Module 2 Black/African American literature

 

Nelson, K. (2013). Nelson Mandela. Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN:978-0061783746.

Plot Summary

Nelson Mandela grew up in South Africa and was the smartest child out of his thirteen brothers and sisters. When Nelson’s father died he was sent away to live with a powerful chief so that he could continue his schooling. Nelson was then surrounded by powerful men and learned about the history and politics of South Africa. This inspired Nelson to view the world around him more clearly and to fight for the injustices that he saw. Nelson became a lawyer and continued his fight to right the wrongs around him. Eventually Nelson became wanted by the government and later was sent to prison. When Nelson was finally freed he became the first black president of South Africa.

Anaylasis

This beautifully written biography of Nelson Mandela is written in free verse. The story uses African language such as the rallying cry of “Amandia!” and “Ngawethu!” which is the South African version of “power to the people”. Also referenced are the various tribes that live in the region such as Thembu, Pondo, Xhosa, and Zulu. This story gives young readers a peek at Nelson’s life, what apartheid is, and how it affected the people of South Africa. Nelson fought for change and is an inspirational person for young readers to learn about. The illustrations are breathtaking and add life to the biography. The cover is a full page portrait of Nelson and is undisturbed by the title and author which was moved to the back cover. The title page uses the colors of the South African flag to add to the culture of the story. Also included in the back of the book is an Author’s note with more facts about Nelson’s life. This inspirational story is a perfect addition to any library.

Reviews

“A beautifully designed book that will resonate with children and the adults who wisely share it with them.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“An extremely powerful picture-book biography of South Africa’s first black president. It’s a solid biography in its own right, but thanks to Nelson’s characteristically stunning paintings, it soars.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A dramatic encounter indeed.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This picture-book biography matches Mandela’s outsize achievements with large, powerful images, resulting in a presentation that will seize and hold readers’ attention.” — School Library Journal

Connections

Coretta Scott King Honor Award 

Other books by Kadir Nelson include: If You Plant a Seed, Baby Bear, and Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. 

Pinkney, A.D. (2010). Sit-In How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. Little, Brown

 and Company. ISBN: 9780316070164. 

Plot Summary

This story tells of four courageous boys who use peace to stand up for their rights. David, Joseph, Franklin, and Ezell sit politely at the Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro, North Carolina and wait to be served. Segregation laws make it impossible for them to eat at the counter and they are refused service. The young men use the words of Dr. King to give them the strength to stand up for what is right. Eventually others join their cause both black and white, fighting for equal rights. This act helped to fuel the Civil Rights movement which led to the end of segregation.

Analysis

This picture book is written in free verse and tells the story of the historic sit-in protest to integrate the Woolworth’s lunch counter. Beautifully written with Dr. King quotes sprinkled throughout. The author also uses bolded text to highlight important quotes and phrases throughout the story. A recipe metaphor is used to describe the protestors recipe for integration. The stunning illustrations are done in watercolor with black line drawings completing the scenes. The theme of the story is about standing up and doing what is right, peacefully. The students never used violence even though violence was used on them. The characters in the story are African American and their culture is represented through the story of fighting for their right to be treated equally. Also included in the back of the book is a Civil Rights timeline which gives facts about the Civil Rights movement. There is also “A Final Helping” section which goes along with the recipe metaphor and discusses other Civil Rights activists and more about the author's thoughts on the movement and writing this story.

Reviews

School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 3–6—Through effectively chosen words, Andrea Pinkney brings understanding and meaning to what four black college students accomplished on February 1, 1960, by sitting down at a Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. Her repeated phrase, "Their order was simple. A doughnut and coffee with cream on the side," along with other food metaphors, effectively emphasizes the men's determination to undo the injustices of segregation in a peaceful protest, which eventually led up to the 1966 Supreme Court ruling against racial discrimination. With swirling swabs of color that masterfully intertwine with sometimes thin, sometimes thick lines, Brian Pinkney cleverly centers the action and brings immediacy to the pages. Both the words and the art offer many opportunities for discussion. The book concludes with a civil rights time line and an update on the aftermath of the lunch-counter struggle.—Barbara Elleman

Connections

Other books by Andrea Davis Pinkney include: The Red Pencil, Bright, Brown Baby, and Bird in a Box. 

Thomas, Angie. (2021). Concrete Rose. Balzer and Bray. ISBN: 978-0062846716

Plot Summary

Maverick Carter is trying his best to be a real man and take care of his family while his father is away in prison. Maverick runs with the same gang his father ran with called the King Lords which only makes his life more complicated. Especially because he just found out that he is a father and he has not only his mother depending on him but his son Seven as well. Maverick has to decide between going straight or selling drugs to provide for his family. Also, there is finishing high school and his relationship with Lisa, his girlfriend, which has its own problems that he must deal with. Then the unthinkable happens, a tragedy that hits too close to home. Maverick teeters between right and wrong and really learns what it means to be a father and take care of your family.

Analysis

This story is the prequel to The Hate U Give and is the coming of age story of Maverick. The characters in this story are black and the readers get a glimpse into the black culture. This is noted with the language/dialect that is used and also references to family culture and the daily life of a person who is black. There are also references to music such as Tupac as well as references to hairstyles and the complexity to care for black hair. The author also notes how black people are treated by the police, Maverick talks about how his parents taught him what to do when pulled over and how to not stay out too late when not in their neighborhood. The character of Maverick is complex and real, helping his mother with the bills, taking care of one child and another on the way. He takes you through the daily struggle of trying to make the right choices but the odds are always stacked against you. Readers will empathize with Maverick’s struggle and his story will open the door to conversations about race and compassion for others. This novel is a powerful story and a much needed addition to every library.

Reviews

“Thomas brings her trademark wit, nostalgic love of the 1990s and all things R&B and hip-hop, and her penchant for heartfelt characterization to this first-person exploration of Maverick Carter’s coming-of-age.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“This is the perfect example of a narrative that straddles the beauty and pain of belonging and having the courage to make your own choices…. Thomas writes with a depth of humor and clarity that really allows readers to bond with the characters.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Authentic to the point of heartbreak, Maverick’s voice is earnest as he wrestles with his decisions. Fans of Thomas’s work will not be disappointed in this intense portrayal of this phase in the Carter family’s story." — Horn Book (starred review)

Connections

Other books by Angie Thomas include: The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Black Out. 

Grimes, N. (1999). My Man Blue. Dial. ISBN: 978-0803723269. 

Lagarrigue, Jerome. 1999. My Man Blue by Nikki Grimes. Dial. ISBN: 978-0803723269.

Plot Summary

This beautifully written collection of poems tells about a boy and a man named Blue. Blue is his mother’s old friend but Damon isn’t sure about Blue. Blue wears sunglasses day and night and looks like a heavyweight boxing machine. Over time Blue becomes a steady influence in Damon’s life. Blue lost his son to the streets and wants to ensure that he doesn’t lose Damon too. Blue spends time with Damon and teaches him how to be a strong person and to do what is right. Damon knows that he always has Blue in his corner.

Analysis

The story of Damon and Blue is told in 14 individual poems. The characters in this book are black and portray the black inner city culture. This is shown in the references to the gold teeth, style of dress, and the illustrations of the inner city. The author also tells how Blue lost his son to “the streets” and how he wants to protect Damon since he was too late for his son. Damon also talks about a shooting at his school and the daily fear that he lives with. The overall story in these poems is the bond that Damon and Blue develop and how Blue keeps him safe and teaches him to be his own person. The vibrant illustrations are done in acrylic paintings. They are softly blurred and depict the grittiness of city living. This book is a perfect addition to any library.

Reviews

This against-the-odds book from Grimes (Jazmin's Notebook, 1998, etc.) tells of an African-American boy living in a neighborhood that cuts him no slack, and the man who helps keep his feet grounded and his self-esteem steady against the occasional buffeting of his peers. Damon and his mother have just moved to a new apartment when an old friend of the mother's introduces himself: Blue, a rather steely character wrapped in shades and enigma. Damon (who has just lost his father) is wary of Blue; he gives the man a chance only when it becomes evident that Blue is not about to move in on Damon's home turf. Blue (who ``had'' a son, now lost to the streets or worse) offers advice of haiku-like simplicity, teaching Damon to be his own man: anger is a dangerous waste, fear useless unless subverted, men don't hit women. Grimes gets across more subtle life lessons as well in both rhymed and unrhymed verse, on the dignity of work, and the sheer physical pleasure of sport when competition isn't the sole motivating factor. It is a story of a boy who is old for his age, but not callousand perhaps saved from callousness by Blue. Lagarrigue's illustrations are brooding gardens of color that hold the forces of disorder and menace at bay, while Damon's cool earnestnessas well as his courage and independencebrighten each page. Kirkus Reviews

A great picture book for older readers. -- Booklist, starred review

Heartfelt poems and deeply-hued paintings -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

Connections

Other books by Nikki Grimes include: Words with Wings, Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems, and Ordinary Hazards.

Module 1 Multicultural/International Literature

 

Peretti, P. (2018). The Distance between Me and the Cherry Tree. Atheneum Books

for Young Readers.  ISBN: 9781534439627 

Plot Summary

Mafalda is an average girl who likes to play soccer, count the stars, and climb her favorite cherry tree. However there is one thing about her that is not average, she is slowly going blind. As she descends into the darkness she starts to notice people treating her differently and she doesn’t like it. In order to avoid the changes she decides to go live in the cherry tree by the school she attends. Through this journey of going “into the dark” Malfalda starts to see the light and learns more about life than she expected.

Analysis

This story takes place in Italy and references an Italian book The Baron in the Trees. The main character Mafalda is slowly going blind and in order to cope with this as well as the loss of her grandmother she talks to Cosimo, a character in The Baron in the Trees nightly almost as a prayer. From this story that was beloved by her father she gets the idea to run away and live in the cherry tree. Throughout the story there are references to Italian culture, such as names and activities. Mafalda also makes friends with Estella the school janitor who is a Romanian immigrant and her cousin's girlfriend is Indian which adds to the diversity of the book.

Another aspect of this book is the fact that Mafalda has Stargardt disease which is also what the author of this book has. It gives readers a perspective of what it might be like to slowly go blind. Mafalda shows readers that she is scared of what is happening to her but the people surrounding her support her and often tell her to never give up. This story is heartbreaking but necessary to develop empathy for the visually impared community.

Reviews

 "A quiet, philosophical story for thoughtful readers." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Peretti provides a tunnel of light for readers to reach for." -- Booklist

"A great opportunity to teach empathy and understanding." ― School Library Connection

Connections

Recipient of a Batchelder Honor

Video Clip of the Author discussing this book and her inspiration.  

Ferrada, M. J. (2018). Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War. Eerdmans

Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-8028-5545-9

Penyas, Ana. 2018. Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War by Maria Jose Ferrada. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-8028-5545.

Plot Summary

In 1937 the ship the Mexique sailed from France to Mexico carrying hundreds of children trying to escape the Spanish civil war. The children were sent alone with no parents into the waiting arms of Mexicans who were sympathetic to their cause. This story shares the journey through a child's eyes. The children were told that the trip would just be like an extra long summer vacation that later turned into forever for many of the children.

Analysis

This story takes a closer look at the experience of refugee children. It depicts the journey that Spanish children took to escape the civil war in their country. It shows the older children having to care for the younger ones and the kids playing games that show the toll the war has taken on them. Children crying out in their sleep and the very long journey to a safe place that they will never return from tug at the reader's heart strings. The illustrator uses dark muted grays with an occasional splash of red to depict the somber tone of the story. The illustrations seem to be done in pencil with basic images. Also included in the back of the book is an afterword that gives the reader more information about the journey that these children had to embark on as well as the unfortunate fact that most of the children never returned to their homeland of Spain. This story gives the reader empathy for refugees and the struggle that this group of people experienced.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Specific yet universal in its narration, this makes the refugee experience accessible to young readers.”

Booklist

“In commemoration of a lesser-known predecessor to WWII’s Kindertransport, this atmospheric import recalls a 1937 voyage in which the titular ship carried 456 children of Spanish Republicans to safety in Mexico for, supposedly, a brief stay. Ferrada, a Chilean writer, takes the voice (if not the language) of a younger child for her terse, poetic narrative: ‘War is a huge hand that shakes you / and throws you onto a ship.’ Working from period photos for her illustrations, Penyas uses a dark, somber palette to portray downcast children trooping aboard a ship made small on a broad ocean, being welcomed in Veracruz, and then taking a train for Morelia, a city in Michoacán where, due to the outcome of the Spanish Civil War, most were to remain until at least 1948.”

Publishers Weekly

“A sobering contribution to the history of Spanish-speaking people in North America, and a memorial to a little-known group of refugees.”

The Horn Book Magazine

“Although the specifics of the story are clearly historical, there is a universality to them that connects these pages ot the tale of every child sent away from home for safety during times of war.”

Connections

Other books by Maria Jose Ferrada include: How to Order the Universe and Ninos: Poems for the Lost Children of Chile. 

Krone, Bridget. (2020). Small Mercies. Catalyst Press. ISBN: 978-1-946395-16-0.

Plot Summary

Mercy is an orphan who is living with her two eccentric foster aunts. Her aunts are poor and one is struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Mercy is a quiet and shy child who does not have many friends in school. One day a developer knocks on their door and tries to buy their house. Mercy feels as though her world is falling apart when the social worker shows up out of nowhere, her home is being sold, and her aunt is having to move into an old folks home. What will happen to Mercy? Through this difficult time Mercy learns who she can count on and what it means to tell the truth and ask for help.

Analysis

This story takes place in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. At the beginning of the book the author includes a note about the term “coloured” and how it is used in South Africa versus how it is used in the United States. In this story Mercy is a mixed race child and her aunts are white. Her class and neighbors are all diverse which is common in the community of where she lives in South Africa. The author also brings in a character, Mr. Singh, who is Indian. Mr. Singh introduces Mercy to the practices and principles of Gandhi. After learning about Gandhi this gives Mercy the courage to tell the truth and speak up for herself. This story is full of vocabulary specific to South Africa including foods, slang, and cultural references. There are also references to the history of South Africa and the apartheid. Another topic that is portrayed in this book is the bullying that happens in school. Mercy is subjected to bullying by a student in her class and it takes all of the students together to stand up and protect themselves. Also included in the back of the book is a section that gives facts about Gandhi’s time in South Africa as well as interesting facts about bees. Both of these subjects are important parts of this story. A quick read with short simple chapters that will appeal to many readers.

Reviews

 "Mercy is a winning protagonist who is by turns anxious, observant, and brave. South Africa is represented in its diversity: Mercy is mixed race, her aunts are white, and neighbors, classmates, and community members are from a range of racial and cultural backgrounds. Short, episodic chapters in the book's first half build to an emotionally compelling conclusion that is rich in insights about community, family, and social action. VERDICT This novel has a gentle, timeless feel, complex secondary characters, and quirky humor. A heartfelt, human, and wise addition to middle grade shelves.―Elizabeth Giles, Lubuto Library Partners, Zambia (School Library Journal)

"You will not leave the pages of this book without feeling somehow smarter and wiser and kinder. Why? Because Mercy's story is one that makes space for our hearts to grow. Beautifully written, here's an offering of love on the page." ― Kathi Appelt, New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Award and National Book Honor winner

“Set in post-apartheid Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, this realistic story traces protagonist Mercy’s quest to speak up for truth and, consequently, for herself. […] Sensitive, funny, and tender.” — Kirkus, starred review

Connections

Named a Best Middle-Grade Book of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews

2021 Outstanding International Books List

Other books by Bridget Krone include: The Cedarville Shop and the Wheelbarrow Swap, I Can Dress Myself, and Great African Sports. 

Fox, M. (1988). Koala Lou. Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0152005023.

Lofts, Pamela. 1988. Koala Lou by Mem Fox. Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0152005023.

Plot Summary

Koala Lou is feeling left out when her mother is paying more attention to her younger brothers and sisters.  She misses her mother always telling her “Koala Lou, I DO love you”. One day she decides to enter the bush olympics to show her mother how special she is.  Koala Lou gets an unexpected result from the race but learns how much her mother truly loves her no matter what.

Analysis

This heartwarming story tells of a mother’s love for her child. The illustrator uses colored pencil drawings to show the beauty and vibrancy of the bush in Australia. Many species of animals native to Australia are depicted in the precise and well drawn illustrations. Other than the setting and the characters being native to Australia, the culture is not necessarily depicted in this story. However, the theme of love and family bonds is universal and makes for a welcome addition to any library.

Reviews

“As a baby, cuddly Koala Lou is everyone's favorite, especially her mother's; but as more little koalas join the family, her mother forgets to say, ""Koala Lou, I DO love you!"" So--hoping for attention--Koala Lou trains mightily for the Bush Olympics, only to come in second. Surprisingly, this disappointment makes her wish come true; her mother is there to comfort her with the treasured words and a big hug. This satisfying reworking of a familiar and ever-important theme is appealingly illustrated--bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals. Another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors.” Kirkus Reviews

Connections

Other books by Mem Fox include: Cat Dog, The Tiny Star, and Tell Me About Your Day Today. 

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.