TEXTBOOK REFLECTION

Historical Fiction

           Mainly, this is fiction that takes place in the past.  Be careful because what you might think of as contemporary might be considered as historical by the students.  Example:  I lived through the September 11 attacks; but we already have students that were not born during that time; and to them that is history.  Reading historical fiction allows readers the opportunity to experience what it might have been like to live in a previous time and place.

Points to consider when evaluating Historical Fiction: 

• ·       Does the book do a good job of blending history into the story?
• ·       Is the Historical Information presented correct?  Check reviews and other sources to make sure that the information presented is accurate.
• ·       How are the values of time brought to life?  How were things different in the time period of the story?  What did they value compared to today?
• ·       Is everything consistent regarding clothing, music, speech patterns, slang that would reflect the time period in question?
• ·       Does the theme relate to current issues at hand?

TEXTBOOK REFLECTION

Realistic Fiction

Also known as contemporary realistic fiction or modern realistic fiction.  The stories are set in contemporary or modern times.  They are set in a time that is consistent with the modern world.  Characters, settings, and events are real.  These are different from historical fiction and fantasy and science fiction.  Be careful when categorizing realistic fiction with historical fiction; because what might be contemporary to someone might be historical to someone else. 

Points to consider when evaluating  Realistic Fiction: 

• ·       Is the story consistent with real world?  Do they speak, and behave the way modern kids do? Every aspect must be believable in that it is taking place in the modern world.  Be careful and avoid stereotypes.
• ·      Does the theme emerge naturally from the story?  Is it being preachy?  Most Realistic Fiction will have more than one theme which should emerge slowly and not be right in your face.
• ·       How does the topic or subject matter of the book relate to modern readers? Most realistic fiction will deal with sensitive and tough materials.  Subjects that once were considered to be taboo are now becoming the subjects of books for younger readers.  

TEXTBOOK REFLECTION

Awards

Printz - The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association.  The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association. Announced in June at the Annual ALA conference. Can be non-fiction, fiction, and or poetry.  Up to four titles may be selected.  And the book must have been published from January 1^st to December 31^st of the year preceding the announcement of the award. Information regarding this award can be found on the YALSA website.

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction - YALSA's Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a Nov. 1 – Oct. 31 publishing year. The winner is announced annually at the ALA Youth Media Awards, with a shortlist of up to five titles named the first week of December.  Must have been published from November 1^st to October 31^st of the preceding year. Information regarding this award can be found on the YALSA website.

Great Graphic Novels for Teens -Great Graphic Novels for Teens is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18, prepared yearly by YALSA. The list presents graphic novels published in the past 16 months that are recommended reading for teens aged twelve to eighteen. It is a general list of graphic novels, both fiction and nonfiction, selected for proven or potential appeal to the personal reading tastes of teens. Books published within the assigned calendar year, January 1 to December 31, in addition to those published between September 1 and December 31 of the previous year. Information regarding this list can be found on the YALSA website.

Best Fiction for Young Adults - YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee presents fiction titles published for young adults in the past 16 months that are recommended reading for ages 12 to 18. The purpose of the annual list it to provide librarians and library workers with a resource to use for collection development and reader’s advisory purposes. The BFYA Committee considers any fiction title published for a teen audience from September 1 of the previous calendar year through December 31 of the current calendar year. Information regarding this list

 can be found on the YALSA website.

Margaret A. Edwards Award - The Margaret A. Edwards Award, established in 1988, honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award is administered by YALSA and sponsored by School Library Journal magazine. It recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world. Information regarding this award can be found on the YALSA website.

ALEX Award - The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. The award is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust. Edwards pioneered young adult library services and worked for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Her work is described in her book Fair Garden and the Swarm of Beasts, and over the years she has served as an inspiration to many librarians who serve young adults. The Alex Awards are named after Edwards, who was called “Alex” by her friends. Information regarding this award can be found on the YALSA website.

Odyssey Award - This annual award will be given to the producer of the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States.  The selection committee may also select honor titles. The Odyssey Award is jointly given and administered by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), divisions of ALA, and is sponsored by Booklist. Information regarding this award can be found on the YALSA website and the ALA website.

Morris Award -The William C. Morris YA Debut Award, first awarded in 2009, honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature.  The award's namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults. Bill Morris left an impressive mark on the field of children’s and young adult literature. He was beloved in the publishing field and the library profession for his generosity and marvelous enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens. Information regarding this award can be found on the YALSA website.

Outstanding Books for the College Bound - The books on this list offer opportunities to discover new ideas, and provide an introduction to the fascinating variety of subjects within an academic discipline. Readers will gain an understanding of our diverse world and build a foundation to deepen their response to that world. This list is developed every five years.  The last list is from 2014.  Information regarding this list can be found on the YALSA website.

Popular Paperbacks - Each year, the Popular Paperbacks committee creates lists of books to encourage young adults to read for pleasure. The lists of popular or topical titles are widely available in paperback and represent a broad variety of accessible themes and genres. The purpose is to encourage young adults to read for pleasure by presenting to them lists of popular or topical titles which are widely available in paperback and which represent a broad variety of accessible themes and genres. Information regarding this list can be found on the YALSA website.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers - The Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list identifies titles aimed at encouraging reading among teens who dislike to read for whatever reason. The list selects both fiction and nonfiction. The list is for young adults (ages 12-18) who, for whatever reasons, do not like to read. The purpose of this list is to identify titles for recreational reading, not for curricular or remedial use. Information regarding this list can be found on the YALSA website.

Readers’ Choice - YALSA’s Readers’ Choice list seeks to engage a wide audience of librarians, educators, teens and young adult literature enthusiasts in choosing the most popular teen titles in a given year, as organized by broad genres.  The list will also provide librarians with a timely means of identifying popular teen titles on an ongoing basis.  Nominations will be posted monthly, with a final vote taking place each November.  The last list was produced in 2013. Information regarding this list can be found on the YALSA website.

Teens Top Ten - The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on the Thursday of National Library Week, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. Readers ages twelve to eighteen will vote online between August 15 and Teen Read Week™ (October 8-14, 2017) on the Teens' Top Ten site. The winners will be announced the week after Teen Read Week. Information regarding this list can be found on the YALSA website.

Amazing Audiobooks - Each year, YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks committee selects and annotates an annual list of notable audio recordings significant to young adults from those released in the past two years. The name of the list became Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults with the 2009 list and was previously known as Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults. Information regarding this list  can be found on the YALSA website.

YA Choices - Since 1986, the Young Adults' Choices project has developed an annual list of new books that will encourage adolescents to read. The books are selected by the readers themselves, so they are bound to be popular with middle and secondary school students. The reading list is a trusted source of book recommendations, used by adolescents, their parents, teachers, and librarians. The list is found at the following website:  literacyworldwide.org/get-resources/reading-lists/young-adults-choices-reading-list

Lone Star Reading List - The Texas Lone Star list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table. The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 6, 7, or 8 to explore a variety of current books. The Lone Star list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. The list can be found at the following website:  http://www.txla.org/groups/lone-star

TAYSHAS Reading List - 'TAYSHAS' takes its name from the Caddo Indian word meaning "friends or allies." Written texas, texios, tejas, teyas or tayshas, the word was applied to the Caddos by the Spanish in eastern Texas, who regarded them as friends and allies against the Apaches. The original idea for what would develop into the Tayshas Reading list came from Dallas area librarians, Gracelyn Shea, YART Chair, and Monta Skaggs, YART Chair-Elect. They knew they wanted a high school reading list for the State of Texas and they knew just the man to get the job done. In 1996, they approached San Antonio librarian, Jack Alton Strawn and asked him to bring their idea to life. Mr. Strawn was given just a couple of months to create the program, develop guidelines, design a logo, name the program, and find committee members. In fact, he was even given the daunting task of selecting the first list by himself so it would be ready to feature at that year’s conference.  The Tayshas Reading List was developed to motivate young adults, grades 9-12, to become lifelong readers and to participate in the community of young adult readers throughout Texas.  The list can be found on the following website:  http://www.txla.org/groups/tayshas

Maverick Reading List - The Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List was the brain child of then library school students Alicia Holston and Tuan Nguyen, who both share a passion for reading graphic novels. With the help of librarians Renee Dyer (Weslaco ISD), Wylaina Hildreth (Denton Public Library), Laura Jewell (Plano Public Library) and Jennifer Smith (East Central ISD), the Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List was created and approved in 2009 to encourage young adult readers, grades 6-12, to explore a variety of current books in graphic novel format. The name, “Maverick” was chosen for this reading list because Texas was the first state to create a graphic novel reading list- we were the Mavericks in the field. The list can be found on the following website:  http://www.txla.org/groups/Maverick

Edgar Award for Mystery - Each spring, Mystery Writers of America present the Edgar Awards, widely acknowledged to be the most prestigious awards in the genre.  The list can be found on the following website:  http://www.theedgars.com/

NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children – Presented by the National Council of Teachers of English.  NCTE established the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children in 1977 to honor a living American poet for his or her aggregate work for children ages 3–13. NCTE also recognizes and fosters excellence in children's poetry by encouraging its publication and by exploring ways to acquaint teachers and children with poetry through such means as publications, programs, and displays.  Information regarding this award can be found at the following link:  http://www.ncte.org/awards/poetry

Orbis Pictus – Present by the National Council of Teachers of English.  The NCTE Orbis Pictus Award was established in 1989 for promoting and recognizing excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children. The name Orbis Pictus, commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus—The World in Pictures (1657), considered to be the first book actually planned for children. Information regarding this award can be found at the following link: http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus

Batchelder Award  - The Batchelder Award is given to the most outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States. Information for this award can be found at:  http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/batchelderaward

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction - The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction is an annual American children's book award that recognizes historical fiction. It was established in 1982 by Scott O'Dell, author of Island of the Blue Dolphins and 25 other children's books, in hopes of increasing young readers' interest in the history that shaped their nation and their world. Eligibility for the award requires that a book be written in English for children or young adults, published by an American publisher, and the author must be a United States citizen. The award is recognized in the United States by publishers of children's literature and young adult literature, the American Library Association, and the Assembly for Literature of Adolescents.  Information regarding this award can be found on the ALA website.

Pura Belpre Award - The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate. Information regarding this award can be found at: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpremedal

Schneider Family Award - The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. Information regarding this award can be found at: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/schneider-family-book-award

Sibert Award - The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois. ALSC administers the award. Information regarding this award can be found at: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal

Stonewall Award - The first and most enduring award for GLBT books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table. Since Isabel Miller's Patience and Sarah received the first award in 1971, many other books have been honored for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience. The Stonewall Book Award-Barbara Gittings Literature Award, the Stonewall Book Award-Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award and the Stonewall Book Award-Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award are presented to English language works published the year prior to the announcement date. The award is announced in January and presented to the winning authors or editors at the American Library Association Annual Conference in June or July. The award winners each receive a commemorative plaque and $1,000.. Information regarding this award can be found at: http://www.ala.org/glbtrt/award

TEXTBOOK REFLECTION

Literary Elements

Literary Elements

Antagonist – is a character or group of characters which stand in opposition to the protagonist or the main character.  Also known as the villain or the bad guy whom the hero fights in order to relieve himself or other.  

Character – Major and essential element to a story.  It can be any person, or figure, an inanimate object, or animal.  There are different types of characters and each serves its unique function in a story or a piece of literature.

Conflict _ literary element that involves struggle between two opposing forces usually a protagonist and an antagonist.

Mood and Tone-  Mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions.  Mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece and creates an emotional situation that surrounds the readers.  Tone is an attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience.  It is generally conveyed through choice of words or the viewpoint on a particular subject.

 

Plot – Literary elements that describe the events that make up a story or the main part of a story.  These events relate to each other in a pattern or a sequence.

Protagonist – The central character or leading figure in poetry, narrative, novel, or any other story.  Sometimes called a hero.

Setting – Is an environment or surrounding in which an event or story takes place. 

Themes – Is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly.

Literary Devices

Allegory - a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more physical object or idea being used as an example. Example.  Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a single stumble might send you sprawling but belief and steadfastness will see you to the very top.

Allusion - a figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. Example: It’s no wonder everyone refers to Mary as another Mother Teresa in the making; she loves to help and care after people everywhere- from the streets to her own friends.

Archetype -is a reference to a concept, a person or an object that has served as an example of its kind and is the original idea that has come to be used over and over again. Example: Romeo and Juliet are an archetype of eternal love and a star-crossed love story.

Deus ex machine -  refers to the incidence where an implausible concept or character is brought into the story in order to make the conflict in the story resolve and to bring about a pleasing solution. Example: If in a suspense novel the protagonist suddenly finds a solution to his dilemmas because of divine intervention.

Hyperbole -a literary device wherein the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the basic core of the statement in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect. Example: “I am so tired I cannot walk another inch” or “I’m so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here”.

Imagery -the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author’s writings. Example: The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tiny flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds.

Metaphor - refers to a meaning or identity ascribed to one subject by way of another. Example: “Henry was a lion on the battlefield”. This sentence suggests that Henry fought so valiantly and bravely that he embodied all the personality traits we attribute to the ferocious animal. This sentence implies immediately that Henry was courageous and fearless, much like the King of the Jungle.

Motif - is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Example: In many famed fairytales, the motif of a ‘handsome prince’ falling in love with a ‘damsel in distress’ and the two being bothered by a wicked step mother, evil witch or beast and finally conquering all to live ‘happily ever after’ is a common motif.

Point of view - the manner in which a story is narrated or depicted and who it is that tells the story. Example: In the popular Lord of the Rings book series, the stories are narrated in the third person and all happenings are described from an “outside the story” point of view.

Simile - drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. Similes are marked by the use of the words ‘as’ or ‘such as’ or ‘like’. Example: He is like a mouse in front of the teacher.

Symbolism – The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal senses.

TEXTBOOK ASSIGNMENT

Poetry

Poetry is not a genre, it is a form of literature.  It can be found in many different genres such as fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction and in traditional literature.  Novels in verse are not the same as poetry though the form and format may be similar. 

Most neglected form of literature

Research study done in 1974 by Ann Terry.  Subject: Elementary Students.  Five conclusions on what type of poetry works well with kids and what kids like.

·       Prefer narrative poetry

·       Disliked free verse and haikus

·       Prefer Rhyme and rhythm and sound devices.  Such as alliteration and onomatopoeia

·       Funny poems, poems regarding familiar experiences, and animals were popular.

·       Preference for contemporary poems.

Tells kids that poetry does not have to rhyme, can be about anything, they are the authors so they have free range.

When evaluating poems:

·       The poem should create some kind of vision or imagery

·       Should not be brought down to a child’s level

·       Should allow kids to interact with the poems

·       Should be good enough for repeated reading.

·       The subject should be something that the child should be familiar with.

·       Does the poem rhyme?  Though poetry does not have to rhyme,  young readers need it to rhyme to be able appreciate other forms on non-rhyming poetry later on

·       How is the rhyme used?

·       What role does sound play? 

·       Subject should touch the child

·       Simple stories and introduces stirring scenes of action

Awards for Poetry

·       NCTE Excellence Award in Poetry

·       Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

Summary

I Hunt Killers tells the tale of Jasper “Jazz” Dent, whose father is the notorious serial killer Billy Dent; or as Jazz ironically calls “Dear Old Dad”.  Jazz’ mom disappeared years ago; but his dad was around for most of his childhood and taught him the tricks of the trade.  He educated Jazz on how think of people as things rather than humans; on how to kill without any remorse or to be able to justify rape, and torture and murder. Luckily, Dear Old dad is in high security prison; having been caught for murdering over 100 people.  Jazz at best is trying to live a normal high school life; living with his old mean grandmother in the small town of Lobo’s Nod.  But soon a dead body turns up with all the signs of a calling card left by another serial killer.  Using the knowledge that his Dear Old Dad implanted in him, Jazz sets out to hunt the killer.  Along the way, Jazz bumps heads with the police chief and investigator and risks his life to track down the killer.  Will he be able to stop the killer before he kills his next victim?  Read the book and find out.  

Commentary on the Strengths

I Hunt Killers is the first book of a young adult, mystery trilogy.  The novel theme regarding crime investigation has thrilling moments and horror.  The book will have you on the edge of your seats.  It is a great book to escape into.  A book that helps you understand what it means to live under the shadow of your father’s life. We are able to see through the eyes of its main protagonist as he tries to leave his father’s history behind him and create his own reputation.  The book is a must for those that love psychological thrillers such as Silence of the Lambs and perfect for those that are fans of the television show Dexter.

Readers also enjoyed How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller; The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman; Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff; Crook by Gina Damico; and Stupid Fast by Geoff Harbach

Additional books written by Barry Lyga include Boy Toy; Game; Blood of my Blood; Lucky Day'; and Hero-Type

Teachers can find ways to incorporate this book into their lesson plans by downloading the following: http://www.mentorpl.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/I-Hunt-Killers-Discussion-Questions.pdf

        Lyga, B. (2014). I hunt killers. New York: Little, Brown. 
     
      Book Trailer

Period.8 by Chris Crutcher

Summary

Period. 8 is another name for lunch.  A time when students from all walks of life can share what they are feeling and analyze our ever confusing and overbearing world.  The students feel safe during Period 8; regardless of what might be happening in their lives. To help them out is a 40-year teaching veteran Mr. Logsdon, affectionately known as Mr. Logs.  Having taught for over 40 years, Mr. Logs is close to retirement, but wants to make sure that these group of students finish the year.  Trouble starts off when Paulie decides to come clean with his girlfriend Hannah and confess that he cheated on her.  Seeing an opening, Arney decides to make a move on Hannah which causes trouble within the love triangle.  But what should have been noticed was the disappearance of Mary Well, a straight A student who was seen as sweet and perfect.  Mary’s disappearance at first was blamed on her overbearing father; but just about the time people began to worry that something might have happened to Mary; she shows ups and states that she just need some time off.  But that excuse does not sit well with Paulie and Hannah who investigate the issue and find out that Arney was pimping out Mary against her will.  But luckily Arnie was caught and sent to jail.  

Commentary on Strengths]

Chris Crutcher does an amazing job with Period. 8. It is a realistic contemporary fiction novel that deals with a mystery that will leave the reader guessing until the end.  There are many issues that most young adults will be able to relate to because they face these issues on a daily basis; but sometimes do not feel comfortable discussing them out in public or even to close friends.  The strong characters that were created are broken and real like everyday kids.  Young adults will also relate to the idea of participating in sports as a way of letting out steam and frustration.  

Readers also enjoyed Second Impact by David Klass; Brother, Brother by Clay Carmichael; I'm with Stupid by Geoff Harbach; Panic by Sharon M. Draper; and  Pieces  by Chris Lynch

Additional books written by Chris Crutcher include Deadline; Ironman; Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes; Whale Talk; and The Sledding Hill

Teachers can find ideas to incorporate this book into their lesson plans at the following website: https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=34690&a=1

      Crutcher, C. (2014). Period. 8. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

      Book Trailer: 

Freak Show by James St. James

Summary

Freak Show tells the tale of Billy Bloom, a not so average teenage boy; which quite alright with him.  Because Billy is far from being average; because is just FABU!  As a drag princess, Billy has no problems, wearing extravagant dress, putting on make-up, and has a loud but proud attitude towards life.  While he was attending high school in Connecticut, he was the leader of GSA; but his bi-polar mom, decided to ship Billy off to his father to take care of him in Florida.   During his first day of school at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Billy realizes that he is an outsider and is bullied by numerous school groups.  In an effort to put an end to the teasing and taunting; Billy decides to go to school in full drag.  Unfortunately, that puts him in the hospital. After the near fatal beating, Billy and his classmates received a lesson that changed their opinions about one another, and forced them to realize that hate does not need to exist. 

Commentary on the Strengths

 James St. James a famous New York club kid whose novel, Freak Show is a modern realistic contemporary fiction novel.  The novel deals with High School life in a humorous but poignant manner.  It is also a romance novel that deals with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.   Though the novel was written ten years ago; the theme regarding acceptance and LGBTQ students is one that is resonates with today’s society and youth.  This book helps students that are questioning their sexual orientation know that it is alright to express their sexuality, because they can see themselves with the characters from this book.  The book was named to the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults list.  

Readers also enjoyed Totally Joe by James Howe;  Absolutely Positively Not by David LaRochelle; The Last Exit to Normal by Michael Harmon; Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger; and Sprout by Dale Peek

An additional book written by James St. James is Party Monster: A Fabulous but True Tale of Murder in Clubland.

Teachers can find ideas to incorporate this book into their lesson plans at the following website: https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=6874

      James, J. S. (2008). Freak show. New York: Speak.

Feed by M.T. Anderson

Summary

Feed is a novel set in a dystopian future in which the feednet, a huge computer network, is directl connected to the brains of about 73% of American citizens.  They are connected by an implanted deice called a feed.  The feed allows people to mentally access large digital databases to experience virtual -reality phenomena, to continually interact with corporations in a personal preference based way, and to communicate telepathically on closed channels. 

The story starts off, while spending time on the Moon during spring break,  Titus and his friends meet Violet Durn, whose attitude of questioning everything is new to them.  While at the club, a mand hacks all their feeds; which causes them to wake up the next morning in the hospital.  For the first time in most of their lives, their feeds are not working while they are being fixed.   During this time, Violet and Titus have a romantic relationship; but soon after their feeds are fixed and they are able to return back to Earth.  But, Violet’s feed is not completely fixed.  With her feed not completely fixed, Violet begins to resist the feed and brings Titus along with her.  The rest of the story chronicles Violet’s resistance and FeedTech trying to bring her back under their control.  The story ends tragically with Violet’s life system becoming progressively weaker; with the feed repeating the slogan “Everything Must Go” in progressively smaller font.  

Commentary on the Strengths

This book is a science fiction dystopian novel. It is a great young adult book that most kids will find intriguing with the futuristic downfall of America.  He uses heavy satire regarding corporate America.  There is not much details given regarding the main character; which creates a sense of apathy and hopelessness in the character’s actions and thoughts.   The book is written in a first-person point of view.  It was interesting to see that commercials for consumer products would interrupt the narrative of the story.  It is said that we share literature with young kids because it helps them develop empathy; but this book create an apathetic feeling towards the teens in the novel.  

Readers also enjoyed Rash by Pete Hautman; Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi; Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes; The Bridge by Jane Higgins; and  The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

Additional books written by M.T. Anderson include Thirsty; Whales on Stilts; Burger Wuss; The Game of Sunken Places; and Yvain: The Knight of the Lion

Teachers can find ways to incorporate this book into their Lesson Plans at the following website:  https://sites.google.com/site/bchvilicek/

      Anderson, M. T. (2013). Feed. London: Walker Books. 

     Book Trailer:

We Were Here by Matt De La Peña

Summary

We Were Here is the story of Miguel, who was caught of a crime that he committed.  He was sentenced to a year in a group home with the additional requirement of keeping a journal.  The book begins with his personal entries.  Before going to the group home, Miguel is placed in a juvenile detention center for holding. While there he gets into a fight with boy named Rondell, and then later when does arrive at the group home he gets into another fight with another boy named Mong.  After a month has passed; Rondell gets transferred into the group home; where all three boys set aside their differences and become friends. They end up devising a plan to escape, with Miguel stealing around $750 and the personal files of all three of them from the counselor’s office.  The rest of the book chronicles their journey which documents their struggle to find freedom; but tragically results in the death of one of the three.  Eventually, the two remaining young boys seek assistance from family; where they are able to raise enough money to pay back what they stole and thus return to the group home and finish their sentence.  

      Commentary on the Strengths

Matt De La Pena does an amazing job of bringing the story to life.  Being Hispanic, I was able to relate when the main characters were seeking refuge across the border.  De La Pena writing helps the reader experience a different culture which some might not have experienced before.  The genre of the book is Realistic Contemporary Fiction.  The book has been recognized as an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA-SALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers and a Junior Library Guild Selection.  It was listed in the 2010 New York City Public Library Stuff for the Teenage list.  

Readers also enjoyed Muchacho by LouAnne Johnson; The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees; Funny How Things Change by Melissa Wyatt; When We Wuz Famous by Greg Takoudes; and The Orange Houses by Paul Griffen

Additional books written by Matt De La Pena include Last Stop on Mango Street; Mexican White Boy; I Will Save You; Ball Don't Lie; and  The Living

      Teachers can find ideas to incorporate this book into their lesson plans by going to the following website: https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=19632

       Peña, M. D. (2011). We were here. New York: Ember.

       Book Trailer:

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Summary

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown tells the story of Tana; who wakes up in a bathtub after a wild high school party and realizes that everyone has been murdered by vampires.  She finds her ex-boyfriend, Aidan, still alive tied up to a bed; but has been bitten.  Below Aidan, vampires are waking up and ready to kill them. Tana is able to save Aidan and Gavriel, a vampire that had been tied up next to Aiden.  But while rescuing them, Tana is nicked on her leg by a vampire’s fang.  Fearing that she will turn into a Vampire (and thus cold), she travels to the nearest Coldtown with Gavriel and Aidan.    While on their way, they pick up twins, Midnight and Winter, who are obsessed with going to Coldtown and becoming vampires.  The rest of the books chronicles the adventures and struggles that Tana faces to save herself, her friends and her family.  

Commentary on Strengths

This is a great Fantasy Fiction book, that is aimed at Young Adults.  It is a Horror book that deals with vampires and the paranormal and romance.  Ms. Black does a wonderful job explaining to the reader how an individual becomes a vampire and how and why the government set up Coldtowns.  This books was listed as the School Library Journal Best Book of the Year in 2013; on the Texas’s Tayshas Reading List Top Ten in 2014; and YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2014. The book is one that most young adults will like considering the success of other Vampire type books such as Vampire Academy and the Twilight Series and television series such as True Blood and The Vampire Diaries. 

Readers also enjoyed Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore; The Walking Dark by Robin Wasserman; Nacromancing the Stone by Lish Mcbride;  Relic by Renee Collins;  The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton

Additional books written by Holly Black include The Field Guide; Tithe; Ironside; Whte Cat; and The Iron Trial

Teachers can find ideas to incorporate this book into their lesson plans on the following website: https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=35617

     Black, H. (2014). The coldest girl in Coldtown. London: Indigo.

    Book Trailer:

 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Summary:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian follows the story of 14 year old boy, Junior, who lives with his family on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington State.  Junior suffers from hydrocephalus, which is the reason for his short stature, seizures, poor eye-sight, stuttering, and lisping.  Because of this condition, Junior has been picked on for most of his life.  The story is written in a diary form which starts at the beginning of the school year and ends at the beginning of summer.  The main plot of the story is that Junior is frustrated with poor conditions his school is; which comes to light when Junior receives a geometry textbook which his mother had used when she was in school.  Angry and upset, Junior lashes out by throwing the book at his teacher, which breaks his nose.  When his teacher, Mr. P. visits Junior at his home; he convinces Junior to transfer to a high school that is 22 miles away, which is wealthier than his own school.  The majority of the story deals with how Junior interacts and deals with his new classmates where Junior; which have different rules and values compared to the those he had witnessed in the reservation.  The book also examines the family struggles that Junior faced during his year in school; which include the death of his grandmother by a drunk driver and a family friend being shot in the face after a fight over alcohol.  

Commentary on the strengths:

The book is written in an episodic diary format.  It is told through Juniors written account of what occurred along with cartoon drawings that comically depict on his situations and other illustrations that are more serious in nature depicting important people in his life.  The story is a modern realistic novel that is contemporary and uses humor to convey its message.  This book is a great example for students to explore a different culture, other than one that they are familiar with.  They can also experience consequences vicariously through Juniors decisions.  This is a great book that helps transmit culture; and Sherman Alexie does an excellent job in portraying Native American life.  

Readers also enjoyed If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth; After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson; A Step from Heaven by An Na; American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang; and Claudette Calvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillp M. Hoose

Additional books written by Sherman Alexie include Reservation Blues; Flight; War Dances; Indian Killer; and The Toughest Indian in the World. 

Teachers can find ideas to incorporate this book into their lesson plans at the following website:  https://www.varsitytutors.com/englishteacher/absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-indian-lesson-plans

       Alexie, S., & Forney, E. (2015). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. London: Andersen Press.

     Book trailer

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Summary

Fangirl tells the story of identical twin sisters Cath and Wren during the first year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Cath is more reserved suffering from a social anxiety disorder; while Wren cannot wait to spread her social butterfly wings by going out drinking every night and distancing herself from her sister. Cath and Wren come from a home where their father is bipolar and their mother abandoned them when they were eight.  The book focuses on the struggles of Cath; who spends most of her free time writing fan fiction about Simon Snow, a boy magician. Cath, though facing her social anxiety demons, is able to make friends with her bold outgoing roommate Reagan and fall in love with young boy named Levi.  We are also witness through the struggles that Cath goes through in her fiction writing class; where her Professor believes that Cath has plagiarized her papers and where her writing partner, Nick has used Cath to his advantage.  In the end, Cath is able to deal with her problems and face them head on and strive to survive and complete her first year in college

Commentary on Strengths

The book was enjoyable to read.  The genre of the book is modern contemporary realistic fiction.  The book format is more of a Young Adult Romance novel.  The theme is easy to spot which is that of a young girl who is able to find her own voice through her writing.  It was a great coming of age story. It was also easy to compare the fan fiction writing of Sam Snow to that of Harry Potter.  This is a book that most teenage girls will be able to relate to and live vicariously through Cath.  Highly recommend this book.  

Readers also enjoyed:  The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller; Yaqui Delgado want to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina; Roomies by Sara Zarr; Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith; and Golden by Jessi Kirby

Additional books written by Rainbow Rowell include Attachments; Landline; Carry On; Kindred Spirit; and Eleanor & Park

Teachers can find ideas on how to incorporate this book into their lessons by downloading the following document:  ltrc.state.lib.la.us/2016/guides/Fangirl.docx 

   
      Rowell, R. (2015). Fangirl. New York: St. Martins Griffin.

     Book trailer: