Scowler by Daniel Kraus

Summary

     Scowler tells the story of nineteen-year-old Ry who has to find a way to survive from the horror that is his father.  The story takes place on a hot August day in 1981 rural Iowa.  There Is a strong possibility that meteorites might fall to the earth this night.  The books start off with Ry and his sister looking for one of her teeth that had fallen off; but they could not find it after they searched their dead family farm.

       The farm was not always considered to be dead.   When Ry’s father, Marvin was there on the farm; he made sure that the farm was strong and full of life.  He took meticulous control of his land and his family; with the eyes and hands of a man that strived to be in complete control.  One of Marvin’s main interest to control was that of his wife; making sure that everyone around them new that Marvin was a good farmer and is fully capable to provide for his wife and children.   Besides trying to be a good provider; he was also an abusive husband and father. 

The story is told in two alternative time lines one in 1981 and another going back to 1971 and 1972.       The latter being the time that Marvin was sent to jail.   Well in 1981; we learn that Marvin was able to get out of fail and is now back on the farm.  T becomes apparently clear that Marvin will continue to hurt, haunt and manipulate his family to be able to get what he wants. 

      Ry must then get angry and let his inner demons out; one that is dark, disturbing and brutal.  There is a lot blood and plenty of it But in the end; we are able to  see what a son does to help his mother out. 

Commentary on Strengths

Scowler is a young adult horror fiction book written by Daniel Kraus. It was listed on the 2014 Texas Tayshas Reading list.  The main protagonist is Ry Burke who must deal with the main antagonist who happens to be his father.  Scowler is dark, disturbing and brutal.  There is plenty of blood that is shed in this book and more than anything people would put this book down several times to come to terms as to what had just occurred.  This book is not recommended for the faint of heart; and you must be warned that there is categorized as a horror book. 

Readers also enjoyed Black Helicopters by Blythe Woolston; The Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman; Engines of the Broken World by Jason Vanhee; Sex and Violence by Carrie Mesrobian; and Long Lankin by Linsey Barraclough

Additional books written by the author are Rotters; The Monster Variations; and Trollhunters

Teachers can find ideas for using this book in their lesson plans at https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?a=1&aid=11675&a2=1#BooksByAuthor 

Kraus, D. (2014). Scowler. Random House USA.

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It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley

Summary

     It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health is a book that is meant to teach children 10 years and older about sexual health, emotional health and relationships.  The information is told through cartoon pictures that are anatomically correct.  It showcases different health questions and topics such as pregnancy, STD’s, contraception  and sexual orientation.  The cartoon pictures are in full color and at times depicts fully naked people from both sexes and different age groups.  It does an excellent job to describe the different aspects of sex so that a child can understand.  It provides accurate and up to date information to nearly every imaginable question that a tween or teen can come up with.     

Commentary on Strengths

It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health is a nonfiction reference book written by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley.  The book tackles the themes of parenting, health, science, and sexuality.  It has been on the top list of banned books for the past two decades.  The book was written to help educate young students about sexual health, emotional health and relationships; and is part of a series of three books aimed at teaching children about sexual health throughout their lives.  The book can be considered a reference book as well as a graphic novel or picture book.  

Readers also enjoyed Sunrise over Disney  by N. Smith; Being Homelessness:Notes from an Underground Artist by John H. Siblery; Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhortes; Rediscovery of North America by Barry Lopez; and King and King by Linda de Haan

Additional books written by the author are  Maybe a Bear Ate It!; Mail Harry to the Moon!; Who has That?: All about Girls' Bodies and Boys' Bodies; The Day Leo Said I Hate You!; and When Lions Roar. 

Teachers can find ideas of incorporation this book in their lesson plans at http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763626104.mis.1.pdf

Harris, R. H., & Emberley, M. (2014). Its perfectly normal: changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

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Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Summary

     Speak tells the story of how incoming freshmen Melinda Sordino meets Andy Evans at a summer senior party.  Andy rapes Melinda; who initially calls 9-1-1; but ends up running home because she does not know what to say.  The police end up arriving at the party and break up the party while also arresting some in attendance. Melinda could not bring herself to tell anyone what had happened; and also no one asked her as well.  As the school year starts at Merryweather High School; Melinda is seen as an outcast because of her calling the police at the party.  Because of her being shunned; Melinda goes silent and goes into a depression.  She is able to make a friend with Heather; who is a new girl at the school; but ends up being ditched for the popular group.  Melinda’s depression only gets worse, and she ends up skipping school and withdrawing from her parents and other adults.  Slowly, she does become friends with her lab partner who encourages Melinda to speak up for herself.  Towards the end of the school year, Melinda is able to tell her ex-best friend who was going to prom with Andy.  Andy seeks retaliation on Melinda by attacking her; but Melinda is able to break free and get help.  Melinda’s status as an outcast changes and she is able to tell what happened and in essence sets herself free.  

Commentary on Strengths

     Speak is a young adult book by Laurie Halse Anderson.  It is a contemporary realistic fiction novel that deals with the topic of rape and the aftermath when someone decides to keep the details to themselves.  This book is great for young girls to see what can occur if they keep a secret such as rape to themselves.  What can occur to them emotionally if they do not seek help and guidance.  This book is characterized as a problem novel, as it deals with a weak character who gains the strength to overcome her past with adult guidance.  The themes of the story are that of identity and finding one’s voice.  This book has been acknowledged with many awards such as the 2000 Michael Printz Honor Book; being part of the Texas Tayshas Reading List; and the 2000 Golden Kite Award Winner to name a few.  

Readers also enjoyed Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman; A Step from Heaven by An Na; True Believer by Virginia Euwer Wolff; The First Part Last by Angela Johnson; and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

Additional books by the author are Wintergirls; Fever 1973; Chains; Twisted; and Catalyst

Teachers can find ideas for using this book in their lesson plans at https://www.varsitytutors.com/englishteacher/speak-lesson-plans

Anderson, L. H. (2011). Speak. New York: Square Fish.

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Monster by Walter Dean Myers 

Book Summary

     Monster tells the story of sixteen year old Steve Harmon; who is about to go on trial for felony murder.  The story is told through Steve’s point of view.  We are able to see the different struggles that Steve s facing in regards to the trial.  If he is found guilty; he could either face twenty years in prison or even the death penalty.  The story is told in two different ways; as a journal that Steve keeps in his notebook and then as if it were a screenplay for potential movie that Steve would want to make happen.

     The story begins with the opening remarks from the state prosecutor, and the defense attorneys.  The fact is that only two of the four accused of the murder are on trial as two others have entered in to a plea bargain.  Throughout the trial, Steve’s mind wanders into flashbacks as to what had occurred prior to the murder and afterwards as well.    

Commentary on Strengths

     Monster is a young adult realistic fiction novel written by Walter Dean Myers.  The book is written in a first person point of view.  Monster deals with issues and themes of race, peer pressure, crime and the relationships between a father and his son.  It also deals with the relationship of African Americans with the law and how they are represented. The book was the 2000 Michael L. Printz Award winner as well as the 2000 Coretta Scott King Award Honor book.  

Readers also enjoyed Tyrell by Coe Booth; A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson; Mexican White Boy by Matt De La Pena; Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers; and Kaesha's House by Helen Frost

Additional books written by the author are Fallen Angel; Slam!; Sunrise Over Fallujah; Shooter; and Hoops. 

Teachers can find ideas for using this book in their lesson plans at https://www.varsitytutors.com/englishteacher/monster-lesson-plans

Myers, W. D., & Myers, C. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: HarperCollins .

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Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Summary: 

     Six of Crows  tells the story of infamouse thief and gang leader Kaz Brekker is promised a huge amount of money for breaking Bo Yul-Bayur out of what seems to be an impenetrable prison; which is in the center of the castle comples in Fjerda.  He is offered the money to break out the scientist; who was captured because he developed a powerful new drug to enhance the magical abilities of a Grisha; but is also very addictive after just one dose.  He is offered over 30 million kruge by Mr. Jan van Eck.

     The prison, also called the Ice Court, is highly protected; which Kax knows that he cannot break in by himself.  However, the Ice Court is the most highly protected place in Fjerda, and Kaz can't infiltrate it by himself; he needs a crew. He recruits Inej Ghafa, a Suli acrobat turned Dregs spy; Jesper Fahey, a sharpshooter with a penchant for gambling; Nina Zenik, a Heartrender from the Ravkan Second Army; Matthias Helvar, a former Fjerdan Drüskelle thrown into Kerch jail; and Wylan van Eck, a merchant's son with some skill at demolition. The task isn't so easy however, so in order to win they'll need to work together and trust in each other.  

Commentary on Strengths:

     Six of Crows is the first book of a duology written by Leigh Bardugo.  The book is young adult fantasy fiction novel.  The story has themes of GLBT issues, adventure and romance.  The story takes place in the city of Ketterdam that highly resembles modern day Amsterdam.  It is set in a fantasy filled world that is based on a magical system.  The plot is told by the viewpoints of six different characters but the first and last chapter are expressed through the third person point of view of two minor characters.  The book was a New York Times best seller; and is listed on the New York Times notable children’s books list of 2015 as well as the New York Times Notable Young Adult Books list of 2015.  

Readers also enjoyed The Winners Crime by Marie Ruthoski; Crossed by Eliza Crewe; Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta;  A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas; and The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas.

Additional books written by the author are Crooked Kingdon; Tuin and Rising; The Grisha Trilogy; Shadow and Bone; and  Seige and Storm.

Teachers can find ideas of incorporating this book in their lesson plans at http://www.gradesaver.com/six-of-crows/study-guide/themes and https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=45816

Bardugo, L. (2015). Six of crows. (Dregs, #1.). New York: Henry Holt and Company.

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Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

Summary 

     Grasshopper Jungle tells the story of Austin Szerba and how he is dealing with his sexual orientation.  He has thoughts and feelings for his best friend Robbie Brees and his girlfriend Shann Collins.  The book is narrated by Austin during an economic recession in his hometown of Ealing, Iowa.  While skateboarding in an alley near the Ealing Mall; Austin and Robbie are attached by a gang and have their skateboards stolen and their shoes thrown on the roof of a nearby store before they are beaten up.  While retrieving their shoes; they also encounter some mysterious objects which lead them to sneak inside the store.  While inside the store, the boys encounter other unique; one of which is a vial that contained a Plague Strain which is stolen by one of the bullies that had just beat up the boys.  The vial is shattered and its contents begin to infect and take control of its victims. 

     While at a bar; Robbie and Austin watch in horror as one of the vials first victims begins to shed his human skin, and turns into a giant praying mantis.  The two along with Shann discover a bunker that revealed several secrets that the town had been hiding.  The rest of the story focuses on their struggle to fight off the plague and try to bring things back to normal.  Unfortunately, the three teenagers were unsuccessful and the world has been taken over by the praying mantises.  

Commentary on Strength

     Grasshopper Jungle is an award winning young adult novel by Andrew Smith.  The story is a Science Fiction novel that deals with an apocalyptic world but also deals with themes of GLBT and abandonment.  It is apocalyptic dealing with the transformation of the world from being led and run by the human species to that of being run by the praying mantis.  Though the story is kind of creepy it also has some humor, seen when typical teenage drama is intertwined within the plot.  It is the winner of the 2014 Boston-Globe Horn Book Award for Fiction along with being named as a 2015 Michael L. Printz Honor Book. 

Readers also enjoyed Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner; Noggin by John Corey Whaley; Five, Six, Seven, Nate! by Tim Faderle; When I was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds; and  The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos

Additional books written by the author are Stand-Off; The Alex Crow; 100 Sideways Miles; Winger; and Passenger

Teachers can find resources for teaching this book at https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=37723 

Smith, A. (2015). Grasshopper jungle. London: Electric Monkey.

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Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden

Summary:

     Annie on My Mind tells the story of how Liza Winthrop first meets Annie Kenyon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The two become best friends even though they come from different backgrounds.  Liza is the student body president at Foster Academy where she is working hard to maintain her grades to be able to be admitted into MIT.  She lives with her parents and younger brother in the upscale neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights.  Annie goes to public school where she is hoping to be admitted to the University of California at Berkley; where she would want to be able to develop her singing talent.  She lives with her parents and grandmother in the lower income side of Manhattan.  Even though these two young girls have different backgrounds; their friendship develops quickly which then turns into love. 

     The two become close during Thanksgiving break and Liza’s three day suspension from school.  During spring break; the girls house sit for two of Liza’s teachers. Their relationship is found out by one of Liza’s administrator which leads to Liza coming out to her family and face the possibility of expulsion.  Though they end up splitting apart at their end of their high school years; they are able to get back together while at college. 

Commentary on the Strengths

     Annie on My Mind is a Young Adult novel written by Nancy Garden.  This fiction romance book deals with GLBT issues.  This book was first published in 1982, a time in U.S. history that frowned upon homosexual relations.    Annie on My Mind has been praised by being named as one of the Best of the Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association as well as the 2003 Margaret A. Edwards Award Winner.  But also has been one of the most controversial books of it’s time; landing it on the  most frequent challenged books list.  This book has helped many young GLBTQ find someone like them and lets them that it is o.k. for who they are; and that it does get better. 

Readers also liked: Dare, Truth, or Promise by Paula Boock; Am I Blue Coming Out of Silence by Marion Dana Butler; Empress of the World by Sara Ryan; grl2grl by Julie Anne Peters; and Hello, Groin by Beth Goobie

Additional books written by the author are Good Moon Rising; Molly's Family; Endgame; They Year They Banned Books; and Nora & Liz

Ideas for incorporation this book in your lesson plans can be found at https://youngadultliterature.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/annie-on-my-mind-book-blog/ and
https://thesecretbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/annie-on-my-mind-by-nancy-garden/

Garden, N. (2013). Annie on my mind. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.

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