Anderson, Laurie
Halse. (1999). Speak. New
York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN:
978-0-374-37152-4
Summary:
Speak is the story of a
teen named Melinda, who begins her freshman year of high school feeling
alienated from everyone, including her friends.
Melinda called the cops the summer before, when she attended a party,
therefore she obtained a bad reputation for doing so. She feels unable to express herself after
being raped that night by Andy Evans, a well-liked student at school. Melinda, afraid to report the incident,
decides to isolate herself from others and not speak. This affects her everyday life, as she begins
to skip class and consequently receive low academic grades. Slowly she finds comfort in her art class
with Mr. Freeman, and finds ways to express herself through artwork, writing
notes to her friend, and even writing comments on the bathroom stalls. Her unfolding courage comes through when IT,
Andy Evans, tries to rape her a second time.
She decides to speak out and let others know what he had done, by facing
her fears, which led her feeling vindicated and begin healing.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
Speak
is
a soul-stirring story that deals with tough issues that are hard for anyone to
speak of, yet everyone should have to confidence to do so. This book delivers sensitive topics, such as
feelings of helplessness, loneliness, sexual assault, and depression. Laurie Halse Anderson did an amazing job
portraying a character that is relatable and unfortunately, one that goes
through contemporary issues teenagers can possible face. As heart-breaking as it is, teens need
guidance and lots of support. Young
adults can utilize this book as a looking glass towards their own life, as well
as an encouragement to stand up against sexual abuse. Melinda displays many of the dealings average
teenagers go through. For example, she must
endure situations of bullying, lack of friendships, being new at a school, and
even rape. Speak contains mature content, therefore I believe it is most
appropriate for upper middle school and high school students. As much as I would love to say these issues
are fictitious, I know events like the ones in this book are sadly more common
than we would like them to be. This book
provides a valuable message to teens to speak out. When you speak out, healing activates, and it
can help others find their voice too.
Books by Laurie H. Anderson:
Books with similar theme:
Books by Laurie H. Anderson:
1) Chains
2) Fever
Books with similar theme:
1) Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
2) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
3) The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
Harris, R. H.,
& Emberley, M. (2009). It’s Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing
Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health.
Somerville, MA:
Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0-7636-4483-3
Summary:
It’s Perfectly Normal is a book about sexual education and everything a child needs to know
about growing up and their changing body.
It is narrated by a bird and a bee, who are discussing topics of
puberty, sexuality, birth control, menstruation, abortion, masturbation, sexual
reproduction, adoption, and more. It is
illustrated using cartoon like artwork, yet it is very detailed and showcases
the topics correct without being vulgar.
Robie H. Harris touch of humor in the dialogue between the bird and the
bee, allows readers to feel comfortable with the topics. The book also covers topics such as: sexual
transmitted diseases, sexual abuse, texting, and internet safety. It is an educational tool for parents and
children ten and older, that provides answers about the changes of the human
body and everything that comes with it.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
This nonfiction
book is impressively packed with information that is well organized. The topic of sex education is often
overlooked, yet R. H. Harris has been able to bring light to this matter
through the use of this well written book.
This book is printed using facts written in language understood by young
readers and illustrations that are explicit, yet age-appropriate. I must admit to being pleased by the
illustrations, since they are done suggesting positive body image. The double page spread with the nude illustrations
of the variety of body types, allows the young readers to understand that no
matter how different they look, they are normal. Personally, I really appreciate the use of
vocabulary and definitions throughout the book.
I understand why this book has been challenged or banned many times, but
I am grateful for intellectual freedom rights.
Overall, I believe this book is a great resource for young readers to
realize that what they are going through with their bodies is perfectly normal. As a parent to a soon to be eleven-year old
boy, I am thankful to have this resource on my hands. It will serve as a guide or manual for all
those uncomfortable questions that are to come.
Other books by Robie Harris
include:
1)
It’s So Amazing!
2)
It’s Not the Stork!
Other books with similar theme:
1) What’s Happening to Me? A Guide to Puberty by Peter Mayle
2)
What’s
the Big Secret? Talking about Sex with
Girls and Boys by Laurene Krasny Brown
Book Trailer:
Gephart, Donna. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 978-0-553-53674-4
Summary:
Lily
and Dunkin is a book that tells
the story of Timothy McGrother and Norbert Dorfman. Both teenagers are going through a
rollercoaster of emotions and identity issues.
Timothy was born a boy yet feels like a girl and likes to be called Lily
Jo. Norbert is bipolar and does not like
his name, so he prefers to be called Dunkin.
Both are in middle school; therefore, their challenges seem to be
multiplied by their struggles of fitting in.
The story takes readers through Lily’s journey, as she scuffles to be
accepted by her father, endures bullying, and endless pleads to be put on
hormone blockers. Readers can see
Dunkin’s struggle with fitting in at a new school and his denial to accept the
loss of his father’s suicide. Their
friendship and support for each other changes their lives.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
It’s an emotional novel that will open your heart by
encouraging empathy and compassion. Lily and Dunkin lets us see issues of
GLBT and mental health. The author
embarks upon both issues seaming less in this story. Among other topics, the book reaches themes
of forgiveness, harassment, acceptance, and grief. At first, I thought this realistic fiction
novel, narrated by both characters, was going to be hard to follow, but I was
pleasantly surprised. The organization
of chapters and events made the flow seem effortless. The story provides many sensitive issues, yet
it is perfect for middle school and high school kids. The characters in this novel are relatable to
young readers, as they explore a sense of belonging many children at this age
encounter in our world today. Entering a
new school, sports, school dances, and even protesting for what is right, are
some of the issues in the story that many kids can connect to. This book shows the challenges transgender
and bipolar teenagers go through, therefore it encourages the readers to have
understanding and kindness towards those who are different.
Other books with similar themes:
1)
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
2)
Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden
3)
Being JAZZ by Jazz Jennings
Lesson
plans and discussion topics for teachers:
Trailer: Lily and
Dunkin by Donna Gephart
Myers, Walter Dean.
(1999). Monster.
New York, NY:
Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-028078-6
Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon, an African American
boy that lives in Harlem, is on trial for murder. He is being accused of being the lookout of
the robbery turned murder of Mr. Alguinaldo Nesbitt, a drugstore owner. The prosecutor describes Steve as a monster,
even though he has never committed a crime and claims to be innocent. The story is written from two different
points of view; Steve’s journal and his screenplay. During the trial, Steve is not sure his
defense attorney, Kathy O’Brien, believes in his innocence even though she
defends him in court. Steve is petrified
each night he must stay in his cell, and even more he is terrified of his own
uncertainty of the events. He
continuously writes the events and proceedings leading to the crime, to try to
recall any valuable information, even after the trial is over. Guilty or innocent, there is a sigh of relief
after the verdict is read.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
Monster leaves readers with unanswered questions
which allows them to draw their own conclusions. As the story proceeds, readers are left
wondering if Steve in fact the monster is who committed the crime. Why did his attorney turn away from him at
the end? Did she know something? This is a perfect book to have a class
discussion or debate, particularly race, the judicial system, empathy, and even
moral conflicts. This realistic fiction
story displays characters undergoing issues in our society, which often are
viewed controversial. It addresses the
issue of race in our judicial system, something young readers might be very
interested about. I believe this book
can be mind-blowing to young readers, as it demonstrates how our actions, big
or small, can lead to life-changing consequences. As I kept reading the book, I kept thinking
about my mom’s advice. She insisted that
people would perceive me to be just like the people I surrounded myself with,
guilty by association. Sometimes people
are at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Monster is a great book for young readers in upper middle school or high
school to read.
Books by Walter Dean Myers:
1)
Fallen
2) Scorpions
3) Lockdown
4) Slam!
Books with similar themes:
1) Tyrell by Coe Booth
2) Miracle’s Boys by Jacqueline Woodson
Book Trailers:
Monster by Walter
Dean Myers - Book Trailer
Liar and Spy
Stead, Rebecca. (2012). Liar and Spy. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-038573-743-2
Summary:
Liar and Spy is a
book about Georges, a boy that moves into an apartment building, after his
parents had to sell their home due to financial difficulties when his father
became unemployed. Georges deals with
the loss of his home, name calling, and loss of friendship. His father spends most of his time trying to
make business deals, while his mom takes double shifts at the hospital to make
extra money. He meets Safer, a
homeschooled and self-appointed spy who runs a spy club in the apartment
building. Safer invites Georges to join
the club with him and his sister Candy and is determined to teach him
everything he needs to know to become a spy.
Their mission is to spy on a neighbor, Mr. X, who Safer believes is
evil. As Safer demands more and pushes
the limits, it makes Georges wonder if everything Safer has told him is true. Lies, games, and reality begins to distort for
Georges, as he learns the complications of friendship and acceptance. The mysterious book concludes with a twist
that was unexpected when he discovers Safer’s secret.
Commentary on Strengths and Connections:
This book was very
thought-provoking to read. Rebecca
Stead’s characters are unique and charming in this story. I enjoy how she uses friendship and family to
create a story with that deals with the numerous struggles children go
through. Bullying, friendship, and
domestic troubles are a few of the issues revealed in Liar and Spy. This book is appropriate for upper elementary
and middle school students. It provides
a bit of mystery, humor, and heart-rendering moments throughout the storyline. Students are given a speck of science skills,
when Georges is studying about taste.
This book can be a great source, if teachers use it as a supplement or
extension of a science or senses lesson.
This author did an amazing job with this novel, I can not wait to read
another one of her books.
Books by Rebecca Stead:
1) When you Reach Me
2) First Light
Books with similar themes:
1) Indigo's Star by Hilary McKay
2) Blubber by Judy Blume
3) Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Books by Rebecca Stead:
1) When you Reach Me
2) First Light
Books with similar themes:
1) Indigo's Star by Hilary McKay
2) Blubber by Judy Blume
3) Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Alexie, Sherman.
(2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time
Indian. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books. ISBN: 978-841730-826-1
Summary:
Summary:
Sherman
Alexie tells the story of Junior, a fourteen-year-old budding cartoonist living
on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Junior had many shortcomings compared to other teens, he had physical
disadvantages due to being born with water on the brain and came from a poor
family. He attends an Indian school, yet
after noticing they only offered outdated resources and textbooks, his teacher
encourages to leave the reservation. He
decides to join an all-white farm town high school, where he becomes the only
Indian attending. His decision to leave
his reservation causes hostility from his community and friends. Even though Junior was constantly criticized,
was affected with alcohol related tragedies, and needed to adapt to his new
environment, he used humor to cope with it all.
Overall, he identifies himself as a part-time Indian, because he is
Junior at the reservation and Arnold at school.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
This semi-autobiographical
novel of Sherman Alexie provided a glimpse into his life growing up as a Native
American Indian. Before reading the
book, I thought I was going to be reading it as a diary format, instead I
enjoyed how the illustrations and the jokes here and there gave this book a
different feel. Many young readers can
relate to this story, because it portrays issues of poverty, alcoholism, eating
disorders, self-esteem and fitting in.
Alexie does such a great job applying humor to these serious topics. It is a short story, yet it covers many different
issues. Themes of family, friendship,
and community prevailed throughout the book.
The subjects of racism, medical issues, love, and many more were also
cleverly included. This award-winning YA
novel in every high school library. It
is definitely for a more mature young adult, since it has violence, swearing,
and insensitive humor. This book has
been banned for its content, yet I believe teenagers need controversial and
contemporary books like this that provide hope and learning opportunities. I am upset at myself, for not reading this
book earlier, I truly love it. One of
the messages I got from this book, is to fight for what you want, and you will
achieve it. Arnold had many obstacles
against him, and he was able to overcome them.
After reading the book, I was curious to know more in detail Sherman
Alexie’s life, so I was able to watch several biographical interviews he has
made. Listening to him describe his life
in depth, authenticated the story even more.
Books by Sherman Alexie:
1) The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
2) Reservation Blues
Books with similar themes:
1) Catori's Worlds by Murielle Cyr
2) Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison by Lois Lenski
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G82sputUpw4
Books by Sherman Alexie:
1) The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
2) Reservation Blues
Books with similar themes:
1) Catori's Worlds by Murielle Cyr
2) Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison by Lois Lenski
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G82sputUpw4
Quintero, Isabel.
(2014). Gabi: A Girl in Pieces. El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos Press. ISBN: 978-1-935955-94-8
Summary:
Gabi Hernandez, a Mexican-American teenager,
is starting her senior year of high school.
Readers learn about her tumultuous life through poetry and diary
entries. She lives with her overbearing mother and brother Beto. Her father is
a meth addict, who is in and out of her life.
Cindy who is pregnant, and Sebastian who is gay, are her two best
friends. Cindy confesses about her rape
and Sebastian endures the lack of parental support towards his
homosexuality. Gabi is constantly
dealing with her mom’s critical comments of her eating habits and cultural
expectations, her curiosity about boys, and her weight. She learns to accept herself and is
determined to move out of town and go to college, even if her mother does not
believe she should go.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
Gabi is a
fascinating, outspoken, and comical character that is relatable to many
teenagers. Young adult readers can
vicariously see their life through Gabi’s poignant experiences. It contains many contemporary issues teens
now a day go through. Teen pregnancy, drugs, homosexuality, body image,
difunctional families, death, and rape, are among the topics discussed in the
story. The book is written in a diary
format; therefore, it was very easy to read and follow along. Quintero’s use of imagery throughout the
book, provided mental pictures that made the reader feel the experiences Gabi
was going through. The Hispanic culture
embedded throughout the book, lets readers to have a sense of the customs and
traditions in a Mexican-American household.
As a Hispanic myself, comments and phrases expressed in the book,
validate the author’s knowledge of the culture.
I absolutely enjoyed the character’s use of language and boldness and I
am almost certain it allows teens to connect with the story at a deeper level. Gabi expresses herself with poetry as well,
and this book can serve as tool for poetry lessons. I am big advocate for diversity in
literature, and this book I recommend for high schoolers, as it addresses many
issues.
Books by Isabel Quintero:
1) Ugly Cat and Pablo
Books with similar themes:
1) Girls Like Us by Gail Giles
2) Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4NwPawLGwA
Books by Isabel Quintero:
1) Ugly Cat and Pablo
Books with similar themes:
1) Girls Like Us by Gail Giles
2) Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4NwPawLGwA
Ness, Patrick. (2008).
The Knife
of Never Letting Go. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0-7636-3931-0
Summary:
The
Knife of Never Letting Go tells the story of Todd
Hewitt, a twelve-year-old boy, and the youngest from Prentisstown. The small town is made up of only males,
after it was infected by a germ called “noise”, which killed all the females. The “noise” allows everyone, including animals,
to hear each other’s thoughts, and for that reason there is no privacy in
Prentisstown. One day, Todd and his dog Manchee, go to the swamp and come
across a silent spot, something completely unusual in that town. As he informs his guardians, Ben and Cillian,
he is forced to flee the town. He takes
off with his dog and the book given by his guardians. Todd discovers a girl, Viola, a sole survivor
from another world. She agrees to travel
with them, and they head to a safe town called Haven. Todd realizes there are other towns with both
men and women and learns he has been lied to.
In the process of their escape, Aaron the town’s pastor, chases and
tries to kill Todd. Aaron stabs Todd and
takes Viola away. Todd then saves Viola
from Aaron and Aaron ends up killing Manchee in the process. Making their way to Haven, after an agonizing
journey, Todd needs to surrender to save Viola’s life, after the mayor of
Prentisstown reveals he has taken over Haven.
Commentary
on Strengths and Connections:
I have to confess,
I was not looking forward to reading this book.
I must have put this book back on the shelf at least four times, and now
I regret not reading it sooner. This
novel is considered a soft-science fiction, because it contains science fiction
elements, yet the characters are the fundamental part of the story. It has some great characters and it is set in
an apocalyptic world. Characters
struggle to figure out how to survive their world where government and religion
have overpowered the citizens. The theme
of good versus evil prevails throughout the storyline. It has topics of sexism and government
resistance and fear. I recommend this book for teenagers fourteen
and over, who enjoy reading about adventure, heart-breaks, science fiction, and
series books. A heart-breaking moment
for me in the book, was the death of Manchee.
I will never understand Ness with this decision, but I am sure he has
something up his sleeve on the next book in the series. This is definitely a series book, because
readers will not have enough and ask to read more to know what will happen next,
after the cliffhanger at the end of the book.
Books by Patrick Ness:
1) The Ask and The Answer
2) Monsters of Men
Books with similar themes:
1) Lockdown by Alexander Gordon
2) The Resistance by Gemma Malley
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK8Q1VlulDo
Books by Patrick Ness:
1) The Ask and The Answer
2) Monsters of Men
Books with similar themes:
1) Lockdown by Alexander Gordon
2) The Resistance by Gemma Malley
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK8Q1VlulDo
