anything except music since the death of her younger brother, which pushed the difficulties in her family to the breaking point. She resists accompanying her work-obsessed father to Paris, especially after he places her mentally fragile mother in a hospital, but once there works in earnest on her senior thesis about an 18th-century French musician. But when she finds the 200-year-old diary of another teen, Alexandrine Paradis, she is plunged into the chaos of the French Revolution. Soon, Alex’s life and struggles become as real and as painful for Andi as her own troubled life. Printz Honor winner Donnelly combines compelling historical fiction with a frank contemporary story. Andi is brilliantly realized, complete and complex. The novel is rich with detail, and both the Brooklyn and Paris settings provide important grounding for the haunting and beautifully told story.” -Kirkus Reviews, Starred

Winner 2011- Young Adult Book of the Year

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book

ALA-YALSA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults

Other books by Jennifer Donnelly include: The Tea Rose, Stepsister, and A Northern Light. 

Sepetys, R. (2011). Between Shades of Gray. Philomel Books. ISBN: 978-0-399-25412-3

Plot Summary

        This book is about a girl named Lina who one night is taken with her mother and brother from their home in Lithuania by Soviet police. Lina’s father was taken from their family and is sent to a prison camp in Siberia. Lina is a strong girl and fights to keep what is left of her family together while living in a Siberian work camp. Here she meets a boy and forms strong friendships with the people around her. She is a talented artist and starts to document the atrocities that she encounters through her drawings. Through her secret drawings Lina tries to communicate with her father. Lina is in the fight for her and her family's lives.

Analysis

        This novel focuses on WWII and Russia’s invasion of Lithuania. Included in the book are two maps depicting the journey that Lina and her family went on in order to get to the prison camps. Lina’s story gives a voice to the forgotten children of war and shows what it is like to grow up fighting for your life. “Between Shades of Gray is a story of astonishing force. I feel grateful for a writer like Ruta Sepetys who bravely tells the hard story of what happens to the innocent when world leaders and their minions choose hate and oppression. Beautiful and unforgettable.”--Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Newbery Honor–winning author of Hitler Youth. This novel also sheds some light on the atrocities that Stalin inflicted on his people and the countries that he invaded. Many historical facts were weaved into this story to give the reader a small picture of what life was like in the work camps. “Stalin deported and murdered millions, but he could not destroy the seeds of memory, compassion, and art that they left behind. From those seeds, Ruta Septeys has crafted a brilliant story of love and survival that will keep their memory alive for generations to come.”--Laurie Halse Anderson, bestselling author of Speak and Wintergirls. This book is a must read for any student learning about WWII or war and its effects. This book gives the reader empathy for the trials innocent people who are stuck in the middle of a war zone must go through.

Reviews

“In terrifying detail, Ruta Sepetys re-creates World War II coming of age all too timely today. Between Shades of Gray is a document long overdue.”--Richard Peck, Newbery Award–winning author of A Year Down Yonder

“Beautifully written and researched, it captures the devastation of war while celebrating the will to survive.”--Family Circle

“An engrossing and poignant story of the fortitude of the human spirit in a dark time in Lithuanian history.”--Associated Press

New York Times Notable Book

A Carnegie Medal nominee

A William C. Morris Award finalist

Other books by Ruta Sepetys include: I Must Betray You, Out of the Easy, and The Fountains of Silence. 

Module 3 Book Reviews

 

Yoon, N. (2015). Everything, Everything. Delacorte Press.  ISBN: 978-0-553-49665-9

Plot Summary

        Madeline suffers from a rare disease, she is basically allergic to the world around her. Therefore she is forced to live, and stay, in the sterile environment of her home. The only two people that she ever sees are her mother and her nurse Carla. One day new neighbors move in next door and she sets her eyes on a mysterious and cute boy. Madeline strikes up an unlikely relationship with the boy next door, Ollie. This leads her to learn more about herself and what she wants out of her life. The twist at the end will leave readers speechless.

Analysis

        This novel is a wonderful story of young love. The characters are diverse and true-to-life. This author tells the story through vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, emails, and IMs. This adds interest to the story and makes it a quick, can’t put it down, type of read. The reader gets to peek into two complicated family situations. Ollie has a depressed sister, an abused mother, and an alcoholic father. He finds solace in his relationship with Madeline. Madeline also has a complicated family. Her father and brother passed away in a car accident when she was very little and she now lives trapped in a bubble with her overreacting mother. In this story the reader sees Madeline grow up before our very eyes as she uncovers her past. This leads Madeline to make tough choices about how she wants to live her life and who she wants to live it with. "This heartwarming story transcends the ordinary by exploring the hopes, dreams, and inherent risks of love in all of its forms." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review. The story has several twists and turns with a great ending. This is a great read for anyone who loves a good romance. This book was also made into a movie for readers to enjoy.

Reviews

"This extraordinary first novel about love so strong it might kill us is too good to feel like a debut. Tender, creative, beautifully written, and with a great twist, Everything, Everything is one of the best books I've read this year." --Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Leaving Time

“Readers will root for the precocious Maddy as she falls hard for the boy next door . . .  teens in search of a swoonworthy read will devour.”--Booklist

New York Times Bestseller

Movie Trailer 

Other books by Nicola Yoon include: The Sun is Also a Star, Instructions for Dancing, and Blackout: A Novel. 

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. Penguin Books. ISBN: 0-525-47506-0

Plot Summary

        Miles Halter decides to leave his boring life and attend his fathers alma mater, a boarding school in Alabama. Miles wants to explore his life and the “Great Perhaps”. Upon his arrival he meets his new roommate Chip Martin, the colonel, who brings him into a group of friends including the mysterious and beautiful Alaska. This group of friends quickly bond over pranks and Miles develops a deep crush for Alaska. After pulling off the best prank ever a tragedy occurs and leaves many questions behind. This leaves Miles, Pudge as he is called, and his friends asking questions and finding answers in unexpected places.

Analysis

        This story includes typical teenage life and the heartache of loss. There are also lessons to be learned such as living life to the fullest. This is explored through Miles’s character as he is looking for the “Great Perhaps”. This book is a quick read that sucks you in and keeps you entertained throughout. I also liked how the book was divided into the “before” and “after” which builds suspense for the reader. The author leaves nothing out about the life of Miles, told honestly about the thoughts and activities of a teenage boy. “What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green’s mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge’s voice.” —Kirkus. This story will make you laugh and cry as well as question the mysteries of life. A great read that you cannot put down.

Reviews

“Funny, sad, inspiring, and always compelling.” —Bookpage

“Stunning conclusion . . . one worthy of a book this good.” —Philadelphia Inquirer

“Green…has a writer’s voice, so self-assured and honest that one is startled to learn that this novel is his first. The anticipated favorable comparisons to Holden Caufield are richly deserved in this highly recommended addition to young adult literature.”

— VOYA

Winner, 2006 Michael L. Printz Award Finalist\

2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize

2006 Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults

Other books by John Green include: The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down, and Paper Towns. 

Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. Harper Collins. ISBN: 978-0-06-249853-3

Plot Summary

        Starr Carter lives in two different worlds: the poor black neighborhood that she lives in and the rich suburban school she goes to. Starr often feels like she needs to be two different people depending on where she is and who she is with. One terrible night Starr witnesses her childhood best friend Khalil get shot by a white police officer even though he was unarmed. The shooting becomes a major news headline and forces Starr to decide who she is and what or who she stands up for.

Analysis

        This story is beautifully written and heartbreakingly honest. This book allows you to see into the life of Starr and her typical teenage problems (boyfriend, mean-girl best friend, fitting in, etc.) but she also has the added complication of race and how that affects her daily life. Starr feels as though she has to act a certain way depending on where she is. This is a constant struggle for her but ultimately leads her to discover her true self. The title of the book is in reference to Tupac Shakur’s THUG LIFE philosophy which stands for The Hate U Give Little Infants F***** Everybody. Khalil explains its meaning to Starr on the night of his shooting telling her that it means when you treat kids poorly when they are young it comes back to get you when they are older. This book hits on topics of race and how society treats young boys of color and the Black Lives Matter movement with honesty and truth. “The Hate U Give is an important and timely novel that reflects the world today’s teens inhabit. Starr’s struggles create a complex character, and Thomas boldly tackles topics like racism, gangs, police violence, and interracial dating. This topical, necessary story is highly recommended for all libraries.” -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review). I found this book to be powerful and eye opening. This book speaks to students who know Starr’s life like their own and gives perspective to students who don’t. This book is a must read.

Reviews

“As we continue to fight the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, THE HATE U GIVE serves as a much needed literary ramrod. Absolutely riveting!” -- Jason Reynolds, bestselling coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS

“With smooth but powerful prose delivered in Starr’s natural, emphatic voice, finely nuanced characters, and intricate and realistic relationship dynamics, this novel will have readers rooting for Starr and opening their hearts to her friends and family. This story is necessary. This story is important.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Coretta Scott King Honor

Michael L. Printz Honor

This book has also been made into a movie.  Movie Trailer 

Other books by Angie Thomas include: Blackout, Concrete Rose, and Find Your Voice.